Core Viewpoint - AMC Networks Inc. is soliciting consents from holders of its existing 10.50% Senior Secured Notes due 2032 to amend certain covenants in the indenture governing the Notes, allowing for specific financial maneuvers and investments [1][2]. Group 1: Proposed Amendments - The proposed amendments include allowing buybacks and other acquisitions of equity interests up to $50 million [1]. - The revision of the covenant regarding transfers or licenses of certain trademarks will only permit non-exclusive licenses to unrestricted subsidiaries [1]. - Investments in unrestricted subsidiaries will be restricted to certain specified clauses in the definition of "Permitted Investments" [1]. Group 2: Consent Solicitation Details - The consent solicitation will expire on February 23, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. New York City time [3]. - To approve the proposed amendments, the company needs the consents of at least a majority of the outstanding Notes, excluding those owned by the company or its affiliates [3][4]. - A cash payment, termed the "Consent Fee," totaling $2 million will be allocated pro rata among consenting holders of the Notes [5]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The aggregate principal amount of the outstanding Notes is $400 million, which means the Consent Fee could range from $5.00 to $10.00 per $1,000 principal amount depending on the number of valid consents received [5].

Core Insights - AMC Networks experienced a significant transformation in 2025, with streaming becoming the largest source of domestic revenue, ending the year with 10.4 million streaming subscribers, which remained flat compared to the previous quarter and year [4][7][21] Financial Performance - For the full year 2025, AMC Networks reported consolidated revenue of $2.3 billion, adjusted operating income (AOI) of $412 million, representing an 18% margin, and free cash flow of $272 million, exceeding previous forecasts [7][8] - Domestic revenue declined by 5% to $2.0 billion for the year, with subscription revenue stabilizing, declining less than 1% for the year and remaining flat in the fourth quarter [9][10] - Affiliate revenue fell by 13% for both the full year and fourth quarter, but streaming growth of 12% for the year offset these declines [10][11] Strategic Initiatives - The company emphasized a targeted streaming approach, focusing on specific genres, lower pricing, and efficient windowing, which contributed to improved engagement and retention trends [3][5] - AMC Networks completed a transaction to acquire full ownership of RLJ Entertainment for $75 million, enhancing operational clarity [17] Future Outlook - Management guided for 2026 consolidated revenue of approximately $2.25 billion and AOI of about $350 million, with expectations of a low double-digit decline in domestic linear advertising revenue [6][20] - The company anticipates free cash flow of at least $200 million in 2026, with stable domestic subscription revenue expected to offset linear headwinds [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMC Networks generated consolidated revenue of $2.3 billion for 2025, with adjusted operating income of $412 million, reflecting an 18% margin [15] - Free cash flow reached $272 million, exceeding previous forecasts, with expectations of at least $200 million for 2026 [4][14] - Domestic operations revenue decreased by 5% to $2 billion for the full year, while subscription revenue stabilized with a decrease of less than 1% [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Streaming revenue became the largest single source of domestic revenue, growing by 12% for the full year and 14% in the fourth quarter, offsetting declines in linear affiliate revenue [16][17] - Domestic advertising revenue decreased by 15% for the year, primarily due to linear ratings declines [17] - International revenue decreased by 4% for both the year and the quarter, but advertising revenues grew by 6% for the full year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with 10.4 million streaming subscribers, flat compared to the previous year [16] - The advertising market saw a significant influx of digital inventory, impacting pricing negatively in the first half of 2025, but recovery was noted in the latter half [29][33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC Networks is focusing on a streaming strategy that emphasizes genre-specific content curation and efficient content delivery [4][5] - The company aims to strengthen its balance sheet and reduce gross debt, having reduced it by almost $600 million in 2025 [18][19] - The acquisition of RLJ Entertainment is expected to enhance operational clarity and simplify the business structure [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing the company's independence as a strength in a changing industry landscape [11] - The outlook for 2026 includes expectations of approximately $2.25 billion in consolidated revenue, with stable domestic subscription revenue anticipated [21][22] - Management acknowledged the challenges in the advertising market but highlighted improvements in digital advertising performance [29][33] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 850,000 shares of Class A common stock for about $7.5 million in the fourth quarter [19] - AMC Networks is committed to maintaining a healthy cash position, ending the year with approximately $675 million in total liquidity [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising performance and expectations for 2026 - Management acknowledged that advertising performance was below expectations in 2025 but expressed confidence in a recovery strategy for 2026, focusing on digital and streaming [26][29] Question: The value of The Walking Dead rights - Management confirmed ongoing conversations regarding the monetization of The Walking Dead rights, expressing optimism about their value [28] Question: Ad contributions from streaming and FAST channels - Management noted that digital advertising is a significant portion of revenue, with strong performance in Q4, and emphasized the importance of cross-platform buying [33][35] Question: Affiliate revenue outlook and content spend - Management highlighted positive trends in affiliate revenue and confirmed continued investment in premium programming while maintaining free cash flow [40][41]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMC Networks generated consolidated revenue of $2.3 billion for 2025, with adjusted operating income of $412 million and a margin of 18% [15] - Free cash flow reached $272 million, exceeding previous forecasts, with expectations of at least $200 million for 2026 [4][14] - Domestic operations revenue decreased by 5% to $2 billion for the full year, with a 1% decline in the fourth quarter [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Streaming revenue became the largest single source of domestic revenue, growing by 12% for the full year and 14% in the fourth quarter, offsetting declines in linear affiliate revenue [16] - Domestic advertising revenue decreased by 15% for the year and 10% for the fourth quarter, primarily due to linear ratings declines [17] - International revenue decreased by 4% for both the year and the quarter, with advertising revenues growing by 6% for the full year [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with 10.4 million streaming subscribers, with subscriber numbers remaining flat compared to the previous quarter and year [16] - The advertising market saw a significant influx of digital inventory, impacting pricing negatively in the first half of 2025, but recovery was noted in the latter half [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC Networks is focusing on a streaming-first strategy, enhancing its content offerings and leveraging partnerships to drive growth [4][9] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while investing in high-quality programming and reducing gross debt [20][23] - The acquisition of RLJ Entertainment is expected to simplify the business structure and enhance operational clarity [20] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing the return of The Walking Dead rights as a significant opportunity for monetization [28] - The company anticipates stable domestic operations subscription revenue in 2026, despite linear revenue declines [21] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy cash position and the expectation of continued free cash flow generation [19][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 850,000 shares of Class A common stock for about $7.5 million in the fourth quarter [19] - AMC Networks has extended the majority of its revolving credit facility to 2030, improving its maturity profile [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising performance and expectations for 2026 - Management acknowledged that advertising performance was below expectations in 2025 but expressed confidence in a recovery strategy for 2026, focusing on digital and streaming [26][29] Question: Ad contribution from streaming and FAST channels - Management noted that digital advertising is a significant portion of revenue, with strong performance in Q4, and emphasized the importance of cross-platform buying [33][35] Question: Subscriber universe and cash spend on content - Management discussed the positive trends in affiliate revenue and the importance of continuing to invest in premium programming while maintaining free cash flow [40][42]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - AMC Networks generated consolidated revenue of $2.3 billion for 2025, with consolidated adjusted operating income of $412 million, reflecting an 18% margin [15] - Free cash flow reached $272 million, exceeding previous forecasts, with expectations of at least $200 million for 2026 [4][14] - Domestic operations revenues decreased by 5% to $2 billion for the full year, with a 1% decrease in Q4 [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Streaming revenue became the largest single source of domestic revenue, growing by 12% for the full year and 14% in Q4, offsetting declines in affiliate revenue [16][17] - Domestic operations advertising revenue decreased by 15% for the year and 10% for Q4, primarily due to linear ratings declines [18] - International revenue decreased by 4% for both the year and the quarter, but advertising revenues grew by 6% for the full year and 4% for Q4 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company ended 2025 with 10.4 million streaming subscribers, flat compared to the previous year [17] - The advertising market saw a significant influx of digital inventory in early 2025, impacting pricing negatively, but recovery was noted in Q4 [31][32] Company Strategy and Development Direction - AMC Networks is focusing on a streaming-first strategy, enhancing its content offerings and leveraging partnerships to drive subscriber growth [4][10] - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while investing in high-quality programming and reducing gross debt [20][21] - The return of streaming rights for "The Walking Dead" is seen as a significant opportunity for monetization [30] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the company's strategy and the potential for growth in streaming and advertising despite challenges in linear revenue [12][14] - The company anticipates stable domestic operations subscription revenue for 2026, with continued growth in streaming revenue [22][24] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy cash position and the expectation of generating at least $200 million in free cash flow for 2026 [20][24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 850,000 shares of Class A common stock for about $7.5 million in Q4 [20] - AMC Networks completed a transaction to acquire full ownership of RLJ Entertainment, simplifying its business structure [8][21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Advertising performance and expectations for 2026 - Management acknowledged that advertising performance was below expectations in 2025 but expressed confidence in a recovery strategy for 2026, focusing on digital and streaming platforms [28][31] Question: Ad contribution from streaming and FAST channels - Management indicated that digital advertising is a significant portion of revenue and that they are well-positioned to meet cross-platform buying needs [36][38] Question: Subscriber universe and affiliate revenue outlook - Management noted encouraging trends in affiliate revenue and emphasized successful renewals of affiliate agreements, while also addressing content spend and investment strategies for 2026 [41][43]

Core Insights - AMC Networks is launching a new streaming service called All Reality, dedicated entirely to reality programming, priced at $4.99 [1] - The company has over 11 million subscribers across its various streaming platforms, and streaming revenue is expected to surpass that of its traditional cable networks [2] - AMC Networks has a strong portfolio of reality franchises, utilizing its first-party IP to provide 2,500 hours of programming for All Reality [3] Industry Context - The launch of All Reality addresses a gap in the market for subscription-based reality content, which has proven to be a durable genre in television ratings [4] - Reality programming has gained traction in the streaming space, particularly as viewers shift away from traditional cable [4] - AMC Networks' FAST channel strategy will complement All Reality, with reality content generating over 10 billion minutes of viewership on FAST platforms in the past year [5]