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Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (NXST) Fundamental Analysis & AI Grade 2026

NXST Nasdaq Television Broadcasting Stations DE CIK: 0001142417
Updated This Month • Analysis: May 9, 2026 • SEC Data: 2026-03-31
Combined AI Grade
C
71% Confidence
AGREEMENT
C
78% Conf
B
64% Conf

📊 NXST Key Takeaways

Revenue: $1.4B
Net Margin: 11.7%
Free Cash Flow: $267.0M
Current Ratio: 1.76x
Debt/Equity: 5.61x
EPS: $5.09
AI Grade: C with 78% confidence
Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (NXST) receives a C fundamental grade with 71% confidence from our AI analysis based on SEC 10-K filings. With revenue of $1.4B, net profit margin of 11.7%, and return on equity (ROE) of 7.6%, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. demonstrates mixed fundamentals in the Telecom sector. Below is our complete NXST stock analysis for 2026.

Is Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (NXST) a Good Investment?

Claude

Nexstar faces structural headwinds from secular industry decline, evidenced by 8.5% YoY revenue contraction in broadcast television. Despite strong free cash flow ($267M), excessive leverage (5.61x Debt/Equity) with marginal interest coverage (2.3x) creates material financial distress risk. The 86% EPS collapse despite net income growth signals severe shareholder dilution and deteriorating capital structure.

ChatGPT

Nexstar generates strong free cash flow and maintains solid liquidity and interest coverage, indicating durable operations despite a weaker top line. However, revenue contracted 8.5% YoY, net margin remains thin, and leverage is elevated, tempering return metrics and creating EPS volatility. Continued cash generation supports debt service, but fundamental improvement hinges on stabilizing core revenues and gradual deleveraging.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Key Strengths (NXST)

Claude
  • + Strong free cash flow generation of $267M (19.1% margin) provides debt service capacity
  • + Solid operating margins of 19% demonstrate operational efficiency in assets
  • + Adequate liquidity with 1.76x current ratio
ChatGPT
  • + Strong free cash flow and conversion (OCF $891M; FCF margin 15%)
  • + Healthy liquidity and coverage (current ratio 2.07x; interest coverage 7.2x)
  • + Resilient operating profitability (17.2% operating margin)

NXST Stock Risks: Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Investment Risks

Claude
  • ! Revenue declining 8.5% YoY reflects secular cord-cutting and digital disruption pressures in broadcast television
  • ! Dangerously high leverage (5.61x Debt/Equity) with low interest coverage (2.3x) creates refinancing and debt spiral risk
  • ! Massive EPS dilution (down 86% YoY) despite 10.8% net income growth indicates severe share dilution and capital structure stress
ChatGPT
  • ! High leverage and debt load (Debt/Equity 3.07x; $6.33B long-term debt)
  • ! Top-line pressure with revenue down 8.5% YoY
  • ! Thin net margin (2.2%) and EPS volatility (-86% YoY)

Key Metrics to Watch

Claude
  • * Quarterly revenue trajectory and stabilization of advertising base
  • * Debt/Equity ratio and net debt reduction capability from FCF
  • * Interest coverage maintenance and debt refinancing terms
ChatGPT
  • * Core revenue growth ex-political (advertising/retransmission)
  • * Net leverage and interest coverage trajectory

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (NXST) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios

Revenue
$1.4B
Net Income
$164.0M
EPS (Diluted)
$5.09
Free Cash Flow
$267.0M
Total Assets
$18.1B
Cash Position
$379.0M

💡 AI Analyst Insight

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. presents a mixed fundamental picture. Review the detailed metrics above to form your own investment thesis.

NXST Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis

Gross Margin N/A
Operating Margin 19.0%
Net Margin 11.7%
ROE 7.6%
ROA 0.9%
FCF Margin 19.1%

NXST vs Telecom Sector: How Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Compares

How Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. compares to Telecom sector averages

Net Margin
NXST 11.7%
vs
Sector Avg 14.0%
NXST Sector
ROE
NXST 7.6%
vs
Sector Avg 15.0%
NXST Sector
Current Ratio
NXST 1.8x
vs
Sector Avg 1.0x
NXST Sector
Debt/Equity
NXST 5.6x
vs
Sector Avg 1.2x
NXST Sector

Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.

Is Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Stock Overvalued? NXST Valuation Analysis 2026

Based on fundamental analysis, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Telecom sector in 2026.

Return on Equity
7.6%
Sector avg: 15%
Net Profit Margin
11.7%
Sector avg: 14%
Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Debt/Equity
5.61x
Sector avg: 1.2x

Note: This is a fundamental analysis based on SEC filings. For P/E ratio, price targets, and market-based valuation, consult financial data providers. This is not investment advice.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Balance Sheet: NXST Debt, Cash & Liquidity

Current Ratio
1.76x
Quick Ratio
1.76x
Debt/Equity
5.61x
Debt/Assets
88.0%
Interest Coverage
2.26x
Long-term Debt
$12.2B

NXST Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend

NXST 5-year financial data: Year 2021: Revenue $4.6B, Net Income $230.3M, EPS $4.80. Year 2022: Revenue $5.2B, Net Income $811.5M, EPS $17.37. Year 2023: Revenue $5.2B, Net Income $834.0M, EPS $18.98. Year 2024: Revenue $5.4B, Net Income $971.0M, EPS $24.16. Year 2025: Revenue $5.4B, Net Income $346.0M, EPS $9.64.
Revenue
Net Income
EPS (right axis)

5-Year Trend Summary: Nexstar Media Group, Inc..'s revenue has grown significantly by 16% over the 5-year period, indicating strong business expansion. The most recent EPS of $9.64 reflects profitable operations.

NXST Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance

Revenue Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
Net Income Growth
N/A
Year-over-year
EPS Growth
N/A
Earnings per share
FCF Margin
19.1%
Free cash flow / Revenue

NXST Quarterly Earnings & Performance

Quarterly financial performance data for Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. including revenue, net income, and earnings per share.
Quarter Revenue Net Income EPS
Q1 2026 $1.2B $108.0M $3.37
Q3 2025 $1.2B $70.0M $2.14
Q2 2025 $1.2B $97.0M $3.06
Q1 2025 $1.2B $108.0M $3.37
Q3 2024 $1.1B $25.0M $0.70
Q2 2024 $1.2B $96.0M $2.64
Q1 2024 $1.3B $111.0M $2.97
Q3 2023 $1.1B $25.0M $0.70

Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation

Operating Cash Flow
$289.0M
Cash generated from operations
Stock Buybacks
$125.0M
Shares repurchased (TTM)
Capital Expenditures
$22.0M
Investment in assets
Dividends Paid
$56.0M
Returned to shareholders

NXST SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis

Access official SEC EDGAR filings for Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (CIK: 0001142417)

📋 Recent SEC Filings

Date Form Document Action
May 27, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 27, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 27, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 27, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →
May 27, 2026 4 xslF345X06/ownership.xml View →

Frequently Asked Questions about NXST

What is the AI rating for NXST?

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (NXST) has a Combined AI Grade of C from Claude (C) and ChatGPT (B) with 71% combined confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.

What are NXST's key strengths?

Claude: Strong free cash flow generation of $267M (19.1% margin) provides debt service capacity. Solid operating margins of 19% demonstrate operational efficiency in assets. ChatGPT: Strong free cash flow and conversion (OCF $891M; FCF margin 15%). Healthy liquidity and coverage (current ratio 2.07x; interest coverage 7.2x).

What are the risks of investing in NXST?

Claude: Revenue declining 8.5% YoY reflects secular cord-cutting and digital disruption pressures in broadcast television. Dangerously high leverage (5.61x Debt/Equity) with low interest coverage (2.3x) creates refinancing and debt spiral risk. ChatGPT: High leverage and debt load (Debt/Equity 3.07x; $6.33B long-term debt). Top-line pressure with revenue down 8.5% YoY.

What is NXST's revenue and growth?

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. reported revenue of $1.4B.

Does NXST pay dividends?

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. pays dividends, with $56.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.

Where can I find NXST SEC filings?

Official SEC filings for Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. (CIK: 0001142417) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.

What is NXST's EPS?

Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. has a diluted EPS of $5.09.

How is the AI analysis conducted?

Two independent AI systems — Claude (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) — analyze SEC EDGAR filings including 10-K annual reports and 10-Q quarterly reports. Each AI evaluates financial health, profitability ratios, balance sheet strength, and growth metrics. The combined grade reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.

What is NXST's fundamental grade?

Based on our AI fundamental analysis in May 2026, Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. has a C grade with 71% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above for full context. This is not investment advice.

Is NXST stock overvalued or undervalued?

Valuation metrics for NXST: ROE of 7.6% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of 11.7% (sector avg: 14%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.

What is NXST's AI grade for 2026?

Our dual AI analysis gives Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. a combined C grade for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.

What is NXST's free cash flow?

Nexstar Media Group, Inc..'s operating cash flow is $289.0M, with capital expenditures of $22.0M. FCF margin is 19.1%.

How does NXST compare to other Telecom stocks?

Vs Telecom sector averages: Net margin 11.7% (avg: 14%), ROE 7.6% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.76 (avg: 1).

Is Nexstar Media Group, Inc.. carrying too much debt?

NXST has a debt-to-equity ratio of 5.61x, which is above the Telecom sector average of 1.2x. However, the current ratio of 1.76 suggests adequate short-term liquidity.

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Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by Claude AI (Anthropic) and ChatGPT (OpenAI) based on publicly available SEC EDGAR filings. It does not include stock price data and should not be considered financial advice. All fundamental data is sourced from SEC public domain filings. Always conduct your own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
Data Source: SEC EDGAR | Analysis Date: May 9, 2026 | Data as of: 2026-03-31 | Powered by Claude AI