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8-K - FORM 8-K - AMC Networks Inc.d253100d8k.htm

Exhibit 99.1

LOGO

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS

THIRD QUARTER 2011 RESULTS

Third Quarter 2011 Highlights:

 

   

Net revenues increased 4.6% to $284 million

 

   

AOCF1 increased 14.6% to $123 million

 

   

Operating income increased 22.8% to $94 million

New York, NY – November 10, 2011: AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2011.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: “The core of our growth strategy continues to be our investment in original programming. The Walking Dead season two premiere, which was the highest rated dramatic show ever in basic cable history against key adult demos, and our performance in the 2011-2012 upfront, underscores the strength of this strategy. In September, AMC also won a record fourth consecutive Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for Mad Men. Our programming successes are reflected in solid financial results as we continued to increase net revenues, AOCF and operating income in the third quarter.”

Third quarter net revenues increased $12 million, or 4.6%, to $284 million over the third quarter of 2010, led by 3.9% growth at National Networks and a 13.8% increase in International and Other. Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (“AOCF”)1 totaled $123 million, an increase of 14.6% or $16 million versus the prior year period. The AOCF increase resulted from 16.0% growth at National Networks partially offset by a $1 million decline in AOCF at International and Other. Operating income was $94 million, an increase of 22.8% or $18 million versus the prior year period. The operating income increase resulted from 24.1% growth at National Networks partially offset by a $1 million increase in the operating loss at International and Other.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, net revenues increased $69 million, or 8.8%, to $849 million, AOCF increased $33 million, or 11.1%, to $335 million, and operating income increased $38 million, or 18.0%, to $247 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Third quarter net income from continuing operations was $40 million ($0.56 per diluted share), compared with $34 million ($0.49 per diluted share) in the third quarter of 2010. The increase resulted from the growth in operating income and a decrease in income tax expense partially offset by an increase in interest expense.

Net income from continuing operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 was $97 million ($1.38 per diluted share), compared with $88 million ($1.28 per diluted share) in the prior year period.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $202 million for the first nine months of 2011, an increase of $8 million from the prior year period. The increase was the result of the improved operating performance and a reduction in cash interest payments partially offset by increased working capital and income tax payments. Free Cash Flow1 for the first nine months of 2011 was $195 million, an increase of $8 million from the prior year period. The results reflect the increase in net cash provided by operating activities and flat capital expenditures over the prior year period.

 

1. See definition of Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (“AOCF”) and Free Cash Flow included in the discussion of non-GAAP financial measures on page 3 of this earnings release.

 

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Segment Results

 

(dollars in millions)    Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
   2011     2010     Change     2011     2010     Change  

Net revenues:

            

National Networks

   $ 258,347      $ 248,541        3.9   $ 776,920      $ 721,974        7.6

International and Other

     30,720        27,005        13.8     86,327        70,228        22.9

Inter-segment eliminations

     (5,153     (4,113     (25.3 %)      (14,465     (12,384     (16.8 %) 
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total net revenues

   $ 283,914      $ 271,433        4.6   $ 848,782      $ 779,818        8.8
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

AOCF:

            

National Networks

   $ 123,228      $ 106,231        16.0   $ 346,476      $ 315,293        9.9

International and Other

     (21     802        n/m        (11,883     (14,747     19.4

Inter-segment eliminations

     (245     248        n/m        (52     650        n/m   
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

Total AOCF

   $ 122,962      $ 107,281        14.6   $ 334,541      $ 301,196        11.1
  

 

 

   

 

 

     

 

 

   

 

 

   

National Networks

National Networks consists of the Company’s four nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel.

National Networks revenues for the third quarter of 2011 increased 3.9% to $258 million, AOCF rose 16.0% to $123 million, and operating income grew 24.1% to $99 million, all compared to the prior year period.

National Networks revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased 7.6% to $777 million, AOCF rose 9.9% to $346 million, and operating income grew 15.5% to $272 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Growth in third quarter revenues was primarily led by a 6.9% increase in affiliate and other revenues. The increase in affiliate and other revenues was primarily attributable to increases in affiliate rates and viewing subscribers at AMC and WE tv as well as a non-recurring contractual adjustment that benefited Sundance Channel and IFC results. Advertising revenues in the quarter were essentially flat primarily due to the absence of Mad Men, which aired on AMC in the prior year period. For the nine months ended September 30, 2011, advertising revenues grew 11.6% over the comparable prior year period.

Third quarter AOCF increased 16.0% to $123 million reflecting the increase in revenues as well as a decrease of 5.1% in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to lower marketing and corporate expenses partially offset by an increase in programming expenses as compared to the prior year period. Operating income totaled $99 million, an increase of $19 million or 24.1%. The increase reflects the growth in AOCF as well as a reduction in amortization and share based compensation expense.

International and Other

International and Other primarily consists of AMC/Sundance Channel Global, the Company’s international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology, the Company’s network technical services business; and VOOM HD.

 

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International and Other revenues for the third quarter of 2011 increased 13.8% to $31 million, AOCF declined $1 million, and operating loss increased $1 million to a deficit of $4 million, all compared to the prior year period.

International and Other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 increased 22.9% to $86 million, AOCF improved $3 million to a deficit of $12 million, and operating loss decreased $2 million to a deficit of $25 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Growth in third quarter revenues reflects an increase in theatrical revenues at IFC Films, as well as an increase in affiliate fee revenues related to the Company’s international operations.

The decline in third quarter AOCF resulted from increased programming and marketing expenses which more than offset the increase in revenue and a reduction in litigation expenses in the quarter related to VOOM HD. Operating loss increased as a result of the decline in AOCF.

Other Matters

Year-to-date, the Company has prepaid $100 million of the outstanding balance of the Term A Credit Facility. The total prepaid amount consists of two $50 million payments made on August 8, 2011 and October 11, 2011, respectively.

Description of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company defines Adjusted Operating Cash Flow (“AOCF”), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization (including impairments), excluding share-based compensation expense or benefit and restructuring charges or credits. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), AOCF also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. The Company believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the various operating units of the business without regard to the distortive effects of fluctuating stock prices in the case of stock appreciation rights and, in the case of restricted shares and stock options, the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash.

The Company presents AOCF as a measure of its ability to service its debt and make continuing investments. The Company believes that AOCF is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. AOCF and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in the industry.

Internally, the Company uses net revenues and AOCF measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOCF should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities, and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Since AOCF is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies. For a reconciliation of AOCF to operating income (loss), please see page 6 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow from Continuing Operations, (“Free Cash Flow”), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities (continuing operations) less capital expenditures (continuing operations), both of which are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Net cash provided by operating activities excludes net cash provided by operating activities of discontinued operations. The Company believes the most comparable GAAP financial measure of its

 

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liquidity is net cash provided by operating activities. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow is useful as an indicator of its overall liquidity, as the amount of Free Cash Flow generated in any period is representative of cash that is available for debt repayment, investment, and other discretionary and non-discretionary cash uses. The Company also believes that Free Cash Flow is one of several benchmarks used by analysts and investors who follow the industry for comparison of its liquidity with other companies in the industry, although the Company’s measure of Free Cash Flow may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, please see page 7 of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This earnings release may contain statements that constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including financial community and rating agency perceptions of the Company and its business, operations, financial condition and the industries in which it operates and the factors described in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained therein. The Company disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein.

Conference Call Information

AMC Networks will host a conference call today at 10:30 a.m. EST to discuss its third quarter 2011 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 1-877-347-9170, using the following passcode: 19752329.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC Networks owns and operates several of cable television’s most recognized brands delivering high quality content to audiences and a valuable platform to distributors and advertisers. The Company manages its business through two reportable operating segments: (i) National Networks, which includes AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel; and (ii) International and Other, which includes AMC/Sundance Channel Global, our international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; and AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology (formerly Rainbow Network Communications), the Company’s network technical services business. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.amcnetworks.com.

 

Contacts

    

Investor Relations

     Corporate Communications

Seth Zaslow (646) 273-3766

     Georgia Juvelis (917) 542-6390

szaslow@amcnetworks.com

     gjuvelis@amcnetworks.com

 

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AMC NETWORKS INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011 and 2010

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2011     2010     2011     2010  

Revenues, net

   $ 283,914      $ 271,433      $ 848,782      $ 779,818   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating expenses:

        

Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

     96,420        87,801        282,714        254,694   

Selling, general and administrative

     68,229        80,737        243,714        236,472   

Restructuring credit

     (191     (579     (240     (839

Depreciation and amortization

     25,012        26,542        75,197        79,896   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     189,470        194,501        601,385        570,223   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

     94,444        76,932        247,397        209,595   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Other income (expense):

        

Interest expense

     (31,789     (18,709     (65,492     (57,136

Interest income

     318        595        938        1,702   

Write-off of deferred financing costs

     —          —          (5,703     —     

Loss on extinguishment of debt

     (17     —          (14,535     —     

Miscellaneous, net

     (199     67        (120     (92
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
     (31,687     (18,047     (84,912     (55,526
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations before income taxes

     62,757        58,885        162,485        154,069   

Income tax expense

     (22,440     (25,144     (65,388     (65,787
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income from continuing operations

     40,317        33,741        97,097        88,282   

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

     (314     (8,482     (121     (27,489
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 40,003      $ 25,259      $ 96,976      $ 60,793   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic net income (loss) per share:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.58      $ 0.49      $ 1.40      $ 1.28   

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ —        $ (0.12   $ —        $ (0.40

Net income

   $ 0.58      $ 0.37      $ 1.40      $ 0.88   

Basic weighted average common shares

     69,284        69,161        69,203        69,161   

Diluted net income (loss) per share:

        

Income from continuing operations

   $ 0.56      $ 0.49      $ 1.38      $ 1.28   

Loss from discontinued operations

   $ —        $ (0.12   $ —        $ (0.40

Net income

   $ 0.55      $ 0.37      $ 1.38      $ 0.88   

Diluted weighted average common shares

     72,268        69,161        70,209        69,161   

 

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AMC NETWORKS INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

(Dollars in thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

     Three Months Ended September 30, 2011  
     AOCF     Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Share Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Restructuring

Credit
     Operating
Income (Loss)
 

National Networks

   $ 123,228      $ (21,453   $ (3,053   $ —         $ 98,722   

International and Other

     (21     (3,559     (644     191         (4,033

Inter-segment eliminations

     (245     —          —          —           (245
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 122,962      $ (25,012   $ (3,697   $ 191       $ 94,444   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Three Months Ended September 30, 2010  
     AOCF     Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Share Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Restructuring

Credit
     Operating
Income (Loss)
 

National Networks

   $ 106,231      $ (23,172   $ (3,527   $ —         $ 79,532   

International and Other

     802        (3,370     (859     579         (2,848

Inter-segment eliminations

     248        —          —          —           248   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 107,281      $ (26,542   $ (4,386   $ 579       $ 76,932   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2011  
     AOCF     Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Share Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Restructuring

Credit
     Operating
Income (Loss)
 

National Networks

   $ 346,476      $ (64,505   $ (9,838   $ —         $ 272,133   

International and Other

     (11,883     (10,692     (2,349     240         (24,684

Inter-segment eliminations

     (52     —          —          —           (52
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 334,541      $ (75,197   $ (12,187   $ 240       $ 247,397   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 
     Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010  
     AOCF     Depreciation
and
Amortization
    Share Based
Compensation
Expense
   
Restructuring

Credit
     Operating
Income (Loss)
 

National Networks

   $ 315,293      $ (69,534   $ (10,083   $ —         $ 235,676   

International and Other

     (14,747     (10,362     (2,461     839         (26,731

Inter-segment eliminations

     650        —          —          —           650   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

Total

   $ 301,196      $ (79,896   $ (12,544   $ 839       $ 209,595   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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AMC NETWORKS INC.

SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA

(In thousands)

(Unaudited)

 

National Network Subscribers    September 30,
2011
     June 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 

AMC (a)

     96,000         97,000         96,400   

WE tv (a)

     76,500         77,300         77,400   

IFC (a)

     61,600         62,200         63,500   

Sundance Channel (b)

     41,100         40,300         39,100   

 

(a) Estimated U.S. subscribers as measured by Nielsen Media Research.
(b) Subscriber counts are based on internal management reports and represent viewing subscribers.

 

Capitalization

   September 30,
2011
 

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 224,959   

Credit facility debt (a)

   $ 1,673,513   

Senior notes (a)

     700,000   
  

 

 

 

Total debt

   $ 2,373,513   
  

 

 

 

Net debt

   $ 2,148,554   
  

 

 

 

Capital leases

     16,874   
  

 

 

 

Net debt and capital leases

   $ 2,165,428   
  

 

 

 

LTM AOCF (b)

   $ 434,624   

Leverage ratio (c)

     5.0 x   

 

(a) Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
(b) Represents reported AOCF for the trailing twelve months.
(c) Represents net debt and capital leases divided by LTM AOCF. This ratio differs from the calculation contained in the Company’s credit facilities.

 

Free Cash Flow

   Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
   2011     2010  

Cash provided by operating activities

   $ 202,361      $ 194,383   

Less: capital expenditures

     (7,129     (7,021
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Free cash flow

   $ 195,232      $ 187,362   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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