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Manorama News VMR exit poll survey: Key insights
Mumbai: Manorama News VMR exit-poll survey is known for its accuracy and often mirrors the actual election results with remarkable precision. According to the latest exit-poll survey, the United Democratic Front (UDF) is expected to secure a significant portion of the vote share with 42.46 per cent. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) follows with 35.09 per cent, while the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is expected to garner 18.64 per cent of the vote share.
In terms of seat projections, the UDF is anticipated to win between 16 to 18 seats, solidifying its dominance in Kerala. The LDF is expected to secure two to four seats, indicating a tougher competition for the coalition. The NDA, despite the vote share, is not projected to win any seats in this election cycle.
The UDF is expected to win with a clear majority in several key constituencies, including Ponnani, Chalakudy, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Alappuzha, and Malappuram. Moreover, key constituencies are expected to witness intense battles. In Kannur, a photo finish is anticipated, making it one of the most closely watched contests. Mavelikkara and Vadakara are also poised for close contests. According to the survey, the UDF is expected to clinch victory in Mavelikkara, while the LDF is predicted to win in Vadakara.
Tune in to Manorama News for live coverage of the election results starting at 5 am on the counting day. Led by expert panels and utilizing state-of-the-art AR/VR technology, Manorama News promises an immersive and unparalleled viewing experience, offering insightful analysis and real-time updates as the electoral drama unfolds.
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Network18 Q4 revenue grows 9.7 per cent, EBITDA at Rs 30 crore
PAT improves to Rs 306.6 crore, margins steady amid cost pressures.
MUMBAI: Not all news is breaking, some of it is quietly improving. Network18 Media & Investments Limited appears to be doing just that, tightening losses and stabilising margins even as costs continue to weigh on the business. For FY26, the company reported revenue from operations of Rs 1,955.1 crore, up from Rs 1,896.2 crore in FY25, signalling modest top-line growth in a challenging media environment. Total income stood at Rs 1,978.2 crore, compared to Rs 1,913 crore a year earlier.
Profit after tax came in at Rs 306.6 crore for the year, a sharp turnaround from Rs 3,225.4 crore in FY25, largely reflecting the absence of large exceptional items that had inflated the previous year’s numbers. On a more comparable basis, the company’s operating performance showed signs of gradual stabilisation.
However, the quarterly picture remained under pressure. For the March quarter, Network18 reported a loss of Rs 53.1 crore, narrower than the Rs 98.1 crore loss in the same period last year, but still indicative of ongoing cost challenges.
Expenses continued to track high. Total expenses for FY26 stood at Rs 2,235.7 crore, up from Rs 2,197.8 crore in FY25. Key cost heads included operational expenses of Rs 765.9 crore, employee benefits of Rs 475.9 crore, and marketing, distribution and promotional spends of Rs 427.1 crore, underlining the continued investment required to sustain reach and engagement.
At an operating level, margins remained under strain. Operating margin stood at 2.33 per cent for FY26, marginally higher than 1.77 per cent in FY25, while net profit margin remained negative at -13.02 per cent, though improved from -14.89 per cent.
On the balance sheet, total assets rose to Rs 8,957.6 crore as of 31 March 2026, from Rs 8,317.5 crore a year earlier. Equity strengthened to Rs 4,958.7 crore, while borrowings increased to Rs 3,112.8 crore, reflecting a higher reliance on debt to support operations.
Cash flows told a mixed story. While financing activities generated Rs 83.9 crore, operating cash flow remained negative at Rs -24 crore, highlighting ongoing pressure on core cash generation. Cash and cash equivalents, however, improved to Rs 33.9 crore from Rs 1.8 crore.
The numbers point to a company in transition growing revenues, trimming losses, but still grappling with structural cost pressures. In a sector where scale often comes at a price, Network18 seems to be inching towards balance, one quarter at a time.
