DB Corp Limited, India's largest print media company, announced its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2025. The company reported consolidated revenue of ₹6,293.28 crores compared to ₹6,556.41 crores in the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Net profit for the quarter stood at ₹955.09 crores against ₹1,182.10 crores in Q3FY25.

Financial Performance Overview

The company's performance during Q3FY26 was impacted by high base effects from the festive season and election-related advertising in the corresponding quarter of last year. Advertising revenue declined by 7.80% year-on-year to ₹4,395 million, while total revenue decreased by 4.00% to ₹6,293 million. EBITDA for the quarter stood at ₹1.35 billion compared to ₹1.70 billion in the previous year, with EBITDA margin compressing to 22.32% from 27.58%.

Segment-wise Performance

The printing, publishing and allied business generated revenue of ₹5,643.01 crores compared to ₹5,941.78 crores in Q3FY25. The radio segment reported revenue of ₹410.16 crores against ₹486.45 crores in the previous year quarter.

Nine Months Performance

For the nine months ended December 31, 2025, the company reported consolidated revenue of ₹18,512.34 crores compared to ₹18,544.18 crores in the corresponding period of the previous year. Net profit for the nine-month period stood at ₹2,698.07 crores against ₹3,186.49 crores in 9MFY25.

Dividend Declaration

The Board of Directors declared a second interim dividend of ₹2.00 per equity share of face value ₹10 each for the financial year 2025-26. The record date for determining eligibility has been set as January 22, 2026, with payment to be made on or before February 13, 2026.

Management Changes

The company announced key changes in its senior management team. Mr. Amit Prakashrao Waghmare resigned from his position as Chief Information Officer, with his last working day being January 31, 2026. The Board approved the appointment of Mr. Rakesh Khetan as the new Chief Information Officer in the Technology department, effective January 15, 2026.

Digital Business Growth

The company's digital business maintained strong momentum with Monthly Active Users (MAUs) standing at approximately 21 million as of November 2025. Dainik Bhaskar continues to hold the position as the number one Hindi and Gujarati News App, strengthening its position as the leading digital Indian language media platform.

Operational Highlights

Despite facing challenges from high base effects, the company maintained operational discipline through continued cost control measures. The management noted that newsprint prices continued to remain stable in Q3FY26 with some sequential rate correction, though margin compression was evident with EBITDA margin declining to 22.32% from 27.58% in the previous year.

Outlook and Strategic Focus

Managing Director Sudhir Agarwal commented that the company delivered stable performance despite being impacted by higher base effects from festive season and state elections. He noted that advertiser sentiment improved sequentially through the quarter, reflecting gradual pick-up in demand across markets. The company remains focused on cost discipline and operational efficiencies while positioning itself to capture emerging opportunities.

DB Corp Limited, India's largest print media company, announced its unaudited financial results for the quarter and nine months ended December 31, 2025. The company's board meeting held on January 15, 2026, approved the quarterly results and declared a second interim dividend while announcing key management changes.

Financial Performance Overview

The company's consolidated financial performance for Q3FY26 reflected the impact of high base effects from the previous year's festive season and election-related advertising. Despite these challenges, DB Corp maintained operational discipline and healthy margins.

Segment-wise Performance

The company's two primary business segments showed varied performance during the quarter. The printing and publishing business remained the dominant revenue contributor, while the radio segment faced headwinds.

Printing, Publishing and Allied Business

Radio Business

Dividend Declaration

The board declared a second interim dividend of ₹2.00 per equity share of face value ₹10.00 each, representing 20% of face value for FY2025-26. The dividend payment details are as follows:

Senior Management Changes

DB Corp announced significant changes in its senior management team during the board meeting. The company accepted the resignation of Amit Prakashrao Waghmare from the position of Chief Information Officer, effective January 31, 2026. Simultaneously, the board approved the appointment of Rakesh Khetan as the new Chief Information Officer, effective January 15, 2026.

New CIO Profile

Rakesh Khetan brings extensive experience to his new role:

• Educational background: B.Tech in Computer Science, MBA, and PGDBA
• Professional certifications: ITIL 4, SIAM Professional, Oracle Certified Professional
• Experience: Over 21 years in information technology, digital transformation, IT governance, and cybersecurity
• Previous organizations: IB Group, Adani Wilmar Limited, Olam Agro India Ltd., and Tata Motors Ltd.

Digital Business Performance

The company's digital platform continued to demonstrate strong growth momentum. Monthly Active Users (MAUs) reached approximately 21 million as of November 2025, reinforcing Dainik Bhaskar's position as the leading Hindi and Gujarati news app. The digital strategy focuses on high-quality content, superior user experience, and robust technology infrastructure to drive engagement and retention.

Market Context and Outlook

The quarter's performance was influenced by several factors including the shift of festive advertising spend to Q2FY26 and the absence of state election-related revenues that had boosted the previous year's results. Despite these challenges, the company maintained cost discipline and operational efficiencies, resulting in sequential growth in EBITDA and profit after tax on a quarter-on-quarter basis.

Management remains optimistic about the consumption outlook in India, citing expectations around the Union Budget, potential government pay revisions, and policy measures that could support spending in the fourth quarter. The company's strong brand presence, editorial connections, and growing digital reach position it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities.