MAM
DoubleClick’s enhanced ad mgt. solution for online publishers
DoubleClick which claims to be the leading provider of tools for advertisers, web publishers and direct marketers has unveiled an enhanced version of the DART Enterprise ad management and delivery software. Leveraging the insight and experience of close to 300 online businesses worldwide, the company claims that DART Enterprise 5.1 is its most robust and scalable ad management and delivery software to-date.
Publishers benefit from faster, real time log processing: DoubleClick’s latest release provides online publishers such as WebMD, Lycos Europe and Focus, with key management and architectural improvements — unprecedented flexibility in managing and reporting on complex campaigns in both online and offline environments. It also improves log processing for increased efficiency.
An official release informs that with an integrated reporting engine, the results of the advertiser’s campaign can be viewed in real time, and with AdInsight, sets of reports are developed for advertisers using batch processing. In addition, the new unique architecture streamlines log distribution, minimising bandwidth consumption and increasing data delivery.
Publishers gain advanced inventory mgt. capabilities: The release states that the software provides improved scalability in the Inventory Manager, enabling more jagged visibility into sites’ available ad inventory. Publishers are able to better manage capacity and eliminate wasted inventory by redefining inventory forecast on an as-needed basis.
The software employs an advanced inventory management model that allows for more sophisticated day-part targeting capabilities such as the smooth delivery of ads by day or hour and includes time/date ranges. These targeting enhancements are amplified by providing traffickers with the ability to target multiple segments on an ad hoc basis. Lycos Europe has stated that it has derived enormous benefit from the increased log processing performance and scalability of the front end components. This has given the site the ability to serve approximately 200 million ads per day states the release.
Workflow improvements ease the trafficking process: Workflow and user interface enhancements have resulted in more efficient ad operations such as faster trafficking and improved accuracy. This allows publishers to save time and costs as they can more easily and efficiently manage the steps involved in ad serving. DART Enterprise 5.1 allows publishers to quickly copy creatives across multiple ads and products across multiple sites.
Brands
Kwality Wall’s reports standalone losses following strategic HUL demerger
Ice cream major faces Rs 64 crore Ebitda loss amid commodity inflation and muted Q3 sales
MUMBAI: Kwality Wall’s (India) Limited (KWIL) has released its first set of financial results as a standalone entity, revealing a challenging start to its independent journey. Following its successful demerger from Hindustan Unilever Limited (HUL) on 1st December 2025 and its subsequent listing on 16th February 2026, the company is navigating a transition period marked by structural changes and high input costs.
For the quarter ended 31st December 2025, the company reported revenue of Rs 222 crores. Despite the revenue base, the bottom line was impacted by several factors, resulting in an Ebitda loss of Rs 64.2 crores. When calculated on a Pre-IND AS 116 basis, the Ebitda loss stood at Rs 83.8 crores.
Organic Sales Growth (OSG) declined by 6.5 per cent year-on-year during the quarter. Volume growth, however, saw a marginal increase of 1.2 per cent. The company reported a gross margin of 41.5 per cent. Additionally, exceptional expenses amounting to Rs 94 crores were recorded, primarily linked to non-recurring costs during the transition phase.
Performance across portfolios and channels was mixed. Within the impulse portfolio, brands such as Magnum and Cornetto recorded mid-single digit volume growth, indicating steady demand in on-the-go consumption. However, the in-home portfolio, which includes take-home packs, experienced muted consumption. The company is planning a relaunch of this category with improved offerings ahead of the 2026 season.
Quick commerce (Q-Com) continued to emerge as a strong growth driver, delivering robust double-digit growth during the quarter. Meanwhile, the company also expanded its physical distribution network by increasing the number of company-owned cabinets across markets.
Margin pressure during the quarter was driven by a combination of one-off factors and broader cost inflation. Gross margins were impacted by around 600 basis points due to trade investments made for stock liquidation. Additionally, cocoa price inflation contributed to another 400 basis points of pressure on margins.
Deputy managing director Chitrank Goel attributed the muted performance partly to prolonged monsoons and transitional challenges linked to the GST framework. Operating expenses also increased as the company invested in establishing its standalone supply chain, operational systems and corporate infrastructure following the demerger.
Looking ahead, the management remains focused on a volume-driven growth strategy. To restore profitability, the company has initiated a cost productivity programme aimed at reducing non-consumer-facing costs. It is also working on building regional manufacturing networks to optimise logistics expenses and improve operational efficiency.
The commodity outlook for the near term remains mixed. Dairy prices are expected to remain firm due to tight supply conditions and rising fodder costs. Sugar prices may also move higher following increases in the Minimum Selling Price (MSP). While cocoa prices have moderated recently, currency depreciation has offset some of the potential cost relief for the company.
