Full Year Financial Highlights:
- Revenue increased 5.9% to a record
$3.0 billion - Operating income of
$727 million ; Adjusted Operating Income1 increased 3.1% to a record$933 million - Diluted EPS of
$7.57 ; Adjusted EPS1 increased 18% to a record$8.69 - Cash Provided by Operating Activities of
$607 million ; Free Cash Flow1 increased 75% to a record$502 million
Fourth Quarter Financial Highlights:
- Revenue increased 6.3% to
$773 million - Operating income of
$137 million ; Adjusted Operating Income increased 6.6% to$219 million - Diluted EPS of
$1.24 ; Adjusted EPS increased 15% to$1.92
Full Year Operational Highlights:
- AMC aired 3 of the top 6 dramas on ad-supported cable (The Walking Dead #1, Fear the Walking Dead #4, Better Call Saul #6)2
- Killing Eve delivered unprecedented audience growth in its debut season, becoming the only scripted series to grow every episode in target demos since Nielsen Live+3 measurement was introduced over a decade ago3
- Company continued to diversify its revenue base and make significant progress on its key strategic initiatives with the acquisitions of
RLJ Entertainment andLevity Entertainment Group
President and Chief Executive Officer
- See page 6 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.
- Source: Nielsen, 2018 CY (
1/1/18 - 12/30/18 ), A25-54, Prime Start (8p-11p) - Source: Nielsen, Live+3, Killing Eve S1, 2007-12/31/2018, A18-49 & A25-54
Fourth Quarter Results
Fourth quarter net revenues increased 6.3%, or
Fourth quarter net income was
Full Year Results
Full year 2018 net revenues increased 5.9%, or
Full year net income was
For the full year 2018, net cash provided by operating activities was
- See page 6 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.
Segment Results
(dollars in thousands) | Three Months Ended December 31, | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | Change | 2018 | 2017 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
Net Revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 592,687 | $ | 606,103 | (2.2 | %) | $ | 2,413,325 | $ | 2,367,615 | 1.9 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | 188,433 | 126,781 | 48.6 | % | 598,306 | 457,182 | 30.9 | % | ||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (8,274 | ) | (5,950 | ) | n/m | (39,702 | ) | (19,106 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||
Total Net Revenues | $ | 772,846 | $ | 726,934 | 6.3 | % | $ | 2,971,929 | $ | 2,805,691 | 5.9 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 177,805 | $ | 176,711 | 0.6 | % | $ | 825,770 | $ | 817,566 | 1.0 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | (48,427 | ) | (19,672 | ) | (146.2 | %) | (93,326 | ) | (88,894 | ) | (5.0 | %) | ||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 7,746 | 4,505 | n/m | (5,535 | ) | (6,313 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||||
Total Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 137,124 | $ | 161,544 | (15.1 | %) | $ | 726,909 | $ | 722,359 | 0.6 | % | ||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 209,309 | $ | 195,078 | 7.3 | % | $ | 925,279 | $ | 894,912 | 3.4 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | 8,542 | 5,936 | 43.9 | % | 19,303 | 16,219 | 19.0 | % | ||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 1,244 | 4,505 | n/m | (12,037 | ) | (6,313 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||||
Total Adjusted Operating Income | $ | 219,095 | $ | 205,519 | 6.6 | % | $ | 932,545 | $ | 904,818 | 3.1 | % | ||||||||||
National Networks
National Networks principally consists of the Company’s five nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business.
Fourth Quarter Results
National Networks revenues for the fourth quarter 2018 decreased 2.2% to
Fourth quarter revenues reflected a 1.4% increase in advertising revenues to
Fourth quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the decrease in revenues more than offset by a decrease in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to lower programming expenses. Programming expenses included charges of
Full Year Results
National Networks revenues for the full year 2018 increased 1.9% to
Full year revenues reflected a 4.3% increase in distribution revenues to
Full year operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming expenses. Programming expenses included charges of
International and Other
International and Other principally consists of
Fourth Quarter Results
International and Other revenues for the fourth quarter of 2018 increased 48.6% to
Fourth quarter revenues primarily reflected
Fourth quarter operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses were primarily attributable to the acquisitions of RLJE and Levity. The increase in operating loss also reflected an increase in restructuring expense.
Full Year Results
International and Other revenues for the full year 2018 increased 30.9% to
Full year revenues primarily reflected
Full year operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses were primarily attributable to the acquisitions of RLJE and Levity. The increase in operating loss also reflected an increase in restructuring expense partially offset by the absence of impairment and related charges recorded in the prior year period in connection with AMCNI-DMC.
Other Matters
Stock Repurchase Program
As previously disclosed, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to
As previously disclosed, on
As previously disclosed, on
Restructuring
During 2018, management commenced various restructuring initiatives designed to reduce the cost structure of the Company. The restructurings are intended to improve the organizational design of the Company primarily through the elimination of certain roles, the re-alignment of certain senior leaders and the termination of distribution in certain territories. As a result of these initiatives, the Company recorded restructuring expenses of
Adjusted Operating Income
In connection with the acquisition of RLJE, the Company acquired RLJE’s 64% interest in
2017Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
As previously disclosed, on
Please see the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended
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, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring expense or credit, and the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from greater than 50% owned equity method investees. 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 Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) to operating income (loss), please see page 10 of this release.
The Company defines Free Cash Flow (“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 Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, please see page 11 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 related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses); non-cash impairments of goodwill, intangible and fixed assets and investments; restructuring expense; 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 Adjusted EPS to earnings per diluted share, please see pages 12-13 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
Conference Call Information
About
Contacts
Investor Relations
seth.zaslow@amcnetworks.com
Corporate Communications
georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
||||||||||||||
2018 | 2017 | 2018 | 2017 | ||||||||||||
Revenues, net | $ | 772,846 | $ | 726,934 | $ | 2,971,929 | $ | 2,805,691 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 402,377 | 384,876 | 1,445,949 | 1,341,076 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 163,390 | 148,672 | 657,457 | 613,342 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 27,247 | 29,601 | 91,281 | 94,638 | |||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | - | 4,486 | 28,148 | |||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 42,708 | 2,241 | 45,847 | 6,128 | |||||||||||
635,722 | 565,390 | 2,245,020 | 2,083,332 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 137,124 | 161,544 | 726,909 | 722,359 | |||||||||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (39,386 | ) | (37,392 | ) | (154,993 | ) | (134,001 | ) | |||||||
Interest income | 3,727 | 3,863 | 19,180 | 14,704 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | (3,004 | ) | ||||||||||
Miscellaneous, net | (1,812 | ) | (2,128 | ) | 29,177 | 40,320 | |||||||||
(37,471 | ) | (35,657 | ) | (106,636 | ) | (81,981 | ) | ||||||||
Income from operations before income taxes | 99,653 | 125,887 | 620,273 | 640,378 | |||||||||||
Income tax (expense) benefit | (23,214 | ) | 22,657 | (156,306 | ) | (150,741 | ) | ||||||||
Net income including noncontrolling interests | 76,439 | 148,544 | 463,967 | 489,637 | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (4,560 | ) | (3,045 | ) | (17,780 | ) | (18,321 | ) | |||||||
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders | $ | 71,879 | $ | 145,499 | $ | 446,187 | $ | 471,316 | |||||||
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 1.27 | $ | 2.36 | $ | 7.68 | $ | 7.26 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 1.24 | $ | 2.33 | $ | 7.57 | $ | 7.18 | |||||||
Weighted average common shares: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 56,725 | 61,776 | 58,066 | 64,905 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 57,955 | 62,579 | 58,947 | 65,625 | |||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
National Networks |
International and Other |
Inter-segment eliminations |
Consolidated | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 177,805 | $ | (48,428 | ) | $ | 7,747 | $ | 137,124 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | 5,974 | 2,999 | - | 8,973 | |||||||||
Restructuring expense (credit) | 17,160 | 32,050 | (6,502 | ) | 42,708 | ||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 8,370 | 18,877 | - | 27,247 | |||||||||
Majority owned equity investees | - | 3,043 | - | 3,043 | |||||||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 209,309 | $ | 8,541 | $ | 1,245 | $ | 219,095 |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||
National Networks |
International and Other |
Inter-segment eliminations |
Consolidated | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 176,711 | $ | (19,673 | ) | $ | 4,506 | $ | 161,544 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | 9,980 | 2,153 | - | 12,133 | |||||||||
Restructuring expense (credit) | - | 2,241 | - | 2,241 | |||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 8,387 | 21,214 | - | 29,601 | |||||||||
Majority owned equity investees | - | - | - | - | |||||||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 195,078 | $ | 5,935 | $ | 4,506 | $ | 205,519 | |||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||
National Networks |
International and Other |
Inter-segment eliminations |
Consolidated | ||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 825,770 | $ | (93,326 | ) | $ | (5,535 | ) | $ | 726,909 | |||
Share-based compensation expense | 48,621 | 12,358 | - | 60,979 | |||||||||
Restructuring expense (credit) | 17,160 | 35,189 | (6,502 | ) | 45,847 | ||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | 4,486 | - | 4,486 | |||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,728 | 57,553 | - | 91,281 | |||||||||
Majority owned equity investees | - | 3,043 | - | 3,043 | |||||||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 925,279 | $ | 19,303 | $ | (12,037 | ) | $ | 932,545 |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||
National Networks |
International and Other |
Inter-segment eliminations |
Consolidated | |||||||||||
Operating income (loss) | $ | 817,566 | $ | (88,894 | ) | $ | (6,313 | ) | $ | 722,359 | ||||
Share-based compensation expense | 43,697 | 9,848 | - | 53,545 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expense (credit) | (53 | ) | 6,181 | - | 6,128 | |||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | 28,148 | - | 28,148 | ||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 33,702 | 60,936 | - | 94,638 | ||||||||||
Majority owned equity investees | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||
Adjusted operating income (loss) | $ | 894,912 | $ | 16,219 | $ | (6,313 | ) | $ | 904,818 | |||||
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Capitalization | December 31, 2018 | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 554,886 |
Credit facility debt (a) | $ | 750,000 |
Senior notes (a) | 2,400,000 | |
Other debt | 2,584 | |
Total debt | $ | 3,152,584 |
Net debt | $ | 2,597,698 |
Capital leases | 26,517 | |
Net debt and capital leases | $ | 2,624,215 |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 |
||
Operating Income (GAAP) | $ | 726,909 |
Share-based compensation expense | 60,979 | |
Restructuring expense | 45,847 | |
Impairment and related charges | 4,486 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 91,281 | |
Majority owned equity investees | 3,043 | |
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 932,545 |
Leverage ratio (b) | 2.8 x |
(a) Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
(b) Represents net debt and capital leases divided by Adjusted Operating Income for the twelve months endedDecember 31, 2018 . 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, such as BBC AMERICA.
Free Cash Flow | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
2018 | 2017 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 606,547 | $ | 385,729 | |||
Less: capital expenditures | (89,802 | ) | (80,049 | ) | |||
Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests | (14,296 | ) | (18,561 | ) | |||
Free cash flow | $ | 502,449 | $ | 287,119 | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 99,651 | $ | (23,215 | ) | $ | (4,561 | ) | $ | 71,875 | $ | 1.24 | |||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 13,907 | (2,017 | ) | (4,548 | ) | 7,342 | 0.13 | ||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Restructuring expense/(credit) | 42,708 | (8,715 | ) | (1,755 | ) | 32,238 | 0.56 | ||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
2017 tax reform | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 156,266 | $ | (33,947 | ) | $ | (10,864 | ) | $ | 111,455 | $ | 1.92 |
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 125,887 | $ | 22,657 | $ | (3,045 | ) | $ | 145,499 | $ | 2.33 | ||||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 18,539 | (2,902 | ) | (970 | ) | 14,667 | 0.23 | ||||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense/(credit) | 2,241 | (403 | ) | - | 1,838 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | 4 | - | 4 | 0.00 | ||||||||||||||
2017 tax reform (a) | - | (56,894 | ) | - | (56,894 | ) | (0.91 | ) | |||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 146,667 | $ | (37,538 | ) | $ | (4,015 | ) | $ | 105,114 | $ | 1.68 |
(a) Reflects the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on
December 22 , 2017. See the “Other Matters” section of this release for further details.
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2018 | |||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 620,273 | $ | (156,306 | ) | $ | (17,780 | ) | $ | 446,187 | $ | 7.57 | |||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 42,964 | (7,484 | ) | (7,968 | ) | 27,512 | 0.47 | ||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | 4,486 | (852 | ) | - | 3,634 | 0.06 | |||||||||||
Restructuring expense/(credit) | 45,847 | (9,399 | ) | (1,755 | ) | 34,693 | 0.59 | ||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
2017 tax reform | - | - | - | - | - | ||||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 713,570 | $ | (174,041 | ) | $ | (27,503 | ) | $ | 512,026 | $ | 8.69 |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 640,378 | $ | (150,741 | ) | $ | (18,321 | ) | $ | 471,316 | $ | 7.18 | |||||||
Adjustments: | |||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 47,072 | (8,763 | ) | (3,881 | ) | 34,428 | 0.52 | ||||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | 28,148 | - | - | 28,148 | 0.43 | ||||||||||||||
Restructuring expense/(credit) | 6,128 | (1,195 | ) | 10 | 4,943 | 0.08 | |||||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 3,004 | (1,096 | ) | - | 1,908 | 0.03 | |||||||||||||
2017 tax reform (a) | - | (56,894 | ) | - | (56,894 | ) | (0.87 | ) | |||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 724,730 | $ | (218,689 | ) | $ | (22,192 | ) | $ | 483,849 | $ | 7.37 |
(a) Reflects the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on
December 22 , 2017. See the “Other Matters” section of this release for further details.
Source: AMC Networks Inc.