Insider Buying Sparks Interest in EW Scripps

The latest form 4 filing from Holcomb Monica on March 3, 2026 shows a purchase of 7,500 Class A shares at $3.91, bringing her holdings to 24,005 shares. While the dollar amount ($29,325) is modest, the transaction is noteworthy because it follows a pattern of disciplined buying and selling that signals confidence in the company’s turnaround strategy. Holcomb’s overall position—57,668 Class A and 41,128 voting shares—represents a sizable stake for an individual insider, underscoring her long‑term commitment.

What the Transaction Means for Investors

EW Scripps has recently posted a 20% month‑to‑month gain and a 264% year‑to‑date rise, buoyed by the sale of the WFTX station. The price of $4.11 per share is still below the 12‑month high of $4.98, suggesting that the market may still be pricing in further upside. Holcomb’s buy aligns with the narrative that insiders believe the stock is undervalued relative to the company’s cash‑generating assets and its focus on core markets. If the trend of insider purchases continues—Barmonde has already bought 40,000 shares and the CEO has added over 1.1 million shares—investors may see this as a bullish sign, potentially driving the stock higher.

Holcomb Monica: A Pattern of Tactical Positioning

Holcomb’s historical activity shows a cautious, cycle‑aligned approach. She has alternated between buying Class A shares and restricted stock units (RSUs), often selling RSUs shortly after acquisition to realize gains. In May 2025, she bought 40,983 shares and 90,673 RSUs, then sold the RSUs the same day, indicating a short‑term trade. In contrast, her May 2024 purchase of 16,685 shares was held for several weeks, suggesting a longer‑term view. This dual strategy—leveraging RSUs for quick liquidity while building a base of common shares—reveals a sophisticated insider who balances liquidity needs with a conviction in the company’s long‑term prospects.

Broader Insider Activity: A Signal of Confidence

The company’s insider activity is not limited to Holcomb. The CEO, Symson Adam, has added more than a million shares, and Barmonde has recently added 40,000 shares. Together, these purchases represent a significant portion of the outstanding shares and indicate that key decision makers are aligning their personal wealth with the company’s performance. For investors, this alignment can be reassuring, especially in a sector—media—where insider confidence can be a strong predictor of future success.

Key Takeaway for Investors

Holcomb Monica’s latest purchase, set against a backdrop of strong insider buying and a bullish fundamental outlook, suggests that EW Scripps is poised for further upside. The company’s recent asset sale has improved its balance sheet, and the continued insider confidence points to a management team that believes the market has yet to fully price in the company’s strategic gains. Investors should watch for sustained insider buying and earnings guidance that may confirm the company’s trajectory, while remaining mindful of the sector’s inherent volatility.

DateOwnerTransaction TypeSharesPrice per ShareSecurity
2026-03-03Holcomb Monica ()Buy7,500.003.91Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/AHolcomb Monica ()Holding57,668.00N/AClass A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/AHolcomb Monica ()Holding41,128.00N/ACommon Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/AHolcomb Monica ()Holding6,484.00N/ACommon Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share
2026-05-05Holcomb Monica ()Holding90,673.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2026-03-03Barmonde Charles L. ()Buy40,000.003.91Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/ABarmonde Charles L. ()Holding0.00N/AClass A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/ABarmonde Charles L. ()Holding585,666.00N/ACommon Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/ABarmonde Charles L. ()Holding0.00N/ACommon Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share
2026-05-05Barmonde Charles L. ()Holding90,673.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2026-03-03Symson Adam (President and CEO)Buy26,910.003.69Class A Common Shares, $.01 par value per share
N/ASymson Adam (President and CEO)Holding0.00N/ACommon Voting Shares, $.01 par value per share
2027-12-31Symson Adam (President and CEO)Holding180,045.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2024-05-01Symson Adam (President and CEO)Holding70,784.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2025-03-01Symson Adam (President and CEO)Holding176,387.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2026-03-01Symson Adam (President and CEO)Holding1,705,881.00N/ARestricted Stock Units
2027-03-01Symson Adam (President and CEO)Holding532,577.00N/ARestricted Stock Units