Factual
Q2-17: Zee Learn declares maiden interim dividend
BENGALURU: The board of directors of the Essel group’s education company Zee Learn Limited (ZLL) have declared a first time ever dividend of 5 percent per equity share of Re 1 each for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q2-17, current quarter). The dividend of just 5 paise (Rs 0.05) albeit small, could be precursor of better returns, given the fact that the company’s profit after tax (PAT) for the current quarter is more than seven-fold (7.05 times) year-over-year (y-o-y), with operating EBIDTA margins almost doubling y-o-y from 18.2 percent in Q2-16 to 34.9 percent in Q2-17.
ZLL CEO Debshankar Mukhopadyay said, “We are pleased to announce an interim dividend for the first time at Zee Learn Limited. This shows our commitment to the shareholders who beleived in us and continued to invest in the comoany. Q2 and H1-17 are remarkable for us and our strategy to focus on our strenghts has resulted in delivering profits which are multiple times more than profits delivered during the last financial year.”
ZLL reported PAT of Rs 7.59 crore (22.6 percent margin) for the current quarter versus PAT of Rs 1.08 crore (3.5 percent margin) in Q2-16. PAT in the immediate training quarter (Q1-17) was Rs 8.02 crore (19.1 percent margin). Operating EBIDTA in Q2-17 more than doubled (up 2.1 times) y-o-y to Rs 11.70 crore from Rs 5.57 crore, but was 9.8 percent lower q-o-q than Rs 12.97 crore (30.8 percent margin).
Other numbers
ZLL’s Total Income from Operations (TIO) in the current quarter increased 9.7 percent y-o-y to Rs 33.56 crore from Rs 30.60 crore in the correspondin year ago quarter, but declined 20.2 percent q-o-q from Rs 42.06 crore in Q1-17.
The company spent 14.5 percent less y-o-y towards purchase of Education goods and Television content in Q2-17 at Rs 4.91 crore (14.6 percent of TIO) as compared to Rs 5.74 crore (18.8 percent of TIO) and 45.1 percent lower q-o-q than the Rs 8.93 crore (21.2 percent of TIO).
Employees Benefit Expense in the current quarter declined 18.2 percent y-o-y to Rs 5.94 crore (17.7 percent of TIO) from Rs 7.25 crore (23.7 percent of TIO) and declined 14.5 percent q-o-q from Rs 6.94 crore (16.5 percent of TIO).
Selling and marketing expense in Q2-17 increased 18.2 percent y-o-y to Rs 3.98 crore (11.9 percent of TIO) from Rs 3.37 crore (11 percent of TIO), but declined 33 percent q-o-q from Rs 5.95 crore (14.1 percent of TIO).
Mukhopadyay added, “ZLL through its varied forays including Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE), K-12 Education, Youth and Vocational Education is playing a strong and transformational role in India’s education system. I am confident that ZLL will continue to grow its business and is commited to create long-term value for its franchisees, parents and students, shareholders, employees and all stakeholders.”
Note:The unit of currency in this report is the Indian rupee – Rs (also conventionally represented by INR).The Indian numbering system or the Vedic numbering system has been used to denote money values. The basic conversion to the international norm would be:
(a) 100,00,000 = 100 lakh = 10,000,000 = 10 million = 1 crore.
(b) 10,000 lakh = 100 crore = 1 arab = 1 billion.
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
