DB Corp Q1 revenue up 8%

D.B. Corp, publisher of Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, reported an 8% year-on-year rise in consolidated revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 (Q1 FY27), led by double-digit advertising growth across key sectors, underscoring the continued resilience of print advertising despite higher input costs.

The company posted consolidated revenue of Rs 632 crore, up from Rs 587.2 crore in the corresponding quarter last year. EBITDA grew 19% to Rs 164.7 crore, while EBITDA margin expanded by 250 basis points to 26.1%. Net profit rose 25% year-on-year to Rs 100.7 crore from Rs 80.8 crore.

Advertising remained the primary growth driver, with revenue increasing 10% to Rs 432 crore from Rs 393.3 crore a year earlier. According to the company, demand was broad-based, with strong momentum from real estate, jewellery, FMCG and government advertisers, alongside healthy traction across other categories. The performance reinforces print's continued relevance for advertisers in DB Corp's core Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi markets.

Commenting on the performance, Sudhir Agarwal, Managing Director, DB Corp, said the company delivered healthy revenue and profitability growth through disciplined execution and sharper operational efficiency.

"On the advertising front, demand remained strong and broad-based, with healthy traction across real estate, jewellery, FMCG and government sectors. While input costs saw some pressure during the quarter on account of broader macroeconomic and geopolitical factors, our teams remained sharply focused on cost optimisation, helping us protect margins and operating efficiency," he said.

Circulation revenue remained largely unchanged at Rs 120.4 crore, reflecting a stable readership base despite seasonal factors. However, the publisher said newsprint costs came under pressure during the quarter due to broader macroeconomic and geopolitical developments. The impact was offset through continued focus on cost optimisation and operational efficiencies, helping protect margins.

DB Corp's radio business also delivered growth. Revenue from 94.3 MY FM rose to Rs 42.5 crore from Rs 39.2 crore, while EBITDA increased to Rs 14.8 crore from Rs 11.5 crore. Radio advertising revenue grew 11.6% year-on-year to Rs 38.6 crore. 

On the digital front, the company said its news apps continued to strengthen their position among Indian language audiences.The company's digital portfolio recorded around 19 million monthly active users (MAUs) as of May 2026. The company, citing Comscore, said Dainik Bhaskar remained the No. 1 Hindi and Gujarati news app. It said continued investments in original content, product improvements, technology and hyperlocal journalism are helping drive engagement and retention.

The company also highlighted its continued investment in premium, mobile-first content formats, interactive coverage around major events and investigative journalism as part of its digital growth strategy, while maintaining that its long-term growth will continue to be anchored by both print and digital businesses.