Brands
Just Dial reports strong Q4 and FY26 results despite one-time hit
Search giant posts Rs 4,970 crore net profit for the year, driven by robust operating performance.
MUMBAI: Just Dial has delivered another solid set of numbers proving that even in a tough year, its core business continues to click. The company reported a net profit of Rs 1,000 crore for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, and Rs 4,970 crore for the full financial year. Revenue from operations (net of GST) stood at Rs 3,072 crore for the quarter and Rs 12,139 crore for the year, reflecting steady growth in its core search and related services business.
Total income for the quarter was Rs 3,559 crore, while full-year total income reached Rs 15,477 crore.
On the expense side, employee benefits remained the largest cost at Rs 1,840 crore for the quarter. The company also recorded a one-time exceptional impact of Rs 211 crore due to changes in labour codes affecting gratuity calculations.
Despite this, Just Dial maintained healthy profitability, with earnings per share (basic) at Rs 11.76 for the quarter and Rs 58.44 for the full year.
The results come on the back of consistent performance in its search and search-related services segment. The company continues to benefit from its strong position as India’s leading local search platform.
Just Dial also noted the resignation of its long-serving Chief Financial Officer, Abhishek Bansal, effective 15 April 2026, citing personal career considerations. Bansal had been with the company for over 12 years, including more than eight years as CFO.
In a statement, the company placed on record its appreciation for his contributions.
While the broader media and digital landscape faces headwinds, Just Dial continues to demonstrate resilience. Its focus on core strengths local search, content, and monetisation appears to be paying off, even as it navigates a dynamic environment.
With steady revenue growth and healthy bottom-line performance, Just Dial remains one of the more consistent players in India’s digital ecosystem. As it turns the page on its finance leadership, the company looks well-positioned to maintain its momentum in the year ahead.
Brands
Havas reports solid Q1 2026 with 2.5 per cent organic net revenue growth
Advertising group maintains positive momentum and confirms full-year guidance.
MUMBAI: Havas has started 2026 on a strong note proving that even in uncertain times, its converged model continues to deliver. The global advertising and communications group reported net revenue of €638 million for the first quarter of 2026, representing organic growth of +2.5 per cent compared to the same period last year. This performance was driven particularly by a robust +7.4 per cent organic growth in the United States.
Total revenue for the quarter reached €667 million, with organic growth of +2.8 per cent. Recent acquisitions contributed a positive scope impact of +1.7 per cent, while foreign exchange movements had a negative impact of -5.8 per cent, mainly due to the US dollar and British pound.
Europe, which accounts for 50 per cent of net revenue, delivered +1.1 per cent organic growth, supported by a good performance in France. North America (36 per cent of net revenue) led the way with +7.4 per cent growth, thanks to strong contributions from both Havas Creative and Havas Media. APAC & Africa (8 per cent) saw a decline of -6.2 per cent, while Latin America (6 per cent) remained nearly stable at -0.6 per cent.
Havas chairman and CEO Yannick Bolloré said, “Havas has started 2026 on a solid footing, continuing its momentum and delivering organic growth in net revenue of +2.5 per cent. This performance, in line with our full-year 2026 guidance, was driven in particular by continued strength in the US.”
The group also continued its bolt-on acquisition strategy, acquiring majority stakes in four agencies during the quarter: Acento Public Affairs (Spain), Ctrl Digital (Sweden), Styleheads (Germany), and Eyesight (France).
Havas maintained its strong creative reputation, ranking as a top holding company in the WARC Creative 100 for the sixth consecutive year, with three agencies BETC, Havas Paris, and Havas India placing in the Top 50.
Looking ahead, Havas confirmed its 2026 guidance: organic net revenue growth between +2.0 per cent and +3.0 per cent, adjusted EBIT margin between 13.2 per cent and 13.5 per cent, and a dividend payout ratio of around 40 per cent. The group also reiterated its medium-term targets for 2028.
Despite ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty, Havas enters the rest of the year with solid fundamentals and confidence in its ability to deliver sustainable, profitable growth.
In a challenging environment, Havas is proving that its integrated, client-centric model remains resilient delivering steady growth while continuing to invest in creativity and innovation. The first quarter results suggest the group is well-positioned to navigate the year ahead with confidence.
