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Cumulus Media (CMLSQ)
OTHER OTC:CMLSQ
US Market
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Cumulus Media (CMLSQ) AI Stock Analysis

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CMLSQ

Cumulus Media

(OTC:CMLSQ)

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Neutral 41 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:41Neutral
Price Target:
$0.01
▲(10.00% Upside)
Action:Reiterated
Date:08/04/26
The score is driven primarily by weak financial performance: declining revenue, sustained losses, negative operating/free cash flow, and elevated balance-sheet risk from high debt and unstable equity. Technical and valuation inputs are largely unavailable, so they contribute only neutral-to-slightly-negative support without offsetting the fundamental risks.
Positive Factors
Large local station footprint
A broad portfolio of local AM/FM stations gives durable market reach and entrenched local advertiser relationships. That geographic footprint supports steady local ad demand, cross-selling and scale in sales operations, helping revenue stability across market cycles.
Negative Factors
Sustained revenue declines
Material and ongoing revenue contraction weakens scale economics for ad inventory and erodes bargaining power with advertisers. Prolonged top-line decline makes restoring margins harder and reduces the odds of self-funded investment in content or digital initiatives over the next several quarters.
Read all positive and negative factors
Positive Factors
Negative Factors
Large local station footprint
A broad portfolio of local AM/FM stations gives durable market reach and entrenched local advertiser relationships. That geographic footprint supports steady local ad demand, cross-selling and scale in sales operations, helping revenue stability across market cycles.
Read all positive factors

Cumulus Media (CMLSQ) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

Cumulus Media Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company Description
Cumulus Media Inc. is a leading audio media enterprise, established in 2002 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The company manages an extensive network of radio broadcasting outlets throughout the United States, reaching diverse markets direct...
How the Company Makes Money
Cumulus Media primarily makes money by selling advertising and marketing services across its audio platforms. The largest revenue stream is typically broadcast radio advertising sold to local and national advertisers, where brands pay for on-air c...

Cumulus Media Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 07, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Aug 05, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a company facing significant revenue challenges due to macroeconomic pressures and weak national advertising, partially offset by strong digital growth and effective cost management. While there are positive strategic initiatives and engagement from employees and shareholders, the revenue decline and high leverage present ongoing challenges.
Positive Updates
Digital Marketing Services Growth
Digital marketing services business was up 38% year-over-year, with an expected surpass of $100 million run rate early next year. This reflects a strategic growth area for the company with a significant contribution to digital revenue.
Negative Updates
Total Revenue Decline
Total revenue down 9.2%, with broadcast revenue particularly impacted by macroeconomic pressures and a weak national advertising environment.
Read all updates
Q2-2025 Updates
Negative
Digital Marketing Services Growth
Digital marketing services business was up 38% year-over-year, with an expected surpass of $100 million run rate early next year. This reflects a strategic growth area for the company with a significant contribution to digital revenue.
Read all positive updates
Company Guidance
In the call, Cumulus Media provided guidance reflecting a challenging fiscal environment but highlighted several key performance metrics. The company reported a 9.2% decline in total revenue for Q2 2025, slightly better than previous guidance, with a significant decline attributed to macroeconomic pressures. Despite these challenges, Cumulus Media noted a 38% year-over-year increase in their local digital marketing services business, contributing to a 20% rise in total digital revenue. The company achieved over $175 million in fixed cost reductions over five years, including $5 million in Q2, and ended the quarter with $97 million in cash, partly due to a $55 million draw on their ABL revolver. Additionally, the company's broadcast segment faced headwinds, with a 20% decline in network revenue partly due to the discontinuation of certain programs. Looking ahead to Q3, Cumulus Media anticipates revenue pacing down in the low double digits but remains optimistic about digital growth, projecting their digital marketing services business to surpass a $100 million run rate early next year.

Cumulus Media Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financial results show a sharp deterioration from 2021–2022 profitability to sustained losses and cash burn in 2023–TTM. Revenue is declining, margins are deeply negative (including a large negative net margin), and operating/free cash flow have turned negative. The balance sheet adds significant risk with high debt and volatile/previously negative equity, reducing financial flexibility.
Income Statement
24
Negative
Balance Sheet
18
Very Negative
Cash Flow
21
Negative
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue718.79M741.70M827.08M844.55M953.51M916.47M
Gross Profit460.89M470.35M502.83M511.19M596.03M557.78M
EBITDA-70.29M-78.07M59.20M81.83M158.40M138.13M
Net Income-185.20M-200.70M-283.25M-117.88M16.23M17.28M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets903.43M982.97M1.12B1.44B1.61B1.72B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments57.61M81.98M63.84M80.66M107.43M177.03M
Total Debt923.00K842.24M794.71M813.08M862.35M988.00M
Total Liabilities39.57M1.13B1.11B1.15B1.20B1.30B
Stockholders Equity-207.87M-191.52M6.95M286.58M408.40M419.50M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow-55.67M-41.57M-22.58M6.85M47.42M39.43M
Operating Cash Flow-37.08M-21.34M-3.12M31.66M78.48M68.52M
Investing Cash Flow-6.22M-7.86M-4.23M-6.82M-26.24M-1.54M
Financing Cash Flow48.21M47.34M-9.47M-51.61M-121.84M-161.71M

Cumulus Media Risk Analysis

Cumulus Media disclosed 35 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. Cumulus Media reported the most risks in the "Finance & Corporate" category.
Finance & Corporate - Financial and accounting risks. Risks related to the execution of corporate activity and strategy
Latest Risks Added 0 New Risks

Cumulus Media Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
$9.98B11.357.53%3.62%0.44%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
53
Neutral
$106.29M-14.3217.82%12.68%-5.45%61.51%
50
Neutral
$56.96M-6.27-5.57%11.66%-4.10%-343.54%
49
Neutral
$41.99M-0.20-401.05%-14.99%-1938.45%
47
Neutral
$551.28M-1.9415.76%2.06%77.93%
41
Neutral
$12.65M-329.89%-11.74%40.05%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
CMLSQ
Cumulus Media
0.01
-0.16
-94.12%
BBGI
Beasley Broadcast Group
26.04
21.80
514.15%
SGA
Saga Communications
9.25
-1.87
-16.78%
SIRI
Sirius XM Holdings
30.75
10.76
53.84%
TSQ
Townsquare Media
6.23
0.25
4.20%
IHRT
iHeartMedia
3.85
2.12
122.54%
Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Aug 04, 2026