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Sep 30, 2022

Nexstar Q3 2022 Earnings Report

Nexstar reported record Q3 net revenue, operating income, net income, adjusted EBITDA, and free cash flow.

Key Takeaways

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.

Total Revenue
$1.27B
Previous year: $1.16B
+9.7%
EPS
$6.24
Previous year: $3.9
+60.0%
Adjusted EBITDA
$489M
Previous year: $410M
+19.1%
Political Advertising Revenue
$129M
Previous year: $12.4M
+943.8%
Gross Profit
$758M
Previous year: $680M
+11.4%
Cash and Equivalents
$347M
Previous year: $194M
+78.8%
Free Cash Flow
$294M
Previous year: $252M
+16.6%
Total Assets
$13.1B
Previous year: $13.3B
-1.4%

Nexstar

Nexstar

Nexstar Revenue by Segment

Forward Guidance

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.

Positive Outlook

  • Strong political advertising trends expected to continue in the fourth quarter.
  • Distribution revenue upside expected in 2023 from agreement renewals.
  • Record political advertising year anticipated in 2024 due to the presidential election.
  • Further distribution agreement renewals expected to benefit 2024.
  • The CW Network, NewsNation, and ATSC 3.0 technology are expected to support further enhancement of shareholder value.

Revenue & Expenses

Visualization of income flow from segment revenue to net income