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AMC Networks Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2021 Results

August 6, 2021 7:00 AM

NEW YORK, Aug. 06, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2021.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: “AMC Networks had a strong second quarter with impressive financial results domestically as well as internationally, driven by robust growth in revenues for our targeted streaming services, particularly strong advertising growth, and high demand for our world-class content. We continue to advance our position as the worldwide leader in targeted streaming, with high subscriber satisfaction and strong consumption for our services. AMC+, our premium bundled offering, has quickly become our fastest-growing service, driven by expanding distribution and the strong, character-driven dramas that power it. Our streaming momentum and our expanding advertising efforts are enabling us to continue to meaningfully reconstitute the revenue mix of our company and to deliver continued growth and shareholder value.”

Second Quarter Financial Highlights:

Dollars in thousands, except per share amountsThree Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change
Net Revenues$771,392 $646,291 19.4 % $1,463,133 $1,380,666 6.0 %
Operating Income$68,256 $48,802 39.9 % $237,964 $221,772 7.3 %
Adjusted Operating Income$250,637 $225,278 11.3 % $488,616 $447,732 9.1 %
Diluted Earnings Per Share$0.83 $0.28 196.4 % $2.84 $1.54 84.4 %
Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share$3.45 $2.39 44.4 % $6.43 $3.83 67.9 %
Net cash provided by operating activities$23,604 $226,504 (89.6)% $131,167 $424,912 (69.1)%
Free Cash Flow(1)$3,844 $209,722 (98.2)% $100,406 $392,133 (74.4)%

Operational Highlights:

Segment Results(dollars in thousands)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 Change 2021 2020 Change
Net Revenues:
Domestic Operations$639,015 $562,932 13.5 % $1,212,984 $1,174,825 3.2 %
International and Other138,277 90,682 52.5 % 259,444 215,510 20.4 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(5,900) (7,323) 19.4 % (9,295) (9,669) 3.9 %
Total Net Revenues$771,392 $646,291 19.4 % $1,463,133 $1,380,666 6.0 %
Operating Income:
Domestic Operations$88,116 $217,586 (59.5)% $304,575 $442,187 (31.1)%
International and Other19,963 (125,562) 115.9 % 16,801 (121,201) 113.9 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(39,823) (43,222) 7.9 % (83,412) (99,214) 15.9 %
Total Operating Income$68,256 $48,802 39.9 % $237,964 $221,772 7.3 %
Adjusted Operating Income:
Domestic Operations$250,140 $236,353 5.8 % $492,673 $477,386 3.2 %
International and Other25,105 15,583 61.1 % 48,668 33,426 45.6 %
Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations(24,608) (26,658) 7.7 % (52,725) (63,080) 16.4 %
Total Adjusted Operating Income$250,637 $225,278 11.3 % $488,616 $447,732 9.1 %

Domestic Operations

International and Other

Other Matters

Settlement Agreement

On July 16, 2021, the Company entered into a settlement agreement (the “Settlement Agreement”) with Frank Darabont, Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "Plaintiffs") in actions brought in connection with Frank Darabont’s rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead. The consolidated cases were initially brought in 2013 and 2018 and the trial of the consolidated cases was scheduled to commence on April 4, 2022. The Settlement Agreement provides for a cash payment of $200 million (the “Settlement Payment”) to the Plaintiffs and future revenue sharing related to certain future streaming exhibition of The Walking Dead and Fear The Walking Dead. With regard to the Settlement Payment, the Company recorded a charge of $143.0 million, included in Impairment and Other Charges in consideration for the extinguishment of Plaintiffs’ rights to any compensation in connection with The Walking Dead and any related programs and the dismissal of the actions with prejudice, which amount is net of $57.0 million of ordinary course accrued participations.

Stock Repurchase Program & Outstanding Shares

As previously disclosed, the Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the second quarter 2021, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of June 30, 2021, the Company had $135 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

As of June 30, 2021 the Company had 30,731,275 shares of Class A Common Stock and 11,484,408 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2021 for further details regarding the above matters.

Description of Non-GAAP Measures

The Company defines Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, cloud computing amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges, and including the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority owned equity method investees. From time to time, we may exclude the impact of certain events, gains, losses or other charges (such as significant legal settlements) from AOI that affect our operating performance. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) also excludes interest expense (including cash interest expense) and other non-operating income and expense items. The Company believes that the exclusion of share-based compensation expense or benefit allows investors to better track the performance of the various operating units of the business without regard to the effect of the settlement of an obligation that is not expected to be made in cash.

The Company believes that Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in the industry.

Internally, the Company uses net revenues and Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), and other measures of performance presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). Since Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) is not a measure of performance calculated in accordance with GAAP, this measure may not be comparable to similar measures with similar titles used by other companies. For a reconciliation of operating income (loss) to Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), please see pages 7-8 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures and cash distributions to noncontrolling interests, all of which are reported in our Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. The Company believes the most comparable GAAP financial measure of its liquidity is net cash provided by operating activities. The Company believes that Free Cash Flow is useful as an indicator of its overall liquidity, as the amount of Free Cash Flow generated in any period is representative of cash that is available for debt repayment, investment, and other discretionary and non-discretionary cash uses. The Company also believes that Free Cash Flow is one of several benchmarks used by analysts and investors who follow the industry for comparison of its liquidity with other companies in the industry, although the Company’s measure of Free Cash Flow may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to Free Cash Flow, please see page 9 of this release.

The Company defines Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (“Adjusted EPS”), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as earnings per diluted share excluding the following items: amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets; impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses); non-cash impairments of goodwill, intangible and fixed assets; restructuring and other related charges; and gains and losses related to the extinguishment of debt; as well as the impact of taxes on the aforementioned items. The Company believes the most comparable GAAP financial measure is earnings per diluted share. The Company believes that Adjusted EPS is one of several benchmarks used by analysts and investors who follow the industry for comparison of its performance with other companies in the industry, although the Company’s measure of Adjusted EPS may not be directly comparable to similar measures reported by other companies. For a reconciliation of earnings per diluted share to Adjusted EPS, please see pages 10-11 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 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its second quarter 2021 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 833-714-3268, using the following conference ID: 5273816.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC Networks is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its portfolio of brands includes AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, IFC Films, and a number of fast-growing streaming services, including the AMC+ premium streaming bundle, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and ALLBLK. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind award-winning owned series and franchises, including The Walking Dead, the highest-rated series in cable history. The Company also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business, and 25/7 Media, its production services business.

Contacts

Investor Relations Corporate Communications
Nicholas Seibert (646) 740-5749 Georgia Juvelis (917) 542-6390
[email protected] [email protected]

AMC NETWORKS INC.CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (In thousands, except per share amounts)(unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 2021 2020
Revenues, net$771,392 $646,291 $1,463,133 $1,380,666
Operating expenses:
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)338,841 282,503 619,413 626,563
Selling, general and administrative198,618 155,163 390,153 339,812
Depreciation and amortization22,604 25,905 47,850 52,635
Impairment and other charges142,918 130,411 158,973 130,411
Restructuring and other related charges155 3,507 8,780 9,473
703,136 597,489 1,225,169 1,158,894
Operating income68,256 48,802 237,964 221,772
Other income (expense):
Interest expense(31,519) (34,301) (66,261) (71,865)
Interest income3,008 3,727 5,350 8,282
Loss on extinguishment of debt (22,074) (2,908)
Miscellaneous, net14,174 8,713 19,580 (21,226)
(14,337) (21,861) (63,405) (87,717)
Income from operations before income taxes53,919 26,941 174,559 134,055
Income tax expense(11,321) (9,707) (37,236) (43,295)
Net income including noncontrolling interests42,598 17,234 137,323 90,760
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests(6,713) (2,273) (14,417) (7,132)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders$35,885 $14,961 $122,906 $83,628
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders:
Basic$0.84 $0.29 $2.91 $1.55
Diluted$0.83 $0.28 $2.84 $1.54
Weighted average common shares:
Basic42,481 52,311 42,207 53,894
Diluted43,382 52,797 43,277 54,429

AMC NETWORKS INC.SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA (Dollars in thousands)(Unaudited)

Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Domestic Operations International and Other Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations Consolidated
Operating income$88,116 $19,963 $(39,823) $68,256
Share-based compensation expense7,292 913 8,057 16,262
Depreciation and amortization11,716 4,328 6,560 22,604
Impairment and other charges143,000 (82) 142,918
Restructuring and other related charges216 (17) (44) 155
Cloud computing amortization 642 642
Majority owned equity investees AOI(200) (200)
Adjusted operating income$250,140 $25,105 $(24,608) $250,637

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Domestic Operations International and Other Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$217,586 $(125,562) $(43,222) $48,802
Share-based compensation expense4,844 909 9,482 15,235
Depreciation and amortization11,301 7,563 7,041 25,905
Impairment and other charges 130,411 130,411
Restructuring and other related charges1,204 2,262 41 3,507
Majority owned equity investees AOI1,418 1,418
Adjusted operating income$236,353 $15,583 $(26,658) $225,278

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Domestic Operations International and Other Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations Consolidated
Operating income$304,575 $16,801 $(83,412) $237,964
Share-based compensation expense12,931 2,144 14,633 29,708
Depreciation and amortization25,089 9,277 13,484 47,850
Impairment and other charges143,000 15,973 158,973
Restructuring and other related charges2,643 4,473 1,664 8,780
Cloud computing amortization 906 906
Majority owned equity investees AOI4,435 4,435
Adjusted operating income$492,673 $48,668 $(52,725) $488,616

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Domestic Operations International and Other Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations Consolidated
Operating income (loss)$442,187 $(121,201) $(99,214) $221,772
Share-based compensation expense7,568 1,518 21,661 30,747
Depreciation and amortization22,251 16,459 13,925 52,635
Impairment and other charges 130,411 130,411
Restructuring and other related charges2,686 6,239 548 9,473
Majority owned equity investees AOI2,694 2,694
Adjusted operating income$477,386 $33,426 $(63,080) $447,732

AMC NETWORKS INC.SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA (In thousands)(Unaudited)

CapitalizationJune 30, 2021
Cash and cash equivalents$980,726
Credit facility debt (a) $675,000
Senior notes (a) 2,200,000
Total debt$2,875,000
Net debt$1,894,274
Finance leases29,271
Net debt and finance leases$1,923,545
Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2021
Operating Income (GAAP)$458,836
Share-based compensation expense51,869
Depreciation and amortization99,821
Impairment and other charges150,789
Restructuring and other related charges34,375
Cloud computing amortization1,106
Majority owned equity investees10,699
Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)$807,495
Leverage ratio (b) 2.4 x

(a) Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
(b) Represents net debt and finance leases divided by Adjusted Operating Income for the twelve months ended June 30, 2021. This ratio differs from the calculation contained in the Company's credit facility. No adjustments have been made for consolidated entities that are not 100% owned.

Free Cash FlowThree Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,
2021 2020 2021 2020
Net cash provided by operating activities$23,604 $226,504 $131,167 $424,912
Less: capital expenditures(10,312) (9,256) (18,849) (22,172)
Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests(9,448) (7,526) (11,912) (10,607)
Free cash flow$3,844 $209,722 $100,406 $392,133

Adjusted Earnings Per Diluted Share
Three Months Ended June 30, 2021
Income from operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Diluted EPS attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$53,919 $(11,321) $(6,713) $35,885 $0.83
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets9,322 (1,474) (2,950) 4,898 0.11
Impairment and other charges142,918 (34,254) 108,664 2.51
Restructuring and other related charges155 (46) 16 125
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$206,314 $(47,095) $(9,647) $149,572 $3.45

Three Months Ended June 30, 2020
Income from operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Diluted EPS attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$26,941 $(9,707) $(2,273) $14,961 $0.28
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets10,962 (1,855) (3,027) 6,080 0.12
Impairment charges130,411 (27,984) 102,427 1.94
Restructuring and other related charges3,507 (799) 13 2,721 0.05
Loss on extinguishment of debt
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$171,821 $(40,345) $(5,287) $126,189 $2.39

Six Months Ended June 30, 2021
Income from operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Diluted EPS attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$174,559 $(37,236) $(14,417) $122,906 $2.84
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets18,863 (2,970) (5,977) 9,916 0.23
Impairment charges158,973 (38,078) 120,895 2.79
Restructuring and other related charges8,780 (1,032) (13) 7,735 0.18
Loss on extinguishment of debt22,074 (5,257) 16,817 0.39
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$383,249 $(84,573) $(20,407) $278,269 $6.43

Six Months Ended June 30, 2020
Income from operations before income taxes Income tax expense Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders Diluted EPS attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
Reported Results (GAAP)$134,055 $(43,295) $(7,132) $83,628 $1.54
Adjustments:
Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets23,094 (3,949) (6,054) 13,091 0.24
Impairment charges130,411 (27,984) 102,427 1.88
Restructuring and other related charges9,473 (2,298) 13 7,188 0.13
Loss on extinguishment of debt2,908 (733) 2,175 0.04
Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$299,941 $(78,259) $(13,173) $208,509 $3.83

(1) See page 4 of this earnings release for a discussion of non-GAAP financial measures used in this release. This discussion includes the definition of Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Adjusted EPS and Free Cash Flow.

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Source: AMC Networks Inc.

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