The metro newspaper challenge is the same everywhere.
Investors care about product quality to the extent that it definitively correlates with financial performance. The reality is, however, that it's very hard to draw a direct correlation between product quality -- maybe because it's so subjective -- and financial performance in the newspaper industry.
This is a continuation of the trend that's been in place for the past couple of years. Strength in the company's core growth vehicles, and the potential resolution of the Shop at Home problem, bolster our enthusiasm for the SSP growth story.
It's pretty much the same variables that we've seen all year: softness in the retail ad category and very disappointing auto ad trends. National has been a mixed bag.
Aggressive bids from financial sponsors would clearly serve as an upside catalyst for the group as investors anticipate the potential for further industry consolidation.
I think it's a precursor to similar moves. You've got tremendous pressure on operating margins. The changes taking place reflect the new common realities of the industry.
As an investor, I would love to see them increase the scale of this business. They've got the breadth and depth of management to run a bigger enterprise. The challenge is finding a market that meets their standards.
A more positive revenue backdrop will be required to justify a more positive review of the stock. Accordingly, we'd remain on the sidelines.
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