• AMC Networks Inc. Reports First Quarter 2022 Results

    Source: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 05 May 2022 08:00:02   America/New_York

    NEW YORK, May 05, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2022.

    Interim Chief Executive Officer Matt Blank said: "AMC Networks had solid first quarter performance, highlighted by 3% total company revenue growth and continued growth of our streaming portfolio to end the quarter with 9.5 million total subscribers. We continue to advance our differentiated strategy of offering streaming services that appeal to audiences with distinct affinities and passions, which is leading to strong consumer loyalty and low churn. 2022 is the biggest year of original programming in AMC Networks’ history and our content continues to break through, including the recent final season premiere of Better Call Saul, which drove record levels of subscriber acquisition for AMC+. With our content cost advantages, our ability to super serve audiences, and our clear path to profitability by virtue of our unique strategy, we are reaffirming our full year 2022 financial outlook and our target of achieving 20 million to 25 million streaming subscribers in 2025, as we continue to reconstitute our revenue mix and as we remain focused on profitability.”

    First Quarter Financial Highlights:

    • Net revenues increased 3% to $712 million as compared to the prior year, driven by growth in streaming and advertising revenues

    • Operating income increased 3% to $175 million; Adjusted Operating Income(1) decreased 11% to $211 million as compared to the prior year quarter, due to increased content, marketing and technology investments to drive growth of our streaming and digital businesses

    • Diluted EPS of $2.38; Adjusted EPS(1) of $2.54
    Dollars in thousands, except per share amountsThree Months Ended March 31,
     2022   2021 Change
    Net Revenues$712,157  $691,741 3.0 %
    Operating Income$174,677  $169,708 2.9 %
    Adjusted Operating Income$211,184  $237,979 (11.3)%
          
    Diluted Earnings Per Share$2.38  $2.02 17.8%
    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share$2.54  $2.98 (14.8)%
          
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(23,555) $107,563 (121.9)%
    Free Cash Flow(1)$(36,648) $96,562 (138.0)%

    Operational Highlights:

    • On track to achieve long-term subscriber goal of 20 million to 25 million streaming subscribers by 2025 with 9.5 million streaming subscribers as of March 31, 2022

    • Reaffirming full year 2022 financial outlook of low-single digit total company revenue growth, Adjusted Operating Income approximately 10% lower than full year 2021 with increased content, marketing and technology investments, and Free Cash Flow of approximately $100 million

    • Greenlit new AMC+ and AMC original series including The Walking Dead Universe's Isle of the Dead, starring Lauren Cohan and Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Straight Man, starring Bob Odenkirk, The Driver, starring Giancarlo Esposito, and Orphan Black: Echoes

    • Anne Rice's Mayfair Witches has cast Alexandra Daddario, Harry Hamlin and Jack Huston as lead characters, in the second series from the Anne Rice universe of best selling novels the company acquired in 2020

    • Reinvented IFC Films' Pay 1 window to offer exclusive movies on AMC+, every Friday, beginning May 6th

    • Developing new FAST channels including AMC en Español, ALLBLK Gems, HIDIVE x ANIME, Shorts, Cortos, and OVERTIME

    • Debuted the industry's first national linear addressable advertising campaign, with Amazon, across our full slate of original programming on AMC and WEtv

    • Launched the AMC+ premium streaming bundle in India on Apple TV Channels

    Segment Results
    (dollars in thousands)

     Three Months Ended March 31,
     2022   2021  Change
    Net Revenues:     
    Domestic Operations$605,543  $573,969  5.5 %
    International and Other 109,851   121,167  (9.3)%
    Inter-segment Eliminations (3,237)  (3,395) 4.7 %
    Total Net Revenues$712,157  $691,741  3.0 %
          
    Operating Income (Loss):     
    Domestic Operations$198,522  $216,459  (8.3)%
    International and Other 17,355   (3,162) 648.9 %
    Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations (41,200)  (43,589) 5.5 %
    Total Operating Income$174,677  $169,708  2.9 %
          
    Adjusted Operating Income (Loss):     
    Domestic Operations$219,219  $242,533  (9.6)%
    International and Other 23,012   23,563  (2.3)%
    Corporate / Inter-segment Eliminations (31,047)  (28,117) (10.4)%
    Total Adjusted Operating Income$211,184  $237,979  (11.3)%

    Domestic Operations

    First Quarter Results:

    • Domestic Operations' revenues for the first quarter increased 6% to $606 million compared to the prior year

      • Distribution and Other revenues increased 8% to $405 million

        • Subscription revenues increased 8% due to increased streaming revenues driven by subscriber growth on our streaming services, partially offset by a low-single digit decrease in linear affiliate revenues from declines in the linear subscriber universe

        • Content licensing revenues increased 9% to $61 million, due to a higher number of original programs distributed as compared to the prior year

      • Advertising revenues increased 1% to $201 million due to higher pricing and digital growth, partially offset by lower linear ratings

    • Operating Income decreased 8% to $199 million in the quarter

    • Adjusted Operating Income decreased 10% to $219 million, reflecting revenue growth and increased programming and marketing investments to support the continued growth of streaming revenue

    International and Other

    First Quarter Results:

    • International and Other revenues for the first quarter decreased 9% to $110 million compared to the prior year; excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, revenues decreased 7%

      • Distribution and Other revenues decreased 12% to $87 million, primarily due to the timing of productions at 25/7 Media as well as the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation at AMCNI; excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Distribution and Other revenues decreased 9%

      • Advertising revenues increased 4% to $22 million due to higher pricing, partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation at AMCNI; excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, advertising revenues increased 7%

    • Operating Income increased $21 million to $17 million in the quarter, which in the prior year quarter included a $16 million charge related to the Levity LiveCo spin-off transaction

    • Adjusted Operating Income decreased 2% to $23 million in the quarter reflecting decreased revenues, and the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation, partially offset by continued expense management; excluding the impact of foreign currency translation, Adjusted Operating Income decreased 1%

    Other Matters

    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 quarter ended March 31, 2022, the Company did not repurchase any shares. As of March 31, 2022, the Company had $135 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.

    As of April 29, 2022 the Company had 31,434,451 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 March 31, 2022, which will be filed later today, 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 share-based compensation expense or benefit, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges, cloud computing amortization, 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 page 7 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 8 of this release.

    The Company defines Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (“Adjusted EPS”), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as earnings per diluted share 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 page 9 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. ET to discuss its first quarter 2022 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 833-714-3268, using the following conference ID: 4761098.

    About AMC Networks Inc.

    AMC Networks (Nasdaq: AMCX) is a global entertainment company known for its popular and critically-acclaimed content. Its brands include targeted streaming services AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and the newest addition to its targeted streaming portfolio, the anime-focused HIDIVE streaming service, in addition to AMC, BBC AMERICA (operated through a joint venture with BBC Studios), IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv and IFC Films. AMC Studios, the Company’s in-house studio, production and distribution operation, is behind some of the biggest titles and brands known to a global audience, including The Walking Dead, the Anne Rice catalog and the Agatha Christie library. 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
    nicholas.seibert@amcnetworks.com georgia.juvelis@amcnetworks.com



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

     Three Months Ended March 31,
      2022   2021 
    Revenues, net$712,157  $691,741 
    Operating expenses:   
    Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization) 284,237   280,572 
    Selling, general and administrative 230,653   191,535 
    Depreciation and amortization 22,590   25,246 
    Impairment and other charges —   16,055 
    Restructuring and other related charges —   8,625 
    Total operating expenses 537,480   522,033 
    Operating income 174,677   169,708 
    Other income (expense):   
    Interest expense (30,797)  (34,742)
    Interest income 2,460   2,342 
    Loss on extinguishment of debt —   (22,074)
    Miscellaneous, net 5,828   5,406 
    Total other expense (22,509)  (49,068)
    Income from operations before income taxes 152,168   120,640 
    Income tax expense (41,634)  (25,915)
    Net income including noncontrolling interests 110,534   94,725 
    Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (6,346)  (7,704)
    Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders$104,188  $87,021 
        
    Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders:   
    Basic$2.44  $2.08 
    Diluted$2.38  $2.02 
        
    Weighted average common shares:   
    Basic 42,780   41,930 
    Diluted 43,715   43,171 


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

     Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
     Domestic
    Operations    		 International
    and Other    		 Corporate /
    Inter-segment
    Eliminations    		 Consolidated
    Operating income (loss)$198,522 $17,355 $(41,200) $174,677
    Share-based compensation expenses 3,673  754  3,702   8,129
    Depreciation and amortization 12,136  4,903  5,551   22,590
    Restructuring and other related charges —  —  —   —
    Impairment and other charges —  —  —   —
    Cloud computing amortization 7  —  900   907
    Majority owned equity investees AOI 4,881  —  —   4,881
    Adjusted operating income (loss)$219,219 $23,012 $(31,047) $211,184


     Three Months Ended March 31, 2021
     Domestic
    Operations    		 International
    and Other    		 Corporate /
    Inter-segment
    Eliminations    		 Consolidated
    Operating income (loss)$216,459 $(3,162) $(43,589) $169,708
    Share-based compensation expenses 5,639  1,231   6,576   13,446
    Depreciation and amortization 13,373  4,949   6,924   25,246
    Restructuring and other related charges 2,427  4,490   1,708   8,625
    Impairment and other charges —  16,055   —   16,055
    Cloud computing amortization —  —   264   264
    Majority owned equity investees AOI 4,635  —   —   4,635
    Adjusted operating income (loss)$242,533 $23,563  $(28,117) $237,979


    AMC NETWORKS INC.
    SUPPLEMENTAL FINANCIAL DATA
    (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
    (Unaudited)

    CapitalizationMarch 31, 2022 
    Cash and cash equivalents$821,626 
       
    Credit facility debt (a)$666,563 
    Senior notes (a) 2,200,000 
    Total debt$2,866,563 
       
    Net debt$2,044,937 
       
    Finance leases 26,320 
    Net debt and finance leases$2,071,257 
       
     Twelve Months Ended
    March 31, 2022    		 
    Operating Income (GAAP)$494,891 
    Share-based compensation expense 42,608 
    Depreciation and amortization 91,225 
    Impairment and other charges 143,555 
    Restructuring and other related charges 1,753 
    Cloud computing amortization 3,049 
    Majority owned equity investees 12,194 
    Adjusted Operating Income (Non-GAAP)$789,275 
       
    Leverage ratio (b) 2.6x
    1. Represents the aggregate principal amount of the debt.
    2. Represents net debt and finance leases divided by Adjusted Operating Income for the twelve months ended March 31, 2022. 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 March 31,
      2022   2021 
    Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities$(23,555) $107,563 
    Less: capital expenditures (11,528)  (8,537)
    Less: distributions to noncontrolling interests (1,565)  (2,464)
    Free cash flow$(36,648) $96,562 


    Adjusted Diluted Earnings Per Share
     Three Months Ended March 31, 2022
     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)$152,168 $(41,634) $(6,346) $104,188 $2.38
    Adjustments:         
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 10,564  (2,087)  (1,680)  6,797  0.16
    Impairment and other charges —  —   —   —  —
    Restructuring and other related charges —  —   —   —  —
    Loss on extinguishment of debt —  —   —   —  —
    Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$162,732 $(43,721) $(8,026) $110,985 $2.54


     Three Months Ended March 31, 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)$120,640 $(25,915) $(7,704) $87,021 $2.02
    Adjustments:         
    Amortization of acquisition-related intangible assets 9,541  (1,496)  (3,027)  5,018  0.11
    Impairment and other charges 16,055  (3,824)  —   12,231  0.28
    Restructuring and other related charges 8,625  (986)  (29)  7,610  0.18
    Loss on extinguishment of debt 22,074  (5,257)  —   16,817  0.39
    Adjusted Results (Non-GAAP)$176,935 $(37,478) $(10,760) $128,697 $2.98

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