Company Description
AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) is an information sector company focused on television and film content. According to company disclosures, it has evolved from a traditional cable networks business into what it describes as a streaming and technology focused content company. AMC Networks combines linear pay-TV channels with targeted streaming services, in-house production and international operations to reach audiences across multiple platforms.
The firm owns several linear pay-TV networks, including AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA (which includes U.S. distribution and sales responsibilities for BBC News), IFC, SundanceTV and We TV. Historically, AMC shifted its focus from classic movies to original scripted programming, and the company continues to emphasize original series and franchises. It also operates AMC Networks International, its international programming business.
On the streaming side, AMC Networks states that it offers a portfolio of targeted services, including AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK and HIDIVE. These services are positioned as destinations for specific fan communities and genres. The company has highlighted growth in streaming revenues and described streaming as a major contributor to its domestic subscription revenue, with streaming revenue growth offsetting declines in some traditional affiliate revenues.
AMC Networks also operates AMC Studios, its in-house studio, production and distribution operation. AMC Studios is described as being behind original franchises such as The Walking Dead Universe and the Anne Rice Immortal Universe. The company has reported expanding the Anne Rice Immortal Universe with new series and renewals, and it has referenced development of additional franchises and series produced through AMC and AMC+.
Beyond its own platforms, AMC Networks generates content licensing revenue. It has reported agreements such as a branded content licensing arrangement for "The AMC Collection" with Netflix, including international licensing of certain AMC Studios originals. The company has also described renewals and expansions of distribution relationships with partners such as DirecTV, Charter, Roku, Samsung and others, including distribution of ad-supported AMC+ and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channels.
Financially, AMC Networks reports results through Domestic Operations and International segments. Domestic Operations revenues are broken out into subscription, advertising, and content licensing and other. Company releases note that subscription revenues reflect both affiliate revenues and streaming revenues, with streaming revenue growth attributed in part to price increases across services. Advertising revenues are influenced by linear ratings and marketplace pricing, while content licensing revenues depend on the timing and availability of deliveries.
The International segment includes subscription, advertising and content licensing and other revenues from markets outside the United States. Company reports have described changes in international revenues related to distribution agreements, advertising performance in specific regions and foreign currency translation.
AMC Networks emphasizes non-GAAP measures such as Adjusted Operating Income (Loss), Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Earnings per Diluted Share (Adjusted EPS) as internal performance indicators. According to the company, Adjusted Operating Income is defined as operating income (loss) before share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization, impairment and other charges, restructuring and related charges, cloud computing amortization, and including its proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority-owned equity method investees. Free Cash Flow is defined as net cash provided by operating activities less capital expenditures, and Adjusted EPS excludes specified items such as amortization of acquisition-related intangibles, certain impairments, restructuring charges, debt modification impacts and related tax effects.
AMC Networks has also reported financing activities, including the issuance of 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2032, tender offers and open market repurchases of its 4.25% Senior Notes due 2029, and amendments to its credit agreement that extend portions of its revolving credit facility and modify certain covenants. The company has an authorized stock repurchase program for its Class A common stock, with remaining authorization disclosed in its quarterly communications.
According to SEC filings, AMC Networks Inc. is incorporated in Nevada and lists its principal offices in New York, New York. It trades on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol AMCX. The company has reported board and executive-related developments, including employment agreements with its Chief Executive Officer and its Chief Content Officer and President of AMC Studios, as well as changes in board composition and audit committee membership.
Overall, AMC Networks describes itself as home to "many of the greatest stories and characters in TV and film" and as a destination for passionate and engaged fan communities. Its business spans targeted streaming services, cable networks, film distribution labels, in-house studio operations and international programming, with a strategic emphasis on programming, partnerships and profitability.