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iHeartMedia (IHRT)
NASDAQ:IHRT
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iHeartMedia (IHRT) AI Stock Analysis

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IHRT

iHeartMedia

(NASDAQ:IHRT)

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Neutral 56 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:56Neutral
Price Target:
$4.00
▼(-13.61% Downside)
iHeartMedia's overall stock score reflects significant financial challenges, with high leverage and negative equity impacting financial stability. While technical analysis shows bullish momentum, overbought conditions could lead to a pullback. The earnings call highlighted growth in digital segments but also pointed out revenue declines in other areas and ongoing cost management efforts. Valuation remains a concern due to negative earnings and lack of dividends.
Positive Factors
Digital Audio Growth
Strong revenue growth in the Digital Audio Group indicates robust demand and successful market positioning, contributing to long-term revenue stability.
Podcast Revenue Expansion
The significant increase in podcast revenue highlights iHeartMedia's effective capture of a growing media segment, supporting future revenue diversification.
Cost Management
Effective cost management initiatives enhance operational efficiency, improving profitability and financial health over the long term.
Negative Factors
High Leverage
High leverage and negative equity pose risks to financial stability, limiting flexibility and increasing vulnerability to economic downturns.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Negative free cash flow indicates challenges in cash generation, potentially impacting the company's ability to invest in growth and service debt.
Multiplatform Revenue Decline
Declining revenue in the Multiplatform Group suggests challenges in traditional media segments, impacting overall revenue growth and market competitiveness.

iHeartMedia (IHRT) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)

iHeartMedia Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptioniHeartMedia, Inc. operates as a media and entertainment company worldwide. It operates through three segments: Multiplatform Group, Digital Audio Group, and Audio & Media Services Group. The Multiplatform Group segment offers broadcast radio stations, sponsorship, and live and virtual events; and operates Premiere Networks, a national radio network that produces, distributes, or represents approximately 120 syndicated radio programs and services to approximately 6,400 radio station affiliates. It also delivers real-time traffic flow and incident information, and weather updates, sports, and news through approximately 2,100 radio stations and 170 television affiliates, and Internet and mobile partnerships. As of December 31, 2021, this segment owned 863 radio stations, which included 249 AM and 614 FM radio stations. The Digital Audio Group segment provides podcasting, digital sites, newsletters, digital services, and programs; and iHeartRadio, a mobile app and web-based service for radio stations, digital-only stations, custom artist stations, and podcasts. The Audio and Media Services Group segment engages in the media representation business. This segment also provides cloud and on-premises broadcast software, such as radio and television automation, music scheduling, newsroom automation, advertising sales management, disaster recovery solutions; and real-time audio recognition technology to approximately 10,000 radio and television stations, cable channels, record labels, advertisers, and agencies, as well as media streaming and research services. The company was formerly known as CC Media Holdings, Inc. and changed its name to iHeartMedia, Inc. in September 2014. iHeartMedia, Inc. is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.
How the Company Makes MoneyiHeartMedia generates revenue primarily through advertising sales, which account for a significant portion of its earnings. The company sells advertising space across its radio stations, digital platforms, and live events, allowing businesses to reach targeted audiences. Additionally, iHeartMedia benefits from partnerships with various brands and advertisers, enabling sponsored content and promotional opportunities. The company's digital segment, including iHeartRadio, contributes to its revenue through digital advertising and subscription services. Furthermore, the company engages in live event promotions, generating income from ticket sales and sponsorship deals. Overall, iHeartMedia's diverse revenue streams, combined with its extensive reach in the media landscape, support its financial performance.

iHeartMedia Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Aug 11, 2025
(Q2-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Nov 10, 2025
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presented a balanced view with strong performance in the Digital Audio Group and podcasting growth, countered by declines in the Multiplatform Group and overall revenue guidance uncertainty. Cost management efforts are on track, but negative free cash flow and revenue declines in certain segments are concerns.
Q2-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Digital Audio Group Revenue Growth
The Digital Audio Group generated second quarter revenue of $324 million, up 13.4% versus prior year, slightly above the previously provided guidance of up low double digits.
Podcast Revenue Surge
Podcast revenue grew 28.5% compared to prior year, above guidance of up low 20s, indicating strong growth momentum in podcasting.
Top Advertisers' Revenue Increase
The top 50 advertisers for the total company were up 9% year-over-year, and the 4 largest advertising agency groups were up 14% year-over-year.
Adjusted EBITDA Achievement
Adjusted EBITDA was $156 million, at the upper end of the guidance range of $140 million to $160 million, and 4% above prior year.
Cost Management Success
The company remains on track to generate $150 million net savings in 2025, with Q2 results including $40 million of net savings.
Negative Updates
Multiplatform Group Revenue Decline
The Multiplatform Group's revenue was $545 million, down 5.4% versus prior year, and adjusted EBITDA was down 7.6% versus prior year.
Negative Free Cash Flow
Second quarter free cash flow was negative $13 million compared to $6 million in the prior year quarter.
Q3 Revenue Guidance Uncertainty
Q3 2025 revenue is expected to be down low single digits compared to prior year, with a wider adjusted EBITDA guidance range due to market uncertainty.
Audio & Media Services Group Revenue Decrease
Revenue was $68 million, down 3.3% year-over-year, with adjusted EBITDA flat to prior year.
Company Guidance
In the Q2 2025 earnings call, iHeartMedia reported solid results, slightly exceeding initial expectations with an adjusted EBITDA of $156 million, within the provided guidance range of $140 million to $160 million, and marking a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Consolidated revenue for the quarter was up 0.5% year-over-year, surpassing guidance of low single-digit decline, and excluding political impact, revenue rose by 1.5%. The Digital Audio Group demonstrated strong performance with a revenue increase of 13.4% to $324 million, and podcast revenue soared by 28.5%, surpassing guidance of low 20s growth. On the other hand, the Multiplatform Group's revenue was $545 million, a 5.4% decrease compared to the previous year, yet at the upper end of the guidance range. Cost management was emphasized, with $40 million in net savings achieved in Q2, contributing to the target of $150 million in net savings for 2025. Looking forward, the company provided a third-quarter adjusted EBITDA guidance range of $180 million to $220 million, considering the ongoing market uncertainties.

iHeartMedia Financial Statement Overview

Summary
iHeartMedia faces significant financial challenges. Despite some revenue growth, profitability remains a concern with persistent net losses. The balance sheet reflects high leverage and negative equity, raising questions about financial stability. Cash flow generation is weak, with declining free cash flow growth. The company needs to address its cost structure and leverage to improve its financial health.
Income Statement
45
Neutral
iHeartMedia's income statement shows mixed performance. The TTM data indicates a slight revenue growth of 11.8%, but the company continues to face challenges with profitability, as evidenced by a negative net profit margin of -9.68%. The gross profit margin has decreased compared to previous years, indicating potential cost management issues. Despite a positive EBIT margin in TTM, historical EBIT and EBITDA margins have been negative, reflecting ongoing operational challenges.
Balance Sheet
30
Negative
The balance sheet reveals significant financial leverage with a high debt-to-equity ratio of -3.87 in TTM, indicating a reliance on debt financing. The negative stockholders' equity suggests financial instability, and the return on equity, although positive in TTM, is driven by negative equity, which is concerning. The equity ratio is also negative, highlighting potential solvency issues.
Cash Flow
40
Negative
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth, with a significant drop of -136.22% in TTM. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is low at 0.12, indicating limited cash generation relative to net losses. However, the company maintains a positive free cash flow to net income ratio, suggesting some ability to generate cash despite net losses.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue3.87B3.85B3.75B3.91B3.56B2.95B
Gross Profit2.25B2.27B2.26B2.43B2.23B1.79B
EBITDA437.52M-378.88M-344.42M529.39M682.01M404.06M
Net Income-374.48M-1.01B-1.10B-262.67M-158.39M-1.92B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets5.38B5.57B6.95B8.34B8.88B9.20B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments235.93M259.58M346.38M336.24M352.10M720.66M
Total Debt5.90B5.86B6.05B6.33B6.57B6.86B
Total Liabilities7.11B6.94B7.34B7.65B7.97B8.15B
Stockholders Equity-1.73B-1.38B-394.15M684.50M915.80M1.05B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow9.41M-26.16M110.39M259.11M147.20M130.74M
Operating Cash Flow103.98M71.43M213.06M420.07M330.57M215.94M
Investing Cash Flow-96.01M508.00K-51.33M-129.23M-346.79M-147.81M
Financing Cash Flow-82.85M-158.34M-152.16M-306.11M-352.12M241.18M

iHeartMedia Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Positive
Last Price4.63
Price Trends
50DMA
2.93
Positive
100DMA
2.44
Positive
200DMA
2.02
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.40
Negative
RSI
75.82
Negative
STOCH
95.14
Negative
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For IHRT, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 4.63 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 3.29, above the 50-day MA of 2.93, and above the 200-day MA of 2.02, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.40 indicates Negative momentum. The RSI at 75.82 is Negative, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 95.14 is Negative, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for IHRT.

iHeartMedia Risk Analysis

iHeartMedia disclosed 28 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. iHeartMedia 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

iHeartMedia Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
63
Neutral
$77.28M35.990.17%8.08%-0.77%-94.07%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
57
Neutral
$191.68M4.461.81%-3.27%86.01%
56
Neutral
$637.87M3.18%62.89%
51
Neutral
$259.28M-81.68%10.10%-45.95%-75.87%
42
Neutral
$8.95M-0.97-5.76%-5.52%87.59%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
IHRT
iHeartMedia
4.63
2.19
89.75%
BBGI
Beasley Broadcast Group
5.43
-3.27
-37.59%
SSP
E. W. Scripps Company Class A
2.56
0.22
9.40%
EVC
Entravision
2.88
0.62
27.43%
SGA
Saga Communications
12.38
-0.29
-2.29%
MDIA
Mediaco Holding
0.95
-0.32
-25.20%

iHeartMedia Corporate Events

Executive/Board Changes
iHeartMedia Extends Executive Contracts Until 2029
Neutral
Sep 2, 2025

On August 28, 2025, iHeartMedia, Inc. announced amendments to the employment agreements of its top executives, Robert W. Pittman and Richard J. Bressler, extending their terms until December 31, 2029. These amendments also align Mr. Bressler’s severance benefits with those of Mr. Pittman, potentially impacting the company’s leadership stability and operational continuity.

The most recent analyst rating on (IHRT) stock is a Hold with a $2.50 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on iHeartMedia stock, see the IHRT Stock Forecast page.

iHeartMedia Earnings Call: Digital Growth Amid Revenue Uncertainty
Sep 1, 2025

The latest earnings call from iHeartMedia presented a mixed sentiment, highlighting strong performance in the Digital Audio Group and podcasting growth, while expressing concerns over declines in the Multiplatform Group and uncertainty in overall revenue guidance. Despite effective cost management efforts, negative free cash flow and revenue declines in certain segments remain a challenge for the company.

iHeartMedia Reports Mixed Q2 2025 Financial Results
Aug 12, 2025

iHeartMedia, Inc., a leading audio company in the United States, operates across multiple platforms including broadcast radio, digital audio, and media services, with a significant presence in podcasting and digital advertising. In its second quarter of 2025, iHeartMedia reported a slight increase in consolidated revenue to $934 million, marking a 0.5% rise from the previous year, and a significant improvement in GAAP operating income, turning a $910 million loss in Q2 2024 into a $35 million profit. The Digital Audio Group showed strong performance with a 13% increase in revenue, driven by a 28% rise in podcast revenue, while the Multiplatform Group experienced a 5% decline in revenue due to decreased broadcast advertising. Despite challenges in the Multiplatform Group, the company’s adjusted EBITDA grew by 3.9% to $156 million, reflecting effective cost management and strategic focus on digital growth. Looking ahead, iHeartMedia anticipates a slight decline in consolidated revenue for the third quarter, with expectations of growth excluding political revenue impacts, and aims to maintain its strategic initiatives to enhance digital advertising capabilities and operational efficiency.

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: Nov 06, 2025