HT Media returns to profit in FY25

HT Media reported a turnaround in its financial performance for FY25, swinging from a net loss of ₹92 crore in FY24 to a profit of ₹14 crore. This marks an improvement of ₹106 crore, underpinned by growth across businesses.

The company’s total income rose 7.3% year-on-year, climbing from ₹1,886 crore in FY24 to ₹2,025 crore in FY25. Operating revenue increased 6.5% to ₹1,806 crore against ₹1,695 crore in the previous year.

Advertising revenues, however, remained largely flat, at ₹1,070.7 crore compared to ₹1,070.04 crore in FY24. On the other hand, non-core income streams saw gains, with proceeds from the sale of scrap, waste paper, and old publications rising to ₹19.13 crore from ₹17.36 crore.

Print remained the largest contributor, with revenue at ₹1,393 crore in FY25, marginally higher than ₹1,386 crore in FY24. Radio revenues grew to ₹204 crore from ₹157 crore, while the digital segment posted the strongest growth, surging 37% from ₹154 crore in FY24 to ₹212 crore in FY25.

The company’s operating performance strengthened considerably. EBITDA grew 58% year-on-year, reaching ₹187 crore against ₹118 crore a year earlier. Depreciation and amortization expenses declined 17%, easing to ₹98 crore from ₹119 crore. Total expenses rose modestly to ₹2,003 crore from ₹1,964 crore, while advertising and sales expenses more than doubled to ₹233 crore from ₹124.5 crore in FY24.

Shobhana Bhartia, Chairperson and Editorial Director of HT Media, attributed the strong performance to efficiency measures and resilience across businesses.

“Despite external headwinds in the early part of the year, including a muted advertising environment during the enforcement of the model code of conduct ahead of the National Elections, we closed the year with higher revenues and improved profitability, with all businesses contributing meaningfully to the overall performance. Our performance was driven by a combination of pricing discipline, cost management, improved operational efficiency, and a favourable commodity cost cycle,” she said.

Highlighting the print segment, Bhartia noted that revenues remained stable but profitability improved significantly, supported by softer newsprint prices and prudent cost controls. “Our flagship dailies, Hindustan Times, Hindustan, and Mint, continued to demonstrate editorial leadership and enjoyed the trust of readers. Our digital extensions of these brands have also grown meaningfully, ensuring that our content reaches wider and more diverse audiences,” she added.

With its digital and radio businesses posting strong growth and print maintaining stability, HT Media’s turnaround underscores the benefits of diversification and disciplined execution.