E.W. Scripps (SSP) – A Softer Than Expected Start

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Monday, February 28, 2022

E.W. Scripps (SSP)
A Softer Than Expected Start

The E.W. Scripps Co. (www.scripps.com) serves audiences and businesses through a growing portfolio of television, print and digital media brands. After approval of its acquisition of two Granite Broadcasting stations later this year, Scripps will own 21 local television stations as well as daily newspapers in 13 markets across the United States. It also runs an expanding collection of local and national digital journalism and information businesses including digital video news service Newsy. Scripps also produces television programming, runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and serves as the longtime steward of one of the nation’s largest, most successful and longest-running educational programs, Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1879, Scripps is focused on the stories of tomorrow.

Michael Kupinski, Director of Research, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

    Full-year results. The company reported total full-year 2021 revenue of $2.283 billion, modestly lower than our $2.29 billion estimate. The largest variance to our revenue estimate was in its Networks business. Full-year Adj. EBITDA was a strong $604.5 million, beating our $589 million adj. EBITDA estimate by 2.6%.

    Political advertising expected to be strong.  Management indicated that it expects Political advertising to be $270 million in 2022, above our current $256 million estimate. Given the very high margin, management anticipates full year 2022 free cash flow to be in the range of $400 million to $450 million, which is earmarked for debt reduction …



This research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary.  Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

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