Zee Entertainment Q3 FY26 revenue up 15% YoY to Rs 2,280 Crore

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd has released its financial results for the nine-month period ending December 2025 and for Q3 FY26.

For Q3 FY26, Zee reported operating revenue of Rs 2,280 crore, a 15% increase from Rs 1,969 crore in Q3 FY25. Advertising revenue fell 9% year on year to Rs 852 crore, while subscription revenue grew 7% to Rs 1,050 crore, driven by digital expansion. Overall subscription revenue for the nine-month period increased 4% to Rs 3,055 crore, supported by digital growth. Other sales and services rose 45% to Rs 603 crore, fueled by content monetisation and movie-related revenue.

Zee5 posted a 45% year-on-year rise in revenue for the nine-month period, reaching Rs 1,018.8 crore. In Q3 FY26, Zee5 revenue climbed to Rs 418 crore from Rs 241 crore in the same quarter last year, reflecting improved monetisation and scale. The company’s revenue momentum continued throughout the year, culminating in a 73% YoY rise in Q3 FY26, boosted by content launches and disciplined cost management.

For the nine months ended December 2025, Zee’s operating revenue was Rs 6,074 crore, slightly down from Rs 6,110 crore in the same period last year. Advertising revenue declined 12% to Rs 2,416 crore due to subdued domestic demand. Total expenditure rose 5% to Rs 5,459 crore, with operating costs at Rs 3,355 crore, personnel expenses at Rs 650 crore, advertising and promotion at Rs 993 crore, and other expenses at Rs 462 crore. Increased programming and marketing spend pressured margins.

EBITDA for the nine months fell 33% to Rs 615 crore, with margins shrinking to 10.1% from 14.9% a year ago. Profit before tax from continuing operations decreased 23% to Rs 514 crore, while profit after tax from continuing operations fell 25% to Rs 375 crore. Overall profit for the period stood at Rs 375 crore, down 24% from last year.

Quarterly expenditure rose 23% year on year to Rs 2,040 crore. Operating costs were Rs 1,306 crore, personnel expenses Rs 216 crore, advertising and promotion Rs 348 crore, and other expenses Rs 170 crore, reflecting higher programming and content investments.

EBITDA for Q3 FY26 declined 24% to Rs 241 crore, with margins at 10.5% compared with 16.1% in Q3 FY25. Profit for the quarter was Rs 155 crore, down 5% year on year.