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Sep 30, 2021

Nexstar Q3 2021 Earnings Report

Nexstar achieved record net revenue and solid growth in core advertising, distribution, and digital revenue during the third quarter of 2021.

Key Takeaways

Nexstar Media Group reported record third-quarter net revenue of $1,157.0 million, driven by double-digit increases in core advertising, distribution, and digital revenue. The company's adjusted EBITDA was $410.4 million, with a 35.5% margin, and free cash flow was $251.7 million. Nexstar returned $173.6 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.

Nexstar's third-quarter net revenue reached a record $1.16 billion, up 3.5% year-over-year.

Core television advertising revenue increased by 13.3% year-over-year.

Distribution fee revenue rose by 15% year-over-year to approximately $619 million.

Total digital revenue increased by 46.8% to approximately $81 million.

Total Revenue
$1.16B
Previous year: $1.12B
+3.5%
EPS
$3.9
Previous year: $4.08
-4.4%
Adjusted EBITDA
$410M
Previous year: $444M
-7.5%
Political Advertising Revenue
$12.4M
Previous year: $132M
-90.6%
Gross Profit
$680M
Previous year: $697M
-2.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$194M
Previous year: $410M
-52.7%
Free Cash Flow
$252M
Previous year: $219M
+14.9%
Total Assets
$13.3B
Previous year: $13.3B
-0.1%

Nexstar

Nexstar

Nexstar Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

Nexstar expects continued retransmission revenue growth reflecting contract renewals representing a mid-to-high single digit percentage of our subscribers in 2021 and approximately 60% of our subscribers in 2022. Looking ahead, Nexstar expects 2022 to benefit from its growing multi-platform audience and industry-leading distribution, continued growth of the gaming/sports betting category and the upcoming 2022 mid-term elections.

Positive Outlook

  • Growing multi-platform audience
  • Industry-leading distribution
  • Continued growth of the gaming/sports betting category
  • Upcoming 2022 mid-term elections
  • Upsized free cash flow targets in the 2021/2022 cycle

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income