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AMC Networks Inc. - Quarter Report: 2019 June (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
FORM 10-Q
 
Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2019
or
Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from   to
Commission File Number: 1-35106
 
AMC Networks Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
27-5403694
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
 
 
 
11 Penn Plaza,
 
New York,
NY
10001
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(212) 324-8500
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class
Trading Symbol(s)
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
AMCX
The
NASDAQ
Stock Market LLC
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  þ    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2).
Large accelerated filer
þ
Accelerated filer
¨
 
 
 
 
Non-accelerated filer
¨
Smaller reporting company
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes      No  þ
The number of shares of common stock outstanding as of July 26, 2019:
Class A Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
44,159,318
Class B Common Stock par value $0.01 per share
11,484,408




AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
Page
 
 
 




PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.
Financial Statements.
AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)

 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
706,342

 
$
554,886

Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $9,029 and $10,788)
838,287

 
835,977

Current portion of program rights, net
433,769

 
440,739

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
166,181

 
131,809

Total current assets
2,144,579

 
1,963,411

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $321,719 and $293,918
264,616

 
246,262

Program rights, net
1,114,038

 
1,214,051

Deferred carriage fees, net
23,320

 
16,831

Intangible assets, net
557,371

 
578,907

Goodwill
792,083

 
798,037

Deferred tax asset, net
48,998

 
19,272

Operating lease right-of-use asset
175,677

 

Other assets
441,052

 
441,792

Total assets
$
5,561,734

 
$
5,278,563

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
105,353

 
$
107,066

Accrued liabilities
231,859

 
264,918

Current portion of program rights obligations
345,799

 
343,589

Deferred revenue
56,577

 
55,424

Current portion of long-term debt
37,500

 
21,334

Current portion of lease obligations
31,445

 
5,090

Total current liabilities
808,533

 
797,421

Program rights obligations
289,728

 
373,249

Long-term debt
3,073,419

 
3,088,221

Lease obligations
223,335

 
21,427

Deferred tax liability, net
135,001

 
145,443

Other liabilities
160,417

 
208,036

Total liabilities
4,690,433

 
4,633,797

Commitments and contingencies


 


Redeemable noncontrolling interests
302,788

 
299,558

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
Class A Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 360,000 shares authorized, 63,851 and 63,255 shares issued and 44,275 and 44,749 shares outstanding, respectively
639

 
633

Class B Common Stock, $0.01 par value, 90,000 shares authorized, 11,484 shares issued and outstanding
115

 
115

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 45,000 shares authorized; none issued

 

Paid-in capital
258,150

 
239,767

Accumulated earnings
1,501,082

 
1,228,942

Treasury stock, at cost (19,577 and 18,507 shares Class A Common Stock, respectively)
(1,051,022
)
 
(992,583
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
(167,144
)
 
(160,194
)
Total AMC Networks stockholders' equity
541,820

 
316,680

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests
26,693

 
28,528

Total stockholders' equity
568,513

 
345,208

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
5,561,734

 
$
5,278,563

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

1


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

 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues, net
$
772,299

 
$
761,385

 
$
1,556,520

 
$
1,502,208

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
385,623

 
376,809

 
725,771

 
697,174

Selling, general and administrative
173,364

 
171,376

 
345,876

 
337,825

Depreciation and amortization
25,893

 
21,669

 
49,949

 
42,023

Restructuring and other related charges
17,162

 

 
19,804

 

Total operating expenses
602,042

 
569,854

 
1,141,400

 
1,077,022

Operating income
170,257

 
191,531

 
415,120

 
425,186

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(39,716
)
 
(39,265
)
 
(79,361
)
 
(77,470
)
Interest income
4,745

 
5,332

 
8,945

 
10,351

Miscellaneous, net
(2,697
)
 
(14,719
)
 
(15,482
)
 
2,227

Total other income (expense)
(37,668
)
 
(48,652
)
 
(85,898
)
 
(64,892
)
Income from operations before income taxes
132,589

 
142,879

 
329,222

 
360,294

Income tax benefit (expense)
1,396

 
(32,547
)
 
(45,080
)
 
(89,426
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
133,985

 
110,332

 
284,142

 
270,868

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,242
)
 
(4,151
)
 
(12,002
)
 
(7,817
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
128,743

 
$
106,181

 
$
272,140

 
$
263,051

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income per share attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders:
Basic
$
2.28

 
$
1.84

 
$
4.81

 
$
4.43

Diluted
$
2.25

 
$
1.82

 
$
4.73

 
$
4.38

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
56,590

 
57,758

 
56,589

 
59,354

Diluted
57,335

 
58,387

 
57,529

 
60,044

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

2


AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
133,985

 
$
110,332

 
$
284,142

 
$
270,868

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
553

 
(45,759
)
 
(5,210
)
 
(26,955
)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(1,625
)
 

 
(2,263
)
 

Other comprehensive loss, before income taxes
(1,072
)
 
(45,759
)
 
(7,473
)
 
(26,955
)
Income tax expense
374

 

 
523

 

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(698
)
 
(45,759
)
 
(6,950
)
 
(26,955
)
Comprehensive income
133,287

 
64,573

 
277,192

 
243,913

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,033
)
 
(2,173
)
 
(11,831
)
 
(6,736
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
128,254

 
$
62,400

 
$
265,361

 
$
237,177

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3


AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Class A
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
AMC Networks Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, March 31, 2019
$
634

 
$
115

 
$
242,322

 
$
1,372,339

 
$
(993,574
)
 
$
(166,446
)
 
$
455,390

 
$
29,147

 
$
484,537

Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders

 

 

 
128,743

 

 

 
128,743

 

 
128,743

Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
128

 
128

Distributions to noncontrolling member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,374
)
 
(2,374
)
Treasury stock not yet settled

 

 
(832
)
 

 

 

 
(832
)
 

 
(832
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
(698
)
 
(698
)
 
(208
)
 
(906
)
Share-based compensation expense

 

 
16,725

 

 

 

 
16,725

 

 
16,725

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasury stock acquired

 

 

 

 
(57,448
)
 

 
(57,448
)
 

 
(57,448
)
Restricted stock units converted to shares
5

 

 
(65
)
 

 

 

 
(60
)
 

 
(60
)
Balance, June 30, 2019
$
639

 
$
115

 
$
258,150

 
$
1,501,082

 
$
(1,051,022
)
 
$
(167,144
)
 
$
541,820

 
$
26,693

 
$
568,513

 
Class A
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
AMC Networks Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2018
$
633

 
$
115

 
$
239,767

 
$
1,228,942

 
$
(992,583
)
 
$
(160,194
)
 
$
316,680

 
$
28,528

 
$
345,208

Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders

 

 

 
272,140

 

 

 
272,140

 

 
272,140

Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,070

 
1,070

Distributions to noncontrolling member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
(2,735
)
 
(2,735
)
Treasury stock not yet settled

 

 
(832
)
 

 

 

 
(832
)
 

 
(832
)
Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
(6,950
)
 
(6,950
)
 
(170
)
 
(7,120
)
Share-based compensation expense

 

 
36,624

 

 

 

 
36,624

 

 
36,624

Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

 
4,630

 

 

 

 
4,630

 

 
4,630

Treasury stock acquired

 

 
986

 

 
(58,439
)
 

 
(57,453
)
 

 
(57,453
)
Restricted stock units converted to shares
6

 

 
(23,025
)
 

 

 

 
(23,019
)
 

 
(23,019
)
Balance, June 30, 2019
$
639

 
$
115

 
$
258,150

 
$
1,501,082

 
$
(1,051,022
)
 
$
(167,144
)
 
$
541,820

 
$
26,693

 
$
568,513







See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


4


AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Class A
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
AMC Networks Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, March 31, 2018
$
631

 
$
115

 
$
182,278

 
$
936,379

 
$
(793,078
)
 
$
(95,582
)
 
$
230,743

 
$
30,367

 
$
261,110

Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders

 

 

 
106,181

 

 

 
106,181

 

 
106,181

Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,132

 
1,132

Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards

 

 

 
3,246

 

 
(3,411
)
 
(165
)
 

 
(165
)
Treasury stock not yet settled

 

 
9,980

 

 

 

 
9,980

 

 
9,980

Settlement of treasury stock

 

 
1

 

 

 

 
1

 

 
1

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
(45,759
)
 
(45,759
)
 
(1,978
)
 
(47,737
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

 
4,317

 

 

 

 
4,317

 

 
4,317

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
19,753

 

 

 

 
19,753

 

 
19,753

Treasury stock acquired

 

 

 

 
(158,772
)
 

 
(158,772
)
 

 
(158,772
)
Restricted stock units converted to shares
1

 

 
(381
)
 

 

 

 
(380
)
 

 
(380
)
Balance, June 30, 2018
$
632

 
$
115

 
$
215,948

 
$
1,045,806

 
$
(951,850
)
 
$
(144,752
)
 
$
165,899

 
$
29,521

 
$
195,420


 
Class A
Common
Stock
 
Class B
Common
Stock
 
Paid-in
Capital
 
Accumulated Earnings
 
Treasury
Stock
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
 
AMC Networks Stockholders’
Equity
 
Noncontrolling Interests
 
Total Stockholders' Equity
Balance, December 31, 2017
$
627

 
$
115

 
$
191,303

 
$
766,725

 
$
(709,440
)
 
$
(114,386
)
 
$
134,944

 
$
29,001

 
$
163,945

Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders

 

 

 
263,051

 

 

 
263,051

 

 
263,051

Net income attributable to non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
1,601

 
1,601

Distributions to noncontrolling member

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cumulative effects of adoption of accounting standards

 

 

 
16,030

 

 
(3,411
)
 
12,619

 

 
12,619

Treasury stock not yet settled

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Settlement of treasury stock

 

 
996

 

 

 

 
996

 

 
996

Other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 
(26,955
)
 
(26,955
)
 
(1,081
)
 
(28,036
)
Proceeds from the exercise of stock options

 

 
4,317

 

 

 

 
4,317

 

 
4,317

Share-based compensation expense

 

 
35,072

 

 

 

 
35,072

 

 
35,072

Treasury stock acquired

 

 

 

 
(242,410
)
 

 
(242,410
)
 

 
(242,410
)
Restricted stock units converted to shares
5

 

 
(15,740
)
 

 

 

 
(15,735
)
 

 
(15,735
)
Balance, June 30, 2018
$
632

 
$
115

 
$
215,948

 
$
1,045,806

 
$
(951,850
)
 
$
(144,752
)
 
$
165,899

 
$
29,521

 
$
195,420



See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
2019
 
2018
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
284,142

 
$
270,868

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash from operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
49,949

 
42,023

Share-based compensation expense related to equity classified awards
36,624

 
35,072

Non-cash restructuring and other related charges
14,026

 

Amortization and write-off of program rights
468,987

 
468,957

Amortization of deferred carriage fees
7,761

 
8,803

Unrealized foreign currency transaction gain
(647
)
 
(1,866
)
Unrealized gain on derivative contracts, net

 
(17,322
)
Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts on indebtedness
3,947

 
3,800

Bad debt expense
2,937

 
1,924

Deferred income taxes
(40,065
)
 
29,290

Write-down of non-marketable equity securities and note receivable
17,741

 

Other, net
(2,057
)
 
6,944

Changes in assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net)
(9,011
)
 
(40,419
)
Prepaid expenses and other assets
(40,017
)
 
(12,377
)
Program rights and obligations, net
(443,519
)
 
(471,385
)
Income taxes payable
8,948

 
(1,829
)
Deferred revenue
1,107

 
4,392

Deferred carriage fees, net
(13,597
)
 
(2,448
)
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities
(58,319
)
 
(45,850
)
Net cash provided by operating activities
288,937

 
278,577

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(49,463
)
 
(37,402
)
Return of capital from investees
5,908

 
347

Investment in and loans to investees

 
(87,488
)
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired

 
(34,879
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(43,555
)
 
(159,422
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Principal payments on long-term debt
(2,717
)
 

Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(23,019
)
 
(15,734
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(58,440
)
 
(242,409
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,630

 
4,317

Principal payments on finance lease obligations
(2,590
)
 
(2,625
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests
(10,129
)
 
(6,967
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(92,265
)
 
(263,418
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents from operations
153,117

 
(144,263
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
(1,661
)
 
1,604

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
554,886

 
558,783

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
706,342

 
$
416,124


See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

6

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)


Note 1. Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
Description of Business
AMC Networks Inc. ("AMC Networks") and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as the "Company") own and operate entertainment businesses and assets. The Company is comprised of two operating segments:
National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV in the United States ("U.S."); and AMC and IFC in Canada. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks.
International and Other: Principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group LLC ("Levity"), acquired April 20, 2018, our production services and comedy venues company; RLJ Entertainment Inc. ("RLJE"), acquired October 1, 2018, a content distribution company that also includes the subscription streaming services Acorn TV and Urban Movie Channel ("UMC") and our subscription streaming services, Sundance Now and Shudder.
Basis of Presentation
Principles of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AMC Networks and its subsidiaries in which a controlling voting interest is maintained or variable interest entities ("VIEs") in which the Company has determined it is the primary beneficiary. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
Investments in business entities in which the Company lacks control but does have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and financial policies are accounted for using the equity method of accounting.
Unaudited Interim Financial Statements
These condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") for interim financial information and Article 10 of Regulation S-X of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2018 contained in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K ("2018 Form 10-K") filed with the SEC. The condensed consolidated financial statements presented in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q are unaudited; however, in the opinion of management, such financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting solely of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the results for the interim periods presented.
The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that might be expected for future interim periods or for the full year ending December 31, 2019.
Revision to Previously Issued Financial Statements
We have revised the condensed consolidated financial statements included herein to correct an error related to the foreign currency translation amounts reported in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. The revision resulted in a decrease of $53.2 million to each of the following line items in the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income: (i) foreign currency translation adjustment, (ii) other comprehensive income (loss) and (iii) comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders, for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. In accordance with accounting guidance in ASC Topic 250-10, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin Topic 1M), we assessed the materiality of the errors from quantitative and qualitative perspectives and concluded that the errors were not material to our previously issued financial statements. Consequently, we are correcting these errors in this report.
Program Rights
The Company periodically reviews the programming usefulness of its licensed and owned original program rights based on a series of factors, including expected future revenue generation from airings on the Company's networks and other exploitation opportunities, ratings, type and quality of program material, standards and practices, and fitness for exhibition through various forms of distribution. If it is determined that film or other program rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness, a write-off of the unamortized cost is included in technical and operating expense. Program rights write-offs, included in technical

7

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

and operating expense, were $10.3 million and $3.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Program rights write-offs, included in technical and operating expense, were $13.6 million and $9.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Program write-offs, included in Restructuring and other related charges, were $13.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 (see Note 4).
Use of Estimates
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements; and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates and judgments inherent in the preparation of the consolidated financial statements include the useful lives and methodologies used to amortize and assess recoverability of program rights, the estimated useful lives of intangible assets and the valuation and recoverability of goodwill and intangible assets.
Adoption of New Lease Standard
The Company adopted ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) on January 1, 2019, using the modified retrospective approach and effective date method. In addition, the Company elected the package of practical expedients, permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard, which among other things, allowed for the carry forward of the historical classification of leases. The adoption of the new standard resulted in additional net lease assets of $180.0 million (which is net of the historical deferred rent liability balance of $57.0 million) and lease liabilities of $237.0 million, respectively, as of January 1, 2019. The new standard did not materially impact our consolidated net income or cash flows. See Note 10 for further discussion regarding leases.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820). ASU 2018-13 changes the disclosure requirements for fair value measurements and is effective for the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted. ASU 2018-13 changes disclosure requirements related to transfers between Level I and II assets, as well as several aspects surrounding the valuation process and unrealized gains and losses related to Level III assets. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the modified disclosure requirements will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In March 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-02, Improvements to Accounting for Costs of Films and License Agreements for Program Materials. ASU 2019-02 aligns the accounting for production costs of episodic television series with the accounting for production costs of films. It also requires an entity to test a film or license agreement within the scope of Subtopic 920-350 for impairment at the film group level, when the film or license agreement is predominantly monetized with other films and/or license agreements. The changes in this standard are effective for the first quarter of 2020, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact the adoption of the prospective disclosure requirements will have on its consolidated financial statements.
Note 2. Revenue Recognition
Transaction Price Allocated to Future Performance Obligations
As of June 30, 2019, other than contracts for which the Company has applied the practical expedients, the aggregate amount of transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations was not material to our consolidated revenues.
Contract Balances from Contracts with Customers
The following table provides information about receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities from contracts with customers.
(In thousands)
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Balances from contracts with customers:
 
 
 
 
     Accounts receivable (including long-term, included in Other assets)
 
$
1,042,312

 
$
1,018,105

     Contract assets, short-term (included in Other current assets)
 
15,767

 
9,131

     Contract assets, long-term (included in Other assets)
 
8,696

 
8,136

     Contract liabilities (Deferred revenue)
 
56,577

 
55,424


Revenue recognized for the six months ended June 30, 2019 relating to the contract liability at December 31, 2018 was $9.2 million.

8

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Note 3. Net Income per Share
The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
56,590

 
57,758

 
56,589

 
59,354

Effect of dilution:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options
15

 
5

 
24

 
3

Restricted stock units
730

 
624

 
916

 
687

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
57,335

 
58,387

 
57,529

 
60,044


Approximately 1.5 million restricted stock units outstanding as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, have been excluded from diluted weighted average common shares outstanding since a performance condition for these awards was not met in each of the respective periods. As of June 30, 2019, there were 0.3 million restricted stock units that would have been anti-dilutive to the diluted weighted average common shares outstanding.
Stock Repurchase Program
The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of its Class A Common Stock at an average purchase price of approximately $54.61 per share. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has $501.0 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.
Note 4. Restructuring and Other Related Charges
Restructuring and other related charges of $17.2 million and $19.8 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, primarily related to the direct to consumer re-organization described below as well as severance and other personnel related costs incurred at AMCNI associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
During 2018, management commenced a restructuring initiative designed to reduce the cost structure of the Company. The restructuring was intended to improve the organizational design of the Company through the elimination of certain roles, a reduction in the grade of certain roles, an increase in the span of responsibilities of certain senior managers, and the realignment of certain senior leaders to new or additional responsibilities. The Company incurred severance and other personnel related costs of $2.9 million and $3.9 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively.
In May 2019, management commenced a restructuring initiative of the Company's owned subscription streaming services. The restructuring combined the Company's owned subscription streaming services under one management team. In connection with this reorganization, a number of roles were eliminated to address redundancy at the senior management level and improve the effectiveness of management while reducing the cost structure of the Company. Restructuring charges incurred of $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 related to severance and other personnel related costs.
In connection with the management changes in the direct to consumer business, the Company implemented changes to its strategy for one of its owned subscription streaming services, including programming that will no longer be made available. Other related charges incurred of $13.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 related to a write-off of programming in connection with the direct to consumer reorganization and change in strategy.
The following table summarizes the restructuring and other related charges recognized by operating segment:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2019
National Networks
$
274

 
$
576

International & Other
16,888

 
19,923

Inter-segment eliminations

 
(695
)
Total restructuring and other related charges
$
17,162

 
$
19,804


9

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the restructuring and other charges recognized for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
2019
Restructuring charges
$
4,145

 
$
6,787

Other related charges
13,017

 
13,017

Total restructuring and other related charges
$
17,162

 
$
19,804

The following table summarizes the accrued restructuring costs:
(In thousands)
Severance and employee-related costs
 
Other related costs
 
Total
Balance at December 31, 2018
$
33,774

 
$
1,415

 
$
35,189

Charges
5,220

 
1,567

 
6,787

Cash payments
(21,115
)
 
(405
)
 
(21,520
)
Non-cash adjustments
(884
)
 
(2,363
)
 
(3,247
)
Currency translation
39

 
16

 
55

Balance at June 30, 2019
$
17,034

 
$
230

 
$
17,264


Accrued restructuring costs of $11.8 million are included in accrued liabilities and $5.5 million are included in other liabilities (long-term) in the consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2019.
Note 5. Business Combinations
RLJ Entertainment
In October 2018, the Company acquired a controlling interest in RLJE, a premium subscription streaming services company that operates Acorn TV and UMC. Acorn TV features high-quality British and International mysteries and dramas. UMC showcases quality urban programming including feature films, documentaries, original series, stand-up comedy and other exclusive content for African-American and urban audiences. In addition, RLJE owns a majority interest in Agatha Christie Ltd., a popular world-class franchise. 
RLJE also controls, co-produces, and either owns or has long-term distribution rights to a large library of content primarily consisting of British mysteries and dramas, independent feature films and urban content. In addition to supporting its streaming services, the company monetizes its library through distribution operations across virtually all available media platforms and is distributed in the United States, Canada, U.K. and Australia.
The Company accounted for the acquisition of RLJE using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be measured at their estimated respective fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. Goodwill recognized in connection with this transaction represents primarily the potential economic benefits that the Company believes may arise from the acquisition. The goodwill associated with the RLJE acquisition is generally not deductible for tax purposes.
The acquisition accounting for RLJE as reflected in these consolidated financial statements is preliminary. The estimated fair values that are not yet finalized relate to the valuation of certain tax liabilities.

10

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the preliminary valuation of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed as of October 1, 2018, the date the Company obtained a controlling interest (in thousands).
Fair value of equity consideration transferred
$
41,513

Fair value of previously held equity interest
130,890

Fair value of redeemable noncontrolling interest
103,359

 
$
275,762

Allocation to net assets acquired:
 
Cash
3,360

Accounts receivable
16,316

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
963

Programming rights
69,775

Property and equipment
2,841

Other assets (equity method investments)
38,800

Intangible assets
126,600

Accounts payable
(12,008
)
Accrued liabilities
(41,501
)
Debt
(25,187
)
 
179,959

Goodwill
95,803

 
$
275,762


Levity Entertainment Group LLC
On April 20, 2018, the Company acquired a 57% controlling interest in Levity, a production services and comedy venues company, for a total purchase price of $48.4 million. The purchase price consisted of a $35.0 million payment for the outstanding Class B Common Units of Levity and the acquisition of Series L Preferred Units for $13.4 million. The Company has entered into arrangements with the noncontrolling members related to the governance of Levity following the acquisition. The Company views this acquisition as complementary to its business and programming content strategy.
The Company accounted for the acquisition of Levity using the acquisition method of accounting. The acquisition method of accounting requires, among other things, that the assets acquired and liabilities assumed in a business combination be measured at their estimated respective fair values as of the closing date of the acquisition. Goodwill recognized in connection with this transaction represents primarily the potential economic benefits that the Company believes may arise from the acquisition. The goodwill associated with the Levity acquisition is generally deductible for tax purposes.

11

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the valuation of the tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands).
Cash paid for controlling interest
$
48,350

Redeemable noncontrolling interest
30,573

 
$
78,923

Allocation to net assets acquired:
 
Cash
13,471

Other current assets
17,251

Property and equipment
20,663

Intangible assets
46,413

Other noncurrent assets
3,306

Current liabilities
(23,647
)
Noncurrent liabilities
(21,394
)
Noncontrolling interests acquired
(1,354
)
Fair value of net assets acquired
54,709

Goodwill
24,214

 
$
78,923


Unaudited Pro forma financial information
The following unaudited pro forma financial information is based on (i) the historical financial statements of AMC Networks, (ii) the historical financial statements of RLJE and (iii) the historical financial statements of Levity and is intended to provide information about how the acquisitions may have affected the Company's historical consolidated financial statements if they had occurred as of January 1, 2018. The unaudited pro forma information has been prepared for comparative purposes only and includes adjustments for estimated additional depreciation and amortization expense as a result of tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. The pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the results of operations that would have been achieved had the acquisition taken place on the date indicated or that may result in the future.
 
(In thousands, except per share data)
Pro Forma Financial Information
For the Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
Pro Forma Financial Information
For the Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
 
 
Revenues, net
$
793,552

 
$
1,592,689

 
Income from operations before income taxes
$
101,452

 
$
249,680

 
Net income per share, basic
$
1.76

 
$
4.21

 
Net income per share, diluted
$
1.74

 
$
4.16


Note 6. Investments
The Company holds several investments and loans in non-consolidated entities which are included in Other assets in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. Equity method investments were $88.5 million at June 30, 2019 and $90.9 million at December 31, 2018.
Marketable Equity Securities
The Company classifies publicly traded investments with readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as marketable equity securities. Marketable equity securities are recorded at cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. The changes in fair value between measurement dates are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income. Investments in marketable equity securities were $1.5 million at June 30, 2019 and $1.2 million at December 31, 2018.
Non-marketable Equity Securities
The Company classifies investments without readily determinable fair values that are not accounted for under the equity method as non-marketable equity securities. The accounting guidance requires non-marketable equity securities to be recorded at

12

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

cost and adjusted to fair value at each reporting period. However, the guidance allows for a measurement alternative, which is to record the investments at cost, less impairment, if any, and subsequently adjust for observable price changes of identical or similar investments of the same issuer. The Company applies this measurement alternative to its non-marketable equity securities. When an observable event occurs, the Company estimates the fair values of its non-marketable equity securities based on Level 2 inputs that are derived from observable price changes of similar securities adjusted for insignificant differences in rights and obligations. The changes in value are recorded in realized and unrealized gains (losses) on equity securities, included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
Investments in non-marketable equity securities were $61.8 million at June 30, 2019 and $71.8 million at December 31, 2018.
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized impairment charges of $17.7 million related to the partial write-down of certain non-marketable equity securities and a note receivable, included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
Note 7. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The carrying amount of goodwill, by operating segment is as follows:
(In thousands)
National Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Total
December 31, 2018
$
238,431

 
$
559,606

 
$
798,037

Purchase accounting adjustments

 
(3,848
)
 
(3,848
)
Amortization of "second component" goodwill
(664
)
 

 
(664
)
Foreign currency translation

 
(1,442
)
 
(1,442
)
June 30, 2019
$
237,767

 
$
554,316

 
$
792,083


Purchase accounting adjustments relate to the acquisition of RLJE (see Note 5).
The reduction of $0.7 million in the carrying amount of goodwill for the National Networks is due to the realization of a tax benefit for the amortization of "second component" goodwill at SundanceTV. Second component goodwill is the amount of tax deductible goodwill in excess of goodwill for financial reporting purposes. In accordance with the authoritative guidance at the time of the SundanceTV acquisition, the tax benefits associated with this excess are applied to first reduce the amount of goodwill, and then other intangible assets for financial reporting purposes, if and when such tax benefits are realized in the Company's tax returns.

13

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following tables summarize information relating to the Company's identifiable intangible assets:
(In thousands)
June 30, 2019
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
Estimated Useful Lives
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affiliate and customer relationships
$
615,431

 
$
(213,991
)
 
$
401,440

 
6 to 25 years
Advertiser relationships
46,282

 
(19,717
)
 
26,565

 
11 years
Trade names
124,388

 
(21,341
)
 
103,047

 
3 to 20 years
Other amortizable intangible assets
13,592

 
(7,173
)
 
6,419

 
5 to 15 years
Total amortizable intangible assets
799,693

 
(262,222
)
 
537,471

 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
19,900

 

 
19,900

 
 
Total intangible assets
$
819,593

 
$
(262,222
)
 
$
557,371

 
 
(In thousands)
December 31, 2018
 
 
Gross
 
Accumulated Amortization
 
Net
 
 
Amortizable intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Affiliate and customer relationships
$
620,771

 
$
(198,500
)
 
$
422,271

 
 
Advertiser relationships
46,282

 
(17,613
)
 
28,669

 
 
Trade names
118,772

 
(17,971
)
 
100,801

 
 
Other amortizable intangible assets
13,643

 
(6,377
)
 
7,266

 
 
Total amortizable intangible assets
799,468

 
(240,461
)
 
559,007

 
 
Indefinite-lived intangible assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Trademarks
19,900

 

 
19,900

 
 
Total intangible assets
$
819,368

 
$
(240,461
)
 
$
578,907

 
 

Aggregate amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $22.3 million and $19.1 million, respectively. Estimated aggregate amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization for each of the following five years is:
(In thousands)
 
Years Ending December 31,
 
2019
$
47,938

2020
47,123

2021
46,330

2022
46,069

2023
45,987


Note 8. Accrued Liabilities
Accrued liabilities consist of the following:
(In thousands)
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Interest
$
29,936

 
$
30,018

Employee related costs
71,839

 
100,729

Income taxes payable
9,992

 
1,527

Other accrued expenses
120,092

 
132,644

Total accrued liabilities
$
231,859

 
$
264,918



14

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Note 9. Long-term Debt
The Company's long-term debt consists of the following:
(In thousands)
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Senior Secured Credit Facility: (a)
 
 
 
Term Loan A Facility
$
750,000

 
$
750,000

Senior Notes:
 
 
 
4.75% Notes due August 2025
800,000

 
800,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
1,000,000

 
1,000,000

4.75% Notes due December 2022
600,000

 
600,000

Other debt

 
2,584

Total long-term debt
3,150,000

 
3,152,584

Unamortized discount
(26,809
)
 
(29,181
)
Unamortized deferred financing costs
(12,272
)
 
(13,848
)
Long-term debt, net
3,110,919

 
3,109,555

Current portion of long-term debt
37,500

 
21,334

Noncurrent portion of long-term debt
$
3,073,419

 
$
3,088,221

(a)
The Company's $500 million revolving credit facility remains undrawn at June 30, 2019. Total undrawn revolver commitments are available to be drawn for general corporate purposes of the Company.
Note 10. Leases
Certain subsidiaries of the Company lease office space and equipment under long-term non-cancelable lease agreements which expire at various dates through 2034. Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheet, instead the lease expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. For lease agreements entered into, we combine lease and non-lease components. Some leases include options to extend the lease term or terminate the lease prior to the end of the lease term. The exercise of lease renewal options is at the Company's sole discretion, as such, these options are generally not recognized as part of our right-of-use asset or lease liabilities. The depreciable life of assets and leasehold improvements are limited by the expected lease term, unless there is a transfer of title or purchase option reasonably certain of exercise.
The leases generally provide for fixed annual rentals plus certain other costs or credits. Some leases include rental payments based on a percentage of revenue over contractual levels or based on an index or rate. Our lease agreements do not include any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. We rent or sublease one real estate property to a third party, which constitutes an immaterial portion of our lease portfolio.

15

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The following table summarizes the leases included in the consolidated balance sheets as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet 
Location
 
June 30, 2019
Assets
 
 
 
Operating
Operating lease right-of-use asset
 
$
175,677

Finance
Property and equipment, net
 
17,240

Total lease assets
 
 
$
192,917

Liabilities
 
 
 
Current:
 
 
 
Operating
Current portion of lease obligations
 
$
27,056

Finance
Current portion of lease obligations
 
4,389

 
 
 
$
31,445

Noncurrent:
 
 
 
Operating
Lease obligations
 
$
203,815

Finance
Lease obligations
 
19,520

 
 
 
223,335

 
 
 
 
Total lease liabilities
 
 
$
254,780


As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the lease commencement date. Upon transition to ASC Topic 842, the Company used the incremental borrowing rate on January 1, 2019 for all operating leases that commenced prior to that date.
The following table summarizes the lease costs included in the condensed consolidated statement of income:
(In thousands)
Income Statement Location
 
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
Operating lease costs
SG&A expenses
 
$
8,241

 
$
16,447

Finance lease costs:
 
 
 
 
 
Amortization of leased assets
Depreciation and amortization
 
701

 
1,374

Interest on lease liabilities
Net interest expense
 
644

 
1,322

Short term lease costs
SG&A expenses
 
1,283

 
2,874

Variable lease costs
SG&A expenses
 
169

 
477

Total net lease cost
 
 
$
11,038

 
$
22,494

The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities for operating and finance leases:
(In thousands)
Operating Leases
 
Finance Leases
 
Total
2019
$
18,304

 
$
3,365

 
$
21,669

2020
36,305

 
5,886

 
42,191

2021
32,047

 
4,412

 
36,459

2022
34,017

 
4,439

 
38,456

2023
34,554

 
4,466

 
39,020

Thereafter
124,227

 
10,088

 
134,315

Total lease payments
279,454

 
32,656

 
312,110

Less: Interest
48,583

 
8,747

 
57,330

Present value of lease liabilities
$
230,871

 
$
23,909

 
$
254,780




16

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)


The following table summarizes the weighted average remaining lease term and discount rate for operating and finance leases:
 
June 30, 2019
Weighted average remaining lease term (years):
 
Operating leases
8.16

Finance leases
6.06

Weighted average discount rate:
 
Operating leases
4.75
%
Finance leases
10.28
%

The following table summarizes the supplemental cash paid for amounts in the measurement of lease liabilities:
 
June 30, 2019
Operating cash flows from operating leases
$
17,037

Financing cash flows from finance leases
$
2,590


Note 11. Fair Value Measurement
The fair value hierarchy is based on inputs to valuation techniques that are used to measure fair value that are either observable or unobservable. Observable inputs reflect assumptions market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability based on market data obtained from independent sources while unobservable inputs reflect a reporting entity's pricing based upon their own market assumptions. The fair value hierarchy consists of the following three levels:
Level I - Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
Level II - Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations whose inputs are observable or whose significant value drivers are observable.
Level III - Instruments whose significant value drivers are unobservable.
The following table presents for each of these hierarchy levels, the Company's financial assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at June 30, 2019 and December 31, 2018:
(In thousands)
 
Level I
 
Level II
 
Level III
 
Total
At June 30, 2019:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
115,341

 
$

 
$

 
$
115,341

Marketable securities
 
1,484

 

 

 
1,484

Foreign currency derivatives
 

 
2,857

 

 
2,857

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$

 
$
2,246

 
$

 
$
2,246

Foreign currency derivatives
 

 
2,757

 

 
2,757

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2018:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash equivalents
 
$
68,498

 
$

 
$

 
$
68,498

Marketable securities
 
1,173

 

 

 
1,173

Foreign currency derivatives
 

 
3,509

 

 
3,509

Liabilities
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
 
$

 
$
356

 
$

 
$
356

Foreign currency derivatives
 

 
3,121

 

 
3,121



17

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The Company's cash equivalents and marketable securities are classified within Level I of the fair value hierarchy because they are valued using quoted market prices.
The Company's interest rate swap contracts and foreign currency derivatives are classified within Level II of the fair value hierarchy as their fair values are determined based on a market approach valuation technique that uses readily observable market parameters and the consideration of counterparty risk.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a gain of $1.5 million and $9.6 million, respectively. related to the RLJE Warrants which is included in Miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
At June 30, 2019, the Company does not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis that would be considered Level III.
Fair value measurements are also used in nonrecurring valuations performed in connection with acquisition accounting. These nonrecurring valuations primarily include the valuation of affiliate and customer relationships intangible assets, advertiser relationship intangible assets and property and equipment. All of our nonrecurring valuations use significant unobservable inputs and therefore fall under Level III of the fair value hierarchy.
Credit Facility Debt and Senior Notes
The fair values of each of the Company's debt instruments are based on quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates offered to the Company for instruments of the same remaining maturities.
The carrying values and estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments, excluding those that are carried at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets, are summarized as follows:
(In thousands)
June 30, 2019
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Debt instruments:
 
 
 
Term loan A facility
$
741,002

 
$
743,438

4.75% Notes due August 2025
787,339

 
812,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
987,419

 
1,026,250

4.75% Notes due December 2022
595,159

 
608,250

Other debt

 

 
$
3,110,919

 
$
3,189,938


(In thousands)
December 31, 2018
Carrying
Amount
 
Estimated
Fair Value
Debt instruments:
 
 
 
Term loan A facility
$
739,710

 
$
738,750

4.75% Notes due August 2025
786,458

 
720,000

5.00% Notes due April 2024
986,275

 
947,500

4.75% Notes due December 2022
594,528

 
580,500

Other debt
2,584

 
2,584

 
$
3,109,555

 
$
2,989,334


Fair value estimates related to the Company's debt instruments presented above are made at a specific point in time, based on relevant market information and information about the financial instrument. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgments and therefore cannot be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect the estimates.

18

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Note 12. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Risk
To manage interest rate risk, the Company enters into interest rate swap contracts to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $100.0 million that are designated as hedging instruments. The Company's outstanding interest rate swap contracts mature in December 2021.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our or our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain accounts payable and trade receivables (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency.
The fair values of the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments included in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:
(In thousands)
Balance Sheet 
Location
 
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
Accrued liabilities
 
$
2,246

 
$
356

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:
 
 
 
 
 
Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Prepaid expenses and other current assets
 
$
1,321

 
$
1,452

Foreign currency derivatives
Other assets
 
1,536

 
2,057

Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency derivatives
Accrued liabilities
 
$
716

 
$
700

Foreign currency derivatives
Other liabilities
 
2,040

 
2,421


The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
(In thousands)
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives
 Recognized in OCI
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings
 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated OCI
 into Earnings
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
(1,274
)
 
$

 
Interest expense
 
$
23

 
$



(In thousands)
Gain or (Loss) on Derivatives
 Recognized in OCI
 
Location of Gain or (Loss) in Earnings
 
Gain or (Loss) Reclassified 
from Accumulated OCI
 into Earnings
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
 
 
 
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
Derivatives in cash flow hedging relationships:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest rate swap contracts
$
(1,925
)
 
$

 
Interest expense
 
$
35

 
$



19

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)



The amounts of gains and losses related to the Company's derivative financial instruments not designated as hedging instruments are as follows:
(In thousands)
Location of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings
 on Derivatives
 
Amount of Gain or (Loss) Recognized in Earnings on Derivatives
 
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Interest rate swap contracts
Interest expense
 
$

 
$
(538
)
 
$

 
$
(684
)
Foreign currency derivatives
Miscellaneous, net
 
(411
)
 
474

 
46

 
181

Other derivatives
Miscellaneous, net
 

 
602

 

 
12,289

Total
 
 
$
(411
)
 
$
538

 
$
46

 
$
11,786


Note 13. Income Taxes
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, income tax benefit was $1.4 million and income tax expense was $45.1 million, respectively, representing a negative effective tax rate of 1% and an effective tax rate of 14%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to a tax benefit of $25.0 million resulting from a decrease in valuation allowances for foreign tax assets, a tax benefit of $7.2 million and $5.6 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) partially offset by state and local income tax expense of $4.1 million and $7.3 million, respectively. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily due to the expected utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards resulting from the planned implementation of certain tax planning strategies. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions is primarily due to an audit settlement and the filing of state income tax returns under a voluntary disclosure agreement.
For the three and six months ended June 30, 2018, income tax expense was $32.5 million and $89.4 million, respectively, representing an effective tax rate of 23% and 25%, respectively, as compared to the federal statutory rate of 21%. For the three months ended June 30, 2018, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to state and local income tax expense of $2.3 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, the effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate due primarily to tax expense of $16.1 million for an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits; state and local income tax expense of $6.2 million; a tax benefit of $8.3 million for the one-time rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities that resulted from the extension of certain television production cost deductions included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (enacted February 9, 2018); and a tax benefit from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. of $5.8 million.
At June 30, 2019, the Company had foreign tax credit carry forwards of approximately $27.5 million, expiring on various dates from 2022 through 2029. These carryforwards have been reduced by a valuation allowance of $27.5 million as it is more likely than not that these carry forwards will not be realized. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, $0.7 million relating to amortization of tax deductible second component goodwill was realized as a reduction in tax liability (as determined on a 'with-and-without' approach).
Note 14. Commitments and Contingencies
Commitments
As of June 30, 2019, the Company's contractual obligations not reflected on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheet decreased $219.9 million, as compared to December 31, 2018, to $903.9 million. The decrease relates to the adoption of the new lease standard requiring the recognition of operating leases on the balance sheet rather than disclosed as contractual obligations.
Legal Matters
On December 17, 2013, Frank Darabont ("Darabont"), Ferenc, Inc., Darkwoods Productions, Inc., and Creative Artists Agency, LLC (together, the "2013 Plaintiffs"), filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont's rendering services as a writer, director and producer of the television series entitled The Walking Dead and the agreement between

20

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

the parties related thereto. The Plaintiffs asserted claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, for an accounting and for declaratory relief. On August 19, 2015, Plaintiffs filed their First Amended Complaint (the "Amended Complaint"), in which they retracted their claims for wrongful termination and failure to apply production tax credits in calculating Plaintiffs' contingent compensation. Plaintiffs also added a claim that Darabont is entitled to a larger share, on a percentage basis, of contingent compensation than he is currently being accorded. On September 26, 2016, Plaintiffs filed their note of issue and certificate of readiness for trial, which included a claim for damages of no less than $280 million. The parties each filed motions for summary judgment. Oral arguments of the summary judgment motions took place on September 15, 2017. On April 19, 2018, the Court granted the Company’s motion for leave to submit supplemental summary judgment briefing. A hearing on the supplemental summary judgment submissions was held on June 13, 2018. On December 10, 2018, the Court denied Plaintiffs' motion for partial summary judgment and granted in part Defendants' motion for summary judgment, dismissing four of Plaintiffs' causes of action. The Company believes that the remaining claims are without merit, denies the allegations and continues to defend the case vigorously. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
On January 18, 2018, the 2013 Plaintiffs filed a second action in New York Supreme Court in connection with Darabont’s services on The Walking Dead television series and agreements between the parties related thereto. The claims in the action allegedly arise from Plaintiffs' audit of their participation statements covering the accounting period from inception of The Walking Dead through September 30, 2014. Plaintiffs seek no less than $20 million in damages on claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, and declaratory relief. The Company filed an Answer to the Complaint on April 16, 2018. On August 30, 2018, Plaintiff's filed an Amended Compliant, and on September 19, 2018, the Company answered. The parties have agreed to consolidate this action for a joint trial with the action Plaintiffs filed in the New York Supreme Court on December 17, 2013. The trial is scheduled to begin on May 4, 2020. The Company believes that the asserted claims are without merit, denies the allegations and will defend the case vigorously. The parties in the second action are presently engaged in fact discovery. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
On August 14, 2017, Robert Kirkman, Robert Kirkman, LLC, Glen Mazzara, 44 Strong Productions, Inc., David Alpert, Circle of Confusion Productions, LLC, New Circle of Confusion Productions, Inc., Gale Anne Hurd, and Valhalla Entertainment, Inc. f/k/a Valhalla Motion Pictures, Inc. (together, the "California Plaintiffs") filed a complaint in California Superior Court in connection with California Plaintiffs’ rendering of services as writers and producers of the television series entitled The Walking Dead, as well as Fear the Walking Dead and/or Talking Dead, and the agreements between the parties related thereto (the "California Action"). The California Plaintiffs asserted that the Company has been improperly underpaying the California Plaintiffs under their contracts with the Company and they assert claims for breach of contract, breach of the covenant of good faith and fair dealing, inducing breach of contract, and liability for violation of Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 17200. On August 15, 2017, two of the California Plaintiffs, Gale Anne Hurd and David Alpert (and their associated loan-out companies), along with Charles Eglee and his loan-out company, United Bongo Drum, Inc., filed a complaint in New York Supreme Court alleging nearly identical claims as the California Action (the "New York Action"). Hurd, Alpert, and Eglee filed the New York Action in connection with their contract claims involving The Walking Dead because their agreements contained exclusive New York jurisdiction provisions. On October 23, 2017, the parties stipulated to discontinuing the New York Action without prejudice and consolidating all of the claims in the California Action. The California Plaintiffs seek compensatory and punitive damages and restitution. The Company filed an Answer on April 30, 2018 and believes that the asserted claims are without merit and will vigorously defend against them. The parties are presently engaged in fact discovery. At this time, no determination can be made as to the ultimate outcome of this litigation or the potential liability, if any, on the part of the Company.
The Company is party to various lawsuits and claims in the ordinary course of business, including the matters described above. Although the outcome of these matters cannot be predicted with certainty and while the impact of these matters on the Company's results of operations in any particular subsequent reporting period could be material, management does not believe that the resolution of these matters will have a material adverse effect on the financial position of the Company or the ability of the Company to meet its financial obligations as they become due.
Note 15. Equity Plans
In June 2019, AMC Networks granted 34,678 restricted stock units ("RSUs") under the 2011 Stock Plan for Non-Employee Directors to non-employee directors that vested on the date of grant.
In March 2019, AMC Networks granted 498,320 RSUs and 390,566 performance restricted stock units ("PRSUs") to certain executive officers and employees under the AMC Networks Inc. 2016 Employee Stock Plan. The RSUs vest ratably over a three-year period and the vesting criteria for 165,194 RSUs include the achievement of certain performance targets by the Company. The PRSUs vest on the third anniversary of the grant date.

21

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The target number of PRSUs granted represents the right to receive a corresponding number of shares, subject to adjustment based on the performance of the Company against target performance criteria for a three-year period. The number of shares issuable at the end of the applicable measurement period ranges from 0% to 200% of the target PRSU award.
During the six months ended June 30, 2019, 518,583 RSUs and 349,761 PRSUs of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock previously issued to employees of the Company vested. On the vesting date, 217,265 RSUs and 150,771 PRSUs were surrendered to the Company to cover the required statutory tax withholding obligations and 301,318 RSU and 198,990 PRSU new shares of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock were issued. The units surrendered to satisfy the employees' statutory minimum tax withholding obligations for the applicable income and other employment tax had an aggregate value of $23.0 million, which has been reflected as a financing activity in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
Share-based compensation expense included in selling, general and administrative expense, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 was $16.7 million and $36.6 million, respectively, and $19.8 million and $35.1 million, respectively, the for three and six months ended June 30, 2018.
As of June 30, 2019, there was $102.8 million of total unrecognized share-based compensation cost related to outstanding unvested share-based awards. The unrecognized compensation cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average remaining period of approximately 2.3 years.
Note 16. Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
The following table summarizes activity related to redeemable noncontrolling interest for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
December 31, 2018
$
299,558

Net earnings
10,931

Distributions
(7,394
)
Other
(307
)
June 30, 2019
$
302,788


Note 17. Related Party Transactions
The Company and its related parties routinely enter into transactions with each other in the ordinary course of business. Revenues, net from related parties amounted to $1.2 million and $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $2.4 million and $3.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Amounts charged to the Company, included in selling, general and administrative expenses, pursuant to transactions with its related parties amounted to $0.3 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively, and $0.8 million and $0.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Note 18. Cash Flows
The Company's non-cash investing and financing activities and other supplemental data are as follows [open]:
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
Non-Cash Investing and Financing Activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures incurred but not yet paid
$
1,731

 
$
2,419

Treasury stock not yet settled
832

 

Supplemental Data:
 
 
 
Cash interest paid
76,664

 
71,750

Income taxes paid, net
77,985

 
60,413


Note 19. Segment Information
The Company classifies its operations into two operating segments: National Networks and International and Other. These

22

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

operating segments represent strategic business units that are managed separately.
The Company generally allocates all corporate overhead costs within operating expenses to the Company's two operating segments based upon their proportionate estimated usage of services, including such costs as executive salaries and benefits, costs of maintaining corporate headquarters, facilities and common support functions (such as human resources, legal, finance, strategic planning and information technology) as well as sales support functions and creative and production services.
The Company evaluates segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment adjusted operating income ("AOI"), a non-GAAP measure. The Company defines AOI 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. The Company has presented the components that reconcile adjusted operating income to operating income, an accepted GAAP measure, and other information as to the continuing operations of the Company's operating segments below.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
219,490

 
$
23,535

 
$
(49
)
 
$
242,976

Distribution
385,249

 
155,991

 
(11,917
)
 
529,323

Consolidated revenues, net
$
604,739

 
$
179,526

 
$
(11,966
)
 
$
772,299

Operating income (loss)
$
214,198

 
$
(27,284
)
 
$
(16,657
)
 
$
170,257

Share-based compensation expense
13,821

 
2,904

 

 
16,725

Restructuring and other related charges
274

 
16,888

 

 
17,162

Depreciation and amortization
8,179

 
17,714

 

 
25,893

Majority-owned equity investees AOI

 
1,608

 

 
1,608

Adjusted operating income
$
236,472

 
$
11,830

 
$
(16,657
)
 
$
231,645


(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
246,829

 
$
23,433

 
$

 
270,262

Distribution
380,460

 
123,278

 
(12,615
)
 
491,123

Consolidated revenues, net
$
627,289

 
$
146,711

 
$
(12,615
)
 
$
761,385

Operating income (loss)
$
210,007

 
$
(11,338
)
 
$
(7,138
)
 
191,531

Share-based compensation expense
16,259

 
3,494

 

 
19,753

Restructuring and other related charges

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization
8,412

 
13,257

 

 
21,669

Majority-owned equity investees AOI

 

 

 

Adjusted operating income
$
234,678

 
$
5,413

 
$
(7,138
)
 
$
232,953



23

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
458,579

 
$
44,741

 
$
(51
)
 
$
503,269

Distribution
762,279

 
305,874

 
(14,902
)
 
1,053,251

Consolidated revenues, net
$
1,220,858

 
$
350,615

 
$
(14,953
)
 
$
1,556,520

Operating income (loss)
$
465,702

 
$
(41,031
)
 
$
(9,551
)
 
$
415,120

Share-based compensation expense
30,090

 
6,534

 

 
36,624

Restructuring and other related charges
576

 
19,923

 
(695
)
 
19,804

Depreciation and amortization
16,791

 
33,158

 

 
49,949

Majority-owned equity investees AOI

 
3,188

 

 
3,188

Adjusted operating income
$
513,159

 
$
21,772

 
$
(10,246
)
 
$
524,685

(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
National
Networks
 
International
and Other
 
Inter-segment
eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Advertising
$
472,559

 
$
45,943

 
$

 
$
518,502

Distribution
787,758

 
212,158

 
(16,210
)
 
983,706

Consolidated revenues, net
$
1,260,317

 
$
258,101

 
$
(16,210
)
 
$
1,502,208

Operating income (loss)
$
459,859

 
$
(28,151
)
 
$
(6,522
)
 
$
425,186

Share-based compensation expense
28,786

 
6,286

 

 
35,072

Depreciation and amortization
16,907

 
25,116

 

 
42,023

Adjusted operating income
$
505,552

 
$
3,251

 
$
(6,522
)
 
$
502,281


Inter-segment eliminations are primarily licensing revenues recognized between the National Networks and International and Other segments as well as revenues recognized by AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology for transmission revenues recognized from the International and Other operating segment.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Inter-segment revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
(10,260
)
 
$
(12,615
)
 
$
(11,650
)
 
$
(15,150
)
International and Other
(1,706
)
 

 
(3,303
)
 
(1,060
)
 
$
(11,966
)
 
$
(12,615
)
 
$
(14,953
)
 
$
(16,210
)

The table below summarizes revenues based on customer location:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
United States
$
605,114

 
$
600,195

 
$
1,267,578

 
$
1,186,763

Europe
111,983

 
116,422

 
191,417

 
202,686

Other
55,202

 
44,768

 
97,525

 
112,759

 
$
772,299

 
$
761,385

 
$
1,556,520

 
$
1,502,208



24

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

The table below summarizes property and equipment based on asset location:
(In thousands)
June 30, 2019
 
December 31, 2018
Property and equipment, net
 
 
 
United States
$
223,938

 
$
202,833

Europe
25,871

 
27,218

Other
14,807

 
16,211

 
$
264,616

 
$
246,262


Note 20. Condensed Consolidating Financial Statements
Debt of AMC Networks includes $600 million of 4.75% senior notes due December 2022, $1 billion of 5.00% senior notes due April 2024 and $800 million of 4.75% senior notes due August 2025. All outstanding senior notes issued by AMC Networks (for purposes of this Note 20, "Parent Company") are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by certain of its existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries (the "Guarantor Subsidiaries"). All Guarantor Subsidiaries are owned 100% by AMC Networks. The outstanding notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a joint and several basis.
Set forth below are condensed consolidating financial statements presenting the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income, and cash flows of (i) the Parent Company, (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries on a combined basis (as such guarantees are joint and several), (iii) the direct and indirect non-guarantor subsidiaries of the Parent Company (the "Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries") on a combined basis and (iv) reclassifications and eliminations necessary to arrive at the information for the Company on a consolidated basis.
Basis of Presentation
 In presenting the condensed consolidating financial statements, the equity method of accounting has been applied to (i) the Parent Company's interests in the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, and (ii) the Guarantor Subsidiaries' interests in the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries, even though all such subsidiaries meet the requirements to be consolidated under GAAP. All intercompany balances and transactions between the Parent Company, the Guarantor Subsidiaries and the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries have been eliminated, as shown in the column "Eliminations."
 The accounting basis in all subsidiaries, including goodwill and identified intangible assets, have been allocated to the applicable subsidiaries.

25

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
 Parent Company
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Eliminations
 
 Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
93

 
$
486,735

 
$
219,514

 
$

 
$
706,342

Accounts receivable, trade (less allowance for doubtful accounts)

 
578,372

 
259,915

 

 
838,287

Current portion of program rights, net

 
286,888

 
147,258

 
(377
)
 
433,769

Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable
(12,513
)
 
197,289

 
22,281

 
(40,876
)
 
166,181

Total current assets
(12,420
)
 
1,549,284

 
648,968

 
(41,253
)
 
2,144,579

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 
197,164

 
67,452

 

 
264,616

Investment in affiliates
3,865,679

 
1,673,727

 

 
(5,539,406
)
 

Program rights, net

 
876,166

 
239,209

 
(1,337
)
 
1,114,038

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

 

 
92

 
(92
)
 

Deferred carriage fees, net

 
21,261

 
2,059

 

 
23,320

Intangible assets, net

 
156,477

 
400,894

 

 
557,371

Goodwill

 
64,618

 
727,465

 

 
792,083

Deferred tax asset, net
9

 

 
48,989

 

 
48,998

Operating lease right-of-use asset
99,141

 
18,487

 
58,049

 

 
175,677

Other assets

 
165,489

 
274,478

 
1,085

 
441,052

Total assets
$
3,952,409

 
$
4,722,673

 
$
2,467,655

 
$
(5,581,003
)
 
$
5,561,734

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$
(19
)
 
$
34,008

 
$
71,364

 
$

 
$
105,353

Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable
40,572

 
126,975

 
105,188

 
(40,876
)
 
231,859

Current portion of program rights obligations

 
255,601

 
90,198

 

 
345,799

Deferred revenue

 
27,708

 
29,498

 
(629
)
 
56,577

Current portion of long-term debt
37,500

 

 

 

 
37,500

Current portion of lease obligations
13,643

 
5,854

 
11,948

 

 
31,445

Total current liabilities
91,696

 
450,146

 
308,196

 
(41,505
)
 
808,533

Program rights obligations

 
273,890

 
15,838

 

 
289,728

Long-term debt, net
3,073,419

 

 

 

 
3,073,419

Lease obligations
122,332

 
19,989

 
81,014

 

 
223,335

Deferred tax liability, net
100,226

 

 
34,775

 

 
135,001

Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable
22,916

 
118,159

 
19,434

 
(92
)
 
160,417

Total liabilities
3,410,589

 
862,184

 
459,257

 
(41,597
)
 
4,690,433

Commitments and contingencies

 

 

 

 

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 
(5,190
)
 
307,978

 

 
302,788

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks stockholders' equity
541,820

 
3,865,679

 
1,673,727

 
(5,539,406
)
 
541,820

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 
26,693

 

 
26,693

Total stockholders' equity
541,820

 
3,865,679

 
1,700,420

 
(5,539,406
)
 
568,513

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
3,952,409

 
$
4,722,673

 
$
2,467,655

 
$
(5,581,003
)
 
$
5,561,734




26

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet
December 31, 2018
(In thousands)
 Parent Company
 
 Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
 Eliminations
 
 Consolidated
ASSETS
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Assets:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
121

 
$
368,151

 
$
186,614

 
$

 
$
554,886

Accounts receivable, trade (including amounts due from related parties, net,
less allowance for doubtful accounts)
16

 
600,121

 
235,840

 

 
835,977

Current portion of program rights, net

 
292,002

 
148,955

 
(218
)
 
440,739

Prepaid expenses, other current assets and intercompany receivable
6,543

 
158,936

 
23,549

 
(57,219
)
 
131,809

Total current assets
6,680

 
1,419,210

 
594,958

 
(57,437
)
 
1,963,411

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation

 
175,040

 
71,222

 

 
246,262

Investment in affiliates
3,656,003

 
1,655,083

 

 
(5,311,086
)
 

Program rights, net

 
969,802

 
245,862

 
(1,613
)
 
1,214,051

Long-term intercompany notes receivable

 

 
190

 
(190
)
 

Deferred carriage fees, net

 
15,993

 
838

 

 
16,831

Intangible assets, net

 
161,417

 
417,490

 

 
578,907

Goodwill

 
65,282

 
732,755

 

 
798,037

Deferred tax asset, net

 

 
19,272

 

 
19,272

Other assets

 
149,724

 
292,068

 

 
441,792

Total assets
$
3,662,683

 
$
4,611,551

 
$
2,374,655

 
$
(5,370,326
)
 
$
5,278,563

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Current Liabilities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Accounts payable
$

 
$
34,630

 
$
72,436

 
$

 
$
107,066

Accrued liabilities and intercompany payable
35,189

 
173,836

 
114,943

 
(59,050
)
 
264,918

Current portion of program rights obligations

 
259,414

 
84,175

 

 
343,589

Deferred revenue

 
34,608

 
20,816

 

 
55,424

Current portion of long-term debt
18,750

 

 
2,584

 

 
21,334

Current portion of capital lease obligations

 
2,941

 
2,149

 

 
5,090

Total current liabilities
53,939

 
505,429

 
297,103

 
(59,050
)
 
797,421

Program rights obligations

 
349,814

 
23,435

 

 
373,249

Long-term debt, net
3,088,221

 

 

 

 
3,088,221

Capital lease obligations

 
1,420

 
20,007

 

 
21,427

Deferred tax liability, net
140,474

 

 
4,969

 

 
145,443

Other liabilities and intercompany notes payable
63,369

 
98,885

 
45,972

 
(190
)
 
208,036

Total liabilities
3,346,003

 
955,548

 
391,486

 
(59,240
)
 
4,633,797

Commitments and contingencies
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 
299,558

 

 
299,558

Stockholders' equity:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks stockholders' equity
316,680

 
3,656,003

 
1,655,083

 
(5,311,086
)
 
316,680

Non-redeemable noncontrolling interests

 

 
28,528

 

 
28,528

Total stockholders' equity
316,680

 
3,656,003

 
1,683,611

 
(5,311,086
)
 
345,208

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$
3,662,683

 
$
4,611,551

 
$
2,374,655

 
$
(5,370,326
)
 
$
5,278,563




27

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$

 
$
517,109

 
$
260,819

 
$
(5,629
)
 
$
772,299

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 
233,579

 
153,147

 
(1,103
)
 
385,623

Selling, general and administrative

 
109,447

 
68,339

 
(4,422
)
 
173,364

Depreciation and amortization

 
12,587

 
13,306

 

 
25,893

Restructuring and other related charges

 
16,575

 
587

 

 
17,162

Total operating expenses

 
372,188

 
235,379

 
(5,525
)
 
602,042

Operating income

 
144,921

 
25,440

 
(104
)
 
170,257

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(39,028
)
 
3,723

 
334

 

 
(34,971
)
Share of affiliates’ income
162,140

 
15,834

 

 
(177,974
)
 

Miscellaneous, net
(41
)
 
100

 
(2,860
)
 
104

 
(2,697
)
Total other income (expense)
123,071

 
19,657

 
(2,526
)
 
(177,870
)
 
(37,668
)
Income from operations before income taxes
123,071

 
164,578

 
22,914

 
(177,974
)
 
132,589

Income tax benefit (expense)
5,672

 
(2,438
)
 
(1,838
)
 

 
1,396

Net income including noncontrolling interests
128,743

 
162,140

 
21,076

 
(177,974
)
 
133,985

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(5,242
)
 

 
(5,242
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
128,743

 
$
162,140

 
$
15,834

 
$
(177,974
)
 
$
128,743

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$

 
$
549,262

 
$
216,006

 
$
(3,883
)
 
$
761,385

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 
248,181

 
129,742

 
(1,114
)
 
376,809

Selling, general and administrative

 
120,463

 
53,686

 
(2,773
)
 
171,376

Depreciation and amortization

 
11,175

 
10,494

 

 
21,669

Total operating expenses

 
379,819

 
193,922

 
(3,887
)
 
569,854

Operating income

 
169,443

 
22,084

 
4

 
191,531

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(37,834
)
 
11,715

 
(7,814
)
 

 
(33,933
)
Share of affiliates’ income (loss)
172,233

 
(4,192
)
 

 
(168,041
)
 

Miscellaneous, net
259

 
(2,504
)
 
(12,470
)
 
(4
)
 
(14,719
)
Total other income (expense)
134,658

 
5,019

 
(20,284
)
 
(168,045
)
 
(48,652
)
Income from operations before income taxes
134,658

 
174,462

 
1,800

 
(168,041
)
 
142,879

Income tax expense
(28,477
)
 
(2,229
)
 
(1,841
)
 

 
(32,547
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
106,181

 
172,233

 
(41
)
 
(168,041
)
 
110,332

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(4,151
)
 

 
(4,151
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
106,181

 
$
172,233

 
$
(4,192
)
 
$
(168,041
)
 
$
106,181


28

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$

 
$
1,091,339

 
$
473,579

 
$
(8,398
)
 
$
1,556,520

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 
454,067

 
273,865

 
(2,161
)
 
725,771

Selling, general and administrative

 
221,028

 
131,170

 
(6,322
)
 
345,876

Depreciation and amortization

 
25,124

 
24,825

 

 
49,949

Restructuring and other related charges

 
16,292

 
3,512

 

 
19,804

Total operating expenses

 
716,511

 
433,372

 
(8,483
)
 
1,141,400

Operating income

 
374,828

 
40,207

 
85

 
415,120

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(77,957
)
 
6,906

 
635

 

 
(70,416
)
Share of affiliates’ income
386,384

 
8,523

 

 
(394,907
)
 

Miscellaneous, net
(140
)
 
809

 
(16,066
)
 
(85
)
 
(15,482
)
Total other income (expense)
308,287

 
16,238

 
(15,431
)
 
(394,992
)
 
(85,898
)
Income from operations before income taxes
308,287

 
391,066

 
24,776

 
(394,907
)
 
329,222

Income tax expense
(36,147
)
 
(4,682
)
 
(4,251
)
 

 
(45,080
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
272,140

 
386,384

 
20,525

 
(394,907
)
 
284,142

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(12,002
)
 

 
(12,002
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
272,140

 
$
386,384

 
$
8,523

 
$
(394,907
)
 
$
272,140


29

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Revenues, net
$

 
$
1,124,179

 
$
386,392

 
$
(8,363
)
 
$
1,502,208

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)

 
470,802

 
228,264

 
(1,892
)
 
697,174

Selling, general and administrative

 
242,522

 
101,775
 
(6,472
)
 
337,825

Depreciation and amortization

 
21,979

 
20,044

 

 
42,023

Total operating expenses

 
735,303

 
350,083

 
(8,364
)
 
1,077,022

Operating income

 
388,876

 
36,309

 
1

 
425,186

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(74,741
)
 
23,612

 
(15,990
)
 

 
(67,119
)
Share of affiliates’ income
419,715

 
13,306

 

 
(433,021
)
 

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 

 

 

Miscellaneous, net
53

 
(1,770
)
 
3,945

 
(1
)
 
2,227

Total other income (expense)
345,027

 
35,148

 
(12,045
)
 
(433,022
)
 
(64,892
)
Income from operations before income taxes
345,027

 
424,024

 
24,264

 
(433,021
)
 
360,294

Income tax expense
(81,976
)
 
(4,309
)
 
(3,141
)
 

 
(89,426
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
263,051

 
419,715

 
21,123

 
(433,021
)
 
270,868

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(7,817
)
 

 
(7,817
)
Net income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
263,051

 
$
419,715

 
$
13,306

 
$
(433,021
)
 
$
263,051



Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interests
$
128,743

 
$
162,140

 
$
21,076

 
$
(177,974
)
 
$
133,985

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
553

 


 
553

 
(553
)
 
553

Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(1,625
)
 

 

 

 
(1,625
)
Other comprehensive income, before income taxes
(1,072
)
 

 
553

 
(553
)
 
(1,072
)
Income tax expense
374

 

 

 

 
374

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes
(698
)
 

 
553

 
(553
)
 
(698
)
Comprehensive income
128,045

 
162,140

 
21,629

 
(178,527
)
 
133,287

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(5,033
)
 

 
(5,033
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
128,045

 
$
162,140

 
$
16,596

 
$
(178,527
)
 
$
128,254




30

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
106,181

 
$
172,233

 
$
(41
)
 
$
(168,041
)
 
$
110,332

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(45,759
)
 

 
45,759

 
(45,759
)
 
(45,759
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes
(45,759
)
 

 
45,759

 
(45,759
)
 
(45,759
)
Comprehensive income
60,422

 
172,233

 
45,718

 
(213,800
)
 
64,573

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(2,173
)
 

 
(2,173
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
60,422

 
$
172,233

 
$
43,545

 
$
(213,800
)
 
$
62,400


Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
272,140

 
$
386,384

 
$
20,525

 
$
(394,907
)
 
$
284,142

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(5,210
)
 

 
(5,210
)
 
5,210

 
(5,210
)
Unrealized loss on interest rate swaps
(2,263
)
 

 

 

 
(2,263
)
Other comprehensive loss, before income taxes
(7,473
)
 

 
(5,210
)
 
5,210

 
(7,473
)
Income tax expense
523

 

 

 

 
523

Other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
(6,950
)
 

 
(5,210
)
 
5,210

 
(6,950
)
Comprehensive income
265,190

 
386,384

 
15,315

 
(389,697
)
 
277,192

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(11,831
)
 

 
(11,831
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
265,190

 
$
386,384

 
$
3,484

 
$
(389,697
)
 
$
265,361

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Net income including noncontrolling interest
$
263,051

 
$
419,715

 
$
21,123

 
$
(433,021
)
 
$
270,868

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustment
(26,955
)
 

 
26,955

 
(26,955
)
 
(26,955
)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of income taxes
(26,955
)
 

 
26,955

 
(26,955
)
 
(26,955
)
Comprehensive income
236,096

 
419,715
 
48,078

 
(459,976
)
 
243,913

Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(6,736
)
 

 
(6,736
)
Comprehensive income attributable to AMC Networks’ stockholders
$
236,096

 
$
419,715

 
$
41,342

 
$
(459,976
)
 
$
237,177




31

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2019
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
273,682

 
$
400,444

 
$
9,726

 
$
(394,915
)
 
$
288,937

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(45,445
)
 
(4,018
)
 

 
(49,463
)
Return of capital from investees

 

 
5,908

 

 
5,908

Investment in and loans to investees

 

 

 

 

Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired

 

 

 

 

Increase (decrease) to investment in affiliates
(221,104
)
 
(44,279
)
 

 
265,383

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(221,104
)
 
(89,724
)
 
1,890

 
265,383

 
(43,555
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Repayment of long-term debt

 

 
(2,717
)
 

 
(2,717
)
Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(23,019
)
 

 

 

 
(23,019
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(58,440
)
 

 

 

 
(58,440
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,630

 

 

 

 
4,630

Principal payments on finance lease obligations

 
(1,536
)
 
(1,054
)
 

 
(2,590
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(10,129
)
 

 
(10,129
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(76,829
)
 
(1,536
)
 
(13,900
)
 

 
(92,265
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations
(24,251
)
 
309,184

 
(2,284
)
 
(129,532
)
 
153,117

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
24,223

 
(190,600
)
 
35,184

 
129,532

 
(1,661
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
121

 
368,151

 
186,614

 

 
554,886

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
93

 
$
486,735

 
$
219,514

 
$

 
$
706,342




32

AMC NETWORKS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)
(unaudited)

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows
Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
(In thousands)
Parent Company
 
Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Non- Guarantor Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Consolidated
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
296,928

 
$
852,314

 
$
(437,627
)
 
$
(433,038
)
 
$
278,577

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital expenditures

 
(32,827
)
 
(4,575
)
 

 
(37,402
)
Return of capital from investees

 

 
347

 

 
347

Investment in investees

 

 
(87,488
)
 

 
(87,488
)
Payments for acquisition of a business, net of cash acquired

 

 
(34,879
)
 

 
(34,879
)
Increase (decrease) to investment in affiliates
(46,945
)
 
(1,550,189
)
 
896,005

 
701,129

 

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
(46,945
)
 
(1,583,016
)
 
769,410

 
701,129

 
(159,422
)
Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Principal payments on long-term debt

 

 

 

 

Payments for financing costs

 

 

 

 

Deemed repurchases of restricted stock units
(15,734
)
 

 

 

 
(15,734
)
Purchase of treasury stock
(242,409
)
 

 

 

 
(242,409
)
Proceeds from stock option exercises
4,317

 

 

 

 
4,317

Principal payments on capital lease obligations

 
(1,464
)
 
(1,161
)
 

 
(2,625
)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests

 

 
(6,967
)
 

 
(6,967
)
Net cash used in financing activities
(253,826
)
 
(1,464
)
 
(8,128
)
 

 
(263,418
)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents from operations
(3,843
)
 
(732,166
)
 
323,655

 
268,091

 
(144,263
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
6,408

 
584,331

 
(321,044
)
 
(268,091
)
 
1,604

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
320

 
391,248

 
167,215

 

 
558,783

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
$
2,885

 
$
243,413

 
$
169,826

 
$

 
$
416,124



33


Item 2.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains statements that constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations there are statements concerning our future operating results and future financial performance. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "may," "will," "should," "could," "potential," "continue," "intends," "plans" and similar words and terms used in the discussion of future operating results and future financial performance identify forward-looking statements. You 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 the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Factors that may cause such differences to occur include, but are not limited to:
•    the level of our revenues;
market demand, including changes in viewer consumption patterns, for our programming networks, our subscription streaming services, our programming, and our production services;
•    demand for advertising inventory and our ability to deliver guaranteed viewer ratings;
•    the highly competitive nature of the cable, telecommunications and programming industries;
our ability to maintain and renew distribution or affiliation agreements with distributors;
the cost of, and our ability to obtain or produce, desirable programming content for our networks, other forms of distribution, including digital and licensing in international markets, as well as our independent film distribution businesses;
market demand for our owned original programming and our independent film content;
changes in consumer demand for our comedy venues;
•    the security of our program rights and other electronic data;
•    the loss of any of our key personnel and artistic talent;
•    changes in domestic and foreign laws or regulations under which we operate;
•    economic and business conditions and industry trends in the countries in which we operate;
fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates;
changes in laws or treaties relating to taxation, or the interpretation thereof, in the U.S. or in the countries in which we operate, including the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018;
the impact of new and proposed federal, state and international laws and regulations relating to data protection, privacy and security, including the E.U. General Data Protection Regulation;
the impact of Brexit, particularly in the event of the U.K.'s departure from the E.U. without an agreement on terms;
•    our substantial debt and high leverage;
•    reduced access to capital markets or significant increases in costs to borrow;
•    the level of our expenses;
•    the level of our capital expenditures;
•    future acquisitions and dispositions of assets;
our ability to successfully acquire new businesses and, if acquired, to integrate, and implement our plan with respect to businesses we acquire;
problems we may discover post-closing with the operations, including the internal controls and financial reporting process, of businesses we acquire;
uncertainties regarding the financial results of equity method investees, issuers of our investments in marketable equity securities and non-marketable equity securities and changes in the nature of key strategic relationships with partners and joint ventures;
•    the outcome of litigation and other proceedings;
whether pending uncompleted transactions, if any, are completed on the terms and at the times set forth (if at all);
•    other risks and uncertainties inherent in our programming businesses;
financial community and rating agency perceptions of our business, operations, financial condition and the industry in which we operate;
events that are outside our control, such as political unrest in international markets, terrorist attacks, natural disasters and other similar events; and

34


the factors described under Item 1A, "Risk Factors" in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K (the "2018 Form 10-K"), as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
We disclaim any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein, except as otherwise required by applicable federal securities laws.
Introduction
Management's discussion and analysis, or MD&A, of our results of operations and financial condition is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with, the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included elsewhere herein and our 2018 Form 10-K to enhance the understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of our operations. Unless the context otherwise requires, all references to "we," "us," "our," "AMC Networks" or the "Company" refer to AMC Networks Inc., together with its subsidiaries. MD&A is organized as follows:
Business Overview. This section provides a general description of our business and our operating segments, as well as other matters that we believe are important in understanding our results of operations and financial condition and in anticipating future trends.
Consolidated Results of Operations. This section provides an analysis of our results of operations for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 compared to the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. Our discussion is presented on both a consolidated and operating segment basis. Our two operating segments are: (i) National Networks and (ii) International and Other.
Liquidity and Capital Resources. This section provides a discussion of our financial condition as of June 30, 2019, as well as an analysis of our cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The discussion of our financial condition and liquidity includes summaries of (i) our primary sources of liquidity and (ii) our contractual obligations that existed at June 30, 2019 as compared to December 31, 2018.
Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates. This section provides an update, if any, to our significant accounting policies or critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2018.
Business Overview
We manage our business through the following two operating segments:
National Networks: Includes activities of our five national programming networks, AMC Studios operations and AMC Broadcasting & Technology. Our national programming networks are AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV in the U.S.; and AMC and IFC in Canada. Our AMC Studios operations produces original programming for our programming networks and also licenses such program rights worldwide. AMC Networks Broadcasting & Technology is our technical services business, which primarily services most of the national programming networks.
International and Other: Principally includes AMC Networks International (AMCNI), the Company's international programming businesses consisting of a portfolio of channels around the world; IFC Films, the Company's independent film distribution business; Levity Entertainment Group ("Levity"), acquired April 20, 2018, our production services and comedy venues company; RLJ Entertainment Inc. ("RLJE"), acquired October 1, 2018, a content distribution company that also includes the subscription streaming services Acorn TV and UMC, and our wholly-owned subscription streaming services, Shudder and Sundance Now.



35


Financial Results Overview
The tables presented below set forth our consolidated revenues, net, operating income (loss) and adjusted operating income ("AOI"), defined below, for the periods indicated.
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Revenues, net
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
604,739

 
$
627,289

 
$
1,220,858

 
$
1,260,317

International and Other
179,526

 
146,711

 
350,615

 
258,101

Inter-segment eliminations
(11,966
)
 
(12,615
)
 
(14,953
)
 
(16,210
)
Consolidated revenues, net
$
772,299

 
$
761,385

 
$
1,556,520

 
$
1,502,208

Operating income (loss)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
214,198

 
$
210,007

 
$
465,702

 
$
459,859

International and Other
(27,284
)
 
(11,338
)
 
(41,031
)
 
(28,151
)
Inter-segment eliminations
(16,657
)
 
(7,138
)
 
(9,551
)
 
(6,522
)
Consolidated operating income
$
170,257

 
$
191,531

 
$
415,120

 
$
425,186

AOI
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
National Networks
$
236,472

 
$
234,678

 
$
513,159

 
$
505,552

International and Other
11,830

 
5,413

 
21,772

 
3,251

Inter-segment eliminations
(16,657
)
 
(7,138
)
 
(10,246
)
 
(6,522
)
Consolidated AOI
$
231,645

 
$
232,953

 
$
524,685

 
$
502,281

We evaluate segment performance based on several factors, of which the primary financial measure is operating segment AOI. We define AOI, which is a financial measure that is not calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), 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.
We believe that AOI is an appropriate measure for evaluating the operating performance on both an operating segment and consolidated basis. AOI and similar measures with similar titles are common performance measures used by investors, analysts and peers to compare performance in the industry.
Internally, we use revenues, net and AOI measures as the most important indicators of our business performance, and evaluate management's effectiveness with specific reference to these indicators. AOI should be viewed as a supplement to and not a substitute for operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operating activities and other measures of performance and/or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP. Since AOI 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.
The following is a reconciliation of consolidated operating income to AOI for the periods indicated:
(In thousands)
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
 
2019
 
2018
Operating income
$
170,257

 
$
191,531

 
$
415,120

 
$
425,186

Share-based compensation expense
16,725

 
19,753

 
36,624

 
35,072

Restructuring and other related charges
17,162

 

 
19,804

 

Depreciation and amortization
25,893

 
21,669

 
49,949

 
42,023

Majority-owned equity investees AOI
1,608

 

 
3,188

 

AOI
$
231,645

 
$
232,953

 
$
524,685

 
$
502,281


36


Items Impacting Comparability
RLJE
In October 2018, we acquired a controlling interest in RLJE. The operating results of RLJE are included in our International and Other segment in the consolidated statements of income from the acquisition date through June 30, 2019.
Levity
In April 2018, we acquired a controlling interest in Levity. The operating results of Levity are included in our International and Other segment in the consolidated statements of income from the acquisition date through June 30, 2019.
National Networks
In our National Networks segment, we earn revenue principally from the distribution of our programming and the sale of advertising. Distribution revenue primarily includes subscription fees paid by distributors to carry our programming networks and content licensing revenue from the licensing of original programming for digital, foreign and home video distribution. Subscription fees paid by distributors represent the largest component of distribution revenue. Our subscription fee revenues are based on a per subscriber fee, and, to a lesser extent, fixed fees under multi-year contracts, commonly referred to as "affiliation agreements," which generally provide for annual rate increases. The specific subscription fee revenues we earn vary from period to period, distributor to distributor and also vary among our networks, but are generally based upon the number of each distributor's subscribers who receive our programming, referred to as viewing subscribers. Content licensing revenue from the licensing of original programming for digital and foreign distribution is recognized upon availability or distribution by the licensee.
Under affiliation agreements with our distributors, we have the right to sell a specified amount of national advertising time on our programming networks. Our advertising revenues are more variable than subscription fee revenues because the majority of our advertising is sold on a short-term basis, not under long-term contracts. Our arrangements with advertisers provide for a set number of advertising units to air over a specific period of time at a negotiated price per unit. Additionally, in these advertising sales arrangements, our programming networks generally guarantee specified viewer ratings for their programming.
Programming expense, included in technical and operating expense, represents the largest expense of the National Networks segment and primarily consists of amortization and write-offs of programming rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, as well as participation and residual costs. The other components of technical and operating expense primarily include distribution and production related costs and program operating costs including cost of delivery, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption.
To an increasing extent, the success of our business depends on original programming, both scripted and unscripted, across all of our networks. In recent years, we have introduced a number of scripted original series. These series generally result in higher ratings for our networks. Among other things, higher audience ratings drive increased revenues through higher advertising revenues. The timing of exhibition and distribution of original programming varies from period to period, which results in greater variability in our revenues, earnings and cash flows from operating activities. We will continue to increase our investment in programming across all of our networks. There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to the amortization of content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the individual-film-forecast-computation method.
Most original series require us to make up-front investments, which are often significant amounts. Not all of our programming efforts are commercially successful, which could result in a write-off of program rights. If it is determined that programming rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness based on actual demand or market conditions, a write-off of the unamortized cost is recorded in technical and operating expense. Program rights write-offs, included in technical and operating expense, were $10.1 million and $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Program rights write-offs, included in technical and operating expense, were $13.4 million and $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively. Program write-offs, included in Restructuring and other related charges, were $13.0 million for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019 and were related to the direct to consumer change in business strategy (see "Restructuring and other related charges" below).
International and Other
Our International and Other segment primarily includes the operations of AMCNI, Levity, RLJE (which includes the subscription streaming services Acorn TV and UMC), IFC Films, our independent film distribution business and our wholly-owned subscription streaming services, Shudder and Sundance Now.
In our International and Other segment, we earn revenue principally from the international distribution of programming and, to a lesser extent, the sale of advertising from our AMCNI programming networks. We also earn revenue from; (i) production services from Levity, (ii) our wholly-owned subscription streaming services Shudder and Sundance Now, as well as subscription

37


streaming services operated by RLJE; AcornTV and UMC, (iii) the distribution of content of IFC Films and RLJE, and (iv) Levity's operation of comedy venues. Distribution revenue primarily includes subscription fees paid by distributors or consumers to carry our programming networks or subscription-based streaming services and production services revenue generated from Levity. Our subscription revenues are generally based on either a per-subscriber fee or a fixed contractual annual fee, under multi-year affiliation agreements, which may provide for annual rate increases, and a monthly fee paid by consumers for our subscription-based streaming services. Our production services revenues are based on master production agreements whereby a third-party engages us to produce content on its behalf. Production services revenues are recognized based on the percentage of cost incurred to total estimated cost of the contract. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, distribution revenues represented 87% of the revenues of the International and Other segment. Distribution revenues are derived from the distribution of our programming networks primarily in Europe and to a lesser extent, Latin America as well as from our owned subscription streaming services available in the United States, Canada, Latin America, parts of Europe, India, Australia and New Zealand.
Programming expense, program operating costs and production costs incurred to produce content for third parties are included in technical and operating expense, and represent the largest expense of the International and Other segment. Programming expense primarily consist of amortization of acquired content, costs of dubbing and sub-titling of programs, production costs, participation and residual costs. Program operating costs include costs such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption of our linear AMCNI channels as well as content hosting and delivery costs at our various on-line content distribution initiatives. Not all of our programming efforts are commercially successful, which could result in a write-off of program rights. If it is determined that programming rights have limited, or no, future programming usefulness based on actual demand or market conditions, a write-off of the unamortized cost is recorded in technical and operating expense.
We view our investments in international expansion and our various developing on-line content distribution initiatives as important long-term strategies. We may experience an adverse impact to the International and Other segment's operating results and cash flows in periods of increased investment by the Company in these aforementioned initiatives.
Corporate Expenses
We allocate corporate overhead within operating expenses to each segment based upon its proportionate estimated usage of services. The segment financial information set forth below, including the discussion related to individual line items, does not reflect inter-segment eliminations unless specifically indicated.
Impact of Economic Conditions
Our future performance is dependent, to a large extent, on general economic conditions including the impact of direct competition, our ability to manage our businesses effectively, and our relative strength and leverage in the marketplace, both with suppliers and customers.
Capital and credit market disruptions could cause economic downturns, which may lead to lower demand for our products, such as lower demand for television advertising and a decrease in the number of subscribers receiving our programming networks from our distributors. Events such as these may adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.


38


Consolidated Results of Operations
The amounts presented and discussed below represent 100% of each operating segment's revenues, net and expenses. Where we have management control of an entity, we consolidate 100% of such entity in our consolidated statements of operations notwithstanding that a third-party owns a significant interest in such entity. The noncontrolling owner's interest in the operating results of majority-owned or controlled subsidiaries are reflected in net income attributable to noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2018
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
772,299

 
100.0
 %
 
$
761,385

 
100.0
 %
 
$
10,914

 
1.4
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
385,623

 
49.9

 
376,809

 
49.5

 
8,814

 
2.3

Selling, general and administrative
173,364

 
22.4

 
171,376

 
22.5

 
1,988

 
1.2

Depreciation and amortization
25,893

 
3.4

 
21,669

 
2.8

 
4,224

 
19.5

Restructuring and other related charges
17,162

 
2.2

 

 

 
17,162

 
n/m

Total operating expenses
602,042

 
78.0

 
569,854

 
74.8

 
32,188

 
5.6

Operating income
170,257

 
22.0

 
191,531

 
25.2

 
(21,274
)
 
(11.1
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(34,971
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(33,933
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(1,038
)
 
3.1

Loss on extinguishment of debt

 

 


 

 

 
n/m

Miscellaneous, net
(2,697
)
 
(0.3
)
 
(14,719
)
 
(1.9
)
 
12,022

 
(81.7
)
Total other income (expense)
(37,668
)
 
(4.9
)
 
(48,652
)
 
(6.4
)
 
10,984

 
(22.6
)
Net income from operations before income taxes
132,589

 
17.2

 
142,879

 
18.8

 
(10,290
)
 
(7.2
)
Income tax expense
1,396

 
0.2

 
(32,547
)
 
(4.3
)
 
33,943

 
(104.3
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
133,985

 
17.3

 
110,332

 
14.5

 
23,653

 
21.4

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(5,242
)
 
(0.7
)
 
(4,151
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(1,091
)
 
26.3
 %
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
128,743

 
16.7
 %
 
$
106,181

 
13.9
 %
 
$
22,562

 
21.2
 %

39


National Networks Segment Results
The following table sets forth our National Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
604,739

 
100.0
%
 
$
627,289

 
100.0
%
 
$
(22,550
)
 
(3.6
)%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
269,147

 
44.5

 
285,326

 
45.5

 
(16,179
)
 
(5.7
)
Selling, general and administrative
112,941

 
18.7

 
123,544

 
19.7

 
(10,603
)
 
(8.6
)
Depreciation and amortization
8,179

 
1.4

 
8,412

 
1.3

 
(233
)
 
(2.8
)
Restructuring and other related charges
274

 

 

 

 
274

 
n/m

Operating income
$
214,198

 
35.4
%
 
$
210,007

 
33.5
%
 
$
4,191

 
2.0
 %
Share-based compensation expense
13,821

 
2.3

 
16,259

 
2.6

 
(2,438
)
 
(15.0
)
Restructuring and other related charges
274

 

 

 

 
274

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
8,179

 
1.4

 
8,412

 
1.3

 
(233
)
 
(2.8
)
AOI
$
236,472

 
39.1
%
 
$
234,678

 
37.4
%
 
$
1,794

 
0.8
 %
International and Other Segment Results
The following table sets forth our International Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
179,526

 
100.0
 %
 
$
146,711

 
100.0
 %
 
$
32,815

 
22.4
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
111,722

 
62.2

 
96,932

 
66.1

 
14,790

 
15.3

Selling, general and administrative
60,486

 
33.7

 
47,860

 
32.6

 
12,626

 
26.4

Depreciation and amortization
17,714

 
9.9

 
13,257

 
9.0

 
4,457

 
33.6

Restructuring and other related charges
16,888

 
9.4

 

 

 
16,888

 
n/m

Operating loss
$
(27,284
)
 
(15.2
)%
 
$
(11,338
)
 
(7.7
)%
 
$
(15,946
)
 
140.6
 %
Share-based compensation expense
2,904

 
1.6

 
3,494

 
2.4

 
(590
)
 
(16.9
)
Restructuring and other related charges
16,888

 
9.4

 

 

 
16,888

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
17,714

 
9.9

 
13,257

 
9.0

 
4,457

 
33.6

Majority-owned equity investees AOI
1,608

 
0.9

 

 

 
1,608

 
n/m

AOI
$
11,830

 
6.6
 %
 
$
5,413

 
3.7
 %
 
$
6,417

 
118.5
 %

40


Revenues, net
Revenues, net increased $10.9 million to $772.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
604,739

 
78.3
 %
 
$
627,289

 
82.4
 %
 
$
(22,550
)
 
(3.6
)%
International and Other
179,526

 
23.2

 
146,711

 
19.3

 
32,815

 
22.4

Inter-segment eliminations
(11,966
)
 
(1.5
)
 
(12,615
)
 
(1.7
)
 
649

 
(5.1
)
Consolidated revenues, net
$
772,299

 
100.0
 %
 
$
761,385

 
100.0
 %
 
$
10,914

 
1.4
 %
National Networks
The decrease in National Networks revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
219,490

 
36.3
%
 
$
246,829

 
39.3
%
 
$
(27,339
)
 
(11.1
)%
Distribution
385,249

 
63.7

 
380,460

 
60.7

 
4,789

 
1.3

 
$
604,739

 
100.0
%
 
$
627,289

 
100.0
%
 
$
(22,550
)
 
(3.6
)%
The decrease of $27.3 million in advertising revenues was due to a decrease of $34.6 million at AMC due primarily to the timing of our original programming as well as lower ratings, partially mitigated by pricing. The decrease at AMC was partially offset by increases at all of our other networks. Most of our advertising revenues vary based on the timing of our original programming series and the popularity of our programming as measured by Nielsen. Due to these factors, we expect advertising revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
Distribution revenues increased $4.8 million due to an increase of $5.5 million in content licensing revenue, primarily at AMC, from foreign distribution. Subscription revenues decreased slightly as compared to the prior comparable period due to lower subscribers and the impact of an interpretation of a contractual provision in an affiliate agreement, partially offset by pricing. Distribution revenues may vary based on the impact of renewals of affiliation agreements and content licensing revenues vary based on the timing of availability of our programming to distributors. Because of these factors, we expect distribution revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
International and Other
The increase in International and Other revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
23,535

 
13.1
%
 
$
23,433

 
16.0
%
 
$
102

 
0.4
%
Distribution
155,991

 
86.9

 
123,278

 
84.0

 
32,713

 
26.5

 
$
179,526

 
100.0
%
 
$
146,711

 
100.0
%
 
$
32,815

 
22.4
%
Distribution revenues increased primarily due to a $35.6 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE, and a $6.4 million increase from our subscription streaming services. Distribution revenue at AMCNI decreased $4.9 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, primarily due to the termination of distribution in certain territories. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to distribution revenues of $4.5 million.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization)
The components of technical and operating expense primarily include the amortization and impairments or write-offs of program rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program operating costs, such as origination, transmission, uplinking and encryption.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased $8.8 million to $385.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:

41


 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
269,147

 
$
285,326

 
$
(16,179
)
 
(5.7
)%
International and Other
111,722

 
96,932

 
14,790

 
15.3
 %
Inter-segment eliminations
4,754

 
(5,449
)
 
10,203

 
(187.2
)%
Total
$
385,623

 
$
376,809

 
$
8,814

 
2.3
 %
Percentage of revenues, net
49.9
%
 
49.5
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
The decrease in technical and operating expense was primarily attributable to a decrease of $16.8 million in other direct programming costs attributable to lower personnel and production related costs, partially offset by a slight increase of $0.6 million in program rights amortization expense. Program rights amortization expense includes write-offs of $10.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to program rights write-offs of $3.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018. Program write-offs are based on management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness.
There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the film-forecast-computation method. As additional competition for programming increases and alternate distribution technologies continue to develop in the industry, costs for content acquisition and original programming may increase.
International and Other
Technical and operating expense increased primarily due to a $20.2 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE. In addition, technical and operating expense increased $3.9 million at our subscription streaming services. Technical and operating expense at AMCNI decreased $5.6 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in technical and operating expense of $3.8 million.
Selling, general and administrative expense
The components of selling, general and administrative expense primarily include sales, marketing and advertising expenses, administrative costs and costs of non-production facilities.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $2.0 million to $173.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
112,941

 
$
123,544

 
$
(10,603
)
 
(8.6
)%
International and Other
60,486

 
47,860

 
12,626

 
26.4

Inter-segment eliminations
(63
)
 
(28
)
 
(35
)
 
125.0

Total
$
173,364

 
$
171,376

 
$
1,988

 
1.2
 %
Percentage of revenues, net
22.4
%
 
22.5
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $10.6 million principally as a result of a $9.4 million decrease in advertising and marketing expense related to the timing of promotion of original programming.
There may be significant changes in the level of our selling, general and administrative expense from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the timing of promotion and marketing of original programming series and subscriber retention marketing efforts.
International and Other    
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $12.6 million primarily due to a $15.5 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in selling, general and administrative expense of $2.0 million.

42


Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $4.2 million to $25.9 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
8,179

 
$
8,412

 
$
(233
)
 
(2.8
)%
International and Other
17,714

 
13,257

 
4,457

 
33.6

 
$
25,893

 
$
21,669

 
$
4,224

 
19.5
 %
The increase in depreciation and amortization expense in the International and Other segment was primarily due to a $3.2 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE as well as an increase in depreciation expense of $1.8 million related to leasehold additions.
Restructuring and other related charges
Restructuring expense of $17.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 primarily related to the direct to consumer re-organization charges and consisted of severance and other personnel related costs and programming write-offs incurred at AMCNI for costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
In May 2019, management commenced a restructuring initiative of the Company's owned subscription streaming services. The restructuring combined the Company's owned subscription streaming services under one management team. In connection with this re-organization, a number of roles were eliminated to address redundancy at the senior management level and improve the effectiveness of management while reducing the cost structure of the Company. As a result, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $1.3 million related to severance and other personnel related costs.
In connection with the management changes in the direct to consumer business, the Company implemented changes to its strategy for its owned subscription streaming services, including programming that will no longer be made available. As a result, the Company incurred other charges of $13.0 million related to the write-off of programming associated with the direct to consumer reorganization and change in strategy.
In connection with the restructuring announced in 2018, the Company incurred additional severance and other personnel related costs of $2.9 million.
Operating Income
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
214,198

 
$
210,007

 
$
4,191

 
2.0
 %
International and Other
(27,284
)
 
(11,338
)
 
(15,946
)
 
140.6

Inter-segment Eliminations
(16,657
)
 
(7,138)

 
(9,519
)
 
133.4

 
$
170,257

 
$
191,531

 
$
(21,274
)
 
(11.1
)%
The increase in operating income at the National Networks segment was primarily attributable to a decrease in technical and operating expense of $16.2 million and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expense of $10.6 million, partially offset by a decrease in revenues of $22.6 million.
The increase in operating losses at the International and Other segment was primarily attributable to the restructuring and other related charges of $16.9 million primarily associated with the direct to consumer reorganization.


43


AOI
The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated operating income to AOI:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
Operating income
$
170,257

 
$
191,531

 
$
(21,274
)
 
(11.1
)%
Share-based compensation expense
16,725

 
19,753

 
(3,028
)
 
(15.3
)
Restructuring and other related charges
17,162

 

 
17,162

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
25,893

 
21,669

 
4,224

 
19.5

Majority-owned equity investees AOI
1,608

 

 
1,608

 
n/m

AOI
$
231,645

 
$
232,953

 
$
(1,308
)
 
(0.6
)%
AOI decreased $1.3 million for the three months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the three months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Three Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
236,472

 
$
234,678

 
$
1,794

 
0.8
 %
International and Other
11,830

 
5,413

 
6,417

 
118.5

Inter-segment eliminations
(16,657
)
 
(7,138
)
 
(9,519
)
 
133.4

AOI
$
231,645

 
$
232,953

 
$
(1,308
)
 
(0.6
)%
National Networks AOI increased principally due to an increase in operating income of $4.2 million, partially offset by a decrease in share-based compensation expense of $2.4 million.
International and Other AOI increased $6.4 million due to an increase in operating income of $2.9 million at AMCNI, an increase of $1.6 million related to the AOI of majority-owned equity method investees, and increases at IFC Films and our subscription streaming services.
As a result of the factors discussed above impacting the variability in revenues and operating expenses, we expect AOI to vary from quarter to quarter.
Interest expense, net
The increase in interest expense, net of $1.0 million is primarily driven by a decrease in interest income as well as a higher variable interest rate on our term loan.
Miscellaneous, net
The decrease in miscellaneous expense, net of $12.0 million was primarily driven by the absence of an impairment charge of $10.0 million recognized in the three months ended June 30, 2018 for the partial write-down of one of our non-marketable equity securities and an increase in earnings from equity method investees of $1.8 million.
Income tax expense
For the three months ended June 30, 2019, income tax benefit was $1.4 million representing a negative effective tax rate of 1%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% due primarily to a tax benefit of $25.0 million resulting from a decrease in valuation allowances for foreign tax assets, a tax benefit of $7.2 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) partially offset by state and local income tax expense of $4.1 million. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily due to the expected utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards resulting from the planned implementation of certain tax planning strategies. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions is primarily due to an audit settlement and the filing of state income tax returns under a voluntary disclosure agreement.
For the three months ended June 30, 2018, income tax expense was $32.5 million representing an effective tax rate of 23%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% due primarily to state and local income tax expense of $2.3 million.

44


Six Months Ended June 30, 2019 Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
The following table sets forth our consolidated results of operations for the periods indicated.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
1,556,520

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,502,208

 
100.0
 %
 
$
54,312

 
3.6
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
725,771

 
46.6

 
697,174

 
46.4

 
28,597

 
4.1

Selling, general and administrative
345,876

 
22.2

 
337,825

 
22.5

 
8,051

 
2.4

Depreciation and amortization
49,949

 
3.2

 
42,023

 
2.8

 
7,926

 
18.9

Restructuring and other related charges
19,804

 
1.3

 

 

 
19,804

 
n/m

Total operating expenses
1,141,400

 
73.3

 
1,077,022

 
71.7

 
64,378

 
6.0

Operating income
415,120

 
26.7

 
425,186

 
28.3

 
(10,066
)
 
(2.4
)
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense, net
(70,416
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(67,119
)
 
(4.5
)
 
(3,297
)
 
4.9

Miscellaneous, net
(15,482
)
 
(1.0
)
 
2,227

 
0.1

 
(17,709
)
 
(795.2
)
Total other income (expense)
(85,898
)
 
(5.5
)
 
(64,892
)
 
(4.3
)
 
(21,006
)
 
32.4

Net income from operations before income taxes
329,222

 
21.2

 
360,294

 
24.0

 
(31,072
)
 
(8.6
)
Income tax expense
(45,080
)
 
(2.9
)
 
(89,426
)
 
(6.0
)
 
44,346

 
(49.6
)
Net income including noncontrolling interests
284,142

 
18.3

 
270,868

 
18.0

 
13,274

 
4.9

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
(12,002
)
 
(0.8
)
 
(7,817
)
 
(0.5
)
 
(4,185
)
 
53.5
 %
Net income attributable to AMC Networks' stockholders
$
272,140

 
17.5
 %
 
$
263,051

 
17.5
 %
 
$
9,089

 
3.5
 %


45


National Networks Segment Results
The following table sets forth our National Networks segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
1,220,858

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,260,317

 
100.0
%
 
$
(39,459
)
 
(3.1
)%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
510,407

 
41.8

 
535,113

 
42.5

 
(24,706
)
 
(4.6
)
Selling, general and administrative
227,382

 
18.6

 
248,438

 
19.7

 
(21,056
)
 
(8.5
)
Depreciation and amortization
16,791

 
1.4

 
16,907

 
1.3

 
(116
)
 
(0.7
)
Restructuring and other related charges
576

 

 

 

 
576

 
n/m

Operating income
$
465,702

 
38.1
%
 
$
459,859

 
36.5
%
 
$
5,843

 
1.3
 %
Share-based compensation expense
30,090

 
2.5

 
28,786

 
2.3

 
1,304

 
4.5

Restructuring and other related charges
576

 

 

 

 
576

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
16,791

 
1.4

 
16,907

 
1.3

 
(116
)
 
(0.7
)
AOI
$
513,159

 
42.0
%
 
$
505,552

 
40.1
%
 
$
7,607

 
1.5
 %
International and Other Segment Results
The following table sets forth our International and Other segment results for the periods indicated.
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
 
2019
 
2018
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
Amount
 
% of
Revenues,
net
 
$ change
 
% change
Revenues, net
$
350,615

 
100.0
 %
 
$
258,101

 
100.0
 %
 
$
92,514

 
35.8
%
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Technical and operating (excluding depreciation and amortization)
219,994

 
62.7

 
171,694

 
66.5

 
48,300

 
28.1

Selling, general and administrative
118,571

 
33.8

 
89,442

 
34.7

 
29,129

 
32.6

Depreciation and amortization
33,158

 
9.5

 
25,116

 
9.7

 
8,042

 
32.0

Restructuring and other related charges
19,923

 
5.7

 

 

 
19,923

 
n/m

Operating loss
$
(41,031
)
 
(11.7
)%
 
$
(28,151
)
 
(10.9
)%
 
$
(12,880
)
 
45.8
%
Share-based compensation expense
6,534

 
1.9

 
6,286

 
2.4

 
248

 
3.9

Restructuring and other related charges
19,923

 
5.7

 

 

 
19,923

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
33,158

 
9.5

 
25,116

 
9.7

 
8,042

 
32.0

Majority-owned equity investees AOI
3,188

 
0.9

 

 

 
3,188

 
n/m

AOI
$
21,772

 
6.2
 %
 
$
3,251

 
1.3
 %
 
$
18,521

 
569.7
%

46


Revenues, net
Revenues, net increased $54.3 million to $1,556.5 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
1,220,858

 
78.5
 %
 
$
1,260,317

 
83.9
 %
 
$
(39,459
)
 
(3.1
)%
International and Other
350,615

 
22.5

 
258,101

 
17.2

 
92,514

 
35.8

Inter-segment eliminations
(14,953
)
 
(1.0
)
 
(16,210
)
 
(1.1
)
 
1,257

 
(7.8
)
Consolidated revenues, net
$
1,556,520

 
100.0
 %
 
$
1,502,208

 
100.0
 %
 
$
54,312

 
3.6
 %
National Networks
The decrease in National Networks revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
458,579

 
37.6
%
 
$
472,559

 
37.5
%
 
$
(13,980
)
 
(3.0
)%
Distribution
762,279

 
62.4

 
787,758

 
62.5

 
(25,479
)
 
(3.2
)
 
$
1,220,858

 
100.0
%
 
$
1,260,317

 
100.0
%
 
$
(39,459
)
 
(3.1
)%
The decrease of $14.0 million in advertising revenues was driven by a decrease of $33.5 million at AMC due to lower ratings, partially mitigated by pricing. The decrease at AMC was partially offset by increases at all of our other networks. Most of our advertising revenues vary based on the timing of our original programming series and the popularity of our programming as measured by Nielsen. Due to these factors, we expect advertising revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
Distribution revenues decreased $25.5 million due to a decrease in content licensing revenues of $29.4 million from lower foreign distribution revenues derived from our original programming, primarily at AMC. Subscription revenues increased $4.0 million resulting from an increase in rates, partially offset by lower subscribers and the impact of an interpretation of a contractual provision in an affiliate agreement. Subscription revenues may vary based on the impact of renewals of affiliation agreements and content licensing revenues vary based on the timing of availability of our programming to distributors. Because of these factors, we expect distribution revenues to vary from quarter to quarter.
International and Other
The increase in International and Other revenues, net was attributable to the following:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
% of total
 
2018
 
% of total
 
$ change
 
% change
Advertising
$
44,741

 
12.8
%
 
$
45,943

 
17.8
%
 
$
(1,202
)
 
(2.6
)%
Distribution
305,874

 
87.2

 
212,158

 
82.2

 
93,716

 
44.2

 
$
350,615

 
100.0
%
 
$
258,101

 
100.0
%
 
$
92,514

 
35.8
 %
The decrease of $1.2 million in advertising revenues was principally due to the unfavorable impact of foreign currency translation of $3.5 million, partially offset by an increase in demand in certain international markets. Distribution revenues increased primarily due to a $100.3 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE. In addition, distribution revenues increased $9.6 million from our subscription streaming services. Distribution revenue at AMCNI decreased $6.3 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, primarily due to the termination of distribution in certain territories. Foreign currency translation had an unfavorable impact to distribution revenues of $10.2 million.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization)
The components of technical and operating expense primarily include the amortization and write-offs of program rights, such as those for original programming, feature films and licensed series, participation and residual costs, distribution and production related costs and program delivery costs, such as transmission, encryption, hosting, and formatting.
Technical and operating expense (excluding depreciation and amortization) increased $28.6 million to $725.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:

47


 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
510,407

 
$
535,113

 
$
(24,706
)
 
(4.6
)%
International and Other
219,994

 
171,694

 
48,300

 
28.1

Inter-segment eliminations
(4,630
)
 
(9,633
)
 
5,003

 
(51.9
)
Total
$
725,771

 
$
697,174

 
$
28,597

 
4.1
 %
Percentage of revenues, net
46.6
%
 
46.4
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
The decrease in technical and operating expense was primarily attributable to a decrease of $26.8 million in other direct programming expense attributable to lower personnel and production related costs, partially offset by an increase of $2.1 million in program rights amortization expense. Program rights amortization expense includes write-offs of $13.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to program rights write-offs of $8.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Programming write-offs are based on management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness.
There may be significant changes in the level of our technical and operating expenses due to content acquisition and/or original programming costs and/or the impact of management's periodic assessment of programming usefulness. Such costs will also fluctuate with the level of revenues derived from owned original programming in each period as these costs are amortized based on the film-forecast-computation method. As additional competition for programming increases and alternate distribution technologies continue to develop in the industry, costs for content acquisition and original programming may increase.
International and Other
Technical and operating expense increased due to a $60.3 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE. In addition, technical and operating expense increased $7.1 million at our subscription streaming services. Technical and operating expense at AMCNI decreased $11.0 million, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in technical and operating expense of $8.6 million.
Selling, general and administrative expense
The components of selling, general and administrative expense primarily include sales, marketing and advertising expenses, administrative costs and costs of non-production facilities.
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $8.1 million to $345.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
227,382

 
$
248,438

 
$
(21,056
)
 
(8.5
)%
International and Other
118,571

 
89,442

 
29,129

 
32.6

Inter-segment eliminations
(77
)
 
(55
)
 
(22
)
 
40.0

Total
$
345,876

 
$
337,825

 
$
8,051

 
2.4
 %
Percentage of revenues, net
22.2
%
 
22.5
%
 
 
 
 
National Networks
Selling, general and administrative expense decreased $21.1 million principally as a result of a $19.1 million decrease in advertising and marketing expense related to the timing of promotion of original programming.
There may be significant changes in the level of our selling, general and administrative expense from quarter to quarter and year to year due to the timing of promotion and marketing of original programming series and subscriber retention marketing efforts.
International and Other    
Selling, general and administrative expense increased $29.1 million primarily due to a $38.3 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE, partially offset by a decrease of $4.5 million at AMCNI, excluding the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Foreign currency translation had a favorable impact to the change in selling, general and administrative expense of $4.3 million.

48


Depreciation and amortization
Depreciation and amortization expense increased $7.9 million to $49.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019, as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
16,791

 
$
16,907

 
$
(116
)
 
(0.7
)%
International and Other
33,158

 
25,116

 
8,042

 
32.0

 
$
49,949

 
$
42,023

 
$
7,926

 
18.9
 %
The increase in depreciation and amortization expense in the International and Other segment was primarily due to a $5.4 million impact from the acquisitions of Levity and RLJE as well as an increase in depreciation expense of $3.5 million related to leasehold additions.
Restructuring and other related charges
Restructuring expense of $19.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily related to the direct to consumer re-organization charges and consisted of severance and other personnel related costs and programming write-offs incurred at AMCNI for costs associated with the termination of distribution in certain territories.
In May 2019, management commenced a restructuring initiative of the Company's owned subscription streaming services. The restructuring combined the Company's owned subscription streaming services under one management team. In connection with this re-organization, a number of roles were eliminated to address redundancy at the senior management level and improve the effectiveness of management while reducing the cost structure of the Company. As a result, the Company incurred restructuring charges of $1.3 million related to severance and other personnel related costs.
In connection with the management changes in the direct to consumer business, the Company implemented changes to its strategy for its owned subscription streaming services, including programming that will no longer be made available. As a result, the Company incurred other charges of $13.0 million related to the write-off of programming associated with the direct to consumer reorganization and change in strategy.
In connection with the restructuring announced in 2018, the Company incurred additional severance and other personnel related costs of $3.9 million.
Operating Income
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
465,702

 
$
459,859

 
$
5,843

 
1.3
 %
International and Other
(41,031
)
 
(28,151
)
 
(12,880
)
 
45.8

Inter-segment Eliminations
(9,551
)
 
(6,522)

 
(3,029
)
 
n/m

 
$
415,120

 
$
425,186

 
$
(10,066
)
 
(2.4
)%
The increase in operating income at the National Networks segment was primarily attributable to a decrease in technical and operating expense of $24.7 million and a decrease in selling, general and administrative expense of $21.1 million, partially offset by a decrease in revenues of $39.5 million.
The increase in operating losses at the International and Other segment was primarily attributable to the restructuring and other related charges of $19.9 million primarily associated with the direct to consumer reorganization, partially offset by an increase of $7.5 million at AMCNI.


49


AOI
The following is a reconciliation of our consolidated operating income to AOI:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
Operating income
$
415,120

 
$
425,186

 
$
(10,066
)
 
(2.4
)%
Share-based compensation expense
36,624

 
35,072

 
1,552

 
4.4

Restructuring and other related charges
19,804

 

 
19,804

 
n/m

Depreciation and amortization
49,949

 
42,023

 
7,926

 
18.9

Majority-owned equity investees AOI
3,188

 

 
3,188

 
n/m

AOI
$
524,685

 
$
502,281

 
$
22,404

 
4.5
 %
AOI increased $22.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018. The net change by segment was as follows:
 
Six Months Ended June 30,
 
 
 
 
(In thousands)
2019
 
2018
 
$ change
 
% change
National Networks
$
513,159

 
$
505,552

 
$
7,607

 
1.5
%
International and Other
21,772

 
3,251

 
18,521

 
569.7

Inter-segment eliminations
(10,246
)
 
(6,522
)
 
(3,724
)
 
57.1

AOI
$
524,685

 
$
502,281

 
$
22,404

 
4.5
%
National Networks AOI increased principally due to an increase in operating income of $5.8 million and an increase in share-based compensation expense of $1.3 million.
International and Other AOI increased $18.5 million due to increases in operating income of $7.5 million at AMCNI and $3.3 million at IFC Films as well as an increase of $3.2 million related to the AOI of majority-owned equity method investees.
As a result of the factors discussed above impacting the variability in revenues and operating expenses, we expect AOI to vary from quarter to quarter.
Interest expense, net
The increase in interest expense, net of $3.3 million is driven by a $1.9 million increase in interest expense driven by a higher variable interest rate on our term loan as well as a decrease in interest income of $1.4 million.
Miscellaneous, net
The increase in miscellaneous expense, net of $17.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to the six months ended June 30, 2018 was primarily driven by an increase of $7.7 million related to impairment charges for the partial write-down of certain of our non-marketable equity securities and a note receivable. In addition, miscellaneous expense, net increased $12.4 million related to the absence of gains associated with the increase in fair value of our investment in RLJE recorded for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Miscellaneous expense, net decreased $3.6 million associated with increased earnings from equity method investees and $2.5 million due to a favorable variance in foreign currency transactions gains and losses.
Income tax expense
For the six months ended June 30, 2019, income tax expense was $45.1 million representing an effective tax rate of 14%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21% due primarily to a tax benefit of $25.0 million resulting from a decrease in valuation allowances for foreign tax assets, a tax benefit of $5.6 million relating to uncertain tax positions (including accrued interest) partially offset by state and local income tax expense of $7.3 million. The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily due to the expected utilization of foreign net operating loss carryforwards resulting from the planned implementation of certain tax planning strategies. The tax benefit relating to uncertain tax positions is primarily due to an audit settlement and the filing of state income tax returns under a voluntary disclosure agreement.
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, income tax expense was $89.4 million, representing an effective tax rate of 25%. The effective tax rate differs from the federal statutory rate of 21%, due primarily to tax expense of $16.1 million for an increase in valuation allowances for foreign taxes and U.S. foreign tax credits; state and local income tax expense of $6.2 million; a tax benefit of $8.3 million for the one-time rate change on deferred tax assets and liabilities that resulted from the extension of certain

50


television production cost deductions included in the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (enacted February 9, 2018); and tax benefit from foreign subsidiary earnings indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. of $5.8 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our operations have historically generated positive net cash flow from operating activities. However, each of our programming businesses has substantial programming acquisition and production expenditure requirements.
Sources of cash primarily include cash flow from operations, amounts available under our revolving credit facility and access to capital markets. Although we currently believe that amounts available under our revolving credit facility will be available when and if needed, we can provide no assurance that access to such funds will not be impacted by adverse conditions in the financial markets. The obligations of the financial institutions under our revolving credit facility are several and not joint and, as a result, a funding default by one or more institutions does not need to be made up by the others. As a public company, we may have access to other sources of capital such as the public bond markets.
On March 7, 2016, the Company announced that its Board of Directors authorized a program to repurchase up to $500 million of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). On June 6, 2017, the Board of Directors approved an increase of $500 million. On June 13, 2018, the Board of Directors approved a further increase of $500 million in the amount authorized for a total of $1.5 billion authorized under the Stock Repurchase Program. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time. For the three months ended June 30, 2019, the Company repurchased 1.1 million shares of its Class A common stock at an average purchase price of approximately $54.62 per share. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has $501.0 million of authorization remaining for repurchase under the Stock Repurchase Program.
Our principal uses of cash include the acquisition and production of programming, investments and acquisitions, repurchases of outstanding debt and common stock, debt service, and payments for income taxes. We continue to increase our investment in original programming, the funding of which generally occurs six to nine months in advance of a program's airing. We expect this increased investment to continue in 2019.
As of June 30, 2019, our consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance includes approximately $136.3 million held by foreign subsidiaries. Most or all of the earnings of our foreign subsidiaries will continue to be permanently reinvested in foreign operations and we do not expect to incur any significant, additional taxes related to such amounts, nor have any been provided for in the current period.
We believe that a combination of cash-on-hand, cash generated from operating activities and availability under our revolving credit facility will provide sufficient liquidity to service the principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, along with our other funding and investment requirements over the next twelve months and over the longer term. However, we do not expect to generate sufficient cash from operations to repay at maturity the entirety of the then outstanding balances of our debt. As a result, we will then be dependent upon our ability to access the capital and credit markets in order to repay or refinance the outstanding balances of our indebtedness. Failure to raise significant amounts of funding to repay these obligations at maturity would adversely affect our business. In such a circumstance, we would need to take other actions including selling assets, seeking strategic investments from third parties or reducing other discretionary uses of cash.
Our level of debt could have important consequences on our business including, but not limited to, increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions, limiting the availability of our cash flow to fund future programming investments, capital expenditures, working capital, business activities and other general corporate requirements and limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate. For information relating to our outstanding debt obligations, refer to Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations - Debt Financing Agreements" of our 2018 Form 10-K.
In addition, economic or market disruptions could lead to lower demand for our services, such as lower levels of advertising. These events would adversely impact our results of operations, cash flows and financial position.
The revolving credit facility was not drawn upon at June 30, 2019. The total undrawn revolver commitment is available to be drawn for our general corporate purposes.
AMC Networks was in compliance with all of its debt covenants as of June 30, 2019.

51


Cash Flow Discussion
The following table is a summary of cash flows provided by (used in) operating, investing and financing activities for the six months ended June 30:
(In thousands)
Six Months Ended June 30,
2019
 
2018
Cash provided by operating activities
$
288,937

 
$
278,577

Cash used in investing activities
(43,555
)
 
(159,422
)
Cash used in financing activities
(92,265
)
 
(263,418
)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
153,117

 
(144,263
)
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $288.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to $278.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 primarily resulted from $843.3 million of net income before amortization of program rights, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items, which was partially offset by payments for program rights of $443.5 million, an increase in prepaid expense and other assets of $40.0 million primarily related to an increase in long-term receivables and a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $58.3 million primarily related to lower employee related liabilities. Changes in all other assets and liabilities resulted in a decrease of $12.6 million.
Net cash provided by operating activities amounted to $278.6 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. Net cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily resulted from $848.5 million of net income before amortization of program rights, depreciation and amortization, and other non-cash items, and an increase in deferred revenue of $4.4 million, which was partially offset by payments for program rights of $471.4 million, a decrease in accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities of $45.9 million primarily related to lower employee related liabilities, an increase in receivables of $40.4 million primarily related to increased distribution revenues, and an increase in prepaid expense and other assets of $12.4 million. Changes in all other assets and liabilities resulted in a decrease of $4.2 million.
Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was $43.6 million and $159.4 million, respectively. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, cash used in investing activities included capital expenditures of $49.5 million, partially offset by a return of capital from investees of $5.9 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2018, cash used in investing activities included investments of $87.5 million, capital expenditures of $37.4 million, and payment for the acquisition of Levity, net of cash acquired of $34.9 million.
Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities amounted to $92.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2019 as compared to $263.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018. For the six months ended June 30, 2019, financing activities primarily consisted of purchases of our common stock of $58.4 million, taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for equity-based compensation of $23.0 million, distributions to noncontrolling interests of $10.1 million, and principal payments on debt and finance leases of $5.3 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises of $4.6 million.
For the six months ended June 30, 2018, financing activities primarily consisted of purchases of our common stock of $242.4 million under our Stock Repurchase Program. In addition, net cash used in financing activities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 includes taxes paid in lieu of shares issued for equity-based compensation of $15.7 million, distributions to noncontrolling interests of $7.0 million, and principal payments on capital leases of $2.6 million, partially offset by proceeds from stock option exercises of $4.3 million.
Contractual Obligations
As of June 30, 2019, our contractual obligations not reflected on the condensed consolidated balance sheet decreased $219.9 million, as compared to December 31, 2018, to $0.9 billion. The decrease relates to the adoption of the new lease standard requiring the recognition of operating leases on the balance sheet rather than disclosed as contractual obligations.

52


Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
We describe our significant accounting policies in Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements included in our 2018 Form 10-K. Other than the adoption of the new lease standard as described in Note 10 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company included herein, there have been no significant changes in our significant accounting policies since December 31, 2018.
We discuss our critical accounting estimates in Item 7, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," in the same 2018 Form 10-K. There have been no significant changes in our critical accounting estimates since December 31, 2018.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 1 to the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company for a discussion of recently issued accounting pronouncements.
Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Fair Value of Debt
Based on the level of interest rates prevailing at June 30, 2019, the carrying value of our fixed rate debt of $2.37 billion was less than its fair value of $2.45 billion by approximately $76.6 million. The fair value of these financial instruments is estimated based on reference to quoted market prices for these or comparable securities. A hypothetical 100 basis point decrease in interest rates prevailing at June 30, 2019 would increase the estimated fair value of our fixed rate debt by approximately $60.1 million to approximately $2.5 billion.
Managing our Interest Rate Risk
To manage interest rate risk, we enter into interest rate swap contracts from time to time to adjust the amount of total debt that is subject to variable interest rates. Such contracts effectively fix the borrowing rates on floating rate debt to limit the exposure against the risk of rising rates. We do not enter into interest rate swap contracts for speculative or trading purposes and we only enter into interest rate swap contracts with financial institutions that we believe are credit worthy counterparties. We monitor the financial institutions that are counterparties to our interest rate swap contracts and to the extent possible diversify our swap contracts among various counterparties to mitigate exposure to any single financial institution.
As of June 30, 2019, we had $3.1 billion of debt outstanding (excluding finance leases), of which $0.7 billion is outstanding under our loan facility and is subject to variable interest rates (before consideration of the interest rate swaps contracts described below).
As of June 30, 2019, we had interest rate swap contracts outstanding with notional amounts aggregating $100.0 million. The aggregate fair value of interest rate swap contracts at June 30, 2019 was a net liability of $2.2 million. As a result of these transactions, the interest rate paid on approximately 79% of our debt (excluding finance leases) as of June 30, 2019 is effectively fixed (76% being fixed rate obligations and 3% effectively fixed through utilization of these interest rate swap contracts).
A hypothetical 100 basis point increase in interest rates prevailing at June 30, 2019 would not have a material impact on our annual interest expense.
Managing our Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
We are exposed to foreign currency risk to the extent that we enter into transactions denominated in currencies other than our subsidiaries' respective functional currencies (non-functional currency risk), such as affiliation agreements, programming contracts, certain trade receivables and accounts payable (including intercompany amounts) that are denominated in a currency other than the applicable functional currency. Changes in exchange rates with respect to amounts recorded in our consolidated balance sheets related to these items will result in unrealized (based upon period-end exchange rates) or realized foreign currency transaction gains and losses upon settlement of the transactions. Moreover, to the extent that our revenue, costs and expenses are denominated in currencies other than our respective functional currencies, we will experience fluctuations in our revenue, costs and expenses solely as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The Company recognized a $4.0 million gain and $1.7 million loss net, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2019, respectively, related to foreign currency transactions. Such amounts are included in miscellaneous, net in the condensed consolidated statement of income.
To manage foreign currency exchange rate risk, we may enter into foreign currency contracts from time to time with financial institutions to limit our exposure to fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates. We do not enter into foreign currency contracts for speculative or trading purposes.
We also are exposed to fluctuations of the U.S. dollar (our reporting currency) against the currencies of our operating subsidiaries when their respective financial statements are translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in our condensed consolidated

53


financial statements. Cumulative translation adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of equity. Any increase (decrease) in the value of the U.S. dollar against any foreign currency that is the functional currency of one of our operating subsidiaries will cause us to experience unrealized foreign currency translation losses (gains) with respect to amounts already invested in such foreign currencies. Accordingly, we may experience a negative impact on our comprehensive income (loss) and equity with respect to our holdings solely as a result of changes in foreign currency exchange rates.
Item 4.
Controls and Procedures.
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
An evaluation was carried out under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended). Based upon that evaluation as of June 30, 2019, the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
During the three months ended June 30, 2019, there were no changes in the Company's internal control over financial reporting, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

54


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings.
Since our 2018 Form 10-K, there have been no material developments in legal proceedings in which we are involved. See Note 14, Commitments and Contingencies to the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
The Company's Board of Directors has authorized a program to repurchase up to $1.5 billion of its outstanding shares of common stock (the "Stock Repurchase Program"). The authorization of up to $500 million was announced on March 7, 2016, an additional authorization of $500 million was announced on June 7, 2017, and an additional authorization of $500 million was announced on June 13, 2018. The Stock Repurchase Program has no pre-established closing date and may be suspended or discontinued at any time.
Set forth below is information concerning acquisitions of AMC Networks Class A Common Stock by the Company during the three months ended June 30, 2019.
Period
 
Total Number of Shares
(or Units) Purchased
 
Average Price Paid per Share (or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units) Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs
 
Maximum Number (or Approximate Dollar Value) of Shares (or Units) that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
April 1, 2019 to April 30, 2019
 

 
$

 

 
558,419.334

May 1, 2019 to May 31, 2019
 
1,023,002

 
$
54.64

 
1,023,002

 
502,521,304

June 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019
 
28,779

 
$
53.88

 
28,779

 
500,970,550

Total
 
1,051,781

 
$
54.62

 
1,051,781

 
 
Item 6.
Exhibits.
(a)
Index to Exhibits.
31.1
 
 
31.2
 
 
32
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within Inline XBRL document.
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.DEF
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase.
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.


55


SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
 
 
 
AMC Networks Inc.
 
 
 
 
 
Date:
July 31, 2019
 
By:
/s/ Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Sean S. Sullivan
 
 
 
 
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer


56