Nexstar Media Group reported record third-quarter financial results, with net revenue up 9.7% driven by strong growth in political advertising, distribution, and digital revenue. Adjusted EBITDA and free cash flow also reached record levels for the third quarter. The company returned a significant portion of its free cash flow to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.
Net revenue increased by 9.7% year-over-year, reaching a record $1.27 billion.
Adjusted EBITDA increased by 19.1% year-over-year to $488.8 million, with a margin of 38.5%.
Free cash flow increased by 16.6% year-over-year to $293.6 million, representing 60.1% of Adjusted EBITDA.
The company returned $250.1 million to shareholders through share repurchases and dividends.
The company expects the fourth quarter to benefit from strong political advertising trends, while 2023 will see distribution revenue upside from renewals. Looking forward, 2024 is expected to benefit from another record year for political advertising and further distribution agreement renewals.
Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income