BENGALURU: The GST implementation resulted in deferral of advertising spends in late Q1-18 (quarter ended 30 June 2017, current quarter) says Network 18 Limited.: While April-May witnessed robust revenue growth, June was substantially impacted by postponement in advertising spends. Nevertheless, The company believe that this is a transitory impact and GST shall drive the informal economy towards the formal channel in the long-run, which will push up advertising spends.

Overall revenue including proportionate share of JVs’ increased 3 percent year-over-year (y-o-y) in Q1-18 to Rs 8,360 million from Rs 8,140 million in the corresponding year ago quarter Q1-17.Segment operating loss (EBIDTA) declined to Rs 510 millon in Q1-18 as compared to Rs 580 million in Q1-17. Revenue as IND-AS in Q1-18 was lower at Rs 3,210 million as compared to Rs 3,520 million in Q1-17. Operating loss as per IND-AS declined to Rs 460 million as compared to Rs 740 million in Q1-17.

Network18 chairman Adil Zainulbhai said,“The digital space in India is witnessing an insatiable appetite for quality content, and Network18 continues to be at the forefront of providing the same in a frictionless manner across genres. We aim to marry vernacular and digital opportunities in India with our strength in linear media to fulfil the rising demand for content that is both targeted and available on-demand.”

Zainulbhai continued, “The industry is navigating through a period of flux in both the advertising environment and the subscription business model; but underlying growth tailwinds are intact and bode well for committed players. We believe that TV18 is well-positioned to capitalize on its strengths in content curation and creation of scalable platforms for seamless delivery. Our commitment to creating value for all our stakeholders is reflected in our continued investments into incubating segmented offerings, and consistently building on our areas of leadership.”

TV 18, the listed subsidiary of Network 18 reported 1.8 percent y-o-y decline in consolidated revenue in Q1-18 to Rs 2,170 million from Rs 2,210 million. TV18’s. TV18 owns and operates the largest network of channels – 49 in India spanning news and entertainment. It also caters to the Indian diaspora globally through 13 international channels. The company says that revenue growth from business news boosted TV18 standalone operating EBITDA. However, regional news witnessed softness in revenues and low profitability due to gestation losses. Entertainment revenues were aided by strong performance in niche genres and strength of the bouquet, it adds.

TV18 posted consolidated revenues of Rs. 6,280 million (including proportionate share of JVs) in Q1FY18, a 4 percent y-o-y growth. Profitability improved mildly, driven by business news performance and helped by steady ramp-up of the multiple new initiatives undertaken in Q1-17.

Tv18’s Total Expenditure in Q1-18 increased 2.9 percent y-o-y to Rs 2,520 million from Rs 2,450 million.TV 18’sEmployee Benefits Expense in the current quarter increased 23.4 percent y-o-y to Rs 950 million from Rs 770 million. TV 18’2 Finance costs declined 20 percent y-o-y in Q1-18 to Rs 40 million from Rs 50 million.

TV18’s Other expenses in Q1-18 declined 13 percent to Rs 870 million from Rs 1,000 million.TV 18’s Distribution, advertising and business promotion expense reduced 3.8 percent y-o-y in Q1-18 to Rs 510 million from Rs 530 million.

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