The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP)

The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) Media & Communications Profile

The E.W. Scripps Company, founded in 1878, operates as a media enterprise with a portfolio of local and national media brands. It distinguishes itself through its diversified segments, including Local Media, Scripps Networks, and digital operations, positioning it within the broadcasting industry alongside competitors focused on news, entertainment, and information dissemination.

What Is the Investment Thesis for SSP?

The E.W. Scripps Company presents a mixed investment case. With a market capitalization of $374.73M, the company's negative profit margin of -5.4% raises concerns about profitability. However, a gross margin of 33.8% indicates potential for improved earnings with better cost management. Key growth catalysts include the expansion of Scripps Networks through digital distribution and the increasing demand for local news and content. Investors should monitor the company's ability to improve profitability and capitalize on digital growth opportunities. The company's beta of 0.58 suggests lower volatility compared to the market.

Based on FMP financials and quantitative analysis

SSP Key Highlights

• Market Cap of $374.73M reflects the company's current valuation in the broadcasting sector.
• Gross Margin of 33.8% indicates the company's efficiency in generating revenue from its services.
• Operates a network of 61 television stations, providing a broad reach for its content.
• Beta of 0.58 suggests lower volatility compared to the market, potentially appealing to risk-averse investors.
• No dividend yield, which may deter income-focused investors.

Who Are SSP's Competitors?

SSP is benchmarked below against 8 industry peers on price, market cap, and our AI MoonshotScore.

AI Score by Stock Expert AI · Price data: FMP / Yahoo Finance

What Are SSP's Key Strengths?

• Established presence in local media markets.
• Diversified content portfolio across news, entertainment, and information.
• Strong brand recognition through the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
• Growing digital presence through Newsy and other online platforms.

What Are SSP's Weaknesses?

• Negative profit margin indicates profitability challenges.
• Dependence on advertising revenue, which can be cyclical.
• Competition from online streaming services and digital media.
• High debt levels may limit financial flexibility.

What Could Drive SSP Stock Higher?

• Expansion of Scripps Networks through digital distribution channels.
• Growth in local media advertising revenue driven by targeted advertising solutions.
• Increased demand for national news content fueling growth of Newsy.
• Leveraging ION Network's popular crime and justice programming to attract viewers.

What Are the Key Risks for SSP?

• Financial-distress signal — its Altman Z-Score of 0.50 sits in the distress zone (elevated bankruptcy risk).
• Negative return on equity (-7.9%) — the business is not currently generating profit on shareholder capital.
• Decline in traditional television viewership impacting advertising revenue.
• Increasing competition from online streaming services and digital media platforms.
• Economic downturn leading to reduced advertising spending.
• Regulatory changes affecting the broadcasting industry and content distribution.

What Are the Growth Opportunities for SSP?

• Expansion of Scripps Networks through Digital Distribution: The increasing adoption of connected TV and streaming services presents a significant growth opportunity for Scripps Networks. By expanding its distribution through digital platforms, Scripps can reach a wider audience and generate additional revenue. The market for streaming services is projected to reach $72.9 billion in 2026, offering a substantial opportunity for Scripps to increase its market share. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Growth in Local Media Advertising Revenue: As local businesses increasingly focus on targeted advertising, Scripps' Local Media segment can benefit from increased advertising revenue. By leveraging its broadcast television stations and digital operations, Scripps can offer advertisers a comprehensive platform to reach local audiences. The local advertising market is expected to grow as businesses seek more effective ways to reach their target customers. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Increased Demand for National News Content: Newsy, Scripps' national news network, is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for national news content. By providing politics, entertainment, science, and technology news, Newsy can attract a diverse audience and generate revenue through advertising and subscriptions. The market for national news is driven by the increasing need for timely and accurate information. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Leveraging ION Network for Crime and Justice Programming: ION, Scripps' national broadcast television network, can capitalize on the continued popularity of crime and justice procedural programming. By delivering this content through over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms, ION can attract a loyal audience and generate revenue through advertising. The demand for crime and justice programming remains strong. Timeline: Ongoing.
• Capitalizing on the Scripps National Spelling Bee: The Scripps National Spelling Bee provides a unique opportunity for Scripps to engage with audiences and generate revenue through sponsorships and licensing. By leveraging the popularity of the Spelling Bee, Scripps can strengthen its brand and attract new viewers and advertisers. The Spelling Bee is a well-established event with a dedicated following. Timeline: Ongoing.

What Opportunities Does SSP Have?

• Expansion of Scripps Networks through digital distribution.
• Growth in local media advertising revenue.
• Increased demand for national news content.
• Leveraging ION Network for crime and justice programming.

What Threats Does SSP Face?

• Decline in traditional television viewership.
• Increasing competition from online streaming services.
• Economic downturn impacting advertising revenue.
• Regulatory changes affecting the broadcasting industry.

What Are SSP's Competitive Advantages?

• Established network of 61 television stations provides a broad reach.
• Diversified content portfolio across local and national markets.
• Strong brand recognition through the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
• Digital presence through Newsy and other online platforms.

What Does SSP Do?

Founded in 1878 and headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, The E.W. Scripps Company has evolved into a diversified media enterprise. The company operates through three main segments: Local Media, Scripps Networks, and Other. The Local Media segment focuses on broadcast television stations, producing news, information, and entertainment content, complemented by related digital operations. This segment also features network, syndicated, and original programming. The Scripps Networks segment is comprised of national television networks, distributed through over-the-air broadcast, cable/satellite, connected TV, and digital platforms. The company provides content and services through the internet, smartphones, and tablets. Scripps also operates Newsy, a national news network providing politics, entertainment, science, and technology news, and the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Additionally, the company offers ION, a national broadcast television network that delivers crime and justice procedural programming through over-the-air broadcast and pay TV platforms. With a network of 61 television stations, The E.W. Scripps Company serves a wide range of audiences and businesses.

What Products and Services Does SSP Offer?

• Operates broadcast television stations.
• Produces news, information, and entertainment content.
• Manages related digital operations.
• Runs network, syndicated, and original programming.
• Operates national television networks.
• Provides content and services through the internet, smartphones, and tablets.
• Offers Newsy, a national news network.
• Manages the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

How Does SSP Make Money?

• Generates revenue through advertising on its broadcast television stations and national networks.
• Earns revenue from subscriptions to its digital content and services.
• Receives fees from cable and satellite providers for carriage of its networks.
• Generates revenue through sponsorships and licensing of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

What Industry Does SSP Operate In?

The E.W. Scripps Company operates in the broadcasting industry, which is undergoing significant transformation due to the rise of digital media and streaming services. Traditional broadcasters face increasing competition from online platforms and changing consumer viewing habits. Companies like Scripps are adapting by expanding their digital presence and offering content through multiple channels. The industry is also influenced by regulatory changes and advertising revenue trends. Scripps' focus on local media and national networks positions it to capitalize on the demand for both local and national content.

Who Are SSP's Key Customers?

• Local audiences seeking news, information, and entertainment.
• National audiences interested in news and programming.
• Advertisers seeking to reach local and national audiences.
• Cable and satellite providers.
• Sponsors of the Scripps National Spelling Bee.

Company Profile

The E.W. Scripps Company operates in the Broadcasting industry within the Communication Services sector. It is headquartered in Cincinnati, US. The company is led by CEO Adam Symson. SSP has traded publicly since 1988.

How The E.W. Scripps Company Is Valued

The E.W. Scripps Company carries a market capitalization of $374.73M, placing it in the small-cap category. Relative to its peer group, SSP's quantitative score of 30/100 is below the peer average of 60/100.

ROE -8%Key Financial Metrics

Return on equity for The E.W. Scripps Company stands at -7.9%, a gauge of how efficiently it converts shareholder capital into profit. Return on assets is -2.0%, showing how much profit it generates from its asset base. Its free cash flow yield is 4.1%, a gauge of the cash the business throws off relative to its market value. A current ratio of 1.58 indicates the company holds enough short-term assets to cover its near-term obligations. Its earnings yield is -35.4%, the inverse of the P/E and a quick read on earnings relative to price.

F-Score 4/9Financial Health

The E.W. Scripps Company's Piotroski F-Score is 4/9, a 9-point checklist of profitability, leverage and efficiency — a middling fundamental profile. Its Altman Z-Score of 0.50 places it in the distress zone, a signal of elevated financial risk.

FY2026 estForward Outlook

Wall Street analysts project The E.W. Scripps Company revenue of about $2.23B for fiscal 2026, with EPS near $0.33. The estimate reflects 3 contributing analysts.

Net buyingInsider Activity

Over the past six months, The E.W. Scripps Company insiders filed 30 SEC Form 4 transactions — 12 sales and 18 purchases. On net that is roughly 144K shares acquired (about $855K) — insiders putting money in tends to read as conviction.

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Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research and consult a financial advisor.

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