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Worldspace records $2.3 mn Q2 revenues
MUMBAI: Satellite radio service provider WorldSpace Inc. has reported its financial and operating results for the second quarter ended 30 June.
For the second quarter of 2005, WorldSpace reported quarterly revenues of approximately $2.3 million, representing a 21 per cent increase compared with revenues of approximately $1.9 million for the second quarter of 2004, states an official release.
Subscriber revenue increased 390 percent to approximately $0.8 million for the second quarter of 2005 compared with subscriber revenue of approximately $0.2 million for the second quarter of 2004.
During the second quarter 2005, WorldSpace continued the rollout of its service in key cities in India, including Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad. As of 30 June 2005, WorldSpace had acquired 63,930 subscribers. This represented net subscriber additions of 11,427 for the quarter, an increase of 93 per cent over the 5,936 subscribers added in second quarter of 2004, the release adds.
The company recorded a net loss for the second quarter 2005 of $22.0 million or $0.95 per share compared with a net loss of $52.3 million or $9.04 per share for the second quarter of 2004. WorldSpace had an EBITDA (earnings before interest income, interest expense, income taxes, depreciation and amortization) of $12.0 million for the second quarter 2005, compared with $10.0 million for the second quarter 2004.
Said WorldSpace chairman and CEO Noah Samara, “The second quarter of 2005 was a critical time for WorldSpace as we prepared for our initial public offering, ramped up our marketing campaign in India and continued planning for the rollout of services in Western Europe and China — markets where we enjoy a first-mover advantage. We also continued to form strategic partnerships and add new customer-driven content to our satellite radio offerings, especially in India, an under-served and highly attractive market for our products. Lastly, we continued to provide services to U.S. government agencies under existing contracts, all of which position us well for growth and expansion in the year ahead.”
WorldSpace ramped up its marketing campaign in 2005 after receiving funding at the end of last year. During the second quarter of 2005, its blended Cost per Gross Addition (CPGA) was $103, compared with $107 CPGA during the second quarter of 2004. Blended CPGA includes the fully-loaded cost to acquire each new subscriber in India and in our other markets such as western Europe, Africa and the Middle East, and includes Subscriber Acquisition Cost (SAC) and other marketing expenses such as advertising and point of sale materials.
India CPGA during the three-month period ended 30 June was $175, compared with $94 for the second quarter of 2004, representing a significant ramp-up in marketing activities this year. WorldSpace’s blended SAC for the second quarter of 2005 was $2.04 per subscriber, while the India SAC for the three-month period was $11.96 per subscriber.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
