E.W. Scripps Q4 Revenue Beats Estimates Despite 23.1% Year-on-Year Decline
E.W. Scripps reported Q4 CY2025 revenue of $560.3 million, down 23.1% year-on-year but 1.4% ahead of analyst estimates. The media company recorded a GAAP loss of $0.51 per share and adjusted EBITDA of $86.4 million, while free cash flow swung to negative $13.8 million.
1. Q4 Revenue and Sales Performance
E.W. Scripps’s Q4 CY2025 revenue fell 23.1% year-on-year to $560.3 million but exceeded consensus by $7.9 million, marking a 1.4% beat as digital service gains partially offset declines in traditional broadcasting.
2. Profitability and Earnings Per Share
The company posted a GAAP loss of $0.51 per share, substantially wider than the $0.19 loss analysts expected, driven by higher operating expenses and weaker margins compared with the prior year.
3. Adjusted EBITDA and Cash Flow
Adjusted EBITDA reached $86.37 million, topping estimates by $6.56 million with a 15.4% margin, while free cash flow plunged to negative $13.75 million from positive $146.9 million a year earlier, signaling a sharp liquidity deterioration.
4. Margin Contraction and Future Outlook
Operating margin contracted to 7.5% from 26.3% a year ago, reflecting increased cost pressures. Analysts forecast 8.4% revenue growth over the next 12 months, but sustained margin challenges may hinder profitability recovery.