In a quarter when Info Edge reported an all time high deferred sales revenue of Rs. 64 Crore (up 44% year on year and 5% QoQ), on the back of growth in its jobs classifieds (Naukri.com) and real estate classifieds (99Acres.com), the performance of its matrimonial business Jeevansathi.com was cause for concern. (ED: also read our previous story on the implications of deferred sales revenue for Info Edge) Jeevansathi.com Worries Jeevansathi reported an increase in net sales of 7% for the quarter, 3% for the year, and revenues of Rs. 5.4 crore, reporting a loss of Rs. 3.5 crore loss on the back of increased advertising spends; the number of unique paying customers remain flat. In Q1 this year, it had registered no growth. Info Edge CEO Hitesh Oberoi said that the company's strategy is to spend on market and brand building to gain marketshare in the segment. Yet, the business remains number three in the market (behind Shaadi.com and Bharatmatrimony.com). Oberoi also said on the call that the company has virtually vacated the South India market, and is focusing primarily on the Western and Northern markets. The business doesn't appear to be scaling, with 3.9 million ever added profiles, has a database that regularly churns out (and is hence marketing spends dependent). Despite long gestation periods for the real estate and matrimonial businesses, recruitment still accounts for 83% of Info Edge topline (marginally less if you include All Check Deals, which has been hived off); Info Edge, at the…
