Sun TV Network , one of India's largest television broadcasters, has announced its financial results for the first quarter, showcasing robust performance across key metrics.

Financial Highlights

The company reported revenue from operations of Rs 1,256.79 crore for the quarter, compared to Rs 1,276.11 crore in the same quarter of the previous year. Despite a slight dip in overall revenue, Sun TV Network demonstrated strength in its core business segments.

Profit after tax (PAT) stood at Rs 528.66 crore, reflecting the company's ability to maintain strong profitability in a dynamic market environment.

Key Revenue Segments

Sun TV Network's performance was driven by solid contributions from various revenue streams:

Domestic Subscription Revenues

This segment showed significant growth, reaching Rs 470.12 crore, up from Rs 425.79 crore in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Advertisement Revenues

The company generated Rs 289.94 crore from advertising, although this was lower compared to Rs 323.77 crore in the same period last year.

Cricket Franchise Income

Sun TV Network's cricket franchises, 'Sunrisers Hyderabad' and 'Sunrisers Eastern Cape', contributed substantially with an income of Rs 473.03 crore.

Operational Performance

The company's EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) for the quarter stood at Rs 617.23 crore, demonstrating strong operational efficiency.

Dividend Declaration

The Board of Directors has declared an interim dividend of Rs 5 per equity share, representing a 100% dividend on the face value of Rs 5 per share.

Strategic Developments

Sun TV Network has made significant strides in expanding its portfolio:

• New Acquisition: The company has entered into a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 100% stake in Northern Superchargers Limited for GBP 100.5 million, marking its entry into the UK cricket market.

• Appointment of Secretarial Auditors: M/s. Lakshmmi Subramanian & Associates have been appointed as Secretarial Auditors for a five-year term, subject to shareholder approval.

Management Commentary

Mahesh Kumar Rajaraman, Managing Director of Sun TV Network, stated, "Our results demonstrate the resilience of our business model and the strength of our diverse revenue streams. The growth in domestic subscription revenues and the strong performance of our cricket franchises have been particularly encouraging. We are also excited about our expansion into the UK cricket market with the acquisition of Northern Superchargers Limited, which we believe will open up new growth opportunities for the company."

Sun TV Network continues to be a major player in the Indian media landscape, operating satellite television channels across seven languages, FM radio stations, and owning cricket franchises in India and South Africa, as well as the digital OTT platform Sun NXT.

As the company moves forward, it remains focused on leveraging its strong market position and diverse portfolio to drive growth and create value for its shareholders.

Sun TV Network , a major player in the Indian media industry, has made a significant move to expand its sports portfolio by acquiring a prominent cricket franchise in the United Kingdom. The company's board has approved the acquisition of Northern Superchargers Ltd., a London-based cricket franchise competing in The Hundred league, which is run by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Acquisition Details

• Deal Value: GBP 100.5 million (approximately ₹1,161 crore)
• Acquisition Target: 100% equity in Northern Superchargers Ltd.
• Expected Completion: By December 31, 2025

Financial Snapshot of Northern Superchargers

Strategic Expansion

This acquisition marks a significant expansion of Sun TV Network's cricket portfolio, which already includes:

1. Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League (IPL)
2. Sunrisers Eastern Cape in South Africa's SA20 league

Sun TV Network has expressed confidence in the potential of The Hundred league, stating that it has "significant potential for future financial returns."

Market Response

The market's initial reaction to this news was slightly negative:

• Sun TV shares closed at ₹573.20, down 0.56%
• Year-to-date performance: 17% decline

This strategic move by Sun TV Network represents a substantial investment in the growing global cricket market, particularly in the innovative format of The Hundred. As the deal progresses towards its expected closure by the end of 2025, investors and cricket enthusiasts alike will be watching closely to see how this acquisition impacts Sun TV's financial performance and its position in the international cricket landscape.