AMC Networks (NASDAQ:AMCX) Posts Quarterly Earnings Results, Beats Estimates By $0.63 EPS

Key Points

• AMC Networks reported EPS of $0.44, beating the consensus estimate of a $0.19 loss by $0.63, while quarterly revenue of $566.1 million fell short of analysts’ $573.3 million estimate.
• Third-quarter revenue grew 1%, with streaming revenue up 4%; streaming engagement improved and “Heated Rivalry” became AMC+’s biggest exclusive series launch. Subscription revenue declined 2%, reflecting lower affiliate and advertising revenue.
• Management maintained its 2026 outlook, including $2.4 billion–$2.45 billion in revenue and about $150 million in free cash flow. Third-quarter free cash flow was negative $52 million, including an $85 million payment related to the Walking Dead litigation settlement, and net debt stood at approximately $1.3 billion.

AMC Networks (NASDAQ:AMCX - Get Free Report) issued its earnings results on Monday. The company reported $0.44 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of ($0.19) by $0.63, FiscalAI reports. The company had revenue of $566.07 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $573.28 million. AMC Networks had a positive return on equity of 3.76% and a negative net margin of 0.88%.

Here are the key takeaways from AMC Networks' conference call:

• Third-quarter consolidated revenue grew 1%, with domestic revenue up 2%. Streaming revenue increased 4% (7% excluding ALLBLK), but subscription revenue fell 2% as affiliate revenue declined 11% and advertising revenue declined 7%.
• Streaming engagement improved: excluding ALLBLK, average viewing hours per active user rose year over year and total hours watched increased double digits sequentially. AMC also highlighted new Netflix licensing and co-production arrangements, and said “Heated Rivalry” became AMC+’s biggest exclusive series launch.
• Management said advertising trends improved sequentially and year over year, supported by digital demand, addressable inventory and political spending; affiliate revenue declines also moderated as new agreements took effect. However, domestic advertising revenue was still down 7%, and international revenue declined 5% amid a softer U.K. ad market.
• AMC maintained its 2026 outlook despite selling ALLBLK: revenue of $2.4 billion–$2.45 billion, adjusted operating income of $410 million–$420 million, and approximately $150 million in free cash flow. The company said ALLBLK was profitable and that it would provide comparable growth rates excluding the service where relevant.
• Third-quarter free cash flow was negative $52 million, including an $85 million payment tied to the $120 million Walking Dead litigation settlement; excluding that payment, free cash flow would have been $33 million. AMC ended the quarter with approximately $1.3 billion in net debt, while domestic adjusted operating income declined primarily due to higher technical and operating expenses.

AMC Networks Stock Performance

Shares of NASDAQ:AMCX traded up $0.51 during trading on Monday, hitting $8.90. 695,985 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 552,311. The stock has a market capitalization of $367.12 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -10.85 and a beta of 1.55. The business's fifty day moving average is $10.76 and its 200-day moving average is $9.48. AMC Networks has a one year low of $6.47 and a one year high of $12.93. The company has a quick ratio of 1.76, a current ratio of 1.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.76.

Insider Activity

In related news, CAO Michael Sherin, III sold 10,648 shares of the firm's stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 14th. The stock was sold at an average price of $12.35, for a total value of $131,502.80. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Company insiders own 16.13% of the company's stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of research firms have commented on AMCX. Morgan Stanley decreased their price objective on shares of AMC Networks from $10.00 to $9.00 and set an "underweight" rating for the company in a report on Thursday, October 15th. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of AMC Networks from $6.00 to $10.00 and gave the company a "sell" rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 12th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of AMC Networks from a "hold (c-)" rating to a "sell (d-)" rating in a report on Tuesday, August 11th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of AMC Networks from $10.00 to $11.00 and gave the stock an "equal weight" rating in a research report on Friday, July 31st. Finally, Zacks Research lowered shares of AMC Networks from a "strong-buy" rating to a "hold" rating in a report on Thursday, September 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of "Strong Sell" and an average target price of $10.00.

About AMC Networks

AMC Networks Inc is an entertainment company that develops, produces, and distributes television and digital media content. The company's portfolio includes the AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, and WE tv networks, which offer scripted and unscripted programming, films, documentaries, and other entertainment content.

AMC Networks also operates a range of streaming and digital services, including AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, ALLBLK, and HIDIVE. These platforms provide on-demand access to original series, films, genre programming, international content, and offerings from the company's television brands.

This instant news alert was generated by narrative science technology and financial data from MarketBeat in order to provide readers with the fastest reporting and unbiased coverage. Please send any questions or comments about this story to contact@marketbeat.com.