Revenue Projections - Estimated total operating revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2025, are projected to be between $538.5 million and $541.7 million, compared to $573.6 million in the same period of 2024, indicating a decrease of approximately 5.6% to 6.1%[2] - Estimated core advertising revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2025, are projected to range from $331.4 million to $333.4 million, compared to $336.5 million in the same period of 2024, indicating a slight decline[2] Profit and Loss - Estimated net loss for the three months ended June 30, 2025, is projected to be between $38.4 million and $33.6 million, a significant decline from a net income of $1.4 million in the same period of 2024[5] - Local Media segment profit for the three months ended June 30, 2025, is estimated to be between $54.8 million and $56.8 million, down from $88.1 million in the same period of 2024, representing a decrease of approximately 38.0% to 37.0%[6] - Scripps Networks segment profit for the three months ended June 30, 2025, is estimated to be between $55.0 million and $57.0 million, compared to $37.7 million in the same period of 2024, indicating an increase of approximately 46.5% to 51.5%[6] Cash Flow and Debt - Unlevered Free Cash Flow for the three months ended June 30, 2025, is estimated to be between $74.9 million and $78.6 million, compared to $76.4 million in the same period of 2024, indicating a slight decline[5] - Cash and cash equivalents as of June 30, 2025, are estimated to be $31.66 million, an increase from $26.65 million as of June 30, 2024[7] - Long-term debt as of June 30, 2025, is estimated to be $2.62 billion, a decrease from $2.87 billion as of June 30, 2024, reflecting a reduction of approximately 9.0%[7] Expenses - Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended June 30, 2025, is estimated to range from $87.3 million to $90.5 million, down from $99.96 million in the same period of 2024, reflecting a decrease of approximately 12.8% to 13.0%[5] - Estimated expenses for the Scripps Networks segment decreased by 12% compared to the three months ended June 30, 2024, contributing to an improved profit margin exceeding 27%[6]

Core Points - The E.W. Scripps Company reported $540 million in revenue for Q2 2025, a decrease of 5.8% from the previous year [7][25] - The company experienced a loss attributable to shareholders of $51.7 million, or 59 cents per share, compared to a loss of $13 million, or 15 cents per share, in the prior-year quarter [9][17] - Key highlights included a station swap with Gray Media, a renewed agreement with WNBA, and a successful refinancing of $750 million in bonds [4][5][8] Financial Performance - Revenue for the Local Media segment was $335 million, down 8.3% year-over-year, while Scripps Networks revenue was $206 million, down 1.4% [10][12] - Total costs and expenses decreased to $457 million from $479 million in the prior-year quarter [7] - The company’s net leverage improved to 4.4x, down from 4.9x at the end of Q1 2025 [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company is focusing on its Scripps Sports strategy, capitalizing on the popularity of women's sports and the decline of regional sports networks [3] - The recent station swap with Gray Media aims to enhance local news coverage and financial performance [4] - Scripps plans to expand its local sports and news strategies in key markets, leveraging new duopolies created by the station swap [4] Revenue Drivers - Sports programming contributed positively to revenue performance, with streaming and connected TV revenue growing 57% in Q2 [3] - The WNBA and NWSL partnerships are significant contributors to the Networks division, helping to stabilize revenue amidst economic uncertainty [3][12] - Political revenue was significantly lower at $2.6 million compared to $28.2 million in the prior-year quarter, reflecting the absence of an election year [18] Financial Condition - As of June 30, cash and cash equivalents totaled $31.7 million, with total debt at $2.7 billion [13] - The company completed refinancing transactions that improved its financial position, including paying off $719 million in term loans [14] - The Scripps Howard Fund raised over $125,000 for flood relief efforts in Central Texas [7]

Core Insights - E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) is set to report its second-quarter 2025 results on August 7, with expected revenues of $546.65 million, reflecting a 4.70% year-over-year decline. The earnings consensus indicates a loss of 4 cents per share, an improvement from a loss of 15 cents per share in the same quarter last year [1][9]. Revenue and Earnings Expectations - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter 2025 revenues is $546.65 million, indicating a 4.70% decline compared to the previous year [1][9]. - The consensus for earnings is a loss of 4 cents per share, which is an improvement from the loss of 15 cents per share reported in the same quarter last year [1][9]. Segment Performance - The Networks segment is expected to show measurable gains due to the reintroduction of WNBA and National Women's Soccer League broadcasts on the ION network, supported by pre-sold advertising inventory and premium pricing [3]. - Scripps Networks is likely to maintain strong profitability, building on a 32% margin achieved in the first quarter, driven by cost reductions and increased connected-TV revenues [4]. - The Local Media segment is anticipated to face revenue pressure, with expected declines in the high single digits due to ongoing tariff-driven uncertainty, which may negatively impact profitability [6][9]. Financial Stability - E.W. Scripps is expected to benefit from refinancing actions taken in the previous quarter, which included extending debt maturities and reducing near-term refinancing risk, contributing to stronger operational stability [5].

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company has appointed Sandy Padula as vice president, head of enterprise research and consumer insights to enhance its consumer insights strategy [1][2] Group 1: Appointment and Role - Sandy Padula will lead enterprise-wide research initiatives that utilize audience and market intelligence across Scripps' national networks and over 60 local television stations [2] - Padula will collaborate with Scripps' sales teams to create advanced advertising tools aimed at optimizing campaign effectiveness and measuring impact in real-time [2] Group 2: Background and Expertise - Padula has extensive experience in media research, having worked with studios, networks, nonprofits, and national brands to convert multiplatform measurement into actionable business strategies [3] - Her previous role was as senior vice president of research and consumer insight at WarnerMedia Entertainment, where she provided strategic insights that influenced major content and marketing initiatives [3] - Most recently, she led a consulting firm focused on research-driven growth strategies [3] Group 3: Company Perspective - Keisha Taylor Starr, Scripps' chief marketing officer, emphasized Padula's expertise in data storytelling and market trends analysis as a significant asset for the company [4] - Padula is expected to enhance Scripps' commitment to innovative, data-informed strategies that yield transformative results for brands and consumers [4] Group 4: Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, operating over 60 local television stations and reaching households across the U.S. with national news outlets and entertainment brands [5] - Scripps is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation and serves professional and college sports leagues with extensive market reach [5]

Core Viewpoint - The E.W. Scripps Company has initiated a private offering of $650 million in new senior secured second-lien notes, maturing in 2030, to improve its financial position and manage existing debt [1][3]. Group 1: Offering Details - The offering is subject to market conditions and is exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933 [2][4]. - The notes will be guaranteed by certain existing and future subsidiaries and secured on a second-lien basis by substantially all of the company's assets [2][4]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be used to redeem all outstanding 5.875% senior notes due in 2027, pre-pay a portion of existing borrowings under the term loan B-2 facility due in 2028, and cover transaction-related fees and expenses [3]. Group 3: Company Overview - The E.W. Scripps Company is a diversified media entity, operating over 60 local TV stations across more than 40 markets in the U.S. and providing quality local journalism [7]. - The company also operates national news outlets and entertainment brands, and is the largest holder of broadcast spectrum in the nation [7].

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) is enhancing its sports strategy through national and local partnerships, focusing on leagues like the WNBA and NWSL, and introducing new events to maintain a year-round premium sports content lineup [1][9] Group 1: Sports Partnerships and Strategy - SSP has strengthened ties with teams such as the Las Vegas Aces and Florida Panthers, renewing its multi-year agreement with the WNBA and adding the Tampa Bay Lightning to its sports portfolio [2] - New properties like the SI Women's Games and the Fort Myers Tip-Off Women's College Basketball Tournament are set for the fourth quarter, ensuring continuous sports programming [1][9] Group 2: Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, Scripps Networks reported revenues of $198 million, accounting for 37.8% of total company revenues, with a segment margin of 32%, the highest since Q4 2022, driven by a 42% year-over-year increase in Connected TV revenues [3] - The demand for live sports programming, particularly from the WNBA and NWSL, has significantly contributed to this performance [3] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - SSP faces competition from Gray Media, which extended its partnership with the New Orleans Saints and formed a new partnership with the Carolina Panthers to broadcast games in Spanish [4] - Tegna has also expanded its agreement with the Indiana Fever, increasing the broadcast reach to 4.6 million households across 11 additional Midwest markets [5] Group 4: Stock Performance and Valuation - SSP shares have increased by 48.9% year-to-date, outperforming the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry's growth of 25.4% and the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector's return of 11.4% [6] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month Price/Sales ratio of 0.13X, significantly lower than the industry's 4.48X, indicating a strong value position [10]

Core Insights - The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) and TEGNA (TGNA) are adapting to changes in the local media landscape with differing strategies for growth and cost management [1][2] Group 1: SSP Overview - SSP is expanding its local media segment through a station swap with Gray Media, acquiring KKTV, a CBS affiliate, to enhance its presence in the Western U.S. market [3][5] - The company is implementing centralized production and AI tools to improve operational efficiency and manage costs, while keeping employee costs low [4][6] - In Q1 2025, SSP's local media segment generated $325 million in revenues, with a segment profit of $35 million, supported by cost controls and sports programming partnerships [6] Group 2: TGNA Overview - TEGNA is focusing on building a stronger foundation through leadership changes, system upgrades, and a new sales performance structure, while utilizing resource sharing across stations [7] - The company faces challenges with soft consumer confidence and cautious advertising spending, which may impact its near-term advertising performance [8][10] - As of March 31, 2025, TEGNA reported total debt of $3.08 billion and a net leverage ratio of 2.8X, raising concerns about its financial flexibility [9][10] Group 3: Comparative Analysis - Valuation-wise, SSP shares are trading at a Price/Sales ratio of 0.12X, significantly lower than TGNA's 0.94X, indicating a cheaper valuation for SSP [11] - Year-to-date, SSP shares have increased by 41.2%, while TGNA shares have decreased by 8.6%, reflecting differing investor sentiments towards the two companies [13] - SSP is viewed as having better growth potential due to its active strategies and operational efficiency, while TEGNA is seen as struggling with weak demand and stagnant growth [18][19]

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]