Zee Entertainment Q2: Net profit drops 40.3% to ₹55.6 crore; EBITDA falls 46%

By:Asmita PantOctober 30, 2026 | 16:42 IST

• Published OnOct 30, 2026 | 16:42 IST
• Last Updated OnOct 30, 2026 | 16:42 IST

$16.3 billion in revenue, but an $80.7 billion loss | Anthropic reported $16.3 billion in revenue and an $80.7 billion net loss in the first half of 2026, with a one-time accounting charge of $72.4 billion accounting for most of the reported loss. The figures highlight why its financial performance must be assessed by looking at both revenue growth and the costs and accounting items behind the loss. (Image: Canva)
AI Summary

Higher content investments and sharply higher marketing expenses compressed operating margins and pulled down profitability, even as steady subscription gains lifted overall revenue. Find out how analysts view the financial impact of the ongoing international arbitration dispute.

Zee <a href="https://comicvibe.com/zee-entertainment-reports-q2-revenue-of-%e2%82%b92247-crore-vs/” title=”Zee Entertainment Reports Q2 Revenue of ₹2,247 Crore vs”>Entertainment Enterprises Limited reported a 40.3% year-on-year decline in consolidated net profit to ₹55.6 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2026, compared to ₹76.5 crore in the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year.

Consolidated revenue from operations grew 13% year-on-year to ₹2,225 crore from ₹1,969 crore in Q2 FY26. Topline growth was supported by subscription revenues, which increased to ₹1,332.4 crore from ₹1,023 crore, while advertising revenue came in flat at ₹803 crore compared to ₹806.3 crore in the year-ago period.

At the operating level, earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation (EBITDA) fell 46% year-on-year to ₹86.3 crore from ₹159 crore in Q2 FY26. Operating margins contracted significantly, with the EBITDA margin slipping to 3.8% against 8% reported in the same quarter last fiscal year.

Total operational expenditure expanded during the period, driven by programming and operational costs rising to ₹1,224.7 crore from ₹1,078 crore, alongside marketing and publicity expenses increasing to ₹571 crore against ₹369.1 crore in the year-ago period.

The company noted that the final evidentiary hearings before the London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) regarding its dispute with JioStar India Private Limited over the ICC TV rights agreement were completed during the quarter. JioStar has claimed damages of $1.097 billion, while ZEEL has filed a counterclaim of $8.06 million plus interest, with post-hearing briefs submitted and an arbitral award awaited.

On a standalone basis, Zee Entertainment posted a net profit of ₹209.8 crore for the quarter, compared to ₹78.3 crore in Q2 FY26, supported by ₹192.4 crore in dividend income received from a subsidiary.

The shares ended 6.4% in the red in the session on Friday, October 30. The stock has fallen 27% in the year so far.

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///Zee Entertainment Q2: Net profit drops 40.3% to ₹55.6 crore; EBITDA falls 46%

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