Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd Q4 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Navigating Challenges and Focusing on Growth

Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd reported a 2% drop in Q4 revenue to INR558 crores, but EBITDA rose 5% to INR131 crores. Print ad revenue increased 10% to INR313 crores, while circulation revenue grew 4% to INR51 crores. The company maintained a strong net cash position of over INR1,000 crores. However, the Radio business saw a decline in revenue, and the Digital segment reported negative operating EBITDA.

Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd (HMVL) reported a 2% decline in Q4 revenue to INR558 crores, driven by challenges in its Radio and Digital segments, despite a 5% increase in EBITDA to INR131 crores, with expanded EBITDA margin of 23%. The Print segment remained a key growth driver, with ad revenue rising 10% to INR313 crores and circulation revenue growing 4% to INR51 crores. For the full year, total revenue remained flat, while EBITDA grew 8% to INR298 crores, reflecting margin expansion and operational efficiency.

The company’s strong liquidity position was highlighted by net cash balance exceeding INR1,000 crores. However, the Radio segment continued to underperform, with negative operating EBITDA of INR7 crores in Q4 and INR22 crores for the full year. Similarly, the Digital segment reported negative operating EBITDA of INR2 crores in Q4 and INR8 crores for the year.

HMVL has taken strategic steps to streamline operations, including discontinuing its OTTplay business and surrendering nonviable Radio licenses. Despite these efforts, the company faces headwinds from rising newsprint costs, a weakening rupee, and global supply chain disruptions. Additionally, HMVL has not announced plans to return cash to shareholders, as it focuses on reinvesting in growth opportunities.