GTPL Hathway, a key player in digital cable TV and broadband services, saw its shares drop by 3% on October 10, following a significant decline in its Q2 net profit for the July-September quarter. The company reported a net profit of ₹12.7 crore, marking a steep 63% fall from ₹34.2 crore in the corresponding period last year.
The drop in earnings has raised concerns among those engaged in share market investment, particularly given the company's consistent downtrend over recent periods.
Q2 profit decline triggers market response
At 10:10 am on October 10, GTPL Hathway shares were trading at ₹162.02 on the NSE, reflecting the market's reaction to the weak Q2 performance. The stock has been underperforming for some time, delivering negative returns over the past week, one month, three months, one year, and even three years. Investors focusing on share market investment are keeping a close eye on the stock as it continues its downward trend.
Earnings report details
The company's net profit for Q2 of FY24 showed a sharp year-on-year (YoY) decline of 63%, dropping from ₹34.2 crore to ₹12.7 crore. This quarter marks the ninth time in the past ten quarters that GTPL Hathway has posted a YoY decline in profit, making it a concerning signal for those involved in share market investment.
Revenue growth offset by operational struggles
Despite the significant profit decline, GTPL Hathway saw an increase in its revenue from operations. The company posted revenue of ₹855.6 crore, up by 9.8% from ₹779.2 crore in the same quarter last year. However, the rise in revenue was not enough to counterbalance the weak operational performance, which led to a contraction in the company's EBITDA margin.
In Q2, the EBITDA margin fell to 12.5%, down from 16% in the previous year's corresponding quarter. This contraction in margin has added to the pressure on the company's bottom line, a key concern for share market investment enthusiasts.
The profit decline pattern continues
This quarter's performance follows a broader trend for GTPL Hathway, with the company struggling to maintain its profitability. Over the past 10 quarters, nine have shown YoY declines in profit. This consistent drop highlights the challenges the company faces in sustaining growth and profitability, and these figures are likely to weigh heavily on share market investment decisions moving forward.
Revenue growth unable to counter operational pressure
Although GTPL Hathway experienced a 9.8% YoY increase in revenue, the company has not been able to translate this growth into improved profitability. The contraction of its EBITDA margin from 16% to 12.5% indicates operational difficulties. This is a concerning trend for investors involved in share market investment, as sustained margin pressure could continue to weigh on the company's financial health.
Outlook for the stock
Investors involved in share market investment are expected to remain cautious regarding GTPL Hathway's stock in the near term. While the revenue growth in Q2 indicates potential, the ongoing profit decline and operational challenges suggest that the company may face further hurdles before it can achieve a turnaround. The consistent contraction in profitability, as evidenced by the declining EBITDA margins, raises questions about how effectively the company can manage costs and drive growth in a competitive market.
Final thoughts
GTPL Hathway's stock slipped 3% on October 10 following the announcement of a sharp 63% decline in its Q2 profit. Despite the company's revenue growth, operational challenges led to a contraction in EBITDA margins, resulting in a drop in overall profitability. The company's poor performance over recent quarters has caused concern among share market investment enthusiasts. As trading volumes spiked in response to the Q2 earnings report, the stock's ongoing downtrend remains a key factor to watch for those looking to engage in share market investment.