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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
þ
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2018
or
¨
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from          to
Commission File Number: 1-35106
 
AMC Networks Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
27-5403694
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
11 Penn Plaza,
New York, NY
10001
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(212) 324-8500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
¨
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
¨
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  þ
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of October 26, 2018:
Class A Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
45,045,190
Class B Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
11,484,408



AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 



PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
564,717

 
$
558,783

Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $12,949 and $9,691)
777,950

 
775,891

Current portion of program rights, net
470,254

 
453,450

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
118,569

 
91,726

Total current assets
1,931,490

 
1,879,850

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $290,229 and $259,919
225,468

 
183,514

Program rights, net
1,152,451

 
1,319,279

Deferred carriage fees, net
20,191

 
29,924

Intangible assets, net
469,757

 
457,242

Goodwill
705,382

 
695,158

Deferred tax asset, net
21,677

 
20,081

Other assets
635,541

 
447,937

Total assets
$
5,161,957

 
$
5,032,985

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
97,508

 
$
102,197

Accrued liabilities
240,892

 
263,076

Current portion of program rights obligations
356,157

 
327,549

Deferred revenue
61,289

 
46,433

Current portion of long-term debt
9,375

 
—

Current portion of capital lease obligations
4,649

 
4,847

Total current liabilities
769,870

 
744,102

Program rights obligations
397,592

 
534,980

Long-term debt
3,095,628

 
3,099,257

Capital lease obligations
22,422

 
26,277

Deferred tax liability, net
154,110

 
109,698

Other liabilities
178,160

 
136,122

Total liabilities
4,617,782

 
4,650,436

Commitments and contingencies


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interests
252,536

 
218,604

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 360,000 shares authorized, 63,235 and 62,721 shares issued and 45,025 and 49,601 shares outstanding, respectively
632

 
627

Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000 shares authorized, 11,484 shares issued and outstanding
115

 
115

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued
—

 
—

Paid-in capital
232,882

 
191,303

Accumulated earnings
1,157,063

 
766,725

Treasury stock, at cost (18,210 and 13,120 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)
(976,840
)
 
(709,440
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(150,846
)
 
(114,386
)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity
263,006

 
134,944

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
28,633

 
29,001

Total stockholders' equity
291,639

 
163,945

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
5,161,957

 
$
5,032,985

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues, net (including revenues, net from related parties of $1,605, $1,515, $4,779 and $4,594, respectively)
$
696,875

 
$
648,023

 
$
2,199,083

 
$
2,078,757

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
346,398

 
322,743

 
1,043,572

 
956,200

Selling, general and administrative (including charges from related parties of $232, $216, $900 and $1,205, respectively)
156,242

 
138,688

 
494,067

 
464,670

Depreciation and amortization
22,011

 
20,938

 
64,034

 
65,037

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
11,036

 
4,486

 
28,148

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
1,264

 
3,139

 
3,887

Total operating expenses
532,276

 
494,669

 
1,609,298

 
1,517,942

Operating income
164,599

 
153,354

 
589,785

 
560,815

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(38,137
)
 
(35,392
)
 
(115,607
)
 
(96,609
)
Interest income
5,102

 
3,582

 
15,453

 
10,841

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

 
(3,004
)
 
—

 
(3,004
)
Miscellaneous, net
28,762

 
12,420

 
30,989

 
42,448

Total other income (expense)
(4,273
)
 
(22,394
)
 
(69,165
)
 
(46,324
)
Income from operations before income taxes
160,326

 
130,960

 
520,620

 
514,491

Income tax expense
(43,666
)
 
(40,124
)
 
(133,092
)
 
(173,399
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
116,660

 
90,836

 
387,528

 
341,092

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,403
)
 
(3,834
)
 
(13,220
)
 
(15,276
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
111,257

 
$
87,002

 
$
374,308

 
$
325,816

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic
$
1.96

 
$
1.37

 
$
6.40

 
$
4.94

Diluted
$
1.93

 
$
1.35

 
$
6.31

 
$
4.89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
56,875

 
63,683

 
58,519

 
65,960

Diluted
57,779

 
64,447

 
59,281

 
66,651

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
116,660

 
$
90,836

 
$
387,528

 
$
341,092

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(6,094
)
 
15,791

 
(32,679
)
 
63,475

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
—

 
(174
)
 
—

 
(35
)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
—

 
6,596

 
—

 
9,534

Other comprehensive income, before income taxes
(6,094
)
 
22,213

 
(32,679
)
 
72,974

Income tax expense
—

 
(2,363
)
 
—

 
(3,495
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
(6,094
)
 
19,850

 
(32,679
)
 
69,479

Comprehensive income
110,566

 
110,686

 
354,849

 
410,571

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,218
)
 
(4,633
)
 
(11,954
)
 
(17,997
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
105,348

 
$
106,053

 
$
342,895

 
$
392,574

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2018
 
2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
387,528

 
$
341,092

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
64,034

 
65,037

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
17,112

Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards
52,006

 
41,412

Amortization and write-off of program rights
684,289

 
667,060

Amortization of deferred carriage fees
13,107

 
13,204

Unrealized foreign currency transaction gain
(712
)
 
(14,658
)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net
(40,848
)
 
(27,598
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness
5,746

 
6,530

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

 
3,004

Bad debt expense
6,155

 
3,638

Deferred income taxes
39,404

 
9,325

Other, net
(887
)
 
(4,617
)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)
(2,333
)
 
(13,316
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(27,769
)
 
(69,463
)
Program rights and obligations, net
(671,108
)
 
(720,243
)
Income taxes payable
(5,005
)
 
(24,538
)
Deferred revenue
3,531

 
(6,529
)
Deferred carriage fees, net
(3,200
)
 
(4,246
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities
(36,612
)
 
(8,633
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
471,812

 
273,573

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(60,774
)
 
(61,794
)
Return of capital from investees
523

 
—

Investment in and loans to investees
(90,080
)
 
(43,000
)
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired
(35,554
)
 
—

Net cash used in investing activities
(185,885
)
 
(104,794
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
—

 
1,536,000

Principal payments on long-term debt
—

 
(1,257,965
)
Payments for financing costs
—

 
(10,405
)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(15,734
)
 
(13,373
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(267,400
)
 
(347,334
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,317

 
—

Principal payments on capital lease obligations
(3,878
)
 
(3,428
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(9,333
)
 
(16,110
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(292,028
)
 
(112,615
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations
(6,101
)
 
56,164

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
12,035

 
14,736

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
558,783

 
481,389

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
564,717

 
$
552,289


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments:
•
National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV in the U.S.; and AMC and IFC in Canada. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks.
•
International and Other: Principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group ("Levity") (acquired April 20, 2018), our production services and comedy venues company; and our subscription streaming services, Sundance Now and Shudder. AMCNI – DMC, the broadcast solutions unit of certain networks of AMCNI and third-party networks is included through the date sold, July 12, 2017.
Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation
These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its majority owned or controlled subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2017 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2017 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2018.
Program Rights
The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on a series of factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, a write-off of the unamortized cost is included in technical and operating expense. Program rights write-offs were $11.4 million and $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Program rights write-offs were $20.6 million and $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include derivative assets and liabilities, certain stock compensation awards, the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets, valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets and income tax assets and liabilities.

5
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Financial Assets and Liabilities
The Company adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2016-01 Financial Instruments-Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities on January 1, 2018, which requires that investments in equity securities (excluding equity method investments) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. Under prior accounting guidance, changes in fair value of available-for-sale equity securities were recorded in other comprehensive income. The adoption did not have a significant impact to these condensed consolidated financial statements.
Adoption of New Revenue Recognition Standard
The Company adopted ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) on January 1, 2018, using the modified retrospective method for all contracts not completed as of the date of adoption. The reported results as of and for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 reflect the application of the new standard, while the reported results for 2017 have not been adjusted to reflect the new standard and were prepared under prior revenue recognition accounting guidance.
The adoption of the new standard did not result in significant changes in the way the Company records distribution and advertising revenues. However, as a result of applying the new standard, there are certain components of the Company’s distribution revenues where the new standard generally results in earlier recognition of revenue compared to its historical policies due to: (i) the requirement to estimate and recognize variable consideration prior to such amounts becoming fixed and determinable, (ii) recognition of royalties in the period of usage, and (iii) recognition of certain arrangements with minimum guarantees on a time-based (straight-line) basis. See Note 2 for more information. As a result of adopting Topic 606, the Company recorded an increase to opening retained earnings of approximately $12.8 million, net of tax, as of January 1, 2018.
The following table provides changes to the opening balances of current assets, total assets, current liabilities and total liabilities resulting from the adoption of the new guidance.
(In thousands)
 
December 31,
2017
 
Impact of
Adoption
 
January 1,
2018
Current assets
 
$
1,879,850

 
$
3,658

 
$
1,883,508

Total assets
 
5,032,985

 
19,899

 
5,052,884

Current liabilities
 
744,102

 
835

 
744,937

Total liabilities
 
4,650,436

 
7,115

 
4,657,551

The amount by which each financial statement line item has been affected in the current reporting period by the application of Topic 606 compared to historical policies is not material, therefore, comparative disclosures have been omitted.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to record most of their leases on the balance sheet, which will be recognized as a right-of-use asset and a lease liability. The Company will be required to classify each separate lease component as an operating or finance lease at the lease commencement date. Initial measurement of the right-of-use asset and lease liability is the same for operating and finance leases, however expense recognition and amortization of the right-of-use asset differs. Operating leases will reflect lease expense on a straight-line basis similar to current operating leases. The straight-line expense will reflect the interest expense on the lease liability (effective interest method) and amortization of the right-of-use asset, which will be presented as a single line item in the operating expense section of the income statement. Finance leases will reflect a front-loaded expense pattern similar to the pattern for current capital leases. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the first quarter of 2019, with early adoption permitted. The adoption will include updates provided under ASU 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases, as well as ASU 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842), Targeted Improvements. The Company is currently determining its implementation approach and assessing the impact the adoption will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). ASU 2018-13 changes the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and is effective for the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2018-13 changes disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the modified disclosure requirements will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Revenue Recognition
Revenue is recognized when, or as, performance obligations under the terms of a contract are satisfied, which generally occurs when, or as, control of the promised products or services is transferred to customers. Revenue is measured as the amount

6
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

of consideration the Company expects to receive in exchange for transferring products or services to a customer ("transaction price"). To the extent the transaction price includes variable consideration, the Company estimates the amount of variable consideration that should be included in the transaction price utilizing the most likely amount to which the Company expects to be entitled. Variable consideration is included in the transaction price if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of cumulative revenue under the contract will not occur. Estimates of variable consideration and determination of whether to include estimated amounts in the transaction price are based largely on an assessment of the Company’s anticipated performance and all information that is reasonably available. Amounts collected on behalf of others (including taxes), where the Company is an agent, are excluded from revenue.
When determining the transaction price of a contract, an adjustment is made if payment from a customer occurs either significantly before or significantly after performance, resulting in a significant financing component. Applying a practical expedient in the new standard, the Company does not assess whether a significant financing component exists if the period between when the Company performs its obligations under the contract and when the customer pays is one year or less.
Contracts with customers may contain multiple performance obligations. For such arrangements, the transaction price is allocated to each performance obligation based on the estimated relative standalone selling prices of the promised products or services underlying each performance obligation. The Company determines standalone selling prices based on the price at which the performance obligation is sold separately. If the standalone selling price is not observable through past transactions, the Company estimates the standalone selling price considering available information such as market conditions and internal pricing guidelines related to the performance obligations.
Contracts may be modified to account for changes in contract specifications and requirements. Contract modifications exist when the modification either creates new or changes existing enforceable rights and obligations. The effect of a contract modification on the transaction price and measure of progress for the performance obligation to which it relates, is recognized as an adjustment to revenue (either as an increase in or a reduction of revenue) on a cumulative catch-up basis.
The Company primarily earns revenue from the distribution of its programming services, including licensing of its programming and other content, and advertising. The Company’s revenue recognition policies that summarize the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty associated with each major source of revenue from contracts with customers is described below.
Distribution
The majority of the Company’s distribution revenues relate to sales-based and usage-based royalties which are recognized on the later of (i) when the subsequent sale or usage occurs and (ii) when the performance obligation to which some or all of the sales-based or usage-based royalty has been allocated has been satisfied or partially satisfied. Occasionally, the Company incurs costs to obtain a distribution contract and these costs are amortized over the period of the related distribution contract as a reduction of revenue.
Subscription fee revenue: Subscription fees are earned from cable and other multichannel video programming distribution platforms, including direct broadcast satellite ("DBS"), platforms operated by telecommunications providers and virtual multichannel video programming distributors (collectively "distributors"), for the rights to use the Company's network programming under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements." The Company's performance obligation under affiliation agreements is a license of functional intellectual property that is satisfied as the Company provides its programming over the term of the agreement. The transaction price is represented by subscription fees that are generally based upon (i) contractual rates applied to the number of the distributor's subscribers who receive or can receive our programming ("rate-per-subscriber"), or (ii) fixed contractual monthly fees ("fixed fee").
For rate-per-subscriber agreements, the Company applies the sales-based or usage-based royalty guidance, and accordingly, recognizes revenue in the period of the distributor’s usage, based on the subscription fee earned during the period.
Fixed fee affiliation agreements are generally billed in monthly installments, and such amounts may vary over the term of the contract. In cases where the invoice amount corresponds directly with the value to the affiliate of the performance to-date, the Company recognizes revenue based on the invoiced amount. In cases where changes in fees during the contract term do not correspond directly to the value of the performance to-date (for example, if the fees vary over the contract term due to a significant financing or credit risk component), the Company recognizes the total amount of fixed transaction price over the contract period using a time-based (e.g., straight-line) measure of progress.
Certain of the Company’s fixed fee affiliation agreements contain guaranteed minimum fees that are recoupable during the term of the agreement, and variable fees based on rates-per-subscriber after the guaranteed minimum is recouped. The Company recognizes revenue for the fixed consideration over the minimum guarantee period and recognizes variable fees only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.

7
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Subscription revenue from the Company's direct-to-consumer subscription streaming services is recognized as the streaming service is provided to customers.
Content licensing revenue: The Company licenses its original programming content to certain distributors under subscription video on-demand ("SVOD"), pay-per-view ("PPV") and electronic sell-through ("EST") arrangements. Under these arrangements, our performance obligation is a license to functional intellectual property that provides the distributor the right to use our programming as it exists at a point in time. The satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligation, and related recognition of revenue, occurs when the content is delivered to the licensee and the license period has begun.The Company’s performance obligation in a content license arrangement pertains to each distinct unit of content, which is generally each season of an episodic series. The Company typically delivers all episodes of a season for a series concurrently and the licensee’s rights to exploit the content is the same across all of the episodes.
For SVOD arrangements, the Company adjusts the transaction price for the time value of money in cases where license fees are paid over several years. SVOD licensing revenue is recognized at the later of the beginning of the license period, or when we provide the programming to the distributor. The Company recognizes a contract asset for the difference between the revenue recognized and the amount we are permitted to invoice.
For PPV and EST license fee arrangements, the Company applies the sales-based or usage-based royalty guidance and recognizes revenue in the period of end-customer purchases, based on the fees earned during the period.
The Company also licenses trademarks, logos, brands, derivative character copyrights, etc. under multi-year arrangements. Under these arrangements, the Company may receive a non-refundable minimum guarantee that is recoupable against a volume-based royalty throughout the term of the agreement. The Company adjusts the transaction price for the time value of money in cases where license fees are paid over several years. The Company recognizes revenue for the minimum guarantee on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement, and recognizes variable fees only when cumulative consideration exceeds the minimum guarantee.
For production services arrangements, the Company recognizes revenue based on the percentage of cost incurred to total estimated cost of the contract.
The Company’s payment terms vary by the type and location of customer. Generally, payment terms are 30-45 days after revenue is earned. In certain limited circumstances, agreements with customers have payment terms in excess of one-year after satisfaction of the performance obligation.
Advertising
The Company generates revenues from the sale of advertising time on its networks. In such arrangements, the Company generally promises to air a certain number of commercials (spots) and to generate guaranteed viewer ratings for an audience demographic (impressions) over a period that generally does not exceed one year. The promise to deliver impressions by airing spots represents the Company’s performance obligation. Advertising revenues are recognized as commercials are aired, to the extent that guaranteed viewer ratings are achieved. A contract liability is recognized to the extent the guaranteed viewer ratings are not met, and is subsequently recognized as revenue either when the Company provides the required additional advertising or the guarantee obligation contractually expires, which is generally within one year. Generally, payment terms are 30 days after revenue is earned.
Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations
The new standard requires disclosure of the aggregate amount of transaction price that is allocated to performance obligations that have not yet been satisfied as of September 30, 2018. However, the guidance does not apply to sales-based or usage-based royalty arrangements and also provides certain practical expedients that allow companies to omit this disclosure requirement for (i) contracts with an original expected length of one year or less, (ii) contracts for which revenue is recognized at the amount to which the Company has the right to invoice for services performed and (iii) variable consideration related to a wholly unsatisfied performance obligation.
As of September 30, 2018, other than contracts for which the Company has applied the practical expedients, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was not material to our consolidated revenues.
Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers
The timing of revenue recognition, billings and cash collections results in billed receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

8
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

For certain types of contracts with customers, the Company may recognize revenue in advance of the contractual right to invoice the customer, resulting in an amount recorded to contract assets. Once the Company has an unconditional right to consideration under a contract, the contract assets are reclassified to account receivables.
When consideration is received, or such consideration is unconditionally due, from a customer prior to transferring goods or services to the customer under the terms of a contract, a contract liability is recorded. Contract liabilities are recognized as revenue when, or as, control of the products or services is transferred to the customer and all revenue recognition criteria have been met. The primary source of the Company’s contract liabilities relates to advertising sales arrangements and content licensing arrangements. As noted above, the Company’s programming networks generally guarantee viewer ratings for its programming. If these guaranteed viewer ratings are not met, the Company is required to provide additional advertising units to the advertiser. For these types of arrangements, a portion of the related revenue is deferred if the guaranteed ratings are not met, representing a contract liability, and is subsequently recognized either when the Company provides the required additional advertising time or the guarantee obligation contractually expires. In certain content licensing arrangements, payment may be received in advance of a distributor's ability to exhibit a program. Such payments are recorded as a contract liability and subsequently recognized when the program becomes available for exhibition.
The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.
(In thousands)
 
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017 (a)
Balances from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
     Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)
 
$
986,500

 
$
926,089

     Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)
 
13,631

 
—

     Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)
 
5,351

 
—

     Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)
 
61,289

 
46,433

(a)
As noted above, prior period amounts have not been adjusted under the modified retrospective method.
Revenue recognized for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2017 was $38.7 million.
Note 3. Net Income per Share
The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
56,875

 
63,683

 
58,519

 
65,960

Effect of dilution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
31

 
4

 
12

 
1

Restricted stock units
873

 
760

 
750

 
690

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
57,779

 
64,447

 
59,281

 
66,651

Approximately 1.5 million and 1.0 million restricted stock units outstanding as of September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively, have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since a performance condition for these awards was not met in each of the respective periods. As of September 30, 2017, there were approximately 0.4 million stock options that would have been anti-dilutive to the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.
Stock Repurchase Program
On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million and on June 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an additional increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.5 billion authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 5.1 million shares of its Class A Common Stock at an average purchase price of approximately

9
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

$52.53 per share. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has $575.2 million available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.
Note 4. Restructuring
Restructuring expense of $3.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively, due to severance charges incurred related to a management initiative which commenced in the third quarter of 2018, resulting in employee terminations at our corporate headquarters and AMCNI. We expect additional charges in the fourth quarter of 2018. All amounts remain outstanding at September 30, 2018.
Restructuring expense of $1.3 million and $3.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, related to corporate headquarter severance charges in connection with the restructuring initiative launched during the second half of 2016 and charges incurred at AMCNI related to costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
Note 5. Business Combinations
Levity Entertainment Group LLC
On April 20, 2018, the Company acquired a 57% controlling interest in Levity Entertainment Group LLC ("Levity"), a production services and comedy venues company, for a total purchase price of $48.4 million. The purchase price consisted of $35.0 million payment for the outstanding Class B Common Units of Levity and the acquisition of Series L Preferred Units for $13.4 million. The Company views this acquisition as complementary to its business and programming content strategy.
The Company accounted for the acquisition of Levity using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be measured at their estimated respective fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. Goodwill recognized in connection with this transaction represents primarily the potential economic benefits that the Company believes may arise from the acquisition. The goodwill associated with the Levity acquisition is generally deductible for tax purposes.
The acquisition accounting for Levity as reflected in these condensed consolidated financial statements is preliminary and based on current estimates and currently available information, and is subject to revision based on final determinations of fair value and final allocations of purchase price to the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired. The primary estimated fair values that are not yet finalized relate to the valuation of property and equipment, intangible assets, other assets, current and noncurrent liabilities, and redeemable noncontrolling interests.
The following table summarizes the preliminary valuation of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands).
Cash paid for controlling interest
$
48,350

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
30,573

 
$
78,923

Allocation to net assets acquired:
 
Cash
13,471

Other current assets
17,251

Property and equipment
20,663

Intangible assets
46,413

Other noncurrent assets
3,306

Current liabilities
(23,647
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(21,394
)
Noncontrolling interests acquired
(1,354
)
Fair value of net assets acquired
54,709

Goodwill
24,214

 
$
78,923

Unaudited Pro forma financial information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information is based on (i) the historical financial statements of AMC Networks and (ii) the historical financial statements of Levity and is intended to provide information about how the acquisition may have

10
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

affected the Company's historical consolidated financial statements if it had occurred as of January 1, 2017. The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and includes adjustments for estimated additional depreciation and amortization expense as a result of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the date indicated or that may result in the future.
(In thousands)
Pro Forma Financial Information for the
Three months ended September 30, 2017
 
Nine months ended September 30, 2017
Revenues, net
$
689,550

 
$
2,181,295

Income from operations, net of income taxes
$
87,728

 
$
326,854

Net income per share, basic
$
1.38

 
$
4.96

Net income per share, diluted
$
1.36

 
$
4.90

Revenues, net and operating income attributable to Levity of $68.1 million and $2.2 million, respectively are included in the condensed consolidated statement of income from the acquisition date, April 20, 2018, to September 30, 2018. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company incurred acquisition related costs of $1.3 million which are included in selling, general and administrative expense in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
Note 6. Investments
Equity Method Investments
The Company holds several investments and loans in non-consolidated entities. Equity method investments were $103.2 million at September 30, 2018 and $61.3 million at December 31, 2017. In September 2018, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $3.5 million related to the partial write-down of an equity method investment.
RLJE
On January 5, 2018, a subsidiary of the Company entered into a Stock Purchase Agreement (the "Stock Purchase Agreement") with JH Partners Evergreen Fund, L.P., Forrestal, LLC, JH Investment Partners III, L.P., and JH Investment Partners GP Fund III, LLC (collectively, "JH Partners"). Under the terms of the Stock Purchase Agreement, the Company purchased (i) 678,095 shares of common stock of RLJ Entertainment, Inc., ("RLJE"), (ii) 747,945 warrants to purchase shares of common stock of RLJE with an adjusted exercise price of $1.50 per share issued, and (iii) 7,479.432 shares of Series D-1 preferred stock of RLJE. The total purchase price was $17.2 million.
On July 29, 2018, the Company, Digital Entertainment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("DEH"), and River Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DEH ("Merger Sub"), and RLJE entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Robert L. Johnson. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into RLJE, with RLJE continuing as the surviving corporation and a subsidiary of DEH (the "Merger").
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each share of RLJE’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "RLJE Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain excluded shares (which include shares beneficially owned by the Company, DEH and their affiliates), will be automatically converted into the right to receive $6.25 in cash without interest (the "Per Share Merger Consideration"). The Merger Agreement also includes provisions for the payment at the Effective Time of consideration, calculated based on the amount of the Per Share Merger Consideration, to the holders of outstanding RLJE preferred stock who elect to receive such cash consideration and holders of warrants to purchase RLJE Common Stock, except for certain excluded shares (which include shares beneficially owned by the Company, DEH and their affiliates). Such holders of outstanding RLJE preferred stock will be entitled to receive $7.86 per underlying share of RLJE Common Stock, in accordance with the terms of the RLJE preferred stock, if they elect cash as their consideration. Such holders of outstanding warrants will be paid the difference between $6.25 and the per share exercise price of their warrants.
RLJE - Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of RLJE pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. At the Effective Time, Merger Sub merged with and into RLJE, with RLJE continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of DEH. The Merger Agreement was approved by the common stockholders of RLJE at a special meeting held

11
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

earlier on October 31, 2018. The total cash purchase price paid by the Company to acquire the RLJE securities not previously owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson is approximately $58.9 million (assuming all preferred stock holders elect cash as their consideration).
Following the Effective Time, DEH was renamed “RLJ Entertainment Holdings LLC” (“RLJE Holdings”). RLJE Holdings is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, with a minority stake of 17% held by affiliates of Mr. Johnson. The Company has entered into arrangements with Mr. Johnson related to the governance of RLJE Holdings and RLJE following the Merger.
DEH and RLJE were parties to a Credit and Guaranty Agreement entered into on October 14, 2016 pursuant to which DEH provided term loans to RLJE (the “RLJE Term Loans”). In connection with the RLJE Credit and Guaranty Agreement, DEH received Class A, Class B and Class C warrants to purchase at least 20 million shares of RLJE’s common stock, at a price of $3.00 per share (the “RLJE Warrants”).
On October 1, 2018, DEH fully exercised the remainder of its Class A warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 3.3 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $10.0 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. On October 1, 2018, DEH also partially exercised its Class B warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 3.4 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $10.1 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. As a result of the warrant exercises, the Company obtained a 51% controlling interest in RLJE.
On October 30, 2018, DEH fully exercised the remainder of its Class B warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 6.6 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $19.9 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. On October 30, 2018, DEH also fully exercised its Class C warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 5.0 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $15.0 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. As a result of the warrant exercises, the full amount of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans was cancelled.
In connection with the acquisition of RLJE, on October 31, 2018, RLJE Holdings and RLJE amended and restated the existing Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Pursuant to the amended and restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, the aggregate principal amount of the RLJE Term Loans were increased by $5 million (for a total of $28 million in outstanding RLJE Term Loans as of October 31, 2018) and the maturity date of the RLJE Term Loans was extended until October 31, 2021. In addition, the amended and restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement permits RLJE to borrow up to an additional $12 million in RLJE Term Loans at any point until October 31, 2021. Interest on the RLJE Term Loans will be payable to RLJE Holdings in cash at a rate of 7.00% per annum.
Marketable Equity Securities
The Company classifies publicly traded investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The changes in fair value between measurement dates are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
Investments in marketable equity securities were $5.3 million at September 30, 2018 and $10.7 million at December 31, 2017 and are included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Non-marketable Equity Securities
The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as non-marketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires non-marketable equity securities to be recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company applies this measurement alternative to its non-marketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, the Company estimates the fair values of its non-marketable equity securities based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
On March 5, 2018, the Company made an investment in fuboTV Inc. of $25.0 million, and on April 6, 2018, the Company provided a senior secured term loan to fuboTV Inc. of $25.0 million with a maturity date of April 6, 2023.
In June 2018, the Company recognized an impairment charge of $10.0 million related to the partial write-down of certain non-marketable equity securities.
Investments in non-marketable equity securities were $71.8 million at September 30, 2018 and $46.8 million at December 31, 2017 and are included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

12
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows:
(In thousands)
National Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Total
December 31, 2017
$
239,759

 
$
455,399

 
$
695,158

Additions
—

 
24,214

 
24,214

Amortization of "second component" goodwill
(984
)
 
—

 
(984
)
Foreign currency translation
—

 
(13,006
)
 
(13,006
)
September 30, 2018
$
238,775

 
$
466,607

 
$
705,382

The increase in the carrying amount of goodwill for the International and Other segment relates to the acquisition of Levity (see Note 5).
The reduction of $1.0 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for the National Networks is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the Company's tax returns.
The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affiliate and customer relationships
$
543,570

 
$
(188,571
)
 
$
354,999

 
6 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships
46,282

 
(16,561
)
 
29,721

 
11 years
Trade names
73,973

 
(16,344
)
 
57,629

 
15 to 20 years
Other amortizable intangible assets
13,792

 
(6,284
)
 
7,508

 
2 to 15 years
Total amortizable intangible assets
677,617

 
(227,760
)
 
449,857

 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
19,900

 
—

 
19,900

 
 
Total intangible assets
$
697,517

 
$
(227,760
)
 
$
469,757

 
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2017
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affiliate and customer relationships
$
527,713

 
$
(167,911
)
 
$
359,802

 
 
Advertiser relationships
46,282

 
(13,405
)
 
32,877

 
 
Trade names
53,761

 
(14,420
)
 
39,341

 
 
Other amortizable intangible assets
11,401

 
(6,079
)
 
5,322

 
 
Total amortizable intangible assets
639,157

 
(201,815
)
 
437,342

 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
19,900

 
—

 
19,900

 
 
Total intangible assets
$
659,057

 
$
(201,815
)
 
$
457,242

 
 
The increase in amortizable intangible assets is a result of the acquisition of Levity (see Note 5).
Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $29.1 million and $28.5 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to

13
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

amortization for each of the following five years is:
(In thousands)
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2018
$
38,556

2019
39,389

2020
39,386

2021
39,028

2022
39,025

Note 8. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Interest
$
40,048

 
$
30,262

Employee related costs
84,200

 
117,850

Income taxes payable
13,799

 
19,558

Other accrued expenses
102,845

 
95,406

Total accrued liabilities
$
240,892

 
$
263,076

Note 9. Long-term Debt
The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a)
 
 
 
Term Loan A Facility
$
750,000

 
$
750,000

Senior Notes:
 
 
 
4.75% Notes due August 2025
800,000

 
800,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
1,000,000

 
1,000,000

4.75% Notes due December 2022
600,000

 
600,000

Total long-term debt
3,150,000

 
3,150,000

Unamortized discount
(30,360
)
 
(33,776
)
Unamortized deferred financing costs
(14,637
)
 
(16,967
)
Long-term debt, net
3,105,003

 
3,099,257

Current portion of long-term debt
9,375

 
—

Noncurrent portion of long-term debt
$
3,095,628

 
$
3,099,257

(a)
The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at September 30, 2018. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company.
As a result of the acquisition of Levity, the Company has two lines of credit totaling $5 million. The lines of credit bear interest at the greater of 3.5% or the prime rate and mature on August 25, 2019. There were no outstanding borrowings on either line of credit as of September 30, 2018.
Note 10. Fair Value Measurement
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
•
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.

14
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

•
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
•
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017:
(In thousands)
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
At September 30, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents 
 
$
35,709

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
35,709

Marketable securities
 
5,339

 
—

 
—

 
5,339

Investments
 
48,987

 
—

 
—

 
48,987

Interest rate swap contracts
 
—

 
60

 
—

 
60

Foreign currency derivatives
 
—

 
3,188

 
—

 
3,188

Other derivatives
 
—

 
78,586

 
—

 
78,586

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
$
—

 
$
3,587

 
$
—

 
$
3,587

At December 31, 2017:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
100,615

 
$
—

 
$
—

 
$
100,615

Marketable securities
 
10,709

 
—

 
—

 
10,709

Investments
 
9,948

 
—

 
—

 
9,948

Interest rate swap contracts
 
—

 
1,444

 
—

 
1,444

Foreign currency derivatives
 
—

 
3,801

 
—

 
3,801

Other derivatives
 
—

 
6,174

 
30,891

 
37,065

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
 
$
—

 
$
4,475

 
$
—

 
$
4,475

The Company's cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's interest rate swap contracts, foreign currency derivatives and the embedded derivative for the interest on the RLJE Term Loans to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock (see Note 11) are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
On October 14, 2016, DEH and RLJE entered into a Credit and Guaranty Agreement pursuant to which DEH provided to RLJE the RLJE Term Loans and received the RLJE Warrants. Prior to July 29, 2018, the RLJE Warrants held by the Company were classified within Level III of the fair value hierarchy. The Company determined the value of the RLJE Warrants using a Black Scholes option pricing model. Inputs to the model were stock price volatility, contractual warrant terms (remaining life of the warrants), exercise price, risk-free interest rate, and the RLJE stock price. The equity volatility used was based on the equity volatility of RLJE with an adjustment for the changes in the capital structure of RLJE. In arriving at the concluded value of the warrants, a discount for the lack of marketability (DLOM) of 32% was applied. The DLOM, which is unobservable, is determined using the Finnerty Average-Strike Put Option Marketability Discount Model (Finnerty Model), which was applied with a security-specific volatility for the warrants. As a result of the Merger Agreement entered into on July 29, 2018 (see Note 6), the value of the RLJE Warrants was determined as the difference between the RLJE stock price and the per share exercise price of the RLJE Warrants. As a result of the change in valuation method, a value of $60.0 million was reclassified from Level III to Level II within the fair value hierarchy.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of $20.6 million and $30.2 million, respectively, related to the RLJE Warrants which is included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of

15
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

income. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $2.0 million and $19.1 million, respectively.
At September 30, 2018, the Company does not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III.
Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of affiliate and customer relationships intangible assets, advertiser relationship intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities.
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Debt instruments:
 
 
 
Term Loan A Facility
$
739,061

 
$
748,125

4.75% Notes due August 2025
786,026

 
768,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
985,700

 
985,000

4.75% Notes due December 2022
594,216

 
598,500

 
$
3,105,003

 
$
3,099,625

(In thousands)
December 31, 2017
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Debt instruments:
 
 
 
Term Loan A Facility
$
737,140

 
$
748,125

4.75% Notes due August 2025
784,757

 
793,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
984,056

 
1,012,500

4.75% Notes due December 2022
593,304

 
612,750

 
$
3,099,257

 
$
3,166,375

Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.
Note 11. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Risk
To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates.
As of September 30, 2018, the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $200.0 million that are not designated as hedging instruments. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts matured in October 2018.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming

16
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

contracts, certain accounts payable and trade receivables (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency.
Other Derivatives
The RLJE Warrants held by the Company meet the definition of a derivative and are included in Other assets in the consolidated balance sheet. In addition, the interest on the RLJE Term Loans to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock is an embedded derivative. Both the RLJE Warrants and the embedded derivative for the future interest to be paid in shares of RLJE common stock are remeasured at the end of each period with changes in fair value recorded in the consolidated statements of income. For the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $27.2 million and $4.4 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company recorded a gain of $39.5 million and $26.8 million, respectively, related to these derivatives, which is included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet 
Location
 
September 30,
2018
 
December 31, 2017
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
1,187

 
$
943

Foreign currency derivatives
Other assets
 
2,001

 
2,858

Interest rate swap contracts
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
60

 
1,444

Other derivatives
Other assets
 
78,586

 
37,065

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Accrued liabilities
 
788

 
1,223

Foreign currency derivatives
Other liabilities
 
2,799

 
3,252

The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
(In thousands)
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives
 Recognized in OCI
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings
 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated OCI
 into Earnings (a)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
—

 
$
50

 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
224

(a)
There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of hedging relationships or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.
(In thousands)
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives
 Recognized in OCI
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings
 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated OCI
 into Earnings (a)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
—

 
$
306

 
Interest expense
 
$
—

 
$
341

(a)
There were no gains or losses recognized in earnings related to any ineffective portion of hedging relationships or related to any amount excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

17
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
(In thousands)
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
 on Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Interest rate swap contracts
Interest expense
 
$
(700
)
 
$
(24
)
 
$
(1,384
)
 
$
(29
)
Foreign currency derivatives
Miscellaneous, net
 
250

 
(1,643
)
 
430

 
(4,487
)
Other derivatives
Miscellaneous, net
 
27,175

 
4,432

 
39,464

 
26,836

Total
 
 
$
26,725

 
$
2,765

 
$
38,510

 
$
22,320

Note 12. Income Taxes
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, income tax expense was $43.7 million and $133.1 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 27% and 26%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate primarily due to tax expense from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. of $5.6 million and state and local income tax expense of $3.4 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to tax expense of $15.8 million for an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits; state and local income tax expense of $9.5 million; a tax benefit of $8.3 million for the one-time rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities that resulted from the extension of certain television production cost deductions included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (enacted February 9, 2018); and a tax benefit from foreign subsidiary earnings of $0.6 million.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was $40.1 million and $173.4 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 31% and 34%, respectively. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax benefit from the domestic production activities deduction of $2.8 million and $13.1 million, tax expense of $5.5 million and tax benefit of $1.2 million from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., tax benefit of $8.4 million and $0.9 million resulting from a decrease in the valuation allowances for foreign and local taxes, tax benefit of $0.6 million and tax expense of $2.0 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) and state and local income tax expense of $2.4 million and $8.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.
At September 30, 2018, the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $15.6 million, expiring on various dates from 2024 through 2025. These carryforwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of $15.6 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, $1.0 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).
Note 13. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As of September 30, 2018, the Company's contractual obligations not reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet decreased $244.9 million to $1.1 billion. The decrease relates to payments for program commitments and the expiration of Company guarantees for certain production related costs.
Legal Matters
On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "2013 Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between the parties related thereto. The Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On August 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint"), in which they retracted their claims for wrongful termination and failure to apply production tax credits in calculating Plaintiffs' contingent compensation. Plaintiffs also added a claim that Darabont is entitled to a larger share, on a percentage basis, of contingent compensation than he is currently being accorded. On September 26, 2016, Plaintiffs filed their note of issue and certificate of readiness for trial, which included a claim for damages of $280 million The parties each filed motions for summary judgment. Oral arguments of the summary judgment motions took place on September 15, 2017. On April 19, 2018, the Court

18
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

granted the Company’s motion for leave to submit supplemental summary judgment briefing. A hearing on the supplemental summary judgment submissions was held on June 13, 2018. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and continues to defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
On January 18, 2018, the 2013 Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. The claims in the action allegedly arise from Plaintiffs' audit of their participation statements covering the accounting period from inception of The Walking Dead through September 30, 2014. Plaintiffs seek no less than $20 million in damages on claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. The Company filed an Answer to the Complaint on April 16, 2018. On August 30, 2018, Plaintiff's filed an Amended Compliant, and on September 19, 2018, the Company answered. The parties have agreed to consolidate this action for a joint trial with the action Plaintiffs filed in the New York Supreme Court on December 17, 2013. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and will defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the "California Plaintiffs") filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead, as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead, and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On August 15, 2017, two of the California Plaintiffs, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert (and their associated loan-out companies), along with Charles Eglee and his loan-out company, United Bongo Drum, Inc., filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court alleging nearly identical claims as the California Action (the "New York Action"). Hurd, Alpert, and Eglee filed the New York Action in connection with their contract claims involving The Walking Dead because their agreements contained exclusive New York jurisdiction provisions. On October 23, 2017, the parties stipulated to discontinuing the New York Action without prejudice and consolidating all of the claims in the California Action. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. The Company filed an Answer on April 30, 2018 and believes that the asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
Note 14. Equity Plans
In March 2018, AMC Networks granted 684,737 restricted stock units ("RSUs") and 537,403 performance restricted stock units ("PRSUs") to certain executive officers and employees under the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Plan. The RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period and the vesting criteria for 195,028 RSUs include the achievement of certain performance targets by the Company. The PRSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.
The target number of PRSUs granted represents the right to receive a corresponding number of shares, subject to adjustment based on the performance of the Company against target performance criteria for a three-year period. The number of shares issuable at the end of the applicable measurement period ranges from 0% to 200% of the target PRSU award.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, 720,657 RSUs of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock previously issued to employees of the Company vested. On the vesting date, 295,973 RSUs were surrendered to the Company to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations and 424,684 new shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock were issued in respect of the remaining RSUs. The units surrendered to satisfy the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment tax had an aggregate value of $15.7 million, which has been reflected as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 was $16.9 million and $52.0 million, respectively, and $13.8 million and $41.4 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively.

19
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

As of September 30, 2018, there was $105.4 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to outstanding unvested share-based awards. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 2.3 years.
Note 15. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the nine months ended September 30, 2018.
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
December 31, 2017
$
218,604

Acquired
30,573

Net earnings
12,692

Distributions
(9,333
)
September 30, 2018
$
252,536

The redeemable noncontrolling interest acquired relates to acquisition of Levity. The terms of the agreement provide the noncontrolling interest holders with a right to put 50% of their interests to the Company on the fourth anniversary of the agreement and a right to put all of their interests to the Company on the sixth anniversary of the agreement. The put rights are at fair market value.
Note 16. Related Party Transactions
Members of the Dolan Family, for purposes of Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including trusts for the benefit of the Dolan Family, collectively beneficially own all of the AMC Networks outstanding Class B Common Stock and own approximately 3% of the AMC Networks' outstanding Class A Common Stock. Such shares of the AMC Networks Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, collectively, represent approximately 73% of the aggregate voting power of AMC Networks' outstanding common stock. Members of the Dolan Family are also the controlling stockholders of The Madison Square Garden Company ("MSG") and MSG Networks Inc. ("MSG Networks").
The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $1.6 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $4.8 million and $4.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to transactions with its related parties amounted to $0.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $0.9 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
On June 16, 2016, AMC Networks entered into an arrangement with the Dolan Family Office, LLC ("DFO"), MSG and MSG Networks providing for the sharing of certain expenses associated with executive office space which will be available to Charles F. Dolan (the Executive Chairman and a director of the Company and a director of MSG and MSG Networks), James L. Dolan (the Executive Chairman and a director of MSG and MSG Networks and a director of the Company), and the DFO which is controlled by Charles F. Dolan. The Company's share of office expenses is not material.
Note 17. Cash Flows
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows:
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Treasury stock not yet settled
$
—

 
$
2,000

Exercise of RLJE Warrants
—

 
5,001

Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
2,835

 
3,761

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
97,437

 
65,442

Income taxes paid, net
96,272

 
181,129


20
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Note 18. Segment Information
The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: National Networks and International and Other. These operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately.
The Company generally allocates all corporate overhead costs within operating expenses to the Company's two operating segments based upon their proportionate estimated usage of services, including such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology) as well as sales support functions and creative and production services.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure, defined 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. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure, and other information as to the continuing operations of the Company's operating segments below.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
199,714

 
$
20,128

 
$
—

 
$
219,842

Distribution
360,607

 
131,644

 
(15,218
)
 
477,033

Consolidated revenues, net
$
560,321

 
$
151,772

 
$
(15,218
)
 
$
696,875

Operating income (loss)
$
188,107

 
$
(16,749
)
 
$
(6,759
)
 
$
164,599

Share-based compensation expense
13,860

 
3,074

 
—

 
16,934

Restructuring expense
—

 
3,139

 
—

 
3,139

Impairment and related charges
—

 
4,486

 
—

 
4,486

Depreciation and amortization
8,450

 
13,561

 
—

 
22,011

Adjusted operating income
$
210,417

 
$
7,511

 
$
(6,759
)
 
$
211,169

(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
197,891

 
$
20,691

 
$
—

 
$
218,582

Distribution
343,551

 
92,069

 
(6,179
)
 
429,441

Consolidated revenues, net
$
541,442

 
$
112,760

 
$
(6,179
)
 
$
648,023

Operating income (loss)
$
179,624

 
$
(18,782
)
 
$
(7,488
)
 
$
153,354

Share-based compensation expense
11,598

 
2,219

 
—

 
13,817

Restructuring (credit) expense
(10
)
 
1,274

 
—

 
1,264

Impairment and related charges
—

 
11,036

 
—

 
11,036

Depreciation and amortization
8,482

 
12,456

 
—

 
20,938

Adjusted operating income
$
199,694

 
$
8,203

 
$
(7,488
)
 
$
200,409


21
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
672,273

 
$
66,071

 
$
—

 
$
738,344

Distribution
1,148,365

 
343,802

 
(31,428
)
 
1,460,739

Consolidated revenues, net
$
1,820,638

 
$
409,873

 
$
(31,428
)
 
$
2,199,083

Operating income (loss)
$
647,965

 
$
(44,899
)
 
$
(13,281
)
 
$
589,785

Share-based compensation expense
42,647

 
9,359

 
—

 
52,006

Restructuring expense
—

 
3,139

 
—

 
3,139

Impairment and related charges
—

 
4,486

 
—

 
4,486

Depreciation and amortization
25,358

 
38,676

 
—

 
64,034

Adjusted operating income
$
715,970

 
$
10,761

 
$
(13,281
)
 
$
713,450

Capital expenditures
$
9,511

 
$
51,263

 
$
—

 
$
60,774

(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
690,906

 
$
62,134

 
$
—

 
$
753,040

Distribution
1,070,606

 
268,267

 
(13,156
)
 
1,325,717

Consolidated revenues, net
$
1,761,512

 
$
330,401

 
$
(13,156
)
 
$
2,078,757

Operating income (loss)
$
640,855

 
$
(69,222
)
 
$
(10,818
)
 
$
560,815

Share-based compensation expense
33,717

 
7,695

 
—

 
41,412

Restructuring (credit) expense
(53
)
 
3,940

 
—

 
3,887

Impairment and related charges
—

 
28,148

 
—

 
28,148

Depreciation and amortization
25,315

 
39,722

 
—

 
65,037

Adjusted operating income
$
699,834

 
$
10,283

 
$
(10,818
)
 
$
699,299

Capital expenditures
$
20,311

 
$
41,483

 
$
—

 
$
61,794

Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Inter-segment revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
(10,304
)
 
$
(6,179
)
 
$
(25,454
)
 
$
(13,045
)
International and Other
(4,914
)
 
—

 
(5,974
)
 
(111
)
 
$
(15,218
)
 
$
(6,179
)
 
$
(31,428
)
 
$
(13,156
)

22
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
550,573

 
$
504,732

 
$
1,737,336

 
$
1,653,342

Europe
108,607

 
91,447

 
311,294

 
278,198

Other
37,695

 
51,844

 
150,453

 
147,217

 
$
696,875

 
$
648,023

 
$
2,199,083

 
$
2,078,757

The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location:
(In thousands)
September 30, 2018
 
December 31, 2017
Property and equipment, net
 
 
 
United States
$
182,266

 
$
136,203

Europe
26,567

 
28,261

Other
16,635

 
19,050

 
$
225,468

 
$
183,514

Note 19. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
Debt of AMC Networks includes $600 million of 4.75% senior notes due December 2022, $1 billion of 5.00% senior notes due April 2024 and $800 million of 4.75% senior notes due August 2025. All outstanding senior notes issued by AMC Networks (for purposes of this Note 19, "Parent Company") are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of its existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). All Guarantor Subsidiaries are owned 100% by AMC Networks. The outstanding notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a joint and several basis.
Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows of (i) the Parent Company, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis (as such guarantees are joint and several), (iii) the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent Company (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") on a combined basis and (iv) reclassifications and eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.
Basis of Presentation
 In presenting the condensed consolidating financial statements, the equity method of accounting has been applied to (i) the Parent Company's interests in the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries' interests in the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions between the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have been eliminated, as shown in the column "Eliminations."
 The accounting basis in all subsidiaries, including goodwill and identified intangible assets, have been allocated to the applicable subsidiaries.

23
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
 Parent Company
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Eliminations
 
 Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
25,127

 
$
360,124

 
$
179,466

 
$
—

 
$
564,717

Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net,
less allowance for doubtful accounts)
—

 
544,083

 
233,867

 
—

 
777,950

Current portion of program rights, net
—

 
308,039

 
162,215

 
—

 
470,254

Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable
2,174

 
184,253

 
20,335

 
(88,193
)
 
118,569

Total current assets
27,301

 
1,396,499

 
595,883

 
(88,193
)
 
1,931,490

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
—

 
158,651

 
66,817

 
—

 
225,468

Investment in affiliates
3,590,449

 
1,584,454

 
—

 
(5,174,903
)
 
—

Program rights, net
—

 
980,299

 
172,152

 
—

 
1,152,451

Long-term intercompany notes receivable
—

 
45,986

 
303

 
(46,289
)
 
—

Deferred carriage fees, net
—

 
19,331

 
860

 
—

 
20,191

Intangible assets, net
—

 
163,886

 
305,871

 
—

 
469,757

Goodwill
—

 
65,626

 
639,756

 
—

 
705,382

Deferred tax asset, net
—

 
—

 
21,677

 
—

 
21,677

Other assets
—

 
167,548

 
467,993

 
—

 
635,541

Total assets
$
3,617,750

 
$
4,582,280

 
$
2,271,312

 
$
(5,309,385
)
 
$
5,161,957

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
6

 
$
33,716

 
$
63,786

 
$
—

 
$
97,508

Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable
56,373

 
153,174

 
119,538

 
(88,193
)
 
240,892

Current portion of program rights obligations
—

 
291,059

 
65,098

 
—

 
356,157

Deferred revenue
—

 
32,734

 
28,555

 
—

 
61,289

Current portion of long-term debt
9,375

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,375

Current portion of capital lease obligations
—

 
2,749

 
1,900

 
—

 
4,649

Total current liabilities
65,754

 
513,432

 
278,877

 
(88,193
)
 
769,870

Program rights obligations
—

 
385,640

 
11,952

 
—

 
397,592

Long-term debt, net
3,095,628

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,095,628

Capital lease obligations
—

 
1,751

 
20,671

 
—

 
22,422

Deferred tax liability, net
142,041

 
—

 
12,069

 
—

 
154,110

Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable
51,321

 
91,008

 
82,120

 
(46,289
)
 
178,160

Total liabilities
3,354,744

 
991,831

 
405,689

 
(134,482
)
 
4,617,782

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
252,536

 
—

 
252,536

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks stockholders' equity
263,006

 
3,590,449

 
1,584,454

 
(5,174,903
)
 
263,006

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
28,633

 
—

 
28,633

Total stockholders' equity
263,006

 
3,590,449

 
1,613,087

 
(5,174,903
)
 
291,639

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
3,617,750

 
$
4,582,280

 
$
2,271,312

 
$
(5,309,385
)
 
$
5,161,957



24
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2017
(In thousands)
 Parent Company
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Eliminations
 
 Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
320

 
$
391,248

 
$
167,215

 
$
—

 
$
558,783

Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net,
less allowance for doubtful accounts)
—

 
581,270

 
194,621

 
—

 
775,891

Current portion of program rights, net
—

 
304,149

 
149,301

 
—

 
453,450

Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable
3,760

 
183,815

 
8,540

 
(104,389
)
 
91,726

Total current assets
4,080

 
1,460,482

 
519,677

 
(104,389
)
 
1,879,850

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation
—

 
136,032

 
47,482

 
—

 
183,514

Investment in affiliates
3,443,013

 
934,612

 
—

 
(4,377,625
)
 
—

Program rights, net
—

 
1,128,021

 
191,258

 
—

 
1,319,279

Long-term intercompany notes receivable
—

 
489,939

 
436

 
(490,375
)
 
—

Deferred carriage fees, net
—

 
29,346

 
578

 
—

 
29,924

Intangible assets, net
—

 
170,554

 
286,688

 
—

 
457,242

Goodwill
—

 
66,609

 
628,549

 
—

 
695,158

Deferred tax asset, net
—

 
—

 
20,081

 
—

 
20,081

Other assets
—

 
142,115

 
305,822

 

 
447,937

Total assets
$
3,447,093

 
$
4,557,710

 
$
2,000,571

 
$
(4,972,389
)
 
$
5,032,985

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
350

 
$
50,282

 
$
51,565

 
$
—

 
$
102,197

Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable
51,692

 
179,003

 
136,770

 
(104,389
)
 
263,076

Current portion of program rights obligations
—

 
262,004

 
65,545

 
—

 
327,549

Deferred revenue
—

 
27,530

 
18,903

 
—

 
46,433

Current portion of long-term debt
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
—

Current portion of capital lease obligations
—

 
2,939

 
1,908

 
—

 
4,847

Total current liabilities
52,042

 
521,758

 
274,691

 
(104,389
)
 
744,102

Program rights obligations
—

 
511,996

 
22,984

 
—

 
534,980

Long-term debt, net
3,099,257

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
3,099,257

Capital lease obligations
—

 
3,745

 
22,532

 
—

 
26,277

Deferred tax liability, net
114,717

 
—

 
(5,019
)
 
—

 
109,698

Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable
46,133

 
77,198

 
503,166

 
(490,375
)
 
136,122

Total liabilities
3,312,149

 
1,114,697

 
818,354

 
(594,764
)
 
4,650,436

Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
218,604

 
—

 
218,604

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks stockholders' equity
134,944

 
3,443,013

 
934,612

 
(4,377,625
)
 
134,944

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
29,001

 
—

 
29,001

Total stockholders' equity
134,944

 
3,443,013

 
963,613

 
(4,377,625
)
 
163,945

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
3,447,093

 
$
4,557,710

 
$
2,000,571

 
$
(4,972,389
)
 
$
5,032,985



25
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$
—

 
$
485,737

 
$
214,150

 
$
(3,012
)
 
$
696,875

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
—

 
216,253

 
130,901

 
(756
)
 
346,398

Selling, general and administrative
—

 
106,068

 
52,431

 
(2,257
)
 
156,242

Depreciation and amortization
—

 
11,297

 
10,714

 
—

 
22,011

Impairment charges
—

 
—

 
4,486

 
—

 
4,486

Restructuring expense
—

 
2,275

 
864

 
—

 
3,139

Total operating expenses
—

 
335,893

 
199,396

 
(3,013
)
 
532,276

Operating income
—

 
149,844

 
14,754

 
1

 
164,599

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(38,316
)
 
2,178

 
3,103

 
—

 
(33,035
)
Share of affiliates’ income (loss)
187,659

 
37,704

 
—

 
(225,363
)
 
—

Miscellaneous, net
(101
)
 
213

 
28,651

 
(1
)
 
28,762

Total other income (expense)
149,242

 
40,095

 
31,754

 
(225,364
)
 
(4,273
)
Income from operations before income taxes
149,242

 
189,939

 
46,508

 
(225,363
)
 
160,326

Income tax expense
(37,985
)
 
(2,280
)
 
(3,401
)
 
—

 
(43,666
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
111,257

 
187,659

 
43,107

 
(225,363
)
 
116,660

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(5,403
)
 
—

 
(5,403
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
111,257

 
$
187,659

 
$
37,704

 
$
(225,363
)
 
$
111,257


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$
—

 
$
494,563

 
$
157,346

 
$
(3,886
)
 
$
648,023

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
—

 
232,432

 
91,142

 
(831
)
 
322,743

Selling, general and administrative
—

 
99,481

 
42,352

 
(3,145
)
 
138,688

Depreciation and amortization
—

 
10,072

 
10,866

 
—

 
20,938

Impairment and related charges
—

 
—

 
11,036

 
—

 
11,036

Restructuring (credit) expense
—

 
(10
)
 
1,274

 
—

 
1,264

Total operating expenses
—

 
341,975

 
156,670

 
(3,976
)
 
494,669

Operating income
—

 
152,588

 
676

 
90

 
153,354

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(34,403
)
 
10,543

 
(7,950
)
 
—

 
(31,810
)
Share of affiliates’ income
171,490

 
10,784

 
—

 
(182,274
)
 
—

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(3,004
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,004
)
Miscellaneous, net
(1,076
)
 
(244
)
 
13,830

 
(90
)
 
12,420

Total other income (expense)
133,007

 
21,083

 
5,880

 
(182,364
)
 
(22,394
)
Income from operations before income taxes
133,007

 
173,671

 
6,556

 
(182,274
)
 
130,960

Income tax (expense) benefit
(46,005
)
 
(2,181
)
 
8,062

 
—

 
(40,124
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
87,002

 
171,490

 
14,618

 
(182,274
)
 
90,836

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(3,834
)
 
—

 
(3,834
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
87,002

 
$
171,490

 
$
10,784

 
$
(182,274
)
 
$
87,002


26
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$
—

 
$
1,609,916

 
$
600,542

 
$
(11,375
)
 
$
2,199,083

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
—

 
687,055

 
359,165

 
(2,648
)
 
1,043,572

Selling, general and administrative
—

 
348,590

 
154,206

 
(8,729
)
 
494,067

Depreciation and amortization
—

 
33,276

 
30,758

 
—

 
64,034

Impairment charges
—

 
—

 
4,486

 
—

 
4,486

Restructuring expense
—

 
2,275

 
864

 
—

 
3,139

Total operating expenses
—

 
1,071,196

 
549,479

 
(11,377
)
 
1,609,298

Operating income
—

 
538,720

 
51,063

 
2

 
589,785

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(113,057
)
 
25,790

 
(12,887
)
 
—

 
(100,154
)
Share of affiliates' income
607,374

 
51,010

 
—

 
(658,384
)
 
—

Miscellaneous, net
(48
)
 
(1,557
)
 
32,596

 
(2
)
 
30,989

Total other income (expense)
494,269

 
75,243

 
19,709

 
(658,386
)
 
(69,165
)
Income from operations before income taxes
494,269

 
613,963

 
70,772

 
(658,384
)
 
520,620

Income tax expense
(119,961
)
 
(6,589
)
 
(6,542
)
 
—

 
(133,092
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
374,308

 
607,374

 
64,230

 
(658,384
)
 
387,528

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(13,220
)
 
—

 
(13,220
)
Net income attributable to Parent Company's stockholders
$
374,308

 
$
607,374

 
$
51,010

 
$
(658,384
)
 
$
374,308


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$
—

 
$
1,610,247

 
$
480,153

 
$
(11,643
)
 
$
2,078,757

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
—

 
694,336

 
264,231

 
(2,367
)
 
956,200

Selling, general and administrative
—

 
335,585

 
138,669

 
(9,584
)
 
464,670

Depreciation and amortization
—

 
30,399

 
34,638

 
—

 
65,037

Impairment and related charges
—

 
—

 
28,148

 
—

 
28,148

Restructuring expense
—

 
2,649

 
1,238

 
—

 
3,887

Total operating expenses
—

 
1,062,969

 
466,924

 
(11,951
)
 
1,517,942

Operating income
—

 
547,278

 
13,229

 
308

 
560,815

Other income (expense):

 

 

 

 

Interest expense, net
(93,548
)
 
30,531

 
(22,751
)
 
—

 
(85,768
)
Share of affiliates’ income
592,012

 
19,610

 
—

 
(611,622
)
 
—

Loss on extinguishment of debt
(3,004
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,004
)
Miscellaneous, net
(1,419
)
 
2,085

 
42,090

 
(308
)
 
42,448

Total other income (expense)
494,041

 
52,226

 
19,339

 
(611,930
)
 
(46,324
)
Income from operations before income taxes
494,041

 
599,504

 
32,568

 
(611,622
)
 
514,491

Income tax (expense) benefit
(168,225
)
 
(7,492
)
 
2,318

 
—

 
(173,399
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
325,816

 
592,012

 
34,886

 
(611,622
)
 
341,092

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(15,276
)
 
—

 
(15,276
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
325,816

 
$
592,012

 
$
19,610

 
$
(611,622
)
 
$
325,816


27
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
111,257

 
$
187,659

 
$
43,107

 
$
(225,363
)
 
$
116,660

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(6,094
)
 
—

 
(6,094
)
 
6,094

 
(6,094
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
(6,094
)
 
—

 
(6,094
)
 
6,094

 
(6,094
)
Comprehensive income
105,163

 
187,659

 
37,013

 
(219,269
)
 
110,566

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(5,218
)
 
—

 
(5,218
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
105,163

 
$
187,659

 
$
31,795

 
$
(219,269
)
 
$
105,348


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
87,002

 
$
171,490

 
$
14,618

 
$
(182,274
)
 
$
90,836

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
15,791

 
—

 
15,791

 
(15,791
)
 
15,791

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(174
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(174
)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
6,596

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
6,596

Other comprehensive income, before income taxes
22,213

 
—

 
15,791

 
(15,791
)
 
22,213

Income tax expense
(2,363
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(2,363
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
19,850

 
—

 
15,791

 
(15,791
)
 
19,850

Comprehensive income
106,852

 
171,490

 
30,409

 
(198,065
)
 
110,686

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(4,633
)
 
—

 
(4,633
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
106,852

 
$
171,490

 
$
25,776

 
$
(198,065
)
 
$
106,053


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
374,308

 
$
607,374

 
$
64,230

 
$
(658,384
)
 
$
387,528

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(32,679
)
 
—

 
(32,679
)
 
32,679

 
(32,679
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
(32,679
)
 
—

 
(32,679
)
 
32,679

 
(32,679
)
Comprehensive income
341,629

 
607,374

 
31,551

 
(625,705
)
 
354,849

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(11,954
)
 
—

 
(11,954
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
341,629

 
$
607,374

 
$
19,597

 
$
(625,705
)
 
$
342,895


28
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
325,816

 
$
592,012

 
$
34,886

 
$
(611,622
)
 
$
341,092

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
63,475

 
—

 
63,475

 
(63,475
)
 
63,475

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(35
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(35
)
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
9,534

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
9,534

Other comprehensive income, before income taxes
72,974

 
—

 
63,475

 
(63,475
)
 
72,974

Income tax expense
(3,495
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(3,495
)
Other comprehensive income, net of income taxes
69,479

 
—

 
63,475

 
(63,475
)
 
69,479

Comprehensive income
395,295

 
592,012

 
98,361

 
(675,097
)
 
410,571

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(17,997
)
 
—

 
(17,997
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
395,295

 
$
592,012

 
$
80,364

 
$
(675,097
)
 
$
392,574


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
$
426,876

 
$
1,180,996

 
$
(477,659
)
 
$
(658,401
)
 
$
471,812

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
—

 
(51,695
)
 
(9,079
)
 
—

 
(60,774
)
Return of capital from investees
—

 
—

 
523

 
—

 
523

Investment in and loans to investees
—

 
—

 
(90,080
)
 
—

 
(90,080
)
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired
—

 
(675
)
 
(34,879
)
 
—

 
(35,554
)
Increase (decrease) to investment in affiliates
(129,968
)
 
(1,798,987
)
 
1,040,871

 
888,084

 
—

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(129,968
)
 
(1,851,357
)
 
907,356

 
888,084

 
(185,885
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(15,734
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(15,734
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(267,400
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(267,400
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,317

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
4,317

Principal payments on capital lease obligations
—

 
(2,223
)
 
(1,655
)
 
—

 
(3,878
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(9,333
)
 
—

 
(9,333
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(278,817
)
 
(2,223
)
 
(10,988
)
 
—

 
(292,028
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations
18,091

 
(672,584
)
 
418,709

 
229,683

 
(6,101
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
6,716

 
641,460

 
(406,458
)
 
(229,683
)
 
12,035

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
320

 
391,248

 
167,215

 
—

 
558,783

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
25,127

 
$
360,124

 
$
179,466

 
$
—

 
$
564,717



29
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
374,873

 
$
498,874

 
$
11,714

 
$
(611,888
)
 
$
273,573

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
—

 
(47,811
)
 
(13,983
)
 
—

 
(61,794
)
Investment in and loans to investees
—

 
—

 
(43,000
)
 
—

 
(43,000
)
Increase (decrease) to investment in affiliates
(289,891
)
 
(394,117
)
 
254,014

 
429,994

 
—

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(289,891
)
 
(441,928
)
 
197,031

 
429,994

 
(104,794
)
Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt
1,536,000

 
—

 
—

 
—

 
1,536,000

Principal payments on long-term debt
(1,257,965
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(1,257,965
)
Payments for financing costs
(10,405
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(10,405
)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(13,373
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(13,373
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(347,334
)
 
—

 
—

 
—

 
(347,334
)
Principal payments on capital lease obligations
—

 
(2,019
)
 
(1,409
)
 
—

 
(3,428
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
—

 
—

 
(16,110
)
 
—

 
(16,110
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(93,077
)
 
(2,019
)
 
(17,519
)
 
—

 
(112,615
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations
(8,095
)
 
54,927

 
191,226

 
(181,894
)
 
56,164

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
7,798

 
26,885

 
(201,841
)
 
181,894

 
14,736

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
565

 
320,950

 
159,874

 
—

 
481,389

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
268

 
$
402,762

 
$
149,259

 
$
—

 
$
552,289


30

Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations there are statements concerning our future operating results and future financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," "continue," "intends," "plans" and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating results and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. You 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 the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:
•    the level of our revenues;
•
market demand, including changes in viewer consumption patterns, for our programming networks, our subscription streaming services, our programming, and our production services;
•    demand for advertising inventory and our ability to deliver guaranteed viewer ratings;
•    the highly competitive nature of the cable, telecommunications and programming industries;
•
our ability to maintain and renew distribution or affiliation agreements with distributors;
•
the cost of, and our ability to obtain or produce, desirable programming content for our networks, other forms of distribution, including digital and licensing in international markets, as well as our independent film distribution businesses;
•
market demand for our owned original programming and our independent film content;
•
changes in consumer demand for our comedy venues;
•    the security of our program rights and other electronic data;
•    the loss of any of our key personnel and artistic talent;
•    changes in domestic and foreign laws or regulations under which we operate;
•    economic and business conditions and industry trends in the countries in which we operate;
•fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates;
•
changes in laws or treaties relating to taxation, or the interpretation thereof, in the U.S. or in the countries in which we operate, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018;
•    our substantial debt and high leverage;
•    reduced access to capital markets or significant increases in costs to borrow;
•    the level of our expenses;
•    the level of our capital expenditures;
•    future acquisitions and dispositions of assets;
•
our ability to successfully acquire new businesses and, if acquired, to integrate, and implement our plan with respect to businesses we acquire;
•
problems we may discover post-closing with the operations, including the internal controls and financial reporting process, of businesses we acquire;
•
uncertainties regarding the financial results of equity method investees, issuers of our investments in marketable equity securities and non-marketable equity securities and changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners and joint ventures;
•    the outcome of litigation and other proceedings;
•whether pending uncompleted transactions, if any, are completed on the terms and at the times set forth (if at all);
•    other risks and uncertainties inherent in our programming businesses;
•
financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;
•
events that are outside our control, such as political unrest in international markets, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other similar events; and
•
the factors described under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our 2017 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "2017 Form 10-K"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").

31

We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis, or MD&A, of our results of operations and financial condition is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein and our 2017 Form 10-K to enhance the understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," "AMC Networks" or the "Company" refer to AMC Networks Inc., together with its subsidiaries. MD&A is organized as follows:
Business Overview. This section provides a general description of our business and our operating segments, as well as other matters that we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.
Consolidated Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and operating segment basis. Our two operating segments are: (i) National Networks and (ii) International and Other.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition as of September 30, 2018, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity and (ii) our contractual obligations that existed at September 30, 2018 as compared to December 31, 2017.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. This section provides an update, if any, to our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2017.
Business Overview
We manage our business through the following two operating segments:
•
National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV in the U.S.; and AMC and IFC in Canada. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks.
•
International and Other: Principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels in Europe, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group ("Levity") (acquired April 20, 2018, see discussion below), our production services and comedy venues company; and our subscription streaming services, Sundance Now and Shudder. AMCNI – DMC, the broadcast solutions unit of certain networks of AMCNI and third-party networks is included through the date sold, July 12, 2017.



32

Financial Results Overview
The tables presented below set forth our consolidated revenues, net, operating income (loss) and adjusted operating income ("AOI"), defined below, for the periods indicated.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
560,321

 
$
541,442

 
$
1,820,638

 
$
1,761,512

International and Other
151,772

 
112,760

 
409,873

 
330,401

Inter-segment eliminations
(15,218
)
 
(6,179
)
 
(31,428
)
 
(13,156
)
Consolidated revenues, net
$
696,875

 
$
648,023

 
$
2,199,083

 
$
2,078,757

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
188,107

 
$
179,624

 
$
647,965

 
$
640,855

International and Other
(16,749
)
 
(18,782
)
 
(44,899
)
 
(69,222
)
Inter-segment eliminations
(6,759
)
 
(7,488
)
 
(13,281
)
 
(10,818
)
Consolidated operating income
$
164,599

 
$
153,354

 
$
589,785

 
$
560,815

AOI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
210,417

 
$
199,694

 
$
715,970

 
$
699,834

International and Other
7,511

 
8,203

 
10,761

 
10,283

Inter-segment eliminations
(6,759
)
 
(7,488
)
 
(13,281
)
 
(10,818
)
Consolidated AOI
$
211,169

 
$
200,409

 
$
713,450

 
$
699,299

We evaluate segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment AOI. We define AOI, which is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), 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.
We believe that AOI is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance on both an operating segment and consolidated basis. AOI and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in the industry.
Internally, we use revenues, net and AOI measures as the most important indicators of our business performance, and evaluate management's effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOI should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Since AOI 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.
The following is a reconciliation of consolidated operating income to AOI for the periods indicated:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
 
2018
 
2017
Operating income
$
164,599

 
$
153,354

 
$
589,785

 
$
560,815

Share-based compensation expense
16,934

 
13,817

 
52,006

 
41,412

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
1,264

 
3,139

 
3,887

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
11,036

 
4,486

 
28,148

Depreciation and amortization
22,011

 
20,938

 
64,034

 
65,037

AOI
$
211,169

 
$
200,409

 
$
713,450

 
$
699,299


33

Items Impacting Comparability
On April 20, 2018, the Company acquired a 57% controlling interest in Levity, a media company that owns and operates comedy venues as well as produces original content for distribution, for a total purchase price of $48.4 million. The operating results of Levity are included in our International and Other segment in the consolidated statement of income from the acquisition date through September 30, 2018.
On July 12, 2017, the AMCNI – DMC business was sold.
National Networks
In our National Networks segment, which accounted for approximately 80% of our consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we earn revenue principally from the distribution of our programming and the sale of advertising. Distribution revenue primarily includes subscription fees paid by distributors to carry our programming networks and license fees paid to us for the licensing of original programming for digital, foreign and home video distribution. Subscription fees paid by distributors represent the largest component of distribution revenue. Our subscription revenues are generally based on a per subscriber fee under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements," which generally provide for annual rate increases. The specific subscription revenues we earn vary from period to period, distributor to distributor and also vary among our networks, but are generally based upon the number of each distributor’s subscribers who receive our programming, referred to as viewing subscribers. The terms of certain other affiliation agreements provide that the subscription fee revenues we earn are a fixed contractual monthly fee, which could be adjusted for acquisitions and dispositions of multichannel video programming systems by the distributor. Content licensing revenue from the licensing of original programming for distribution is recognized upon availability or distribution by the licensee.
Under affiliation agreements with our distributors, we have the right to sell a specified amount of national advertising time on our programming networks. Our advertising revenues are more variable than subscription revenues because the majority of our advertising is sold on a short-term basis, not under long-term contracts. Our advertising arrangements with advertisers provide for a set number of advertising units to air over a specific period of time at a negotiated price per unit for which our programming networks generally guarantee specified viewer ratings for their programming.
Our principal goal is to increase our revenues by increasing distribution and penetration of our services, and increasing our ratings. To do this, we must continue to contract for and produce high-quality, attractive programming. As competition for programming increases and alternative distribution technologies continue to expand in the industry, costs for content acquisition and original programming may increase. There is a concentration of subscribers in the hands of a few distributors, which could create disparate bargaining power between the largest distributors and us by giving those distributors greater leverage in negotiating the price and other terms of affiliation agreements.
Programming expense, included in technical and operating expense, represents the largest expense of the National Networks segment and primarily consists of amortization and write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, as well as participation and residual costs. The other components of technical and operating expense primarily include distribution and production related costs and program operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption.
To an increasing extent, the success of our business depends on original programming, both scripted and unscripted, across all of our networks. The timing of exhibition and distribution of original programming varies from period to period, which results in greater variability in our revenues, earnings and cash flows from operating activities. We will continue to increase our investment in programming across all of our channels. There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to the amortization of content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management’s periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the film-forecast-computation method.
Most original series require us to make up-front investments, which are often significant amounts. Not all of our programming efforts are commercially successful, which could result in a write-off of program rights. If it is determined that programming rights have no future programming usefulness based on actual demand or market conditions, a write-off of the unamortized cost is recorded in technical and operating expense. Program rights write-offs were $11.4 million and $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively. Program rights write-offs were $19.8 million and $9.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, respectively.
International and Other
Our International and Other segment primarily includes the operations of AMCNI, Levity, IFC Films and our subscription streaming services (i.e. Sundance Now and Shudder). The AMCNI – DMC business was sold on July 12, 2017.

34

In our International and Other segment, which accounted for approximately 20% of our consolidated revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, we earn revenue principally from the international distribution of programming and, to a lesser extent, the sale of advertising. Distribution revenue primarily includes subscription fees paid by distributors to carry our programming networks and production services revenue generated from our Levity business. Our subscription revenues are generally based on either a per-subscriber fee or a fixed contractual annual fee, under multi-year affiliation agreements, which may provide for annual rate increases. Our production services revenues are based on master production agreements whereby a third-party engages us to produce content on its behalf. Production services revenues are recognized based on the percentage of cost incurred to total estimated cost of the contract. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, distribution revenues represented 84% of the revenues of the International and Other segment. Most of these revenues are derived from the distribution of our programming networks primarily in Europe and to a lesser extent, Latin America, the Middle East and parts of Asia and Africa. The International and Other segment also includes IFC Films, our independent film distribution business where revenues are derived principally from theatrical, digital and licensing distribution. Our subscription streaming services are available in the United States, Canada and parts of Europe.
Programming, program operating costs and production costs incurred to produce content for third parties are included in technical and operating expense, and represent the largest expense of the International and Other segment and primarily consist of amortization of acquired content, costs of dubbing and sub-titling of programs, production costs, participation and residual costs. Program operating costs include costs such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption of our linear AMCNI channels as well as content hosting and delivery costs at our various on-line content distribution initiatives. Not all of our programming efforts are commercially successful, which could result in a write-off of program rights. If it is determined that programming rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness based on actual demand or market conditions, a write-off of the unamortized cost is recorded in technical and operating expense.
We view our investments in international expansion and our various developing on-line content distribution initiatives as important long-term strategies. We may experience an adverse impact to the International and Other segment's operating results and cash flows in periods of increased investment by the Company in these aforementioned initiatives.
Corporate Expenses
We allocate corporate overhead within operating expenses to each segment based upon its proportionate estimated usage of services. The segment financial information set forth below, including the discussion related to individual line items, does not reflect inter-segment eliminations unless specifically indicated.
Impact of Economic Conditions
Our future performance is dependent, to a large extent, on general economic conditions including the impact of direct competition, our ability to manage our businesses effectively, and our relative strength and leverage in the marketplace, both with suppliers and customers.
Capital and credit market disruptions could cause economic downturns, which may lead to lower demand for our products, such as lower demand for television advertising and a decrease in the number of subscribers receiving our programming networks from our distributors. Events such as these may adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.


35

Consolidated Results of Operations
The amounts presented and discussed below represent 100% of each operating segment's revenues, net and expenses. Where we have management control of an entity, we consolidate 100% of such entity in our consolidated statements of operations notwithstanding that a third-party owns a significant interest in such entity. The noncontrolling owner's interest in the operating results of majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries are reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations.
Three Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
696,875

 
100.0
 %
 
$
648,023

 
100.0
 %
 
$
48,852

 
7.5
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
346,398

 
49.7

 
322,743

 
49.8

 
23,655

 
7.3

Selling, general and administrative
156,242

 
22.4

 
138,688

 
21.4

 
17,554

 
12.7

Depreciation and amortization
22,011

 
3.2

 
20,938

 
3.2

 
1,073

 
5.1

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
0.6

 
11,036

 
1.7

 
(6,550
)
 
(59.4
)
Restructuring expense
3,139

 
0.5

 
1,264

 
0.2

 
1,875

 
148.3

Total operating expenses
532,276

 
76.4

 
494,669

 
76.3

 
37,607

 
7.6

Operating income
164,599

 
23.6

 
153,354

 
23.7

 
11,245

 
7.3

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(33,035
)
 
(4.7
)
 
(31,810
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(1,225
)
 
3.9

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

 
—

 
(3,004
)
 
(0.5
)
 
3,004

 
n/m

Miscellaneous, net
28,762

 
4.1

 
12,420

 
1.9

 
16,342

 
131.6

Total other income (expense)
(4,273
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(22,394
)
 
(3.5
)
 
18,121

 
(80.9
)
Net income from operations before income taxes
160,326

 
23.0

 
130,960

 
20.2

 
29,366

 
22.4

Income tax expense
(43,666
)
 
(6.3
)
 
(40,124
)
 
(6.2
)
 
(3,542
)
 
8.8

Net income including noncontrolling interests
116,660

 
16.7

 
90,836

 
14.0

 
25,824

 
28.4

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,403
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(3,834
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(1,569
)
 
40.9
 %
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
111,257

 
16.0
 %
 
$
87,002

 
13.4
 %
 
$
24,255

 
27.9
 %

36

National Networks Segment Results
The following table sets forth our National Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
560,321

 
100.0
%
 
$
541,442

 
100.0
 %
 
$
18,879

 
3.5
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
256,797

 
45.8

 
250,541

 
46.3

 
6,256

 
2.5

Selling, general and administrative
106,967

 
19.1

 
102,805

 
19.0

 
4,162

 
4.0

Depreciation and amortization
8,450

 
1.5

 
8,482

 
1.6

 
(32
)
 
(0.4
)
Restructuring credit
—

 
—

 
(10
)
 
—

 
10

 
n/m

Operating income
$
188,107

 
33.6
%
 
$
179,624

 
33.2
 %
 
$
8,483

 
4.7
 %
Share-based compensation expense
13,860

 
2.5

 
11,598

 
2.1

 
2,262

 
19.5

Restructuring credit
—

 
—

 
(10
)
 
—

 
10

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
8,450

 
1.5

 
8,482

 
1.6

 
(32
)
 
(0.4
)
AOI
$
210,417

 
37.6
%
 
$
199,694

 
36.9
 %
 
$
10,723

 
5.4
 %
International and Other Segment Results
The following table sets forth our International Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
151,772

 
100.0
 %
 
$
112,760

 
100.0
 %
 
$
39,012

 
34.6
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
98,045

 
64.6

 
70,883

 
62.9

 
27,162

 
38.3

Selling, general and administrative
49,290

 
32.5

 
35,893

 
31.8

 
13,397

 
37.3

Depreciation and amortization
13,561

 
8.9

 
12,456

 
11.0

 
1,105

 
8.9

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
3.0

 
11,036

 
9.8

 
(6,550
)
 
(59.4
)
Restructuring expense
3,139

 
2.1

 
1,274

 
1.1

 
1,865

 
146.4

Operating loss
$
(16,749
)
 
(11.0
)%
 
$
(18,782
)
 
(16.7
)%
 
$
2,033

 
(10.8
)%
Share-based compensation expense
3,074

 
2.0

 
2,219

 
2.0

 
855

 
38.5

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
2.1

 
1,274

 
1.1

 
1,865

 
146.4

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
3.0

 
11,036

 
9.8

 
(6,550
)
 
(59.4
)
Depreciation and amortization
13,561

 
8.9

 
12,456

 
11.0

 
1,105

 
8.9

AOI
$
7,511

 
4.9
 %
 
$
8,203

 
7.3
 %
 
$
(692
)
 
(8.4
)%

37

Revenues, net
Revenues, net increased $48.9 million to $696.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
560,321

 
80.4
 %
 
$
541,442

 
83.6
 %
 
$
18,879

 
3.5
%
International and Other
151,772

 
21.8

 
112,760

 
17.4

 
39,012

 
34.6

Inter-segment eliminations
(15,218
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(6,179
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(9,039
)
 
146.3

Consolidated revenues, net
$
696,875

 
100.0
 %
 
$
648,023

 
100.0
 %
 
$
48,852

 
7.5
%
National Networks
The increase in National Networks revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
199,714

 
35.6
%
 
$
197,891

 
36.5
%
 
$
1,823

 
0.9
%
Distribution
360,607

 
64.4

 
343,551

 
63.5

 
17,056

 
5.0

 
$
560,321

 
100.0
%
 
$
541,442

 
100.0
%
 
$
18,879

 
3.5
%
•
The increase of $1.8 million in advertising revenues was primarily driven by increases at IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv, partially offset by a decrease at AMC due to lower ratings, partially mitigated by pricing. Most of our advertising revenues vary based on the timing of our original programming series and the popularity of our programming as measured by Nielsen. Due to these factors, we expect advertising revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
•
Distribution revenues increased $17.1 million due to an increase in subscription revenues of $14.8 million across all of our networks resulting from an increase in rates. Content licensing revenues increased $2.3 million. Distribution revenues may vary based on the impact of renewals of affiliation agreements and content licensing revenues vary based on the timing of availability of our programming to distributors. Because of these factors, we expect distribution revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
International and Other
The increase in International and Other revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
20,128

 
13.3
%
 
$
20,691

 
18.3
%
 
$
(563
)
 
(2.7
)%
Distribution
131,644

 
86.7

 
92,069

 
81.7

 
39,575

 
43.0

 
$
151,772

 
100.0
%
 
$
112,760

 
100.0
%
 
$
39,012

 
34.6
 %
Distribution revenues increased primarily due to a $38.5 million impact from the Levity acquisition and a $2.8 million increase from our subscription streaming services. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to distribution revenues of $1.7 million. The decrease in advertising revenues of $0.6 million was primarily due to foreign currency translation which had an unfavorable impact of $0.7 million on advertising revenues.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization)
The components of technical and operating expense primarily include the amortization and impairments or write-offs of program rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased $23.7 million to $346.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:

38

 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
256,797

 
$
250,541

 
$
6,256

 
2.5
%
International and Other
98,045

 
70,883

 
27,162

 
38.3

Inter-segment eliminations
(8,444
)
 
1,319

 
(9,763
)
 
n/m

Total
$
346,398

 
$
322,743

 
$
23,655

 
7.3
%
Percentage of revenues, net
49.7
%
 
49.8
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
The increase in technical and operating expense was primarily attributable to an increase of $10.8 million in other direct programming costs, partially offset by a decrease of $4.5 million in program rights amortization expense. Program rights amortization expense includes write-offs of $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 primarily based on management's assessment of programming usefulness of certain original programming at AMC, as compared to program rights write-offs of $8.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 based on management's assessment of programming usefulness of certain unscripted series at WE tv and scripted series at SundanceTV.
There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the film-forecast-computation method. As additional competition for programming increases and alternate distribution technologies continue to develop in the industry, costs for content acquisition and original programming may increase.
International and Other
Technical and operating expense increased primarily due to a $25.4 million impact from the acquisition of Levity. In addition, technical and operating expense increased $3.3 million at our subscription streaming services. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in technical and operating expense of $1.5 million.
Selling, general and administrative expense
The components of selling, general and administrative expense primarily include sales, marketing and advertising expenses, administrative costs and costs of facilities.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $17.6 million to $156.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
106,967

 
$
102,805

 
$
4,162

 
4.0
%
International and Other
49,290

 
35,893

 
13,397

 
37.3

Inter-segment eliminations
(15
)
 
(10
)
 
(5
)
 
50.0

Total
$
156,242

 
$
138,688

 
$
17,554

 
12.7
%
Percentage of revenues, net
22.4
%
 
21.4
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $4.2 million principally as a result of a $2.2 million increase in salaries and benefits, $1.3 million increase in advertising and marketing expense related to the timing of promotion of original programming, and $0.6 million for long-term incentive compensation expense.
There may be significant changes in the level of our selling, general and administrative expense from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the timing of promotion and marketing of original programming series and subscriber retention marketing efforts.
International and Other    
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $13.4 million primarily due to a $10.6 million impact from the acquisition of Levity. In addition, increases in selling, general and administrative expense were due to an increase at AMCNI in selling related expenses of $2.0 million. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in selling, general and administrative expense of $0.9 million.

39

Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $1.1 million to $22.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
8,450

 
$
8,482

 
$
(32
)
 
(0.4
)%
International and Other
13,561

 
12,456

 
1,105

 
8.9

 
$
22,011

 
$
20,938

 
$
1,073

 
5.1
 %
The increase in depreciation and amortization expense was driven by the increase at the International and Other segment related to property and equipment and identifiable intangible assets acquired in connection with the acquisition of Levity and an increase in depreciation expense due to corporate leasehold additions, partially offset by a decrease in amortization expense at AMCNI due to the absence of a write-off of certain identifiable intangible assets associated with termination of distribution in certain territories which occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2017.
Impairment and related charges
In connection with the disposition of a business, which occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018, AMCNI recognized a $4.4 million charge primarily related to program rights.
On July 12, 2017, we completed the sale of our Amsterdam-based media logistics facility, AMCNI – DMC. In connection with the sale, we recognized a pre-tax loss of $11.0 million.
Restructuring expense
Restructuring expense of $3.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 at the International and Other segment was due to severance charges incurred related to a management initiative which commenced in the third quarter of 2018, resulting in employee terminations at our corporate headquarters and AMCNI. We expect additional charges in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Restructuring expense of $1.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 related to charges incurred at AMCNI related to costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
Operating Income
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
188,107

 
$
179,624

 
$
8,483

 
4.7
 %
International and Other
(16,749
)
 
(18,782
)
 
2,033

 
(10.8
)
Inter-segment Eliminations
(6,759
)
 
(7,488)

 
729

 
(9.7
)
 
$
164,599

 
$
153,354

 
$
11,245

 
7.3
 %
The increase in operating income at the National Networks segment was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues of $18.9 million principally driven by an increase in subscription revenues, partially offset by an increase in technical and operating expense of $6.3 million and an increase in selling, general and administrative expense of $4.2 million.
The decrease in operating losses at the International and Other segment was primarily attributable to a decrease in impairment and other charges of $6.6 million and the increase in operating income for the three months ended September 30, 2018 of $1.0 million representing the operating income of Levity. These decreases in operating losses were partially offset by an increase in restructuring expense of $1.8 million, an increase in depreciation expense of $0.9 million due to leasehold improvements, and a decrease in operating results at AMCNI and our subscription streaming services of $2.0 million due to increased investment in content acquisitions. Foreign currency translation did not have a meaningful impact to the change in operating income.

40

AOI
The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated operating income to AOI:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
Operating income
$
164,599

 
$
153,354

 
$
11,245

 
7.3
 %
Share-based compensation expense
16,934

 
13,817

 
3,117

 
22.6

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
1,264

 
1,875

 
148.3

Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
11,036

 
(6,550
)
 
(59.4
)
Depreciation and amortization
22,011

 
20,938

 
1,073

 
5.1

AOI
$
211,169

 
$
200,409

 
$
10,760

 
5.4
 %
AOI increased $10.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017. The increase is primarily due to the aforementioned change in operating income. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
210,417

 
$
199,694

 
$
10,723

 
5.4
 %
International and Other
7,511

 
8,203

 
(692
)
 
(8.4
)
Inter-segment eliminations
(6,759
)
 
(7,488
)
 
729

 
(9.7
)
AOI
$
211,169

 
$
200,409

 
$
10,760

 
5.4
 %
National Networks AOI increased principally due to an increase in revenues of $18.9 million, partially offset by an increase in technical and operating expenses of $6.3 million.
International and Other AOI decreased $0.7 million primarily due to the increased investment in AMCNI and our subscription streaming services, partially offset by the impact of the Levity.
As a result of the factors discussed above impacting the variability in revenues and operating expenses, we expect AOI to vary from quarter to quarter.
Interest expense, net
The increase in interest expense, net of $1.2 million is driven by an increase in interest expense of $2.7 million primarily as a result of the issuance of our $800 million aggregate principal amounts of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 on July 28, 2017 and the impact of higher average interest rates on our Term Loan A Facility, partially offset by an increase in interest income of $1.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018, in connection with increased cash balances as compared to the same period in 2017, as well as interest income earned on term loans entered into with RLJ Entertainment, Inc. ("RLJE") in October 2016 and fuboTV Inc. ("fuboTV") in April 2018.
Loss on extinguishment of debt
The loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the write-off of a portion of unamortized deferred financing costs following the amendment of our Term Loan A Facility in July 2017.
Miscellaneous, net
The increase in miscellaneous, net of $16.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily driven by an increase of $23.3 million in gains on derivative instruments and the value of warrants held related to RLJE and an increase of $11.4 million in gains associated with the increase in the fair market value of our RLJE equity method investment, for which we have elected the fair value option. The gains recorded during the three months ended September 30, 2018 related to RLJE are driven by the increase in the fair value of RLJE common stock, as a result of our agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by us for a purchase price of $6.25 per share (see further discussion below under the heading "Other Matters"). Partially offsetting such gains in miscellaneous, net are $12.8 million in an unfavorable variance in foreign currency transaction gains and losses principally driven by intercompany loans and an impairment charge of $3.5 million for the partial write-down of one of our equity method investments.

41

Income tax expense
For the three months ended September 30, 2018, income tax expense was $43.7 million representing an effective tax rate of 27%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% due primarily to tax expense from foreign subsidiary earnings of $5.6 million and state and local income tax expense of $3.4 million.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA introduces significant changes in tax law, with certain provisions being effective for the year ended December 31, 2017, however most are effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Companies are required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment, however, due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of TCJA, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 allows us to record provisional amounts to reflect the impacts of the TCJA during a one year "measurement period". The Company recorded a provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax in the year ended December 31, 2017 and a discrete tax expense related to valuation allowance in the period ended March 31, 2018, resulting from an updated assessment in response to guidance contained in a recently issued IRS notice. There has been no change to either amount as of September 30, 2018.
The Company will continue to analyze the effects of the TCJA on its financial statements and operations. Additional impacts from the enactment of the TCJA will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB 118.
Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. Consequently, changes in our estimates regarding uncertain tax positions and the realization of deferred tax assets will impact our results of operations and financial position. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. See Note 12 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Company's income taxes.
For the three months ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was $40.1 million representing an effective tax rate of 31%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax benefit of $8.4 million resulting from a decrease in the valuation allowances for foreign and local taxes, tax benefit from the domestic production activities deduction of $2.8 million, tax benefit of $0.6 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest), state and local income tax expense of $2.4 million and tax expense of $5.5 million from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. for the three months ended September 30, 2017.

42

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
2,199,083

 
100.0
 %
 
$
2,078,757

 
100.0
 %
 
$
120,326

 
5.8
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
1,043,572

 
47.5

 
956,200

 
46.0

 
87,372

 
9.1

Selling, general and administrative
494,067

 
22.5

 
464,670

 
22.4

 
29,397

 
6.3

Depreciation and amortization
64,034

 
2.9

 
65,037

 
3.1

 
(1,003
)
 
(1.5
)
Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
0.2

 
28,148

 
1.4

 
(23,662
)
 
n/m

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
0.1

 
3,887

 
0.2

 
(748
)
 
(19.2
)
Total operating expenses
1,609,298

 
73.2

 
1,517,942

 
73.0

 
91,356

 
6.0

Operating income
589,785

 
26.8

 
560,815

 
27.0

 
28,970

 
5.2

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(100,154
)
 
(4.6
)
 
(85,768
)
 
(4.1
)
 
(14,386
)
 
16.8

Loss on extinguishment of debt
—

 
—

 
(3,004
)
 
(0.1
)
 
3,004

 
n/m

Miscellaneous, net
30,989

 
1.4

 
42,448

 
2.0

 
(11,459
)
 
(27.0
)
Total other income (expense)
(69,165
)
 
(3.1
)
 
(46,324
)
 
(2.2
)
 
(22,841
)
 
49.3

Net income from operations before income taxes
520,620

 
23.7

 
514,491

 
24.7

 
6,129

 
1.2

Income tax expense
(133,092
)
 
(6.1
)
 
(173,399
)
 
(8.3
)
 
40,307

 
(23.2
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
387,528

 
17.6

 
341,092

 
16.4

 
46,436

 
13.6

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(13,220
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(15,276
)
 
(0.7
)
 
2,056

 
(13.5
)%
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
374,308

 
17.0
 %
 
$
325,816

 
15.7
 %
 
$
48,492

 
14.9
 %


43

National Networks Segment Results
The following table sets forth our National Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
1,820,638

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,761,512

 
100.0
 %
 
$
59,126

 
3.4
%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
791,910

 
43.5

 
749,856

 
42.6

 
42,054

 
5.6

Selling, general and administrative
355,405

 
19.5

 
345,539

 
19.6

 
9,866

 
2.9

Depreciation and amortization
25,358

 
1.4

 
25,315

 
1.4

 
43

 
0.2

Restructuring credit
—

 
—

 
(53
)
 
—

 
53

 
n/m

Operating income
$
647,965

 
35.6
%
 
$
640,855

 
36.4
 %
 
$
7,110

 
1.1
%
Share-based compensation expense
42,647

 
2.3

 
33,717

 
1.9

 
8,930

 
26.5

Restructuring credit
—

 
—

 
(53
)
 
—

 
53

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
25,358

 
1.4

 
25,315

 
1.4

 
43

 
0.2

AOI
$
715,970

 
39.3
%
 
$
699,834

 
39.7
 %
 
$
16,136

 
2.3
%
International and Other Segment Results
The following table sets forth our International Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2018
 
2017
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
409,873

 
100.0
 %
 
$
330,401

 
100.0
 %
 
$
79,472

 
24.1
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
269,739

 
65.8

 
208,639

 
63.1

 
61,100

 
29.3

Selling, general and administrative
138,732

 
33.8

 
119,174

 
36.1

 
19,558

 
16.4

Depreciation and amortization
38,676

 
9.4

 
39,722

 
12.0

 
(1,046
)
 
(2.6
)
Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
1.1

 
28,148

 
8.5

 
(23,662
)
 
n/m

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
0.8

 
3,940

 
1.2

 
(801
)
 
(20.3
)
Operating loss
$
(44,899
)
 
(11.0
)%
 
$
(69,222
)
 
(21.0
)%
 
$
24,323

 
(35.1
)%
Share-based compensation expense
9,359

 
2.3

 
7,695

 
2.3

 
1,664

 
21.6

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
0.8

 
3,940

 
1.2

 
(801
)
 
(20.3
)
Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
1.1

 
28,148

 
8.5

 
(23,662
)
 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
38,676

 
9.4

 
39,722

 
12.0

 
(1,046
)
 
(2.6
)
AOI
$
10,761

 
2.6
 %
 
$
10,283

 
3.1
 %
 
$
478

 
4.6
 %

44

Revenues, net
Revenues, net increased $120.3 million to $2,199.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
1,820,638

 
82.8
 %
 
$
1,761,512

 
84.7
 %
 
$
59,126

 
3.4
%
International and Other
409,873

 
18.6

 
330,401

 
15.9

 
79,472

 
24.1

Inter-segment eliminations
(31,428
)
 
(1.4
)
 
(13,156
)
 
(0.6
)
 
(18,272
)
 
138.9

Consolidated revenues, net
$
2,199,083

 
100.0
 %
 
$
2,078,757

 
100.0
 %
 
$
120,326

 
5.8
%
National Networks
The increase in National Networks revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
672,273

 
36.9
%
 
$
690,906

 
39.2
%
 
$
(18,633
)
 
(2.7
)%
Distribution
1,148,365

 
63.1

 
1,070,606

 
60.8

 
77,759

 
7.3

 
$
1,820,638

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,761,512

 
100.0
%
 
$
59,126

 
3.4
 %
•
The decrease of $18.6 million in advertising revenues was driven by a decrease of $35.9 million at AMC due to lower ratings, partially offset by pricing. The decrease at AMC was partially offset by increases at our other networks. Most of our advertising revenues vary based on the timing of our original programming series and the popularity of our programming as measured by Nielsen. Due to these factors, we expect advertising revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
•
Distribution revenues increased $77.8 million due to an increase in subscription revenues of $39.2 million across principally all of our networks resulting from an increase in rates and an increase in content licensing revenues of $38.6 million primarily from AMC due to an increase in the original programming we distribute. Distribution revenues may vary based on the impact of renewals of affiliation agreements and content licensing revenues vary based on the timing of availability of our programming to distributors. Because of these factors, we expect distribution revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
International and Other
The increase in International and Other revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
% of total
 
2017
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
66,071

 
16.1
%
 
$
62,134

 
18.8
%
 
$
3,937

 
6.3
%
Distribution
343,802

 
83.9

 
268,267

 
81.2

 
75,535

 
28.2

 
$
409,873

 
100.0
%
 
$
330,401

 
100.0
%
 
$
79,472

 
24.1
%
The increase of $3.9 million in advertising revenues was principally due to the favorable impact of foreign currency translation of $2.8 million as well as increased demand in certain international markets. Distribution revenues increased primarily due to a $68.1 million impact from the Levity acquisition. In addition, distribution revenues increased $7.6 million from our subscription streaming services. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to distribution revenue of $12.1 million which was partially offset by a decrease of $10.7 million due to the absence of revenue from the sale of AMCNI – DMC (sold in July 2017).
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization)
The components of technical and operating expense primarily include the amortization and impairments or write-offs of program rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased $87.4 million to $1,043.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:

45

 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
791,910

 
$
749,856

 
$
42,054

 
5.6
%
International and Other
269,739

 
208,639

 
61,100

 
29.3

Inter-segment eliminations
(18,077
)
 
(2,295
)
 
(15,782
)
 
n/m

Total
$
1,043,572

 
$
956,200

 
$
87,372

 
9.1
%
Percentage of revenues, net
47.5
%
 
46.0
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
The increase in technical and operating expense was primarily attributable to an increase of $18.8 million in program rights amortization expense and an increase of $23.3 million in other direct programming costs. Program rights amortization expense includes write-offs of $19.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily based on management's assessment of programming usefulness of certain original programming and development costs at AMC and unscripted series at WE tv, as compared to program rights write-offs of $9.7 million primarily related to certain unscripted series at WE tv, scripted series at SundanceTV, and development costs at AMC for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the film-forecast-computation method. As additional competition for programming increases and alternate distribution technologies continue to develop in the industry, costs for content acquisition and original programming may increase.
International and Other
Technical and operating expense increased primarily due to a $46.1 million impact from the Levity acquisition. In addition, investment in programming and other direct programming costs, including transmission, increased $13.2 million at AMCNI as well as an increase of $7.3 million at our subscription streaming services, partially offset by the absence of $7.0 million in costs related to AMCNI – DMC (sold in July 2017). Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to the change in technical and operating expense of $8.0 million.
Selling, general and administrative expense
The components of selling, general and administrative expense primarily include sales, marketing and advertising expenses, administrative costs and costs of facilities.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $29.4 million to $494.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
355,405

 
$
345,539

 
$
9,866

 
2.9
%
International and Other
138,732

 
119,174

 
19,558

 
16.4

Inter-segment eliminations
(70
)
 
(43
)
 
(27
)
 
62.8

Total
$
494,067

 
$
464,670

 
$
29,397

 
6.3
%
Percentage of revenues, net
22.5
%
 
22.4
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $9.9 million principally as a result of an $8.0 million increase in general and administrative costs and a $6.0 million increase in long-term incentive compensation expense, partially offset by a decrease in sales and marketing related costs of $4.2 million related to timing of the promotion and marketing of original programming.
There may be significant changes in the level of our selling, general and administrative expense from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the timing of promotion and marketing of original programming series and subscriber retention marketing efforts.
International and Other    
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $19.6 million primarily due to a $17.3 million impact from the acquisition of Levity. In addition, increases in selling, general and administrative expense across the segment were offset by a

46

decrease at AMCNI due to the absence of costs related to AMCNI – DMC (sold in July 2017). Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to the change in selling, general and administrative expense of $2.6 million.
Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $1.0 million to $64.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
25,358

 
$
25,315

 
$
43

 
0.2
 %
International and Other
38,676

 
39,722

 
(1,046
)
 
(2.6
)
 
$
64,034

 
$
65,037

 
$
(1,003
)
 
(1.5
)%
The decrease in depreciation and amortization expense in the International and Other segment was attributable to a decrease in depreciation expense of $5.3 million due to the absence of AMCNI – DMC (sold in July 2017), partially offset by an increase in depreciation expense of $2.7 million related to leasehold additions and depreciation of $1.0 million on property and equipment acquired in connection with the acquisition of Levity. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to the change in depreciation and amortization of $1.4 million.
Impairment and related charges
In connection with the disposition of a business, which occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2018, AMCNI recognized a $4.4 million charge primarily related to program rights.
During the nine month period ended September 30, 2017, we recognized a pre-tax impairment charge of $28.1 million for related to AMCNI – DMC which included a loss on sale of $11.0 million and a $17.1 million impairment charge to reflect the AMCNI - DMC assets held for sale at fair value less estimated sale costs.
Restructuring expense
Restructuring expense of $3.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 at the International and Other segment was due to severance charges incurred related to a management initiative which commenced in the third quarter of 2018, resulting in employee terminations at our corporate headquarters and AMCNI. We expect additional charges in the fourth quarter of 2018.
Restructuring expense of $3.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to corporate headquarter severance charges in connection with the restructuring initiative launched during the second half of 2016 and charges incurred at AMCNI relates to costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
Operating Income
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
647,965

 
$
640,855

 
$
7,110

 
1.1
 %
International and Other
(44,899
)
 
(69,222
)
 
24,323

 
(35.1
)
Inter-segment Eliminations
(13,281
)
 
(10,818)

 
(2,463
)
 
22.8

 
$
589,785

 
$
560,815

 
$
28,970

 
5.2
 %
The increase in operating income at the National Networks segment was primarily attributable to an increase in revenues of $59.1 million, partially offset by an increase in technical and operating expense of $42.1 million and an increase in selling, general and administrative expense of $9.9 million.
The decrease in operating losses at the International and Other segment was primarily attributable to a decrease in impairment and other charges of $23.6 million due to the absence of a $28.1 million impairment loss recorded in 2017 related to AMCNI - DMC (see discussion above), which was partially offset by a $4.4 million loss recorded at AMCNI in 2018 related to the disposition of a business and the increase to operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 of $2.2 million representing the operating income of Levity. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in operating income of $2.1 million.

47

AOI
The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated operating income to AOI:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
Operating income
$
589,785

 
$
560,815

 
$
28,970

 
5.2
 %
Share-based compensation expense
52,006

 
41,412

 
10,594

 
25.6

Restructuring expense
3,139

 
3,887

 
(748
)
 
(19.2
)
Impairment and related charges
4,486

 
28,148

 
(23,662
)
 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
64,034

 
65,037

 
(1,003
)
 
(1.5
)
AOI
$
713,450

 
$
699,299

 
$
14,151

 
2.0
 %
AOI increased $14.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2018
 
2017
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
715,970

 
$
699,834

 
$
16,136

 
2.3
%
International and Other
10,761

 
10,283

 
478

 
4.6

Inter-segment eliminations
(13,281
)
 
(10,818
)
 
(2,463
)
 
22.8

AOI
$
713,450

 
$
699,299

 
$
14,151

 
2.0
%
National Networks AOI increased principally due to an increase in revenues of $59.1 million, partially offset by an increase in technical and operating expenses of $42.1 million resulting primarily from an increase in program rights amortization and an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses (excluding stock based compensation) of $0.9 million.
International and Other AOI increased $0.5 million due to the impact of the Levity acquisition. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact in the change in AOI of $4.4 million.
As a result of the factors discussed above impacting the variability in revenues and operating expenses, we expect AOI to vary from quarter to quarter.
Interest expense, net
The increase in interest expense, net of $14.4 million is driven by an increase in interest expense of $19.0 million primarily as a result of the issuance of our $800 million aggregate principal amounts of 4.75% Senior Notes due 2025 on July 28, 2017, partially offset by an increase in interest income of $4.6 million recorded for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, in connection with interest income earned on term loans entered into with RLJE in October 2016 and fuboTV in April 2018, and increased cash balances as compared to the same period in 2017.
Loss on extinguishment of debt
The loss on extinguishment of debt of $3.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to the wrote-off of a portion of unamortized deferred financing costs following the amendment of our Term Loan A Facility in July 2017.
Miscellaneous, net
The decrease in miscellaneous, net of $11.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily driven by $22.5 million in an unfavorable variance in foreign currency transactions gains and losses, impairment charges of $13.5 million for the partial write-down of certain of our investments and a decrease in the value of one of our marketable equity securities of $5.4 million. Partially offsetting such decreases in miscellaneous, net are an increase of $17.5 million in gains on derivative instruments principally due to the value of derivative instruments and warrants held related to RLJE and an increase of $14.4 million in gains associated with the increase in the fair market value of our RLJE equity method investment, for which we have elected the fair value option. The gains recorded during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 related to RLJE are primarily driven by the increase in the fair value of RLJE common stock, as a result of our agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by us for a purchase price of $6.25 per share (see further discussion below under the heading "Other Matters").

48

Income tax expense
For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, income tax expense was $133.1 million, representing an effective tax rate of 26%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21%, due primarily to tax expense of $15.8 million for an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits; state and local income tax expense of $9.5 million; a tax benefit of $8.3 million for the one-time rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities that resulted from the extension of certain television production cost deductions included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (enacted February 9, 2018); and tax benefit from foreign subsidiary earnings of $0.6 million.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("TCJA") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The TCJA introduces significant changes in tax law, with certain provisions being effective for the year ended December 31, 2017, however most are effective for tax years beginning after December 31, 2017. Companies are required to recognize the effect of tax law changes in the period of enactment, however, due to the complexities involved in accounting for the enactment of TCJA, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin ("SAB") 118 allows us to record provisional amounts to reflect the impacts of the TCJA during a one year "measurement period". The Company has recorded a provisional amount related to the one-time transition tax in the year ended December 31, 2017 and a discrete tax expense related to valuation allowance in the period ended March 31, 2018, resulting from an updated assessment in response to guidance contained in a recently issued IRS notice. There has been no change to either amount as of September 30, 2018.
The Company will continue to analyze the effects of the TCJA on its financial statements and operations. Additional impacts from the enactment of the TCJA will be recorded as they are identified during the measurement period as provided for in SAB 118.
Judgment is required in determining the provision for income taxes and related accruals, deferred tax assets and liabilities. Consequently, changes in our estimates regarding uncertain tax positions and the realization of deferred tax assets will impact our results of operations and financial position. Deferred tax assets are evaluated quarterly for expected future realization and reduced by a valuation allowance to the extent management believes it is more likely than not that a portion will not be realized. See Note 12 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for further discussion of the Company's income taxes.
For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, income tax expense was $173.4 million representing an effective tax rate of 34%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 35% due primarily to tax benefit from the domestic production activities deduction of $13.1 million, tax benefit of $1.2 million from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S., tax benefit of $0.9 million resulting from a decrease in the valuation allowances for foreign and local taxes, tax expense of $2.0 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) and state and local income tax expense of $8.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our operations have historically generated positive net cash flow from operating activities. However, each of our programming businesses has substantial programming acquisition and production expenditure requirements.
Sources of cash primarily include cash flow from operations, amounts available under our revolving credit facility and access to capital markets. Although we currently believe that amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be available when and if needed, we can provide no assurance that access to such funds will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. The obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others. As a public company, we may have access to other sources of capital such as the public bond markets.
On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million. On June 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a further increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.5 billion authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the three months ended September 30, 2018, the Company repurchased 0.4 million shares of its Class A common stock at an average purchase price of approximately $59.70 per share. As of September 30, 2018, the Company has $575.2 million available for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.
Our principal uses of cash include the acquisition and production of programming, investments and acquisitions, repurchases of outstanding debt and common stock, debt service, and payments for income taxes. We continue to increase our investment in original programming, the funding of which generally occurs six to nine months in advance of a program's airing. We expect this increased investment to continue in 2018.
As of September 30, 2018, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance includes approximately $108.7 million held by foreign subsidiaries. Most or all of the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries will continue to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations and we do not expect to incur any significant, additional taxes related to such amounts, nor have any been provided for

49

in the current period. The Company is still evaluating whether to change its indefinite reinvestment assertion due to certain provisions of the TCJA. Any potential changes to the assertion would be made within the measurement period and accounted for as part of the change in tax law.
We believe that a combination of cash-on-hand, cash generated from operating activities and availability under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to service the principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, along with our other funding and investment requirements over the next twelve months and over the longer term. However, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash from operations to repay at maturity the entirety of the then outstanding balances of our debt. As a result, we will then be dependent upon our ability to access the capital and credit markets in order to repay or refinance the outstanding balances of our indebtedness. Failure to raise significant amounts of funding to repay these obligations at maturity would adversely affect our business. In such a circumstance, we would need to take other actions including selling assets, seeking strategic investments from third parties or reducing other discretionary uses of cash.
Our level of debt could have important consequences on our business including, but not limited to, increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future programming investments, capital expenditures, working capital, business activities and other general corporate requirements and limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate. For information relating to our outstanding debt obligations, refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Debt Financing Agreements" of our 2017 Form 10-K.
In addition, economic or market disruptions could lead to lower demand for our services, such as lower levels of advertising. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The revolving credit facility was not drawn upon at September 30, 2018. The total undrawn revolver commitment is available to be drawn for our general corporate purposes.
AMC Networks was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of September 30, 2018.
Other Matters
On July 29, 2018, the Company, Digital Entertainment Holdings LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company ("DEH"), and River Merger Sub Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of DEH ("Merger Sub"), and RLJE entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the "Merger Agreement") pursuant to which the Company has agreed to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Robert L. Johnson. The Merger Agreement provides that, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth therein, Merger Sub will merge with and into RLJE, with RLJE continuing as the surviving corporation and a subsidiary of DEH (the "Merger").
Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger (the "Effective Time"), each share of RLJE’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "RLJE Common Stock"), issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Time, except for certain excluded shares (which include shares beneficially owned by the Company, DEH and their affiliates), will be automatically converted into the right to receive $6.25 in cash without interest (the "Per Share Merger Consideration"). The Merger Agreement also includes provisions for the payment at the Effective Time of consideration, calculated based on the amount of the Per Share Merger Consideration, to the holders of outstanding RLJE preferred stock who elect to receive such cash consideration and holders of warrants to purchase RLJE Common Stock, except for certain excluded shares (which include shares beneficially owned by the Company, DEH and their affiliates). Such holders of outstanding RLJE preferred stock will be entitled to receive $7.86 per underlying share of RLJE Common Stock, in accordance with the terms of the RLJE preferred stock, if they elect cash as their consideration. Such holders of outstanding warrants will be paid the difference between $6.25 and the per share exercise price of their warrants.
RLJE - Subsequent Events
On October 31, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of RLJE pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. At the Effective Time, Merger Sub merged with and into RLJE, with RLJE continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of DEH. The Merger Agreement was approved by the common stockholders of RLJE at a special meeting held earlier on October 31, 2018. The total cash purchase price paid by the Company to acquire the RLJE securities not previously owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson is approximately $58.9 million (assuming all preferred stock holders elect cash as their consideration).
Following the Effective Time, DEH was renamed “RLJ Entertainment Holdings LLC” (“RLJE Holdings”). RLJE Holdings is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, with a minority stake of 17% held by affiliates of Mr. Johnson. The Company has entered into arrangements with Mr. Johnson related to the governance of RLJE Holdings and RLJE following the Merger.
DEH and RLJE were parties to a Credit and Guaranty Agreement entered into on October 14, 2016 pursuant to which DEH provided term loans to RLJE (the “RLJE Term Loans”). In connection with the RLJE Credit and Guaranty Agreement, DEH

50

received Class A, Class B and Class C warrants to purchase at least 20 million shares of RLJE’s common stock, at a price of $3.00 per share (the “RLJE Warrants”).
On October 1, 2018, DEH fully exercised the remainder of its Class A warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 3.3 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $10.0 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. On October 1, 2018, DEH also partially exercised its Class B warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 3.4 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $10.1 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. As a result of the warrant exercises, the Company obtained a 51% controlling interest in RLJE.
On October 30, 2018, DEH fully exercised the remainder of its Class B warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 6.6 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $19.9 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. On October 30, 2018, DEH also fully exercised its Class C warrant at $3.00 per share and was issued 5.0 million shares of RLJE Common Stock in exchange for the cancellation of $15.0 million of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans. As a result of the warrant exercises, the full amount of Tranche B of the RLJE Term Loans was cancelled.
In connection with the acquisition of RLJE, on October 31, 2018, RLJE Holdings and RLJE amended and restated the existing Credit and Guaranty Agreement. Pursuant to the amended and restated Credit and Guaranty Agreement, the aggregate principal amount of the RLJE Term Loans were increased by $5 million (for a total of $28 million in outstanding RLJE Term Loans as of October 31, 2018) and the maturity date of the RLJE Term Loans was extended until October 31, 2021. In addition, the amended and restated  Credit and Guaranty Agreement permits RLJE to borrow up to an additional $12 million in RLJE Term Loans at any point until October 31, 2021. Interest on the RLJE Term Loans will be payable to RLJE Holdings in cash at a rate of 7.00% per annum.
Cash Flow Discussion
The following table is a summary of cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the nine months ended September 30:
(In thousands)
Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018
 
2017
Cash provided by operating activities
$
471,812

 
$
273,573

Cash used in investing activities
(185,885
)
 
(104,794
)
Cash used in financing activities
(292,028
)
 
(112,615
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents
(6,101
)
 
56,164

Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $471.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $273.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 primarily resulted from $1,214.3 million of net income before amortization of program rights, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items, which was partially offset by payments for program rights of $671.1 million, an increase in prepaid expense and other assets of $27.8 million primarily related to an increase in long-term receivables, a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $36.6 million primarily related to lower employee related liabilities. Changes in all other assets and liabilities resulted in a decrease of $7.0 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $273.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and primarily resulted from $1.1 billion of net income before amortization of program rights, depreciation and amortization, impairment charges, and other non-cash items, which was partially offset by payments for program rights of $720.2 million, an increase in accounts receivable, trade of $13.3 million primarily related to the timing of cash receipts, a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $8.6 million primarily related to the timing of cash payments, an increase in prepaid expense and other assets of $69.5 million, a decrease in income taxes payable of $24.5 million related to an increase in tax payments and a decrease in deferred revenue of $6.5 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 was $185.9 million and $104.8 million, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, cash used in investing activities included investments of $90.1 million, capital expenditures of $60.8 million, and payments for acquisitions, net of cash acquired of $35.6 million. For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash used in investing activities included investments of $43.0 million and capital expenditures of $61.8 million.

51

Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $292.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 as compared to $112.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. For the nine months ended September 30, 2018, financing activities primarily consisted of purchases of our common stock of $267.4 million under our Stock Repurchase Program. In addition, net cash used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 includes taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for equity-based compensation of $15.7 million, distributions to noncontrolling interests of $9.3 million, and principal payments on capital leases of $3.9 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises of $4.3 million.
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $112.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and primarily consisted of net proceeds of $786.0 million from the issuance of the 4.75% Notes due 2025 and $750.0 million proceeds for the new Term Loan A Facility partially offset by payments on the old term loan A facility of $1.3 billion. In addition, financing activities included purchases of our common stock of $347.3 million under our Stock Repurchase Program, taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for equity-based compensation of $13.4 million and distributions to a noncontrolling member of $16.1 million.
Contractual Obligations
As of September 30, 2018, our contractual obligations not reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet decreased $244.9 million to $1.1 billion. The decrease relates to payments for program commitments and the expiration of Company guarantees for certain production related costs.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2017 Form 10-K. We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the same 2017 Form 10-K. Other than certain judgments and estimates related to the new revenue recognition standard as described in Note 2 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein, there have been no significant changes in our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2017.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Fair Value of Debt
Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2018, the carrying value of our fixed rate debt of $2.37 billion was more than its fair value of $2.35 billion by approximately $14 million. The fair value of these financial instruments is estimated based on reference to quoted market prices for these or comparable securities. A hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2018 would increase the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $116.7 million to approximately $2.5 billion.
Managing our Interest Rate Risk
To manage interest rate risk, we enter into interest rate swap contracts from time to time to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to limit the exposure against the risk of rising rates. We do not enter into interest rate swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes and we only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that we believe are credit worthy counterparties. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and to the extent possible diversify our swap contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.
As of September 30, 2018, we had $3.1 billion of debt outstanding (excluding capital leases), of which $0.7 billion is outstanding under our loan facility and is subject to variable interest rates (before consideration of the interest rate swaps contracts described below).
As of September 30, 2018, we had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $200.0 million. The aggregate fair value of interest rate swap contracts at September 30, 2018 was a net asset of $0.1 million. As a result of these transactions, the interest rate paid on approximately 83% of our debt (excluding capital leases) as of September 30, 2018 is effectively fixed (76% being fixed rate obligations and 7% effectively fixed through utilization of these interest rate swap contracts).
A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates prevailing at September 30, 2018 would not have a material impact on our annual interest expense.

52

Managing our Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain trade receivables and accounts payable (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized (based upon period-end exchange rates) or realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Moreover, to the extent that our revenue, costs and expenses are denominated in currencies other than our respective functional currencies, we will experience fluctuations in our revenue, costs and expenses solely as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company recognized $2.7 million and $3.5 million of foreign currency transaction losses, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018, respectively. Such amount is included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
To manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, we may enter into foreign currency contracts from time to time with financial institutions to limit our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not enter into foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
We also are exposed to fluctuations of the U.S. dollar (our reporting currency) against the currencies of our operating subsidiaries when their respective financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our condensed consolidated financial statements. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of equity. Any increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against any foreign currency that is the functional currency of one of our operating subsidiaries will cause us to experience unrealized foreign currency translation losses (gains) with respect to amounts already invested in such foreign currencies. Accordingly, we may experience a negative impact on our comprehensive income (loss) and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation as of September 30, 2018, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

53

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
Since our 2017 Form 10-K, there have been no material developments in legal proceedings in which we are involved. See Note 13, Commitments and Contingencies to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million and on June 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved an additional increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.5 billion authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Set forth below is information concerning acquisitions of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock by the Company during the three months ended September 30, 2018.
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
July 1, 2018 to July 31, 2018
 
84,474

 
$
59.18

 
84,474

 
$
595,144,256

August 1, 2018 to August 31, 2018
 
334,127

 
$
59.83

 
334,127

 
$
575,153,010

September 1, 2018 to September 30, 2018
 
—

 
$
—

 
—

 
$
575,153,010

Total
 
418,601

 
$
59.70

 
418,601

 
 
Item 5. Other Information
On October 31, 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of RLJE pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement. At the Effective Time, Merger Sub merged with and into RLJE, with RLJE continuing as the surviving corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of DEH. The Merger Agreement was approved by the common stockholders of RLJE at a special meeting held earlier on October 31, 2018. The total cash purchase price paid by the Company to acquire the RLJE securities not previously owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Mr. Johnson is approximately $58.9 million.
Following the Effective Time, DEH was renamed “RLJ Entertainment Holdings LLC.” RLJE Holdings is a majority owned subsidiary of the Company, with a minority stake of 17% held by affiliates of Mr. Johnson. The Company has entered into arrangements with Mr. Johnson related to the governance of RLJE Holdings and RLJE following the Merger.

54

Item 6.
Exhibits.
(a)
Index to Exhibits.
2.1
 
 
10.1
 
 
10.2
 
 
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.


55

SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
November 1, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


56
Exhibit
Exhibit 31.1


I, Joshua W. Sapan, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AMC Networks Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the Registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
November 1, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Joshua W. Sapan
 
 
 
 
Joshua W. Sapan
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer


Exhibit
Exhibit 31.2


I, Sean S. Sullivan, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of AMC Networks Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the Registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)), for the Registrant and have:
a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the Registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) evaluated the effectiveness of the Registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) disclosed in this report any change in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the Registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the Registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The Registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the Registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the Registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the Registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the Registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date:
November 1, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


Exhibit
Exhibit 32



Certifications
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350, each of the undersigned officers of AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks”) hereby certifies, to such officer’s knowledge, that AMC Networks’ Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2018 (the “Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of AMC Networks.
Date:
November 1, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Joshua W. Sapan
 
 
 
 
Joshua W. Sapan
 
 
 
 
President and Chief Executive Officer
Date:
November 1, 2018
 
By:
/s/ Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer