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DirecTV unit helps Hughes post strong Q2 results
LONDON: Hughes Network Systems (HNS), has reported an 8.1 per cent increase in the overall 2003 second quarter revenues amounting to $2.37 billion, compared to $2.192 billion for second quarter 2002. HNS, a division of Hughes Electronics, also reported second quarter net income of $21.6 million, compared to a net loss of $155.1 million reported for the same period in 2002.
However, media reports indicate that the strong second quarter revenues have been boosted by the performance of its DirecTV unit. The DirecTV platform ended the three-month period with 11.56 million subscribers. The company said it netted 181,000 customers during the quarter.
DirecTV generated revenues of $1.8 billion for the second quarter, an 16.2 per cent increase from 2002 second quarter revenues of $1.549 billion. The increase was attributed to strong subscriber growth as well as higher ARPU.
DirecTV’s ARPU increased about $2.80 to $60.90 in the quarter, which was tied to a March price increase, increased customer purchases of local channels and additional fees from an increased number of customers with multiple set-top receivers.
DirecTV’s second quarter operating profit jumped to $200.7 million, compared to an operating profit of $60.6 million for second quarter 2002.
The strong results compelled Hughes and DirecTV to raise full-year 2003 guidance. DirecTV said it expects full-year revenues of about $7.5 billion, up from the previously forecasted $7.3 billion. DirecTV’s revised subscriber guidance has the service netting about 900,000 customers for 2003, up from previous guidance of 800,000 to 850,000.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
