Cable TV
Den Networks turns around biz, reports consolidated PAT of Rs 22.52 crore
MUMBAI: Major multi system operator (MSO) Den Networks reported a consolidated profit after tax of Rs 22.52 crore in the fourth quarter ending 31 March 2020.
The MSO reported consolidated net loss of Rs 212.82 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal. Revenue from operations in the fourth quarter stood at Rs 327.79 crore as compared with Rs 273.1 crore in the year-ago period.
While its revenue from cable distribution network stood at Rs 310.18 crore in the January-March quarter as compared with Rs 255.11 crore in the corresponding period of previous fiscal, the broadband vertical had a revenue of Rs 17.62 crore as compared to Rs 17.99 crore in the fourth quarter of last FY.
For FY20, the MSO’s consolidated profit after tax stood at Rs 58.64 crore while it had posted a consolidated loss of Rs 300.55 crore in 2018-19. Its consolidated revenue from operations in FY20 stood at Rs 1291.45 crore compared to Rs 1206.07 crore in the previous fiscal.
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.
