MAM
Streaming media subscription revenues up over 100% in the US
MUMBAI: Revenue earned from streaming subscription and download media in the US is forecast to reach $1.378 billion in 2005, up 109 per cent over 2004.
This will be ther result of music services enjoying revenue growth of 397 per cent in 2004 and another 154 per cent in 2005.
The total market is forecast to reach $2 billion in total revenue in 2006, with music, sports and entertainment subscription and download revenue leading all content categories. This data is contained in a market analysis report published by AccuStream iMedia Research.
Overall, streaming media subscription and download revenue grew by 150 per cent from 2003 through 2004, 109 per cent from 2004 through 2005 and is currently forecast to increase by another 45 per cent next year.
Music (streaming and download) has been the largest content category online from 2003 through the present. Subscription music services actually led download media revenue in 2003, but positions reversed in 2004, maintained that leadership position by even wider margin in 2005 and forecast to do so again in 2006.
The download side of the business is forecast at $832 million in 2005, with streaming subscriptions at $237 million. Major brands such as Apple, Yahoo, Real Networks, AOL (MusicNet on AOL and iTunes on AOL), MLB, NFL, NBA, Nascar, StarzTicket, Movielink and many more are analysed inside this report.
AccuStream research director Paul A. Palumbo says, “Subscriber growth across a range of subscription services in 2005 have been driven by more relevant and customised product offerings better tailored to what subs have utilized in the past. These include complementary services, expanded media player capabilities and additional subscription options that include mobile and unlimited pricing models.
“Promotion is also as important as reaching subscribers willing to pay for content, convenience and portability. Witness the new marketing and promotional relationship between ESPN and MLB. These two brands have a long-term contextual relationship between viewers and content and that transcends mediums”.
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.
