Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) Beneish M-Score: -2.96 (As of Jun. 25, 2026)


ASX:SXL Southern Cross Media Group Ltd ASX:SXL
49 GF Score
Price A$0.56
GF Value A$0.72
Valuation Modestly Undervalued
! 7 Warning Signs
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What is Southern Cross Media Group Beneish M-Score?

Southern Cross Media Group ASX:SXL +0.90% 49 Beneish M-Score is -2.96 as of Jun. 25, 2026. GuruFocus rates ASX:SXL with a GF Score™ of 49/100 and a GF Value™ of A$0.72 (Modestly Undervalued). The stock has 7 warning signs investors should review. Among 989 Media - Diversified companies, Southern Cross Media Group ranks better than 73.61% on this metric.

The zones of discrimination for M-Score is as such:

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.
An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Good Sign:

Beneish M-Score -2.96 no higher than -1.78, which implies that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

The historical rank and industry rank for Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score or its related term are showing as below:

ASX:SXL' s Beneish M-Score Range Over the Past 10 Years
Min: -3.15   Med: -2.56   Max: -2.23
Current: -2.96

During the past 13 years, the highest Beneish M-Score of Southern Cross Media Group was -2.23. The lowest was -3.15. And the median was -2.56.


Southern Cross Media Group Beneish M-Score Historical Data

* Premium members only.

The historical data trend for Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score can be seen below:

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

Southern Cross Media Group Beneish M-Score Chart

Southern Cross Media Group Annual Data
Trend Jun16 Jun17 Jun18 Jun19 Jun20 Jun21 Jun22 Jun23 Jun24 Jun25
Beneish M-Score
Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only -2.25 -2.48 -2.68 -2.23 -2.96

Southern Cross Media Group Semi-Annual Data
Jun16 Dec16 Jun17 Dec17 Jun18 Dec18 Jun19 Dec19 Jun20 Dec20 Jun21 Dec21 Jun22 Dec22 Jun23 Dec23 Jun24 Dec24 Jun25 Dec25
Beneish M-Score Get a 7-Day Free Trial Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only Premium Member Only 0.00 -2.23 0.00 -2.96 0.00

ASX:SXL vs NFLX, DIS, WBD: Beneish M-Score Comparison

For the Entertainment subindustry, Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score, along with its competitors' market caps and Beneish M-Score data, can be viewed below:

* Competitive companies are chosen from companies within the same industry, with headquarter located in same country, with closest market capitalization; x-axis shows the market cap, and y-axis shows the term value; the bigger the dot, the larger the market cap. Note that "N/A" values will not show up in the chart.


Southern Cross Media Group Beneish M-Score vs Media - Diversified Industry

For the Media - Diversified industry and Communication Services sector, Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score distribution charts can be found below:

* The bar in red indicates where Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score falls into.


ASX:SXL
49GF Score
Southern Cross Media Group Ltd ASX:SXL
Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Score™, valuation, warning signs, and more.
View Full Analysis

Southern Cross Media Group Beneish M-Score Calculation

The M-score was created by Professor Messod Beneish. Instead of measuring the bankruptcy risk (Altman Z-Score) or business trend (Piotroski F-Score), M-score can be used to detect the risk of earnings manipulation. This is the original research paper on M-score.

The M-Score Variables:

The M-score of Southern Cross Media Group for today is based on a combination of the following eight different indices:

M=-4.84+0.92 * DSRI+0.528 * GMI+0.404 * AQI+0.892 * SGI+0.115 * DEPI
=-4.84+0.92 * 1.0963+0.528 * 0.9457+0.404 * 1.0047+0.892 * 0.8449+0.115 * 0.9296
-0.172 * SGAI+4.679 * TATA-0.327 * LVGI
-0.172 * 1.0727+4.679 * -0.084338-0.327 * 0.9548
=-2.96

* For Operating Data section: All numbers are indicated by the unit behind each term and all currency related amount are in USD.
* For other sections: All numbers are in millions except for per share data, ratio, and percentage. All currency related amount are indicated in the company's associated stock exchange currency.

This Year (Jun25) TTM:Last Year (Jun24) TTM:
Total Receivables was A$84.9 Mil.
Revenue was A$421.7 Mil.
Gross Profit was A$334.4 Mil.
Total Current Assets was A$131.7 Mil.
Total Assets was A$686.1 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was A$148.6 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was A$30.0 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was A$225.6 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was A$77.6 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was A$218.5 Mil.
Net Income was A$9.2 Mil.
Gross Profit was A$1.7 Mil.
Cash Flow from Operations was A$65.4 Mil.
Total Receivables was A$91.7 Mil.
Revenue was A$499.1 Mil.
Gross Profit was A$374.4 Mil.
Total Current Assets was A$116.9 Mil.
Total Assets was A$692.3 Mil.
Property, Plant and Equipment(Net PPE) was A$168.0 Mil.
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization(DDA) was A$31.1 Mil.
Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) was A$248.9 Mil.
Total Current Liabilities was A$74.9 Mil.
Long-Term Debt & Capital Lease Obligation was A$238.1 Mil.




1. DSRI = Days Sales in Receivables Index

Measured as the ratio of Revenue in Total Receivables in year t to year t-1.

A large increase in DSR could be indicative of revenue inflation.

DSRI=(Receivables_t / Revenue_t) / (Receivables_t-1 / Revenue_t-1)
=(84.924 / 421.699) / (91.682 / 499.115)
=0.201385 / 0.183689
=1.0963

2. GMI = Gross Margin Index

Measured as the ratio of gross margin in year t-1 to gross margin in year t.

Gross margin has deteriorated when this index is above 1. A firm with poorer prospects is more likely to manipulate earnings.

GMI=GrossMargin_t-1 / GrossMargin_t
=(GrossProfit_t-1 / Revenue_t-1) / (GrossProfit_t / Revenue_t)
=(374.365 / 499.115) / (334.448 / 421.699)
=0.750058 / 0.793096
=0.9457

3. AQI = Asset Quality Index

AQI is the ratio of asset quality in year t to year t-1.

Asset quality is measured as the ratio of non-current assets other than Property, Plant and Equipment to Total Assets.

AQI=(1 - (CurrentAssets_t + PPE_t) / TotalAssets_t) / (1 - (CurrentAssets_t-1 + PPE_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=(1 - (131.727 + 148.625) / 686.062) / (1 - (116.851 + 167.967) / 692.317)
=0.591361 / 0.588602
=1.0047

4. SGI = Sales Growth Index

Ratio of Revenue in year t to sales in year t-1.

Sales growth is not itself a measure of manipulation. However, growth companies are likely to find themselves under pressure to manipulate in order to keep up appearances.

SGI=Sales_t / Sales_t-1
=Revenue_t / Revenue_t-1
=421.699 / 499.115
=0.8449

5. DEPI = Depreciation Index

Measured as the ratio of the rate of Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization in year t-1 to the corresponding rate in year t.

DEPI greater than 1 indicates that assets are being depreciated at a slower rate. This suggests that the firm might be revising useful asset life assumptions upwards, or adopting a new method that is income friendly.

DEPI=(Depreciation_t-1 / (Depreciaton_t-1 + PPE_t-1)) / (Depreciation_t / (Depreciaton_t + PPE_t))
=(31.087 / (31.087 + 167.967)) / (30.013 / (30.013 + 148.625))
=0.156174 / 0.16801
=0.9296

Note: If the Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization data is not available, we assume that the depreciation rate is constant and set the Depreciation Index to 1.

6. SGAI = Sales, General and Administrative expenses Index

The ratio of Selling, General, & Admin. Expense(SGA) to Sales in year t relative to year t-1.

SGA expenses index > 1 means that the company is becoming less efficient in generate sales.

SGAI=(SGA_t / Sales_t) / (SGA_t-1 /Sales_t-1)
=(225.552 / 421.699) / (248.87 / 499.115)
=0.534865 / 0.498623
=1.0727

7. LVGI = Leverage Index

The ratio of total debt to Total Assets in year t relative to yeat t-1.

An LVGI > 1 indicates an increase in leverage

LVGI=((LTD_t + CurrentLiabilities_t) / TotalAssets_t) / ((LTD_t-1 + CurrentLiabilities_t-1) / TotalAssets_t-1)
=((218.457 + 77.641) / 686.062) / ((238.066 + 74.891) / 692.317)
=0.431591 / 0.452043
=0.9548

8. TATA = Total Accruals to Total Assets

Total accruals calculated as the change in working capital accounts other than cash less depreciation.

TATA=(IncomefromContinuingOperations_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(NetIncome_t - NonOperatingIncome_t - CashFlowsfromOperations_t) / TotalAssets_t
=(9.192 - 1.662 - 65.391) / 686.062
=-0.084338

An M-Score of equal or less than -1.78 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator. An M-Score of greater than -1.78 signals that the company is likely to be a manipulator.

Southern Cross Media Group has a M-score of -2.96 suggests that the company is unlikely to be a manipulator.

Frequently Asked Questions Learn more about Beneish M-Score →
What does a Beneish M-Score of -2.96 mean?
Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) has a Beneish M-Score of -2.96 as of Jun. 25, 2026. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on Southern Cross Media Group and its competitors. According to the industry distribution chart, Southern Cross Media Group ranks #261 out of 989 companies in the Media - Diversified industry, placing it in the top 26.4%.
Is Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score too high?
Southern Cross Media Group's current Beneish M-Score is -2.96. Based on the distribution chart, Southern Cross Media Group ranks #261 out of 989 companies in the Media - Diversified industry, which is above the industry midpoint. Overall, Southern Cross Media Group has a GF Score™ of 49/100 and is considered Modestly Undervalued, reflecting its overall financial health beyond just this single metric.
How does Southern Cross Media Group's Beneish M-Score compare to NFLX and DIS?
According to the Media - Diversified industry distribution chart, Southern Cross Media Group ranks #261 out of 989 companies for Beneish M-Score. This puts Southern Cross Media Group in the upper half of its industry. See the competitive comparison table and distribution chart on this page for a detailed peer-by-peer breakdown.
What is a good Beneish M-Score for a Media - Diversified company?
A good Beneish M-Score depends on the Media - Diversified industry context. However, Beneish M-Score should not be evaluated in isolation — investors should consider it alongside profitability, growth, and financial strength metrics. Use the industry distribution chart on this page to see where any company falls relative to its peers.
What does a high Beneish M-Score mean?
A high Beneish M-Score can signal that a stock is expensive relative to its fundamentals. The Beneish M-score measures the likelihood of earnings manipulation. View historical data on Southern Cross Media Group and its competitors. Southern Cross Media Group's current Beneish M-Score is -2.96. However, context matters — high-growth companies often justify higher valuations. Always evaluate alongside other metrics like GF Score™ and GF Value™.
Is Southern Cross Media Group stock overvalued right now?
Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) is currently considered Modestly Undervalued. The stock's GF Value™ is A$0.72, compared to a current price of A$0.56 — trading 22.2% below its estimated fair value. The current Beneish M-Score is -2.96. Southern Cross Media Group's overall GF Score™ is 49/100 with 7 warning signs to review. Investors should evaluate multiple metrics — including profitability, growth, and financial strength — before making a decision.
How is Beneish M-Score calculated?
Beneish M-Score is calculated from a company's financial statements. For Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL), the current Beneish M-Score is -2.96 as of Jun. 25, 2026. GuruFocus calculates this using data sourced from SEC filings and annual reports. See the calculation section and 30-year financial data on this page for the full breakdown.

Is Southern Cross Media Group (ASX:SXL) Overvalued in 2026?

Based on GuruFocus' analysis, Southern Cross Media Group stock appears to be undervalued. The current stock price of A$0.56 is trading 22.2% below its estimated GF Value™ of A$0.72. GuruFocus considers Southern Cross Media Group to be Modestly Undervalued.

Key valuation signals for ASX:SXL:

  • Beneish M-Score: -2.96
  • GF Value™: A$0.72 vs. price of A$0.56 (22.2% below fair value)
  • GF Score™: 49/100 with 7 warning signs

No single metric tells the full story. See the ASX:SXL stock analysis page for a complete view including 30-year financials, guru trades, and insider activity.


Southern Cross Media Group Business Description

Address 101 Moray Street, Level 2, South Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, AUS, 3205
Southern Cross Media broadcasts radio programming across Australia and generates revenue and earnings from sales of airtime to advertisers. In metropolitan areas, it runs two radio networks (Hit and Triple M). In regional areas, the company runs a portfolio of radio stations. It is also operating digital audio, which has a rapidly growing audience and turned profitable from fiscal 2025. Southern Cross merged with Seven West Media in January 2026 and now owns Seven's TV and newspaper businesses.
49GF Score

Get the complete analysis for ASX:SXL

Beneish M-Score is just one metric. See GF Value™, 30-year financials, guru trades, warning signs, and more.

A$0.56
Price
A$0.72
GF Value