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AMC Networks Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2021 Results

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AMC Networks reported strong third quarter results for 2021, with a 24% increase in net revenues to $811 million, driven by content licensing, streaming, and advertising growth. Operating income rose 35% to $188 million, while diluted EPS increased 118% to $2.55. The Company anticipates achieving 9 million paid subscribers by year-end and has raised its full-year guidance for revenue and adjusted operating income. Despite a 139.8% decline in net cash from operating activities, AMC is focused on sustainable streaming growth and expanding its content portfolio.

Positive
  • 24% increase in net revenues to $811 million.
  • 35% increase in operating income to $188 million.
  • 118% increase in diluted EPS to $2.55.
  • Full-year financial guidance raised for revenue and AOI.
  • On track to achieve 9 million paid subscribers by year-end.
Negative
  • Net cash used in operating activities decreased by 139.8% to $(87.2 million).
  • Free Cash Flow declined by 149.9% to $(101.3 million).

NEW YORK, Nov. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2021.

Interim Chief Executive Officer Matt Blank said: "AMC Networks is in a very strong position, underscored by its third quarter revenue and AOI growth of 24% and 21%, respectively. In anticipation of having a strong finish to the year, we are increasing our full year financial guidance for total company revenue and AOI. We continue to see subscriber acquisition momentum and high engagement across our targeted streaming portfolio of AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK, and are on track to deliver our year-end streaming target to achieve 9 million paid subscribers. We are building a streaming business that is sustainable and will be profitable over the long term, and with our owned IP, our library of high-quality content, and our strong legacy channels business, we have the right assets to drive growth and increase shareholder value."

Third Quarter Financial Highlights:

  • Net revenues increased 24% to $811 million as compared to the prior year quarter, driven by growth in content licensing, streaming and advertising revenues
  • Operating income increased 35% to $188 million; Adjusted Operating Income(1) increased 21% to $225 million as compared to the prior year quarter
  • Diluted EPS of $2.55; Adjusted Diluted EPS(1) of $2.68

Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts

Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change
Net Revenues$810,766    $654,015   24.0  % $2,273,899    $2,034,681   11.8  %
Operating Income$188,326    $139,477   35.0  % $426,290    $361,249   18.0  %
Adjusted Operating Income$224,691    $185,491   21.1  % $713,307    $633,223   12.6  %
            
Diluted Earnings Per Share$2.55    $1.17   117.9  % $5.39    $2.69   100.4  %
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share$2.68    $1.32   103.0  % $9.11    $5.17   76.2  %
            
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(87,183)  $219,175   (139.8)% $43,984    $644,087   (93.2)%
Free Cash Flow(1)$(101,297)  $203,009   (149.9)% $(891)  $595,142   (100.1)%

Operational Highlights:

  • On track to achieve 2021 year-end streaming subscriber target
  • Increasing full year 2021 financial outlook for total company revenue and adjusted operating income growth
  • Premiered season 11 of The Walking Dead, which was a top driver of subscriber acquisition and viewership, on AMC+
  • Greenlit new AMC+ and AMC series Interview With the Vampire, Tales of the Walking Dead, Dark Winds, and Moonhaven
  • Opened writers rooms for development of potential new original series including Anne Rice’s Lives of the Mayfair Witches, Demascus and Invitation to a Bonfire
  • Kicked off Shudder’s 61 Days of Halloween annual event
  • Launched innovative AMC+ promotional partnership with Verizon Wireless and Verizon Fios

Segment Results

(dollars in thousands)

 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020  Change
Net Revenues:           
Domestic Operations$682,746    $546,865    24.8 % $1,895,730    $1,721,690    10.1  %
International and Other129,940    111,398    16.6 % 389,384    326,908    19.1  %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(1,920)  (4,248)  54.8 % (11,215)  (13,917)  19.4  %
Total Net Revenues$810,766    $654,015    24.0 % $2,273,899    $2,034,681    11.8  %
            
Operating Income:           
Domestic Operations$213,299    $179,259    19.0 % $517,874    $621,446    (16.7)%
International and Other15,564    3,061    408.5 % 32,365    (118,140)  127.4  %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(40,537)  (42,843)  5.4 % (123,949)  (142,057) 12.7  %
Total Operating Income$188,326    $139,477    35.0 % $426,290    $361,249    18.0  %
            
Adjusted Operating Income:           
Domestic Operations$231,076    $205,614    12.4 % $723,749    $683,000    6.0  %
International and Other22,109    8,917    147.9 % 70,777    42,343    67.2  %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(28,494)  (29,040)  1.9 % (81,219)  (92,120)  11.8  %
Total Adjusted Operating Income$224,691    $185,491    21.1 % $713,307    $633,223    12.6  %

Domestic Operations

  • Domestic Operations revenues for the third quarter increased 25% to $683 million compared to the prior year quarter
    • Distribution and Other revenues increased 26% to $483 million
      • Content licensing revenues increased 60%, driven by a higher number of distributed original programs as compared to the prior comparable period as a result of earlier COVID-19 pandemic production delays
      • Subscription revenues increased 14% due to increased streaming revenues driven by increased subscribers to our streaming services, partially offset by a low-single digit decrease in linear affiliate revenues, attributable to declines in the linear subscriber universe
    • Advertising revenues increased 22% to $200 million due to higher pricing and ad-supported streaming growth, and an increase in the number of episodes of our original programming, partially offset by lower linear ratings
  • Operating Income increased 19% to $213 million in the quarter
  • Adjusted Operating Income increased 12% to $231 million, reflecting increased advertising and distribution revenues, partially offset by increased programming and subscriber acquisition and retention marketing investments to support the continued growth of streaming revenue

International and Other

  • International and Other revenues for the third quarter of 2021 increased 17% to $130 million compared to the prior year quarter
    • Distribution and Other revenues increased 13% to $105 million primarily due to increased production revenues at 25/7 Media and increased distribution revenues at AMCNI, as well as the favorable impact of foreign currency translation
    • Advertising revenues increased 34% to $25 million largely related to higher pricing, better ratings and the favorable impact of foreign currency translation at AMCNI
  • Operating Income increased 409% to $16 million in the quarter
  • Adjusted Operating Income increased 148% to $22 million in the quarter
    • Operating Income and Adjusted Operating Income reflected the increase in Advertising and Distribution and Other revenues, partially offset by an increase in selling, general and administrative expense

Other Matters

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 third quarter of 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of September 30, 2021, the Company had $135 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

As of October 29, 2021 the Company had 30,767,784 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 September 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 third quarter 2021 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 833-714-3268, using the following conference ID: 1525219.

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 September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Revenues, net$810,766    $654,015    $2,273,899    $2,034,681   
Operating expenses:       
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)378,264    333,816    997,677    960,379   
Selling, general and administrative220,011    148,769    610,164    488,581   
Depreciation and amortization23,411    27,547    71,261    80,182   
Impairment and other charges—    —    158,973    130,411   
Restructuring and other related charges754    4,406    9,534    13,879   
 622,440    514,538    1,847,609    1,673,432   
Operating income188,326    139,477    426,290    361,249   
Other income (expense):       
Interest expense(31,413)  (33,418)  (97,674)  (105,283) 
Interest income2,264    2,994    7,614    11,276   
Loss on extinguishment of debt—    —    (22,074)  (2,908) 
Miscellaneous, net54    11,138    19,634    (10,088) 
 (29,095)  (19,286)  (92,500)  (107,003) 
Income from operations before income taxes159,231    120,191    333,790    254,246   
Income tax expense(40,744)  (52,195)  (77,980)  (95,490) 
Net income including noncontrolling interests118,487    67,996    255,810    158,756   
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(7,836)  (6,356)  (22,253)  (13,488) 
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders$110,651    $61,640    $233,557    $145,268   
        
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders:    
Basic$2.60    $1.18    $5.52    $2.72   
Diluted$2.55    $1.17    $5.39    $2.69   
        
Weighted average common shares:       
Basic42,506    52,346    42,308    53,374   
Diluted43,440    52,904    43,332    53,917   


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

 Three Months Ended September 30, 2021
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$213,299  $15,564  $(40,537)  $188,326 
Share-based compensation expense4,174  545  4,736   9,455 
Depreciation and amortization11,589  5,200  6,622   23,411 
Impairment and other charges        
Restructuring and other related charges(135) 800  89   754 
Cloud computing amortization    596   596 
Majority owned equity investees AOI2,149       2,149 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$231,076  $22,109  $(28,494)  $224,691 


 Three Months Ended September 30, 2020
 Domestic
Operations
 International and
Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$179,259  $3,061  $(42,843)  $139,477 
Share-based compensation expense4,437  919  7,038   12,394 
Depreciation and amortization15,799  4,937  6,811   27,547 
Impairment and other charges        
Restructuring and other related charges4,452    (46)  4,406 
Majority owned equity investees AOI1,667       1,667 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$205,614  $8,917  $(29,040)  $185,491 


 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2021
 Domestic
Operations
 International
and Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$517,874  $32,365  $(123,949)  $426,290 
Share-based compensation expense17,105  2,689  19,369   39,163 
Depreciation and amortization36,678  14,477  20,106   71,261 
Impairment and other charges143,000  15,973     158,973 
Restructuring and other related charges2,508  5,273  1,753   9,534 
Cloud computing amortization    1,502   1,502 
Majority owned equity investees AOI6,584       6,584 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$723,749  $70,777  $(81,219)  $713,307 


 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2020
 Domestic
Operations
 International
and Other
 Corporate /
Inter-segment
Eliminations
 Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$621,446  $(118,140)  $(142,057)  $361,249 
Share-based compensation expense12,005  2,437   28,699   43,141 
Depreciation and amortization38,050  21,396   20,736   80,182 
Impairment and other charges  130,411      130,411 
Restructuring and other related charges7,138  6,239   502   13,879 
Majority owned equity investees AOI4,361        4,361 
Adjusted operating income (loss)$683,000  $42,343   $(92,120)  $633,223 
                  
                  











AMC NETWORKS INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

CapitalizationSeptember 30, 2021 
Cash and cash equivalents$870,967  
   
Credit facility debt (a)$675,000  
Senior notes (a)2,200,000  
Other debt1,500  
Total debt$2,876,500  
   
Net debt$2,005,533  
   
Finance leases28,229  
Net debt and finance leases$2,033,762  
   
 Twelve Months Ended September 30, 2021 
Operating Income (GAAP)$507,685  
Share-based compensation expense48,930  
Depreciation and amortization95,685  
Impairment and other charges150,789  
Restructuring and other related charges30,723  
Cloud computing amortization1,702  
Majority owned equity investees11,181  
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)$846,695  
   
Leverage ratio (b)2.4 x
  1. Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
  2. Represents net debt and finance leases divided by Adjusted Operating Income for the twelve months ended September 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
September 30,
 Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 2021 2020 2021 2020
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(87,183)  $219,175   $43,984   $644,087  
Less: capital expenditures(11,120)  (12,818)  (29,969)  (34,990) 
Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests(2,994)  (3,348)  (14,906)  (13,955) 
Free cash flow$(101,297)  $203,009   $(891)  $595,142  


Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
 Three Months Ended September 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)$159,231  $(40,744)  $(7,836)  $110,651  $2.55 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets10,214  (1,691)  (2,951)  5,572  0.12 
Impairment and other charges           
Restructuring and other related charges754  (387)  25   392  0.01 
Loss on extinguishment of debt           
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$170,199  $(42,822)  $(10,762)  $116,615  $2.68 


 Three Months Ended September 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)$120,191  $(52,195)  $(6,356)  $61,640  $1.17 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets9,548  (1,464)  (3,027)  5,057  0.09 
Impairment charges           
Restructuring and other related charges4,406  (1,051)     3,355  0.06 
Loss on extinguishment of debt           
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$134,145  $(54,710)  $(9,383)  $70,052  $1.32 


 Nine Months Ended September 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)$333,790  $(77,980)  $(22,253)  $233,557  $5.39 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets29,077  (4,661)  (8,928)  15,488  0.35 
Impairment charges158,973  (38,078)     120,895  2.79 
Restructuring and other related charges9,534  (1,419)  12   8,127  0.19 
Loss on extinguishment of debt22,074  (5,257)     16,817  0.39 
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$553,448  $(127,395)  $(31,169)  $394,884  $9.11 


 Nine Months Ended September 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)$254,246  $(95,490)  $(13,488)  $145,268  $2.69 
Adjustments:         
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets32,642  (5,413)  (9,081)  18,148  0.34 
Impairment charges130,411  (27,984)     102,427  1.90 
Restructuring and other related charges13,879  (3,349)  13   10,543  0.20 
Loss on extinguishment of debt2,908  (733)     2,175  0.04 
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$434,086  $(132,969)  $(22,556)  $278,561  $5.17 


FAQ

What were AMC Networks' financial results for Q3 2021?

AMC Networks reported a 24% increase in net revenues to $811 million for Q3 2021, with a 35% increase in operating income.

How much did AMC Networks' diluted EPS increase in Q3 2021?

The diluted EPS for AMC Networks increased by 118% to $2.55 in Q3 2021.

What is AMC Networks' subscriber target for the end of 2021?

AMC Networks aims to achieve 9 million paid subscribers by the end of 2021.

What is the significance of AMC Networks raising its full-year guidance?

AMC Networks raising its full-year guidance indicates stronger-than-expected performance in revenue and adjusted operating income.

What challenges did AMC Networks face according to its Q3 2021 results?

AMC Networks experienced a 139.8% decline in net cash from operating activities and a 149.9% decline in free cash flow in Q3 2021.

AMC Networks Inc.

NASDAQ:AMCX

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410.92M
32.56M
7.14%
129%
17.52%
Entertainment
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NEW YORK