Justdial reported a strong start to FY2026-27, posting a net profit of ₹166 crore for the first quarter, supported by steady growth in revenue and continued improvement in operating performance. Alongside its financial results, the company also announced a major leadership transition, with founder and CEO VSS Mani set to step down after leading the company for nearly 30 years.
The announcement marks the end of an era for one of India’s earliest internet companies. Mani, who founded Justdial in 1996, transformed the business from a telephone-based local search service into one of India’s largest online local search and business discovery platforms.
Q1 Profit Rises to ₹166 Crore
Justdial reported a 27% year-on-year increase in net profit, with earnings reaching ₹166 crore during the April-June quarter. The growth was driven by higher operating revenue, improving digital adoption among businesses, and disciplined cost management.
| Financial Metric | Q1 FY27 |
|---|---|
| Net Profit | ₹166 crore |
| Year-on-Year Growth | 27% |
The company continued to benefit from growing demand for its digital marketing and business listing services, as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) increasingly relied on online platforms to reach customers.
Revenue and Operating Performance
Justdial’s revenue also recorded healthy growth during the quarter, reflecting strong customer engagement across its platform.
The company has continued investing in product enhancements, artificial intelligence-powered search capabilities, and merchant services while maintaining healthy operating margins. Its focus on improving user experience and expanding services for local businesses has supported steady financial performance.
VSS Mani to Step Down After Three Decades
The biggest announcement accompanying the quarterly results was the planned departure of VSS Mani as Chief Executive Officer.
After nearly three decades at the helm, Mani will step down from his executive role, bringing to a close one of the longest tenures among founders of India’s listed internet companies.
| Leadership Transition | Details |
|---|---|
| Outgoing CEO | VSS Mani |
| Tenure | Nearly 30 years |
| Founded Justdial | 1996 |
| Reason | Leadership transition |
Although stepping down as CEO, Mani is expected to remain associated with the company during the transition period to ensure continuity.
A Pioneer of India’s Internet Industry
Founded in 1996, Justdial began as a phone-based local search directory before evolving into a digital platform that connects users with businesses across categories including restaurants, healthcare, education, home services, travel, and retail.
The company successfully adapted to the rapid growth of smartphones and internet usage in India, becoming one of the country’s best-known local search brands.
In 2021, Reliance Retail Ventures Limited (RRVL) acquired a controlling stake in Justdial, giving the company access to Reliance’s digital ecosystem and accelerating its technology-led transformation.
Focus on Digital Services
Over the past few years, Justdial has expanded beyond business listings to offer a broader suite of services for merchants.
| Business Focus Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Business listings | Improve online visibility for SMEs |
| Digital marketing | Help businesses acquire customers |
| AI-powered search | Deliver more relevant search results |
| Merchant solutions | Support business growth and engagement |
The company continues to invest in technology to improve search accuracy, user engagement, and monetization opportunities.
What Investors Will Watch
Following the leadership transition announcement, investors are likely to focus on several factors.
| Key Area | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| CEO succession | Ensures continuity and execution |
| Revenue growth | Indicates strength of core business |
| Profitability | Reflects operational efficiency |
| AI initiatives | Supports future product innovation |
| Reliance integration | Potential long-term growth opportunities |
The market will closely watch how the new leadership builds on Mani’s legacy while leveraging Reliance’s technology and retail ecosystem.
What It Means for Justdial
Justdial’s latest quarterly results demonstrate that the company continues to deliver steady financial growth while adapting to India’s rapidly evolving digital economy. The strong profit performance reflects resilient demand for its services and effective operational execution.
At the same time, the departure of founder VSS Mani marks a historic milestone for the company. As Justdial enters its next phase under new leadership and with the backing of Reliance Retail, its ability to innovate, expand merchant offerings, and integrate advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence will play a key role in shaping its long-term growth trajectory.
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