Jagran Prakashan Limited (JPL), the publisher of India's largest read newspaper 'Dainik Jagran', has reported a 7.5% year-on-year increase in operating revenue for the first quarter. The company's financial results, released on July 29, highlight its strategic focus on growth across print, digital, and events businesses, while managing challenges in its radio segment.

Financial Highlights

• Standalone operating revenue rose to Rs 398.13 crores, up from Rs 370.45 crores in the same quarter of the previous year.
• Advertisement revenue saw a significant jump of 11.7%, reaching Rs 252.64 crores.
• Digital revenue grew by 17.5% to Rs 17.64 crores, reflecting the company's expanding digital presence.
• Operating profit increased by 11.4% to Rs 64.70 crores.
• Profit After Tax (PAT) surged by 62% to Rs 71.35 crores.

Strategic Focus and Business Performance

Jagran Prakashan has outlined a multi-pronged approach to drive growth and profitability:

1. Print Business: The company is working on boosting circulation numbers and implementing cost control measures. The print segment, including Dainik Jagran, showed strong performance with a 10% increase in advertisement revenue.

2. Digital Expansion: JPL is investing in various digital platforms to support future growth. The digital business, while currently operating at a loss, saw a 5% increase in revenue, reaching Rs 23.37 crores.

3. Events and Outdoor Advertising: This segment registered strong growth in operating profit, up by 11% year-on-year. The company sees potential for this segment to become a meaningful value creator in the future.

4. Radio Business Challenges: The company acknowledged poor performance in its radio business segment, Music Broadcast Limited (MBL). MBL reported a 17% decline in operating revenue, dropping to Rs 49.32 crores from Rs 59.60 crores in the same quarter of the previous year.

Management Commentary

Mahendra Mohan Gupta, Non-Executive Chairman of Jagran Prakashan, stated, "Our focus on enhancing our print product, expanding our digital footprint, and diversifying into events and outdoor advertising is yielding positive results. While we face challenges in the radio segment, our core print and digital businesses are showing robust growth."

Dividend Announcement

The Board of Directors approved an interim dividend of Rs 6 per equity share (300% on face value of Rs 2 per share) for the financial year ending March 31.

Future Outlook

Jagran Prakashan remains committed to its growth strategy, particularly in strengthening its digital presence and improving profitability across segments. The company's initiatives to drive circulation growth in the print business are expected to show results in the coming quarters.

As the media landscape continues to evolve, JPL's multi-platform approach positions it to capitalize on opportunities in both traditional and digital media spaces, while addressing challenges in specific segments like radio broadcasting.

Jagran Prakashan Limited, a leading media conglomerate, has reported a robust financial performance for the first quarter. The company's standalone profit surged by 76% year-on-year, while consolidated revenue showed a healthy increase.

Standalone Performance

Jagran Prakashan's standalone profit for Q1 reached Rs 60.09 crore, a significant jump from Rs 34.14 crore in the same quarter last year. This represents a 76% year-on-year increase in profitability.

Revenue from operations on a standalone basis grew to Rs 398.13 crore, up from Rs 370.45 crore in the previous year's corresponding quarter, marking a 7.5% increase.

Consolidated Results

On a consolidated basis, the company posted an even stronger performance:

• Profit after tax: Rs 66.76 crore (up 62.7% year-on-year)
• Revenue from operations: Rs 460.05 crore (up 3.6% year-on-year)

Segment-wise Performance

The printing, publishing, and digital segment, which is the company's core business, showed strong growth. However, the FM radio business experienced a decline in revenue compared to the same quarter last year.

Other Financial Highlights

• Earnings per share (EPS) on a standalone basis improved to Rs 2.76, compared to Rs 2.02 in the previous quarter.
• The company paid an interim dividend of Rs 6 per equity share.

About Jagran Prakashan Limited

Jagran Prakashan Limited is a diversified media company with interests in printing and publication of newspapers and magazines, FM radio broadcasting, digital media, and outdoor advertising. The company operates across multiple segments of the media industry in India.

The financial results demonstrate Jagran Prakashan's strong market position and its ability to capitalize on growth opportunities across its diverse media portfolio.