Company Overview

Hindustan Media Ventures Limited (HMVL) reported its FY26 financial results and announced its 16th Annual General Meeting scheduled for September 24, 2026, to be held via video conferencing.

Financial Performance

HMVL reported consolidated revenue growth of 9.9% to ₹740 crore in FY26, with EBITDA margin maintained at 24.5%. However, profit declined significantly by 37% YoY to INR 4,869 lakhs, primarily impacted by an exceptional loss of INR 1,634 lakhs from the implementation of new Labour Codes. This included INR 1,519 lakhs for statutory impact of new Labour Codes and INR 115 lakhs for inventory write-down. The company's gearing ratio increased to 5.14% due to higher borrowings.

Business Restructuring

The company discontinued its OTTplay business during FY26 as it did not align with strategic and financial performance criteria, resulting in a substantial loss of INR 9,239 lakhs from discontinued operations. This included an additional exceptional loss of INR 1,016 lakhs for Labour Code impact and provision towards contractual obligations. HT Content Studio LLP (joint venture) was struck off by MCA effective September 8, 2025.

AGM Agenda and Corporate Governance

The 16th AGM will feature votes on adoption of audited standalone and consolidated financial statements and reappointment of Director Priyavrat Bhartia who retires by rotation. The company transferred unpaid dividend of ₹1,12,390.8 and 5,193 equity shares to IEPF Authority for FY 2017-18. No dividend was recommended for FY26 on equity shares.

Operational Highlights

The company maintained market leadership in Hindi heartland despite industry challenges, with editorial initiatives including Operation Sindoor coverage, Himalaya Bachao Abhiyaan, and various events business activities. The capital structure shows promoter holding at 74.40% (HT Media Limited) with public holding at 25.39%.

Regulatory Compliance and Auditors

All related party transactions were at arm's length and in ordinary course of business. The statutory auditor S.R. Batliboi & Co. LLP issued an unmodified opinion, with key audit matters including impairment of brand and fair value measurement of investments. The Labour Code impact disclosure follows Ministry of Labour & Employment's draft Central Rules and FAQs.