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Tag: OIBDA

  • Fox, Viacom & WWE — entertainment stocks on investors’ radar

    MUMBAI: Stock-Callers.com has initiated research coverage on four Diversified Entertainment companies, namely: Twenty-First Century Fox Inc., Viacom Inc., Lions Gate Entertainment Corp., and World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. The Entertainment Industry is a constantly evolving group that mainly comprises television networks and station owners, which are typically involved in programming and production of content. Learn more about these stocks by downloading their comprehensive and free reports at:

    Twenty-First Century Fox

    New York headquartered Twenty-First Century Fox Inc.’s shares finished Friday’s session 2.03% lower at $27.94. A total volume of 29.19 million shares was traded, which was above their three months average volume of 8.53 million shares. The stock has gained 0.23% on an YTD basis. The Company’s shares are trading above their 200-day moving average by 0.19%. Moreover, shares of Twenty-First Century Fox, which together with its subsidiaries, operates as a diversified media and entertainment company in the US, the UK, Continental Europe, Asia, Latin America, and internationally, have a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 30.99.

    On May 08th, 2017, Twenty-First Century Fox announced the appointment of Melody Hildebrandt to the role of Global Chief Information Security Officer. In this role, Ms. Hildebrandt will oversee the protection and risk management for enterprise communications, technologies, and assets for 21CF. She joins the Company from Palantir Technologies, where she served as executive vice president and directed the cybersecurity practice. Her appointment is effective on June 01st, 2017.

    On May 11th, 2017, research firm Rosenblatt upgraded the Company’s stock rating from ‘Neutral’ to ‘Buy’. FOXA complete research report is just a click away and free at:

    Viacom

    Shares in New York headquartered Viacom Inc. ended the day 0.26% higher at $34.61 with a total trading volume of 4.39 million shares. The stock is trading 12.96% below its 200-day moving average. Shares of the Company, which operates as media brand worldwide, have an RSI of 16.05.

    On May 05th, 2017, research firm RBC Capital Markets reiterated its ‘Underperform’ rating on the Company’s stock with a decrease of the target price from $35 a share to $30 a share.

    On May 10th, 2017, Viacom’s emerging entertainment technology group, Viacom NEXT, premiered an original virtual reality music experience for the song “Withdrawal” by Atlantic Records recording artist Max Frost at the 2017 Microsoft Build Developer Conference. The video harnesses cutting-edge Microsoft Mixed Reality Capture technology, bringing fans face-to-face with photorealistic holographs of Frost, who sings and plays multiple instruments simultaneously in an immersive, underwater environment.

    Lions Gate Entertainment

    Santa Monica, California headquartered Lions Gate Entertainment Corp.’s stock rose 1.63%, closing the session at $23.72. A total volume of 528,394 shares was traded, which was above their three months average volume of 488,870 shares. The Company’s shares have gained 1.89% in the last one month. The stock is trading 0.25% below its 50-day moving average. Additionally, shares of Lions Gate Entertainment, which engages in motion picture production and distribution, television programming and syndication, home entertainment, branded channel platforms, interactive ventures and games, and location-based entertainment in Canada, the US, and internationally, have an RSI of 54.96.

    On May 05th, 2017, Lions Gate Entertainment announced that it will release its Q4 and full year financial results for the fiscal year ended March 31st, 2017 after market close on Thursday, May 25th, 2017. Senior management will hold its analyst and investor conference call to discuss the Company’s FY17 financial results at 5:00 p.m. ET on that same day. Sign up for your complimentary research report on LGF-B at:

    World Wrestling Entertainment

    On Friday, shares in Stamford, Connecticut headquartered World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. finished the session 0.94% lower at $19.94. A total volume of 257,981 shares was traded. The stock has gained 9.02% on an YTD basis. The Company’s shares are trading above their 200-day moving average by 0.06%. Furthermore, shares of World Wrestling Entertainment, which engages in the sports entertainment business in North America, Europe, Middle-East, Africa, Asia/Pacific, and Latin America, have an RSI of 37.08.

    On May 04th, 2017, World Wrestling Entertainment announced financial results for its first quarter ended March 31st, 2017. Revenue for the quarter increased 10% to $188.4 driven by the Company’s Live Events, Network, and Television segments. The Company also reported net income of $0.9 million, or $0.01 per share; operating income of $4.0 million; and adjusted OIBDA of $18.6 million for Q1 2017. Get free access to your research report on WWE

  • Discovery’s International Networks ad rev down in 2016

    BENGALURU: Discovery Communications Inc., (DCI) reported 1.6 percent growth in revenue at $ 6,497 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 (FY-16, current year) as compared to the $6,394 million in the previous year. Overall, DCI reported adjusted OIBDA growth of 1.2 percent in the current year at $2,426 million as compared to $2,398 million in FY-15.

    The company’s International Networks segment’s numbers were damped by a 5.5 percent decline in ad revenues to $1,279 million in the current year as compared to $1,353 million FY-15. International Networks Distribution revenue in FY-16 increased 2.7 percent to $1,681 million from $1,637 million in the previous year. International Networks total revenue declined 1.7 percent in FY-16 to $3,040 million from $3,092 million in the previous year.

    Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) for International Networks in the current year declined 11.8 percent to $848 millon from $961 million in the previous year. Operating Income for International Networks in FY-16 declined 11.7 percent to $597 million from $676 million in the previous year.

    The company attributes the decline in revenue to its sale of SBS Networks and currency effects and decline in operating incomes and revenue of its International Networks segment to changes in foreign exchange rates. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced full year International Networks’ revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 6 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

    “Discovery’s diversified set of nonfiction, sports and kids’ entertainment brands, and strong strategic positioning continued to drive attractive distribution agreements, helping to deliver solid operating and financial results in 2016,” said DCI president and CEO David Zaslav. “As we begin 2017, we will continue to invest in our premier global IP and brands to nourish fans across all screens, all platforms and all services to drive shareholder value and propel our business for years to come amid the rapidly changing media landscape.

    DCI’s US Networks reported 4.9 percent growth in revenue for FY-16 at $3,285 million as compared to $3,131 million in the previous year. US Networks distribution revenue increased 7.1 percent in FY-16 to $1,532 million from $1,431 million in FY-15. US Networks advertising revenue in the current year increased 2.4 percent to $1,690 million from $1,650 million in the previous year.

    The company says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased 2 percent primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

    US Networks Operating Income increased 12.4 percent in the current year to $1,195 million from $1,704 million in the previous year. The segment’s adjusted OIBDA increased 8.3 percent in FY-16 to $1,922 million from $1,774 million in FY-15. Adjusted OIBDA due to higher revenues and flat costs says the company.

    The company’s reported 0.6 percent growth in its Education and other segment revenue at $174 million in FY-16 as compared to $173 million in the previous year. The segment’s OIBDA in the current year was negative $10 million as compared to $2 million in the previous year. The company says that Education and Other revenues for the full year 2016 were consistent with the prior year. Adjusted OIBDA decreased primarily due to additional investments in the Education business.

  • Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: An overall 4.1 per cent decline in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter resulted in flat revenue for Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery). The company reported overall revenue of $1,556 million for the current quarter versus $1,557 million in Q2-15. Overall Advertising revenue declined in Q3-16 to $670 million as compared to $699 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery’s other major revenue stream – Distribution, reported 3.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in the current quarter at $806 million as compared to $770 million. Discovery’s ‘Other’ revenue declined 2.4 per cent y-o-y to $80 million from $82 million.

    Operating income declined 9.3 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $505 million. The company’s adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 2.4 per cent in the current quarter to $562 million from $576 million.

    Geographical breakup:

    US Networks

    Discovery’s US Network’s revenue increased 1.5 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $793 million from $781 million.  US Networks adjusted OIBDA improved 3.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $443 million.

    US Networks distribution revenue in the current quarter increased 6.7 per cent y-o-y to $458 million versus $443 million. US Networks advertising revenue declined 3.4 per cent y-o-y to $396 million in the current quarter from $410 million. US Networks ‘Other’ revenues in Q3-16 increased 14.3 per cent y-o-y to $16 million from $14 million.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues decreased primarily due to expected ratings declines, partially offset by higher pricing and inventory management.

    US Networks Operating expenses decreased 1 per cent mainly due to lower content amortization, partially offset by higher marketing costs. Adjusted OIBDA increased due to higher revenues and lower operating expenses.

    International Networks

    Discovery’s International Revenue in Q3-16 declined 2.7 per cent to $720 million from $740 million.  International Networks OIBDA declined 16.1 y-o-y per cent in the current quarter to $183 million from $218 million.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 1.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $425 million from $419 million. International Networks Advertising revenue in the current quarter declined 5.5 per cent y-o-y in the current quarter to $273 million from $289 million. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q3-16 declined 31.25 per cent y-o-y to $22 million from $32 million.

    The company says that changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced third quarter International revenues and adjusted OIBDA growth by 5 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 8 per cent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Latin America, Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as higher volume in Latin America.

    Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, declined, primarily due to lower ratings and pricing in Northern Europe, partially offset by higher volume in Southern Europe. Other revenues declined primarily due to lower Eurosport sub-licensing revenues.

    Education and Other

    ‘Education and Other’ revenues increased 19.4 per cent y-o-y to $43 million in the current quarter from $36 million. ‘Education and Other OIBDA improved by 80 per cent to a loss of $1 million from a loss of $5 million.

    The company says that Education and Other revenues for the third quarter increased by $7 million primarily due to higher production deliveries at the Studios production business and increased international revenues at the Education business. Adjusted OIBDA improved primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by additional investments in the Education business.

    Other Developments

    On October 13, 2016, Discovery announced a plan to contribute $100 million and its digital network Seeker and production studio SourceFed in exchange for a 39 per cent minority interest in a new holding company, Group Nine Media. Group Nine Media includes digital companies Thrillist Media Group, Now This Media, and The Dodo. Discovery has the option to buy a controlling stake in Group Nine Media in the future. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Company speak

    “While we faced challenging but expected headwinds this quarter, Discovery is well positioned for long-term growth driven by our well-defined global brands, differentiated content and favourable distribution agreements,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav, “We have continued to strengthen and maximize our traditional pay-TV offering with robust new programming while aggressively exploiting new opportunities to leverage our content across numerous digital platforms around the world. Amid an ever shifting global media ecosystem, Discovery is evolving to reach more consumers on more screens and platforms than ever before.”

  • Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: An overall 4.1 per cent decline in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter resulted in flat revenue for Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery). The company reported overall revenue of $1,556 million for the current quarter versus $1,557 million in Q2-15. Overall Advertising revenue declined in Q3-16 to $670 million as compared to $699 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery’s other major revenue stream – Distribution, reported 3.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in the current quarter at $806 million as compared to $770 million. Discovery’s ‘Other’ revenue declined 2.4 per cent y-o-y to $80 million from $82 million.

    Operating income declined 9.3 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $505 million. The company’s adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 2.4 per cent in the current quarter to $562 million from $576 million.

    Geographical breakup:

    US Networks

    Discovery’s US Network’s revenue increased 1.5 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $793 million from $781 million.  US Networks adjusted OIBDA improved 3.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $443 million.

    US Networks distribution revenue in the current quarter increased 6.7 per cent y-o-y to $458 million versus $443 million. US Networks advertising revenue declined 3.4 per cent y-o-y to $396 million in the current quarter from $410 million. US Networks ‘Other’ revenues in Q3-16 increased 14.3 per cent y-o-y to $16 million from $14 million.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues decreased primarily due to expected ratings declines, partially offset by higher pricing and inventory management.

    US Networks Operating expenses decreased 1 per cent mainly due to lower content amortization, partially offset by higher marketing costs. Adjusted OIBDA increased due to higher revenues and lower operating expenses.

    International Networks

    Discovery’s International Revenue in Q3-16 declined 2.7 per cent to $720 million from $740 million.  International Networks OIBDA declined 16.1 y-o-y per cent in the current quarter to $183 million from $218 million.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 1.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $425 million from $419 million. International Networks Advertising revenue in the current quarter declined 5.5 per cent y-o-y in the current quarter to $273 million from $289 million. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q3-16 declined 31.25 per cent y-o-y to $22 million from $32 million.

    The company says that changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced third quarter International revenues and adjusted OIBDA growth by 5 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 8 per cent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Latin America, Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as higher volume in Latin America.

    Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, declined, primarily due to lower ratings and pricing in Northern Europe, partially offset by higher volume in Southern Europe. Other revenues declined primarily due to lower Eurosport sub-licensing revenues.

    Education and Other

    ‘Education and Other’ revenues increased 19.4 per cent y-o-y to $43 million in the current quarter from $36 million. ‘Education and Other OIBDA improved by 80 per cent to a loss of $1 million from a loss of $5 million.

    The company says that Education and Other revenues for the third quarter increased by $7 million primarily due to higher production deliveries at the Studios production business and increased international revenues at the Education business. Adjusted OIBDA improved primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by additional investments in the Education business.

    Other Developments

    On October 13, 2016, Discovery announced a plan to contribute $100 million and its digital network Seeker and production studio SourceFed in exchange for a 39 per cent minority interest in a new holding company, Group Nine Media. Group Nine Media includes digital companies Thrillist Media Group, Now This Media, and The Dodo. Discovery has the option to buy a controlling stake in Group Nine Media in the future. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Company speak

    “While we faced challenging but expected headwinds this quarter, Discovery is well positioned for long-term growth driven by our well-defined global brands, differentiated content and favourable distribution agreements,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav, “We have continued to strengthen and maximize our traditional pay-TV offering with robust new programming while aggressively exploiting new opportunities to leverage our content across numerous digital platforms around the world. Amid an ever shifting global media ecosystem, Discovery is evolving to reach more consumers on more screens and platforms than ever before.”

  • 21st Century Fox sees growth in cable & television; film segment disappoints

    21st Century Fox sees growth in cable & television; film segment disappoints

    MUMBAI: Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (21st Century Fox) reported total quarterly revenues of $6.08 billion in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015, which is a decrease of $406 million, or six per cent from the $6.48 billion of adjusted revenues reported in the prior year.

     

    This decline in adjusted revenues was primarily the result of a seven per cent revenue increase at the Cable Network Programming segment due to higher affiliate and advertising revenues being more than offset by lower revenues generated at the Filmed Entertainment segment due to lower theatrical revenues and the absence of revenues from Shine in the current quarter.

     

    The adverse impact of foreign exchange rates and the absence of revenues from Shine in the current quarter each impacted adjusted revenue growth by approximately $200 million, or six per cent in total.

     

    Quarterly total segment operating income before depreciation and amortization (OIBDA) of $1.54 billion decreased $37 million, or two per cent, from the $1.57 billion of adjusted OIBDA reported in the prior year. This decline in adjusted OIBDA reflects double-digit growth at both the company’s Cable Network Programming and Television segments, which was more than offset by reduced contributions from the Filmed Entertainment segment. The adverse impact of foreign exchange rates impacted adjusted OIBDA growth by $109 million, or seven per cent.

     

    The company reported quarterly income from continuing operations attributable to stockholders of $678 million ($0.34 per share), compared with $1.04 billion ($0.48 per share) in the prior year.

     

    Excluding the net income effects of Other, net and gains and other adjustments related to Sky and Endemol Shine Group included in Equity earnings from affiliates, adjusted quarterly earnings per share from continuing operations attributable to stockholders was $0.38 compared with the adjusted year-ago result of $0.39.

     

    Commenting on the results, 21st Century Fox executive chairman Rupert Murdoch said, “Our cable networks business generated strong growth in the first fiscal quarter, delivering double-digit earnings gains both domestically and internationally on sustained increases in overall affiliate fees, higher advertising revenues and lower expenses. Our quarterly results also reflect the expected impact of challenging comparisons for our film studio due to the timing of key releases, as well as the poor performance of The Fantastic Four. We are pleased with the recent success of The Martian, and as we look forward, we have an exciting film slate, which includes this weekend’s The Peanuts Movie, the holiday release of Joy, as well as the summer releases of the newest X-Men and Independence Day. Good progress is being made at the Fox Network both from our returning series, including the continued success of Empire, as well as some of our new series. We are focused on creating compelling storytelling and enhancing the customer experience of our digital video brands as we respond to changing consumer preferences.”

     

    CABLE NETWORK PROGRAMMING

     

    Cable Network Programming quarterly segment OIBDA increased 26 per cent to $1.31 billion, driven by a seven per cent revenue increase on strong affiliate revenue growth and higher advertising revenues combined with lower expenses. The two per cent decline in expenses was primarily due to the absence of the prior year broadcast of the India vs. England cricket series at Star Sports. Foreign exchange fluctuations, primarily in Latin America and Europe, adversely impacted segment OIBDA growth by five per cent.

     

    Domestic affiliate revenue increased 11 per cent reflecting strong growth at FS1 and sustained growth across all of the other domestic cable networks. Domestic advertising revenue grew four per cent over the prior year period reflecting solid growth at the sports channels and Fox News. Domestic OIBDA contributions increased 19 per cent over the prior year led by higher contributions from FS1, FX Networks and Fox News.

     

    International affiliate revenue decreased one per cent as 11 per cent local currency growth at Star and the Fox International Channels (FIC) was more than offset by a 12 per cent adverse impact from the strengthened US dollar.

     

    International advertising revenue decreased one per cent as continued local currency growth at FIC and the Star entertainment channels was offset by an 11 per cent adverse impact from the strengthened US dollar as well as the absence of advertising revenues from the prior year broadcast of the India vs. England cricket series at Star Sports. Quarterly OIBDA at the international cable channels increased 53 per cent reflecting strong local currency growth partially offset by the adverse impact of the strengthened US dollar.

     

    TELEVISION

     

    Television generated quarterly segment OIBDA of $196 million, a $22 million or 13 per cent increase over the $174 million reported in the prior year quarter. The increase in segment OIBDA was driven by lower operating costs led by lower programming expenses at the Fox Broadcast Network and TV stations partially offset by higher marketing costs at the Fox Broadcast Network. Quarterly segment revenues were consistent with those from the corresponding period in the prior year as strong retransmission consent revenue growth was counterbalanced by a five per cent decline in advertising revenues primarily reflecting the expected impact of one less week of National Football League broadcasts in the current quarter as compared to the prior year quarter and lower political revenues at the TV stations, as well as lower general entertainment ratings at the Fox Broadcast Network.

     

    FILMED ENTERTAINMENT

     

    Filmed Entertainment generated quarterly segment OIBDA of $149 million, a $309 million decrease from the $458 million reported in the same period a year-ago. 

     

    Quarterly segment revenues decreased $691 million to$1.79 billion,primarily reflecting lower worldwide theatrical revenues, the absence of revenue contributions from Shine, lower syndication revenues reflecting the sale of How I Met Your Mother in the prior year and the adverse impact of the strengthened US dollar. The OIBDA decline over the prior year reflects lower contributions from the film studio attributable to the difficult comparisons to last year’s successful worldwide theatrical performance of Dawn of the Planet of the Apes and the home entertainment performance of Rio 2 with this year’s worldwide theatrical release of The Fantastic Four in August as well as higher theatrical pre-release costs in the current year primarily related to the successful worldwide theatrical release of The Martian in early October, which has grossed over $430 million in worldwide box office to date. Segment OIBDA comparisons were also adversely impacted by lower contributions from the television production businesses and a negative comparative 11 per cent impact from foreign exchange rate fluctuations.

  • Q3-2015: Discovery’s US Networks mitigate International Networks revenue drop due to forex

    Q3-2015: Discovery’s US Networks mitigate International Networks revenue drop due to forex

    BENGALURU:  Discovery Communications, Inc. (Discovery) reported a 0.7 per cent drop in revenue in the quarter ended 30 September, 2015 (Q3-2015, current quarter) at $1557 million as compared to the $1568 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. Its US networks reported eight per cent growth in revenue to $781 million (50.1 per cent of Total Revenue or TR) in the current quarter as compared to the $723 million (46.1 per cent of TR) in Q3-2014 and hence mitigated the nine per cent drop in international Networks revenue. The company’s International Network revenue in the current quarter declined to $740 million (47.5 per cent of TR) from $813 million (51.8 per cent of TR) in the corresponding quarter of last year. Discovery says that revenue at its International Networks declined primarily due to currency effects. 

     

    Discovery’s Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization( (OIBDA) decreased nine per cent to $576 million, as four per cent growth at US Networks was more than offset by a 21 per cent decline at International Networks, primarily due to currency effects, and a small operating loss at ‘Education’ and ‘Other’.

     

    “Discovery’s unique portfolio of assets and global brands drove yet another quarter of strong worldwide viewership and financial results,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav. “Discovery is like no other media company, propelled by our unmatched global infrastructure, local leadership, efficient global content model and sturdy position in the US, and we are confident in our ability to drive near and long-term growth and shareholder value.”

     

    Basic and dilute Earnings per share (EPS) in the current quarter increased to $0.43 as compared to the $0.41 in Q3-2014.

     

    US Networks

     

    The above mentioned US Networks revenue growth in the current quarter was driven by 12.3 per cent growth in Distribution and 5.7 per cent growth in Advertising revenues. US Networks Distribution revenue increased to $357 million in the current quarter as compared to the $318 million in Q3-2014. Discovery says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates and the consolidation of Discovery Family.

                                                                                                                                                                  

    US Network’s Advertising revenue in Q3-2015 increased to $410 million as compared to the $388 million in the corresponding year ago quarter. The company says that Advertising revenues increased primarily due to higher pricing.

     

    US Networks adjusted OIBDA increased four per cent to $443 million (56.7 per cent margin) in the current quarter from $426 million (58.9 per cent margin) in Q3-2014. Excluding the consolidation of Discovery Family, adjusted OIBDA was relatively flat, as revenue growth was offset by an 11 per cent increase in operating expenses, mainly due to higher content amortization and marketing costs.

     

    International Networks

     

    Adjusted OIBDA of the segment declined 21.3 per cent to $218 million (29.5 per cent margin) in Q3-2015 from $277 million (34.1 per cent margin) in Q3-2014. As mentioned above, International Networks revenue and adjusted OIBDA declines in the current quarter were due to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

    International Networks Distribution revenue declined 2.6 per cent in the current quarter to $419 million from $430 million in Q3-2014. International Networks Advertising revenue in Q3-2015 declined 14.2 per cent to $289 million from $337 million in the corresponding quarter of last year.

     

    Discovery says that excluding currency effects and the impact of Eurosport and SBS Radio, total revenues were up nine per cent. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport and currency effects, grew eight per cent mainly from increased subscribers and rates in Latin America as well as increased subscribers in CEEMEA. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency, were up 12 per cent, primarily due to higher volume and prices in Latin America and higher ratings, prices and volume in Southern Europe.  Other revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency, decreased $2 million, primarily due to lower program sales. 

     

    The company informs that excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency, Adjusted OIBDA was up four per cent, reflecting the nine per cent revenue growth partially offset by a 13 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content expenses and personnel costs.

     

    Education and Other

     

    Education and Other revenue for Q3-2015 increased by $1 million. Adjusted OIBDA decreased by $8 million compared to Q3-2014 due to additional investments in education primarily related to digital textbooks, higher production costs associated with greater utilisation of our in-house production companies, and higher personnel costs.

     

    The segment reported revenue of $36 million in the current quarter as compared to $35 million in Q3-2014. Adjusted OIBDA in Q3-2015 was negative $5 million as compared to positive adjusted OIBDA of $3 million in Q3-2014.

     
  • Discovery Q3 results buoyed by international revenues

    Discovery Q3 results buoyed by international revenues

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications President/CEO David Zaslaw has been quite clear about what’s going to drive revenues at the company: international expansion. He has stated that more than once and he did so at the industry’s leading get together MipTV in Cannes in 2013. If one goes by the financials for the broadcaster for the third quarter ended 30 September 2013, he seems to be living up to that statement.

     

    Discovery Communications’ international betworks’ revenues climbed 59 per cent to $ 620 million, as advertising revenues were up 127 per cent to $282 million and distribution revenues were up 29 per cent to $322 million. Overall, international revenues almost equaled US domestic revenues which grew a snail like 10 per cent to touch $733 million. Ad revenues grew 12 per cent to account for $383 million of that, while distribution fees went up 10 per cent to touch $329 million.

     

    Overall, Discovery saw a 28 per cent increase in revenues to $ 1,375 million; adjusted OIBDA rose 20 per cent to $ 597 million and net income climbed up by 24 per cent to $ 255 million. And while these numbers were lower than the Q2 2013 of 1,4
    On the international front, distribution revenues, excluding newly acquired businesses, in local currency terms grew 14 per cent mainly from increased subscribers, most notably in Latin America, and from higher rates, particularly in Latin America and Asia Pacific, as well as from additional contributions due to the consolidation of Discovery Japan.

    Zaslav had this to say on the occasion of the results: “As we continue to build new avenues of growth across the more mature US business, the bigger opportunity remains the potential of our international portfolio, where we are diligently applying our targeted investment approach to exploit our unparalleled market position and capitalise on those areas with significant upside from the evolution of pay television and the developing global advertising landscape.”

     

    International advertising revenues, excluding newly acquired businesses, were up 29 per cent in local currency terms, primarily due to increased viewership in Western Europe and higher pricing in Western Europe and Latin America.

     

    “Discovery’s thoughtful investment over the last two decades in securing distribution and establishing relationships with key affiliates, suppliers and advertisers in each market has given us a huge head start internationally. But it’s the additional steps we have taken over the last several years to take advantage of our market position that is driving such strong results today and will allow us to continue to grow even as pay-TV penetration growth begins to slow eventually,” Zaslav added.

     

    Adjusted OIBDA increased 34 per cent to $232 million on a reported basis and was up 17 per cent excluding newly acquired businesses and foreign currency fluctuations, reflecting the 18 per cent revenue growth partially offset by a 19 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content amortisation, personnel costs and marketing expense as well as costs related to consolidating Discovery Japan.

     

    As markets have developed, Discovery Communications has aggressively opened new offices in key countries, like Turkey, the Ukraine and India, to closely connect with an evolving middle class. At the same time, it has established in-house sales functions in markets where the revenue opportunity dictated a more hands-on approach, such as Russia, Colombia and Argentina.

     

    On the content side, the network has increased its programming spend internationally by over 80 per cent since 2010 to capitalise on market opportunities, including broadening the reach of its female flagship, TLC, into over 165 countries, making TLC the most distributed women’s brand in the world from a standing start 24 months ago.
    It has also been expanding the footprint of its successful investigative and forensic channel Invesitgation Discovery (ID) into 150 countries, and expecting to approach 180 countries in the year ahead; or launching the kids network recently across Asia. All in, over the last three years, the network has launched over 60 new feeds and five new languages to satisfy the growing demand for its content, and the strong revenue growth Discovery Communications is delivering currently is certainly due in a large part to the targeted investment.

     

    “While it is certainly difficult to predict how the various international markets will perform going forward, we remain optimistic about our long-term growth prospects, given the platform we have built; the investments we have made and the growth we are delivering today, despite a relatively slow economic climate in many of the countries we operate in. As we continue to invest in our organic growth initiatives, we’re also making significant strides integrating our recent SBS Nordic acquisition. The joint ad sales team we’ve assembled is closing deals in the spot market, while preparing upfront presentations to message during the first quarter that lay out the compelling content offering and value proposition we can deliver to ad clients,” expounded Zaslav.

    Zaslav had in July 2013 downgraded its revenue expectations for the full year from 5.58-5.70 billion to $5.55-5.63 billion, following Discovery said it expected 2013 revenue of $5.55 billion to $5.63 billion, below its previous forecast for $5.58 billion to $5.70 billion. The company blamed unfavorable currency fluctuations and costs from its $1.7 billion acquisition of Scandinavian media company SBS in December 2012, apart from the 20 per cent investment in European sports network Eurosport.

     

    But it is quite likely that it is these very investments which will start adding oodles of revenue and cash to its bottomline going forward. We can only wait to discover if that will happen.

  • Time Warner 2Q revenue grows marginally

    Time Warner 2Q revenue grows marginally

    MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Time Warner has reported financial results for its second quarter ended 30 June 2006.

    Revenues rose by one per cent over the same period in 2005 to $10.7 billion, led by growth at the cable and networks segments. Adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortisation climbed seven per cent to $2.7 billion, reflecting double-digit increases at the cable and filmed entertainment segments as well as a gain at the networks segment.

    This growth was offset partly by declines at the publishing and AOL segments. Operating income rose to $1.8 billion from a prior year loss, reflecting primarily higher adjusted operating income before depreciation and amortisation and the absence of the $3 billion in legal reserves related to securities litigation recognized in the prior year quarter.

    Time Warner chairman and CEO Dick Parsons said, “We are pleased with this quarter’s results, which put us firmly on track to achieve our full-year financial objectives. Especially significant was our generation of Free Cash Flow over the first half of the year, totaling more than $2.6 billion, or 49 per cent of our Adjusted OIBDA. Our cable, filmed entertainment and networks segments delivered standout operating performances, while AOL posted a better-than-expected quarter. Key to these results were impressive strength in AOL’s advertising revenues and across-the-board subscriber and profit growth at Time Warner Cable.

    “With the closing of the Adelphia-Comcast transaction, Time Warner Cable is now focused on integrating and upgrading the acquired systems and setting the stage for an aggressive deployment of Time Warner Cable’s advanced digital video, high-speed data and digital phone services in the coming months. In addition, we are continuing to return substantial value directly to our shareholders – including repurchasing 14 per cent of our outstanding common stock for approximately $11.7 billion since starting the programme last year.”

    Television networks (Turner Broadcasting, HBO and The WB Network) revenues rose by nine per cent to $2.7 billion, reflecting higher subscription and ad revenues – including the consolidation of Court TV ($65 million). Subscription revenues climbed nine per cent due to higher rates and increased subscribers at Turner and HBO as well as the consolidation of Court TV ($20 million), offset in part by a favorable audit claim settlement in the prior year quarter.

    Ad revenues were up eight per cent led by an 11 per cent growth at Turner, including Court TV ($43 million), offset partly by a nine per cent decrease at The WB Network. Content revenues increased by seven per cent due primarily to higher ancillary sales of HBO’s original programming.

    At AOL, revenues declined by two per cent to $2.0 billion, due to an 11 per cent decrease in subscription revenues, offset in part by a 40 per cent increase ($129 million) in ad revenues. The decline in subscription revenues was due primarily to a decrease in domestic AOL brand subscribers and an unfavorable impact from changes in foreign currency exchange rates. The growth in ad revenues reflected strong growth across each of the major ad categories – display, pay for performance and paid-search.

    Revenues from movies declined by 10 per cent to $2.4 billion, due primarily to difficult comparisons to higher home video revenues in the prior year quarter, which included Ocean’s 12 and The Aviator as well as several seasons of Seinfeld. Additionally, the second quarter of 2005 had benefitted from revenue from theatrical product on television, including various Harry Potter availabilities.