The E.W. Scripps Company (SSP) reported that its first-quarter net loss attributable to shareholders narrowed to $2.67 million or $0.05 per basic share, from a loss of $4.42 million or $0.08 per basic share last year. The company noted that its prior-year quarter included acquisition-integration costs of $5.8 million, primarily a non-cash charge to terminate an agreement with the previous national sales representation firm of the acquired stations. The company said its reported operating results reflect an expected decline in political advertising and an increase in expenses to grow its digital operations.
Operating revenues decreased to $198.65 million from $207.13 million last year. More than half of the decline was due to the near-absence of political advertising revenue in 2013, the company said.
The company reported a loss from operations before income taxes of $7.6 million compared to a loss of $7.4 million prior year.
Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report a loss of $0.07 per share for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Analysts expected revenue of $203.15 million for the quarter.
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