Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has released its audited results for the quarter and year ended on March 31, 2025, approved in its 243rd board meeting. With profit after tax (PAT) at Rs 2.80 billion, as compared to Rs 8.49 billion loss in fourth quarter (Q4) 2023-24, it is the public sector undertaking’s (PSU) first back-to-back profitable quarters.
As per the company, its loss reduced by 58 per cent to Rs 22.47 billion in 2024-25, as compared to Rs 53.70 billion in 2023-24. Moreover, 10 circles turned PAT positive in 2024-25 as compared to 3 circles last year. The company’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) stood at Rs 53.96 billion in 2024-25 against Rs 21.64 billion in 2023-24, showing an increase in margin to 23.01 per cent from 10.15 per cent in the reported period. Meanwhile, 27 circles turned EBITDA-positive in 2024-25 as compared to 17 circles in the previous year.
Further, the company’s operating revenue grew by 7.8 per cent to Rs 208.41 billion from Rs 193.30 billion in the reported period. Company’s total income stood at Rs 234.27 billion against Rs 213.02 billion, showing a 10 per cent growth.
The PSU’s mobility (including IUC), fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), leased lines (including ent.) and asset monetisation segments showed a 6 per cent, 10 per cent, 3.5 per cent and 77 per cent growth respectively, reaching to Rs 74.99 billion, Rs 29.23 billion, Rs 40.96 billion and Rs 11.20 billion respectively in 2024-25.
Furthermore, BSNL’s total expenditure decreased by 3 per cent to Rs 258.41 billion in 2024-25, against Rs 266.73 billion in 2023-24. The finance cost decreased by 14 per cent to Rs 15.27 billion against Rs 17.80 billion in the reported period. The company increased its capital expenditure (capex), increased depreciation and amortisation costs, to Rs 62.83 billion against Rs 57.55 billion in the reported period.
The company’s capex investment stood at Rs 260.22 billion in 2024-25, including equipment/towers investments worth Rs 153.24 billion and spectrum investments worth Rs 106.98 billion. This is the largest investment in the company’s history primarily due to 4G roll out and fibre.
Commenting on the results, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North Eastern Region, said, “Under the visionary leadership of the prime minister, today marks a historic milestone in the evolution of India’s telecommunications sector. This is a landmark moment in BSNL’s journey. For the first time in 18 years, BSNL has posted consecutive quarterly net profits, not just operating profits or positive EBITDA margins, but actual net profits. In Q3 of 2024-25, BSNL reported a net profit of Rs 2.62 billion. I am proud to share with every citizen of the country that this momentum has not only sustained but strengthened, with BSNL registering a net profit of Rs 2.80 billion in Q4 2024-25. This achievement is a powerful testament to the prime minister’s steadfast resolve and transformative vision for a self-reliant and digitally empowered India.”
Meanwhile, A. Robert J. Ravi, managing director, BSNL, said, “The outlook for the coming year will continue to show strong top-line revenue growth alongside a steady decline in operating costs, both critical to sustained profitability. However, in the near term, higher depreciation and amortisation arising from recent spectrum acquisitions and heavy capex will weigh on quarterly results despite these solid fundamentals. Over the medium to long term, BSNL’s profitability prospects are robust, supported by the nationwide rollout of 4G/5G (use of Atmanirbhar equipment), 5G network-as-a-Service initiatives, investments in core infrastructure and upgradation of backhaul aging fibres. Although profit after tax may be subdued next fiscal year because of the sizeable capex and spectrum infusion, these investments are expected to spur accelerated growth and profitability thereafter. In addition, the ongoing asset-monetisation efforts will generate further funds that can be reinvested to further strengthen the company’s capital programme. We have almost doubled our asset monetisation this year. The sharp turnaround is a testament to professional management, government support, and relentless focus on both the top line and bottom line. BSNL is not just being revived, but redefined.”
He further added, “With disciplined cost control and accelerated 4G/5G deployment, we are confident of sustaining this growth trajectory and delivering affordable, high-quality connectivity to every Indian, to whom we are deeply indebted. Our aim is not to chase profits, but to redefine telecom excellence in public service. When we consistently do the right things, deliver exceptional service, reach the unreached, and innovate for inclusivity, profits will naturally follow as a by-product of that excellence.”
