STOCK TITAN

Versant Media Group (Nasdaq: VSNT) posts Q2 2026 results and raises full-year outlook

(High)
(Neutral)
Form Type
8-K

Rhea-AI Filing Summary

Versant Media Group, Inc. reported second-quarter 2026 revenue of $1,644 million, down 3.8% year over year, as linear distribution revenue declined 6.3% and advertising slipped 0.6%, while Platforms grew 0.8% (9.3% excluding SportsEngine). Net income attributable to Versant was $211 million versus $302 million a year earlier, with basic EPS of $1.50. Adjusted EBITDA was $624 million, down 8.9%, but up 3.0% versus prior-year Standalone Adjusted EBITDA of $606 million, helped by lower programming and selling, general and administrative costs.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $382 million and Free Cash Flow was $350 million in the quarter; for the first half of 2026, operating cash flow was $967 million and Free Cash Flow $908 million. At June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents were $1,478 million, with long-term debt of $2,841 million and a current portion of long-term debt of $113 million, and total equity of $8,224 million. The board declared a $0.375 per-share quarterly dividend, payable October 22, 2026, to shareholders of record on October 1, 2026.

Versant completed a $100 million accelerated share repurchase, buying 2,374,942 Class A shares and leaving approximately $800 million under its repurchase authorization, and expects to enter another $100 million ASR beginning August 7, 2026. The company raised its full-year 2026 outlook to Total Revenue of $6.2–$6.45 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.9–$2.05 billion, while maintaining Free Cash Flow guidance of $1.0–$1.2 billion, and highlighted growth initiatives including the Full Swing acquisition, new Bundesliga rights, Fandango’s ad-supported streaming launch, and continued audience gains at CNBC and MS NOW.

Positive

  • Raised 2026 guidance for Total Revenue to $6.2–$6.45 billion and Adjusted EBITDA to $1.9–$2.05 billion while maintaining Free Cash Flow guidance of $1.0–$1.2 billion.
  • Strong cash generation with Q2 2026 Free Cash Flow of $350 million and first-half 2026 Free Cash Flow of $908 million, supporting dividends and share repurchases including a completed $100 million ASR.

Negative

  • Profitability declined as Q2 2026 net income attributable to Versant fell 30.1% year over year to $211 million, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased 8.9% to $624 million, reflecting lower revenue, public company costs, interest expense and higher tax expense.

Filing Explained

The August 6 filing furnishes results, while pre-separation comparisons remain subject to a standalone-basis limitation.

This August 6, 2026 Form 8-K furnishes Versant’s second-quarter results and supplemental financial information under Items 2.02 and 7.01.

The exhibits are furnished rather than filed for Exchange Act Section 18 purposes and are not incorporated by reference into another filing unless expressly stated.

For periods before the January 2, 2026 separation, the company says its comparisons were derived from Comcast’s historical records using allocations and carve-out methods.

It therefore cautions that those prior-year figures may not show what Versant’s results, financial position, or cash flows would have been as a standalone company.

Item 2.02 Results of Operations and Financial Condition Financial
Disclosure of earnings results, typically an earnings press release or preliminary financials.
Item 7.01 Regulation FD Disclosure Disclosure
Material non-public information disclosed under Regulation Fair Disclosure, often investor presentations or guidance.
Item 9.01 Financial Statements and Exhibits Exhibits
Financial statements, pro forma financial information, and exhibit attachments filed with this report.
Q2 2026 Revenue $1,644 million Three months ended June 30, 2026; down 3.8% versus $1,708 million in 2025
Q2 2026 Net Income Attributable to Versant $211 million Quarter ended June 30, 2026; down from $302 million in prior-year quarter
Q2 2026 Adjusted EBITDA $624 million Three months ended June 30, 2026; 8.9% decline from $685 million in 2025
Q2 2026 Free Cash Flow $350 million Defined as net cash from operating activities of $382 million less $32 million capex
Cash and Cash Equivalents $1,478 million Balance at June 30, 2026 on condensed consolidated balance sheet
Long-Term Debt $2,841 million Noncurrent portion of long-term debt as of June 30, 2026
Quarterly Dividend per Share $0.375 Third quarterly cash dividend declared, payable October 22, 2026
Completed ASR Amount $100 million Accelerated share repurchase completed in Q2 2026 for 2,374,942 Class A shares
Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Adjusted EBITDA of $624 million decreased 8.9% compared to the prior year quarter."
Adjusted EBITDA is a way companies measure how much money they make from their core operations, like running a business, by removing certain costs or income that aren’t part of regular business activities. It helps investors see how well a company is doing without distractions from unusual expenses or gains, making it easier to compare companies or track performance over time.
Standalone Adjusted EBITDA financial
"Compared to Standalone Adjusted EBITDA in the prior year quarter, Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.0%."
Standalone adjusted EBITDA is a measure of a single business unit’s operating profit before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, after removing one‑time items and other adjustments to show recurring performance. For investors it isolates the unit’s core cash‑generating ability — like checking a car’s steady miles per gallon after ignoring one‑off detours and tow loads — making it easier to compare performance over time and across peers.
Free Cash Flow financial
"Net cash provided by operating activities was $382 million and Free Cash Flow was $350 million in the second quarter of 2026."
Free cash flow is the amount of money a company has left over after paying all its expenses and investing in its business, like buying equipment or updating facilities. It shows how much cash is available to reward shareholders, pay down debt, or save for future growth. This helps investors understand if a company is financially healthy and able to grow.
accelerated share repurchase agreement financial
"entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR Agreement”) to repurchase $100 million"
An accelerated share repurchase agreement is a deal where a company quickly buys back its own shares by paying a financial institution up front, while the institution delivers shares it borrows and settles the exact quantity later based on market prices. For investors this matters because it immediately reduces the number of shares outstanding and can boost per-share earnings, change cash and leverage levels, and signal management’s view on the stock’s value.
non-GAAP financial measures financial
"Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures."
Non-GAAP financial measures are numbers companies use to show their financial performance that exclude certain expenses or income. They help investors see how the company might perform without one-time costs or other unusual items, giving a different perspective from official reports. However, since they can be adjusted, they don’t always tell the full story and should be looked at alongside standard financial figures.
Offering Type IPO/secondary/shelf/ATM

AI-generated analysis. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

See more from StockTitan in Google Search and AI answers. Adds StockTitan as a preferred source · opens Google
Add on Google
Learn about SEC filing dates

FAQ

How did Versant Media Group (VSNT) perform financially in Q2 2026?

Versant reported Q2 2026 revenue of $1,644 million, down 3.8% year over year, and net income of $211 million. Adjusted EBITDA was $624 million, an 8.9% decline, while Platforms revenue grew excluding the divested SportsEngine business.

What guidance did Versant Media Group (VSNT) give for full-year 2026?

Versant raised its 2026 outlook to Total Revenue of $6.2–$6.45 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.9–$2.05 billion, while maintaining Free Cash Flow guidance of $1.0–$1.2 billion, reflecting management’s updated expectations for the year.

What are Versant Media Group (VSNT)’s cash flow and liquidity levels?

In Q2 2026, Versant generated $382 million of net cash from operating activities and $350 million of Free Cash Flow. At June 30, 2026, it held $1,478 million in cash and cash equivalents, providing meaningful liquidity alongside its term debt.

Did Versant Media Group (VSNT) return capital to shareholders in Q2 2026?

Yes. Versant completed a $100 million accelerated share repurchase, buying 2,374,942 Class A shares, and its board declared a $0.375 per-share quarterly dividend payable October 22, 2026, to shareholders of record on October 1, 2026.

How are Versant Media Group (VSNT)’s key segments performing?

In Q2 2026, Linear distribution revenue declined 6.3% and advertising declined 0.6%, while Platforms revenue rose 0.8%, or 9.3% excluding SportsEngine, driven by higher revenue at Fandango and GolfNow and supported by new digital and sports initiatives.

What strategic moves did Versant Media Group (VSNT) highlight this quarter?

Versant cited completing the Full Swing acquisition, securing a five-year Bundesliga rights agreement, expanding Fandango into an ad-supported streaming platform, and advancing direct-to-consumer initiatives at CNBC and MS NOW as key growth investments.
0002067876FALSENew YorkNY00020678762026-08-062026-08-06


UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 OR 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of report (Date of earliest event reported): August 6, 2026

Versant Media Group, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant
as specified in its charter)
Pennsylvania
001-42856
39-2087186
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation)(Commission File Number)
(IRS Employer Identification No.)
229 West 43rd Street
New York, NY
10036
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (646) 832-1000
(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:
Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)
Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))
Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each classTrading Symbol(s)Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value
VSNT
The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).
 
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.  






Item 2.02. Results of Operations and Financial Condition
     
On August 6, 2026, Versant Media Group, Inc (“Versant”) issued a press release reporting its financial results and the results of its operations for the quarter ended June 30, 2026. A copy of the press release is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.
 
Item 7.01. Regulation FD Disclosure.

In addition, Versant also posted certain supplemental financial information on its website. A copy of this supplemental financial information is furnished as Exhibit 99.2 to this Current Report on Form 8-K and is incorporated herein by reference.

The information being furnished pursuant to Item 2.02, including Exhibit 99.1, and Item 7.01, including Exhibit 99.2, of this Current Report on Form 8-K shall not be deemed to be “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or otherwise be subject to the liability of that section, and shall not be incorporated by reference into any other document filed under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.


Item 9.01. Financial Statements and Exhibits

Exhibit Number
Description
99.1
Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Press Release dated August 6, 2026
99.2
Supplemental Financial Information
104Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document)




SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

VERSANT MEDIA GROUP, INC
Date:
August 6, 2026
By:/s/ Anand M. Kini
Name:
Anand M. Kini
Title:
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer








  versant_wordmarkxrgbxbwxco.jpg
Versant Media Reports Second Quarter 2026 Operating and Financial Results

Revenue of $1.64 Billion
Net Income Attributable to Versant of $211 Million
Adjusted EBITDA of $624 Million1
Declared Third Quarterly Cash Dividend of $0.375 Per Share
Completed $100 Million Accelerated Share Repurchase Transaction
Announced an Additional Planned $100 Million ASR in the Third Quarter of 2026

NEW YORK, NY – August 6, 2026. Versant Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSNT) (the “Company”) today reported operating and financial results for the second quarter of 2026. The Company's results reflect continued operating momentum, the strong performance of Versant's leading brands and long-term growth initiatives.

"Versant's brands once again demonstrated strength, durability and scale, reaching more than 120 million viewers each month during the quarter while reinforcing our leadership across news, sports and entertainment," said Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer. "That performance was reflected in the recent multi-year renewals with two large distribution partners, one in the U.S. and one in Canada. At the same time, we continued executing our strategy by investing in opportunities that will drive the next phase of our growth. Following the second quarter, we completed the Full Swing acquisition, added the Bundesliga to our premium sports portfolio, expanded Fandango into a broader consumer entertainment platform, and advanced our direct-to-consumer initiatives at CNBC and MS NOW. Together, we believe these initiatives build on the foundation of our portfolio, deepen consumer engagement, and position Versant for long-term growth."

"I'm proud of our performance in the second quarter and the disciplined execution across the business," said Anand Kini, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. "Our results highlight the strength of our operating model, continued growth across Platforms and meaningful cash flow generation. We continue to invest in our strategic priorities with a balanced approach to capital allocation. In the second quarter, we repurchased $100 million of stock, and today we announced that we expect to enter into an additional $100 million accelerated share repurchase agreement and declared our third quarterly cash dividend of $0.375 per share, reflecting our confidence in the business and financial outlook."

1 Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. Further information and reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure can be found under Table 4 below.



Business Highlights: In the second quarter of 2026, Versant continued to invest in its brands, deepen consumer engagement and extend its businesses beyond pay TV.

Business News and Personal Finance: In the second quarter, CNBC reinforced its position as the leading global business news brand. The network ranked among the top 10 cable networks for the fourth consecutive month during market hours in June and remains the trusted destination for consequential market events. Coverage of the SpaceX IPO drove CNBC's highest-rated day in more than five years. CNBC also generated the most affluent and educated weekday daytime audience in television for the 27th consecutive quarter. The network featured exclusive interviews with leading business executives and policymakers, including Jeff Bezos, whose appearance generated more than 100 million video views across platforms.

Political News and Opinion: MS NOW delivered its seventh consecutive month of year-over-year audience growth in June and finished the month as the second-highest-rated television network across all genres. In June, viewers watched an average of nine hours each week, the second-highest level of engagement across all television, while viewership increased 14% in the second quarter versus the prior year. The network also generated nearly 3 billion combined YouTube and TikTok views year to date and, in June, ranked as the No. 1 news organization on YouTube. Podcast engagement remained strong, with more than 11 million audio downloads during the month. In July, MS NOW celebrated its 30th anniversary, marking an important milestone for the network.

Golf: PGA TOUR coverage delivered the most-watched second quarter since 2020. Throughout the quarter, the network delivered comprehensive coverage of the Masters, PGA Championship, U.S. Open and PGA TOUR signature events, reflecting strong demand for premium live golf and the strength of the Golf Channel brand.

Sports and Genre Entertainment: USA remained a top-five cable entertainment network during the second quarter among key demographics, extending a leadership position that spans more than three decades. Live sports continued to attract large, highly engaged audiences, with the WNBA's inaugural season on USA delivering the three most-watched games across cable and streaming during the quarter, while League One Volleyball increased viewership over its inaugural season. The Company also announced a five-year agreement with the Bundesliga to broadcast more than 300 live matches annually, with at least 30 premium matches airing on USA Network and all other matches streaming for free on Fandango. In entertainment, Everything on the Menu delivered double-digit ratings growth in its second season. Versant also continued investing in new originals, including Anna Pigeon and The Golden Life, set to premiere this month and in the fall, respectively.

Platforms: Fandango launched its new ad-supported streaming service, bringing together ticketing, home entertainment and free streaming under the Fandango brand, while healthy ticketing volume drove strong performance in the quarter. GolfNow delivered broad-based growth across rounds booked, global course relationships, payments volume and GolfPass subscribers. The Company is further expanding its golf ecosystem with the acquisition of Full Swing and continues to advance its direct-to-consumer offerings at CNBC and MS NOW.



















Second Quarter 2026 Financial Results
Three Months Ended June 30,
20262025Change
(in millions)
Revenue:
Linear distribution$954 $1,017(6.3)%
Advertising423 425(0.6)%
Platforms225 2230.8 %
  Platforms (excluding SportsEngine)1
212 1949.3 %
Content licensing and other43 43(0.6)%
Total revenue$1,644 $1,708(3.8)%
Total revenue (excluding SportsEngine)1
$1,631 $1,678(2.8)%
Net income attributable to Versant
$211 $302 (30.1)%
Adjusted EBITDA2
$624 $685 (8.9)%
       Standalone Adjusted EBITDA2
$606 3.0 %
________________________________________________________________
1 Platforms (excluding SportsEngine) and Total revenue (excluding SportsEngine) are non-GAAP financial measures and have been included for comparative purposes only. Platforms revenue related to SportsEngine totaled $12 million and $29 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025. Total revenue related to SportsEngine totaled $13 million and $30 million, respectively, for the three months ended June 30, 2026 and 2025. We believe, among other things, these measures may help investors evaluate our ongoing operations and can assist in making meaningful period-over-period comparisons given that the divestiture of SportsEngine was completed during the second quarter of 2026.
2 Adjusted EBITDA and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP financial measures. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA and growth rate compared to Adjusted EBITDA have been included for comparative purposes only. Further information and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures can be found under Table 4 below.
Total Revenue of $1,644 million representing a decline of 3.8% compared to the same period in 2025. Excluding the impact of SportsEngine, revenue decreased 2.8%.
Linear Distribution revenue declined 6.3% in the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025, primarily due to subscriber declines, which were partially offset by contractual rate increases.
Advertising revenue declined 0.6% in the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting improvements in recent trends including favorable ratings at the networks, as well as incremental revenue from a recent acquisition.
Platforms revenue increased 0.8% in the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025, or 9.3% excluding the impact of SportsEngine, due to higher revenue at Fandango and GolfNow. The increased revenue at Fandango primarily related to movie ticket purchases and video-on-demand transactions, as well as sales from our new cinema operating platform. The revenue growth at GolfNow was primarily due to higher bookings, payments and subscription revenue. These increases in revenue were partially offset by the impact of our divestiture of SportsEngine during the second quarter of 2026.
Content licensing and other revenue remained relatively flat in the second quarter of 2026 as compared to the same period in 2025.




Net income attributable to Versant of $211 million decreased $91 million compared to the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower revenue, public company costs, interest expense following the separation from Comcast, and increased tax expense largely due to the divestiture of SportsEngine.
Adjusted EBITDA2 of $624 million decreased 8.9% compared to the prior year quarter. Compared to Standalone Adjusted EBITDA in the prior year quarter, Adjusted EBITDA increased 3.0%. This increase reflects lower programming expenses and reduced selling, general and administrative costs, which offset revenue declines.
Net cash provided by operating activities was $382 million and Free Cash Flow2 was $350 million in the second quarter of 2026.
2026 Financial Outlook
The Company raised its full-year 2026 outlook for Total Revenue and Adjusted EBITDA and maintained its Free Cash Flow outlook:
Total Revenue of $6.2 billion to $6.45 billion
Adjusted EBITDA2 of $1.9 billion to $2.05 billion
Free Cash Flow2 maintained at $1.0 billion to $1.2 billion
Dividends and Share Repurchase Program
On August 6, 2026, the Board of Directors declared the third quarterly cash dividend of $0.375 per share, payable on October 22, 2026, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on October 1, 2026.
On May 15, 2026, the Company entered into an accelerated share repurchase agreement (“ASR Agreement”) to repurchase $100 million of its Class A common stock under the Company's stock repurchase program. The Company completed the transaction during the second quarter and repurchased 2,374,942 shares of Class A common stock, with a remaining authorization of approximately $800 million as of June 30, 2026.
The Company expects to enter into an ASR Agreement commencing August 7, 2026, to repurchase $100 million of its Class A common stock under the Company's stock repurchase program. The Company anticipates completing the transaction during the third quarter of 2026.
Basis of Presentation
The interim condensed consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC.
For the prior year periods presented in the combined financial statements prior to our separation from Comcast on January 2, 2026 (the "Separation") included in this report, the Versant businesses operated as part of Comcast’s Media segment. As such, the prior year combined financial statements were derived from Comcast’s historical accounting records as if Versant operations had been conducted independently from Comcast, and reflect our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses on a historical cost basis. The
2 Adjusted EBITDA and Free Cash Flow are non-GAAP financial measures. Further information and reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures, as well as explanations as to why reconciliations are not provided for forward-looking information, can be found under Table 4 below.



















prior year historical financial statements were prepared using allocations and carve-out methodologies for the periods prior to the Separation, using assumptions that management believed to be reasonable. Accordingly, the combined financial statements herein for periods prior to the Separation from Comcast may not be indicative of our future performance, do not necessarily include the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us, and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows had we been a separate, standalone company during the historical periods presented.
Numerical information in this report is presented on a rounded basis using actual amounts. Minor differences in totals and percentage calculations may exist due to rounding.
Conference Call and Other Information
The Company will host a conference call on August 6, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. ET. A live webcast of the call and related presentation materials will be available on the Company’s Investor Relations website at www.versantmedia.com/investors. Following the conference call, an audio replay will also be made available on the Investor Relations website.
For additional information about Versant, including SEC filings, please visit the Investor Relations website at www.versantmedia.com/investors or www.versantmedia.com.

Investor Contacts:
Wylie Collins
Wylie.Collins@VersantMedia.com
Natalie CandelaNatalie.Candela@VersantMedia.com
Press Contacts:
Keith CocozzaKeith@VersantMedia.com
Hollie TraczHollie.Tracz@VersantMedia.com




Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release includes statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In some cases, you can identify these statements by forward-looking words such as “may,” “might,” “would,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expects,” “plans,” “intends,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “opportunity,” “strategy,” “future,” “goal,” "outlook," “commit,” or “continue,” the negative of these terms and other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions based on our current expectations and projections about future events and reflect our beliefs regarding such future events and do not represent historical facts or statements of current condition. In evaluating these statements, readers should consider various factors, including the risks and uncertainties we describe in the “Risk Factors” sections of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, and other reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include changes in and/or risks associated with: the ability to deliver benefits of acquisitions and divestitures; the competitive environment; consumer behavior; distribution agreements; the advertising market; our brands and reputation; consumer acceptance of our content; growth of our digital platforms; use and protection of our intellectual property; cyber-attacks or incidents, information or security breaches or technology disruptions; weak economic conditions; personnel; labor disputes; laws and regulations; network rebrands; adverse decisions in litigation or governmental investigations; investments and acquisitions; our separation from Comcast Corporation; obligations associated with being a public company; our indebtedness; and other risks described from time to time in reports and other documents we file with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date they are made, and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any such forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events or otherwise. The amount and timing of any dividends and share repurchases are subject to business, economic and other relevant factors.
About Versant Media Group, Inc.
Versant Media Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: VSNT) is an industry-changing media and entertainment business and home to trusted brands that shape culture, inform audiences, and build lasting connections. It operates in four core markets: political news and opinion; business news and personal finance; golf; and sports and genre entertainment. These markets are served through a powerful portfolio of iconic and innovative brands, including MS NOW, CNBC, USA Network, Golf Channel, E!, SYFY and Oxygen, and complementary digital platforms Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow and GolfPass. Visit www.versantmedia.com for more information.





TABLE 1
Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Income (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2026202520262025
(in millions, except per share data)
Revenue$1,644 $1,708 $3,331 $3,415 
Costs and expenses
Costs of revenue (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)650 700 1,288 1,354 
Selling, general and administrative369 355 720 662 
Depreciation and amortization258 244 514 489 
Total costs and expenses1,277 1,298 2,522 2,505 
Operating income367 410 809 910 
Interest expense(52)— (105)— 
Investment and other income (loss), net(1)16 (1)
Income before income taxes323 409 721 908 
Income tax expense
(112)(106)(224)(238)
Net income211 303 497 670 
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
— — 
Net income attributable to Versant$211 $302 $497 $669 
Basic earnings per common share attributable to Versant shareholders$1.50 $2.09 $3.49 $4.64 
Diluted earnings per common share attributable to Versant shareholders$1.49 $2.09 $3.49 $4.64 




TABLE 2
Condensed Consolidated and Combined Statements of Cash Flows
(Unaudited)
Six Months Ended June 30,
20262025
(in millions)
Operating Activities
Net income$497 $670 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization514 489 
Share-based compensation
33 14 
Noncash interest expense— 
Net loss on investment activity and other
Deferred income taxes(110)(67)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Current and noncurrent receivables, net(523)(22)
Content costs, net
68 64 
Accounts payable105 (13)
Other operating assets and liabilities376 (24)
Net cash provided by operating activities 967 1,113 
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures(59)(63)
Acquisitions of businesses and investments(199)— 
Proceeds from sale of business140 — 
Other— (14)
Net cash used in investing activities
(119)(77)
Financing Activities
Proceeds from borrowings1,973 — 
Repurchases of common stock under repurchase program and employee plans(200)— 
Dividends paid(53)— 
Net transfers to Comcast
(2,250)(1,028)
Settlement payment from NBCUniversal70 — 
Other(2)(12)
Net cash used in financing activities
(462)(1,040)
Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash
386 (4)
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year
1,092 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period$1,478 $4 




TABLE 3
Condensed Consolidated and Combined Balance Sheets
(Unaudited)
June 30,December 31,
20262025
(in millions)
Assets
Current Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents$1,478 $55 
Restricted cash — 1,034 
Receivables, net1,326 1,151 
Assets held for sale— 196 
Other current assets133 66 
Total current assets2,937 2,502 
Content costs
587 539 
Investments248 214 
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $632 million and $615 million
441 423 
Intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization of $9,163 million and $8,848 million
499 924 
Goodwill7,804 7,611 
Other noncurrent assets, net224 120 
Total assets
$12,740 $12,333 
Liabilities and Equity
Current Liabilities:
Accounts payable$268 $151 
Deferred revenue83 163 
Accrued content obligations
245 105 
Accrued employee costs
100 62 
Current portion of long-term debt113 — 
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities425 141 
Total current liabilities1,234 622 
Deferred income taxes110 191 
Noncurrent content obligations
68 72 
Long-term debt2,841 983 
Other noncurrent liabilities263 63 
Commitments and contingencies
Equity:
Preferred stock, no par value — authorized 20 million shares; none issued as of June 30, 2026
— — 
Class A common stock, $0.01 par value — authorized 7.5 billion shares; issued and outstanding 138,773,682 shares as of June 30, 2026
— 
Class B common stock, $0.01 par value — authorized 75 million shares; issued and outstanding 377,775 shares as of June 30, 2026
— — 
Additional paid-in capital7,723 — 
Retained earnings388 — 
Net Comcast investment— 10,299 
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(7)
Total equity attributable to Versant8,114 10,292 
Noncontrolling interests111 110 
Total equity8,224 10,402 
Total liabilities and equity
$12,740 $12,333 



TABLE 4
Supplemental Disclosures Regarding Non-GAAP Financial Measures
We evaluate our operating performance based on several factors, including the following non-GAAP financial measures:
Adjusted EBITDA
Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and is a key measure used to assess the operational strength and performance of our business as well as to assist in the evaluation of underlying trends in our business. This measure eliminates the significant level of noncash depreciation and amortization expense that results from property and equipment and intangible assets recognized in business combinations. It is also unaffected by our capital and tax structures, and by our investment activities, including the impacts of entities that we do not consolidate, as our management excludes these results when evaluating our operating performance. Our management and Board of Directors use this financial measure to evaluate our operating performance and to allocate resources. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs. Additionally, we believe that Adjusted EBITDA is useful to investors because it is one of the bases for comparing our operating performance with that of other companies in our industries, although our measure of Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies.
We define Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Versant before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, income tax expense, investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any. From time to time, we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain other events, gains, losses or other charges that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to the nearest GAAP measures for historical periods are presented below. A reconciliation for full-year 2026 outlook cannot be provided without unreasonable efforts because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations due to the uncertainty and potential variability of reconciling items, which are dependent on future events and often outside of management’s control and which could be significant. Forward-looking estimates are made in a manner consistent with the relevant definitions noted herein.
Standalone Adjusted EBITDA
Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure used in periods prior to the Separation to measure the operational strength and performance of our business as well as to assist in the evaluation of underlying trends in our business. Consistent with Adjusted EBITDA, this measure eliminates noncash depreciation and amortization expense and is unaffected by our capital and tax structures and by our investment activities, as our management excludes these results when evaluating our operating performance. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA also includes estimated incremental costs of operating as a standalone company following the Separation. We use Standalone Adjusted EBITDA and believe this measure is useful to investors because it provides an estimate of our operating performance giving effect to the Separation and related transactions and additional costs that we expect to incur as a standalone company for the periods presented, and is one of the bases for comparing our operating performance with that of other companies in our industries, although our measure of Standalone Adjusted EBITDA may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies.
We define Standalone Adjusted EBITDA as net income attributable to Versant before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, income tax expense, investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any, and further adjusted to give effect to estimated incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast and estimated additional costs we expect to incur as a standalone company in certain of our corporate administrative, facilities and support functions. From time to time, we may exclude from Standalone Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations actually would have been had we operated as a standalone company for the periods presented or to project our financial performance for any future period. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is based on available information, estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable, although actual future results will differ from the amounts presented.



Reconciliations of Adjusted EBITDA to the nearest GAAP measures for historical periods are presented below.
Reconciliation from Net Income Attributable to Versant to Adjusted EBITDA and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2026202520262025
(in millions)
Net income attributable to Versant $211 $302 $497 $669 
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
— — 
Income tax expense112 106 224 238 
Investment and other (income) loss, net(9)(16)
Interest expense52 — 105 — 
Depreciation and amortization258 244 514 489 
Adjustments for transaction and transaction-related costs (1)
— 32 44 
Adjusted EBITDA$624 $685 $1,328 $1,442 
Incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast (2)
(43)(88)
Incremental costs of corporate administrative, facilities and support functions (3)
(36)(76)
Standalone Adjusted EBITDA$606 $1,278 
________________________________________________________________
(1)Transaction costs are incremental costs directly related to effectuating the Separation and primarily include legal, audit and advisory fees. Transaction-related costs are incremental costs incurred in anticipation of the Separation and primarily include IT separation and implementation costs, advisory fees and other one-time costs.
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
2026202520262025
(in millions)
Transaction costs$— $16 $$27 
Transaction-related costs— 16 17 
Total transaction and
transaction-related costs
$ $32 $5 $44 
(2)Amounts represent incremental costs of commercial agreements entered into with Comcast in connection with the Separation and primarily relate to the commercial services agreement for the sale and use of our advertising and promotional inventory.
(3)Amounts represent estimated incremental costs related to corporate administrative, facilities and support functions and primarily include the recurring and ongoing costs required to operate new functions required for a public company such as external reporting, internal audit, treasury, investor relations, board of directors and stock administration, and expanding the services of existing functions such as information technology, finance, supply chain, human resources, legal, tax, facilities and insurance. Amounts were determined by comparing expected costs to amounts in the combined statements of income, inclusive of allocation for centralized functions within Comcast and allocations of costs for the use of shared assets.




Free Cash Flow

Free Cash Flow is a non-GAAP financial measure that we believe provides a meaningful measure of liquidity and a useful basis for assessing our ability to repay debt, make strategic acquisitions and investments, and return capital to investors through stock repurchases and dividends. It is also a significant performance measure in our annual incentive compensation programs. Additionally, we believe Free Cash Flow is useful to investors as a basis for comparing our performance and coverage ratios with other companies in our industries, although our measure of Free Cash Flow may not be directly comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Free Cash Flow has certain limitations, including that it does not represent the residual cash flow available for discretionary expenditures since other non-discretionary payments, such as mandatory debt repayments, are not deducted from the measure.

Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities, reduced by capital expenditures. From time to time, we may exclude from Free Cash Flow the impact of certain cash receipts or payments that affect comparability. Reconciliations of Free Cash Flow to the nearest GAAP measures for historical periods are presented below. A reconciliation for full-year 2026 outlook cannot be provided without unreasonable efforts because of the inherent difficulty in forecasting certain amounts that are necessary for such reconciliations due to the uncertainty and potential variability of reconciling items, which are dependent on future events and often outside of management’s control and which could be significant. Forward-looking estimates are made in a manner consistent with the relevant definitions noted herein.
Three Months Ended June 30,Six Months Ended June 30,
20262026
(in millions)
Net cash provided by operating activities
$382 $967 
Capital expenditures(32)(59)
Free Cash Flow$350 $908 



\ Supplemental Financial Information August 6, 2026


 

\ Revenue, Adjusted and Standalone Adjusted Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization, and Adjusted and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY (in millions) 2026 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 Presented on a standalone basis(1) Revenue Linear distribution $ 1,006 $ 954 $ 1,085 $ 1,017 $ 992 $ 997 $ 4,092 Advertising 368 423 388 425 394 370 1,577 Platforms 192 225 176 223 224 202 826 Platforms (excluding SportsEngine) (1) 159 212 143 194 189 170 696 Content licensing and other 121 43 57 43 54 41 193 Total revenue $ 1,687 $ 1,644 $ 1,706 $ 1,708 $ 1,663 $ 1,610 $ 6,688 Total revenue (excluding SportsEngine) (1) 1,652 1,631 1,672 1,678 1,627 1,576 6,553 Costs Programming and production $ 519 $ 522 $ 547 $ 573 $ 744 $ 582 $ 2,446 Other 119 128 108 127 129 128 491 Total costs of revenue 638 650 654 700 873 710 2,937 Selling, general and administrative (2) 346 369 380 402 410 380 1,572 Total Adjusted and Standalone Adjusted Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization (2) $ 983 $ 1,019 $ 1,035 $ 1,102 $ 1,282 $ 1,089 $ 4,509 Adjusted EBITDA and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 704 $ 624 $ 672 $ 606 $ 381 $ 521 $ 2,180 Adjusted EBITDA and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA margin (1) 42 % 38 % 39 % 35 % 23 % 32 % 33 % 1 1. Non-GAAP financial measure, refer to Notes page for additional information and reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure. 2. 2026 amounts are adjusted for transaction and transaction-related costs. For 2025, the amounts above are presented on a standalone basis. Both represent Non-GAAP financial measures, refer to Notes page for additional information and reconciliation to the most comparable GAAP measure. See Notes page for basis of presentation and additional information.


 

\ Notes Basis of Presentation Our consolidated and combined financial statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and pursuant to the rules and regulations of the SEC. For the prior year periods presented in the combined financial statements prior to our separation from Comcast on January 2, 2026 (the "Separation") included in this report, the Versant businesses operated as part of Comcast’s Media segment. As such, the prior year combined financial statements were derived from Comcast’s historical accounting records as if Versant operations had been conducted independently from Comcast, and reflect our assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses on a historical cost basis. The prior year historical financial information was prepared using allocations and carve-out methodologies for the periods prior to the Separation, using assumptions that management believed to be reasonable. Accordingly, the financial information for periods prior to the Separation from Comcast may not be indicative of our future performance, do not necessarily include the actual expenses that would have been incurred by us, and may not reflect our results of operations, financial position, and cash flows had we been a separate, standalone company during the historical periods presented. Numerical information is presented on a rounded basis using actual amounts, unless otherwise noted. Minor differences in totals and percentage calculations may exist due to rounding. Non-GAAP Financial Measures In addition to financial measures included in our combined financial statements, we use certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined below. We provide reconciliations of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measures prepared in accordance with GAAP in the following pages. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Versant before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, income tax expense, investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any. From time to time, we may exclude from Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain other events, gains, losses or other charges that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is defined as net income attributable to Versant before net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests, income tax expense, investment and other income (loss), net, interest expense, depreciation and amortization expense, and other operating gains and losses (such as impairment charges related to fixed and intangible assets and gains or losses on the sale of long-lived assets), if any, and further adjusted to give effect to estimated incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast and estimated additional costs we expect to incur as a standalone company in certain of our corporate administrative, facilities and support functions. From time to time, we may exclude from Standalone Adjusted EBITDA the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges that affect the period-to-period comparability of our operating performance. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is presented for informational purposes only and does not purport to represent what our results of operations actually would have been had we operated as a standalone company for the periods presented or to project our financial performance for any future period. Standalone Adjusted EBITDA is based on available information, estimates and assumptions, which we believe are reasonable, although actual future results will differ from the amounts presented. 2


 

\ Notes (Continued) Non-GAAP Financial Measures (Continued) Standalone Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative expense is defined as selling, general and administrative expenses adjusted to give effect to estimated incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast and estimated additional costs we expect to incur as a standalone company in certain of our corporate administrative, facilities and support functions, and further adjusted to exclude the impact of transaction and transaction-related costs. Standalone Adjusted Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization is defined as the aggregate amount of costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization adjusted to give effect to estimated incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast and estimated additional costs we expect to incur as a standalone company in certain of our corporate administrative, facilities and support functions, and further adjusted to exclude the impact of transaction and transaction-related costs. From time to time, we present adjusted information, such as revenue, to exclude the impact of certain transactions, events, gains, losses or other charges. The adjusted information is a non-GAAP financial measure. We believe, among other things, that the adjusted information may help investors evaluate our ongoing operations and can assist in making meaningful period-over-period comparisons. Platforms (excluding SportsEngine) and Total revenue (excluding SportsEngine) in these supplemental schedules are non-GAAP financial measures and have been included for comparative purposes only. Platforms revenue and Total revenue for SportsEngine are as follows: 3 Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY (in millions) 2026 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 SportsEngine platforms revenue $34 $12 $33 $29 $35 $32 $129 SportsEngine total revenue 35 13 35 30 36 34 136


 

\ Reconciliation from Net Income Attributable to Versant to Adjusted EBITDA and Standalone Adjusted EBITDA Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY (in millions) 2026 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 Net income attributable to Versant $ 286 $ 211 $ 367 $ 302 $ 80 $ 181 $ 930 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests — — — 1 (1) — 1 Income tax expense 112 112 132 106 45 13 297 Investment and other (income) loss, net (8) (9) — 1 39 (9) 31 Interest expense 52 52 — — — 13 13 Depreciation and amortization 256 258 245 244 255 267 1,010 Adjustments for transaction and transaction-related costs (1) 5 — 12 32 27 71 142 Adjusted EBITDA $ 704 $ 624 $ 757 $ 685 $ 445 $ 537 $ 2,425 Incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast (2) (45) (43) (46) (51) (186) Incremental costs of corporate administrative, facilities and support functions (3) (40) (36) (19) 36 (59) Standalone Adjusted EBITDA $ 672 $ 606 $ 381 $ 521 $ 2,180 4 1. Transaction costs are incremental costs directly related to effectuating the Separation and primarily include legal, audit and advisory fees. Transaction-related costs are incremental costs incurred in anticipation of the Separation and primarily include IT separation and implementation costs, advisory fees and other one-time costs. 2. Amounts represent incremental costs of commercial agreements entered into with Comcast in connection with the Separation and primarily relate to the commercial services agreement for the sale and use of our advertising and promotional inventory. 3. Amounts represent estimated incremental costs related to corporate administrative, facilities and support functions and primarily include the recurring and ongoing costs required to operate new functions required for a public company such as external reporting, internal audit, treasury, investor relations, board of directors and stock administration, and expanding the services of existing functions such as information technology, finance, supply chain, human resources, legal, tax, facilities and insurance. Amounts were determined by comparing expected costs to amounts in the combined statements of income, inclusive of allocation for centralized functions within Comcast and allocations of costs for the use of shared assets.


 

\ Reconciliations from Reported to Adjusted and Standalone Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses and Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization Q1 Q2 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 FY (in millions) 2026 2026 2025 2025 2025 2025 2025 Selling, general and administrative expenses $ 351 $ 369 $ 307 $ 355 $ 372 $ 435 $ 1,469 Transaction and transaction-related costs (1) (5) — (12) (32) (27) (71) (142) Incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast (2) — — 45 43 46 51 186 Incremental costs of corporate administrative, facilities and support functions (3) — — 40 36 19 (36) 59 Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses $ 346 $ 369 Standalone Adjusted Selling, General and Administrative Expenses $ 380 $ 402 $ 410 $ 380 $ 1,572 Costs and expenses, excluding depreciation and amortization $ 989 $ 1,019 $ 961 $ 1,055 $ 1,245 $ 1,145 $ 4,406 Transaction and transaction-related costs (1) (5) — (12) (32) (27) (71) (142) Incremental costs of commercial agreements with Comcast (2) — — 45 43 46 51 186 Incremental costs of corporate administrative, facilities and support functions (3) — — 40 36 19 (36) 59 Adjusted Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization $ 983 $ 1,019 Standalone Adjusted Costs and Expenses, Excluding Depreciation and Amortization $ 1,035 $ 1,102 $ 1,282 $ 1,089 $ 4,509 5 1. Transaction costs are incremental costs directly related to effectuating the Separation and primarily include legal, audit and advisory fees. Transaction-related costs are incremental costs incurred in anticipation of the Separation and primarily include IT separation and implementation costs, advisory fees and other one-time costs. 2. Amounts represent incremental costs of commercial agreements entered into with Comcast in connection with the Separation and primarily relate to the commercial services agreement for the sale and use of our advertising and promotional inventory. 3. Amounts represent estimated incremental costs related to corporate administrative, facilities and support functions and primarily include the recurring and ongoing costs required to operate new functions required for a public company such as external reporting, internal audit, treasury, investor relations, board of directors and stock administration, and expanding the services of existing functions such as information technology, finance, supply chain, human resources, legal, tax, facilities and insurance. Amounts were determined by comparing expected costs to amounts in the combined statements of income, inclusive of allocation for centralized functions within Comcast and allocations of costs for the use of shared assets.


 

Filing Exhibits & Attachments

5 documents