Brands
Hindustan Media YoY PAT up 28% on higher ad revenue
BNEGALURU: A 19 per cent YoY and a 7.8 per cent QoQ increase in advertising revenue ramped up Hindustan Media Ventures Limited (HMVL) total revenue by 28.2 per cent during the quarter ended 30 December, 2015 (Q3-2016, current quarter). The publisher that publishes Hindi newspaper Hindustan, Hindi socio cultural magazineKadambini and children’s Hindi magazine Nandan among others, reported ad revenue of Rs 181.2 crore in Q3-2016 as compared to the Rs 152.2 crore in Q3-2015 and Rs 168.2 crore in Q2-2016.
HMVL total revenue in the current quarter increased to Rs 251.6 crore, 12.8 per cent more YoY than the Rs 223 crore and 2.3 per cent more QoQ than Rs 245.9 crore. The company’s PAT in the current quarter increased 28.2 per cent (18.6 per cent margin) YoY to Rs 46.9 crore (16.4 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 36.6 crore and was 4.1 per cent more QoQ than Rs 45 crore (18.3 per cent margin).
Note: 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10 million = 1 crore
Circulation revenue in Q3-2016 increased 6.3 per cent YOY to Rs 54.2 crore as compared to Rs 51 crore and increased 1.5 per cent as compared to Rs 53.4 crore.
HMVL EBIDTA in the current quarter increased 26.8 per cent YoY to Rs 71.2 crore (28.3 per cent margin) as compared to Rs 56.2 crore (25.2 per cent margin) and was almost flat (0.2 per cent higher QoQ) as compared to Rs 71.1 crore (28.9 per cent margin).
Total Expenditure in the current quarter increased eight per cent to Rs 180.3 crore as compared to the Rs 166.8 crore in Q3-2015 and was almost flat QoQ as compared to Rs 180.2 crore.
Cost of raw materials consumed increased 3.4 per cent YoY to Rs 89.6 crore as compared to Rs 86.7 crore and was 4.5 per cent more QoQ than Rs 85.75.
Employee Benefit Expense (EBE) increased 25.3 per cent YOY to Rs 31.2 crore as compared to Rs 24.9 crore and was 4.3 per cent higher than the Rs Rs 29.88 crore in Q2-2016.
Company speak
HMVL chairperson Shobana Bhartia said, “We are pleased to report another quarter where our revenue growth was faster than the industry’s. Growth was powered by a good festive season that fuelled advertising spends across most sectors, state elections in Bihar as well as our internal initiatives. Benign raw material prices and operational efficiencies contributed to higher profitability. We continue to build on the momentum of the previous quarters, strengthening our presence in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand while retaining our dominant market position in Bihar and Jharkhand. We are confident that the steps we are taking to move to the next level of growth will continue to deliver value to our shareholders.”
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.
