Versant Media (VSNT)
Market Price (5/20/2026): $42.39 | Market Cap: $6.1 BilSector: Communication Services | Industry: Cable & Satellite
Versant Media (VSNT)
Market Price (5/20/2026): $42.39Market Cap: $6.1 BilSector: Communication ServicesIndustry: Cable & Satellite
Investment Highlights Why It Matters Detailed financial logic regarding cash flow yields vs trend-riding momentum.
Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 22%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 18% Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 27% Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 44% | Trading close to highsDist 52W High is -4.6%, Dist 3Y High is -4.6% Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -35%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -73% | Key risksVSNT key risks include [1] reduced bargaining power in distribution negotiations as a result of its recent spin-off and [2] the high execution risk and capital intensity of transitioning to digital as a new, Show more. |
| Attractive yieldTotal YieldTotal Yield = Earnings Yield + Dividend Yield, Earnings Yield = Net Income / Market Cap Dividend Yield = Total Dividends / Market Cap is 22%, ERPEquity Risk Premium (ERP) = Total Yield - Risk Free Rate, Reflects the premium above risk free assets offered by the investment. is 18% |
| Attractive operating marginsOp Mgn LTMOperating Margin = Operating Income / Revenue Reflects profitability before taxes and before impact of capital structure (interest payments). is 27% |
| Low stock price volatilityVol 12M is 44% |
| Trading close to highsDist 52W High is -4.6%, Dist 3Y High is -4.6% |
| Weak multi-year price returns2Y Excs Rtn is -35%, 3Y Excs Rtn is -73% |
| Key risksVSNT key risks include [1] reduced bargaining power in distribution negotiations as a result of its recent spin-off and [2] the high execution risk and capital intensity of transitioning to digital as a new, Show more. |
Qualitative Assessment
AI Analysis | Feedback
1. Better-than-expected Q1 2026 financial results demonstrated strong performance post-spin-off. The company reported diluted earnings per share of $1.99, exceeding analyst estimates of $1.82 by $0.17. Additionally, Versant Media's revenue for the first quarter of 2026 reached $1.69 billion, surpassing the estimated $1.65 billion by approximately $34.7 million. The company also generated a robust $558 million in Free Cash Flow.
2. Robust growth in its Platforms business and content licensing segments indicated successful adaptation to changing media consumption. While linear distribution revenue declined 7.3% and advertising revenue fell 5.2% year-over-year, Platforms revenue increased by 9.5%, driven by strong performance in Fandango and GolfNow. Furthermore, content licensing revenue surged by over 100%, boosted by significant agreements, including one for "Keeping Up with the Kardashians".
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Stock Movement Drivers
Fundamental Drivers
The 31.4% change in VSNT stock from 1/31/2026 to 5/19/2026 was primarily driven by a 0.0% change in the company's P/E Multiple.| (LTM values as of) | 1312026 | 5192026 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stock Price ($) | 32.25 | 42.38 | 31.4% |
| Change Contribution By: | |||
| Total Revenues ($ Mil) | � | � | 0.0% |
| Net Income Margin (%) | � | � | 0.0% |
| P/E Multiple | � | � | 0.0% |
| Shares Outstanding (Mil) | 145 | 145 | 0.0% |
| Cumulative Contribution | 0.0% |
Market Drivers
1/31/2026 to 5/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| VSNT | 31.4% | |
| Market (SPY) | 6.3% | 34.0% |
| Sector (XLC) | -3.2% | 46.5% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
10/31/2025 to 5/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| VSNT | ||
| Market (SPY) | 8.2% | 27.2% |
| Sector (XLC) | 1.6% | 33.3% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
4/30/2025 to 5/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| VSNT | ||
| Market (SPY) | 33.8% | 27.2% |
| Sector (XLC) | 22.9% | 33.3% |
Fundamental Drivers
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Market Drivers
4/30/2023 to 5/19/2026| Return | Correlation | |
|---|---|---|
| VSNT | ||
| Market (SPY) | 83.3% | 27.2% |
| Sector (XLC) | 99.9% | 33.3% |
Price Returns Compared
| 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | Total [1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Returns | |||||||
| VSNT Return | - | - | - | - | - | 5% | 5% |
| Peers Return | 11% | -36% | 7% | -9% | 59% | -8% | 1% |
| S&P 500 Return | 27% | -19% | 24% | 23% | 16% | 8% | 97% |
Monthly Win Rates [3] | |||||||
| VSNT Win Rate | - | - | - | - | - | 80% | |
| Peers Win Rate | 43% | 40% | 58% | 50% | 57% | 48% | |
| S&P 500 Win Rate | 75% | 42% | 67% | 75% | 67% | 60% | |
Max Drawdowns [4] | |||||||
| VSNT Max Drawdown | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Peers Max Drawdown | -41% | -53% | -44% | -42% | -34% | -24% | |
| S&P 500 Max Drawdown | -5% | -25% | -10% | -8% | -19% | -9% | |
[1] Cumulative total returns since the beginning of 2021
[2] Peers: WBD, FOXA, AMCX, NWSA, SSP.
[3] Win Rate = % of calendar months in which monthly returns were positive
[4] Max drawdown represents maximum peak-to-trough decline within a year
[5] 2026 data is for the year up to 5/19/2026 (YTD)
How Low Can It Go
VSNT has limited trading history. Below is the Communication Services sector ETF (XLC) in its place.
| Event | XLC | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 US Tariff Shock | ||
| % Loss | -17.7% | -18.8% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 21.5% | 23.1% |
| Time to Breakeven | 63 days | 79 days |
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -38.7% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 63.1% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 470 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -30.1% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 43.2% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 112 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -20.2% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 25.3% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 109 days | 105 days |
In The Past
State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF's stock fell -17.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 21.5% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
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VSNT has limited trading history. Below is the Communication Services sector ETF (XLC) in its place.
| Event | XLC | S&P 500 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Inflation Shock & Fed Tightening | ||
| % Loss | -38.7% | -24.5% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 63.1% | 32.4% |
| Time to Breakeven | 470 days | 427 days |
| 2020 COVID-19 Crash | ||
| % Loss | -30.1% | -33.7% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 43.2% | 50.9% |
| Time to Breakeven | 112 days | 140 days |
| Q4 2018 Fed Policy Error / Growth Scare | ||
| % Loss | -20.2% | -19.2% |
| % Gain to Breakeven | 25.3% | 23.8% |
| Time to Breakeven | 109 days | 105 days |
In The Past
State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF's stock fell -17.7% during the 2025 US Tariff Shock. Such a loss loss requires a 21.5% gain to breakeven.
Preserve Wealth
Limiting losses and compounding gains is essential to preserving wealth.
Asset Allocation
Actively managed asset allocation strategies protect wealth. Learn more.
About Versant Media (VSNT)
AI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
- Business Identification and Acquisition: Versant Media's primary activity involves identifying, evaluating, and acquiring assets or businesses to complete a qualifying transaction as defined by stock exchange policies, as it currently operates as a Capital Pool Company with no active commercial operations or products.
AI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
Mark Lazarus, Chief Executive Officer
Mark Lazarus serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Versant. Prior to this role, he was the Chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, where he oversaw NBCUniversal's TV and Streaming platforms, distribution, and monetization. He also served as Chairman, NBCUniversal Broadcast, Entertainment and Lifestyle Group, Sports and News, leading various content businesses including NBC News, CNBC, and the NBC Sports Group. Under his leadership at NBCUniversal, the company secured major deals with the Olympics, NFL, NASCAR, and the Premier League. Before joining NBCUniversal, Lazarus was President of Media and Marketing at CSE from 2008 to 2010 and President of Turner Entertainment Group from 2003 to 2008, where he managed all aspects of the networks.
Anand Kini, Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
Anand Kini holds the positions of Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Versant, responsible for finance, strategy, and operational functions. Before joining Versant, Kini was Executive Vice President, Corporate Strategy at Comcast Corporation and served as Chief Financial Officer of NBCUniversal. In his role at NBCUniversal, he drove the company's global growth strategy and managed finance and strategy across the Media, Studio, and Theme Park divisions. He joined NBCUniversal in 2011 from Comcast Cable, where he was Senior Vice President of Finance, overseeing forecasting, budgeting, and strategic planning. Earlier in his career, from 2002 to 2007, Kini held various Finance and Strategy management roles at Activision Blizzard and Disney.
Val Boreland, President, Entertainment
Roy Cho, President, Distribution & Partnerships
Keith Cocozza, Chief Communications Officer
AI Analysis | Feedback
Here are the key risks to Versant Media (symbol: VSNT):
- Secular Decline of Linear Television and Cord-Cutting: Versant Media Group, as a legacy cable content business, faces significant headwinds from the ongoing trend of cord-cutting, where consumers increasingly drop traditional cable television subscriptions in favor of streaming services. This trend is expected to lead to declining revenue and free cash flow for the company.
- Challenges with Carriage Deal Renewals and Post-Spin-off Independence: Having recently spun off from Comcast, Versant Media is no longer backed by the scale and leverage of a larger media conglomerate. A significant portion (55%) of its carriage deals, which are essential for distributing its content, are reportedly up for renewal by 2028, posing a substantial risk if the company cannot secure favorable terms independently.
- Necessity for Successful Digital Transformation and Innovation: To counteract the decline in its traditional linear television business, Versant Media needs to successfully innovate and diversify its revenue streams by expanding its digital platforms and services. There is a risk that the company's efforts to grow adjacent digital businesses may not be sufficient or timely enough to offset the ongoing secular decline in its core cable network portfolio, potentially requiring debt or equity infusions.
AI Analysis | Feedback
nullAI Analysis | Feedback
Versant Media (NASDAQ: VSNT) operates in the dynamic media and entertainment industry, with its primary products and services encompassing cable television networks and a growing portfolio of complementary digital platforms. The addressable markets for these offerings can be assessed across several key segments, primarily within the United States and globally. For its traditional cable television networks, which include channels such as USA Network, Golf Channel, Oxygen, E!, SYFY, CNBC, and MSNBC: * The **U.S. broadcasting and cable TV market** was valued at approximately USD 127.53 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach over USD 155.46 billion by 2035, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2% from 2026 to 2035. In 2026, the industry size is estimated at USD 129.91 billion. For its digital platforms and services, including mobile apps (like CNBC and MS NOW), and digital assets such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, SportsEngine, and Free TV Networks: * The **U.S. digital media market** reached USD 215.66 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 526.09 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 10.42% from 2026 to 2034. * Globally, the **digital media market** is estimated at USD 1.02 trillion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 1.71 trillion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 10.86% over 2026-2031. * The **U.S. OTT (Over-the-Top) market**, which includes streaming services, reached USD 136.67 billion in 2026 and is projected to climb to USD 234.73 billion by 2031, advancing at an 11.42% CAGR. * The **global online entertainment market** was valued at USD 124.41 billion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 340.83 billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.43% from 2026–2034. Considering Versant Media's significant focus on news, sports, and entertainment content delivered across both linear and digital channels: * The **U.S. sports broadcasting media market** was valued at USD 30.23 billion in 2025 and is expected to grow to USD 34.40 billion by 2035, at a CAGR of 1.30% during 2026-2035. * The broader **global media and entertainment market** is estimated to be valued at approximately USD 3.76 trillion in 2026 and is projected to reach USD 7.34 trillion by 2035, expanding at a CAGR of 6.79% from 2026 to 2035. Another estimate places the global media and entertainment market at USD 3.12 trillion in 2026, growing to USD 3.78 trillion by 2031 at a CAGR of 3.93%. * The **U.S. entertainment media market** size is USD 971.77 billion in 2025 and is expected to reach USD 1430.10 billion by 2035, growing at a CAGR of 3.04% over the forecast period of 2026-2035. Versant Media operates in a landscape where the traditional broadcasting and cable TV market in the U.S. is experiencing more modest growth, while the digital media, online entertainment, and OTT markets are showing robust expansion. The company's strategy involves diversifying its revenue streams to account for these shifts in consumer behavior.AI Analysis | Feedback
Versant Media (VSNT) anticipates several key drivers for future revenue growth over the next two to three years, as indicated by recent earnings reports and company commentary.
Here are 3-5 expected drivers of future revenue growth:
- Expansion of Digital and Non-Pay TV Platforms: Versant Media is strategically shifting towards digital and non-pay TV revenue streams. The company aims to increase non-pay TV revenue from 19% in 2025 to a target of 33% over the next three to five years, with an eventual goal of 50%. This growth is expected to be driven by high single-digit organic growth in its platforms business, which includes assets like GolfNow and Fandango. New direct-to-consumer (D2C) initiatives for brands such as CNBC and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), along with an advertising-based video on demand (AVOD) service through Fandango, are central to this strategy.
- Midterm Political Advertising: The company's revenue outlook for 2026, projected between $6.15 billion and $6.4 billion, is explicitly supported by anticipated midterm political advertising. This indicates that cyclical political advertising spending will be a significant revenue contributor during election years, offsetting some of the "advertising normalization" experienced in 2025 following the prior presidential election cycle.
- Investments in Content and Platform Enhancement: Versant's management has highlighted ongoing investments in strengthening its programming, expanding its audience reach, and enhancing its platforms businesses as crucial for future growth. These investments are designed to extend existing revenue streams and create new ones, leveraging the strength of its brands, live news, and live sports content.
- Stronger Box Office Slate: For its Fandango platform, a key component of its digital assets, a stronger box office slate is expected to contribute to a return to high single-digit revenue growth organically in 2026. This driver is directly tied to the performance and volume of new theatrical releases, which directly impact Fandango's transaction-based revenues.
AI Analysis | Feedback
Share Repurchases
- Versant Media's Board of Directors authorized a $1 billion share repurchase program in March 2026.
- This represents the company's first repurchase authorization.
Share Issuance
- Versant Media was spun off from Comcast, with shares distributed to Comcast shareholders on January 2, 2026.
- Comcast shareholders received one share of Versant Class A or Class B common stock for every 25 shares of Comcast Class A or Class B stock held as of the December 16, 2025 record date.
Outbound Investments
- Versant Media completed the acquisition of INDY Cinema Group in the fourth quarter of 2025.
- The company also completed the acquisition of Free TV Networks in January 2026.
- These acquisitions aim to expand national over-the-air distribution and strengthen Fandango's digital and B2B platform capabilities.
Capital Expenditures
- Versant Media reported capital expenditures of $167 million in 2025.
- Management plans to focus on investments in content and platform expansion in 2026.
Trade Ideas
Select ideas related to VSNT.
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| 03062026 | CARG | CarGurus | Insider | Insider Buys | Low D/EStrong Insider BuyingCompanies with strong insider buying in the last 1 month, positive operating income and reasonable debt / market cap | 8.3% | 8.3% | -8.3% |
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Research & Analysis
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Peer Comparisons
| Peers to compare with: |
Financials
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Price | 26.66 |
| Mkt Cap | 10.3 |
| Rev LTM | 7,854 |
| Op Inc LTM | 1,400 |
| FCF LTM | 404 |
| FCF 3Y Avg | 533 |
| CFO LTM | 841 |
| CFO 3Y Avg | 930 |
Growth & Margins
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Rev Chg LTM | -3.0% |
| Rev Chg 3Y Avg | -3.4% |
| Rev Chg Q | -1.4% |
| QoQ Delta Rev Chg LTM | -0.3% |
| Op Inc Chg LTM | 6.0% |
| Op Inc Chg 3Y Avg | 6.2% |
| Op Mgn LTM | 10.8% |
| Op Mgn 3Y Avg | 11.6% |
| QoQ Delta Op Mgn LTM | 0.3% |
| CFO/Rev LTM | 9.6% |
| CFO/Rev 3Y Avg | 14.4% |
| FCF/Rev LTM | 6.2% |
| FCF/Rev 3Y Avg | 11.9% |
Valuation
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| Mkt Cap | 10.3 |
| P/S | 1.3 |
| P/Op Inc | 5.9 |
| P/EBIT | 6.7 |
| P/E | 5.8 |
| P/CFO | 10.5 |
| Total Yield | 8.3% |
| Dividend Yield | 0.0% |
| FCF Yield 3Y Avg | 18.3% |
| D/E | 0.5 |
| Net D/E | 0.4 |
Returns
| Median | |
|---|---|
| Name | |
| 1M Rtn | -1.1% |
| 3M Rtn | 8.1% |
| 6M Rtn | 4.1% |
| 12M Rtn | 24.6% |
| 3Y Rtn | 25.1% |
| 1M Excs Rtn | -4.2% |
| 3M Excs Rtn | -1.6% |
| 6M Excs Rtn | -3.7% |
| 12M Excs Rtn | 2.6% |
| 3Y Excs Rtn | -51.6% |
Recent Forward Guidance [BETA]
Latest: Q1 2026 Earnings Reported 5/14/2026
| Forward Guidance | Guidance Change | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metric | Low | Mid | High | % Chg | % Delta | Change | Prior |
| Q2 2026 Accelerated Share Repurchase | 100.00 Mil | ||||||
Insider Activity
Expand for More| # | Owner | Title | Holding | Action | Filing Date | Price | Shares | Transacted Value | Value of Held Shares | Form |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Potter, Leonard | Direct | Buy | 3162026 | 37.65 | 2,500 | 94,125 | 597,807 | Form | |
| 2 | Potter, Leonard | Direct | Buy | 3162026 | 37.88 | 5,000 | 189,400 | 506,759 | Form | |
| 3 | Potter, Leonard | Direct | Buy | 3162026 | 38.34 | 3,000 | 115,020 | 321,213 | Form | |
| 4 | Potter, Leonard | Direct | Buy | 3162026 | 37.31 | 3,000 | 111,930 | 200,653 | Form | |
| 5 | Novak, David C | Direct | Buy | 3092026 | 36.85 | 143,000 | 5,269,550 | 5,842,936 | Form |
External Quote Links
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| CNBC | Etrade |
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