DB Corp Ltd delivered robust financial results for Q1 FY27, with consolidated net profit rising 25% to ₹101 crore compared to ₹80.8 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. According to latest reports, the media house demonstrated strong operational efficiency with revenue from operations growing 8% to ₹603.7 crore from ₹559.4 crore year-on-year. The company's profit before tax (PBT) climbed 24.72% YoY to ₹134.20 crore in Q1 FY27, while EBITDA increased 19% to ₹164.7 crore from ₹138.4 crore in Q1 FY26. Most significantly, EBITDA margin improved by 250 basis points to 26.1% from 23.6% a year earlier, showing marked improvement in operational efficiency despite higher input costs. Growth in profitability was aided by a slower rise in expenses, which increased 4% year-on-year, compared with an 8% rise in revenue.
The strong Q1 FY27 results have triggered a significant rally in DB Corp's stock performance, with shares rallying 3.89% to ₹216.50 following the earnings announcement. As per latest market data, the stock was trading 6.05% higher at ₹221 apiece at 12:10 pm, significantly outperforming the BSE Sensex which was up 0.29% at 77,412. Alongside the earnings announcement, DB Corp declared an interim dividend of ₹5 per equity share for FY27, with the record date fixed as July 23, 2026 and dividend payment scheduled on or before August 14, 2026. Managing Director Sudhir Agarwal attributed the strong performance to disciplined execution and improved operational efficiency, expressing confidence about the rest of FY27.
DB Corp's digital business showed strong momentum with total advertising revenue up 10% year-on-year to ₹432 crore from ₹393.3 crore in the year-ago period. The company's monthly active users (MAUs) reached approximately 1.9 crore as of May 2026, demonstrating robust user engagement across its digital platforms. Advertising demand remained broad-based during the quarter with healthy traction across real estate, jewellery, FMCG and government segments, while circulation revenue remained broadly stable despite seasonal factors. This growth in digital advertising revenue, combined with the company's strong print business performance, positions DB Corp well to capitalize on the ongoing digital transformation in the media industry. The company said Dainik Bhaskar remained the leading Hindi and Gujarati news app, driven by continued investments in content and technology.
The radio business also delivered a healthy performance, with total revenue rising 8.42% YoY to ₹42.5 crore during the quarter. EBITDA from the segment increased 28.7% YoY to ₹14.8 crore, demonstrating strong operational leverage in the radio division. Management expects the radio business to grow in the high single digits this fiscal year and remain EBITDA-positive for the year, with the segment continuing to improve profitability during the quarter as EBIT rose 36% year-on-year while margins expanded to 26%. The company operates the 94.3 MY FM radio network across 37 cities in seven states.
Speaking to CNBC-TV18 after the results, management expressed optimism about the rest of FY27, citing a strong start to April despite advertising environment slowdown after Diwali. The company expects newsprint prices to soften in coming quarters and is targeting strong single-digit topline growth in FY27. Management also expects its radio business to grow in the high single digits this fiscal year and remain EBITDA-positive for the year, with the segment continuing to improve profitability during the quarter as EBIT rose 36% year-on-year while margins expanded to 26%. Despite the strong quarterly performance, DB Corp shares are still down 18% so far this year, reflecting broader market challenges facing the media sector. However, the company remains committed to strengthening its market position and driving sustainable, long-term value for all stakeholders.
