HT Media’s Rs 60.84 cr other income exceeds pre-tax profit in Q1
The 6.93% operating margin came alongside a digital portfolio reset, while management flagged newsprint prices and a weaker rupee as concerns.
Filed 05 Aug 2026, 12:50 IST · HTMEDIA (HTMEDIA)
Key takeaways
- Consolidated net profit was Rs 43.51 cr, while other income of Rs 60.84 cr exceeded profit before tax of Rs 56.6 cr.
- Operating margin was 6.93% on revenue of Rs 437.3 cr, with expenses at Rs 407.0 cr.
- Management said digital revenue moderated during the portfolio reset, while radio revenue grew 3% year-on-year.
Other income drove the consolidated profit profile
HT Media reported consolidated revenue of Rs 437.3 cr and operating profit of Rs 30.3 cr for Q1FY27. Other income of Rs 60.84 cr exceeded profit before tax of Rs 56.6 cr, making non-operating income a key part of reported earnings. The tax rate was 15.25%.
Operating margin remained modest amid cost concerns
The 6.93% operating margin reflects a limited spread between revenue of Rs 437.3 cr and expenses of Rs 407.0 cr. Management flagged elevated newsprint prices, a weaker rupee and global supply-chain uncertainty as concerns going forward. Interest and depreciation were Rs 14.97 cr and Rs 19.57 cr respectively.
Digital reset contrasts with growth in print and radio
Management said digital revenue moderated as the company reset its portfolio around leaner, more focused offerings, which affected segment topline during the quarter. The company said print advertising revenue grew year-on-year and circulation revenue remained resilient. Management also reported 3% year-on-year radio revenue growth, with some margin improvement.
Portfolio changes and proposed capital raise remain in focus
Management said the company intends to pursue sustainable and profitable growth through a leaner digital portfolio. It also said the radio business surrendered non-viable FM frequencies to sharpen its footprint. The Board approved a preferential issue, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
Q1FY27 at a glance
Consolidated figures as filed with NSE — filed ahead of third-party databases, not yet independently cross-checked.
| Line item | Q1FY27 |
|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹437 cr |
| Other income | ₹61 cr |
| Expenses | ₹407 cr |
| Operating profit | ₹30 cr |
| Operating margin (%) | 6.93% |
| Interest | ₹15 cr |
| Depreciation | ₹20 cr |
| Profit before tax | ₹57 cr |
| Tax | ₹9 cr |
| Net profit | ₹44 cr |
| EPS (₹) | ₹1.34 |
What management said
From the company’s own investor presentation. Each point is checked against the source document before it appears here.
This quarter
- Radio revenue grew 3% year-on-year in the quarter, with some margin improvement.
- Print advertising revenue grew year-on-year while circulation revenue remained resilient.
Guidance & outlook
- The company intends to drive sustainable and profitable growth through a leaner, more focused digital portfolio.
New initiatives
- The company reset its digital portfolio around leaner, more focused offerings.
- The radio business sharpened its footprint by surrendering non-viable FM radio frequencies.
- The Board approved a preferential issue, subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
Problems & risks
- Elevated newsprint prices, a weaker rupee and global supply-chain uncertainties are concerns going forward.
- Digital revenue moderated during the quarter as the company reset its portfolio.
- Digital portfolio streamlining initiatives adversely affected segment topline during the quarter.
What to watch
- Whether operating margin moves from the 6.93% reported in Q1FY27.
- Whether other income remains close to Rs 60.84 cr as a contributor to profit before tax.
- Whether digital revenue stabilises after the portfolio reset while radio sustains its 3% year-on-year growth.