AMC Networks Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2014 Results

August 7, 2014 at 12:00 AM EDT

Second Quarter 2014 Highlights (1):

  • Net revenues increased 37.6% to $522 million
     
  • Operating income of $129 million, an increase of 13.2% excluding the prior year litigation settlement gain
     
  • AOCF2 increased 13.5% to $157 million
     
  • Earnings per share of $0.83, an increase of 12.5% excluding the prior year litigation settlement gain

NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks" or the "Company") (Nasdaq:AMCX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2014.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: "AMC Networks once again generated double digit increases in revenue and AOCF in the second quarter as we continued to create value for our shareholders by investing in high-quality original programming that builds our brands, strengthens our relationships with distributors and advertisers and creates highly passionate and dedicated viewers. We are proud of our thirty-five prime-time Emmy nominations, including twenty six at AMC, eight at IFC and one at SundanceTV.  We recently renewed AMC's Revolutionary War drama 'Turn' for a second season and debuted both AMC's 'Halt and Catch Fire' and WE tv's 'The Divide' to wide critical acclaim.  As we develop our international business, we are rebranding the recently acquired MGM Channel to AMC, and distributing 'Halt and Catch Fire' and 'The Divide' on this new global platform. IFC Films' latest release, 'Boyhood,' filmed over a twelve year period by acclaimed director Richard Linklater, and starring Ethan Hawke and Patricia Arquette, is receiving glowing reviews and generating strong box office results as we roll it out across the country."

Second quarter net revenues increased $143 million, or 37.6%, to $522 million over the second quarter of 2013, led by 8.7% growth at National Networks and an increase of $111 million at International and Other. Adjusted Operating Cash Flow ("AOCF")2 totaled $157 million, an increase of 13.5%, or $19 million, versus the prior year period.  National Networks AOCF decreased 9.4% and International and Other AOCF increased $34 million versus the prior year period. Operating income was $129 million, a decrease of 47.6%, or $118 million, versus the prior year period. The decrease was attributable to the impact of a litigation settlement gain of $133 million in the prior year period. Excluding the impact of the litigation settlement gain, operating income increased 13.2%, or $15 million, versus the prior year period, consisting of a decrease of 4.4% at National Networks and an increase of $22 million at International and Other. As discussed in the "Other Matters" section of this release, results reflected the impact of the Chellomedia acquisition.

1.  Comparative results affected by the litigation settlement gain in 2013 and the Chellomedia acquisition in 2014.

2.  See definition of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow ("AOCF") included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures on page 4 of this earnings release.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net revenues increased $285 million, or 37.5%, to $1.047 billion, AOCF increased $36 million, or 12.3%, to $324 million, and operating income decreased $98 million, or 26.1%, to $277 million. Excluding the litigation settlement gain recorded in the second quarter of 2013, operating income for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $35 million, or 14.6%.

Second quarter net income from continuing operations was $60 million ($0.83 per diluted share), compared with $136 million ($1.87 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2013. The decrease resulted from the decline in operating income.

Net income from continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $132 million ($1.83 per diluted share), compared with $197 million ($2.72 per diluted share) in the prior year period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2014, net cash used in operating activities was $177 million and Free Cash Flow3 was $159 million. These amounts represent an increase of $318 million and $313 million, respectively, compared to the prior year period. The increase was primarily attributable to the absence of $234 million of payments related to the VOOM HD settlement agreement (consisting of a $175 million payment to Cablevision Systems Corporation and $59 million of cash income tax payments) made during the six month period ended June 30, 2013. Excluding the impact of the VOOM HD settlement agreement payments, Free Cash Flow increased $79 million primarily due to the increase in operating performance and a decrease in cash income taxes.

Segment Results            
(dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
  2014 2013 Change 2014 2013 Change
             
Net revenues:            
National Networks $ 398,004 $ 365,995 8.7% $ 846,684 $ 737,666 14.8%
International and Other 124,600 13,389 830.6% 201,178 23,810 744.9%
Inter-segment eliminations (511) (62) 724.2% (1,215) (193) 529.5%
Total net revenues $ 522,093 $ 379,322 37.6% $ 1,046,647 $ 761,283 37.5%
             
AOCF:            
National Networks $ 136,918 $ 151,195 (9.4%) $ 314,664 $ 315,790 (0.4%)
International and Other 19,537 (13,976) 239.8% 8,488 (29,372) 128.9%
Inter-segment eliminations 464 1,073 (56.8%) 873 2,040 (57.2%)
Total AOCF $ 156,919 $ 138,292 13.5% $ 324,025 $ 288,458 12.3%

National Networks

National Networks principally consists of the Company's four nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, IFC and SundanceTV.

National Networks revenues for the second quarter 2014 increased 8.7% to $398 million, AOCF declined 9.4% to $137 million, and operating income declined 4.4% to $125 million, all compared to the prior year period.

National Networks revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased 14.8% to $847 million, AOCF was essentially flat at $315 million, and operating income increased 6.3% to $294 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Second quarter growth in revenues was led by an 11.3% increase in advertising revenues to $164 million. The increase in advertising revenues was due to strong demand for our original programming, primarily at AMC. Distribution revenues increased 7.0% to $234 million. The growth in distribution revenues was primarily attributable to licensing, digital and home video revenues as well as affiliate fees.

3.  See definition of Free Cash Flow included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures on page 4 of this earnings release.

Second quarter AOCF decreased 9.4% to $137 million reflecting the increase in revenues offset by an increase in expenses. The increase in expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming and marketing expense compared to the prior year period. The operating income decrease reflected the decline in AOCF partially offset by a reduction in amortization expense.

International and Other

International and Other principally consists of AMC Networks International, the Company's international programming business; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; and various developing online content distribution initiatives.

International and Other revenues for the second quarter of 2014 increased $111 million to $125 million, AOCF improved $34 million to $20 million, and operating income decreased $111 million to $4 million, all compared to the prior year period.

International and Other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 increased $177 million to $201 million, AOCF improved $38 million to $8 million, and operating income decreased $114 million to a loss of $18 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Second quarter revenues increased primarily as a result of the Company's acquisition of Chellomedia. Second quarter AOCF principally reflected the increase in revenues partially offset by an increase in expenses, primarily related to Chellomedia.

The decrease in operating income, for both the second quarter and year-to-date, was attributable to the impact of a litigation settlement gain of $133 million in the prior year period.

Other Matters

Chellomedia Acquisition

As previously disclosed, on January 31, 2014, the Company completed its acquisition of substantially all of Chellomedia, the international content division of Liberty Global plc, for €750 million (approximately $1.0 billion). Results for Chellomedia are included in the Company's consolidated statement of income from the acquisition date, January 31, 2014, to June 30, 2014, which affects the comparability of our results.

Please see the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014 for further details.

AMC Networks International Re-branding

On July 8, 2014, the Company announced the re-branding of its international programming businesses to "AMC Networks International."  AMC Networks International, which encompasses Chellomedia and AMC/Sundance Global, reaches more than 140 countries and territories, including Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America.

Reorganization of Operating Segments

As previously disclosed, the Company reorganized its operating segments following the Chellomedia acquisition. The results of AMC and Sundance Channel in Canada as well as AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, the Company's network technical services business, are now included in the National Networks operating segment. Previously, these operations were included in the International and Other operating segment. The reorganization had no impact on the historical consolidated financial results previously reported by the Company.

Please see the Company's Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2014 for further details.

Description of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company defines Adjusted Operating Cash Flow ("AOCF"), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, restructuring expense or credit and the litigation settlement gain recorded in connection with the settlement with DISH Network L.L.C. ("DISH Network"). The Company does not consider the one-time litigation settlement gain with DISH Network to be indicative of its ongoing operating performance. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), AOCF 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 AOCF is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. AOCF 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 AOCF measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management's effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOCF 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 AOCF 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 AOCF to operating income (loss), please see page 7 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operations, ("Free Cash Flow"), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities (continuing operations) less capital expenditures (continuing operations), both of which are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities excludes net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations. 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 8 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 from continuing operations less amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets, net of tax. The Company uses this financial measure to evaluate the Company's performance exclusive of the impact of the non-cash amortization charge. Please see page 9 of this release for a reconciliation of this measure to earnings per diluted share from continuing operations.

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 11:00 a.m. ET to discuss its second quarter 2014 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 1-877-347-9170, using the following passcode: 74646076.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC Networks owns and operates several of cable television's most recognized brands delivering high quality content to audiences and a valuable platform to distributors and advertisers. The Company manages its business through two operating segments: (i) National Networks, which principally includes AMC, WE tv, IFC and SundanceTV; and (ii) International and Other, which principally includes AMC Networks International, our international programming business; and IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company's website at http://www.amcnetworks.com.

AMC NETWORKS INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
Three and Six Months Ended June 30, 2014 and 2013
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)
         
  Three Months Ended 
June 30,
Six Months Ended 
June 30,
  2014 2013 2014 2013
         
Revenues, net  $ 522,093 $ 379,322 $ 1,046,647 $ 761,283
         
Operating expenses:        
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)  232,044 137,656 449,215 274,335
Selling, general and administrative  141,890 108,978 287,246 208,431
Restructuring expense  1,153 -- 1,153 --
Depreciation and amortization  17,531 18,308 31,925 36,653
Litigation settlement gain  -- (132,944) -- (132,944)
  392,618 131,998 769,539 386,475
         
         
Operating income  129,475 247,324 277,108 374,808
         
Other income (expense):        
Interest expense  (33,923) (27,768) (65,695) (57,137)
Interest income  318 169 659 422
Miscellaneous, net  869 (144) (4,241) (346)
  (32,736) (27,743) (69,277) (57,061)
         
Income from continuing operations before income taxes  96,739 219,581 207,831 317,747
Income tax expense  (36,559) (83,850) (75,664) (120,499)
Income from continuing operations  60,180 135,731 132,167 197,248
Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes  (1,732)  -- (2,482) --
Net income including noncontrolling interests  58,448 135,731 129,685 197,248
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  207  -- 337 --
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders  $ 58,655 $ 135,731 $ 130,022 $ 197,248
         
Basic net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:        
Income from continuing operations  $ 0.84 $ 1.90 $ 1.84 $ 2.76
         
Loss from discontinued operations  $ (0.02) $ 0.00 $ (0.03) $ 0.00
         
Net income  $ 0.81 $ 1.90 $ 1.81 $ 2.76
         
Diluted net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:        
Income from continuing operations  $ 0.83 $ 1.87 $ 1.83 $ 2.72
         
Loss from discontinued operations  $ (0.02) $ 0.00 $ (0.03) $ 0.00
         
Net income  $ 0.81 $ 1.87 $ 1.80 $ 2.72
         
Weighted average common shares:        
Basic weighted average common shares  72,043 71,568 71,910 71,430
         
Diluted weighted average common shares  72,802 72,643 72,343 72,613
 
AMC NETWORKS INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
           
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2014
  AOCF Depreciation
and
Amortization
Share-Based
Compensation
Expense
Other (a) Operating
Income (Loss)
           
National Networks $ 136,918 $ (5,046) $ (6,624) $ -- $ 125,248
International and Other 19,537 (12,485) (2,136) (1,153) 3,763
Inter-segment eliminations 464 --  --  -- 464
Total $ 156,919 $ (17,531) $ (8,760) $ (1,153) $ 129,475
           
  Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
  AOCF Depreciation
and
Amortization
Share-Based
Compensation
Expense
Other (a) Operating
Income (Loss)
           
National Networks $ 151,195 $ (15,177) $ (4,951) $ --  $ 131,067
International and Other (13,976) (3,131) (653) 132,944 115,184
Inter-segment eliminations 1,073 --   -- -- 1,073
Total  $ 138,292 $ (18,308) $ (5,604) $ 132,944 $ 247,324
           
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2014
  AOCF Depreciation
and
Amortization
Share-Based
Compensation
Expense
Other (a) Operating
Income (Loss)
           
National Networks $ 314,664 $ (9,953) $ (10,789) $ -- $ 293,922
International and Other 8,488 (21,972) (3,050) (1,153) (17,687)
Inter-segment eliminations 873 --  --  -- 873
Total $ 324,025 $ (31,925) $ (13,839) $ (1,153) $ 277,108
           
  Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
  AOCF Depreciation
and
Amortization
Share-Based
Compensation
Expense
Other (a) Operating
Income (Loss)
           
National Networks $ 315,790 $ (30,476) $ (8,735) $ -- $ 276,579
International and Other (29,372) (6,177) (1,206) 132,944 96,189
Inter-segment eliminations 2,040 --  --  -- 2,040
Total  $ 288,458 $ (36,653) $ (9,941) $ 132,944 $ 374,808
           
(a)  Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 include a $1,153 restructuring expense related to AMC Networks International. Results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2013 include a $132,944 litigation settlement gain related to the VOOM HD lawsuit settlement agreement.
AMC NETWORKS INC.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
       
  June 30,
2014
March 31,
2014
June 30,
2013
       
National Networks Subscribers (a)       
AMC  96,600 96,900 98,300
WE tv  85,800 85,200 82,700
IFC  73,000 72,400 69,500
SundanceTV  57,100 57,200 50,600
       
(a)  Estimated U.S. subscribers as measured by Nielsen Media Research.      
       
       
Capitalization     June 30,
2014
       
Cash and cash equivalents      $ 283,992
Credit facility debt (a)     $ 1,480,000
Senior notes (a)     1,300,000
 Total debt      $ 2,780,000
       
Net debt      $ 2,496,008
       
 Capital leases      31,872
 Net debt and capital leases      $ 2,527,880
       
 LTM AOCF (b)     $ 559,756
       
 Leverage ratio (c)     4.5 x
       
 Adjusted leverage ratio (d)     4.1 x
       
(a)  Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.      
(b)  Represents reported AOCF for the trailing twelve months.      
(c)  Represents net debt and capital leases divided by LTM AOCF. This ratio differs from the calculation contained in the Company's credit facility.    
(d)  Represents net debt and capital leases divided by LTM AOCF. LTM AOCF has been adjusted to include approximately $55 million of AOCF related to Chellomedia for the period from July 1, 2013 through January 31, 2014. This ratio differs from the calculation contained in the Company's credit facility.
       
       
Free Cash Flow   Six Months Ended June 30,
    2014 2013
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities (a)   $ 177,451 $ (140,522)
Less: capital expenditures    (18,755) (13,670)
Free cash flow (a)   $ 158,696 $ (154,192)
       
(a)  Net cash used in operating activities and free cash flow for the six months ended June 30, 2013 includes a $175 million payment to Cablevision Systems Corporation made in the second quarter of 2013 and approximately $59 million of cash income tax payments related to the VOOM HD litigation settlement.
       
       
Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share      
    Three Months Ended June 30,
    2014 2013
Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations    $ 0.83 $ 1.87
Amortization of acquisition-related       
intangible assets, net of tax (a)   0.07 0.11
Adjusted earnings per diluted share    $ 0.90 $ 1.98
       
       
    Six Months Ended June 30,  
    2014 2013
Earnings per diluted share from continuing operations    $ 1.83 $ 2.72
Amortization of acquisition-related       
intangible assets, net of tax (b)   0.12 0.21
Adjusted earnings per diluted share    $ 1.95 $ 2.93
       
       
(a)  Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets was $8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and $13 million for the three months ended June 30, 2013.
(b)  Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets was $14 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and $25 million for the six months ended June 30, 2013.  
CONTACT: Investor Relations

         Seth Zaslow (646) 273-3766

         seth.zaslow@amcnetworks.com

         

         Corporate Communications

         Georgia Juvelis (917) 542-6390

         georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com