Overview

• U.S. media company's Q4 revenue fell 23% yr/yr, with a net loss of $44.9 mln

• Company launched transformation plan targeting $125-$150 mln EBITDA growth by 2028

• Company to re-acquire 23 ION-affiliated stations for $54 mln, pending FCC approval

Outlook

• Company expects financial benefits from transformation initiatives in the second half of 2026

• POLITICAL ADVERTISING OUTLOOK - Co expects to capitalize on record political ad spending in 2026 midterms

• Company sees first-quarter 2026 Local Media revenue up low- to mid-single-digit percent

Result Drivers

• CORE ADVERTISING GROWTH - Local Media division's core advertising revenue increased 12% in Q4, driven by growth in all top categories, especially services

• TRANSFORMATION PLAN - Co launched plan targeting $125-$150 mln EBITDA growth by 2028 through cost savings and technology initiatives

Company press release: ID:nGNX9rtljh

Key Details

Analyst Coverage

• The current average analyst rating on the shares is "hold" and the breakdown of recommendations is 2 "strong buy" or "buy", 2 "hold" and 1 "sell" or "strong sell"

• The average consensus recommendation for the broadcasting peer group is "buy."

• Wall Street's median 12-month price target for E W Scripps Co is $4.96, about 42.9% above its February 24 closing price of $3.47

• The stock recently traded at 10 times the next 12-month earnings vs. a P/E of 70 three months ago

For questions concerning the data in this report, contact Estimates.Support@lseg.com. For any other questions or feedback, contact reuters.support@thomsonreuters.com.

(This story was created using Reuters automation and AI based on LSEG and company data. It was checked and edited by a Reuters journalist prior to publication.)