Big money moves in the media world! Caisse DE Depot just made a significant investment in Nexstar Media Group. Curious about which other major players are piling into NXST shares? You won’t believe the numbers, or what analysts are predicting for this media powerhouse’s future. What does this mean for the company’s trajectory?

In a significant move within the media investment landscape, Caisse DE Depot ET Placement DU Quebec has announced the acquisition of a new stake in Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXST) during the first quarter. This strategic investment saw the fund secure 9,300 shares of the prominent media company’s stock, an acquisition valued at approximately $1,667,000, signaling growing institutional confidence in Nexstar’s market position and future prospects.

This substantial purchase by the Quebec-based fund is part of a broader trend of institutional investors recalibrating their portfolios with NXST shares. Notably, Victory Capital Management Inc. dramatically increased its position by 611.5% in the first quarter, now holding 289,668 shares valued at $51.9 million. Similarly, Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. expanded its stake by 32.1%, bringing its total to 804,095 shares worth an impressive $144.1 million, underscoring the company’s appeal among major investment firms.

Further demonstrating robust institutional interest, Brown Advisory Inc. boosted its holdings by 58.3%, owning 352,165 shares valued at $63.1 million, while Demars Financial Group LLC grew its position by 13.6% to 879,253 shares, now worth $157.5 million. Even SG Americas Securities LLC entered the fray with a new position valued at $17.5 million, collectively pushing institutional ownership of Nexstar Media Group’s stock to an impressive 95.30%, highlighting widespread belief in its financial stability and growth potential.

Amidst these institutional shifts, insider trading activities have also been observed. Company insiders executed sales totaling 9,291 shares over the last quarter, amounting to $1,543,502. For instance, one insider sold 757 shares at an average price of $165.25, a transaction valued at over $125,000, which slightly reduced their overall ownership. Another insider divested 889 shares for approximately $146,907. This insider activity, while representing a small fraction of total ownership (6.70%), offers a glimpse into internal perspectives on stock valuation.

Financially, Nexstar Media Group reported a strong quarterly earnings performance, surpassing analyst expectations. The company announced earnings per share of $3.06, exceeding the consensus estimate of $2.95 by $0.11. This positive outcome contributed to a healthy net margin of 11.90% and an impressive return on equity of 28.40%, signaling efficient management and strong profitability despite a slight revenue dip of 3.2% compared to the same quarter last year.

In a move appealing to investors, Nexstar Media Group also recently declared a quarterly dividend of $1.86 per share, which was paid on August 29th. This translates to an annualized dividend of $7.44 and a yield of 3.6%, reflecting the company’s commitment to returning value to shareholders. With a dividend payout ratio (DPR) currently at 38.63%, the company demonstrates a sustainable approach to its dividend policy, balancing reinvestment with shareholder distributions.

Analysts remain largely optimistic about Nexstar’s outlook. Several research firms have reiterated or upgraded their ratings, with an average rating of “Moderate Buy” and an average price target of $225.00. Wells Fargo & Company and Guggenheim both raised their price targets to $250.00, while Barrington Research and Benchmark also affirmed strong “Buy” or “Outperform” ratings, further reinforcing the positive sentiment surrounding the media giant’s stock performance and strategic direction.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc. operates as a diversified media entity, specializing in the production and distribution of local and national news, sports, and entertainment content across various television and digital platforms throughout the United States. Its robust portfolio includes the ownership and operation of numerous market services, firmly establishing its presence as a key player in the American media landscape.