Brands
Hindustan Media Ventures reports 32 per cent higher PAT in FY-2014
BENGALURU: Hindi newspaper ‘Hindustan’, Hindi socio cultural magazine ‘Kadambini’ and children’s Hindi magazine ‘Nandan’ publishers Hindustan Media Ventures Limited (HMVL – not to be confused with HT Media Limited of Hindustan Times, Mint and Fever FM fame) reported a 31.58 per cent growth in PAT at Rs111.21 crore (15.24 per cent of Income from Operations or Op Inc) in FY-2014, as compared to the Rs 84.52 crore (13.28 per cent of Op Inc) in FY-2013.
Note: Rs 100 lakh = Rs100,00,000 = Rs 1 crore = Rs 10 million
HMVL chairperson Shobhana Bhartia said, “We are glad to close the year with a strong growth in revenue and profitability. While our pricing initiatives have contributed to top-line growth, our sustained cost control measures have ensured an increase in profitability despite rising input costs.”
“This year’s performance also reaffirms Hindustan’s dominance in Bihar and Jharkhand and its stature as the fastest growing daily in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. With a strong brand, growing readership, and healthy balance sheet, we are confident that we will continue to deliver value to our shareholders,” added Bhartia.
Let us look at the other main numbers reported by HMVL for Q4-2014 and FY-2014
HMVL PAT in Q4-2014 at Rs 27.21 crore (14.80 per cent of Op Inc) was (-5.21) per cent lower than the immediate trailing quarter Q3-2014 PAT of Rs 28.79 crore (15.26 per cent of Op Inc, but 19.87 per cent more than the year ago quarter Q4-2013 PAT of Rs 22.70 crore (14.61 per cent of Op Inc).
HMVL reported slightly lower Op Inc in Q4-2014 at Rs183.18 crore (-2.53 per cent lower) than the Rs188.65 crore in Q3-2014, but 18.32 per cent higher than the Rs155.41 crore in Q3-2013.
For FY-2014, HMVL Op Inc at Rs 729.72 crore was 14.69 per cent higher than the Rs 636.27 crore in FY-2013.
HMVL Total Expense in Q4-2014 at Rs155.58 crore was (-1.09) per cent lower than the Rs157.30 crore in Q3-2014 and 18.52 per cent more than the Rs131.27 crore in Q4-2013. In FY-2014, Total Expense at Rs 600.04 crore was 10.02 per cent more than the Rs 545.41 crore in FY-2013.
Raw materials constitute almost half of HMVL’s Total Expense. The company spent Rs 80.76 crore (51.91 per cent of Total Expense) in Q4-2014 which was 0.16 per cent more q-o-q than the Rs 80.63 crore (51.26 per cent of Total Expense) in Q3-2013 and 27.52 per cent more y-o-y than the Rs 63.33 crore (48.24 per cent of Total Expense) in Q4-2013. In FY-2013, the company spent Rs 300.44 crore towards raw materials (50.07 per cent of Total expense) which was 13.47 per cent more than the Rs 264.78 crore (48.55 per cent of Total Expense).
The company says that EBITDA increased by 29 per cent to Rs 181.8 crore from Rs 141 crore primarily due to growth in advertising and circulation revenues.
It says that growth was partially offset by increase in consumption of raw materials due to increase in newsprint price and consumption.
It saw an 8 per cent increase in employee costs to Rs 86.6 crore from Rs 80.4 crore; a 7 per cent increase in other expenditure to Rs 191.4 crore from Rs 178.7 crore due to increase in advertising and sales promotions expense.
Brands
Lotus Herbals unveils HydroActivated sunscreen with high-impact campaign
Harnaaz Sandhu fronts digital push spotlighting breakthrough sun care tech
MUMBAI: Lotus Herbals has rolled out a high-decibel marketing campaign to introduce what it calls India’s first hydro-activated sunscreen, aiming to reshape how consumers think about sun protection.
At the centre of the launch is the Safe Sun HydroActivated Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++, a formulation built on a patent-pending Hydrosome Technology that activates on contact with moisture. Unlike conventional sunscreens that can weaken with sweat, this product is designed to do the opposite, boosting protection when the skin is exposed to water or perspiration.
The campaign is led by Harnaaz Sandhu and is being amplified across OTT platforms, social media and outdoor locations in key metro cities. The brand film takes a light, relatable approach to everyday sunscreen struggles such as uneven application and fading protection, while positioning the new product as a reliable, high-performance alternative for active lifestyles.
Beyond its core technology, the sunscreen features next-generation UV filters and Edelweiss Flower Extract, offering hydration alongside protection. The formula claims up to 10 hours of water resistance and even, all-round defence against sun exposure and tanning, targeting consumers who want both skincare and performance in one product.
Speaking about the launch, Lotus Herbals chairman and managing director Nitin Passi said, “We are excited to launch India’s first sunscreen with hydroactivated technology which is our most innovative product launch. This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s a technological breakthrough that utilises a novel manufacturing process. We’ve created a product that stays invisible on the skin yet becomes a performance powerhouse when the user is most active.”
Sharing her experience, Lotus Herbals brand ambassador Harnaaz Sandhu said, “I am thrilled to be associated with Lotus Herbals Safe Sun for their new sun protection campaign. In my world, there is no room for shortcuts, and I need functional and reliable products that work as hard as I do. The hydroactivated sunscreen is a game-changer because it blends with my skin and protects me better when I’m pushing my limits.”
The campaign is being distributed across platforms including JioStar connected TV integrations and ZEE5, along with television placements such as Sa Re Ga Ma Pa in West Bengal. A large influencer push involving over a thousand creators, along with in-store branding and retail activations, is also part of the rollout.
With a blend of science-led positioning and mass-market storytelling, Lotus Herbals is betting on innovation to stand out in the crowded sun care segment, hoping its moisture-powered promise strikes the right chord with today’s always-on consumers.
