📊 SSP Key Takeaways
Is E.W. SCRIPPS Co (SSP) a Good Investment?
E.W. Scripps faces deteriorating fundamentals with revenue declining 14.3% YoY in a structurally challenged broadcasting sector. Despite positive operating cash flow and 8.6% operating margin, the company is unprofitable on a net basis with high leverage (2.07x D/E), minimal free cash flow (0.3% margin), and severely limited financial flexibility.
Why Buy E.W. SCRIPPS Co Stock? SSP Key Strengths
- Positive operating cash flow of $53.1M demonstrates underlying operational cash generation capacity
- Operating margin of 8.6% shows core broadcast operations retain partial profitability
- Current ratio of 1.65x and quick ratio of 1.63x indicate adequate short-term liquidity position
SSP Stock Risks: E.W. SCRIPPS Co Investment Risks
- Revenue declining sharply at -14.3% YoY amid secular headwinds in traditional broadcast television
- Net loss of -$100.9M with negative ROE (-8.1%) and ROA (-2.0%) indicate core business unprofitability
- High leverage with 2.07x debt-to-equity ratio and $2.6B long-term debt against minimal cash reserves of $27.9M
- Free cash flow of only $6.5M (0.3% FCF margin) insufficient for debt reduction or strategic reinvestment
Key Metrics to Watch
- Revenue stabilization and advertising market recovery trends
- Path to net profitability and operating leverage improvement
- Debt reduction progress and debt refinancing requirements
- Free cash flow expansion and working capital management
E.W. SCRIPPS Co (SSP) Financial Metrics & Key Ratios
💡 AI Analyst Insight
The relatively thin 0.3% FCF margin may limit capital allocation flexibility.
SSP Profit Margin, ROE & Profitability Analysis
SSP vs Telecom Sector: How E.W. SCRIPPS Co Compares
How E.W. SCRIPPS Co compares to Telecom sector averages
Sector benchmarks are approximate industry averages. Actual sector performance may vary.
Is E.W. SCRIPPS Co Stock Overvalued? SSP Valuation Analysis 2026
Based on fundamental analysis, E.W. SCRIPPS Co shows some fundamental concerns relative to the Telecom sector in 2026.
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.
E.W. SCRIPPS Co Balance Sheet: SSP Debt, Cash & Liquidity
SSP Revenue & Earnings Growth: 5-Year Financial Trend
5-Year Trend Summary: E.W. SCRIPPS Co's revenue has shown modest growth of 10% over the 5-year period. The most recent EPS of $-11.84 indicates the company is currently unprofitable.
SSP Revenue Growth, EPS Growth & YoY Performance
SSP Quarterly Earnings & Performance
| Quarter | Revenue | Net Income | EPS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q3 2025 | $525.9M | -$33.0M | $0.08 |
| Q2 2025 | $540.1M | $1.4M | $-0.15 |
| Q1 2025 | $524.4M | $1.6M | $-0.15 |
| Q3 2024 | $566.5M | N/A | $0.08 |
| Q2 2024 | $573.6M | N/A | $-0.15 |
| Q1 2024 | $527.8M | N/A | $-0.15 |
| Q3 2023 | $566.5M | N/A | $-0.19 |
| Q2 2023 | $582.8M | N/A | $0.32 |
Data sourced from SEC EDGAR 10-Q quarterly filings. Figures may represent quarterly or cumulative values.
E.W. SCRIPPS Co Dividends, Buybacks & Capital Allocation
SSP SEC Filings: Latest 10-K & 10-Q Analysis
Access official SEC EDGAR filings for E.W. SCRIPPS Co (CIK: 0000832428)
📋 Recent SEC Filings
❓ Frequently Asked Questions about SSP
What is the AI rating for SSP?
E.W. SCRIPPS Co (SSP) has an AI rating of SELL with 72% confidence, based on fundamental analysis of SEC EDGAR filings.
What are SSP's key strengths?
Claude: Positive operating cash flow of $53.1M demonstrates underlying operational cash generation capacity. Operating margin of 8.6% shows core broadcast operations retain partial profitability.
What are the risks of investing in SSP?
Claude: Revenue declining sharply at -14.3% YoY amid secular headwinds in traditional broadcast television. Net loss of -$100.9M with negative ROE (-8.1%) and ROA (-2.0%) indicate core business unprofitability.
What is SSP's revenue and growth?
E.W. SCRIPPS Co reported revenue of $2.2B.
Does SSP pay dividends?
E.W. SCRIPPS Co pays dividends, with $36.0M distributed to shareholders in the trailing twelve months.
Where can I find SSP SEC filings?
Official SEC filings for E.W. SCRIPPS Co (CIK: 0000832428) including 10-K, 10-Q, and 8-K reports are available on SEC EDGAR.
What is SSP's EPS?
E.W. SCRIPPS Co has a diluted EPS of $-1.87.
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 rating reflects both perspectives for balanced insights.
Is SSP a good stock to buy right now?
Based on our AI fundamental analysis in April 2026, E.W. SCRIPPS Co has a SELL rating with 72% confidence. Review the strengths and risks sections above before making a decision. This is not investment advice.
Is SSP stock overvalued or undervalued?
Valuation metrics for SSP: ROE of -8.1% (sector avg: 15%), net margin of -4.7% (sector avg: 14%). Compare these metrics with sector averages to assess valuation.
Should I buy SSP stock in 2026?
Our dual AI analysis gives E.W. SCRIPPS Co a combined SELL rating for 2026. Revenue is data pending, with profitability at or below sector average. Always conduct your own research.
What is SSP's free cash flow?
E.W. SCRIPPS Co's operating cash flow is $53.1M, with capital expenditures of $46.6M. FCF margin is 0.3%.
How does SSP compare to other Telecom stocks?
Vs Telecom sector averages: Net margin -4.7% (avg: 14%), ROE -8.1% (avg: 15%), current ratio 1.65 (avg: 1).
Is E.W. SCRIPPS Co carrying too much debt?
SSP has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.07x, which is above the Telecom sector average of 1.2x. However, the current ratio of 1.65 suggests adequate short-term liquidity.