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E. W. Scripps Company Class A (SSP)
NASDAQ:SSP
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E. W. Scripps Company Class A
(NASDAQ:SSP)
Select Model
Select Model
Rating:64Neutral
Price Target:
$4.50
▲(2.51% Upside)
The overall score reflects a mixed outlook. Strong technical indicators and strategic initiatives in sports and connected TV are positive, but financial performance concerns and valuation issues weigh on the score. The company's ability to manage debt and leverage growth areas will be crucial for future performance.
Positive Factors
Debt Reduction
The reduction in debt from 6x to 4.6x leverage enhances financial stability and flexibility, supporting long-term strategic initiatives.
Connected TV Revenue Growth
Strong growth in connected TV revenue indicates a successful pivot to digital platforms, aligning with industry trends and future revenue streams.
Sports Strategy Success
The success in sports broadcasting, particularly in women's sports, strengthens market position and attracts advertisers, supporting revenue growth.
Negative Factors
Decline in Local Media Revenue
Significant decline in local media revenue highlights vulnerability to cyclical advertising trends, impacting overall revenue stability.
Expected Revenue Decline in Scripps Networks
Anticipated decline in network revenue reflects challenges in maintaining advertising revenue, affecting long-term profitability.
Free Cash Flow Decline
Declining free cash flow growth may hinder the company's ability to invest in growth opportunities and manage financial obligations effectively.
E. W. Scripps Company Class A (SSP) vs. SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY)
Market Cap
$393.39M
Dividend YieldN/A
Average Volume (3M)1.37M
Price to Earnings (P/E)―
Beta (1Y)-0.46
Revenue Growth-3.27%
EPS Growth86.01%
CountryUS
Employees5,000
SectorCommunication Services
Sector Strength97
IndustryBroadcasting
Share Statistics
EPS (TTM)-0.30
Shares Outstanding76,869,410
10 Day Avg. Volume2,338,594
30 Day Avg. Volume1,371,311
Financial Highlights & Ratios
PEG Ratio-0.01
Price to Book (P/B)0.14
Price to Sales (P/S)0.08
P/FCF Ratio0.63
Enterprise Value/Market Cap8.56
Enterprise Value/Revenue1.45
Enterprise Value/Gross Profit3.27
Enterprise Value/Ebitda7.32
Forecast
1Y Price Target
$7.00Price Target Upside59.45% Upside
Rating ConsensusModerate Buy
Number of Analyst Covering3
EPS Forecast (FY)N/A
Revenue Forecast (FY)N/A
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Business Overview & Revenue Model
Company DescriptionThe E.W. Scripps Company, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a media enterprise through a portfolio of local and national media brands. The company operates through Local Media, Scripps Network, and Other segments. The Local Media segment operates broadcast television stations, which produce news, information, and entertainment content, as well as its related digital operations. This segment also runs network, syndicated, and original programming. The Scripps Network segment comprises of national television networks. The Network operates through over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite, connected TV, and digital distribution. In addition, the company provides content and services through the internet, smartphones, and tablets. Further, the company provides Newsy, a national news network, which provides politics, entertainment, science, and technology news; and Scripps National Spelling Bee, an investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C. Additionally, the company offers ION, a national broadcast television network that delivers popular crime and justice procedural programming through over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. It serves audiences and businesses. The E.W. Scripps Company operates through a network of 61 television stations. The company was founded in 1878 and is headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How the Company Makes MoneyE. W. Scripps Company generates revenue through multiple streams, primarily from advertising sales across its television and digital platforms. The company earns advertising revenue by selling ad slots during its television broadcasts and through digital advertising on its websites and apps. Additionally, Scripps has a growing focus on subscription services, including its streaming platforms, which contribute to its earnings. The company also benefits from partnerships with other media entities and advertisers, enhancing its reach and revenue potential. Significant factors contributing to its earnings include the demand for local news content, the expansion of digital advertising, and strategic acquisitions that enhance its market presence.
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Date:Sep 30, 2025
(Q3-2025)
| % Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 20, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call presents a mixed outlook, with strong performance in sports and Connected TV driving growth, successful debt management, and strategic asset sales. However, challenges remain with a decline in Local Media revenue, expected declines in Network revenue, and operational losses, along with external factors like the YouTube TV and Disney dispute impacting performance.Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Strong Third Quarter Performance
Third consecutive quarter of results that met or exceeded expectations, fueled by Scripps Sports strategy, strong sales execution, and tight expense controls.
Successful Station Sales
Sale of Fox affiliate WFTX in Fort Myers and WRTV in Indianapolis for $123 million, with valuations well above current market multiples (9.2x and 8.5x EBITDA respectively).
Debt Refinancing and Reduction
Placement of $750 million in new senior secured second lien notes at 9.78% rate, used to pay off various debts, leading to a significant leverage improvement from 6x to 4.6x.
Connected TV Revenue Growth
Connected TV revenue up 41% year-over-year, with streaming now constituting 20% of Scripps Networks viewing, projected to exceed $120 million in 2025.
Sports Strategy Success
WNBA revenue on ION nearly doubled, with total sports volume up over 30% year-over-year, reflecting strong advertiser interest in women's sports.
Negative Updates
Decline in Local Media Revenue
Local Media division revenue down 27% in Q3 due to the absence of political advertising revenue compared to the prior year.
Expected Revenue Decline in Scripps Networks
For Q4, Scripps Networks division revenue expected to be down in the low-double-digit range due to factors like reduced political revenue and lower upfront advertising.
Loss in Q3 and Associated Costs
Reported a loss of $0.55 per share in Q3, including losses on extinguishment of debt, financing transaction costs, and restructuring costs.
Impact of YouTube TV and Disney Dispute
Ongoing dispute has led to a blackout of ABC stations on YouTube TV, potentially impacting audience reach and ratings.
Company Guidance
During the third quarter of fiscal year 2025, E.W. Scripps Company delivered strong financial results, exceeding expectations across various metrics. Key highlights included a 2% increase in core advertising revenue and a 4% reduction in Local Media division expenses, despite a 27% drop in Local Media division revenue due to the absence of political advertising from the prior year. The company reported a Local Media segment profit of nearly $53 million, compared to $161 million in the previous year's political cycle. In terms of strategic actions, E.W. Scripps completed the sale of two stations, WFTX in Fort Myers and WRTV in Indianapolis, generating $123 million in cash inflow with valuations of 9.2x and 8.5x to blended EBITDA, respectively. Additionally, the company secured $750 million in new senior secured second lien notes at a rate of 9.78%, which allowed it to pay down existing debt obligations ahead of schedule. Looking ahead to the fourth quarter, the company anticipates a 30% decrease in Local Media division revenue, partially offset by a 10% increase in core revenue, driven by a new NHL partnership. Scripps Networks division is expected to see a revenue decline in the low-double digits, influenced by reduced upfront advertising and lower Medicare open enrollment advertising. However, connected TV revenue surged by 41% year-over-year, indicating strong growth potential in this area. Overall, E.W. Scripps remains focused on leveraging its sports and connected TV strategies to drive future growth while maintaining strict expense controls to improve margins and reduce debt.E. W. Scripps Company Class A Financial Statement Overview
Summary
The financial performance shows a stable position with some concerns. The income statement indicates pressure on revenue growth and operational margins. The balance sheet is positive with reduced debt, but cash flow generation is challenged by declining free cash flow growth.Income Statement
The income statement shows a mixed performance. The company has experienced a decline in revenue growth rate, with a negative growth of -4.94% in the TTM period. However, the gross profit margin remains relatively stable at 44.37%, and the net profit margin is positive at 5.49%. The EBIT and EBITDA margins have decreased compared to previous years, indicating some pressure on operational efficiency.65
Positive
Balance Sheet
The balance sheet reveals a significant reduction in total debt, improving the debt-to-equity ratio to 0.08 in the TTM period, which is a positive sign. However, the return on equity has decreased to 9.82%, and the equity ratio is not provided, limiting a full assessment of asset financing stability.55
Neutral
Cash Flow
Cash flow analysis shows a decline in free cash flow growth by -39.61% in the TTM period, indicating potential challenges in generating cash. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is 0.35, suggesting moderate cash conversion efficiency. The free cash flow to net income ratio is strong at 0.96, indicating good cash generation relative to net income.60
Neutral
| Breakdown | TTM | Dec 2024 | Dec 2023 | Dec 2022 | Dec 2021 | Dec 2020 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Income Statement | ||||||
| Total Revenue | 2.32B | 2.51B | 2.29B | 2.45B | 2.28B | 1.86B |
| Gross Profit | 1.03B | 1.19B | 1.01B | 1.22B | 1.18B | 927.73M |
| EBITDA | 460.22M | 575.55M | -598.89M | 598.03M | 514.17M | 409.17M |
| Net Income | 23.01M | 146.22M | -947.78M | 195.90M | 122.71M | 269.33M |
Balance Sheet | ||||||
| Total Assets | 5.09B | 5.20B | 5.41B | 6.43B | 6.66B | 4.86B |
| Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments | 54.66M | 23.85M | 35.32M | 18.03M | 66.22M | 576.02M |
| Total Debt | 2.79B | 2.69B | 3.05B | 3.01B | 3.26B | 2.98B |
| Total Liabilities | 3.83B | 3.88B | 4.25B | 4.30B | 4.69B | 3.70B |
| Stockholders Equity | 1.26B | 1.32B | 1.16B | 2.13B | 1.97B | 1.16B |
Cash Flow | ||||||
| Free Cash Flow | 122.17M | 300.42M | 51.98M | 265.63M | 175.83M | 230.56M |
| Operating Cash Flow | 161.26M | 365.68M | 111.60M | 311.42M | 237.00M | 277.39M |
| Investing Cash Flow | 16.67M | -26.54M | -60.61M | -66.39M | -2.46B | 317.42M |
| Financing Cash Flow | -157.91M | -350.61M | -33.71M | -327.48M | 693.48M | 998.18M |
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Technical Analysis
Positive
4.39
Price Trends
3.18
Positive
3.06
Positive
2.82
Positive
Market Momentum
0.42
Positive
58.45
Neutral
75.99
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For SSP, the sentiment is Positive. The current price of 4.39 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 4.34, above the 50-day MA of 3.18, and above the 200-day MA of 2.82, indicating a bullish trend. The MACD of 0.42 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 58.45 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 75.99 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Positive sentiment for SSP.
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Risk Analysis
E. W. Scripps Company Class A disclosed 18 risk factors in its most recent earnings report. E. W. Scripps Company Class A 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
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Peers Comparison
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Name | Overall Rating | Market Cap | P/E Ratio | ROE | Dividend Yield | Revenue Growth | EPS Growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
68 Neutral | $590.76M | 13.35 | 3.36% | 6.00% | -3.32% | -69.63% | |
64 Neutral | $393.39M | ― | 1.81% | ― | -3.27% | 86.01% | |
63 Neutral | $77.28M | 35.99 | 0.18% | 8.55% | -0.77% | -93.46% | |
60 Neutral | $48.67B | 4.58 | -11.27% | 4.14% | 2.83% | -41.78% | |
53 Neutral | $293.85M | ― | -81.68% | 6.29% | -45.95% | -75.87% | |
52 Neutral | $689.53M | ― | ― | ― | 1.39% | 61.75% | |
46 Neutral | $8.95M | -0.97 | -5.90% | ― | -7.78% | -369.53% |
* Communication Services Sector Average
SSP
E. W. Scripps Company Class A
4.39
2.25
105.14%
BBGI
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EVC
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3.18
0.91
40.09%
GTN
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5.33
2.00
60.06%
SGA
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11.70
0.56
5.03%
IHRT
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2.56
117.43%
E. W. Scripps Company Class A Corporate Events
M&A TransactionsBusiness Operations and Strategy
E.W. Scripps Adopts Shareholder Rights Plan Amid Acquisition Proposal
Neutral
Nov 26, 2025
On November 26, 2025, The E.W. Scripps Company announced the adoption of a limited-duration shareholder rights plan following an unsolicited acquisition proposal. The plan, effective immediately and expiring in one year, is designed to protect shareholders from coercive tactics and ensure they receive full value in any acquisition proposal. The rights plan becomes exercisable if a person or group acquires 10% or more of the company’s Class A common shares, allowing existing shareholders to purchase additional shares at a discount, thereby safeguarding the company’s long-term value and providing the board time to evaluate strategic alternatives.
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.