Discovery Communications missed media analyst’s third-quarter 2017 mark for earnings, despite seeing increased advertising revenue both domestically (+3 percent) and internationally (+9 pecent).
The bundle-loving provider of cable channels unveiled its Q3 financials early Thursday morning, reporting adjusted earnings of 43 cents per share on $1.651 billion in revenue.
Wall Street had forecast earnings per share of 54 cents on $1.64 billion in revenue, per a Yahoo Finance compilation of media analysts. So, the Discovery Channel and TLC parent topped at the top line, but whiffed where it really counts — anticipated profit per share.
“Advertising and global distribution revenue growth helped to drive solid third quarter results for Discovery,” the Discovery Communications president and CEO said. “We continued to focus on investments to strengthen our worldwide IP portfolio as well as strategic partnerships to nourish global superfans across every screen, platform and service. Additionally, we are excited by the prospects for a combined Discovery and Scripps as we continue to make progress on the transaction to create a global leader in real life entertainment.”
That distribution revenue is really what led the way in terms of overall growth from dollars coming in. Stateside, distribution revenue rose 6 percent; overseas and across borders it was up 13 percent.
Still, subscribers slipped 5 percent here and lessened in Latin America as well. That’s not so good.
Overall, profit was pretty much flat when compared with the same quarter last year.
Discovery, which is in the process of buying Scripps for nearly $15 billion, also clearly incurred increased costs this year as part of the acquisition process. Hey, M&A money doesn’t grow on trees, David.
DISCA stock closed Wednesday at 19.16 per share, up 28 cents. The U.S. stock markets re-open at 9:30 a.m. ET.
Discovery executives will host a conference call at 8:30 a.m. ET to discuss the quarter in greater detail.
Netflix in November: What's Coming and What to Watch Before It's Gone (Photos)
With November comes the season of eating--we're looking at you, turkey, holiday cookies, eggnog and pumpkin pie--and when you're in your sweatpants in a food coma, it can be hard to make a decision on what to watch next. So we've made it easy for you by highlighting the best of next month's fresh titles on Netflix, and what you need to watch before it's gone. For the full list, head over here.
Coming November 1: "42"
This 2013 film about Jackie Robinson (played by Chadwick Boseman) follows his life from Montreal Royal to Brooklyn Dodger and being the first African American to play Major League Baseball. It's the perfect movie to watch this World Series season.
Warner Bros
Coming November 3: "Alias Grace"
Based on Margaret Atwood's novel of the same name, this miniseries follows the story of Irish immigrant Grace Marks, who was convicted of murder in 1843.
Netflix
Coming November 17: "Marvel's The Punisher"
Frank Castle (John Bernthal) is back and wants one thing: revenge. You'll recognize this street fighter from "Daredevil" Season 2.
Netflix
Coming November 17: "Longmire"
It's the final season of the beloved crime thriller focusing on a Wyoming sheriff trying to rebuild his life after his wife's death.
Netflix
Coming November 17: "Mudbound"
This film takes a look at two families living in the Mississippi Delta after WW II. It's based on the novel of the same name by Hillary Jordan.
Netflix
Coming November 22: "Godless"
Netflix’s new seven-part limited series, starring Jack O’Connell, Michelle Dockery and Jeff Daniels, follows outlaw Frank Griffin as he hunts down Roy Goode, his partner-turned-enemy in the 1880s American West. The chase winds them up in La Belle, New Mexico, a town made up entirely of women.
Netflix
Leaving November 1: "The Matrix"
You shouldn't need to decide between a red pill or blue pill to know that you must watch this classic before the month's out.
Warner Bros.
Leaving November 1: "Twilight"
It's your last chance to choose: Team Jacob or Team Edward as the sun sets on the teen vampire drama on Netflix.
Leaving November 1: "V for Vendetta"
One of Natalie Portman's most popular roles is as anarchist V's protege. This movie has inspired several other movies and TV shows, but it's leaving Netflix soon.
Warner Bros.
Leaving November 13: "How I Met Your Mother" Seasons 1-9
Please just promise us that instead of getting as depressed as Ted Mosby after the Slutty Pumpkin doesn't show up, you just binge as much HIMYM as you can before it leaves the streaming service.
CBS
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Say goodbye to ”How I Met Your Mother“ and ”Twilight“
With November comes the season of eating--we're looking at you, turkey, holiday cookies, eggnog and pumpkin pie--and when you're in your sweatpants in a food coma, it can be hard to make a decision on what to watch next. So we've made it easy for you by highlighting the best of next month's fresh titles on Netflix, and what you need to watch before it's gone. For the full list, head over here.