MAM
Pubnation: How print industry plans to monetise post-Covid
NEW DELHI: Covid-2019 pandemic has had a severe impact on the business of print publications; the initial months witnessed a complete clampdown on supply chain which consequently limited advertiser movement. However, with other industries gradually reviving and the festive season opening the door for better opportunities for advertisers across the board, it seems like a good time for the print publication industry to pull up its socks. Big brands like Amazon and Flipkart have already reclaimed the front pages to trumpet their seasonal sales, and several other categories are looking to return to the broadsheets.
There are some visible changes in advertiser behaviour across media, however – budgets have shrunk, expenses are being deferred, the plans are different from pre-Covid times. In such a scenario, it is imperative that the industry begin working with newer, sharper business models, modified offerings, and monetisation strategies.
To shed light on the new rules of the ad game, Indiantelevision.com is calling in top industry players on a common platform with the print edition of its virtual roundtable “Pubnation — Monetising it Right” on 21 October 2020 at 5:00 pm.
Moderated by Indiantelevision.com founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief Anil Wanvari, the panel will witness the presence of The Hindu chief revenue officer Suresh Balakrishna, Malayala Manorama VP marketing and ad sales Varghese Chandy, Punjab Kesari Group director Abhijay Chopra, Sakshi Media Group ED and CEO Vinay Maheshwari, Amar Ujala Publications president – marketing Rajiv Kental, and HT Media Ltd ED Rajeev Beotra.
The discussion will be around what monetisation trends the industry is witnessing, the early signs of revival and strategy for various markets. The panel will also delve into advertiser sentiments, agency relationships, and the role of their digital offerings in the revenue cycle.
To register, head on to https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_E_Dddx_rRf6V-bG2eAvrQw
Brands
Sapphire Foods FY26 revenue rises to Rs 3,125 crore, posts loss
Q4 revenue at Rs 792 crore, FY26 loss at Rs 32 crore amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: If growth is on the menu, profitability seems to have taken a brief detour. Sapphire Foods India reported a steady rise in topline for FY26, even as rising costs weighed on profitability. Revenue from operations grew to Rs 3,125 crore for the year ended March 31, 2026, up from Rs 2,882 crore in FY25. However, the company swung to a loss, reporting a net loss of Rs 32 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 17 crore in the previous year. Total income for the year stood at Rs 3,153 crore, while total expenses climbed to Rs 3,167 crore, reflecting pressure across key cost heads.
In the March quarter, revenue came in at Rs 792 crore, compared to Rs 711 crore in the same period last year. The company reported a quarterly net loss of Rs 13 crore, against a profit of Rs 2 crore a year earlier.
Cost pressures remained visible across operations. Material costs rose to Rs 995 crore for FY26, while employee expenses increased to Rs 428 crore. Other expenses, the largest component, stood at Rs 1,229 crore, underscoring the impact of store operations and expansion-related spends.
Depreciation and amortisation expenses also climbed to Rs 392 crore for the year, reflecting continued investments in store infrastructure and growth.
At the operating level, the company reported a loss before tax of Rs 37 crore for FY26, compared to a profit of Rs 23 crore in FY25. Exceptional items added Rs 24 crore to the cost burden during the year.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 3,256 crore as of March 31, 2026, up from Rs 3,041 crore a year earlier, indicating ongoing expansion. Net worth stood at Rs 1,389 crore.
Despite profitability pressures, operating cash flow remained resilient at Rs 507 crore, highlighting underlying business strength and demand stability.
The numbers paint a familiar picture in the quick-service restaurant space, growth continues to be served hot, but margins are still finding their footing.
