DB Corp delivered a strong start to FY27, with its advertising revenue rising 10% year-on-year to ₹432 crore in the first quarter ended June 30, driven by robust demand from key sectors including real estate, jewellery, FMCG, and government advertising. The publisher of Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi, and Saurashtra Samachar reported that broad-based advertising growth helped offset higher newsprint costs and supported improvements in profitability.
The advertising performance contributed to an 8% increase in consolidated revenue to ₹603.7 crore, while disciplined cost management lifted operating margins and earnings. The results underscore the resilience of India’s regional print media market despite the continued shift toward digital advertising — a shift visible in the earnings of larger media groups too, such as JioStar’s 15% Q1 profit rise.
Advertising Revenue Climbs to ₹432 Crore
Advertising remained DB Corp’s largest revenue contributor during the quarter.
According to the company:
- Advertising revenue increased 10% year-on-year to ₹432 crore.
- Growth was broad-based across multiple industries.
- Print advertising continued to perform strongly in the company’s core Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi markets.
The strongest demand came from:
- Real estate
- Jewellery
- FMCG
- Government advertising
- Several other consumer-facing sectors
Advertising Performance
| Metric | Q1 FY27 | Q1 FY26 | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advertising revenue | ₹432 crore | ₹393.3 crore | 10% |
Overall Revenue and Profit Improve
DB Corp also reported healthy growth across key financial metrics.
Highlights include:
- Consolidated revenue increased 8% to ₹603.73 crore.
- EBITDA rose 19% to ₹164.7 crore.
- EBITDA margin expanded by 250 basis points to 26.1%.
- Net profit increased nearly 25% to ₹100.7 crore.
Management attributed the improved profitability to strong advertising demand and disciplined operational execution despite rising input costs.
Q1 FY27 Financial Highlights
| Metric | Q1 FY27 | YoY Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | ₹603.73 crore | 8% |
| EBITDA | ₹164.7 crore | 19% |
| EBITDA Margin | 26.1% | +250 bps |
| Net Profit | ₹100.7 crore | 25% |
| Advertising Revenue | ₹432 crore | 10% |
Radio and Digital Businesses Continue to Grow
Beyond print publishing, DB Corp’s other media businesses also posted positive performance.
The company’s 94.3 MY FM radio network reported:
- Revenue of ₹42.5 crore.
- EBITDA growth of nearly 29%.
Meanwhile, its digital news platforms continued expanding their audience.
The company reported:
- Around 19 million monthly active users across its digital properties.
- Continued investment in mobile-first content, technology, and hyperlocal journalism to strengthen reader engagement.
Segment Performance
| Business | Performance |
|---|---|
| Print advertising | Strong double-digit growth |
| Radio (MY FM) | Revenue and EBITDA increased |
| Digital | Approximately 19 million monthly active users |
The wider Indian media market is also consolidating and repricing its assets — see our report on Zee’s planned 49% stake sale in Zee Music.
Company Declares Interim Dividend
Reflecting confidence in its financial position, DB Corp’s board approved an interim dividend of ₹5 per equity share (face value ₹10).
The company has fixed July 23, 2026, as the record date, with the dividend scheduled to be paid on or before August 14, 2026.
Dividend Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Interim dividend | ₹5 per share |
| Face value | ₹10 |
| Record date | July 23, 2026 |
| Payment date | On or before August 14, 2026 |
Outlook for FY27
DB Corp expects advertising demand to remain healthy across its key markets while continuing to balance investments in print and digital platforms.
Although newsprint prices remain subject to global macroeconomic and geopolitical pressures, the company believes its focus on operational efficiency and diversified revenue streams will help sustain profitability. Strong traction in sectors such as real estate, jewellery, FMCG, and government advertising is expected to support revenue growth in the coming quarters.
Looking Ahead
DB Corp’s first-quarter performance highlights the continued strength of regional print media in India, with advertising revenue growing 10% to ₹432 crore despite a challenging cost environment. Robust demand from real estate, jewellery, FMCG, and government advertisers helped drive revenue, while disciplined cost management translated into higher margins and a 25% increase in net profit.
As the company expands its digital presence alongside its established newspaper and radio businesses, maintaining strong advertiser relationships and improving operational efficiency will remain central to its growth strategy. With healthy cash generation and an interim dividend announcement, DB Corp enters the remainder of FY27 from a position of financial strength.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is DB Corp’s interim dividend in 2026?
DB Corp’s board approved an interim dividend of ₹5 per equity share on a face value of ₹10. The record date is July 23, 2026, and payment is scheduled on or before August 14, 2026.
Which newspapers does DB Corp publish?
DB Corp publishes Dainik Bhaskar, Divya Bhaskar, Divya Marathi and Saurashtra Samachar, covering Hindi, Gujarati and Marathi markets. It also runs the 94.3 MY FM radio network and a set of digital news properties.
How did DB Corp’s Q1 FY27 profit compare with last year?
Net profit rose nearly 25% year-on-year to ₹100.7 crore. Revenue grew 8% to ₹603.73 crore and EBITDA rose 19% to ₹164.7 crore, with the EBITDA margin widening 250 basis points to 26.1%.
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