- Full year net revenues increased 1.8% to a record
$2.8 billion - National Networks delivered record distribution revenue of
$1.4 billion , an increase of 6.6% led by 3%, or 11 million, increase in total subscribers1 and continued expansion of AMC Studios production capabilities - Full year operating income increased 9.9% to a record
$722 million ; Full year Adjusted Operating Income2 increased 3.0% to a record$905 million - Full year diluted EPS increased 92.0% to a record
$7.18 ; Full year Adjusted EPS2 increased 28.7% to a record$7.37 - Company delivered another year of strong free cash flow generation -- Cash provided by operating activities of
$386 million ; Free Cash Flow2 of$287 million - Over the past 3 years, the Company has generated
$1.3 billion in cumulative cash provided by operating activities and$1.0 billion in cumulative Free Cash Flow; Free Cash Flow profile expected to significantly benefit from recently announced changes in tax law
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mr. Sapan continued: “Our recent distribution deals with the streaming services fuboTV and Philo make
- Estimated U.S. subscribers as measured by Nielsen on
December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. - See page 5 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.
Fourth Quarter Results
Fourth quarter net revenues decreased 0.4%, or
Fourth quarter net income was
Full Year Results
Full year 2017 net revenues increased 1.8%, or
Full year net income was
For the full year 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was
- See page 5 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, | ||||||||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | Change | 2017 | 2016 | Change | |||||||||||||||||
Net revenues: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 606,103 | $ | 614,058 | (1.3 | %) | $ | 2,367,615 | $ | 2,311,040 | 2.4 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | 126,781 | 118,648 | 6.9 | % | 457,182 | 459,996 | (0.6 | %) | ||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (5,950 | ) | (3,109 | ) | n/m | (19,106 | ) | (15,382 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||
Total net revenues | $ | 726,934 | $ | 729,597 | (0.4 | %) | $ | 2,805,691 | $ | 2,755,654 | 1.8 | % | ||||||||||
Operating Income (Loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 176,711 | $ | 189,058 | (6.5 | %) | $ | 817,566 | $ | 784,027 | 4.3 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | (19,672 | ) | (87,843 | ) | 77.6 | % | (88,894 | ) | (120,914 | ) | 26.5 | % | ||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 4,505 | 2,513 | n/m | (6,313 | ) | (5,557 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||||
Total Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 161,544 | $ | 103,728 | 55.7 | % | $ | 722,359 | $ | 657,556 | 9.9 | % | ||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income (Loss): | ||||||||||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 195,078 | $ | 205,706 | (5.2 | %) | $ | 894,912 | $ | 855,488 | 4.6 | % | ||||||||||
International and Other | 5,936 | 4,490 | 32.2 | % | 16,219 | 28,608 | (43.3 | %) | ||||||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 4,505 | 2,513 | n/m | (6,313 | ) | (5,557 | ) | n/m | ||||||||||||||
Total Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) | $ | 205,519 | $ | 212,709 | (3.4 | %) | $ | 904,818 | $ | 878,539 | 3.0 | % | ||||||||||
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 2017 decreased 1.3% to
Fourth quarter revenues reflected a 6.8% increase in distribution revenues to
The decrease in fourth quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the decrease in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming expenses. Programming expenses included charges of
- The Company has renamed the components of Distribution Revenue. The Company formerly referred to Subscription Revenues as Affiliate Revenues. The Company also formerly referred to Content Licensing Revenues as Non-Affiliate Revenues or Digital Distribution and Licensing Revenues. The Company believes that the change more appropriately describes our revenue streams. The change has no impact on total Distribution Revenues as previously disclosed. See the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended
December 31, 2017 for further details.
Full Year Results
National Networks revenues for the full year 2017 increased 2.4% to
Full year revenues reflected a 6.6% increase in distribution revenues to
The increase in full year operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues partially 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 2017 increased
Fourth quarter revenues primarily reflect an increase in revenues at the Company’s international programming networks partially offset by the absence of AMCNI-DMC, the Company’s
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 higher expenses at the Company’s international networks partially offset by the absence of costs related to AMCNI-DMC. The improvement in operating loss also reflects the absence of impairment and related charges of
Full Year Results
International and Other revenues for the full year 2017 decreased
Full year revenues primarily reflect the absence of AMCNI-DMC, the Company’s
Full year operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the decrease in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses were primarily attributable to higher expenses at the Company’s international networks and subscription streaming services partially offset by the absence of costs related to AMCNI-DMC. The improvement in operating loss also reflects a decrease in impairment and related charges in connection with AMCNI-DMC.
Other Matters
Stock Repurchase Program
As previously disclosed, in
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
On
Proposal to
As previously disclosed, on
fuboTV Distribution Agreement
On
Please see the Company’s Form 10-K for the period ended
Description of Non-GAAP Measures
The Company defines Adjusted Operating Income, 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), and restructuring expense or credit. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), Adjusted Operating Income 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 is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. Adjusted Operating Income 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 measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted Operating Income 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 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 to operating income (loss), please see page 9 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 10 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 11-12 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 Corporate Communications
seth.zaslow@amcnetworks.com 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, |
||||||||||||||
2017 | 2016 | 2017 | 2016 | ||||||||||||
Revenues, net | $ | 726,934 | $ | 729,597 | $ | 2,805,691 | $ | 2,755,654 | |||||||
Operating expenses: | |||||||||||||||
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) | 384,876 | 364,648 | 1,341,076 | 1,279,984 | |||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative | 148,672 | 162,268 | 613,342 | 636,028 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization | 29,601 | 21,311 | 94,638 | 84,778 | |||||||||||
Impairment and related charges | - | 67,805 | 28,148 | 67,805 | |||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 2,241 | 9,837 | 6,128 | 29,503 | |||||||||||
565,390 | 625,869 | 2,083,332 | 2,098,098 | ||||||||||||
Operating income | 161,544 | 103,728 | 722,359 | 657,556 | |||||||||||
Other income (expense): | |||||||||||||||
Interest expense | (37,392 | ) | (30,199 | ) | (134,001 | ) | (123,632 | ) | |||||||
Interest income | 3,863 | 2,200 | 14,704 | 5,064 | |||||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | - | (1 | ) | (3,004 | ) | (50,639 | ) | ||||||||
Miscellaneous, net | (2,128 | ) | (10,913 | ) | 40,320 | (33,524 | ) | ||||||||
(35,657 | ) | (38,913 | ) | (81,981 | ) | (202,731 | ) | ||||||||
Income from operations before income taxes | 125,887 | 64,815 | 640,378 | 454,825 | |||||||||||
Income tax expense | 22,657 | (45,772 | ) | (150,741 | ) | (164,862 | ) | ||||||||
Net income including noncontrolling interests | 148,544 | 19,043 | 489,637 | 289,963 | |||||||||||
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (3,045 | ) | (4,545 | ) | (18,321 | ) | (19,453 | ) | |||||||
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders | $ | 145,499 | $ | 14,498 | $ | 471,316 | $ | 270,510 | |||||||
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | $ | 2.36 | $ | 0.21 | $ | 7.26 | $ | 3.77 | |||||||
Diluted | $ | 2.33 | $ | 0.20 | $ | 7.18 | $ | 3.74 | |||||||
Weighted average common shares: | |||||||||||||||
Basic | 61,776 | 70,187 | 64,905 | 71,746 | |||||||||||
Diluted | 62,579 | 70,946 | 65,625 | 72,410 | |||||||||||
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(Dollars in thousands)
(Unaudited)
Three Months Ended December 31, 2017 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
Depreciation and Amortization |
Share-Based Compensation Expense |
Other (a) | Operating Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 195,078 | $ | (8,387 | ) | $ | (9,980 | ) | $ | - | $ | 176,711 | ||||||
International and Other | 5,935 | (21,214 | ) | (2,153 | ) | (2,241 | ) | (19,673 | ) | |||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 4,506 | - | - | - | 4,506 | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 205,519 | $ | (29,601 | ) | $ | (12,133 | ) | $ | (2,241 | ) | $ | 161,544 | |||||
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
Depreciation and Amortization |
Share-Based Compensation Expense |
Other (a) | Operating Income (Loss) |
||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 205,706 | $ | (8,314 | ) | $ | (7,988 | ) | $ | (346 | ) | $ | 189,058 | |||||
International and Other | 4,490 | (12,997 | ) | (2,040 | ) | (77,296 | ) | (87,843 | ) | |||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | 2,513 | - | - | - | 2,513 | |||||||||||||
Total | $ | 212,709 | $ | (21,311 | ) | $ | (10,028 | ) | $ | (77,642 | ) | $ | 103,728 | |||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
Depreciation and Amortization |
Share-Based Compensation Expense |
Other (a) | Operating Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 894,912 | $ | (33,702 | ) | $ | (43,697 | ) | $ | 53 | $ | 817,566 | |||||||
International and Other | 16,219 | (60,936 | ) | (9,848 | ) | (34,329 | ) | (88,894 | ) | ||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (6,313 | ) | - | - | - | (6,313 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 904,818 | $ | (94,638 | ) | $ | (53,545 | ) | $ | (34,276 | ) | $ | 722,359 | ||||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 | |||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted Operating Income |
Depreciation and Amortization |
Share-Based Compensation Expense |
Other (a) | Operating Income (Loss) |
|||||||||||||||
National Networks | $ | 855,488 | $ | (32,376 | ) | $ | (30,569 | ) | $ | (8,516 | ) | $ | 784,027 | ||||||
International and Other | 28,608 | (52,402 | ) | (8,328 | ) | (88,792 | ) | (120,914 | ) | ||||||||||
Inter-segment eliminations | (5,557 | ) | - | - | - | (5,557 | ) | ||||||||||||
Total | $ | 878,539 | $ | (84,778 | ) | $ | (38,897 | ) | $ | (97,308 | ) | $ | 657,556 | ||||||
(a) Results include restructuring (expenses)/credits as well as impairment and related charges.
SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
Capitalization | December 31, 2017 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 558,783 |
Credit facility debt (a) | $ | 750,000 |
Senior notes (a) | 2,400,000 | |
Total debt | $ | 3,150,000 |
Net debt | $ | 2,591,217 |
Capital leases | 31,124 | |
Net debt and capital leases | $ | 2,622,341 |
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2017 |
||
Operating Income (GAAP) | $ | 722,359 |
Share-based compensation expense | 53,545 | |
Restructuring expense | 6,128 | |
Impairment and related charges | 28,148 | |
Depreciation and amortization | 94,638 | |
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP) | $ | 904,818 |
Leverage ratio (b) | 2.9 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 ended
Free Cash Flow | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | ||||||
2017 | 2016 | ||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities | $ | 385,729 | $ | 514,325 | |||
Less: capital expenditures | (80,049 | ) | (79,220 | ) | |||
Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests | (18,561 | ) | (9,010 | ) | |||
Free cash flow | $ | 287,119 | $ | 426,095 | |||
Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
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 | - | - | - | - | 0.00 | |||||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 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 | ||||||
Three Months Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 64,815 | $ | (45,772 | ) | $ | (4,545 | ) | $ | 14,498 | $ | 0.20 | ||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 9,371 | (1,964 | ) | (970 | ) | 6,437 | 0.09 | |||||||||
Impairment and related charges | 67,805 | (3,733 | ) | - | 64,072 | 0.90 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 9,837 | (2,685 | ) | (14 | ) | 7,138 | 0.10 | |||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 1 | - | - | - | 0.00 | |||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 151,829 | $ | (54,154 | ) | $ | (5,529 | ) | $ | 92,147 | $ | 1.30 | ||||
(a) Reflects the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on
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 | 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 | ||||||
Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2016 | ||||||||||||||||
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) | $ | 454,825 | $ | (164,862 | ) | $ | (19,453 | ) | $ | 270,510 | $ | 3.74 | ||||
Adjustments: | ||||||||||||||||
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets | 38,571 | (7,780 | ) | (3,881 | ) | 26,910 | 0.37 | |||||||||
Impairment and related charges | 67,805 | (3,733 | ) | - | 64,072 | 0.88 | ||||||||||
Restructuring expense | 29,503 | (9,654 | ) | (99 | ) | 19,750 | 0.27 | |||||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt | 50,639 | (17,141 | ) | - | 33,498 | 0.46 | ||||||||||
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP) |
$ | 641,343 | $ | (203,170 | ) | $ | (23,433 | ) | $ | 414,741 | $ | 5.73 | ||||
(a) Reflects the impact of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on
Source: AMC Networks Inc.