Versant raises 2026 guidance as Fandango and GolfNow support growth

The Comcast spinout lifted its 2026 revenue outlook to $6.2 billion-$6.45 billion from $6.15 billion-$6.4 billion despite lower sales, with the top end above analysts' $6.41 billion estimate.

Summary

Versant Media Group raised its full-year 2026 revenue outlook to $6.2 billion to $6.45 billion from the $6.15 billion to $6.4 billion range it gave in May, with the top end above analysts' $6.41 billion estimate, even as second-quarter revenue fell 3.8% to $1.64 billion in its third earnings report since the Comcast spinout. Shares climbed 11.43% after the update. The owner of CNBC, MS NOW and E! still expects adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion to $2.05 billion and said digital businesses including Fandango and GolfNow, stronger news and sports ratings, and lower programming and other costs helped offset continued subscriber losses in linear TV. Net income attributable to Versant fell 30% to $211 million, while platform revenue rose 0.8% and increased 9.3% excluding the SportsEngine divestiture.

Terms & Concepts
  • adjusted EBITDA: A profit measure that excludes interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization and certain other items.
  • linear TV: Traditional scheduled television distributed through cable or other pay TV packages.
  • divestiture: The sale or disposal of a business unit or asset.