Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd Falls to 52-Week Low of Rs.32.96

Recent Price Movement and Market Context

On 27 Feb 2026, Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd’s share price fell by 0.51%, underperforming its sector by 0.71%. The stock’s current price of Rs.32.96 represents a sharp decline from its 52-week high of Rs.65.31, indicating a loss of nearly 50% over the past year. This drop is compounded by a seven-day losing streak, during which the stock has delivered a negative return of 12.07%.

The broader market context shows the Sensex also trading lower, closing at 81,911.52 points, down 0.41% on the day. The index remains below its 50-day moving average, although the 50DMA itself is positioned above the 200DMA, signalling mixed technical signals for the market overall.

Network 18’s share price is currently trading below all key moving averages – 5-day, 20-day, 50-day, 100-day, and 200-day – underscoring the prevailing bearish sentiment among investors.

Financial Performance Highlights

The company’s financial metrics reveal several areas of concern that have contributed to the stock’s decline. Network 18 reported net sales of Rs.539.37 crores for the quarter ended December 2025, a steep fall of 60.36% compared to the previous period. This significant drop in revenue has weighed heavily on the company’s profitability and market valuation.

Operating profits have shown a negative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -170.36% over the last five years, reflecting persistent challenges in generating sustainable earnings from core operations. Additionally, the company’s debt servicing capacity remains limited, with a Debt to EBITDA ratio of 657.87 times, indicating a high leverage position relative to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation.

Return on Equity (ROE) averaged at 8.49%, signalling modest profitability relative to shareholders’ funds. Non-operating income accounted for 90.99% of profit before tax (PBT) in the recent quarter, highlighting a reliance on income sources outside the company’s primary business activities.

Valuation and Risk Considerations

Network 18’s valuation metrics suggest elevated risk levels relative to its historical averages. Despite the stock’s negative return of 23.43% over the past year, the company’s profits have increased by 109.5% during the same period, resulting in a price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of 1.5. This disparity points to a disconnect between earnings growth and market valuation.

The company’s market capitalisation grade stands at 3, reflecting a mid-tier size within its sector. The Mojo Score of 12.0 and a recent downgrade from a Sell to a Strong Sell rating on 17 Oct 2024 further underline the cautious stance adopted by rating agencies.

Domestic mutual funds hold a marginal stake of only 0.34% in Network 18, which may indicate limited institutional confidence or a cautious approach given the company’s current financial profile and market performance.

Comparative Performance

Over the last year, Network 18 has underperformed the Sensex, which delivered a positive return of 9.78%. The stock’s 23.43% decline contrasts sharply with the broader market’s gains, highlighting sector-specific or company-specific headwinds. Furthermore, the stock has lagged behind the BSE500 index over the last three years, one year, and three months, indicating a sustained period of underperformance relative to a broad market benchmark.

Debt and Capital Structure

The company’s debt-equity ratio at the half-year mark stands at 0.65 times, the highest recorded in recent periods. This elevated leverage level adds pressure on the company’s financial flexibility and increases the cost of capital. The high Debt to EBITDA ratio further emphasises the challenges Network 18 faces in managing its debt obligations relative to earnings.

Non-operating income contributing nearly 91% of profit before tax suggests that the company’s core business activities are not the primary drivers of profitability. This reliance on ancillary income streams may affect the sustainability of earnings and investor confidence.

Summary of Key Metrics

To summarise, Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd’s key financial and market metrics as of 27 Feb 2026 are:

• New 52-week low price: Rs.32.96
• 52-week high price: Rs.65.31
• One-year stock return: -23.43%
• Sensex one-year return: +9.78%
• Operating profit CAGR (5 years): -170.36%
• Debt to EBITDA ratio: 657.87 times
• Debt-equity ratio (HY): 0.65 times
• Return on Equity (average): 8.49%
• Mojo Score: 12.0 (Strong Sell, downgraded from Sell on 17 Oct 2024)
• Domestic mutual fund holding: 0.34%

Technical and Market Sentiment

The stock’s position below all major moving averages signals a bearish technical outlook. The consecutive seven-day decline and underperformance relative to the sector and broader market indices reflect subdued market sentiment. The Sensex’s own weakness on the day adds to the challenging environment for Network 18 shares.

Conclusion

Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd’s fall to a 52-week low of Rs.32.96 is the culmination of a series of financial setbacks, including sharply reduced sales, negative long-term profit growth, and high leverage. The stock’s underperformance relative to the Sensex and sector peers, combined with a downgrade to a Strong Sell rating, highlights the difficulties faced by the company in recent periods. The reliance on non-operating income and limited institutional ownership further characterise the current state of the stock within the media and entertainment sector.

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