QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2025
OR
☐
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from to .
Commission File Number: 000-50478
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
Delaware
23-3083125
(State of Incorporation or Organization)
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
545 E. John Carpenter Freeway, Suite 700, Irving, Texas
75062
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
(Zip Code)
(972) 373-8800
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading
Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock
NXST
NASDAQ Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that it was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer
☒
Accelerated filer
☐
Non-accelerated filer
☐
Smaller reporting company
☐
Emerging growth company
☐
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
As of August 7, 2025, the registrant had 30,315,769 shares of Common Stock outstanding.
(in millions, except for share and per share information, unaudited)
June 30,
December 31,
2025
2024
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
234
$
144
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for credit losses of $17 and $16, respectively
1,022
1,028
Broadcast rights
54
84
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
80
41
Total current assets
1,390
1,297
Property and equipment, net
1,178
1,207
Goodwill
2,924
2,922
FCC licenses
2,949
2,929
Network affiliation agreements, net
1,400
1,494
Other intangible assets, net
331
353
Investments
776
877
Other noncurrent assets, net
380
389
Total assets(1)
$
11,328
$
11,468
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND STOCKHOLDERSʼ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$
108
$
124
Accounts payable
190
133
Broadcast rights payable
82
97
Accrued expenses
332
314
Other current liabilities
111
115
Total current liabilities
823
783
Debt
6,275
6,399
Deferred tax liabilities
1,463
1,487
Other noncurrent liabilities
511
531
Total liabilities(1)
9,072
9,200
Commitments and contingencies (Note 10)
Redeemable noncontrolling interests (Note 2)
18
26
Stockholdersʼ equity:
Preferred stock - $0.01 par value, 200,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding at each of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024
-
-
Common stock - $0.01 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 47,282,823 shares issued, 30,315,298 shares outstanding as of June 30, 2025 and 47,282,823 shares issued, 30,621,241 shares outstanding as of December 31, 2024
-
-
Additional paid-in capital
1,293
1,304
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(1
)
(1
)
Retained earnings
3,755
3,671
Treasury stock - at cost; 16,967,525 and 16,661,582 shares as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively
(2,791
)
(2,717
)
Total Nexstar Media Group, Inc. stockholdersʼ equity
2,256
2,257
Noncontrolling interests
(18
)
(15
)
Total stockholdersʼ equity
2,238
2,242
Total liabilities, redeemable noncontrolling interests and stockholdersʼ equity
$
11,328
$
11,468
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
(1)
The condensed consolidated total assets as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include certain assets held by consolidated VIEs of $297 million and $297 million, respectively, which are not available to be used to settle the obligations of Nexstar. The condensed consolidated total liabilities as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 include certain liabilities of consolidated VIEs of $150 million and $148 million, respectively, for which the creditors of the VIEs have no recourse to the general credit of Nexstar. See Note 2 for additional information.
3
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in millions, except for share and per share information, unaudited)
Three Months Ended
Six Months Ended
June 30,
June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net revenue
$
1,229
$
1,269
$
2,462
$
2,553
Operating expenses (income):
Direct operating, excluding depreciation and amortization
557
552
1,108
1,100
Selling, general and administrative, excluding depreciation and amortization
262
270
520
540
Depreciation and amortization
197
208
402
398
Other
-
(1
)
-
(1
)
Total operating expenses
1,016
1,029
2,030
2,037
Income from operations
213
240
432
516
Income from equity method investments, net
11
16
19
35
Interest expense, net
(97
)
(113
)
(194
)
(227
)
Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net
8
7
16
14
Gain on disposal of an investment
-
-
-
40
Other expenses, net
(5
)
(1
)
(5
)
-
Income before income taxes
130
149
268
378
Income tax expense
(39
)
(43
)
(80
)
(105
)
Net income
91
106
188
273
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
6
12
17
20
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
$
97
$
118
$
205
$
293
Net income per share available to common stockholders:
Basic
$
3.09
$
3.59
$
6.50
$
8.85
Diluted
$
3.06
$
3.54
$
6.43
$
8.71
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic (in thousands)
30,221
32,816
30,375
33,133
Diluted (in thousands)
30,514
33,287
30,719
33,656
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
4
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
(in millions, except for share and per share information, unaudited)
Accumulated
Redeemable
Additional
Other
Total
Noncontrolling
Common Stock
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury Stock
Noncontrolling
Stockholdersʼ
Interests
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Shares
Amount
interests
Equity
Balances as of March 31, 2025
$
19
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,304
$
3,718
$
(1
)
(16,924,900
)
$
(2,774
)
$
(16
)
$
2,231
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
(311,998
)
(51
)
-
(51
)
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
-
21
-
-
-
-
-
21
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options
-
-
-
(34
)
-
-
269,373
34
-
-
Dividends declared on common stock ($1.86 per share)
-
-
-
-
(56
)
-
-
-
-
(56
)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
4
-
-
-
(4
)
-
-
-
-
(4
)
Other
(1
)
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
2
Net income (loss)
(4
)
-
-
-
97
-
-
-
(2
)
95
Balances as of June 30, 2025
$
18
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,293
$
3,755
$
(1
)
(16,967,525
)
$
(2,791
)
$
(18
)
$
2,238
Balances as of March 31, 2024
$
-
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,290
$
3,306
$
1
(14,244,922
)
$
(2,276
)
$
25
$
2,346
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
(847,904
)
(135
)
-
(135
)
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
-
20
-
-
-
-
-
20
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options
-
-
-
(29
)
-
-
295,508
27
-
(2
)
Dividends declared on common stock ($1.69 per share)
-
-
-
-
(55
)
-
-
-
-
(55
)
Net income (loss)
-
-
-
-
118
-
-
-
(12
)
106
Balances as of June 30, 2024
$
-
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,281
$
3,369
$
1
(14,797,318
)
$
(2,384
)
$
13
$
2,280
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
5
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND REDEEMABLE NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 and 2024
(in millions, except for share and per share information, unaudited)
Accumulated
Redeemable
Additional
Other
Total
Noncontrolling
Common Stock
Paid-In
Retained
Comprehensive
Treasury Stock
Noncontrolling
Stockholdersʼ
Interests
Shares
Amount
Capital
Earnings
Income (Loss)
Shares
Amount
interests
Equity
Balances as of December 31, 2024
$
26
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,304
$
3,671
$
(1
)
(16,661,582
)
$
(2,717
)
$
(15
)
$
2,242
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
(753,162
)
(126
)
-
(126
)
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
-
39
-
-
-
-
-
39
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options
-
-
-
(52
)
-
-
447,219
52
-
-
Dividends declared on common stock ($3.72 per share)
-
-
-
-
(113
)
-
-
-
-
(113
)
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
8
-
-
-
(8
)
-
-
-
-
(8
)
Other
(2
)
-
-
2
-
-
-
-
-
2
Net income (loss)
(14
)
-
-
-
205
-
-
-
(3
)
202
Balances as of June 30, 2025
$
18
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,293
$
3,755
$
(1
)
(16,967,525
)
$
(2,791
)
$
(18
)
$
2,238
Balances as of December 31, 2023
$
-
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,283
$
3,188
$
1
(13,681,897
)
$
(2,173
)
$
14
$
2,313
Purchase of treasury stock
-
-
-
-
-
-
(1,514,478
)
(248
)
-
(248
)
Stock-based compensation expense
-
-
-
38
-
-
-
-
-
38
Vesting of restricted stock units and exercise of stock options
-
-
-
(40
)
-
-
399,057
37
-
(3
)
Dividends declared on common stock ($3.38 per share)
-
-
-
-
(112
)
-
-
-
-
(112
)
Contribution from noncontrolling interests
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
19
19
Net income (loss)
-
-
-
-
293
-
-
-
(20
)
273
Balances as of June 30, 2024
$
-
47,282,823
$
-
$
1,281
$
3,369
$
1
(14,797,318
)
$
(2,384
)
$
13
$
2,280
6
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in millions, unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income
$
188
$
273
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization
402
398
Stock-based compensation expense
39
38
Amortization of debt financing costs, debt discounts and premium
5
5
Loss on extinguishment of debt
5
-
Gain on disposal of an investment
-
(40
)
Deferred income taxes
(24
)
(14
)
Payments for broadcast rights
(161
)
(166
)
Income from equity method investments, net
(19
)
(35
)
Distribution from equity method investments – return on capital
125
139
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable
6
48
Prepaid and other current assets
(6
)
(12
)
Other noncurrent assets
5
(11
)
Accounts payable
60
(94
)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
20
(1
)
Income tax payable
(38
)
(59
)
Other noncurrent liabilities
(29
)
(21
)
Other
6
4
Net cash provided by operating activities
584
452
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment
(64
)
(81
)
Payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired
(22
)
-
Proceeds from disposal of an investment
-
40
Other investing activities, net
(3
)
2
Net cash used in investing activities
(89
)
(39
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from debt issuance, net of debt discounts
3,393
55
Repayments of long-term debt
(3,543
)
(116
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(125
)
(246
)
Common stock dividends paid
(113
)
(112
)
Payments for capitalized software obligations
(10
)
(11
)
Contribution from redeemable noncontrolling interests
-
19
Payment for excise tax on stock repurchases
(5
)
-
Other financing activities, net
(2
)
(3
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(405
)
(414
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
90
(1
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
144
147
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
234
$
146
Supplemental information:
Interest paid
$
188
$
219
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$
141
$
177
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Accrued and noncash purchases of long-lived assets
$
31
$
15
Right-of-use assets obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations
$
16
$
25
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
7
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Note 1: Organization and Business Operations
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, “Nexstar” refers to Nexstar Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries; the “Company” refers to Nexstar and the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) required to be consolidated in its financial statements under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs; and all references to “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” refer to Nexstar.
Nexstar is a leading diversified media company with television broadcasting, television network and digital media assets operating in the United States. As of June 30, 2025, we owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to 201 full power television stations and one AM radio station, including those television stations owned by VIEs, in 116 markets in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The stations are affiliates of CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, The CW, MyNetworkTV, and other broadcast television networks. As of June 30, 2025, Nexstar’s stations reached approximately 39% of all U.S. television households (after applying the Federal Communications Commission’s (“FCC”) ultra-high frequency discount). Through various local service agreements, we provided sales, programming, and other services to 35 television stations owned by consolidated VIEs and two television stations owned by unconsolidated VIEs. As of June 30, 2025, Nexstar also owns a 78.7% ownership interest in The CW Network, LLC, the fifth major broadcast network in the U.S. (“The CW”); NewsNation, a national cable news network; two digital multicast networks, Antenna TV and REWIND TV; multicast network services provided to third parties; and a 31.3% ownership stake in Television Food Network, G.P. (“TV Food Network”). Our digital assets include 138 local websites and 229 mobile applications across local stations, NewsNation and The Hill. The portfolio also includes 72 connected television applications and three free ad-supported television channels from The CW and The Hill.
Note 2: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Principles of Consolidation
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Nexstar, subsidiaries consolidated through voting interests and VIEs for which we are the primary beneficiary (see “Variable Interest Entities” section below). All intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Nexstar management evaluates each arrangement that may include variable interests and determines the need to consolidate an entity where it determines Nexstar is the primary beneficiary of a VIE in accordance with related authoritative literature and interpretive guidance.
Interim Financial Statements
The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements as of June 30, 2025 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024 are unaudited. However, in the opinion of management, such financial statements include all adjustments (consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for the fair statement of the financial information included herein in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The preparation of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the period. Results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. Estimates are used for, but are not limited to, valuation of assets acquired and liabilities assumed in business combinations, distribution revenue recognized, income taxes, the recoverability of goodwill, FCC licenses, long-lived assets (property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets), investments, and broadcast rights, the useful lives of long-lived assets, pension and postretirement obligations, fair value of stock-based compensation, accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests and allowance for credit losses. As of June 30, 2025, the Company is not aware of any specific event or circumstance that would require an update to its estimates or judgments or revision of the carrying value of its assets or liabilities. However, these estimates and judgments may
8
change as new events occur and additional information is obtained, which may result in changes being recognized in the Company’s consolidated financial statements in future periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates and any such differences may have a material impact on the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
These Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Nexstar’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. The balance sheet as of December 31, 2024 has been derived from the audited financial statements as of that date but does not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete financial statements.
Variable Interest Entities
Nexstar may determine that an entity is a VIE as a result of local service agreements entered into with that entity. The term local service agreement generally refers to a contract whereby the owner-operator of a television station contracts with a third party (typically another television station owner-operator) to provide it with administrative, sales and other services required for the operation of its station. Nevertheless, the owner-operator of each station retains control of and responsibility for the operation of its station, including ultimate responsibility over all programming broadcast on its station. A local service agreement can be (i) a time brokerage agreement (“TBA”) or a local marketing agreement (“LMA”) which allows Nexstar to program most of a station’s broadcast time, sell the station’s advertising time and retain the advertising revenue generated in exchange for monthly payments, frequently based on the station’s monthly operating expenses, (ii) a shared services agreement (“SSA”) which allows Nexstar to provide services to a station including news production, technical maintenance and security, in exchange for Nexstar’s right to receive certain payments as described in the SSA, or (iii) a joint sales agreement (“JSA”) which permits Nexstar to sell certain of a station’s advertising time and retain a percentage of the related revenue, as described in the JSA.
Consolidated VIEs
Nexstar consolidates entities in which it is deemed under U.S. GAAP to have controlling financial interests for financial reporting purposes as a result of (i) local service agreements Nexstar has with the stations owned by these entities, (ii) Nexstar’s (excluding The CW) guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission Broadcasting, Inc.’s (“Mission”) senior secured credit facility (see Note 7), (iii) Nexstar having power over significant activities affecting these VIEs’ economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, certain advertising sales and, in some cases, hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (iv) purchase options granted by each consolidated VIE which permit Nexstar to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of these VIEs’ stations, subject to FCC consent.
The following table summarizes the various local service agreements Nexstar had in effect as of June 30, 2025 with its consolidated VIEs:
Nexstar’s ability to receive cash from the consolidated VIEs is governed by the local service agreements. Under these agreements, Nexstar has received substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. Nexstar anticipates it will continue to receive substantially all of the consolidated VIEs’ available cash, after satisfaction of operating costs and debt obligations. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, each VIE maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances, personnel and operations of its stations.
9
The carrying amounts and classification of the assets and liabilities, excluding intercompany amounts, of the VIEs which have been included in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets were as follows (in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$
8
$
7
Accounts receivable, net
24
26
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
5
4
Total current assets
37
37
Property and equipment, net
50
52
Goodwill
151
151
FCC licenses
200
200
Network affiliation agreements, net
56
59
Other noncurrent assets, net
60
63
Total assets
$
554
$
562
Current liabilities:
Current portion of debt
$
3
$
3
Other current liabilities
42
37
Total current liabilities
45
40
Debt
346
348
Deferred tax liabilities
41
41
Other noncurrent liabilities
69
72
Total liabilities
$
501
$
501
The following are assets of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, that are not available to settle the obligations of Nexstar and the liabilities of consolidated VIEs, excluding intercompany amounts, for which their creditors do not have recourse to the general credit of Nexstar (in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Current assets
$
4
$
3
Property and equipment, net
10
10
Goodwill
62
62
FCC licenses
200
200
Network affiliation agreements, net
18
19
Other noncurrent assets, net
3
3
Total assets
$
297
$
297
Current liabilities
$
40
$
35
Noncurrent liabilities
110
113
Total liabilities
$
150
$
148
Non-Consolidated VIEs
Nexstar has an outsourcing agreement with Cunningham Broadcasting Corporation (“Cunningham”) which continues through December 31, 2025. Under the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar provides certain engineering, production, sales and administrative services for WYZZ, the FOX affiliate in the Peoria, Illinois market, through WMBD, the Nexstar television station in that market. During the term of the outsourcing agreement, Nexstar retains the broadcasting revenue and related expenses of WYZZ and is obligated to pay a monthly fee to Cunningham based on the combined operating cash flow of WMBD and WYZZ, as defined in the agreement.
10
Nexstar has a multi-year TBA with KAZT, L.L.C., the owner of television station KAZT-TV, an affiliate of The CW in Phoenix, Arizona. Nexstar was also granted an option to purchase the station from KAZT, L.L.C., subject to FCC consent.
Nexstar has determined that it has variable interests in WYZZ and KAZT-TV. Nexstar has also evaluated its arrangements with Cunningham and KAZT, L.L.C. and has determined that it is not the primary beneficiary of the variable interests because it does not have the ultimate power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the stations’ economic performance. Therefore, Nexstar has not consolidated WYZZ and KAZT-TV under authoritative guidance related to the consolidation of VIEs. There were no significant transactions arising from Nexstar’s outsourcing agreement with Cunningham and TBA with KAZT, L.L.C. Neither Cunningham nor KAZT, L.L.C. guarantees Nexstar’s debt.
Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
During the second quarter of 2025, Nexstar increased its ownership interest in The CW from 77.7% to 78.7%. Pursuant to the operating agreement governing The CW, Nexstar has a call right to acquire the noncontrolling ownership interests in The CW that is exercisable during a certain period each year, and each noncontrolling owner has a put right to sell its ownership interest in The CW to Nexstar beginning in June 2026, subject to Nexstar’s one year deferral right, for cash. The amount at which the noncontrolling interests can be redeemed under either the call right or the put rights is the greater of the capital contributed by the minority owners or a multiple of The CW’s earnings.
Redeemable noncontrolling interests are presented as mezzanine equity (outside of liability and stockholders’ equity) in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as they are redeemable by the holders through their put rights and the redemption is outside Nexstar’s control. We accrete the changes in the redemption value of redeemable noncontrolling interests over the period from issuance to the earliest redemption date using the effective interest method. The accretion is recognized as an adjustment to retained earnings, or in the absence of retained earnings, additional paid-in capital. The balance of redeemable noncontrolling interests is measured at the greater of accreted redemption value at the end of each reporting period or the initial carrying value adjusted for the noncontrolling interests’ contributions and share in income and losses. The inclusion of accretion in the calculation of earnings per share is disclosed in Note 13.
Income Per Share
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc. less accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests is equal to net income available to Nexstar’s common stockholders. Basic income per share is computed by dividing the net income available to Nexstar’s common stockholders by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of common shares and potentially dilutive common shares outstanding during the period. Potentially dilutive common shares are calculated using the treasury stock method. They consist of common shares that could be issued from the vesting of outstanding restricted stock units and, in the prior year, the exercise of outstanding stock options. See Note 13 for additional information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
New Accounting Standards Adopted
In November 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2023-07, “Segment Reporting (Topic 280): Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-07”), which expands the annual and interim disclosure requirements for reportable segments by adding disclosures of significant expenses for reportable segments as well as certain other disclosures. The standard update did not change the existing disclosure requirements, such as segment revenue and profit (loss) among others, and how an entity identifies its operating segments and reportable segments. The Company adopted the annual disclosure requirements under ASU 2023-07 on October 1, 2024, and applied the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in its consolidated financial statements. The Company also adopted the interim requirements under ASU 2023-07 on January 1, 2025 and applied the amendments retrospectively to all prior periods presented in its condensed consolidated financial statements (see Note 15 for our updated segment information).
11
In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures” (“ASU 2023-09”). ASU 2023-09 applies to all entities that are subject to Topic 740, Income Taxes and is intended to enhance the transparency and decision usefulness of income tax disclosures. The new guidance requires consistent categorization and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation, as well as further disaggregation of income taxes paid. This change is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2024 and may be applied prospectively or retrospectively. ASU 2023-09 is expected to impact our income tax disclosures beginning with the consolidated financial statements included in the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ending December 31, 2025, but will have no impact on our results of operations, cash flows, or financial condition.
New Accounting Standards Not Yet Adopted
In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, “Income Statement–Reporting Comprehensive Income–Expense Disaggregation Disclosures (Subtopic 220-40): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses” (“ASU 2024-03”). Additionally, in January 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-01 to clarify the effective date of ASU 2024-03. ASU 2024-03 requires a public entity to disclose additional information about specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements on an annual and interim basis. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. Early adoption is permitted on either a prospective or retrospective basis. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impacts of ASU 2024-03 on its Consolidated Financial Statements and related disclosures.
Note 3: Acquisition
On January 31, 2025, Nexstar acquired certain assets of WBNX-TV, an independent full power television station serving the Cleveland, OH market, from Winston Broadcasting Network, Inc. for a $22 million cash purchase price. The acquired assets and assumed liabilities were recorded at fair value as of the closing date of the transaction and consisted primarily of $20 million related to the FCC license.
Note 4: Intangible Assets and Goodwill
The Company’s goodwill by segment, indefinite-lived intangible assets and definite-lived intangible assets consisted of the following ($ in millions):
Reportable Broadcast Segment
Other Segments
Total
Accumulated
Accumulated
Accumulated
Goodwill
Gross
Impairment
Net
Gross
Impairment
Net
Gross
Impairment
Net
Balances as of December 31, 2024
$
2,920
$
(43
)
$
2,877
$
225
$
(180
)
$
45
$
3,145
$
(223
)
$
2,922
Current year acquisition (Note 3)
2
-
2
-
-
-
2
-
2
Balances as of June 30, 2025
$
2,922
$
(43
)
$
2,879
$
225
$
(180
)
$
45
$
3,147
$
(223
)
$
2,924
FCC Licenses
Accumulated
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Gross
Impairment
Net
Balances as of December 31, 2024
$
2,977
$
(48
)
$
2,929
Current year acquisition (Note 3)
20
-
20
Balances as of June 30, 2025
$
2,997
$
(48
)
$
2,949
Network Affiliation Agreements
Other Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Total
Accumulated
Accumulated
Accumulated
Amortization
Amortization
Amortization
Definite-Lived Intangible Assets
Gross
and Impairment
Net
Gross
and Impairment
Net
Gross
and Impairment
Net
Balances as of December 31, 2024
$
3,125
$
(1,631
)
$
1,494
$
1,115
$
(762
)
$
353
$
4,240
$
(2,393
)
$
1,847
Balances as of June 30, 2025
$
3,125
$
(1,725
)
$
1,400
$
1,148
$
(817
)
$
331
$
4,273
$
(2,542
)
$
1,731
The following table presents the Company’s estimate of amortization expense for the remainder of 2025, each of the five succeeding years ended December 31 and thereafter for definite-lived intangible assets as of June 30, 2025 (in millions):
12
Remainder of 2025
$
151
2026
280
2027
265
2028
240
2029
222
2030
178
Thereafter
395
$
1,731
Indefinite-lived intangible assets are not subject to amortization but are tested for impairment annually or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that such assets might be impaired. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company did not identify events that would trigger impairment assessments.
Note 5: Investments
Investments in the Company’s Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets consisted of the following (in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Equity method investments
$
772
$
873
Other equity investments
4
4
Total investments
$
776
$
877
Equity Method Investments — Investment in TV Food Network
Nexstar’s equity method investments primarily include its 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network which was acquired upon Nexstar’s acquisition of Tribune Media Company (“Tribune”) on September 19, 2019. Nexstar’s partner in TV Food Network is Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“WBD”), which owns a 68.7% interest in TV Food Network and operates the network on behalf of the partnership.
TV Food Network operates two 24-hour television networks, Food Network and Cooking Channel, offering quality television, video, internet and mobile entertainment and information focusing on food and entertaining.
The partnership agreement governing TV Food Network provides that the partnership shall, unless certain actions are taken by the partners, dissolve and commence winding up and liquidating TV Food Network upon the first to occur of certain enumerated liquidating events, one of which is a specified date of December 31, 2025. Nexstar intends to renew its partnership agreement with WBD for TV Food Network before expiration. In the event of a liquidation, Nexstar would be entitled to its proportionate share of distributions to partners, which the partnership agreement provides would occur as promptly as is consistent with obtaining fair market value for the assets of TV Food Network. The partnership agreement also provides that the partnership may be continued or reconstituted in certain circumstances.
As of June 30, 2025, Nexstar’s investment in TV Food Network had a book value of $753 million, compared to $857 million as of December 31, 2024.
As of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, Nexstar had a remaining share in amortizable basis difference of $293 million and $328 million, respectively, related to its investment in TV Food Network. The remaining amortizable basis difference as of June 30, 2025 had a remaining useful life of approximately 4.2 years. As of June 30, 2025, Nexstar’s share in the basis difference related to the TV Food Network’s goodwill was $500 million (no change in 2025).
Nexstar had the following transactions related to its investment in TV Food Network during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively (in millions):
13
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Cash distributions received
$
12
$
19
$
125
$
138
Recognized share in TV Food Networkʼs net income
28
34
55
71
Recorded amortization of basis difference (expense)
(17
)
(17
)
(35
)
(35
)
Summarized financial information for TV Food Network is as follows (in millions):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net revenue
$
214
$
253
$
416
$
502
Costs and expenses
122
141
246
274
Income from operations
92
112
170
228
Net income
92
109
173
228
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
28
34
55
71
Note 6: Accrued Expenses
Accrued expenses consisted of the following (in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Compensation and related taxes
$
97
$
91
Interest payable
57
56
Network affiliation fees
94
77
Other
84
90
$
332
$
314
Note 7: Debt
Long-term debt consisted of the following ($ in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Nexstar
Revolving loans, due June 2030
$
144
$
-
Term Loan A, due June 2030
1,905
-
Term Loan A, due June 2027
-
2,121
Term Loan B, due June 2032
1,300
-
Term Loan B, due September 2026
-
1,358
5.625% Notes, due July 2027
1,714
1,714
4.75% Notes, due November 2028
1,000
1,000
Mission
Revolving loans, due June 2030
62
-
Revolving loans, due June 2027
-
62
Term Loan B, due June 2028
288
290
Total outstanding principal
6,413
6,545
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Nexstar Term Loan A, due June 2030
(6
)
-
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Nexstar Term Loan A, due June 2027
-
(4
)
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Nexstar Term Loan B, due June 2032
(21
)
-
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Nexstar Term Loan B, due September 2026
-
(14
)
Add: unamortized premium, net of financing costs – Nexstar 5.625% Notes, due July 2027
2
2
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Nexstar 4.75% Notes, due November 2028
(4
)
(5
)
Less: unamortized financing costs and discount – Mission Term Loan B, due June 2028
(1
)
(1
)
Total outstanding debt
6,383
6,523
Less: current portion
(108
)
(124
)
Long-term debt, net of current portion
$
6,275
$
6,399
14
Nexstar’s outstanding term loans and revolving loans are governed by Nexstar’s credit agreement and Mission’s outstanding term loans and revolving loans are governed by Mission’s credit agreement. Each credit agreement is also herein referred to as a senior secured credit facility. Nexstar’s senior unsecured notes are governed by the indentures.
2025 Activities
During the six months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repaid scheduled principal maturities of $32 million of its term loans.
On June 27, 2025, Nexstar and Mission, an independently owned VIE consolidated by Nexstar, amended their respective senior secured credit facilities. The amendments provided for the following:
•
$750 million Nexstar revolving credit facility, due June 27, 2030 (of which $144 million was borrowed)
•
$75 million Mission revolving credit facility, due June 27, 2030 (of which $62 million was borrowed)
•
$1,905 million Nexstar Term Loan A, due June 27, 2030
•
$1,300 million Nexstar Term Loan B, due June 27, 2032
The proceeds from the above new senior secured credit facilities, together with cash on hand, were used to repay the following outstanding loans on June 27, 2025:
•
$62 million Mission revolving loan, due June 2027
•
$2,091 million Nexstar Term Loan A, due June 2027
•
$1,358 million Nexstar Term Loan B, due September 2026
Each of the Nexstar revolving credit facility, due June 2030, the Mission revolving credit facility, due June 2030, and the Nexstar Term Loan A, due June 2030 bear interest at the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for the applicable interest period plus 1.50% per annum (subject to a pricing grid). The Nexstar Term Loan B, due June 2032 bears interest at SOFR for the applicable interest period plus 2.50% per annum.
In connection with the debt refinancing, the Company deferred $18 million in new lender fees and third-party costs associated with the issuance of new term loans (Term Loan A, due June 2030 and Term Loan B, due June 2032). Deferred financing costs under the previous term loans of $9 million were also carried over to the new term loans. These deferred costs are presented as a deduction of debt balance and are amortized over the related terms of debt using the effective interest method.
In connection with the debt refinancing, third-party debt issuance costs of $9 million that did not qualify for deferral were expensed and included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025.
Unused Commitments and Borrowing Availability
Nexstar and Mission had $586 million (net of outstanding standby letters of credit of $20 million) and $14 million, respectively, of unused revolving loan commitments under their senior secured credit facilities, all of which were available for borrowing, based on the covenant calculations as of June 30, 2025. The Company’s ability to access funds under the senior secured credit facilities depends, in part, on its compliance with certain financial covenants. As of June 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.
Collateralization and Guarantees of Debt
The Company’s credit facilities described above are collateralized by a security interest in substantially all the combined assets, excluding FCC licenses, the other assets of consolidated VIEs unavailable to creditors of Nexstar (see Note 2) and the assets of The CW. Nexstar (excluding The CW) guarantees full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission senior secured credit facility in the event of Mission’s default. Mission is a guarantor of Nexstar’s senior secured credit facility, Nexstar’s 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and Nexstar’s 4.75% Notes, due November 2028.
15
In consideration of Nexstar’s guarantee of the Mission senior secured credit facility, Mission has granted Nexstar purchase options to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements, which expire on various dates between 2026 and 2034, are freely exercisable or assignable by Nexstar without consent or approval by Mission. The Company expects these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration.
Debt Covenants
The Nexstar credit agreement (senior secured credit facility) contains a covenant which requires Nexstar to comply with a maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of 4.25:1.00. Pursuant to the amended Nexstar credit agreement, this covenant ratio at Nexstar’s election will increase to 4.75:1.00 with respect to the last day of the fiscal quarter during which a Material Transaction (as defined therein) shall have been consummated and the last day of each of the immediately following three consecutive fiscal quarters; provided that no more than two such elections will be made over the life of the facility. The financial covenant, which is formally calculated on a quarterly basis, is based on the combined results of the Company, excluding the operating results of The CW, which Nexstar designated as an unrestricted subsidiary under its credit agreements and indentures. The Mission amended credit agreement does not contain financial covenant ratio requirements but does provide for default in the event Nexstar does not comply with all covenants contained in its credit agreement. As of June 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance with its financial covenants.
Note 8: Leases
The Company as a Lessee
The Company has operating leases for office spaces, tower facilities, antenna sites, studios and other real estate properties and equipment. The operating leases have remaining lease terms of one month to 89 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases from two years to 99 years, and some of which may include options to terminate the leases within one year. Lease contracts that the Company has executed but which have not yet commenced as of June 30, 2025 were not material.
Supplemental balance sheet information related to operating leases was as follows ($ in millions):
Balance Sheet Classification
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Operating lease right-of-use assets, net
Other noncurrent assets, net
$
269
$
276
Current operating lease liabilities
Other current liabilities
$
40
$
37
Noncurrent operating lease liabilities
Other noncurrent liabilities
$
250
$
253
Weighted Average Remaining Lease Term of Operating leases
8 years
8 years
Weighted Average Discount Rate of Operating leases
4.8
%
4.9
%
Operating lease expense for the three months ended June 30, 2025 was $15 million, of which $6 million and $9 million were included in Direct operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, excluding depreciation and amortization, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Operating lease expense for the three months ended June 30, 2024 was $17 million, of which $7 million and $10 million were included in Direct operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, excluding depreciation and amortization, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Operating lease expense for the six months ended June 30, 2025 was $31 million, of which $14 million and $17 million were included in Direct operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, excluding depreciation and amortization, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations. Operating lease expense for the six months ended June 30, 2024 was $33 million, of which $14 million and $19 million were included in Direct operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses, respectively, excluding depreciation and amortization, in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations.
16
Cash paid for operating leases included in the operating cash flows was $30 million and $32 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 and 2024, respectively.
Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable leases as of June 30, 2025 were as follows (in millions):
Operating Leases
Remainder of 2025
$
27
2026
51
2027
46
2028
42
2029
40
2030
36
Thereafter
114
Total future minimum lease payments
356
Less: imputed interest
(66
)
Total
$
290
Note 9: Retirement and Postretirement Plans
Nexstar has various funded, qualified non-contributory defined benefit retirement plans which cover certain employees and former employees. All these retirement plans are frozen in terms of pay and service, except for a plan with immaterial pension benefit obligations.
Nexstar also has various other postretirement benefit plans (“OPEB”), including retiree medical savings account plans which reimburse eligible retired employees for certain medical expenses and unfunded plans that provide certain health and life insurance benefits to certain retired employees. The periodic benefit cost (credit) related to OPEB is not significant.
The following tables provide the components of net periodic benefit cost (credit) for Nexstar’s pension benefit plans (in millions):
Pension Benefit Plans
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Interest cost
$
19
$
19
$
39
$
38
Expected return on plan assets
(26
)
(25
)
(52
)
(50
)
Amortization of net gain
(1
)
(1
)
(3
)
(3
)
Net periodic benefit credit
$
(8
)
$
(7
)
$
(16
)
$
(15
)
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, there were no significant contributions to qualified pension benefit plans. Nexstar anticipates it will be required to contribute a total of $15 million to its qualified pension benefit plans in 2025.
Note 10: Commitments and Contingencies
Guarantee of Mission Debt
Nexstar (excluding The CW) guarantees full payment of all obligations incurred under the Mission senior secured credit facility. In the event that Mission is unable to repay amounts due, Nexstar will be obligated to repay such amounts. The maximum potential amount of future payments that Nexstar would be required to make under this guarantee would be generally limited to the outstanding principal amounts. As of June 30, 2025, Mission had a maximum commitment of $364 million under its amended credit agreement, of which $350 million principal balance of debt was outstanding.
17
Indemnification Obligations
In connection with certain agreements that the Company enters into in the normal course of its business, including local service agreements, business acquisitions and borrowing arrangements, the Company enters into contractual arrangements under which the Company agrees to indemnify the third party to such arrangement from losses, claims and damages incurred by the indemnified party for certain events as defined within the particular contract. Such indemnification obligations may not be subject to maximum loss clauses and the maximum potential amount of future payments the Company could be required to make under these indemnification arrangements may be unlimited. Historically, payments made related to these indemnifications have been insignificant and the Company has not incurred significant costs to defend lawsuits or settle claims related to these indemnification agreements.
Litigation
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation that arises from the ordinary operations of business, such as contractual or employment disputes or other general actions. In the event of an adverse outcome of these proceedings, the Company believes the resulting liabilities would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations.
Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation—On March 16, 2018, a group of companies including Nexstar and Tribune (the “Defendants”) received a Civil Investigative Demand from the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) regarding an investigation into the exchange of certain information related to the pacing of sales related to the same period in the prior year among broadcast stations in some local markets in alleged violation of federal antitrust law. Without admitting any wrongdoing, some Defendants, including Tribune, entered into a proposed consent decree (referred to herein as the “consent decree”) with the DOJ on November 6, 2018. Without admitting any wrongdoing, Nexstar agreed to settle the matter with the DOJ on December 5, 2018. The consent decree was entered in final form by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on May 22, 2019. The consent decree, which settles claims by the government of alleged violations of federal antitrust laws in connection with the alleged information sharing, does not include any financial penalty. Pursuant to the consent decree, Nexstar and Tribune agreed not to exchange certain non-public information with other stations operating in the same market except in certain cases, and to implement certain antitrust compliance measures and monitor and report on compliance with the consent decree.
Starting in July 2018, a series of plaintiffs filed putative class action lawsuits against the Defendants and others alleging that they coordinated their pricing of television advertising, thereby harming a proposed class of all buyers of television advertising time from one or more of the Defendants since at least January 1, 2014. The plaintiff in each lawsuit seeks injunctive relief and money damages caused by the alleged antitrust violations. On October 9, 2018, these cases were consolidated in a multi-district litigation in the District Court for the Northern District of Illinois captioned In Re: Local TV Advertising Antitrust Litigation, No. 1:18-cv-06785 (“MDL Litigation”). On January 23, 2019, the Court in the MDL Litigation appointed plaintiffs’ lead and liaison counsel.
The MDL Litigation is ongoing. The Plaintiffs’ Consolidated Complaint was filed on April 3, 2019; Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss on September 5, 2019. Before the Court ruled on that motion, the Plaintiffs filed their Second Amended Consolidated Complaint on September 9, 2019. This complaint added additional defendants and allegations. The Defendants filed a Motion to Dismiss and Strike on October 8, 2019. The Court denied that motion on November 6, 2020. On March 16, 2022, the Plaintiffs filed their Third Amended Complaint. The Third Amended Complaint added two additional plaintiffs and an additional defendant but does not make material changes to the allegations.
The parties are in the discovery phase of litigation. The Court set a trial date in April 2026. Nexstar and Tribune deny all allegations against them and will defend their advertising practices.
18
Tribune Related Contingencies
In connection with Nexstar’s acquisition of Tribune on September 19, 2019, Nexstar assumed contingencies from certain legal proceedings, as follows:
Chicago Cubs Transactions—On August 21, 2009, Tribune and Chicago Entertainment Ventures, LLC (formerly Chicago Baseball Holdings, LLC) (“CEV LLC”), and its subsidiaries (collectively, “New Cubs LLC”), among other parties, entered into an agreement (the “Cubs Formation Agreement”) governing the contribution of certain assets and liabilities related to the businesses of the Chicago Cubs Major League Baseball franchise then owned by Tribune and its subsidiaries to New Cubs LLC. The transactions contemplated by the Cubs Formation Agreement and the related agreements thereto (the “Chicago Cubs Transactions”) closed on October 27, 2009. As a result of these transactions, Northside Entertainment Holdings LLC (f/k/a Ricketts Acquisition LLC) owned 95% and Tribune owned 5% of the membership interests in CEV LLC. The fair market value of the contributed assets exceeded the tax basis and did not result in an immediate taxable gain as the transaction was structured to comply with the partnership provisions of the Internal Revenue Code and related regulations.
On June 28, 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) issued Tribune a Notice of Deficiency which presented the IRS’s position that the gain with respect to the Chicago Cubs Transactions should have been included in Tribune’s 2009 taxable income. Accordingly, the IRS proposed a $182 million tax and a $73 million gross valuation misstatement penalty. During the third quarter of 2016, Tribune filed a petition in U.S. Tax Court to contest the IRS’s determination. After-tax interest on the aforementioned proposed tax and penalty through June 30, 2025 would be approximately $251 million. In addition, if the IRS prevails in its position, under the tax rules for determining tax basis upon emergence from bankruptcy, the Company would be required to reduce its tax basis in certain assets. The reduction in tax basis would be required to reflect the reduction in the amount of the Company’s guarantee of the New Cubs partnership debt which was included in the reported tax basis previously determined upon emergence from bankruptcy and subject to Tribune’s 2014 and 2015 Federal Income Tax Audits (described below).
On September 19, 2019, Tribune became a wholly owned subsidiary of Nexstar following Nexstar’s merger with Tribune. Nexstar disagrees with the IRS’s position that the Chicago Cubs Transactions generated taxable gain in 2009, the proposed penalty and the IRS’s calculation of the gain. If the IRS prevails in its position, the gain on the Chicago Cubs Transactions would be deemed to be taxable in 2009. Nexstar estimates that the federal and state income taxes would be approximately $225 million before interest and penalties. Any tax, interest and penalty due will be offset by tax payments made relating to this transaction subsequent to 2009. Tribune made approximately $154 million of tax payments prior to its merger with Nexstar.
A bench trial in the U.S. Tax Court took place between October 28, 2019 and November 8, 2019, and closing arguments took place on December 11, 2019. The Tax Court issued a separate opinion on January 6, 2020 holding that the IRS satisfied the procedural requirements for the imposition of the gross valuation misstatement penalty. The judge deferred any litigation of the penalty until a final determination was reached by the Tax Court or Court of Appeals.
On October 26, 2021, the Tax Court issued an opinion related to the Chicago Cubs Transactions, which held that Tribune’s structure was, in substantial part, in compliance with partnership provisions of the Code and, as a result, did not trigger the entire 2009 taxable gain proposed by the IRS. On October 19, 2022, the Tax Court entered the decision that there is no tax deficiency or penalty due in the 2009 tax year. On January 13, 2023, the IRS filed a notice of appeal to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. On February 3, 2023, the Company filed a notice of cross-appeal. On February 15, 2024, the case was argued before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. The Company expects a ruling from the Court of Appeals in the second half of 2025.
As of June 30, 2025, Nexstar believes the tax impact of applying the Tax Court opinion to 2009 and its impact on subsequent tax years is not material to the Company’s accounting for uncertain tax positions or to its Consolidated Financial Statements. Although management believes its estimates and judgments are reasonable, the timing and ultimate resolution are unpredictable and could materially change.
19
Revenue Agent’s Report on Tribune’s 2014 to 2015 Federal Income Tax Audits— Prior to Nexstar’s merger with Tribune in September 2019, Tribune was undergoing federal income tax audits for taxable years 2014 and 2015. In the third quarter of 2020, the IRS completed its audits of Tribune and issued a Revenue Agent’s Report which disallows the reporting of certain assets and liabilities related to Tribune’s emergence from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on December 31, 2012. Nexstar disagrees with the IRS’s proposed adjustments to the tax basis of certain assets and the related taxable income impact, and Nexstar is contesting the adjustments through the IRS administrative appeal procedures. If the IRS prevails in its position and after taking into account the impact of the Tax Court opinion, Nexstar would be required to reduce its tax basis in certain assets resulting in a $17 million increase in its federal and state taxes payable and a $69 million increase in deferred income tax liability as of June 30, 2025. In accordance with ASC Topic 740, the Company has reflected $11 million for certain contested issues in its liability for uncertain tax positions at June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024.
Regulatory Matters
On March 21, 2024, the FCC issued a Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (“NAL”) to Nexstar and to Mission, a consolidated VIE, for alleged violations of the Communications Act and FCC rules relating to Mission television station WPIX, New York, New York. The NAL alleges that Nexstar and Mission engaged in an unauthorized transfer of control of WPIX and that Nexstar violated the national television ownership limit by acquiring undisclosed attributable interests in the station. The NAL proposes forfeitures to Nexstar and Mission for the alleged violations and additionally requires that within 12 months of a forfeiture order or payment of the forfeitures, either (i) Mission divest WPIX to an “unrelated third party” or (ii) Mission sell WPIX to Nexstar, with Nexstar divesting a sufficient number of other stations to reduce its national reach below the FCC national ownership limit. Nexstar and Mission have filed responses vigorously disputing the NAL. Nexstar is unable to reasonably estimate the possible financial statement impact, if any, relating to the NAL.
Note 11: Equity
The total remaining authorization for future common stock repurchases under Nexstar’s share repurchase program was $1.6 billion as of December 31, 2024. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, Nexstar repurchased a total of 753,162 shares of its common stock for $125 million, funded by cash on hand. As of June 30, 2025, the remaining available amount under the share repurchase authorization was $1.4 billion.
Share repurchases are executed from time to time in open market transactions, block trades or in private transactions, including through Rules 10b5-1 and 10b-18 plans. There is no minimum number of shares that Nexstar is required to repurchase. The repurchase program does not have an expiration date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without prior notice.
On January 29, 2025, Nexstar’s board of directors approved a 10% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $1.86 per share of outstanding common stock beginning with the first quarter of 2025.
Note 12: Income Taxes
Income tax expense was $39 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $43 million for the same period in 2024. The effective tax rates were 30.0% and 28.9% for each of the respective periods.
For the three months ended June 30, 2025, permanent differences, including losses related to the minority interest in The CW, and excess benefit from vesting of restricted stock units resulted in a 2.4% increase to the effective tax rate. Changes in the valuation allowance resulted in a 1.4% decrease to the effective tax rate.
Income tax expense was $80 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $105 million for the same period in 2024. The effective tax rates were 29.9% and 27.8% for each of the respective periods.
For the six months ended June 30, 2025, permanent differences, including losses related to the minority interest in The CW, and excess benefit from vesting of restricted stock units resulted in a 2.0% increase to the effective tax rate.
The Company calculates its year-to-date provision for income taxes by applying the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pre-tax income or loss and adjusts the provision for discrete tax items recorded in the period.
20
Future changes in the forecasted annual income projections could result in significant adjustments to quarterly income tax expense in future periods.
On July 4, 2025, H.R.1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was signed into law, which includes significant changes to federal tax law and other regulatory provisions that may impact the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the new law and the potential effects on its consolidated financial statements. As of the date of these financial statements, the Company has not completed its assessment. Additional disclosures will be provided in future periods, as required, as the impact of the legislation is determined.
Note 13: Income Per Share
Income per share (basic and diluted) available to common stockholders is presented below ($ in millions, except per share amounts, and shares in thousands):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
$
97
$
118
$
205
$
293
Accretion of redeemable noncontrolling interests
(4
)
-
(8
)
-
Net income available to common stockholders
$
93
$
118
$
197
$
293
Weighted average shares outstanding – basic
30,221
32,816
30,375
33,133
Dilutive effect of equity incentive plan instruments
293
471
344
523
Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted
30,514
33,287
30,719
33,656
Net income per share available to common stockholders – basic
$
3.09
$
3.59
$
6.50
$
8.85
Net income per share available to common stockholders – diluted
$
3.06
$
3.54
$
6.43
$
8.71
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, weighted average restricted stock units of 112,000 and 75,000, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, weighted average restricted stock units of 79,000 and 40,000, respectively, were excluded from the calculation of diluted income per share because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Note 14: Fair Value Measurements
The Company measures and records in its Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements certain assets and liabilities at fair value. ASC Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement and Disclosures,” establishes a fair value hierarchy for instruments measured at fair value that distinguishes between assumptions based on market data (observable inputs) and the Company’s own assumptions (unobservable inputs). This hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
•
Level 1 – Assets and liabilities whose values are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market.
•
Level 2 – Assets and liabilities whose values are based on inputs other than those included in Level 1, including quoted market prices in markets that are not active; quoted prices of assets or liabilities with similar attributes in active markets; or valuation models whose inputs are observable or unobservable but corroborated by market data.
•
Level 3 – Assets and liabilities whose values are based on valuation models or pricing techniques that utilize unobservable inputs that are significant to the overall fair value measurement.
21
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value due to their short-term nature.
The estimated fair values and carrying amounts of the Company’s long-term debt not measured at fair value on a recurring basis were as follows ($ in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Carrying
Fair
Carrying
Fair
Amount
Value
Amount
Value
Nexstar
Revolving loans due June 2030
$
144
$ 143(1)
$
-
$
-
Term Loan A, due June 2030
1,899
1,895(2)
-
-
Term Loan A, due June 2027
-
-
2,117
2,093(3)
Term Loan B, due June 2032
1,279
1,297(2)
-
-
Term Loan B, due September 2026
-
-
1,344
1,362(3)
5.625% Notes, due July 2027
1,716
1,707(2)
1,716
1,667(2)
4.75% Notes, due November 2028
996
968(2)
995
930(2)
Mission
Revolving loans due June 2030
62
61(1)
-
-
Revolving loans due June 2027
-
-
62
61(3)
Term Loan B, due June 2028
287
287(2)
289
290(3)
(1)
The fair value is based on the bid price provided by a third-party investment banking firm and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as the debt is not traded (unobservable in the market).
(2)
The fair value is based on the bid price provided by a third-party investment banking firm and is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy as the bid price is quoted in a major market news service and the investment banking firm stands ready to trade (observable in the market).
(3)
The fair value was estimated based on available borrowing rates for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. The fair value measurement was considered Level 3, as significant inputs to the fair value calculation are unobservable in the market.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, there were no events or changes in circumstance that triggered an impairment to the Company’s significant assets, including equity method investments, indefinite-lived intangible assets, long-lived assets and goodwill.
Note 15: Segment Data
The Company’s reportable broadcast segment includes (i) television stations and related local websites that Nexstar owns, operates, programs or provides sales and other services to in various markets across the United States, (ii) NewsNation, a national cable news network, (iii) two owned and operated multicast networks and other multicast network services, and (iv) WGN-AM, a Chicago radio station. The other operating segments are nonreportable and include (i) The CW and (ii) digital businesses focused on the national marketplace. Intersegment transactions are eliminated in consolidation. The remaining activities of the Company are corporate functions and the management of certain real estate assets.
The Company’s segment structure reflects the financial information and reports used by its Chief Operating Decision Maker (“CODM”) to assess operating performance, allocate resources and make decisions regarding current operating and financial focus. The Company’s CODM is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
The CODM evaluates the performance of its operating segments based on net revenue and segment profit (loss). Segment profit (loss) includes net revenue, programming and related expenses, selling, general and administrative expenses attributable to the segments, and amortization of broadcast rights. Segment profit (loss) excludes unallocated corporate revenue and expenses, depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets, impairment charges, transaction and other one-time expenses, gain on disposal of assets and business divestitures and non-operating income statement items.
22
The following table sets forth a breakdown of selected financial information for our reportable Broadcast segment and a reconciliation of that segment’s profit to income from operations (in millions):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
2025
2024
Reportable Broadcast Segment:
Net revenue
$
1,150
$
1,205
$
2,319
$
2,427
Programming and related expenses (1)
(547
)
(543
)
(1,090
)
(1,082
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses (1)
(178
)
(192
)
(359
)
(382
)
Amortization of broadcast rights (1)
(15
)
(16
)
(31
)
(33
)
Reportable Broadcast segment's profit
410
454
839
930
Other segmentsʼ loss, net
(19
)
(43
)
(61
)
(69
)
Corporate (unallocated)
(51
)
(50
)
(102
)
(103
)
Depreciation and amortization expense (2)
(118
)
(120
)
(234
)
(242
)
Transaction and other one-time expenses
(10
)
-
(10
)
(1
)
Miscellaneous
1
(1
)
-
1
Income from operations
$
213
$
240
$
432
$
516
(1)
The expenses included in the measure of our reportable Broadcast segment’s profit are as follows:
•
Programming and related expenses – primarily include fees incurred under network affiliation agreements and operating costs to produce and air local news.
•
Selling, general and administrative expenses – primarily include (i) salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, commission, professional fees, travel, and software license fees incurred by sales teams and (ii) salaries, benefits and payroll taxes, group insurance and office rental costs incurred in managing the segment’s business units.
•
Amortization of broadcast rights – the amortization of license fees for acquired programs from national program syndicators and certain production companies.
(2)
Includes depreciation of property and equipment and amortization of intangible assets. Excludes amortization of broadcast rights.
23
The following tables present the disaggregation of the Company’s revenue by source (in millions):
Three Months Ended June 30, 2025
Reportable Broadcast Segment
Other Segments
Corporate (unallocated)
Eliminations(1)
Consolidated
Distribution
$
718
$
28
$
-
$
(13
)
$
733
Advertising
423
52
-
-
475
Other
9
12
2
(2
)
21
Total net revenue
$
1,150
$
92
$
2
$
(15
)
$
1,229
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025
Reportable Broadcast Segment
Other Segments
Corporate (unallocated)
Eliminations(1)
Consolidated
Distribution
$
1,465
$
55
$
-
$
(25
)
$
1,495
Advertising
834
100
-
-
934
Other
20
11
5
(3
)
33
Total net revenue
$
2,319
$
166
$
5
$
(28
)
$
2,462
Three Months Ended June 30, 2024
Reportable Broadcast Segment
Other Segments
Corporate (unallocated)
Eliminations(1)
Consolidated
Distribution
$
719
$
26
$
-
$
(11
)
$
734
Advertising
475
47
-
-
522
Other
11
2
2
(2
)
13
Total net revenue
$
1,205
$
75
$
2
$
(13
)
$
1,269
Six Months Ended June 30, 2024
Reportable Broadcast Segment
Other Segments
Corporate (unallocated)
Eliminations(1)
Consolidated
Distribution
$
1,466
$
51
$
-
$
(22
)
$
1,495
Advertising
942
92
-
-
1,034
Other
19
3
5
(3
)
24
Total net revenue
$
2,427
$
146
$
5
$
(25
)
$
2,553
(1)The elimination of distribution revenue represents intersegment revenue generated by Other segments for services provided to the Broadcast segment.
Our primary sources of revenue include: (i) distribution, comprised primarily of retransmission revenue, carriage fees, affiliation fees and spectrum leasing revenue and (ii) advertising, comprised of non-political and political advertising.
Distribution revenue, our largest category of revenue, primarily results from compensation from cable, satellite and other multichannel video programming distributors (“MVPDs”) and virtual multichannel video distributors (“vMVPDs”) in return for our consent to the retransmission of the signals of our television stations and the carriage of NewsNation, typically based on the number of subscribers the MVPDs and vMVPDs have. We also generate distribution revenues from affiliation fees paid by affiliates of The CW and from programmers who use our spectrum in selected local markets to air their content on our multicast streams. Distribution revenue is recognized at the point in time the broadcast signal or cable network feed is delivered to the distributors in the case of retransmission and carriage fee revenue or, in the case of affiliation fees and spectrum leasing revenue, as network programming and spectrum capacity are delivered to our affiliates and customers.
24
Advertising revenue primarily results from the sale to local, regional and national businesses, political candidates and other political advertisers of commercial airtime by our stations and networks and the sale of advertising on our owned or third-party websites, and through mobile and over-the-top (“OTT”) applications and other digital advertising solutions. Advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. Advertising revenue is generally higher during even-numbered years when congressional and/or presidential elections occur and advertising is aired during the Olympic Games. Advertising revenue is recognized at the time the advertisement airs or is delivered on our websites or mobile or OTT applications or the advertising solution is delivered.
During the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, revenues for two of the Company’s customers exceeded 10%. The first customer represented approximately13% and 14% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively. The second customer represented approximately 13% and 14% of the Company’s consolidated net revenue during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively. During the three and six months ended June 30, 2024, revenues for two of the Company’s customers exceeded 10% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues. Each of these customers represented approximately 13% of the Company’s consolidated net revenues during the three and six months ended June 30, 2024.
Note 16: Subsequent Events
On August 1, 2025, Nexstar’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.86 per share of its common stock. The dividend is payable on August 29, 2025 to stockholders of record on August 15, 2025.
25
ITEM 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.
As used in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and unless the context indicates otherwise, “Nexstar” refers to Nexstar Media Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated wholly owned and majority owned subsidiaries, the “Company” refers to Nexstar and the variable interest entities (“VIEs”) required to be consolidated in our financial statements; and all references to “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” refer to Nexstar.
As a result of our deemed controlling financial interests in the consolidated VIEs in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”), we consolidate the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of these VIEs as if they were wholly-owned entities. We believe this presentation is meaningful for understanding our financial performance. Refer to Note 2 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our determinations of VIE consolidation under the related authoritative guidance. The following discussion of our financial position and results of operations includes the consolidated VIEs’ financial position and results of operations.
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). All statements other than statements of historical fact are “forward-looking statements” for purposes of federal and state securities laws, including but not limited to: the risks and uncertainties of current economic factors that are beyond our control, such as tariffs and other trade barriers, capital markets volatility, inflation, sustained high interest rates and supply chain disruptions; any projections or expectations of earnings, revenue, financial performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any assumptions or projections about the television broadcasting industry; any statements of our plans, strategies and objectives for our future operations, performance, liquidity and capital resources or other financial items; any statements concerning proposed new products, services or developments; any statements regarding future economic conditions or performance; any statements of belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Forward-looking statements may include the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and other similar words.
Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ from a projection or assumption in any of our forward-looking statements. Our future financial position and results of operations, as well as any forward-looking statements, are subject to change and inherent risks and uncertainties, including those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 and in our other filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are made only as of the date hereof, and we do not have or undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.
Executive Summary
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Highlights
•
Net revenue decreased 3.2% to $1.2 billion and 3.6% to $2.5 billion during the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, compared to the same period in 2024.
•
Returned approximately $106 million and $238 million, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2025, respectively, of capital to stockholders through repurchases of common stock and dividends, funded by cash on hand.
•
Acquired the assets of WBNX-TV, an independent full power television station serving the Cleveland, OH market for a $22 million cash purchase price.
26
•
Completed the refinancing of senior secured credit facilities on June 27, 2025, reducing the interest margin, increasing capacity under our revolver, and extending the maturities. During the three months ended June 30, 2025, the Company repaid $101 million of its debt. Refer to Note 7 for additional information on the debt refinancing.
Overview of Operations
As of June 30, 2025, we owned, operated, programmed or provided sales and other services to 201 full power television stations and one AM radio station, including those owned by VIEs, in 116 markets in 40 states and the District of Columbia. The stations are affiliates of ABC, NBC, FOX, CBS, The CW, MyNetworkTV and other broadcast television networks. Through various local service agreements, we provided sales, programming and other services to 37 full power television stations owned by independent third parties, of which 35 full power television stations are VIEs that are consolidated into our financial statements.
As of June 30, 2025, we also own a 78.7% ownership interest in The CW, the fifth major broadcast network in the U.S.; NewsNation, a national cable news network; two multicast networks, Antenna TV and REWIND TV; multicast network services provided to third parties; and a 31.3% ownership stake in TV Food Network. Our digital assets include 138 local websites and 229 mobile applications across local stations, NewsNation and The Hill. The portfolio also includes 72 connected television applications and three free ad-supported television channels from The CW and The Hill.
We (excluding The CW) guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under Mission Broadcasting, Inc.’s (“Mission”) senior secured credit facility in the event of its default. Mission is a guarantor of our senior secured credit facility, our 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and our 4.75% Notes, due November 2028. In consideration of our guarantee of Mission’s senior secured credit facility, Mission has granted us purchase options to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2026 and 2034) are freely exercisable or assignable by us without consent or approval by Mission or its shareholders. We expect these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration.
We do not own the consolidated VIEs or their television stations. However, we are deemed under U.S. GAAP to have controlling financial interests for financial reporting purposes in these entities because of (i) the local service agreements we have with their stations, (ii) our (excluding The CW) guarantee of the obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility, (iii) our power over significant activities affecting the consolidated VIEs’ economic performance, including budgeting for advertising revenue, certain advertising sales and, in some cases, hiring and firing of sales force personnel and (iv) purchase options granted by each consolidated VIE which permit us to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each of these VIEs’ stations at any time, subject to FCC consent. In compliance with FCC regulations for all the parties, each of the consolidated VIEs maintains complete responsibility for and control over programming, finances and personnel for its stations.
See Note 2, “Variable Interest Entities” to our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q for additional information on VIEs, including a discussion of the local service agreements we have with these independent third parties.
Seasonality
In even-numbered years we generate substantial advertising revenue from the political advertising we sell to candidates, political action committees and political parties. Advertising revenue is also positively affected by certain events such as the Olympic Games or the Super Bowl. Advertising revenue is generally highest in the second and fourth quarters of each year, due in part to increases in consumer advertising in the spring and retail advertising in the period leading up to, and including, the holiday season. As 2025 is not an election year, we expect a decrease in political advertising revenue, a component of our advertising revenue, to be reported in 2025 compared to 2024.
27
Historical Performance
Results of Operations
The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results (dollars in millions):
Three Months Ended June 30,
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
% Change
2025
2024
% Change
Net revenue:
Distribution
$
733
$
734
(0.1
)
$
1,495
$
1,495
-
Advertising
475
522
(9.0
)
934
1,034
(9.7
)
Other
21
13
61.5
33
24
37.5
Net revenue
1,229
1,269
(3.2
)
2,462
2,553
(3.6
)
Operating expenses:
Direct operating
557
552
0.9
1,108
1,100
0.7
Selling, general and administrative
262
270
(3.0
)
520
540
(3.7
)
Depreciation and amortization
197
208
(5.3
)
402
398
1.0
Other
-
(1
)
NM
-
(1
)
NM
Total operating expenses
1,016
1,029
(1.3
)
2,030
2,037
(0.3
)
Income from operations
213
240
(11.3
)
432
516
(16.3
)
Income from equity method investments, net
11
16
19
35
Interest expense, net
(97
)
(113
)
(194
)
(227
)
Pension and other postretirement plans credit, net
8
7
16
14
Gain on disposal of an investment
-
-
-
40
Other expenses, net
(5
)
(1
)
(5
)
-
Income before income taxes
130
149
268
378
Income tax expense
(39
)
(43
)
(80
)
(105
)
Net income
91
106
188
273
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests
6
12
17
20
Net income attributable to Nexstar Media Group, Inc.
$
97
$
118
$
205
$
293
NM – Not meaningful.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2025 Compared to the Same Period in 2024
The Company’s revenues decreased 3.2% for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower revenues from advertising.
Distribution revenue was flat during the quarter and reflects annual rate escalators and other contractual increases, growth in vMVPD subscribers, and the addition of CW affiliations on certain of our stations, which offset the impact of MVPD subscriber attrition.
Advertising revenue decreased by $47 million, due to a decrease in political advertising by $36 million, as 2025 is not an election year, and a decrease in non-political revenue of $11 million due to ongoing advertising market softness.
Direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of programming, news and technical expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $3 million primarily due to recent restructuring initiatives to streamline key lines of business, offset in part by costs associated with the debt refinancing completed in June 2025.
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased by $11 million, as follows:
•
Amortization of broadcast rights was $79 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $87 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $8 million, primarily due to lower amortization of broadcast rights at The CW of $7 million to $64 million from $71 million.
28
•
Depreciation of property and equipment was $42 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $46 million for the same period in 2024 (no significant change).
•
Amortization of intangible assets was $76 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $75 million for the same period in 2024 (no significant change).
Income from equity method investments, net decreased by $5 million primarily due to a decrease in net income of TV Food Network, our largest equity method investment. TV Food Network’s net income decreased primarily due to a decrease in its revenue. For additional information on our investment in TV Food Network, refer to Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest expense, net was $97 million for the three months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $113 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $16 million, or 14.2% primarily due to lower interest rates and a reduction in outstanding debt.
The Company’s effective tax rates were 30.0% and 28.9% for each of the respective periods.
Permanent differences, including losses related to the minority interest in The CW, and excess benefit from vesting of restricted stock units resulted in a 2.4% increase to the effective tax rate. Changes in the valuation allowance resulted in a 1.4% decrease to the effective tax rate.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2025 Compared to the Same Period in 2024
The Company’s revenues decreased 3.6% for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to the same period in 2024, primarily due to lower revenues from advertising.
Distribution revenue was flat during the period and reflects annual rate escalators and other contractual increases, growth in vMVPD subscribers, and the addition of CW affiliations on certain of our stations, which offset the impact of MVPD subscriber attrition.
Advertising revenue decreased by $100 million, due to a decrease in political advertising by $68 million, as 2025 is not an election year, and a decrease in non-political revenue of $32 million due to ongoing advertising market softness.
Direct operating expenses, consisting primarily of programming, news and technical expenses, and selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $12 million primarily due to recent restructuring initiatives to streamline key lines of business, offset in part by costs associated with the debt refinancing completed in June 2025.
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by $4 million, as follows:
•
Amortization of broadcast rights was $168 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $156 million for the same period in 2024, an increase of $12 million, primarily due to higher amortization of broadcast rights at The CW of $14 million to $137 million from $123 million, due to increased sports programming in the first quarter.
•
Depreciation of property and equipment was $84 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $91 million for the same period in 2024 (no significant change).
•
Amortization of intangible assets was $150 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to $151 million for the same period in 2024 (no significant change).
Income from equity method investments, net decreased by $16 million primarily due to a decrease in net income of TV Food Network, our largest equity method investment. TV Food Network’s net income decreased primarily due to a decrease in its revenue. For additional information on our investment in TV Food Network, refer to Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the first quarter of 2024, Nexstar received $40 million in cash proceeds, and recorded a gain on disposal of an investment for the same amount, in connection with BMI’s sale to New Mountain Capital.
29
Interest expense, net was $194 million for the six months ended June 30, 2025 compared to $227 million for the same period in 2024, a decrease of $33 million, or 14.5%, primarily due to lower interest rates and a reduction in outstanding debt.
The Company’s effective tax rates were 29.9% and 27.8% for each of the respective periods.
Permanent differences, including losses related to the minority interest in The CW, and excess benefit from vesting of restricted stock units resulted in a 2.0% increase to the effective tax rate.
The Company calculates its year-to-date provision for income taxes by applying the estimated annual effective tax rate to year-to-date pre-tax income or loss and adjusts the provision for discrete tax items recorded in the period. Future changes in the forecasted annual income projections could result in significant adjustments to quarterly income tax expense in future periods.
On July 4, 2025, H.R.1, also known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” was signed into law, which includes significant changes to federal tax law and other regulatory provisions that may impact the Company. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of the new law and the potential effects on its consolidated financial statements. As of the date of these financial statements, the Company has not completed its assessment. Additional disclosures will be provided in future periods, as required, as the impact of the legislation is determined.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The Company is leveraged, which makes it vulnerable to changes in general economic conditions. The Company’s ability to repay or refinance its debt will depend on, among other things, financial, business, market, competitive and other conditions, many of which are beyond the Company’s control. The Company believes it has sufficient unrestricted cash on hand, positive working capital, and availability to access additional cash under its revolving credit facilities (with a maturity date of June 2030) to meet its business operating requirements and capital expenditures and to continue to service its debt for at least the next 12 months as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. As of June 30, 2025, the Company was in compliance with the financial covenants contained in the amended credit agreements governing its senior secured credit facilities.
Any future adverse economic conditions, including those resulting from tariffs and other trade barriers, heightened inflation and sustained high interest rates among other factors, could adversely affect the Company’s future operating results, cash flows and financial condition.
Cash Flow Summary
The following tables present summarized financial information management believes is helpful in evaluating the Company’s liquidity and capital resources (in millions):
Six Months Ended June 30,
2025
2024
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
584
$
452
Net cash used in investing activities
(89
)
(39
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(405
)
(414
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
$
90
$
(1
)
Cash paid for interest
$
188
$
219
Income taxes paid, net of refunds
$
141
$
177
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
2025
2024
Cash and cash equivalents
$
234
$
144
30
Cash Flows—Operating Activities
Net cash flows provided by operating activities increased by $132 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024, due primarily to changes in operating assets and liabilities primarily reflecting timing of receipts and payments, offset in part by a reduction in net income excluding gain on sale of assets and other non-cash items.
Cash Flows—Investing Activities
Net cash flows used in investing activities increased by $50 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This was primarily due to payment for an acquisition of $22 million in 2025 and a decrease in proceeds received from disposal of an investment of $40 million in 2024, partially offset by a decrease in capital expenditures of $17 million.
Cash Flows—Financing Activities
Net cash flows used in financing activities decreased by $9 million during the six months ended June 30, 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This was primarily due to a decrease in stock repurchases of $121 million partially offset by an increase in debt repayments of $89 million, primarily due to the debt refinancing completed in June 2025, and a decrease in contribution received from noncontrolling interests of $19 million.
Subsequent Investing and Financing Activities
On August 1, 2025, Nexstar’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $1.86 per share of its common stock. The dividend is payable on August 29, 2025 to stockholders of record on August 15, 2025.
Long-term debt
As of June 30, 2025, the Company had total outstanding debt of $6.383 billion, net of unamortized financing costs, discounts and premium, which represented 73.9% of the Company’s combined capitalization. The Company’s high level of debt requires that a substantial portion of cash flow be dedicated to pay principal and interest on debt, which reduces the funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and other general corporate purposes.
As of June 30,
As of December 31,
(dollars in millions)
2025
2024
Nexstar senior secured credit facility
$
3,349
$
3,479
Mission senior secured credit facility
350
352
5.625% Notes, due July 2027
1,714
1,714
4.75% Notes, due November 2028
1,000
1,000
Total outstanding principal
6,413
6,545
Less: Unamortized financing costs, discounts and premium, net
(30
)
(22
)
Total outstanding debt
$
6,383
$
6,523
Unused revolving loan commitments under senior secured credit facilities (1)
$
600
$
545
(1)
Based on covenant calculations as of June 30, 2025, all of the $586 million and $14 million in unused revolving loan commitments under the respective Nexstar and Mission senior secured credit facilities were available for borrowing.
31
The following table summarizes the principal indebtedness scheduled to mature for the periods referenced as of June 30, 2025 (in millions):
Payments Due by Period
Total
Remainder of 2025
2026
2027-2028
2029-2030
Thereafter
Nexstar senior secured credit facility
$
3,349
$
51
$
108
$
217
$
1,741
$
1,232
Mission senior secured credit facility
350
1
3
284
62
-
5.625% Notes, due July 2027
1,714
-
-
1,714
-
-
4.75% Notes, due November 2028
1,000
-
-
1,000
-
-
$
6,413
$
52
$
111
$
3,215
$
1,803
$
1,232
We (excluding The CW) guarantee full payment of all obligations incurred under Mission’s senior secured credit facility in the event of its default. Mission is a guarantor of our senior secured credit facility, our 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and our 4.75% Notes, due November 2028. In consideration of our guarantee of Mission’s senior secured credit facility, Mission has granted us purchase options to acquire the assets and assume the liabilities of each Mission station, subject to FCC consent. These option agreements (which expire on various dates between 2026 and 2034) are freely exercisable or assignable by us without consent or approval by Mission or its shareholders. We expect these option agreements to be renewed upon expiration.
We make semiannual interest payments on the 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 on January 15 and July 15 of each year. We make semiannual interest payments on our 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 on May 1 and November 1 of each year. Interest payments on our and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities are generally paid every one to three months and are payable based on the type of interest rate selected.
The terms of our and Mission’s senior secured credit facilities, as well as the indentures governing our 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and 4.75% Notes, due November 2028, limit, but do not prohibit us or Mission, from incurring substantial amounts of additional debt in the future. The Company’s senior secured credit facilities and the indentures governing our existing notes may limit the amount of dividends we may pay to stockholders and share repurchases we may make over the term of the agreement.
The Company does not have any rating downgrade triggers that would accelerate the maturity dates of its debt. However, a downgrade in the Company’s credit rating could adversely affect its ability to renew the existing credit facilities, obtain access to new credit facilities or otherwise issue debt in the future and could increase the cost of such debt.
The Company’s ability to access funds under its senior secured credit facilities depends, in part, on its compliance with certain financial covenants. Any additional drawings under the senior secured credit facilities will reduce the Company’s future borrowing capacity and the amount of total unused revolving loan commitments. Any future adverse economic conditions, including those resulting from heightened and sustained inflation and higher interest rates, could adversely affect our future operating results and cash flows and may cause us to seek alternative sources of funding, including accessing capital markets, subject to market conditions. Such alternative sources of funding may not be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all.
Our credit agreement contains a covenant which requires us to comply with a maximum consolidated first lien net leverage ratio of 4.25:1.00. Pursuant to the amended Nexstar credit agreement, this covenant ratio at Nexstar’s election will increase to 4.75:1.00 with respect to the last day of the fiscal quarter during which a Material Transaction (as defined therein) shall have been consummated and the last day of each of the immediately following three consecutive fiscal quarters; provided that no more than two such elections will be made during the life of the facility. The financial covenant, which is formally calculated on a quarterly basis, is based on the Company’s combined results, excluding the operating results of The CW, which Nexstar designated as an unrestricted subsidiary under its credit agreements and indentures. The Mission amended credit agreement does not contain financial covenant ratio requirements but does provide for default in the event we do not comply with all covenants contained in our credit agreement. As of June 30, 2025, we were in compliance with our financial covenant. We believe the Company will be able to maintain compliance with all covenants contained in the credit agreements governing its senior secured facilities and the indentures
32
governing Nexstar’s 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and Nexstar’s 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 for a period of at least the next 12 months as of the filing date of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Our senior secured credit facility may limit the amount of dividends we may pay to stockholders.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
As of June 30, 2025, we did not have any relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or VIEs, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. All of our arrangements with our VIEs in which we are the primary beneficiary are on-balance sheet arrangements. Our variable interests in other entities are obtained through local service agreements, which have valid business purposes and transfer certain station activities from the station owners to us. We are, therefore, not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we had engaged in such relationships.
As of June 30, 2025, we had outstanding standby letters of credit with various financial institutions amounting to $20 million. The outstanding balance of standby letters of credit is deducted against our unused revolving loan commitment under our senior secured credit facility and would not be available for withdrawal.
Issuer and Guarantor Summarized Financial Information
Nexstar Media Inc. (the “Issuer”) is the issuer of 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and 4.75% Notes, due November 2028. These notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (“Parent”), Mission (a consolidated VIE) and the Subsidiary Guarantors (as defined below). The Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors, Parent and Mission are collectively referred to as the “Obligor Group” for the 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and 4.75% Notes, due November 2028. “Subsidiary Guarantors” refers to certain of the Issuer’s restricted subsidiaries (excluding The CW) that guarantee these notes. The guarantees of the notes are subject to release in limited circumstances upon the occurrence of certain customary conditions set forth in the indentures governing the 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and the 4.75% Notes, due November 2028. The 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 are not registered with the SEC.
The following combined summarized financial information is presented for the Obligor Group after elimination of intercompany transactions between Parent, Issuer, Subsidiary Guarantors and Mission in the Obligor Group and amounts related to investments in any subsidiary that is a non-guarantor. This information is not intended to present the financial position or results of operations of the consolidated group of companies in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
Summarized Balance Sheet Information for the Obligor Group (in millions):
June 30, 2025
December 31, 2024
Current assets – external(1)
$
1,260
$
1,149
Current assets – due from consolidated entities outside of Obligor Group
18
11
Total current assets
1,278
1,160
Noncurrent assets – external(1)(2)
8,935
9,066
Noncurrent assets – due from consolidated entities outside of Obligor Group
73
74
Total noncurrent assets
9,008
9,140
Total current liabilities(1)
732
685
Total noncurrent liabilities(1)
8,219
8,387
Noncontrolling interests
-
-
(1)
Excludes the assets and liabilities of The CW as it is not a guarantor of the 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 and 5.625% Notes, due July 2027. On September 30, 2022, Nexstar acquired a 75.0% ownership interest in The CW.
(2)
Excludes Issuer’s equity investments of $776 million and $877 million as of June 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively, in unconsolidated investees. These unconsolidated investees do not guarantee the 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 and 5.625% Notes, due July 2027. For additional information on equity investments, refer to Note 5 to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
33
Summarized Statements of Operations Information for the Obligor Group (in millions):
Six Months Ended
June 30, 2025
Net revenue – external
$
2,357
Net revenue – from consolidated entities outside of Obligor Group
8
Total net revenue
2,365
Costs and expenses – external
1,833
Costs and expenses – to consolidated entities outside of Obligor Group
32
Total costs and expenses
1,865
Income from operations
500
Net income
236
Net income attributable to Obligor Group
236
Income from equity method investments, net
19
Critical Accounting Estimates
Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, revenue and expenses and related disclosures. On an ongoing basis, we base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and any such differences could be material to our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.
Information with respect to the Company’s critical accounting estimates which it believes could have the most significant effect on the Company’s reported results and require subjective or complex judgments by management is contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. Management believes that as of June 30, 2025, there has been no material change to this information.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Refer to Note 2 of our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I, Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements, including our expected date of adoption and effects on results of operations and financial position.
ITEM 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s exposure to market risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to its long-term debt obligations.
The term loan borrowings under the Company’s senior secured credit facilities bear interest at rates ranging from 5.82% to 6.82% as of June 30, 2025, which represent (i) the Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) plus (ii) a credit spread adjustment, as applicable, and (iii) the applicable margin, as defined. Interest is payable in accordance with the credit agreements.
Based on the outstanding balances of the Company’s senior secured credit facilities (term loans and revolving loans) as of June 30, 2025, an increase in SOFR by 100 basis points would increase our annual interest expense and decrease our cash flow from operations by $37 million (excluding tax effects). A decrease in SOFR by 100 basis points would decrease our annual interest expense and increase our cash flow from operations by $37 million (excluding tax effects). Our 5.625% Notes, due July 2027 and 4.75% Notes, due November 2028 are fixed rate debt obligations and therefore are not exposed to market interest rate changes. As of June 30, 2025, the Company has no financial instruments in place to hedge against changes in the benchmark interest rates on its senior secured credit facilities.
34
ITEM 4. Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Nexstar’s management, with the participation of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer along with its Chief Financial Officer, conducted an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report of the effectiveness of the design and operation of Nexstar’s disclosure controls and procedures as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act.
Based upon that evaluation, Nexstar’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of the end of the period covered by this report, Nexstar’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act (i) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms and (ii) is accumulated and communicated to Nexstar’s management, including its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
As of the quarter ended June 30, 2025, there have been no changes in Nexstar’s internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, its internal control over financial reporting.
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. Legal Proceedings
From time to time, the Company is involved in litigation that arises from the ordinary operations of business, such as contractual or employment disputes or other general actions. In the event of an adverse outcome of these proceedings, the Company believes the resulting liabilities would not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of operations. See Part I, Item 1, Note 10, “Commitments and Contingencies” for detailed discussion of ongoing litigation.
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors
There have been no material changes to the risk factors that were previously disclosed in Item 1A in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025.
ITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
As of December 31, 2024, the remaining available amount under the share repurchase authorization was $1.6 billion, which includes the $1.5 billion increase to the share repurchase program authorized by Nexstar’s Board of Directors on July 26, 2024. During the six months ended June 30, 2025, Nexstar repurchased a total of 753,162 shares of its common stock for $125 million, funded by cash on hand. As of June 30, 2025, the remaining available amount under the share repurchase authorization was $1.4 billion.
The following is a summary of Nexstar’s repurchases of its common stock by month during the quarter ended June 30, 2025 (in millions, except for share and per share information):
Total Number of Shares
Approximate Dollar Value
Purchased as Part of
of Shares That May Yet Be
Total Number
Average Price
Publicly Announced
Purchased Under the
of Shares Purchased
Paid per Share
Plans or Programs
Plans or Programs
April 2 to 24, 2025
209,915
$
153.16
209,915
$
1,444
May 15 to 30, 2025
93,368
$
173.50
93,368
1,428
June 2, 2025
8,715
$
169.81
8,715
1,427
311,998
$
159.71
311,998
35
ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
None.
ITEM 5. Other Information
(a)
None.
(b)
None.
(c)
Rule 10b5-1 and Non-Rule 10b5-1 Trading Arrangements
None of the Company’s directors or officers adopted, modified, or terminated a Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement or a non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement during the Company’s fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2025.
Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.
101.SCH
Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema With Embedded Linkbases Document.
104
Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101).
* Filed herewith
36
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
/S/ PERRY A. SOOK
By:
Perry A. Sook
Its:
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
/S/ LEE ANN GLIHA
By:
Lee Ann Gliha
Its:
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting and Financial Officer)