Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited (ZEEL) wrapped up FY25 with a robust performance, overcoming a sharp decline in advertising revenue through strategic diversification and operational efficiency. Despite a 27% year-on-year dip in ad revenue during Q4 FY25 – down to ₹589 million – ZEEL delivered strong overall results, buoyed by growth in digital, subscription, and syndication segments.
For the full fiscal year ending March 31, 2025, ZEEL reported a profit after tax of ₹6,874 million, reflecting a 245% surge over the previous year. Total revenue rose 6% year-on-year to ₹9,760 million, driven by ₹1,010 million in subscription income and ₹521 million from other sales and services. EBITDA reached ₹11,962 million, with margins improving 390 basis points to 14.4%.
Quarterly revenue for Q4 FY25 grew modestly by 1% to ₹21,841 million. However, the company significantly reduced EBITDA losses by ₹1,899 million, posting a Q4 EBITDA of ₹2,852 million – an indicator of financial turnaround.
ZEEL’s digital arm, ZEE5, played a key role, launching 16 titles, including four originals. Its YouTube network added 14.7 million subscribers over the year, reinforcing its digital dominance. Regional channels like Zee TV, Zee Marathi, and Zee Tamil also contributed to engagement and revenue growth.
As of March 31, 2025, ZEEL held ₹24.1 billion in cash and equivalents, supported by ₹2,000 million from FCCB proceeds. With a clear focus on digital content, subscription growth, and cost control, ZEEL enters FY26 on solid footing, while remaining cautious about ongoing macroeconomic headwinds.
