MUMBAI:  Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has closed its financial year on a high note, reporting a 32 per cent rise in EBITDA to Rs 11,962 million for FY25, powered by sharp cost control and solid performance across its digital and television businesses. The company’s board has recommended a dividend of Rs 2.43 per equity share of Re 1, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming annual general meeting.

Zee’s traditional TV business held its ground, maintaining a stable 16.8 per cent share of the Indian TV network viewership, even as sports broadcasts slightly ate into general entertainment viewership. Notably, Zeel’s regional channels — Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu — emerged as strong performers.

On the digital front, Zeel’s streaming platform Zee5 recorded a six per cent year-on-year increase in revenue, reaching Rs 9,760 million in FY25. Even more impressive was the platform’s ability to rein in losses, slashing its EBITDA losses by Rs 5,572 million over the year. Zee5’s growth was fuelled by 20 new original titles, which helped it maintain user engagement despite a challenging digital ad market.

Zee Studios had a busy quarter, releasing eight films across Hindi and regional languages, bolstering its presence in the domestic film market. Meanwhile, Zee Music Co (ZMC) continued its YouTube dominance, reaching 164 million subscribers with a whopping 190 billion views in FY25. ZMC added 14.7 million new subscribers during the year, solidifying its position as the second-largest music label on YouTube.

Zee’s financials reflected strong cost discipline. Total revenue for FY25 stood at Rs 82,941 million, with an EBITDA margin of 14.4 per cent — a 390 basis point increase from FY24. Profit after tax (PAT) from continuing operations surged by 245 per cent to Rs 6,874 million, a testament to the company’s focus on profitability.

The balance sheet looked rock-solid with cash and cash equivalents swelling to Rs 24.1 billion by March 2025, including Rs 2 billion from the first tranche of Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds (FCCB). The company’s net profit for the year came in at Rs 6,795 million, a massive 381 per cent jump over FY24.

* Operating revenue for FY25: Rs 82,941 million, down four per cent YoY due to advertising pressure.
* Expenditure fell by eight per cent to Rs 70,979 million, reflecting strong cost control.
* EBITDA for FY25 rose to Rs 11,962 million, with a margin of 14.4 per cent, up 390 bps YoY.
* Profit before tax (PBT) from continuing operations surged 143 per cent to Rs 9,261 million.
* Zee’s all-India TV network share: 16.8 per cent, marginally down by 30 basis points YoY.
* Regional powerhouses included Zee Marathi, Zee Kannada, and Zee Telugu.
* TV revenues saw a mixed bag, with advertising under pressure but subscription and syndication revenue offering a cushion.
* Zee5 revenue: Rs 9,760 million, up 6 per cent YoY.
* EBITDA losses cut by Rs 5,572 million in FY25.
* Original content: 20 new titles, driving user engagement.
* Syndication revenue provided an additional boost.
* Zee Studios: Eight films released in Q4 FY25 across Hindi and regional languages.
* Notable releases included Chirodini Tumi Je Amar (Zee Bangla), Naa Ninna Bidalaare  (Zee Kannada), Lakshmi Nivasam (Zee Telugu), and Gatti Melam (Zee Tamil).
* Zee Studios maintained its focus on a balanced mix of in-house and distributed titles.
* ZMC: Total subscribers: 164 million across all channels, up 14.7 million YoY.
* Total video views: 190 billion in FY25.
* ZMC remains the second-largest music label on YouTube globally.