DB Corp Ltd, widely known as the Dainik Bhaskar Group, is India's largest print media company, holding a significant market presence across numerous states and languages. Headquartered in Bhopal, India, the company operates with a diversified business model that includes print media, radio broadcasting, and digital services, employing a workforce of 5,295 individuals.
DB Corp Ltd is an Indian newspaper group that publishes 66 editions in four languages, positioning it as one of the country's most comprehensive media organizations. Its business activities encompass the publishing of newspapers and magazines, radio broadcasting, providing integrated internet and mobile interactive services, and event management. The company operates through two primary segments: the Printing/Publishing and Allied Business segment (including newspapers, magazines, printing job work, and internet/mobile services) and the Radio segment (focused on radio broadcasting).
The flagship publication, Dainik Bhaskar, is India's largest circulated daily newspaper and has garnered considerable international acclaim. It was recognized by WAN IFRA in 2019 as the world's 3rd largest circulated daily newspaper, highlighting its extensive reach and influence within the Indian media landscape.
DB Corp boasts an extensive publication portfolio featuring prominent newspapers such as Dainik Bhaskar (Hindi daily), Divya Bhaskar (Gujarati daily), Dainik Divya Marathi (Marathi daily), Saurashtra Samachar, DB Post (English daily), and DB Star. Additionally, the company publishes three magazines: Aha! Zindagi (a monthly Hindi family magazine), Bal Bhaskar (a Hindi children's magazine), and Young Bhaskar (an English children's magazine).
The geographic footprint of DB Corp is substantial. Dainik Bhaskar is distributed across 12 states with 61 editions in Hindi, Gujarati, and Marathi. The company publishes six newspapers in Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, and English, reaching 14 states with an estimated readership of forty-four million.
The company's origins trace back to 1958 with its establishment in Bhopal. Its expansion gained momentum in 1983 with the launch of the Indore edition of Dainik Bhaskar. Founded by Ramesh Chandra Agarwal in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, this marked the genesis of what has grown into India's largest print media empire.
DB Corp's financial performance reflects the dynamic nature of the traditional media sector. As of recent data, the company has a market capitalization of ₹4,870 crore, showing a 24.9% decline over the past year.
For the financial year ended March 2025, key financial metrics include:
- Sales: Declined by 2.62% to ₹2,339.11 crore compared to ₹2,402.09 crore in FY2024.
- Net Profit: Declined by 12.82% to ₹370.98 crore compared to ₹425.52 crore in FY2024.
- Dividend Yield: The stock offers a good dividend yield of 4.73%.
- Dividend Payout: The company has consistently maintained a healthy dividend payout of 58.4%.
Recent quarterly performance for Q4 FY25 indicated:
- Net Profit: Declined by 57.29% to ₹52.33 crore from ₹122.53 crore in Q4 FY24.
- Sales: Declined by 11.26% to ₹547.66 crore from ₹617.14 crore in Q4 FY24.
Promoter holding in DB Corp Ltd has seen an increase to 72.95% as of March 2025, up from 72.36% as of June 2024. This high promoter stake signifies strong control by the founding family and reflects management's confidence in the company's future prospects.
In response to the evolving media landscape, DB Corp has made substantial investments in digital transformation. Its other media ventures include MY FM and DB Digital, underscoring the company's diversification into radio and digital platforms. MY FM, the Group's radio network, operates over 25 radio stations, extending its reach beyond conventional print media.
The company continues to adapt to shifting market dynamics while preserving its leading position in the print media sector. Despite facing challenges common to traditional media companies, DB Corp's diversified portfolio, strong brand recognition, and extensive distribution network are well-positioned to navigate the evolving media landscape effectively.
