Thursday, October 31, 2019

AMC Ratings

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

Financial Highlights:

Net revenues increased 3.1% to $719 million

Operating income increased 2.3% to $168 million; Adjusted Operating Income¹ increased 3.9% to $219 million

Diluted EPS increased 7.3% to $2.07; Adjusted EPS¹ increased 8.4% to $2.33

Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $400 million and Free Cash Flow¹ of $318 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2019

Reaffirms 2019 full-year outlook for total company revenue and adjusted operating income

Operational Highlights:

The Company continued to make significant progress with its targeted SVOD services including Acorn TV surpassing 1 million subscribers and Shudder premiering original series Creepshow to record viewership. Reaffirms target of over 2 million subscribers by year-end 2019.

The Company announced an agreement with Charter Communications to launch AMC Networks’ full suite of targeted SVOD services as well as AMC Premiere to Charter’s Spectrum customers

The Company entered into an international sales agreement with Amazon Prime Video for the third series in The Walking Dead universe

New York, NY – October 31, 2019: AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2019.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: “AMC Networks is well on its way to strategically transforming itself from a ‘cable channels company’ into a premier content company with a suite of focused and targeted video entertainment products that are delivered to viewers on an expanding array of platforms. The underlying strategic priorities fueling our transformation have been and continue to be creating and owning great content and valuable IP, expanding our targeted direct-to-consumer services, maximizing the long-term value of our traditional linear business and diversifying our revenue by developing new avenues of content monetization. Recent successes include our Acorn TV streaming service surpassing one million subscribers, an outsized presence at this year’s Emmy Awards with a number of key wins and a recent agreement with Charter Communications to launch our full suite of focused streaming services – Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and UMC – and our commercial-free AMC Premiere offering on their Spectrum platform. We are optimizing the value and reach of our content in a variety of ways and executing on a plan that will enable us to thrive in a very dynamic and competitive environment.”

Third quarter net revenues increased 3.1%, or $22 million, to $719 million over the third quarter of 2018. The increase in net revenues reflected a decrease of 0.2% at National Networks and an increase of 20.5% at International and Other. Operating income was $168 million, an increase of 2.3%, or $4 million, versus the prior year period. The operating income increase reflected a decrease of 3.0% at

National Networks and a decrease of $5 million in operating loss at International and Other. Adjusted Operating Income² was $219 million, an increase of 3.9%, or $8 million, versus the prior year period. The increase in adjusted operating income reflected a decrease of 1.0% at National Networks offset by an increase of $6 million at International and Other versus the prior year period. As discussed in the “Other Matters” section of the release, results include the impact of the acquisition of RLJ Entertainment (“RLJE”).

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net revenues increased 3.5%, or $76 million, to $2.275 billion, operating income decreased 1.1%, or $6 million, to $584 million, and adjusted operating income increased 4.3%, or $31 million, to $744 million.

Third quarter net income was $117 million ($2.07 per diluted share), compared with $111 million ($1.93 per diluted share) in the prior year period. Third quarter Adjusted EPS² was $132 million ($2.33 per diluted share), compared with $124 million ($2.15 per diluted share) in the prior year period. The increase in EPS and adjusted EPS was primarily related to the increase in adjusted operating income as well as a decrease in income tax expense partially offset by a decrease in miscellaneous, net.

Net income for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $389 million ($6.80 per diluted share), compared with $374 million ($6.31 per diluted share) in the prior year period. Adjusted EPS for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $433 million ($7.57 per diluted share), compared with $401 million ($6.76 per diluted share) in the prior year period.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $400 million, a decrease of $71 million versus the prior year period. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in tax payments and working capital partially offset by an increase in adjusted operating income. Free Cash Flow² for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 was $318 million, a decrease of $84 million versus the prior year period. The decrease primarily reflects the decrease in net cash provided by operating activities as well as an increase in capital expenditures and distributions to noncontrolling interests.

National Networks

National Networks principally consists of the Company’s five nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business.

National Networks revenues for the third quarter 2019 were essentially flat at $559 million, operating income decreased 3.0% to $182 million, and adjusted operating income decreased 1.0% to $208 million, all compared to the prior year period.

National Networks revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 decreased 2.2% to $1.780 billion, operating income was flat at $648 million, and adjusted operating income increased 0.8% to $722 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Third quarter revenues reflected a 1.1% increase in distribution revenues to $365 million. The increase in distribution revenues was attributable to an increase in content licensing revenues partially offset by a decrease in subscription revenues. Advertising revenues decreased 2.6% to $194 million. The decrease in advertising revenues primarily related to lower delivery as well as the timing and mix of original programming partially offset by higher pricing.

Third quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected a decrease in revenues and an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming expenses. Programming expenses reflected an increase due to the timing and mix of original programming partially offset by a $21 million benefit attributable to the utilization of certain investment tax credits. Programming expenses also included charges of $1 million in the current year period related to the write-off of programming assets, as compared to charges of $11 million in the prior year period. Operating income also reflected an increase in restructuring and other related charges partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation expense.

International and Other

International and Other principally consists of AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming businesses; Global Direct-to-Consumer, the Company’s subscription streaming services, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business.

International and Other revenues for the third quarter of 2019 increased 20.5% to $183 million, operating loss decreased $5 million to a loss of $12 million, and adjusted operating income increased $6 million to $13 million, all compared to the prior year period.

International and Other revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2019 increased 30.2% to $533 million, operating loss increased $8 million to a loss of $53 million, and adjusted operating income increased $24 million to $35 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Third quarter revenues primarily reflected $31 million related to the acquisition of RLJE.

Third quarter operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses were primarily attributable to the acquisition of RLJE.

Other Matters

Stock Repurchase Program

As previously disclosed, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock. The Company will determine the timing and the amount of any repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. The stock repurchase program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the third quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 231,000 shares for $12 million. As of October 25, 2019, the Company had $489 million available under its stock repurchase authorization.

RLJ Entertainment, Inc.

As previously disclosed, in October 2018, the Company acquired a controlling interest in RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (“RLJE”). During the third quarter, the Company recorded net revenues, operating loss and AOI of $31 million, $1 million and $3 million, respectively, related to RLJE. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded net revenues, operating loss and AOI of $79 million, $6 million and $5 million, respectively, related to RLJE.

Adjusted Operating Income

As previously disclosed, in connection with the acquisition of RLJE, the Company acquired RLJE’s 64% interest in Agatha Christie Limited (“ACL”), which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights based on the author’s works. The Company records its interest in ACL under the equity method as a component of Miscellaneous, Net. As a result of the RLJE acquisition, the Company modified its definition of Adjusted Operating Income to include majority owned equity investees. For the third quarter, the Company recorded adjusted operating income of $1 million related to ACL. For the nine months ended September 30, 2019, the Company recorded adjusted operating income of $4 million related to ACL.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2019 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, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges, and the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from majority owned equity method investees. 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 Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) to operating income (loss), please see page 8 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow (“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 Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, 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 related 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 Adjusted EPS to earnings per diluted share, 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 third quarter 2019 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 877-347-9170, using the following passcode: 2959218.

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 operating segments: (i) National Networks, which principally includes AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business; and (ii) International and Other, which principally includes AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming business; Global Direct-to-Consumer, the Company’s subscription streaming services, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now and UMC (Urban Movie Channel); Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business; and IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.amcnetworks.com.

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

Financial Highlights:

Net revenues of $772 million
Operating income of $170 million; Adjusted Operating Income¹ of $232 million
Diluted EPS of $2.25; Adjusted EPS¹ of $2.60
Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $289 million and Free Cash Flow¹ of $229 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019
1 million shares repurchased for $57 million in second quarter 2019

Operational Highlights:

The Company announced the expansion of The Walking Dead franchise via an agreement with Universal Studios for the theatrical release of a feature film starring Andrew Lincoln as Rick Grimes
The Company received 26 Emmy Nominations across its portfolio of brands, including 9 nominations for AMC’s Better Call Saul and 9 nominations for BBCA’s Killing Eve, reflecting its continued content creation success
The Company successfully completed the advertising upfront, including achieving double-digit CPM gains at AMC led by strong demand for its original programming
The Company continued to make significant progress on its direct-to-consumer services Acorn TV, Shudder, UMC and Sundance Now, including impressive year-over-year growth in revenues and subscribers

New York, NY – July 31, 2019: AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2019.

President and Chief Executive Officer Josh Sapan said: “We delivered solid results in the second quarter and remain on track to deliver on our financial targets for the full year. We continue to make significant progress on our strategic goals, which include creating great content and diversifying our revenue. Our recently announced landmark partnership with Universal Studios for the first-ever theatrical movie set in The Walking Dead Universe underscores the high level of interest that the universe commands and the undeniable strength and vitality of this growing franchise. The recent Emmy nominations brought AMC Networks wide recognition, with nominations for four of our five networks as well as our streaming service Acorn TV, affirming AMC Networks as a company whose shows ignite audiences, critics and Emmy voters at a time that is more crowded and competitive than ever.”

Added Sapan: “In addition, we are seeing very healthy rates of growth across our four targeted SVOD services – Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, and UMC. As these services gain sufficient scale, we have been increasingly populating them with original content, which has been resonating with subscribers and is driving our momentum. As we continue to remain focused on creating sought-after premium content – which propels our entire enterprise – we believe direct-to-consumer, along with owning more of our intellectual property and expanding our studio, represent significant growth areas for us.”

Second quarter net revenues increased 1.4%, or $11 million, to $772 million over the second quarter of 2018. The increase in net revenues reflected an increase of 22.4% at International and Other and a decrease of 3.6% at National Networks. Operating income was $170 million, a decrease of 11.1%, or $21 million, versus the prior year period. The operating income decrease reflected an increase of 2.0% at National Networks offset by an increase of $16 million in operating loss at International and Other. The increase in operating loss at International and Other was primarily related to $17 million in restructuring and other related charges incurred in the second quarter principally related to a reorganization of the Company’s direct-to-consumer businesses. Adjusted Operating Income² was $232 million, a decrease of 0.6%, or $1 million, versus the prior year period. The decrease in adjusted operating income reflected an increase of 0.8% at National Networks and an increase of $6 million at International and Other offset by an increase of $10 million in Inter-segment eliminations versus the prior year period. As discussed in the “Other Matters” section of the release, results include the impact of the acquisition of RLJ Entertainment (“RLJE”).

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net revenues increased 3.6%, or $54 million, to $1.557 billion, operating income decreased 2.4%, or $10 million, to $415 million, and adjusted operating income increased 4.5%, or $22 million, to $525 million.

Second quarter net income was $129 million ($2.25 per diluted share), compared with $106 million ($1.82 per diluted share) in the prior year period. EPS primarily reflected a decrease in income tax expense as well as a decrease in miscellaneous, net expense partially offset by an increase in restructuring and other related charges. Second quarter Adjusted EPS² was $149 million ($2.60 per diluted share), compared with $113 million ($1.93 per diluted share) in the prior year period. The increase in adjusted EPS was primarily related to a decrease in income tax expense and a decrease in miscellaneous, net expense.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $272 million ($4.73 per diluted share), compared with $263 million ($4.38 per diluted share) in the prior year period. Adjusted EPS for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $301 million ($5.24 per diluted share), compared with $276 million ($4.60 per diluted share) in the prior year period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $289 million, an increase of $10 million versus the prior year period. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in adjusted operating income as well as a decrease in working capital partially offset by an increase in tax payments. Free Cash Flow² for the six months ended June 30, 2019 was $229 million, a decrease of $5 million versus the prior year period. The decrease primarily reflects the increase in net cash provided by operating activities offset by an increase in capital expenditures and distributions to noncontrolling interests.

National Networks

National Networks principally consists of the Company’s five nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business.

National Networks revenues for the second quarter 2019 decreased 3.6% to $605 million, operating income increased 2.0% to $214 million, and adjusted operating income increased 0.8% to $236 million, all compared to the prior year period.

National Networks revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 decreased 3.1% to $1.221 billion, operating income increased 1.3% to $466 million, and adjusted operating income increased 1.5% to $513 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Second quarter revenues reflected a 1.3% increase in distribution revenues to $385 million. The increase in distribution revenues was attributable to an increase in content licensing revenues. Advertising revenues decreased 11.1% to $219 million. The decrease in advertising revenues primarily related to the timing of the airing of original programming as well as lower delivery partially offset by higher pricing.

Second quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected a decrease in operating expenses partially offset by the decrease in revenues. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to lower programming and marketing expenses. Programming expenses included charges of $10 million in the current year period related to the write-off of programming assets, as compared to charges of $4 million in the prior year period. Operating income also reflected a decrease in share-based compensation expense.

International and Other

International and Other principally consists of AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business; RLJ Entertainment, a content distribution company that also includes the subscription streaming services Acorn TV and Urban Movie Channel; and the Company’s wholly-owned subscription streaming services, Shudder and Sundance Now.

International and Other revenues for the second quarter of 2019 increased 22.4% to $180 million, operating loss increased $16 million to a loss of $27 million, and adjusted operating income increased $6 million to $12 million, all compared to the prior year period.

International and Other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2019 increased 35.8% to $351 million, operating loss increased $13 million to a loss of $41 million, and adjusted operating income increased $19 million to $22 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Second quarter revenues primarily reflected $26 million related to the acquisition of RLJE.

Second quarter operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues as well as an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses were primarily attributable to the acquisition of RLJE. Operating loss also reflects restructuring and other related charges of $17 million recorded in connection with the reorganization of the direct-to-consumer businesses.

Other Matters

Stock Repurchase Program

As previously disclosed, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock. The Company will determine the timing and the amount of any repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. The stock repurchase program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the second quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares for $57 million. From July 1, 2019 through July 26, 2019, the Company repurchased approximately 115,000 additional shares for $6 million. As of July 26, 2019, the Company had $495 million available under its stock repurchase authorization.

RLJ Entertainment, Inc.

As previously disclosed, in October 2018, the Company acquired a controlling interest in RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (“RLJE”). During the second quarter, the Company recorded net revenues, operating loss and AOI of $26 million, $2 million and $2 million, respectively, related to RLJE. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded net revenues, operating loss and AOI of $48 million, $5 million and $2 million, respectively, related to RLJE.

Adjusted Operating Income

As previously disclosed, in connection with the acquisition of RLJE, the Company acquired RLJE’s 64% interest in Agatha Christie Limited (“ACL”), which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights based on the author’s works. The Company records its interest in ACL under the equity method as a component of Miscellaneous, Net. As a result of the RLJE acquisition, the Company modified its definition of Adjusted Operating Income to include majority owned (>50%) equity investees. For the second quarter, the Company recorded adjusted operating income of $2 million related to ACL. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded adjusted operating income of $3 million related to ACL.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2019 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, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring and other related charges, and the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from greater than 50% owned equity method investees. 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 Adjusted Operating Income (Loss) to operating income (loss), please see page 8 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow (“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 Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, 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 related 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 Adjusted EPS to earnings per diluted share, 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 2019 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 877-347-9170, using the following passcode: 7177323.

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 operating segments: (i) National Networks, which principally includes AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business; and (ii) International and Other, which principally includes AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group, the Company’s production services and comedy venues business; RLJ Entertainment, a content distribution company that also includes the subscription streaming services Acorn TV and Urban Movie Channel; and the Company’s wholly-owned subscription streaming services, Shudder and Sundance Now. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.amcnetworks.com.

FEAR THE WALKING DEAD RETURNS STRONG FOR ITS FIFTH SEASON AS THE #3 CABLE DRAMA PREMIERE FOR THE 2018/19 TV SEASON WITH 3 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS

New York, NY – June 7, 2019 – Fear the Walking Dead returned to AMC for its fifth season Sunday with a premiere episode watched by 3 million total viewers, including 1.5 million adults 25-54 and 1.2 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings, making it the third highest-rated cable drama premiere for the current 2018/19 television season in both key demos.

AMC’s new drama series NOS4A2 arrived as a top 10 cable drama premiere for the current television season and the #2 new cable drama premiere with 1.9 million total viewers and 887k adults 25-54.

“We are super proud of our genius creative talent whose work speaks for itself – Fear has come back so strong for its fifth season and our new drama series NOS4A2 is off to an exciting start,” said Sarah Barnett, president of the entertainment networks group at AMC Networks. “It’s also great to have this report card during the upfront season, where AMC’s strength is apparent as the home of three of the top five dramas in ad-supported cable and a destination for millions of passionate fans across a wide swath of genres and favorite shows.”

In Fear the Walking Dead Season Five, the group’s mission is clear: locate survivors and help make what’s left of the world a slightly better place. With dogged determination, Morgan Jones (Lennie James) leads the group with a philosophy rooted in benevolence, community and hope. Each character believes that helping others will allow them to make up for the wrongs of their pasts. But trust won’t be easily earned. Their mission of helping others will be put to the ultimate test when our group finds themselves in unchartered territory, one which will force them to face not just their pasts but also their fears. It is only through facing those fears that the group will discover an entirely new way to live, one that will leave them forever changed.

Fear the Walking Dead is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, showrunners Andrew Chambliss and Ian Goldberg, as well as Robert Kirkman, David Alpert, Gale Anne Hurd and Greg Nicotero. The series stars Lennie James, Alycia Debnam-Carey, Colman Domingo, Danay Garcia, Garret Dillahunt, Maggie Grace, Jenna Elfman, Alexa Nisenson, Austin Amelio, Ruben Blades and Karen David.

NOS4A2 introduces Vic McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings), a gifted young woman who discovers she has a supernatural ability to find lost things. This ability puts her on a collision course with the evil and immortal Charlie Manx (Zachary Quinto). Manx is a supernatural villain who feeds off the souls of children then deposits what remains of them into Christmasland – a twisted place of Manx’s imagination where every day is Christmas Day and unhappiness is against the law. Vic strives to defeat Manx and rescue his victims – without losing her mind or falling victim to him herself.

The series stars Emmy®-nominated actor and producer Zachary Quinto (Star Trek, American Horror Story) and rising star Ashleigh Cummings (The Goldfinch). Emmy®-nominated director Kari Skogland (The Handmaid’s Tale, Sons of Liberty) directed the first two episodes of the series. The cast also includes Olafur Darri Olafsson (Lady Dynamite) as Bing Partridge, Virginia Kull (The Looming Tower) as Linda McQueen, Ebon Moss-Bachrach (The Punisher) as Chris McQueen and Jahkara Smith (aka Sailor J) as Maggie Leigh.

NOS4A2 is executive produced by showrunner Jami O’Brien (Fear the Walking Dead, Hell on Wheels), Lauren Corrao, co-president of Tornante Television, and Joe Hill. The series is produced by AMC Studios in association with Tornante Television.

About AMC

AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with Mad Men in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before Breaking Bad won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series The Walking Dead is the highest-rated series in cable history. AMC’s other original drama series include Better Call Saul, Fear the Walking Dead, The Terror, Into the Badlands, Humans, Preacher, The Son, McMafia, Lodge 49, The Little Drummer Girl, NOS4A2 and the forthcoming Dispatches From Elsewhere. AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like Talking Dead, AMC Visionaries and Ride with Norman Reedus. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

New York, NY – May 1, 2019: AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2019.

“AMC Networks had a strong start to the year and our results have put us on track to achieve our full-year targets,” said Josh Sapan, AMC Networks President and Chief Executive Officer. “With our focused, well-priced and desirable collection of assets, we occupy a differentiated space in the media landscape. We continue to create distinctive content that ignites broad cultural conversation, including Killing Eve and The Walking Dead, some of today’s most enduring IP on any screen, anywhere. We recently greenlit a third Walking Dead original series with more incarnations to come.”

First quarter net revenues increased 5.9%, or $43 million, to $784 million over the first quarter of 2018. The increase in net revenues reflected a 2.7% decline at National Networks and 53.6% growth at International and Other. Operating income was $245 million, an increase of 4.8%, or $11 million, versus the prior year period. The increase reflected 0.7% growth in operating income at National Networks and a decrease of $3 million in operating loss at International and Other. Adjusted Operating Income¹ was $293 million, an increase of 8.8%, or $24 million, versus the prior year period. Results reflected a 2.1% increase at National Networks and an increase of $12 million at International and Other. As discussed in the “Other Matters” section of the release, results include the impact of the acquisitions of RLJ Entertainment (“RLJE”) and Levity Entertainment Group (“Levity”).

First quarter net income was $143 million ($2.48 per diluted share), compared with $157 million ($2.54 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2018. EPS primarily reflected the increase in operating income as well as a decrease in diluted shares more than offset by a decrease in miscellaneous, net. Miscellaneous, net primarily reflected the partial write-down of certain minority investments and the absence of gains in the prior year period related to RLJE. First quarter Adjusted EPS¹ was $152 million ($2.64 per diluted share), compared with $163 million ($2.65 per diluted share) in the first quarter of 2018. Adjusted EPS primarily reflected an increase in adjusted operating income as well as a decrease in diluted share more than offset by a decrease in miscellaneous, net.

For the three months ended March 31, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities was $172 million, an increase of $55 million versus the prior year period. The increase was primarily the result of an increase in adjusted operating income and a decrease in working capital. Free Cash Flow² for the three months ended March 31, 2019 was $144 million, an increase of $40 million versus the prior year period. The increase primarily reflects the increase in net cash provided by operating activities partially offset by an increase in capital expenditures and distributions to noncontrolling interests.

National Networks

National Networks revenues for the first quarter 2019 decreased 2.7% to $616 million, operating income increased 0.7% to $252 million, and adjusted operating income increased 2.1% to $277 million, all compared to the prior year period.

First quarter revenues reflected a 5.9% increase in advertising revenues to $239 million. The increase in advertising revenues primarily related to higher pricing as well as the timing of the airing of original programming partially offset by lower delivery. Distribution revenues decreased 7.4% to $377 million. The decrease in distribution revenues was primarily attributable to a decrease in content licensing revenues partially offset by an increase in subscription revenues.

First quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the decrease in revenues offset by a decrease in operating expenses. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributable to lower programming and marketing expenses due principally to the timing and mix of content.

International and Other

International and Other revenues for the first quarter of 2019 increased 53.6% to $171 million, operating loss decreased $3 million to a loss of $14 million, and adjusted operating income increased $12 million to $10 million, all compared to the prior year period.

First quarter growth in revenues primarily reflected $43 million related to the acquisition of Levity and $22 million related to the acquisition of RLJE partially offset by the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation at the Company’s international programming networks.

First quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues partially offset by an increase in operating expenses. Operating income also reflected an increase in depreciation and amortization and restructuring expense.

Other Matters

Stock Repurchase Program

As previously disclosed, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock. The Company will determine the timing and the amount of any repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. The stock repurchase program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the first quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 18,000 shares for $1 million. As of April 26, 2019, the Company had $558 million available under its stock repurchase authorization.

RLJ Entertainment, Inc.

As previously disclosed, on October 1, 2018, the Company exercised certain warrants in RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (“RLJE”) and was issued shares in RLJE in exchange for the cancellation of certain debt owed to the Company by RLJE. As a result of the warrant exercises, the Company obtained a 51% controlling interest in RLJE. In addition, on October 31, 2018, the Company closed on its agreement to acquire all of the outstanding shares of RLJE not currently owned by the Company or entities affiliated with Robert L. Johnson for a purchase price of approximately $59 million. As a result of these transactions, RLJE became a privately-owned subsidiary of AMC Networks, with a 17% minority stake held by Robert L. Johnson. During the first quarter, the Company recorded net revenues, operating loss and AOI of $22 million, $3 million and $0 million, respectively, related to RLJE.

Levity Entertainment Group

As previously disclosed, on April 20, 2018, the Company acquired a majority ownership interest in Levity Entertainment Group LLC (“Levity”), a media company that owns and operates comedy venues, operates a talent management business and produces original content for distribution on multiple platforms, including live, digital and linear television. During the first quarter, the Company recorded net revenues, operating income and AOI of $43 million, $2 million and $4 million, respectively, related to Levity.

Adjusted Operating Income

As previously disclosed, in connection with the acquisition of RLJE, the Company acquired RLJE’s 64% interest in Agatha Christie Limited (“ACL”), which manages the intellectual property and publishing rights based on the author’s works. The Company records its interest in ACL under the equity method as a component of Miscellaneous, Net. As a result of the RLJE acquisition, the Company modified its definition of Adjusted Operating Income to include majority owned (>50%) equity investees. For the first quarter, the Company recorded adjusted operating income of $2 million related to ACL.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended March 31, 2019 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, share-based compensation expense or benefit, impairment and related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses), restructuring expense or credit, and the Company’s proportionate share of adjusted operating income (loss) from greater than 50% owned equity method investees. 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 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 related charges (including gains or losses on sales or dispositions of businesses); non-cash impairments of goodwill, intangible and fixed assets; restructuring expense; 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 Adjusted EPS to earnings per diluted share, please see page 9 of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Conference Call Information

AMC Networks will host a conference call today at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss its first quarter 2019 results. To listen to the call, visit http://www.amcnetworks.com or dial 1-877-347-9170, using the following passcode: 7633969.

About AMC Networks Inc.

AMC’S “THE WALKING DEAD” RINGS IN 100 EPISODES AND RETURNS FOR SEASON EIGHT AS THE #1 SHOW ON TELEVISION FOR AN UNPRECEDENTED SIXTH SEASON IN A ROW

SEASON EIGHT PREMIERE DELIVERS 15 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS, 9.3 MILLION ADULTS 25-54 AND 8.8 MILLION ADULTS 18-49 IN NIELSEN LIVE+3 RATINGS

TWO-HOUR “TALKING DEAD” LIVE FROM THE GREEK THEATRE IN LOS ANGELES FEATURING CHRIS HARDWICK AND DOZENS OF CURRENT AND FORMER CAST MEMBERS DELIVERS 5 MILLION VIEWERS

NEW YORK, NY, October 27, 2017 – AMC’s “The Walking Dead” returned for its 100th episode and season eight premiere Sunday night as the #1 show on television for an unprecedented sixth consecutive season, delivering 15 million total viewers, 9.3 million adults 25-54 and 8.8 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings. The two-hour special episode of “Talking Dead,” conducted live in front of 6,000 fans at The Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, delivered 5 million total viewers, 2.9 million adults 25-54 and 2.7 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings.

The season premiere of “The Walking Dead” now ranks as the top telecast this broadcast season among adults 18-49 and adults 25-54. “The Walking Dead” continues to significantly out-deliver top shows on fully-distributed broadcast networks like “The Big Bang Theory” and “This is Us.”
Program Rankers
A25-54 (000)

Network	Program	L+3 A25-54 (000)	TWD Advantage %
AMC	WALKING DEAD	9,288	—
CBS	YOUNG SHELDON	8,617	8%
NBC	NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL	8,179	14%
CBS	BIG BANG THEORY, THE	7,600	22%
NBC	THIS IS US	7,147	30%
CBS	CBS+NFLN THU NT FOOTBALL	6,683	39%
NBC	SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK	5,866	58%
ABC	GOOD DOCTOR, THE	5,472	70%
ESPN	NFL REGULAR SEASON L	5,436	71%
NBC	WILL & GRACE	5,417	71%

A18-49 (000)

Network	Program	L+3 A18-49 (000)	TWD Advantage %
AMC	WALKING DEAD	8,815	—
NBC	NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL	7,671	15%
CBS	YOUNG SHELDON	6,682	32%
NBC	THIS IS US	6,210	42%
CBS	CBS+NFLN THU NT FOOTBALL	6,111	44%
CBS	BIG BANG THEORY, THE	5,790	52%
NBC	SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK	5,444	62%
ESPN	NFL REGULAR SEASON L	5,208	69%
ABC	GOOD DOCTOR, THE	4,718	87%
NBC	WILL & GRACE	4,398	100%

“There are only a precious few television programs that can deliver urgent viewing and large, diverse audiences. One hundred episodes after Rick first met Morgan, ‘The Walking Dead’ continues to do both.” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “Thank you to the engaged fans around the globe and to Robert Kirkman, Scott M. Gimple, Chris Hardwick and a ton of other walkers, talkers and content hawkers that make it all possible. To our friends, fans and the entire #TWDFamily, welcome to the Century Club.”

In addition to the linear viewing, “The Walking Dead” season 8 premiere yielded more than 1.4 million views across all AMC digital platforms and Xfinity during the premiere and subsequent three days, nearly doubling the digital audience of the season seven finale, and increasing 60% compared to the premiere of the second half of season seven in April.

“The Walking Dead” season eight premiere was also a major event on social media, and continues to dominate as the # 1 most social series for the 2017/2018 season-to-date.1.5 million people generated 2.5 million social media interactions across Facebook and Twitter on premiere day. A special livestream of the red carpet arrivals at the premiere event, carried on social platforms including Facebook Live, Twitter and Xbox generated nearly 7.2 million views across all platforms.

Key Nielsen Highlights for the premiere of “The Walking Dead” (L+3)
Episode 801, 9 p.m., Sunday, October 22
15 million viewers, up 31% from live/same day (growth of 3.6 million)
8.8 million Adults 18-49, up 36% from live/same day (growth of 2.3 million)
9.3 million Adults 25-54, up 36% from live/same day (growth of 2.5 million)
Key Nielsen Highlights for the premiere of “Talking Dead” (L+3)
Episode 801, 10:07 p.m. (Two Hour Live Special) Sunday, October 22
5 million viewers, up 18% from live/same day (growth of 746k)
2.7 million Adults 18-49, up 17% from live/same day (growth of 395k)
2.9 million Adults 25-54, up 19% from live/same day (growth of 462k)

Source: Nielsen National NPM Live+3 #1 Series 6 seasons in a row- 9/25/17-10/22/17, 9/19/16-9/24/17, 9/21/15-9/18/16, 9/22/14-9/20/15, 9/23/13-9/21/14; TWD PREM Trackage Su 9p vs Broadcast and Cable (M-Su 8p11p (Start)), excl sports, specials, repeats, gapped, breakouts, sustainers. A18-49 (000)

#1 Telecast Rank: Nielsen, 2017-2018 Broadcast Season To-Date (9/25/17-10/22/17), Broadcast and Cable (M-Su 8p11p (Start)), Live+3 A18-49 (000) and A25-54 (000); excluding repeats, specials, gapped programs, breakouts, sustainers

Program Ranks: Nielsen, 2017-2018 Broadcast Season To-Date (9/25/17-10/22/17), Broadcast and Cable (M-Su 8p11p (Start)), Live+3 A18-49 (000) and A25-54 (000); Program Ranker on both demos excluding repeats, specials, gapped programs, breakouts, sustainers. Note: Walking Dead reflects Premiere trackage only.

Digital and social: Google Analytics/Xfinity CPP, Live+3 Dates: 10/22-10/25/17, platforms include AMC.com, Mobile App, AMC OTT Apps, and Xfinity Web/App. Nielsen Social Content Ratings, Date: 9/25/17 – 10/22/17, ranked on total interactions.

An AMC Studios production, “The Walking Dead” is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Greg Nicotero, and Tom Luse.

About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last six years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “Preacher,” “The Son,” “The Night Manager,” “Humans,” and the forthcoming “Dietland,” “The Terror,” “Lodge 49,” and “McMafia.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “Talking With Chris Hardwick,” “Comic Book Men,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and its “Visionaries” series. AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2017 RESULTS

Second Quarter Highlights:

Net revenues increased 3.8% to $711 million
Operating income of $176 million; Adjusted Operating Income¹ of $229 million
Diluted EPS of $1.54; Adjusted EPS¹ of $1.88
8 million shares repurchased for $153 million in second quarter 2017

New York, NY – August 3, 2017: AMC Networks Inc. (“AMC Networks” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: AMCX) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2017.
“Our financial and operating performance in the second quarter and for the year, thus far, has been strong and we remain on track to deliver on our full-year total company outlook,” said AMC Networks President and CEO Josh Sapan. “The success of our long-term focus on investing in marquee content and in distinctive, vibrant brands that attract passionate and engaged fans is reinforced by our wide distribution on new virtual MVPDs, including most recently YouTube TV; being home to four of the top five dramas on basic cable; and with Emmy nominations that span our networks and genres, including nominations for AMC’s Better Call Saul, IFC’s Documentary Now! and BBC AMERICA’s Planet Earth II. In addition, we continue to partner with our traditional distributors on innovative initiatives that support the cable ecosystem, including our new AMC Premiere offering to Comcast Xfinity TV customers, and our AMC Studios co-production partnership with Charter.”

Second quarter net revenues increased 3.8%, or $26 million, to $711 million over the second quarter of 2016. The increase in net revenues reflected 5.6% growth at National Networks and a decrease of $7 million at International and Other. Operating income was $176 million, a decrease of 1.3%, or $2 million, versus the prior year period. The operating income decrease reflected an increase of 11.9% at National Networks more than offset by an increase of $23 million in operating loss at International and Other. As discussed in the “Other Matters” section of this release, second quarter results include the impact of impairment charges of $17 million related to AMCNI-DMC, the Company’s Amsterdam-based media logistics facility. Adjusted Operating Income¹ totaled $229 million, an increase of 8.2%, or $17 million, versus the prior year period. National Networks adjusted operating income increased 12.5% and International and Other adjusted operating income decreased $7 million versus the prior year period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net revenues increased 2.8%, or $39 million, to $1.431 billion, operating income decreased 6.7%, or $29 million, to $407 million, and adjusted operating income increased 0.2%, or $1 million, to $499 million.

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) and Adjusted EPS.

Second quarter net income was $103 million ($1.54 per diluted share), compared with $77 million ($1.05 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2016. Second quarter Adjusted EPS² was $126 million ($1.88 per diluted share), compared with $84 million ($1.15 per diluted share) in the second quarter of 2016. The increase in adjusted EPS was primarily related to the increase in adjusted operating income and an increase in miscellaneous, net.

Net income for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $239 million ($3.52 per diluted share), compared with $191 million ($2.60 per diluted share) in the prior year period.

For the six months ended June 30, 2017, net cash provided by operating activities was $166 million, a decrease of $64 million versus the prior year period. The decrease was primarily the result of an increase in tax payments and working capital. Free Cash Flow² for the six months ended June 30, 2017 was $113 million, a decrease of $83 million versus the prior year period. The decrease primarily reflects the decrease in net cash provided by operating activities as well as an increase in capital expenditures over the prior year period.

National Networks
National Networks principally consists of the Company’s five nationally distributed programming networks, AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business.
National Networks revenues for the second quarter 2017 increased 5.6% to $605 million, operating income increased 11.9% to $212 million, and adjusted operating income increased 12.5% to $232 million, all compared to the prior year period.

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 EPS and Free Cash Flow.

National Networks revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2017 increased 4.2% to $1.220 billion, operating income increased 1.2% to $461 million, and adjusted operating income increased 2.6% to $500 million, all compared to the prior year period.

Second quarter growth in revenues was led by a 7.8% increase in distribution revenues to $359 million. The increase in distribution revenues was primarily attributable to an increase in licensing revenues as well as an increase in affiliate fees. Advertising revenues increased 2.6% to $245 million. The increase in advertising revenues principally related to higher pricing partially offset by lower delivery.

The increase in second quarter operating income and adjusted operating income reflected the increase in revenues offset by an increase in operating expenses. The increase in operating expenses was primarily attributable to higher programming expenses partially offset by a decrease in marketing expenses.

International and Other
International and Other principally consists of AMC Networks International, the Company’s international programming business; IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business; and various developing digital content distribution initiatives.

International and Other revenues for the second quarter of 2017 decreased $7 million to $111 million, operating loss increased $23 million to a loss of $31 million, and adjusted operating income decreased $7 million to $1 million, all compared to the prior year period.

International and Other revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2017 decreased $10 million to $218 million, operating loss increased $34 million to a loss of $50 million, and adjusted operating income decreased $11 million to $2 million, all compared to the prior year period.
Second quarter revenues reflect a decrease at AMC Networks International and IFC Films.
Second quarter operating loss and adjusted operating income reflected the decrease in revenue. Operating expenses were essentially flat as higher spending on the Company’s digital initiatives was offset by a decrease in expenses at AMC Networks International. The operating loss also reflects noncash impairment charges of $17 million related to AMCNI-DMC, the Company’s Amsterdam-based media logistics facility.

Other Matters
Stock Repurchase Program
On June 7, 2017, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized an increase of $500 million to its previously announced program to repurchase its outstanding shares of common stock. The new authorization was in addition to the $500 million authorization that was announced in March 2016. The Company will determine the timing and the amount of any repurchases based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, and other factors. The stock repurchase program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the second quarter, the Company repurchased approximately 2.8 million shares for $153 million. From July 1, 2017 through July 28, 2017, the Company repurchased approximately 925,000 additional shares for $52 million. As of July 28, 2017, the Company had $480 million available under its stock repurchase authorization.

Debt
As previously disclosed, on July 28, 2017, the Company issued $800 million in aggregate principal amount of 4.75% senior notes due 2025. The Company used the proceeds of this offering to repay approximately $397 million of loans under its Term Loan A Facility and to pay fees and expenses related to the offering, with the remaining proceeds to be used for general corporate purposes. The Company also reduced its Term Loan A Facility to $750 million and extended the maturity date to July 2023.

RLJ Entertainment
As previously disclosed, on June 20, 2017, the Company announced that it had broadened its strategic partnership with RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (“RLJE”). As part of the announcement, the Company expanded the Tranche A Term Loan from $13 million to $23 million. In addition, the Company exercised $5 million of its Tranche A Warrants into RLJE common stock.

AMC Networks International – Digital Media Center
As previously disclosed, on July 14, 2017, the Company announced that it had entered into a sale and purchase agreement with TVT Ltd. (“TVT”) for the sale of AMC Networks International – Digital Media Center (“AMCNI-DMC”), the Company’s Amsterdam-based media logistics facility. Subsequent to the sale, TVT will continue to provide broadcast services to AMC Networks International. As a result of the transaction, the Company’s second quarter 2017 results reflect a pre-tax impairment charge of $17 million related to this business. Additionally, the Company will recognize a pre-tax loss of approximately $12 million on the sale of AMCNI–DMC in the third quarter of 2017. The loss on sale may vary due to the finalization of certain purchase price adjustments.

Please see the Company’s Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2017 for further details regarding the above matters.

Description of Non-GAAP Measures
The Company defines Adjusted Operating Income, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, as operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, share-based compensation expense or benefit, and restructuring expense or credit. Because it is based upon operating income (loss), Adjusted Operating Income 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 is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance of the business segments and the Company on a consolidated basis. Adjusted Operating Income 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 measures as the most important indicators of its business performance, and evaluates management’s effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. Adjusted Operating Income 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 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 Adjusted Operating Income to operating income (loss), please see page 8 of this release.

The Company defines Free Cash Flow (“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 Free Cash Flow to net cash provided by operating activities, 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; non-cash impairments of goodwill, intangible and fixed assets and investments; restructuring expense; 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 Adjusted EPS to earnings per diluted share, 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.

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 operating segments: (i) National Networks, which principally includes AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV; and AMC Studios, the Company’s television production business; and (ii) International and Other, which principally includes AMC Networks International, our international programming business; and IFC Films, the Company’s independent film distribution business. For more information on AMC Networks, please visit the Company’s website at http://www.amcnetworks.com.

A&E Network's Groundbreaking Series "Live PD" Hits Ratings High with 2.1 Million Total Viewers

A&E spins the numbers for Saturday, July 15.

[via press release from A&E] A&E NETWORK'S GROUNDBREAKING SERIES "LIVE PD" HITS RATINGS HIGH WITH 2.1 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS

A&E Network Was the #1 Network On Television Saturday with Adults 18-49
Milestone Follows Triple-Digit Ratings Growth Since October 2016 And Additional 100 Episode Order

New York, NY - July 18, 2017 - A&E Network's hit original documentary series "Live PD" reached a new ratings high on Saturday, July 15, with 2.1 million total viewers and just over 1.0 million viewers in the key Adults 25-54 demo and 871,000 with Adults 18-49, according to Nielsen Media Research. As a result, A&E Network was the #1 network on all of television Saturday with Adults 18-49 and the #1 cable network in Adults 25-54. The ratings milestone follows a 152% ratings growth pattern in total viewers since "Live PD" launched in October 2016 and the fourth consecutive month of growth for A&E in June among total viewers. The network is currently on pace for its fifth consecutive month of growth in July.

"Live PD" is the top unscripted crime series on cable and ranks #1 among original cable programs on Friday and Saturday night with adults 25-54.* Last week, A&E Network ordered 100 additional three-hour live episodes, extending the series run into 2018 and total episodes to 142. New episodes will air every Friday and Saturday night at 9pm ET/PT throughout the summer.

Hosted by Dan Abrams with analysis from Tom Morris Jr., "Live PD" showcases the policing of America, following diverse police departments from across the country in real time as they patrol their communities. Using dash cams along with fixed rig and handheld cameras, the series captures the work of a varied mix of urban and rural police forces on a typical Friday and Saturday night. Abrams and Morris guide viewers through the night giving insight to what audiences are seeing in real time, bouncing between the featured police departments and offering an inside look at each live episode. "Live PD" also features law enforcement officers from the series who appear in-studio as guest analysts to provide additional commentary.

Abrams brings over 20 years of reporting and anchoring to the table and currently serves as the Chief Legal Analyst for ABC News. Morris is a former correspondent for the long-running series, "America's Most Wanted." He previously worked in law enforcement as a Special Police Officer in Washington, DC, and in the federal sector as Diplomatic Security for the US State Department and a declassification analyst for the Navy Department.

"Live PD" is produced for A&E by Big Fish Entertainment. Executive producers for Big Fish Entertainment are Dan Cesareo, David Doss, George McTeague, Kara Kurcz and John Zito. Executive producers for A&E Network are Elaine Frontain Bryant, Shelly Tatro and Sean Gottlieb. A+E Networks holds worldwide distribution rights for "Live PD."

About A&E Network
A&E leads the cultural conversation through high-quality, thought provoking original programming with a unique point of view. Whether it's the network's distinctive brand of award-winning disruptive reality, groundbreaking documentary, or premium scripted drama, A&E always makes entertainment an art. The A&E website is located at aetv.com. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/aetv and Facebook at facebook.com/AETV.
###
*Source: Nielsen, Live+SD, P2+ unless otherwise noted, Ranks based on 2Q17 - Date thru 7/15/17 from 8P-12A.

“FEAR THE WALKING DEAD” RETURNS STRONG AS THE #2 DRAMA ON CABLE, #3 CABLE SERIES OVERALL

Season Three Premiere Delivers 4.7 Million Viewers, Including 2.7 Million Adults 25-54 And 2.4 Million Adults 18-49 In Nielsen Live+3 Ratings

NEW YORK, NY – June 9, 2017 – “Fear the Walking Dead” returned to AMC Sunday night as the #2 drama on cable TV and #3 series on cable overall in 2017 behind only “The Walking Dead” and “Talking Dead.” The season three premiere delivered 4.7 million total viewers, including 2.7 million adults 25-54 and 2.4 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings.

“That ‘Fear the Walking Dead’ returns for season three as the #2 cable drama and #3 cable series overall is both gratifying and a fitting tribute to the many people who make this show possible,” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “That, of course, starts with Robert Kirkman, Dave Erickson and so many producers, cast and crew and, always most important, the fans who join us south of the border each week. Welcome back!”

AMC today has four out of the top five dramas on ad-supported cable and five of the top 15 series overall among adults 25-54.

Top 15 Series on Cable among P25-54, 2017-to-date

Network	Program	L+3 P25-54 (000)
AMC	WALKING DEAD	9,275
AMC	TALKING DEAD	2,960
AMC	FEAR THE WALKING DEAD	2,591
DISC	GOLD RUSH	2,451
VH1	LOVE & HIP HOP ATLANTA 6	2,251
BRAV	REAL HOUSEWIVES ATLANTA	2,104
AMC	BETTER CALL SAUL	1,998
HIST	CURSE OF OAK ISLAND	1,996
VH1	LOVE AND HIP HOP 7	1,958
DISC	STREET OUTLAWS	1,915
ID	CASEY ANTHONY:AN AMERICAN	1,880
HIST	VIKINGS	1,873
BRAV	REAL HOUSEWIVES BEV HILLS	1,798
AEN	LEAH REMINI: SCIENTOLOGY	1,748
AMC	INTO THE BADLANDS	1,724

Source: Nielsen Live+3 P25-54 (000), 2017-to-date (12/26/2016-6/4/2017), 8P-11P, Cable, excluding repeats, sports, news, specials, gapped, breakouts, miniseries and 1 t/c programs

Key Nielsen Highlights for season three premiere of “Fear the Walking Dead” ep 301 (L+3)
4.7 million viewers, 50% percent lift over live/same day
2.4 million Adults 18-49, 1.9 national rating, 60% percent lift over live/same day
2.7 million Adults 25-54, 2.3 national rating, 56% percent lift over live/same day
A wholly original companion series to “The Walking Dead,” the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years, “Fear the Walking Dead” is executive produced by Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, Greg Nicotero, David Alpert, David Erickson and Scott M. Gimple and produced by AMC Studios.

About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Preacher,” “The Son” and the forthcoming “The Terror,” “Lodge 49,” “Loaded” and “McMafia.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “Talking With Chris Hardwick,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and “The American West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

“INTO THE BADLANDS” CLOSES ITS SECOND SEASON AS A TOP SCRIPTED SERIES ON CABLE

Martial Arts Drama Already Renewed For Expanded 16-Episode
Third Season, Will Return To AMC Next Year
Season Two Averaged 3 Million Viewers Per Episode, Including 1.7 Million Adults 25-54, In Nielsen Live+3 Ratings

NEW YORK, NY – May 26, 2017 – AMC’s martial arts drama “Into the Badlands” closed its second season as a top-ten scripted series on ad-supported cable. The 10-episode second season averaged 3 million viewers per episode, including 1.7 million adults 25-54, in Nielsen live+3 ratings. The series has already been renewed for an expanded third season of 16 episodes premiering on AMC next year.

“Ambitious from the start, ‘Into the Badlands’ was built to look like nothing else on television and its scope and what this team delivered week-in and week-out only grew in season two,” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “Thanks to Al Gough, Miles Millar and a talented and extremely dedicated team of producers crew and cast, led by Daniel Wu, for bringing this extraordinary series to vibrant life. I assure you that the journey in season three will only be bigger and badder.”

For the current television season, AMC has four out of the top six scripted series on ad-supported cable among adults 25-54, and four of the top five scripted dramas among adults 18-49.

Top 10 Scripted Series on Ad-Supported Cable among P25-54

Network	Program	L+3 P25-54 (000)
AMC	WALKING DEAD	9,775
FX	AMERICAN HORROR STORY	3,361
AMC	FEAR THE WALKING DEAD	3,189
AMC	BETTER CALL SAUL	1,977
HIST	VIKINGS	1,756
AMC	INTO THE BADLANDS	1,724
CMDY	SOUTH PARK	1,606
FX	TABOO	1,515
OWN	HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS	1,417
FX	LEGION	1,357

Source: Nielsen Live+3 P25-54 (000), Broadcast Season to-date (9/19/2016-5/21/2017), 8P-11P, Ad-Supported Cable, scripted series, excluding repeats, specials, gapped, breakouts, and 1 t/c programs

Key Nielsen Highlights for Season 2 of “Into the Badlands” (L+3)
3.0 million viewers per episode
1.6 million Adults 18-49, 1.2 national rating
1.7 million Adults 25-54, 1.4 national rating

The “Into the Badlands” season two finale on May 21 delivered 2.2 million total viewers, including 1.2 million adults 25-54 and 1.1 million adults 18-49, in Nielsen live+3 ratings.

From AMC Studios, “Into the Badlands” was created by executive producers/showrunners/writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and is executive produced by Oscar®-nominated producers Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg, along with David Dobkin, Stephen Fung, Michael Taylor and Daniel Wu.

About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Preacher,” “The Son” and the forthcoming “The Terror,” “Lodge 49,” “Loaded” and “McMafia.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “Talking With Chris Hardwick,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and “The American West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

3 MILLION VIEWERS AND “THE SON” CONTINUE AMC’S SATURDAY NIGHT WESTERN TRADITION

Multi-Generational Family Epic Bows As The #1 Cable Series Of The Night And A Top Cable Premiere Of The TV Season

NEW YORK, NY – April 13, 2017 – “The Son” premiered Saturday night on AMC, continuing the network’s tradition of capping a day of classic Western films and television shows with an original Western drama. The special two-hour series premiere delivered nearly 3 million viewers across AMC and its sister network SundanceTV in Nielsen Live+3 ratings. “The Son” was the #1 original series on cable for the night and one of the top cable premieres of the current TV season.

“Horses for courses, as they say: We’re so proud of ‘The Son’ and what it represents in our continued commitment to Saturday night original programming. Original Westerns on AMC began with ‘Broken Trail’ and ‘Hell on Wheels,’ now we’re spending Saturday nights in Texas,” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “We are pleased to once again be super-serving true passionate fans on a night where millions are still available to enjoy them as event television. Congratulations to Philipp Meyer, Kevin Murphy, the inimitable Pierce Brosnan and everyone else who worked so hard to bring this epic, multi-generational, family drama to AMC.”

The two-episode premiere of “The Son” delivered 2.6 million viewers on AMC and nearly 400,000 viewers on sister network SundanceTV, in Nielsen Live+3 ratings. New episodes air on both networks each Saturday at 9 p.m.

Based on Philipp Meyer’s New York Times best-selling and Pulitzer Prize finalist novel, “The Son” is a sweeping family saga spanning 150 years and three generations of the McCullough family. The series traces the transformation of Eli McCullough (Pierce Brosnan), the charismatic family patriarch, from good-natured innocent to calculating killer. He loses everything on the wild frontier, setting him on the path to building a ranching-and-oil dynasty of unsurpassed wealth and privilege. Eli’s eldest son Pete (Henry Garrett), has grown up in his father’s shadow and struggles to make him proud while forging his own identity. Pete’s strong-willed daughter, Jeannie (Sydney Lucas) idolizes her grandfather and despite being raised in a male-dominated world, rejects her fate of existing solely to marry and bear children. Eli’s ruthlessness pits him against his wealthy Spanish neighbor, Pedro Garcia (Carlos Bardem) and his quest for power triggers consequences that span generations. Shared through a series of flashbacks, “The Son” pulls viewers into the world of young Eli McCullough (Jacob Lofland) and his father figure, Comanche war chief, Toshaway (Zahn McClarnon) and deftly explores the McCullough’s rise to become one the most powerful family dynasties in Texas.

Produced by AMC Studios and Sonar Entertainment, “The Son” is written and executive produced by Meyer, Lee Shipman, Brian McGreevy and showrunner Kevin Murphy. Tom Lesinski and Jenna Santoianni also serve as executive producers.

About AMC

AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Preacher,” and the forthcoming “The Son,” “The Terror,” “Lodge 49,” “Loaded” and “McMafia.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and “The American West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

"The Walking Dead" Ends Season Seven as the #1 Show for Record Fifth Consecutive Year

AMC further spins the numbers for the season to date.

[via press release from AMC] WALKING TALL
"THE WALKING DEAD" ENDS SEASON SEVEN AS THE #1 SHOW AMONG ADULTS 18-49 FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, ONLY DRAMA TO HOLD THIS DISTINCTION IN TELEVISION HISTORY

SEASON SEVEN FINALE DELIVERS 15.6 MILLION VIEWERS, INCLUDING 9.7 MILLION ADULTS 18-49 AND 10 MILLION ADULTS 25-54 IN NIELSEN LIVE+3 RATINGS
"TALKING DEAD" REMAINS #1 TALK SHOW, WITH SEASON SEVEN AVERAGING 4.9 MILLION VIEWERS PER EPISODE, INCLUDING 2.9 MILLION ADULTS 18-49 AND 3 MILLION ADULTS 25-54

NEW YORK, NY - April 7, 2017 - "The Walking Dead" completed its seventh season Sunday night as the #1 show on television among adults 18-49 for the fifth consecutive year, the only drama in television history to hold the #1 title for five consecutive years. "The Walking Dead" has extended its lead over the #2 program ("Big Bang Theory", CBS) by 61% among adults 18-49. "Talking Dead" remains the #1 talk show on television, averaging 4.9 million viewers per week for the just-completed season.

"Robert Kirkman, Scott Gimple, our outstanding executive producing team, cast and crew as well as the many partners at AMC and around the world who elevate this unique program all deserve a heartfelt thank you and congratulations. At the close of its seventh season, 'The Walking Dead' remains the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the fifth consecutive year, a drama record," said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. "It is a tribute to everyone involved that the show continues to surprise and engage, entertain and amaze after 99 episodes... and counting."

Key Nielsen Highlights for the season finale of "The Walking Dead" (L+3)
Episode 716, Sunday, April 2
15.6 million viewers, up 38% from live/same day (growth of 4.3 million)
9.7 million Adults 18-49, up 40% from live/same day (growth of 2.8 million), 7.6 national rating
10.0 million Adults 25-54, up 40% from live/same day (growth of 2.8 million) 8.3 national rating
This season of "Talking Dead" averaged 4.9 million viewers per episode, including 2.9 million adults 18-49 and 3 million adults 25-54. "The Walking Dead" continues to be the #1 show on television for the fifth consecutive season, unprecedented for a TV drama. In the current television season, AMC currently has three of the top five dramas on cable among both adults 18-49 and 25-54 - "The Walking Dead" at #1, "Fear the Walking Dead" at #3 and "Into the Badlands" at #4.
16/17 Season to Date

Top 10 Programs
Originator Program Name P18-49 (000) Originator Program Name P25-54 (000)
AMC WALKING DEAD 9,709 AMC WALKING DEAD 9,775
CBS BIG BANG THEORY, THE 6,016 CBS BIG BANG THEORY, THE 7,754
NBC THIS IS US 5,578 NBC THIS IS US 6,487
FOX EMPIRE 5,485 FOX EMPIRE 5,790
ABC MODERN FAMILY 4,296 ABC MODERN FAMILY 5,050
NBC VOICE 3,937 NBC VOICE 4,926
NBC VOICE-TUE 3,835 NBC VOICE-TUE 4,806
ABC GREY'S ANATOMY 4,183 ABC GREY'S ANATOMY 4,614
ABC BACHELOR, THE 3,795 CBS NCIS 4,311
ABC DESIGNATED SURVIVOR 3,352 ABC DESIGNATED SURVIVOR 4,162
Source: Nielsen. L+3 (09/19/2016 - 04/02/2017). M-Su 8p-11p. (Start) excludes sports & news, encores, breakouts, gapped, <5 min and special programs. 2+TC

About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy(R) Award for Outstanding Drama Series with "Mad Men" in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before "Breaking Bad" won it in 2013 and 2014. The network's series "The Walking Dead" is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years. AMC's other current original drama series include "Better Call Saul," "TURN: Washington's Spies," "Halt and Catch Fire," "Humans," "Fear the Walking Dead," "Into the Badlands," "The Night Manager," "Preacher," and the forthcoming "The Son," "The Terror," "Lodge 49," "Loaded" and "McMafia." AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like "Talking Dead," "The Making of The Mob," "Comic Book Men," "Ride with Norman Reedus" and "The American West." AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

“INTO THE BADLANDS” SLASHES ITS WAY INTO SEASON TWO AS CABLE’S #1 RETURNING SHOW IN 2017

Season Two Premiere Delivers 4.5 Million Viewers And 2.7 Million Adults 25-54 In Nielsen Live+3 Ratings

With The Return Of “Into The Badlands,” AMC Now Has Four Of The Top 10 Shows On Cable Among Adults 25-54 This TV Season

NEW YORK, NY – March 24, 2017 – “Into the Badlands” returned to AMC Sunday night as cable’s #1 returning show for 2017 among adults 25-54. The season two premiere delivered 4.5 million total viewers, 2.7 million adults 25-54 and 2.4 million adults 18-49 in Nielsen live+3 ratings.

“It is great to have this thrill ride of a series, with the best, most truly artistic, fight sequences on television, return to AMC for a second season. That is does so as the #1 returning program on cable in 2017 is truly meaningful,” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “Thanks to Al Gough, Miles Millar, our terrific cast and everyone else helping elevate this literal high-wire act. Most of all thanks to the fans for engaging and joining us for this wild ride.”

Key Nielsen Highlights for the season 2 premiere of “Into the Badlands” (L+3)

Episode 201, Sunday, March 19

4.5 million viewers, up 24% from the Into the Badlands Season 1 finale

2.4 million Adults 18-49, up 19% from the Into the Badlands Season 1 finale

2.7 million Adults 25-54, up 20% from the Into the Badlands Season 1 finale

With the return of “Into the Badlands,” AMC has four of the top 10 shows on cable among adults 25-54 this season.

Net	Program Name	TC	L+3 P25-54 (000)
AMC	WALKING DEAD	14	9,814
ESPN	NFL REGULAR SEASON L	15	5,386
FX	AMERICAN HORROR STORY	9	3,361
AMC	TALKING DEAD	13	3,280
BET	NEW EDITION STORY, THE	3	3,212
AMC	FEAR THE WALKING DEAD	3	3,189
NFL	THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL	6	2,886
AMC	INTO THE BADLANDS	1	2,656
VH1	LOVE & HIP HOP ATLANTA 6	2	2,477
DISC	GOLD RUSH	21	2,311

Source: Nielsen, 16-17 STD (3/19/17) L+3, Cable series & reg season sports, excludes specials, encores, & election coverage.

From AMC Studios, "Into the Badlands" was created by executive producers/showrunners/writers Alfred Gough and Miles Millar and is executive produced by Oscar®-nominated producers Stacey Sher and Michael Shamberg, along with David Dobkin, Stephen Fung, Michael Taylor and Daniel Wu.

“Into the Badlands” airs Sunday nights on AMC.
About AMC

RISE UP!

TELEVISION’S #1 PROGRAM RETURNS FOR THE SECOND HALF OF ITS SEVENTH SEASON WITH INCREASES IN TOTAL VIEWERS AND KEY DEMOS FROM THE MID-SEASON FINALE IN DECEMBER

MID-SEASON PREMIERE DELIVERS 15.9 MILLION TOTAL VIEWERS, 9.9 MILLION ADULTS 18-49 AND 10 MILLION ADULTS 25-54 IN NIELSEN LIVE+3 RATINGS

#1 SHOW ON TELEVISION FOR FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR UP 5 PERCENT IN TOTAL VIEWERS AND 3 PERCENT IN ADULTS 18-49 FROM DECEMBER’S MID-SEASON FINALE

“TALKING DEAD” REMAINS TELEVISION’S #1 TALK SHOW WITH 5.6 MILLION VIEWERS AND 3.2 MILLION ADULTS 18-49 IN NIELSEN LIVE+3 RATINGS

NEW YORK, NY, February 17, 2017 – “The Walking Dead” returned Sunday night for the second half of its seventh season with increases in total viewers and key demos from December’s mid-season finale. Sunday night’s return delivered 15.9 million total viewers, 9.9 million adults 18-49 and 10 million adults 25-54 in Nielsen live+3 ratings. Total viewers were up 5 percent from December, adults 18-49 increased 3 percent and adults 25-54 increased 5 percent.

Talking Dead remains television’s #1 talk show, returning with 5.6 million total viewers, 3.2 adults 18-49 and 3.4 adults 25-54 in Nielsen live+3 ratings.

“Whether you consider ‘The Walking Dead’ a survivor or an empire, it is gratifying to see the show return with such a big bang, and not just in theory – ratings increases from December’s finale in an environment in which growth, when measured and reported, can feel like something of a stranger thing,” said Charlie Collier, president of AMC, SundanceTV and AMC Studios. “This is us on Sunday nights, going up against the best of television, the NFL, NBA and big-ticket special events like this week’s Grammys, and yet Gimple and Kirkman are still holding the crown. Thanks to the modern family that gives voice to this remarkable show, #1 on television for five years in a row and, with that said, it’s actually a franchise we are running and evaluating far beyond weekly Nielsen report cards. To take a shorter-term view of ‘The Walking Dead’ would be scandal.”

Key Nielsen Highlights for the mid-season premiere of “The Walking Dead” (L+3)
Episode 709, Sunday, February 12
15.9 million viewers, up 33% from live/same day (growth of 3.9 million)
9.9 million Adults 18-49, up 35% from live/same day (growth of 2.6 million)
10.0 million Adults 25-54, up 36% from live/same day (growth of 2.6 million)

Key Nielsen Highlights for the mid-season premiere of “Talking Dead” (L+3)
Episode 709, Sunday, February 12
5.6 million viewers
3.2 million Adults 18-49
3.4 million Adults 25-54
“The Walking Dead” continues to far outpace everything else on television in delivering 18-49 and 25-54 viewers. Current season averages for the top ten shows on television are:

All Programs, Ranked on Live+3 P18-49:

Network	Program Name	Live+3 P18-49 (000)
AMC	WALKING DEAD	10,295
NBC	NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL	8,603
NBC	NBC+NFLN THU NT FOOTBALL	6,712
CNN	ELECTION NIGHT IN AMERICA	6,681
CBS	BIG BANG THEORY, THE	6,227
CBS	CBS+NFLN THU NT FOOTBALL	6,188
FOX	EMPIRE	5,631
NBC	THIS IS US	5,478
ESPN	NFL REGULAR SEASON L	4,948
ABC	MODERN FAMILY	4,470

Nielsen, 2016-2017 Broadcast Season (9/19/2016 - 2/12/2017), Prime 8P-11P, Live+3, P18-49, excludes 1 t/c programs and programs < 15 min
Excluding sports & news, Ranked on Live+3 P18-49:

Network	Program Name	Live+3 P18-49 (000)
AMC	WALKING DEAD	10,295
CBS	BIG BANG THEORY, THE	6,227
FOX	EMPIRE	5,631
NBC	THIS IS US	5,478
ABC	MODERN FAMILY	4,470
ABC	GREY'S ANATOMY	4,314
NBC	VOICE	3,860
NBC	VOICE-TUE	3,855
ABC	BACHELOR, THE	3,785
FX	AMERICAN HORROR STORY	3,753
ABC	SCANDAL	3,606
ABC	DESIGNATED SURVIVOR	3,521
AMC	TALKING DEAD	3,331
BET	NEW EDITION STORY, THE	3,250
CBS	SURVIVOR	3,169

Nielsen, 2016-2017 Broadcast Season (9/19/2016 - 2/12/2017), Prime 8P-11P, Live+3, P18-49, excludes sports, news, 1 t/c programs and programs < 15 min

Key Social Highlights for the mid-season premiere of “The Walking Dead”

The mid-season premiere episode of “The Walking Dead” was the #1 most social series episode of the week, with 2.6 million interactions on Facebook and Twitter.
Among all primetime series, “The Walking Dead” mid-season premiere episode was the most social episode of 2017 so far, with more than double the interactions than the next-closest episode (premiere of The Bachelor, which had 934K).

Source: Nielsen Social Content Ratings, 2/6 - 2/12 Episodes, Linear Metrics, Nielsen Social Content Ratings, Primetime Series Episodes, 1/1 - 2/12, Ranked by Total Interactions
An AMC Studios production, “The Walking Dead” is executive produced by Scott M. Gimple, Robert Kirkman, Gale Anne Hurd, David Alpert, Greg Nicotero, and Tom Luse.

About AMC
AMC is home to some of the most popular and acclaimed programs on television. AMC was the first basic cable network to ever win the Emmy® Award for Outstanding Drama Series with “Mad Men” in 2008, which then went on to win the coveted award four years in a row, before “Breaking Bad” won it in 2013 and 2014. The network’s series “The Walking Dead” is the highest-rated series in cable history and the number one show on television among adults 18-49 for the last five years. AMC’s other current original drama series include “Better Call Saul,” “Hell on Wheels,” “TURN: Washington’s Spies,” “Halt and Catch Fire,” “Humans,” “Fear the Walking Dead,” “Into the Badlands,” “The Night Manager,” “Preacher,” and the forthcoming “The Son,” “The Terror,” “Lodge 49,” “Loaded” and “McMafia.” AMC also explores authentic worlds and discussion with original shows like “Talking Dead,” “The Making of The Mob,” “Comic Book Men,” “Ride with Norman Reedus” and “The American West.” AMC is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc. and its sister networks include IFC, SundanceTV, BBC America and WE tv. AMC is available across all platforms, including on-air, online, on demand and mobile.

Thursday, October 31, 2019

AMC Ratings

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS THIRD QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2019 RESULTS

AMC NETWORKS INC. REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2017 RESULTS

“INTO THE BADLANDS” CLOSES ITS SECOND SEASON AS A TOP SCRIPTED SERIES ON CABLE

No comments:

Post a Comment

Blog Archive

Our Sites and Forums

Other TV Sites

TV Press Sites