AMC Networks is anything but dead on its feet. The company released its first quarter 2015 financials on Monday morning just before the U.S. stock markets opened, reporting earnings per share of $1.66 on net income of $122 million and $668.68 million in revenue.
Wall Street had forecast earnings per share (EPS) of $1.48 on $655.66 million in revenue, according to numbers compiled by Yahoo Finance. Zacks was more bullish on the company’s most recent three-month period, expecting EPS of $1.55. Clearly, AMC’s group of channels bested both estimates.
Net revenues rose 27.5 percent from 2014’s comparable quarter, thanks in large part to strong sales of “The Walking Dead” and “Better Call Saul” commercials. The National Networks (AMC, WE tv, BBC AMERICA, IFC and SundanceTV) were up 25.4 percent in revenue, while the International Networks’ 38.9 percent jump pulled that aforementioned average up.
Advertising alone at the domestic networks was up 25.3 percent from the last Q1, when net income was $72 million, and EPS came in at $0.99.
“AMC Networks is off to a strong start in 2015, with returns on our content investments generating significant growth in our revenues, AOCF and operating income,” touted Josh Sapan, president and chief executive officer of AMC Networks. “Viewers continue to embrace our original programming, including AMC’s ‘The Walking Dead’ and our new original series ‘Better Call Saul,’ which was the most-watched new series on cable in key advertiser demos, this broadcast season.”
“Our international business is developing well, with our portfolio of global channels and strong local brands benefitting from growing demand from distributors,” he continued. “AMC Networks continues to operate from a position of strength, with high quality programming, clearly defined brands and strong audience support that drives financial performance and our ability to create value for shareholders.”
The AMC Networks Q1 earnings call is set for 11 a.m. ET on Monday, at which point this post will be updated with any pertinent information.
AMC Networks stock (AMCX) closed Friday up $0.86 per share — or 1.14 percent — to $76.30. Pre-market on Monday the shares started to soar on the heels of a strong 2015 start.
Party Report in Pictures: 'The Walking Dead' Season 5 Premiere Brings Zombies to the Backlot (Photos)
"The Walking Dead" invaded the Universal backlot on Thurday night for their season 5 premiere and a deadly after party. Norman Reedus approves.
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Christopher French protects Ashley Tisdale from a walker...
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...while Christian Serratos must fend for herself at the party where Dos Equis and Jose Cuervo Cinge calmed nerves.
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Better call an uber.
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2 out of 3 guests brough smiles: Creator Robert Kirkman and AMC President Charlie Collier.
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Consider production on the backlot temporarily suspended.
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Marty McFly would find this alternate 2014 pretty scary.
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Meanwhile, Christina Milian, Rocsi Diaz, Stephen Bishop, and Tyson Beckford migled at Latina Magazine's takeover of the Sunset Tower Hotel on Thursday night.
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Mary-Louise Parker, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, and an army of non-hyphenated but more suggestively named drag queens (D’vida Loca, Willamina Wonka) threw the 12th annual "Best in Drag" Aid for Aids fundraiser at the Orpheum on October 5.
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L.A. based Rob Cesternino travels well. He sold out the Gotham Comedy Club for a live episode of his “Rob Has a Podcast” series “Survivor Know-It-Alls” on Wednesday after a screening of the second episode of the new “Survivor: San Juan Del Sur” on CBS. NYC native and fellow “Survivor” alum Stephen Fishbach is the other know-it-all.
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Heather McDonald and Jeremy Sisto judged "All Star Mixology" competition at the Mondrian benefiting Covenant House California on Wednesday night.
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Carlton Cuse and Wired Editor in Chief Scott Dadich at the tech glossy's live magazine retreat WIRED by DESIGN that took over Skywalker Ranch for three days this week. Meanwhile in SoCal, Wired has a new masters program with USC.
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Jane Fonda squeezes her old "9 to 5" co-star Lily Tomlin at Ron Burkle's Greenacres in Beverly Hills on Sunday morning as they arrived for the Rape Foundation's annual brunch.
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Viola Davis +2: a nametag and Fonda, the host.
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Fonda greets the tent. "We have a great opportunity now, because rape is in the press every day," foundation president Gail Abarbanel said. "The solution is not about what women do and don't do. It's about how we raise our boys."
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Emmy Rossum, Amber Heard, Eric McCormack and David Schwimmer, a regular for the foundation who emceed the event.
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Hollywood young ones made their first visit to the Skybar during Pottery Barn Kids' halloween party on Sunday morning. Jamie Lynn-Sigler and Lance Bass chose pumpkins over footballs.
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Molly Sims in the pop-up pumpkin patch inside the Mondrian.
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Meanwhile on Sunday, Ali Landry demonstrated the not-safest way to drive a car at the "Red CARpet" car seat safety event at the Skirball.
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Donald Faison, CaCee Cobb, Landry and Faison/Cobb offspring Rocco.
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Jon Cryer and Lisa Joyner buckled up with Landry, Ford, a bunch of baby brands and Favored.by for the event.
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Pauley Perrette made out with "Midias" at the Beverly Hilton on Saturday night. The rest of the American Humane Association’s “Hero Dog Awards” will air on the Hallmark channel in October.
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Hailee Steinfeld was the big name, but Zendaya Coleman stole all the attention with that hat at Teen Vogue's annual fall party in Beverly Hills on Friday night. At right, Teen Vogue's Andrew Bevan.
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Former "Mad Men" star Peyton List and "Justified's" Kaitlyn Dever hide behind cover girl Chloe Grace Moretz, who was not there.
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"Hart of Dixie's" McKaley Miller, "Girl Meets World's" Rowan Blanchard and Genevieve "G." Hannelius from "Dog With a Blog" inside the residence.
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Rico Rodriguez, a veteran on the young Hollywood party circuit, high fives List.
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Meanwhile in Pasadena, Aloe Blacc brought the message to Peace Over Violence executive Patricia Giggans at the group's Humanitarian Awards at The Langham.
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Digital talent development firm Collab (responsible for six billion -- with a "B" -- Vine views a month) got Larry King trending world wide at the conclusion of Social Media Week in Santa Monica on Friday. Collab Chief Creative Officer Will McFadden parroted the broadcaster's style.
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"The Walking Dead" invaded the Universal backlot on Thurday night for their season 5 premiere and a deadly after party. Norman Reedus approves.