Nexstar Media Group (NXST)
NASDAQ:NXST
Want to see NXST full AI Analyst Report?
Earnings Data
Report Date
Aug 06, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q2)Consensus EPS Forecast
5.91Last Year’s EPS
3.06Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 5 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call highlighted significant operational and financial achievements — record consolidated revenue, strong adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow, rapid audience growth at NewsNation, progress toward CW profitability, and strategic digital distribution deals — alongside disciplined capital allocation and early deleveraging actions. However, material risk remains from ongoing litigation that requires TEGNA to operate separately, elevated post‑acquisition leverage and higher interest/one‑time costs, and a softer near‑term advertising backdrop with some digital segment weakness. Overall, the positives in quarterly performance, audience and distribution momentum, and clear capital‑return and deleveraging priorities outweigh the near‑term legal and advertising headwinds, though legal uncertainty and debt levels are meaningful risks to monitor.Company Guidance
Record Quarterly Revenue and Strong Profitability
Consolidated Q1 net revenue of $1.4 billion, up $162 million or 13.1% year-over-year. Adjusted EBITDA of $470 million (33.7% margin), up $89 million versus Q1 2025. Consolidated adjusted free cash flow of $420 million versus $348 million a year ago; legacy Nexstar excl. TEGNA generated $439 million of adjusted EBITDA and $400 million of adjusted FCF.
Closed Landmark TEGNA Acquisition
Transaction closed on March 19 after FCC and DOJ approval; company provided extensive regulatory documentation and agreed to concessions including increased local news in nine markets, divestitures in six markets within two years, and extended retransmission agreements — positioning Nexstar to materially expand scale and local reach.
NewsNation Rapid Audience Growth
NewsNation was the fastest-growing primetime network across major broadcast and cable networks in March 2026: total viewers up 85% year-over-year and adults 25–54 up 100% versus prior year; ranked 35th in total household primetime among ad-supported cable in Q1.
The CW Improving Toward Profitability and Growing Sports Footprint
The CW improved year-over-year profitability in Q1 and is on track to be profitable by Q4 2026, with an expectation to reduce full-year losses by more than 30% this year. Strengthened sports content via Mountain West multiyear rights and additional sports inventory (148 additional hours in 2026; nearly half the schedule sports/adja-cent). NASCAR races delivered >1.0 million viewers per race (first 12 races); ACC basketball viewership rose +6% (men) and +26% (women).
Expanded Digital Distribution Partnerships
Strategic partnerships to extend reach and monetization: ESPN will be the exclusive streaming home for CW Sports on the ESPN app/website (ESPN Unlimited subscribers) beginning summer 2026; Roku will carry CW entertainment next‑day on The Roku Channel, giving access to more than half of U.S. broadband households.
Strong Political Advertising Performance
Combined political advertising revenue in Q1 was $78 million, up 89% versus the comparable 2022 cycle and up 19% versus 2024. Reported (company) political advertising was $46 million for the period; industry broadcast political ad spend rose 79% vs. 2022 (AdImpact).
Capital Allocation Discipline and Deleveraging Actions
Returned $56 million to shareholders via dividends and maintained a 1.86¢ quarterly dividend (3.7% yield). Repaid $182 million of debt through April 30 (plus subsequent optional $150 million Term Loan A repayment). Net first‑lien covenant ratio annualized at 2.94x (well below covenant of 4.75x); total net leverage 3.84x at quarter end.
Operating Expense and CapEx Management
Excluding one-time items, legacy Nexstar recurring cash operating expenses were modestly down ($1 million). Q1 CapEx was $22 million, down $13 million versus $35 million in Q1 2025, reflecting near-term spend timing adjustments tied to the acquisition.
NXST Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
NXST Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
May 07, 2026 | $197.21 | $194.52 | -1.36% |
Feb 26, 2026 | $232.54 | $246.16 | +5.86% |
Nov 06, 2025 | $192.91 | $186.01 | -3.58% |
Aug 07, 2025 | $182.12 | $179.72 | -1.32% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Nexstar Media Group (NXST) report earnings?
Nexstar Media Group (NXST) is schdueled to report earning on Aug 06, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Nexstar Media Group (NXST) earnings time?
Nexstar Media Group (NXST) earnings time is at Aug 06, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is NXST EPS forecast?
NXST EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q2) is 5.91.