BENGALURU: The last time that Zee Learn Limited (Zee Learn) reported a profit was for the Q3-2011, the second quarter since it commenced operations. The education player then reported loss for eight quarters and two financial years until Q1-2014 when it showed a PAT of Rs 3.25 crore as compared to a loss of Rs 3.36 crore in Q1-2013 and a loss of Rs 7.35 crore in Q4-2013. For FY 2013, Zee Learn reported a loss of Rs 21.22 crore. Zee Learn saw an improvement in operational EBITDA by Rs 5.69 crore in corresponding Q-o-Q.

Let us look at the other financials of Zee Learn for Q1-2014

Zee Learn reported Rs 33.52 crore as total income from operation for Q1-2014 as compared to Rs 23.34 crore in Q1-2013, registering a growth of 43.6 per cent. However, operating income was lower by eight per cent as compared to Rs 36.43 crore in Q4-2013.

Zee Learn also had 'Other Income' of Rs 2.22 crore in Q1-2014, in Q1-2013, this was 0.3931 crore, while 'Other Income' was Rs (-0.5607) crore for Q4-2013. Other income includes Rs 1.8561 crore exchange gain on remittance of GDR issue proceeds.

Total expense for Q1-2014 at Rs 30.95 crore was higher by 19 per cent as compared to Rs 26.01 crore for Q1-2013, but lower by 23.3 per cent than the Rs 40.37 crore in Q4-2013.

Expense towards purchase of education goods and television content in Q1-2014 at Rs 12.28 crore was more than double (more by 117.8 per cent) as compared to the Rs 5.37 crore for Q1-2013 and 15.3 per cent lower than the Rs 15.08 crore in Q4-2013.

Other expense for Q1-2014 at Rs 9.51 crore was lower by 8.4 per cent as compared to the Rs 10.38 crore in Q1-2013 and was 28.6 per cent lower than the Rs 13.32 crore in Q4-2013. Other expenses includes marketing, advertisement and publicity expenses of Rs 3.6028 crore and Rs 3.9683 crore for the quarter ended 30 June, 2013 and 30 June, 2012 respectively.

Zee Learn CEO Navneet Anhal said, "The improved financial performance is a result of all brands in the Zee Learn bouquet performing well due to improved efficiencies. Our investments in each of the brands are continuing to payoff. This year Kidzee has registered almost 25 per cent growth in the number of operational centers (192 new centers added) significantly expanding our footprint in the country."

"Also, we have witnessed growth of 37 per cent in enrolments in our MLZS schools wherein average enrolments has moved up to 292 students in Q1 FY14 vis-?-vis 213 students in Q1FY13 largely on account of better academic content and its delivery model. Zee Learn's school solution program 'BrainCafe' which has undergone business model change last year pre-empting the change in dynamics of school solutions, is also showing signs of acceptance across schools. Our offerings of educational content to ZeeQ are getting amazing responses from parents and industry alike," added Anhal.

Zee Learn says that the outlook for the Education business remains positive despite overall challenges in the Indian economy. The Company also sees good momentum in MLZS and Kidzee, overwhelming positive response in ZeeQ, India's First Edutainment Channel for kids wherein Zee Learn provides content to the channel and huge potential in its newly revamped BrainCafe School Solutions.

Zee Learn launched its first Global Depository Receipts (GDR) for value of $9.99 million which were subscribed by overseas investors on 21 May, 2013. The GDR issue was fully subscribed and the company allotted 56,17,977 GDRs at a price of $3.56 per GDR. Each GDR represents 10 (ten) underlying equity shares in the company and the GDRs are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.