Hindustan Media Ventures Ltd (NSE: HMVL) announced a 7% increase in quarterly operating revenue and the appointment of Sameer Singh as Managing Director, while a one-time exceptional charge related to labor code changes impacted net profit.
The company reported a steady increase in operational revenue alongside the finalization of a long-term leadership transition, even as a significant non-recurring regulatory charge weighed on bottom-line performance.
Board Update
The Board approved the appointment of Sameer Singh as Managing Director for a five-year term starting March 1, 2026, subject to shareholder approval. Singh, an IIM Calcutta alumnus and former head of North America Global Business Solutions at TikTok/ByteDance, joined the company as Chief Executive Officer in March 2025.
The company also reported an exceptional loss of ₹1,609 lakh for the quarter. The non-recurring charge reflects the incremental financial impact of the Government of India’s new Labor Codes, mainly related to higher gratuity and compensated absence provisions.
Earnings Snapshot
For the quarter ended December 31, 2025, consolidated revenue from operations rose to ₹21,224 lakh from ₹19,747 lakh a year earlier. Total income stood at ₹23,639 lakh. Profit after tax declined to ₹89 lakh from ₹1,799 lakh in the year-ago quarter, mainly due to exceptional regulatory provisions.
EBITDA for the quarter was ₹2,339 lakh. On a standalone basis, advertising revenue from Hindi print titles fell 4% year on year to ₹123 crore, reflecting a shift in festive season timing. Digital segment revenue increased 30% year on year to ₹67 crore. The group reported a net cash position of ₹945 crore on a consolidated basis.
Operational Priorities
Management’s stated strategy focuses on scaling digital-first offerings while maintaining the resilience of established print mastheads. Operational priorities include the recalibration of the radio business, which has faced revenue pressure due to a high base effect from previous event-led activities. The company continues to monitor the finalization of state-level labor rules to provide further accounting adjustments as needed. Strategic growth is being driven by key digital properties, including OTTplay, which have shown annual and sequential margin expansion.
Market Backdrop
HMVL’s performance occurs within an Indian media landscape characterized by steady circulation revenues in print but volatile advertising cycles influenced by festive shifts. The broader sector is currently navigating the transition to a consolidated federal labor framework, which has necessitated one-time adjustments across capital-intensive industries. While the digital segment shows strong momentum, the traditional radio sector remains under pressure, necessitating proactive operational recalibration to align with current industry dynamics.