DEN Networks posts 4.6 per cent rise in Q2 profit as revenue slips

MUMBAI: DEN Networks has managed to keep its profits on the right channel, even as revenue tuned down slightly in the September quarter. The cable television operator reported a consolidated net profit of Rs 36.77 crore for the second quarter of FY27, up 4.6 per cent from Rs 35.17 crore in the corresponding quarter last year.

Revenue from operations, however, slipped 3.7 per cent to Rs 232.56 crore from Rs 241.43 crore a year earlier. Total income edged up to Rs 293.29 crore from Rs 293.14 crore, supported by other income of Rs 60.73 crore, compared with Rs 51.71 crore in the year-ago quarter.

The results for the quarter ended 30 September 2026 were approved by the board on 13 October.

DEN Networks’ total expenses fell 1.9 per cent to Rs 241.53 crore from Rs 246.15 crore in the September quarter of FY26. Content costs, its largest expense, rose to Rs 162.41 crore from Rs 152.46 crore, while employee benefits expense declined to Rs 14.31 crore from Rs 17.33 crore.

Depreciation and amortisation expense eased to Rs 18.73 crore from Rs 23.25 crore, while other expenses fell to Rs 45.79 crore from Rs 52.65 crore. Finance costs stood at Rs 29.8 lakh, down from Rs 46 lakh.

Profit before tax increased to Rs 48.91 crore from Rs 45.98 crore. After tax expenses of Rs 12.14 crore, compared with Rs 10.81 crore a year earlier, profit after tax came in at Rs 36.77 crore. Earnings per share rose to Rs 0.76 from Rs 0.74.

The six-month picture was less upbeat. Revenue from operations for the half-year ended September 2026 fell to Rs 475.33 crore from Rs 482.70 crore in the corresponding period last year. Total income declined to Rs 591.46 crore from Rs 605.09 crore.

Total expenses increased marginally to Rs 492.04 crore from Rs 491.35 crore. Profit before tax fell to Rs 95.41 crore from Rs 110.94 crore, while profit after tax slipped to Rs 71.36 crore from Rs 88.81 crore. Earnings per share declined to Rs 1.53 from Rs 1.87.

For the full financial year ended March 2026, DEN Networks reported revenue from operations of Rs 974.28 crore and a net profit of Rs 165.63 crore.

The cable distribution network continued to account for the bulk of the company’s business. The segment generated revenue of Rs 227.59 crore in the September quarter, compared with Rs 233.96 crore a year earlier. Broadband revenue stood at Rs 9.47 crore, down from Rs 11.97 crore.

The segment results, however, remained in the red. The cable distribution network reported a loss of Rs 8.01 crore, compared with a loss of Rs 4.72 crore in the year-ago quarter. The broadband business posted a loss of Rs 67.1 lakh, against a profit of Rs 45.7 lakh.

Combined segment losses widened to Rs 8.68 crore from Rs 4.27 crore. Other income helped lift the company’s overall profit before tax.

DEN Networks operates in the cable business, with its consolidated results covering its subsidiaries and associates. The company said its financial results had undergone a limited review by statutory auditors Chaturvedi & Shah LLP.