Nexstar Media Group reported a strong start to 2022, delivering record first quarter financial results. The company exceeded expectations, generating all-time high net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the highest quarterly free cash flow in the company's history. These results were driven by increases across all core and political advertising, distribution, and digital revenue sources.
Nexstar's Q1 2022 net revenue reached a record $1.21 billion, an 8.6% increase year-over-year.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 12.5% to $642.7 million, representing a 53.1% margin.
Record quarterly free cash flow increased by 15.9% to $560.4 million, representing 87.2% of Adjusted EBITDA.
The company returned $195.2 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
Nexstar anticipates strong mid-term and presidential political advertising and distribution agreement renewals, expecting to generate pro forma average annual free cash flow in excess of $1.40 billion over the 2022/2023 cycle.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income