STOCK TITAN

AMC Networks Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

Rhea-AI Impact
(Neutral)
Rhea-AI Sentiment
(Neutral)
Tags
Rhea-AI Summary

AMC Networks reported a strong second quarter for 2021, with net revenues rising 19% to $771 million compared to the previous year. The company experienced significant growth in its streaming services, notably AMC+, which is now its fastest-growing service. Operating income increased 39.9% to $68 million, while diluted EPS surged by 196.4% to $0.83. However, net cash from operating activities fell by 89.6% to $23.6 million. The company also announced a $200 million settlement related to The Walking Dead, affecting its financial metrics.

Positive
  • Net revenues increased 19% to $771 million, driven by strong streaming services.
  • Operating income rose 39.9% to $68 million.
  • Diluted EPS surged 196.4% to $0.83.
  • AMC+ became the fastest-growing service with high subscriber satisfaction.
Negative
  • Net cash provided by operating activities decreased by 89.6% to $23.6 million.
  • Free cash flow dropped 98.2% to $3.8 million.
  • The company recorded a $143 million charge related to the settlement with plaintiffs.

NEW YORK, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: “AMC Networks had a strong second quarter with impressive financial results domestically as well as internationally, driven by robust growth in revenues for our targeted streaming services, particularly strong advertising growth, and high demand for our world-class content. We continue to advance our position as the worldwide leader in targeted streaming, with high subscriber satisfaction and strong consumption for our services. AMC+, our premium bundled offering, has quickly become our fastest-growing service, driven by expanding distribution and the strong, character-driven dramas that power it. Our streaming momentum and our expanding advertising efforts are enabling us to continue to meaningfully reconstitute the revenue mix of our company and to deliver continued growth and shareholder value.”

Second Quarter Financial Highlights:

  • Net revenues increased 19% to $771 million as compared to the prior year quarter
  • Operating income of $68 million; Adjusted Operating Income(1) increased 11% to $251 million as compared to the prior year quarter
  • Diluted EPS of $0.83; Adjusted Diluted EPS(1) of $3.45
Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change
Net Revenues$771,392   $646,291   19.4  % $1,463,133   $1,380,666   6.0  % 
Operating Income$68,256   $48,802   39.9  % $237,964   $221,772   7.3  % 
Adjusted Operating Income$250,637   $225,278   11.3  % $488,616   $447,732   9.1  % 
            
Diluted Earnings Per Share$0.83  $0.28  196.4 % $2.84  $1.54  84.4 % 
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share$3.45  $2.39  44.4 % $6.43  $3.83  67.9 % 
            
Net cash provided by operating activities$23,604  $226,504  (89.6)% $131,167  $424,912  (69.1)% 
Free Cash Flow(1)$3,844  $209,722  (98.2)% $100,406  $392,133  (74.4)% 

Operational Highlights:

  • On track to achieve previously communicated full year 2021 revenue, Adjusted Operating Income and streaming subscriber targets
  • Expanded international distribution of Acorn TV with Amazon Prime Video Channels and Orange TV in Spain
  • Launched AMC+ on YouTube TV
  • Greenlit new AMC+ and AMC series including Moonhaven, Dark Winds and Anne Rice’s Interview with the Vampire
  • Debuted dark comedy Kevin Can F*** Himself, starring Emmy Award-winning actress Annie Murphy, on AMC+ and AMC

Segment Results
(dollars in thousands)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020  Change
Net Revenues:           
Domestic Operations$639,015   $562,932   13.5 % $1,212,984   $1,174,825   3.2 %
International and Other138,277   90,682   52.5 % 259,444   215,510   20.4 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(5,900)  (7,323)  19.4 % (9,295)  (9,669)  3.9 %
Total Net Revenues$771,392   $646,291   19.4 % $1,463,133   $1,380,666   6.0 %
            
Operating Income:           
Domestic Operations$88,116   $217,586   (59.5)% $304,575   $442,187   (31.1)%
International and Other19,963   (125,562)  115.9 % 16,801   (121,201)  113.9 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(39,823)  (43,222)  7.9 % (83,412)  (99,214) 15.9 %
Total Operating Income$68,256   $48,802   39.9 % $237,964   $221,772   7.3 %
            
Adjusted Operating Income:           
Domestic Operations$250,140   $236,353   5.8 % $492,673   $477,386   3.2 %
International and Other25,105   15,583   61.1 % 48,668   33,426   45.6 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(24,608)  (26,658)  7.7 % (52,725)  (63,080)  16.4 %
Total Adjusted Operating Income$250,637   $225,278   11.3 % $488,616   $447,732   9.1 %

Domestic Operations

  • Domestic Operations revenues for the second quarter increased 14% to $639 million compared to the prior year quarter
    • Advertising revenues increased 13% to $212 million due to higher pricing and ad-supported streaming growth, partially offset by a reduction in the number of episodes of our original programming and lower ratings
    • Distribution revenues increased 14% to $427 million including the one-time beneficial impact of a distribution agreement renewal; excluding this one-time impact, distribution revenues increased 10%
      • Subscription revenues increased 21% driven by robust growth in streaming revenues, attributable to increased paid streaming subscribers, as well as the one-time beneficial impact of a distribution agreement renewal; excluding this one-time impact, subscription revenues increased 17%
      • Normalized affiliate revenues declined in the low-single digits, attributable to subscriber universe declines
      • Content licensing revenues decreased 10%, driven by the reduced availability of original programming, as the result of pandemic-related production delays
  • Operating Income, which included the $143 million impact in Impairment and Other Charges related to the previously disclosed Settlement Agreement, which is described below, was $88 million for the quarter
  • Adjusted Operating Income increased 6% to $250 million, reflecting increases in advertising and distribution revenues, partially offset by an increase in operating expenses including higher levels of programming and marketing investments to support the continued growth of streaming revenues

International and Other

  • International and Other revenues for the second quarter of 2021 increased 53% to $138 million compared to the prior year quarter
    • Advertising revenues increased 75% to $26 million largely related to higher pricing, better ratings and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation at AMCNI
    • Distribution and Other revenues increased 48% to $112 million primarily due to the resumption of production at 25/7 Media as well as the favorable impact of foreign currency translation at AMCNI
  • Operating Income was $20 million compared to an Operating Loss of $126 million in the prior year period; Adjusted Operating Income increased 61% to $25 million
    • Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income reflected the increase in revenues partially offset by an increase in operating expenses, including an increase in production-related expenses at 25/7 Media and an increase in selling expenses at AMCNI

Other Matters

Settlement Agreement

On July 16, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Frank Darabont, Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "Plaintiffs") in actions brought in connection with Frank Darabont’s rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead. The consolidated cases were initially brought in 2013 and 2018 and the trial of the consolidated cases was scheduled to commence on April 4, 2022. The Settlement Agreement provides for a cash payment of $200 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to the Plaintiffs and future revenue sharing related to certain future streaming exhibition of The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead. With regard to the Settlement Payment, the Company recorded a charge of $143.0 million, included in Impairment and Other Charges in consideration for the extinguishment of Plaintiffs’ rights to any compensation in connection with The Walking Dead and any related programs and the dismissal of the actions with prejudice, which amount is net of $57.0 million of ordinary course accrued participations.

Stock Repurchase Program & Outstanding Shares

As previously disclosed, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the second quarter 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $135 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

As of June 30, 2021 the Company had 30,731,275 shares of Class A Common Stock and 11,484,408 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 for further details regarding the above matters.

Description of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company defines Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, cloud computing amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges, and including the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority owned equity method investees. From time to time, we may exclude the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) from AOI that affect our operating performance. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. The Company believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the various operating units of the business without regard to the effect of the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash.

The Company believes that Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in the industry.

Internally, the Company uses net revenues and Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), and other measures of performance presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Since Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies. For a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), please see pages 7-8 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, all of which are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company believes the most comparable GAAP financial measure of its liquidity is net cash provided by operating activities. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow is useful as an indicator of its overall liquidity, as the amount of Free Cash Flow generated in any period is representative of cash that is available for debt repayment, investment, and other discretionary and non-discretionary cash uses. The Company also believes that Free Cash Flow is one of several benchmarks used by analysts and investors who follow the industry for comparison of its liquidity with other companies in the industry, although the Company’s measure of Free Cash Flow may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow, please see page 9 of this release.

The Company defines Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (“Adjusted EPS”), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as earnings per diluted share excluding the following items: amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses); non-cash impairments of goodwill, intangible and fixed assets; restructuring and other related charges; and gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt; as well as the impact of taxes on the aforementioned items. The Company believes the most comparable GAAP financial measure is earnings per diluted share. The Company believes that Adjusted EPS is one of several benchmarks used by analysts and investors who follow the industry for comparison of its performance with other companies in the industry, although the Company’s measure of Adjusted EPS may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of earnings per diluted share to Adjusted EPS, please see pages 10-11 of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which it operates and the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Conference Call Information

AMC Networks will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its second quarter 2021 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 833-714-3268, using the following conference ID: 5273816.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its portfolio of brands includes AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films, and a number of fast-growing streaming services, including the AMC+ premium streaming bundle, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind award-winning owned series and franchises, including The Walking Dead, the highest-rated series in cable history. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.

Contacts

Investor Relations Corporate Communications
Nicholas Seibert (646) 740-5749 Georgia Juvelis (917) 542-6390
nicholas.seibert@amcnetworks.com georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com
   

AMC NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Revenues, net$771,392   $646,291   $1,463,133   $1,380,666  
Operating expenses:       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)338,841   282,503   619,413   626,563  
Selling, general and administrative198,618   155,163   390,153   339,812  
Depreciation and amortization22,604   25,905   47,850   52,635  
Impairment and other charges142,918   130,411   158,973   130,411  
Restructuring and other related charges155   3,507   8,780   9,473  
 703,136   597,489   1,225,169   1,158,894  
Operating income68,256   48,802   237,964   221,772  
Other income (expense):       
Interest expense(31,519)  (34,301)  (66,261)  (71,865) 
Interest income3,008   3,727   5,350   8,282  
Loss on extinguishment of debt      (22,074)  (2,908) 
Miscellaneous, net14,174   8,713   19,580   (21,226) 
 (14,337)  (21,861)  (63,405)  (87,717) 
Income from operations before income taxes53,919   26,941   174,559   134,055  
Income tax expense(11,321)  (9,707)  (37,236)  (43,295) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests42,598   17,234   137,323   90,760  
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(6,713)  (2,273)  (14,417)  (7,132) 
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders$35,885   $14,961   $122,906   $83,628  
        
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders:    
Basic$0.84   $0.29   $2.91   $1.55  
Diluted$0.83   $0.28   $2.84   $1.54  
        
Weighted average common shares:       
Basic42,481   52,311   42,207   53,894  
Diluted43,382   52,797   43,277   54,429  
                

AMC NETWORKS INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)

 Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income$88,116   $19,963   $(39,823)  $68,256  
Share-based compensation expense7,292   913   8,057   16,262  
Depreciation and amortization11,716   4,328   6,560   22,604  
Impairment and other charges143,000   (82)     142,918  
Restructuring and other related charges216   (17)  (44)  155  
Cloud computing amortization      642   642  
Majority owned equity investees AOI(200)        (200) 
Adjusted operating income$250,140   $25,105   $(24,608)  $250,637  
                    



 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$217,586   $(125,562)  $(43,222)  $48,802  
Share-based compensation expense4,844   909   9,482   15,235  
Depreciation and amortization11,301   7,563   7,041   25,905  
Impairment and other charges   130,411      130,411  
Restructuring and other related charges1,204   2,262   41   3,507  
Majority owned equity investees AOI1,418         1,418  
Adjusted operating income$236,353   $15,583   $(26,658)  $225,278  
                    


 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income$304,575   $16,801   $(83,412)  $237,964  
Share-based compensation expense12,931   2,144   14,633   29,708  
Depreciation and amortization25,089   9,277   13,484   47,850  
Impairment and other charges143,000   15,973      158,973  
Restructuring and other related charges2,643   4,473   1,664   8,780  
Cloud computing amortization      906   906  
Majority owned equity investees AOI4,435         4,435  
Adjusted operating income$492,673   $48,668   $(52,725)  $488,616  
                    


 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$442,187   $(121,201)  $(99,214)  $221,772  
Share-based compensation expense7,568   1,518   21,661   30,747  
Depreciation and amortization22,251   16,459   13,925   52,635  
Impairment and other charges   130,411      130,411  
Restructuring and other related charges2,686   6,239   548   9,473  
Majority owned equity investees AOI2,694         2,694  
Adjusted operating income$477,386   $33,426   $(63,080)  $447,732  
                    









AMC NETWORKS INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

CapitalizationJune 30, 2021 
Cash and cash equivalents$980,726  
   
Credit facility debt (a)   $675,000  
Senior notes (a)   2,200,000  
Total debt$2,875,000  
   
Net debt$1,894,274  
   
Finance leases29,271  
Net debt and finance leases$1,923,545  
   
 Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2021
 
Operating Income (GAAP)$458,836  
Share-based compensation expense51,869  
Depreciation and amortization99,821  
Impairment and other charges150,789  
Restructuring and other related charges34,375  
Cloud computing amortization1,106  
Majority owned equity investees10,699  
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)$807,495  
   
Leverage ratio (b)   2.4 x


(a)  Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
(b) Represents net debt and finance leases divided by Adjusted Operating Income for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021. This ratio differs from the calculation contained in the Company's credit facility. No adjustments have been made for consolidated entities that are not 100% owned.
   


Free Cash FlowThree Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities$23,604   $226,504   $131,167   $424,912  
Less: capital expenditures(10,312)  (9,256)  (18,849)  (22,172) 
Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests(9,448)  (7,526)  (11,912)  (10,607) 
Free cash flow$3,844   $209,722   $100,406   $392,133  


Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
 Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
 Income from
operations before
income taxes
 Income tax
expense
 Net income
attributable to
noncontrolling
interests
 Net income
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
 Diluted EPS
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$53,919   $(11,321)  $(6,713)  $35,885   $0.83  
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets9,322   (1,474)  (2,950)  4,898   0.11  
Impairment and other charges142,918   (34,254)  —    108,664   2.51  
Restructuring and other related charges155   (46)  16    125   —  
Loss on extinguishment of debt—   —    —    —   —  
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$206,314   $(47,095)  $(9,647)  $149,572   $3.45  


 Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
 Income from
operations before
income taxes
 Income tax
expense
 Net income
attributable to
noncontrolling
interests
 Net income
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
 Diluted EPS
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$26,941  $(9,707)  $(2,273)  $14,961  $0.28 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets10,962  (1,855)  (3,027)  6,080  0.12 
Impairment charges130,411  (27,984)     102,427  1.94 
Restructuring and other related charges3,507  (799)  13   2,721  0.05 
Loss on extinguishment of debt           
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$171,821  $(40,345)  $(5,287)  $126,189  $2.39 


 Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
 Income from
operations before
income taxes
 Income tax
expense
 Net income
attributable to
noncontrolling
interests
 Net income
attributable to
AMC Networks' stockholders
 Diluted EPS
attributable to
AMC Networks' stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$174,559  $(37,236)  $(14,417)  $122,906  $2.84 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets18,863  (2,970)  (5,977)  9,916  0.23 
Impairment charges158,973  (38,078)     120,895  2.79 
Restructuring and other related charges8,780  (1,032)  (13)  7,735  0.18 
Loss on extinguishment of debt22,074  (5,257)     16,817  0.39 
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$383,249  $(84,573)  $(20,407)  $278,269  $6.43 


 Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
 Income from
operations before
income taxes
 Income tax expense Net income
attributable to
noncontrolling interests
 Net income
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
 Diluted EPS
attributable to
AMC Networks'
stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$134,055  $(43,295)  $(7,132)  $83,628  $1.54 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets23,094  (3,949)  (6,054)  13,091  0.24 
Impairment charges130,411  (27,984)     102,427  1.88 
Restructuring and other related charges9,473  (2,298)  13   7,188  0.13 
Loss on extinguishment of debt2,908  (733)     2,175  0.04 
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$299,941  $(78,259)  $(13,173)  $208,509  $3.83 

 

(1)   See page 4 of this earnings release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures used in this release. This discussion includes the definition of Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow. 


FAQ

What were AMC Networks' second quarter 2021 revenues?

AMC Networks reported net revenues of $771 million for the second quarter of 2021.

How much did AMC Networks' diluted EPS increase in Q2 2021?

The diluted EPS for AMC Networks rose by 196.4% to $0.83 in Q2 2021.

What was the operating income for AMC Networks in Q2 2021?

AMC Networks' operating income increased to $68 million for the second quarter of 2021.

What financial impact did the settlement related to The Walking Dead have on AMC Networks?

AMC Networks recorded a $143 million charge in conjunction with the settlement related to The Walking Dead.

How did AMC+ perform in the second quarter of 2021?

AMC+ became AMC Networks' fastest-growing service, contributing to significant streaming revenue growth.

AMC Networks Inc.

NASDAQ:AMCX

AMCX Rankings

AMCX Latest News

AMCX Stock Data

407.68M
30.31M
7.14%
107.75%
13.07%
Entertainment
Cable & Other Pay Television Services
Link
United States of America
NEW YORK