Cable TV
Den Networks gets Govt nod for increasing FDI to 74%
MUMBAI: Multi system operator (MSO) Den Networks has received clearance from the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) to increase its foreign investment limit from the existing 49 per cent to 74 per cent.
As was reported by Indiantelevision.com, on 29 July MSO Hathway Cable and Datacom had received the FIPB approval to up its foreign investment to 74 per cent, whereas Den Networks’ proposal had been deferred. Pertinent to note here is that on 14 July there was buzz that the company had received FIBP nod for the same. However, that was not the case and the MSO finally received the nod only today (13 August, 2015).
With this, Den Networks, which is currently building its broadband base and also working towards digitisation in phase III and IV areas, is looking at attracting overseas capital into the company.
The MSO had sought to increase foreign investment limit beyond 49 per cent and up to 74 per cent by FIIs, NRIs, FPIs, and other eligible foreign investors through route of secondary market and / or open market purchase.
Earlier in March this year, the Board of Directors of Den Networks had approved the proposal to increase foreign investment limit.
The decision was subject to shareholder approval (through postal ballot), FIPB nod and adherence to all other statutory requirements.
Currently, FIIs hold 20.27 per cent stake in Den Networks.
MUMBAI: When margins wobble, liquidity talks and in Q3 FY25-26, cash did most of the talking. Den Networks Limited closed the December quarter with consolidated revenue of Rs.251 crore, marginally higher than the previous quarter but down 4 per cent year-on-year, even as profitability stayed resilient on the back of strong cash reserves and disciplined cost control.
Subscription income softened to Rs.98 crore, slipping 3 per cent sequentially and 14 per cent from last year, while placement and marketing income offered some cheer, rising 15 per cent quarter-on-quarter to Rs.148 crore. Total costs climbed faster than revenue, up 7 per cent QoQ to Rs.238 crore, driven largely by higher content costs and operating expenses. As a result, EBITDA dropped sharply to Rs.13 crore from Rs.19 crore in Q2 and Rs.28 crore a year ago, pulling margins down to 5 per cent.
Yet, the bottom line refused to blink. Profit after tax stood at Rs.40 crore, up 15 per cent sequentially and only marginally lower than last year’s Rs.42 crore. A healthy Rs.57 crore in other income helped cushion operating pressure, keeping profit before tax at Rs.48 crore, broadly stable quarter-on-quarter despite the tougher cost environment.
The real headline-grabber, however, sits on the balance sheet. The company remains debt-free, with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs.3,279 crore as of December 31, 2025. Net worth rose to Rs.3,748 crore, while online collections accounted for 97 per cent of total receipts, underscoring strong cash discipline across operations, including subsidiaries.
In short, while Q3 showed signs of operating strain, the financial backbone remains solid. With zero gross debt, steady profits and a formidable cash war chest, the company enters the next quarter with flexibility firmly on its side proving that in uncertain markets, balance sheet strength can be the best growth strategy.
