Zee Entertainment Enterprises has reported an increase of 26.7% rise in its consolidated net profit for the second quarter ending September due to increased subscriptions and lower costs.

The consolidated net profit in the quarter rose to Rs160 crore compared to Rs126.3 crore in the same period last year. The company's consolidated revenues stood at Rs718.4 crore and its earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) margins was recorded at 28.9%.

The Consolidated operating profit rose 10.1% to Rs207.5 crore in the quarter compared to Rs188.5 crore in the second quarter previous year. The total expenses of the company fell 2% to Rs518.7 crore during the quarter while programming and operating costs were down 7% at Rs322.38 crore.

The subscription earnings for the media and entertainment company increased 6.3% Rs291 crore, out of which Rs195.1 crore was from domestic subscribers and Rs95.9 crore from international subscriptions.

Subhash Chandra, chairman, Zee said, "While the economic situation in India is far better than most other countries, market sentiment continues to be cautious. This caution has affected advertising spends on television, which has witnessed some deceleration. The good part is that the television economy continues to grow robustly on the back of subscriber growth and digitization."