Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) Issues Earnings Results

Versant (NASDAQ:VSNT) announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday. The company reported $0.34 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.03 by $0.31, Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $1.59 billion during the quarter.

Here are the key takeaways from Versant’s conference call:

• 2026 outlook reaffirmed, with revenue expected at $6.2 billion–$6.45 billion and Adjusted EBITDA of $1.9 billion–$2.05 billion; free cash flow is now expected to exceed the prior $1.0 billion–$1.2 billion forecast.
• Versant completed four major distribution renewals on favorable terms, with 75% of network subscribers contracted through 2028 or beyond, improving visibility despite ongoing pay-TV subscriber declines.
• Platforms revenue increased 10% year over year, or 17% excluding the SportsEngine divestiture and Full Swing acquisition, led by Fandango ticketing and GolfNow; the company also reported encouraging early results from Fandango AVOD and MS NOW direct-to-consumer.
• Third-quarter revenue fell 4% to $1.59 billion and Adjusted EBITDA declined 7% to $353 million, primarily because of pay-TV pressure and sports-rights timing. Fourth-quarter EBITDA will face higher programming costs from four additional NASCAR races, although management characterized this as a one-time impact.
• Versant returned $457 million to shareholders year to date through dividends and repurchases and announced an additional $100 million accelerated share repurchase for the fourth quarter, supported by approximately $1 billion in cash and an undrawn $750 million revolver.

Versant Trading Up 1.2%

NASDAQ:VSNT opened at $32.74 on Wednesday. The company has a quick ratio of 2.38, a current ratio of 2.38 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. The firm’s 50 day moving average is $34.24 and its 200 day moving average is $36.25. Versant has a 12 month low of $27.17 and a 12 month high of $59.00.

Versant Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, January 25th. Investors of record on Monday, January 4th will be issued a $0.3750 dividend. This represents a $1.50 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, January 4th. Versant’s payout ratio is 43.10%.

Trending Headlines about Versant

Here are the key news stories impacting Versant this week:

• Positive Sentiment: Versant reported Q3 EPS of $0.34, beating the $0.03 consensus estimate, on revenue of $1.59 billion. The company also said digital platforms were driving growth. Versant earnings beat expectations as digital platforms drive growth
• Positive Sentiment: Management reaffirmed its 2026 revenue outlook of $6.2 billion–$6.45 billion and expects free cash flow of roughly $1.0 billion–$1.2 billion, providing guidance stability. Versant affirms 2026 outlook
• Positive Sentiment: Versant declared a quarterly dividend of $0.375 per share, equal to $1.50 annualized and a reported yield of about 4.6%. The next payment is scheduled for January 25 to shareholders of record January 4. Versant declares $0.375 dividend
• Positive Sentiment: MS NOW’s streaming membership became available through Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV, expanding potential access and distribution for the network. MS NOW brings streaming membership to Roku, Apple TV and Fire TV
• Negative Sentiment: Despite the earnings beat, Q3 revenue declined, a potential headwind that could temper enthusiasm about the results and outlook. Versant Q3 earnings, revenue decline; 2026 outlook reaffirmed

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Weiss Ratings lowered Versant from a “hold (c-)” rating to a “sell (d+)” rating in a report on Thursday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised Versant from a “hold” rating to a “strong-buy” rating in a research report on Friday, October 16th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a “neutral” rating and set a $43.00 price target on shares of Versant in a report on Friday, September 18th. Citigroup began coverage on Versant in a research report on Thursday, September 24th. They issued a “buy” rating and a $41.00 price target for the company. Finally, TD Cowen raised their price objective on Versant from $35.00 to $39.00 and gave the company a “hold” rating in a research note on Friday, August 7th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating, six have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of “Hold” and an average price target of $42.29.

Versant Company Profile

Versant, Inc (NASDAQ: VSNT) is a media and entertainment company formed from selected cable television and digital assets formerly owned by Comcast’s NBCUniversal division. The company develops, produces, distributes and markets entertainment, news, sports and lifestyle content across television networks and digital platforms.

Versant’s portfolio includes USA Network, E!, SYFY, Oxygen, Golf Channel and related digital properties. Its assets also include Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes, which provide movie-ticketing, entertainment information and media-review services.