Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company is set to report its second-quarter 2025 operating results on August 7, 2025, with a follow-up call scheduled for August 8, 2025, at 9 a.m. Eastern time [1]. Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, recognized as one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations across more than 40 markets [2]. - Scripps provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through its national news outlets, including Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment brands such as ION, Bounce, Grit, ION Mystery, ION Plus, and Laff [2]. - The company holds the largest broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with a national broadcast reach of up to 100% of TV households [2]. - Founded in 1878, Scripps is also known for its stewardship of the Scripps National Spelling Bee, adhering to its motto: "Give light and the people will find their own way" [2]. Earnings Call Information - Participants can access a live webcast of the earnings call by registering on the company's investor relations website [3]. - For phone participation, a specific website must be visited to obtain the dial-in number and PIN code for listen-only access [3]. - Analysts wishing to ask questions during the call must register separately to receive a different dial-in and PIN that identifies them by name [3].

Group 1: Transaction Overview - Gray Media, Inc. and The E.W. Scripps Company have entered into agreements to swap television stations across five mid-sized and small markets, creating new duopolies for each group [1][2] - Gray will acquire Scripps' WSYM (Fox) in Lansing, Michigan, and KATC (ABC) in Lafayette, Louisiana, enhancing its presence in these markets [3][4] - Scripps will acquire Gray's KKTV (CBS) in Colorado Springs, KKCO (NBC) in Grand Junction, and KMVT (CBS) in Twin Falls, strengthening its regional presence in the West [4] Group 2: Strategic Intent and Benefits - The transactions are expected to provide market scale and depth, enhancing financial durability and allowing for improved public service through local news and sports programming [2] - Both companies anticipate expanding news staff and live local newscasts following the acquisitions, indicating a commitment to increased local coverage [4] - The swap involves an even exchange of comparable assets, with no cash consideration between the companies [5] Group 3: Regulatory and Operational Considerations - The closing of the transactions is anticipated in the fourth quarter of the year, pending regulatory approvals and waivers of outdated local ownership restrictions [6] - Both companies plan to work closely with regulators and stakeholders to ensure smooth transitions of the stations to new ownership [6] Group 4: Company Profiles - The E.W. Scripps Company operates over 60 stations in 40+ markets, focusing on quality local journalism and holding the largest broadcast spectrum in the nation [8] - Gray Media, Inc. is the largest owner of top-rated local television stations, reaching approximately 37% of US television households, and operates in 113 television markets [9]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) shares have increased by 51.1% year-to-date (YTD), outperforming the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry's growth of 34.1% and the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector's return of 12.4% [2] - SSP's strong performance is attributed to effective execution in live sports and Connected TV (CTV) strategies, along with disciplined cost management [3] Performance Comparison - SSP has outperformed competitors such as Nexstar Media Group (NXST), Sinclair (SBGI), and Paramount Global (PARA), with NXST and PARA returning 14.7% and 23.3% YTD, respectively, while SBGI has lost 8.4% [2][9] Strategic Initiatives - SSP has renewed its multi-year deal with the WNBA, ensuring ION remains the league's national home for Friday night games, which enhances advertiser demand [6] - The company has also signed an agreement to broadcast Tampa Bay Lightning games at no cost to viewers, launching a new local station, The Spot - Tampa Bay 66, which improves viewer loyalty and opens new advertising opportunities [7] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Scripps Networks contributed 37.8% of total company revenues, with segment profit increasing from $49.7 million to $64.1 million despite a 5.4% decline in revenues [14] - SSP has reaffirmed its 2025 target of 400-600 basis points of margin expansion, with first-quarter results already exceeding that range due to early execution of cost-saving measures [14] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings is pegged at 8 cents per share, indicating a 92.59% year-over-year decline, while the consensus for 2025 revenues is $2.19 billion, suggesting a 12.81% year-over-year decline [15] Valuation - SSP stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Earnings ratio of 7.72X compared to the industry's 32.10X, making it an attractive option for value investors [16] - The company has a Value Score of A, reinforcing its appealing valuation [16] Future Outlook - SSP is positioned for sustained momentum through the rest of the year, backed by strategic execution, expanding sports content, and a growing presence in CTV [20] - The company is expected to deliver long-term value in 2025 due to solid cost control and multiple revenue tailwinds from renewed partnerships and investments in distribution [20]

Core Points - The 72nd Scripps Howard Journalism Awards highlight the significant contributions of journalism in addressing critical societal issues, including financial mismanagement and environmental crises [1][3] - The awards recognize excellence across various media platforms, with nearly 600 entries evaluated by a panel of veteran journalists [1][3] Prize Money and Awards - The Scripps Howard Fund will distribute $140,000 in prize money to the winning organizations and journalists, including the prestigious Impact Award [2] - The Impact Award is given to the entry deemed to have the greatest societal impact among the winners [2] Award Winners - Notable winners include: - Excellence in Audio Storytelling: KUOW Public Radio, The Seattle Times – "Lost Patients" [3] - Excellence in Business/Financial Reporting: The Boston Globe – "Spotlight coverage of Steward Health Care" [3] - Excellence in Environmental Reporting: The Guardian U.S. – "Marathon: The Huge U.S. Toxic Fire Shrouded in Secrecy" [3] - Impact Award: STAT – "Health Care's Colossus," which examined UnitedHealth's practices affecting millions [3][4] Educational Initiatives - Winners will participate in a program to present their work to journalism students, fostering networking and storytelling skills [5] - The Scripps Howard Fund also recognizes excellence in journalism education with awards for Teacher of the Year and Administrator of the Year [5]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company will present its business strategies at the Gabelli 17th Annual Media & Sports Symposium on June 5, 2025 [1] - Key executives, including CFO Jason Combs and Chief Communications and Investor Relations Officer Carolyn Micheli, will present at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time [1] - The presentation will be available via live webcast for those unable to attend in person, with a replay accessible on the company's website weeks after the event [2] Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media company and one of the largest local TV broadcasters in the U.S., operating over 60 stations in more than 40 markets [2] - The company provides quality local journalism and reaches households nationwide through its national news outlets, Scripps News and Court TV, as well as entertainment brands like ION, Bounce, and Grit [2] - Scripps holds the largest broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with extensive local and national broadcast reach [2]

Core Insights - Gabelli Funds will host its 17th Annual Media & Entertainment Symposium on June 5, 2025, at the Harvard Club in New York City, focusing on industry dynamics, current trends, and business fundamentals [1] - The symposium will include discussions on Sports Investing, Media & Telecom Regulatory issues, and Advertising Panels, providing a platform for attendees to engage with leading companies in the media ecosystem [1][3] - A webcast option will be available for those unable to attend in person, ensuring broader access to the discussions and insights shared during the event [1] Presenting Companies - Notable companies participating in one-on-one meetings include Atlanta Braves Holdings, AMC Networks, Lionsgate Studios, Churchill Downs, Nexstar Media Group, Genius Sports, Reservoir Media, Gray Television, Rogers Communications, Live Nation Entertainment, Sinclair Inc., Sportradar Group, TEGNA Inc., TKO Group, and The E.W. Scripps Company [2] Panel Discussions - The symposium will feature several panel discussions, including "Sports Investing: Ways to Play," a TV Bureau of Advertising (TVB) Panel, and a Media & Telecom Regulatory Expert Session led by former FCC Commissioner Rob McDowell [3]

Financial Performance - Total operating revenues for Q1 2025 were $524.4 million, a decrease of 6.6% compared to $561.5 million in Q1 2024[24]. - Advertising revenue decreased to $325.9 million, down 6.8% from $349.8 million in the same quarter last year[24]. - Operating income for Q1 2025 was $27.5 million, a decline of 36.7% from $43.4 million in Q1 2024[24]. - Net loss attributable to shareholders was $18.8 million, compared to a net loss of $12.8 million in Q1 2024, resulting in a net loss per share of $0.22[24]. - The E.W. Scripps Company reported a net loss of $3,455,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to a net income of $1,626,000 for the same period in 2024[27]. - Cash flows from operating activities were negative at $(3,309,000) for Q1 2025, a significant decrease from $45,436,000 in Q1 2024[27]. - The company reported total revenues of $524.393 million for the three months ended March 31, 2025, compared to $561.464 million for the same period in 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 6.6%[105]. - Local Media segment revenues decreased by $27.4 million or 7.8% to $325.4 million, with core advertising down by $4.3 million or 3.1%[146]. - Scripps Networks revenues decreased by $11.3 million or 5.4% to $198.0 million, impacted by lower ratings in key demographics[152]. Assets and Liabilities - Total assets as of March 31, 2025, were $5.12 billion, down from $5.20 billion as of December 31, 2024[23]. - Current liabilities decreased to $439.7 million from $482.4 million at the end of 2024, reflecting improved cash management[23]. - The company reported a decrease in accounts receivable to $520.6 million, down from $568.2 million[23]. - The total outstanding principal of long-term debt as of March 31, 2025, was $2,626,404 thousand, with a net carrying value of $2,558,994 thousand[78]. - As of March 31, 2025, total other liabilities (less current portion) amounted to $436.854 million, a decrease from $464.574 million as of December 31, 2024[95]. Cash Flow and Financing Activities - The company experienced a net cash used in investing activities of $(9,890,000) in Q1 2025, compared to $(5,085,000) in Q1 2024[27]. - Net cash provided by financing activities was $13,306,000 in Q1 2025, contrasting with a net cash used of $(45,441,000) in Q1 2024[27]. - Cash and cash equivalents increased slightly to $24.0 million from $23.9 million at the end of the previous quarter[23]. - Cash used in operating activities was $3.3 million in 2025, a decrease from $45.4 million provided in 2024, driven by a $17.2 million decrease in segment profit[158]. - Cash provided by financing activities was $13.3 million in 2025, compared to cash used of $45.4 million in 2024, reflecting net debt proceeds of $25.0 million[160]. Restructuring and Costs - Restructuring costs for the first quarter of 2025 totaled $4.1 million, which included severance charges of $2.0 million and operating lease exit costs of $2.1 million[63]. - The company incurred restructuring costs of $5.0 million in the first quarter of 2024, indicating a decrease in restructuring expenses year-over-year[63]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 5.8% to $137,239 in the first quarter of 2025, compared to $145,693 in the same period of 2024[128]. - Employee compensation and benefits in Local Media decreased by $1.6 million or 1.5% due to restructuring efforts[147]. Tax and Interest - The effective income tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2025 was 79%, compared to 70% for the same period in 2024[69]. - Interest expense decreased by $11.2 million in the first three months of 2025 compared to the prior year quarter, attributed to lower interest rates on variable debt[134]. - The company reported interest paid of $57,867,000 for Q1 2025, a decrease from $67,347,000 in Q1 2024[27]. Debt and Credit Facilities - The company authorized a debt repurchase of up to $500 million, expiring on March 1, 2026[91]. - The company replaced its existing revolving credit facility with a new facility with aggregate commitments of up to $208 million due July 2027[94]. - The company has $545 million in new tranche B-2 term loans due 2028, with interest charged at SOFR plus a margin of 5.75%[166]. - The company has $340 million in new tranche B-3 term loans due 2029, with interest charged at SOFR plus a margin of 3.35%[166]. - The new credit agreement requires compliance with a maximum first lien net leverage ratio of 3.50 to 1.0 through September 30, 2026[93]. Dividends and Shareholder Returns - The company did not declare or provide payment for the first quarter 2025 preferred dividend, resulting in aggregated undeclared and unpaid cumulative dividends totaling $70.6 million[116]. - The company is prohibited from paying dividends on and repurchasing common shares until all preferred shares are redeemed[116]. - At March 31, 2025, aggregated undeclared and unpaid cumulative dividends on preferred shares totaled $70.6 million[169].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a first quarter loss per share of $0.22, which is an improvement compared to the consensus EPS estimate, despite a preferred stock dividend impact of $0.18 [14] - Total debt at the end of the quarter was $2.6 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 4.9 times, which the company aims to reduce further this year [14][15] - The company completed refinancing transactions that increased the blended cost of debt by less than 1% and extended the maturity of up to $1.5 billion of debt [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local Media division revenue decreased by 7.8% year-over-year, with core advertising revenue down 3% due to economic uncertainty [9][10] - Scripps Networks revenue was $198 million, down about 5% year-over-year, but Connected TV revenue increased by 42% [11][12] - Local Media segment profit was $35 million, down from $66 million in Q1 2024 [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local distribution revenue was down 5% year-over-year, with expectations for high single-digit declines in Q2 [10][11] - The advertising categories of automotive and retail were the worst performers in Q1, while gambling advertising saw growth [46][48] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on debt reduction and improving its balance sheet, with a commitment to using free cash flow for debt reduction [15][16] - There is an expectation of local broadcast industry consolidation that could drive growth and enhance shareholder value [20] - The company is leveraging its local news and sports programming to strengthen connections with audiences and advertisers [20][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged headwinds from economic uncertainty but expressed confidence in the company's performance and strategic direction [7][19] - The company anticipates continued challenges in the advertising market but expects to benefit from strong demand for women's sports programming [54][92] Other Important Information - The company has received multiple prestigious journalism awards for its news programming, highlighting its commitment to quality journalism [21][22] - The company is exploring opportunities for regulatory relief to enhance its competitive position in the market [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Scripps positioned to take advantage of regulatory changes? - Management believes that greater scale and market depth are necessary for performance and plans to leverage opportunities from potential regulatory changes [29][30] Question: What visibility does the company have for performance in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that visibility is strong, particularly due to the demand generated by sports programming [31][38] Question: How did employee compensation and benefits change in Scripps Networks? - Employee compensation was down 31% year-over-year, and management expects this lower cost base to continue [43][45] Question: What is the outlook for advertising categories? - Automotive and retail were the worst performers in Q1, but gambling advertising saw growth, particularly in markets with local sports [46][48] Question: What is the expected impact of political advertising in the upcoming year? - Management expects a typical off-cycle year for political advertising, with potential for earlier spending due to the current environment [91][93]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a first-quarter loss per share of $0.22, which is an improvement compared to the consensus EPS estimate, despite a preferred stock dividend impact of $0.18 and a $4 million restructuring charge that increased the loss by $0.04 per share [13][14][24] - Total debt at the end of the quarter was $2.6 billion, with a net leverage ratio of 4.9 times, which the company expects to reduce throughout the year [13][14][24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Local Media division revenue decreased by 7.8% year-over-year, with core advertising revenue down 3% due to hesitancy in advertising spending amid economic uncertainty [7][8] - Scripps Networks revenue was $198 million, down about 5% from the previous year, but Connected TV revenue increased by 42% [10][11] - Local Media segment profit was $35 million, down from $66 million in Q1 2024, while Scripps Networks segment profit rose to $64 million from $49.7 million year-over-year [8][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company expects Local Media division revenue to decline in the high single-digit range for Q2, with core revenue down in the low single-digit range due to ongoing economic uncertainties [9][12] - Advertising categories such as automotive and retail were the worst performers in Q1, while gambling advertising saw growth tied to local sports deals [42][44][75] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on debt reduction and improving its balance sheet, with a commitment to using free cash flow for debt repayment [14][15] - Management anticipates local broadcast industry consolidation, which could enhance growth and efficiency in local markets [17][18] - The company is leveraging its local news and sports programming to strengthen connections with audiences and advertisers, aiming to create shareholder value [19][21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainties and highlighted strong performance in Connected TV and disciplined expense management [6][16] - The company is preparing for potential regulatory changes that could allow for greater consolidation and operational leverage in local markets [24][60] Other Important Information - The company completed refinancing transactions that improved its debt maturity profile and only slightly increased its blended cost of debt [14][15] - The company has received multiple prestigious journalism awards, reinforcing its commitment to quality news reporting [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Scripps positioned to take advantage of regulatory changes? - Management believes that greater scale and market depth are necessary for performance and plans to leverage opportunities from potential regulatory changes [26][27] Question: What visibility does the company have on performance in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that while there is excitement around women's sports, concrete details from upfronts will be clearer in the next earnings call [30][31] Question: How did advertising categories perform in Q1? - Automotive and retail were the worst performers, while gambling advertising saw growth due to local sports deals [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for retransmission revenues? - Management confirmed that retransmission subscribers were down mid-single digits year-over-year, consistent with previous trends [52][53] Question: What is the expected impact of deregulation on the ION side of the business? - Management anticipates that changes in ownership rules could allow for more local stations, improving margins for ION [69][70] Question: What is the expected cash balance post-refinancing? - The company had $25 million in cash at the end of the quarter, with expectations to reduce revolver balances by the end of the year [93][96]

Financial Performance - The E.W. Scripps Company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $524 million, a decrease of 6.6% or $37.1 million from the prior-year quarter[7]. - Loss attributable to shareholders was $18.8 million or 22 cents per share, compared to a loss of $12.8 million or 15 cents per share in the prior-year quarter[8]. - Total operating revenues decreased by 6.6% to $524,393,000 in Q1 2025 from $561,464,000 in Q1 2024[30]. - Net loss for the quarter was $3,455,000 compared to a net income of $1,626,000 in the same period last year[35]. - Adjusted EBITDA decreased to $75,606,000 from $91,844,000, reflecting a decline in operating performance[39]. Segment Performance - Local Media revenue was $325 million, down 7.8% from the prior-year quarter, while segment profit decreased to $34.9 million from $65.6 million[9][11]. - Scripps Networks revenue was $198 million, down 5.4% from the prior-year quarter, but segment profit increased to $64.1 million from $49.7 million[12][13]. - Core advertising revenue decreased by 3.1% to $132 million, while political revenue dropped to $3.3 million from $15.2 million in the prior-year quarter[17]. - Local Media segment revenues fell by 7.8% to $325,389,000, with core advertising down 3.1% and political advertising down 78.5%[31]. - Scripps Networks segment revenues decreased by 5.4% to $198,007,000, while segment profit increased by 29.1% to $64,093,000[31]. Debt and Financial Management - The company completed refinancing transactions, resulting in total debt of $2.6 billion and cash and cash equivalents of $24 million as of March 31[14][15]. - The company is prioritizing debt paydown, with net leverage at 4.9x at the end of Q1 2025, and aims to continue reducing its leverage ratio this year[6]. - Interest expense decreased to $43,750,000 from $54,917,000, indicating improved cost management[39]. Asset Management - Total current assets decreased to $598,148,000 from $630,015,000, with cash and cash equivalents slightly increasing to $23,959,000[33]. - Total assets decreased to $5,116,189,000 from $5,198,575,000, primarily due to a reduction in current liabilities[33]. - The company reported a total equity of $1,319,723,000, slightly up from $1,318,014,000[33]. Future Outlook - The company expects Local Media revenue to decline in the high single-digit percent range and Scripps Networks revenue to be about flat in Q2 2025[18]. - Capital expenditures significantly reduced to $1,854,000 from $17,897,000 in the previous year[40]. - Real estate sales from the West Palm Beach station building and five transmission towers generated $63 million[6].