BENGALURU: The Essel group’s news arm – Zee Media Corporation Limited (ZMCL) reported higher revenue, but lower profit after tax for the quarter ended 30 September 2017 (Q2-18, current quarter) as compared to the corresponding year ago quarter. ZMCL’s revenue from continuing operations increased 23.9 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to Rs 1,268.24 million from Rs 1,005.67 million in Q2-17.

EBIDTA for the current quarter declined marginally by 2.9 percent y-o-y in Q2-18 to Rs 213 million from Rs 219.4 million. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations for Q2-18 declined by about two and a half times (declined 60.6 percent) y-o-y to Rs 37.92 million from Rs 96.17 million. However, for Q2-17, the company had reported a consolidated loss for Q2-17. When loss from discontinued operations and tax credits were included – ZMCL’s loss in Q2-17 was Rs 169.44 million. It may be noted that print media operations are ZMCL’s discontinued operations.

ZMCL’s advertising revenue for Q2-18 increased 31.2 percent y-o-y to Rs 1,111 million from Rs 847.1 million. Subscription revenue however declined 16.8 percent y-o-y in the current quarter to Rs 117.3 million from Rs 140.9 million. Other sales and services revenue was almost flat (grew by 0.7 percent) in the current quarter to Rs 17.7 million.

ZMCL’s total expenditure in Q2-18 increased 31.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 1,032.9 million from Rs 786.3 million on higher marketing, distribution and business promotion expenses (distribution) and employee benefits expenses.

ZMCL’s employee benefits expense in the current quarter increased 46 percent y-o-y to Rs 331.7 million from Rs 226.7 million in Q2-17. The company’s distribution expenses in Q2-18 increased 84 percent y-o-y to Rs 155.9 million from Rs 84.6 million.

Advertising and publicity expenses in the current quarter increased 9 percent y-o-y to Rs 55.2 million from Rs 50.4 million. Operating costs in Q2-18 increased 17 percent y-o-y to Rs 216.9 million from Rs 184.9 million. Other expenses in the current quarter increased 14 percent to Rs 273.2 million from Rs 239.6 million.

EZ-Mall Online Limited

EZ-Mall Online Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ZMCL, commenced its business operations by launching an ecommerce website. During the quarter under review, the company says that it has invested approximately Rs 40 million in EZ-Mall. ZMCL has reported revenue of Rs 0.88 million from this segment and an operating loss of Rs 54.32 million for Q2-18.