AMC Networks Inc. reported a significant decline in its financial performance for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, with total revenues decreasing by 10.7% to $2.42 billion, down from $2.71 billion in 2023. The company experienced a 5.7% drop in subscription revenues, primarily due to a decline in affiliate revenues, and an 11.4% decrease in advertising revenues, attributed to lower demand in the entertainment advertising marketplace. Additionally, content licensing and other revenues fell sharply by 37.4%, reflecting the impact of the divestiture of the 25/7 Media production services business and reduced deliveries of programming.
The company faced substantial impairment charges totaling $399.5 million in 2024, which included a $268.7 million goodwill impairment in its Domestic Operations segment and $102 million in its international operations. This marked a stark contrast to the previous year, where impairment charges were significantly lower at $96.7 million. Restructuring and related charges also increased to $49.5 million, driven by strategic programming assessments and a shift in content strategy, particularly for the We TV network.
In terms of operational metrics, AMC Networks reported a total of approximately 12.4 million aggregate paid streaming subscribers across its services, reflecting an 8.3% increase from the previous year. However, the company’s traditional programming networks saw declines in subscriber counts, with AMC reaching about 60 million subscribers, down from 65 million in 2023. The company continues to focus on expanding its streaming offerings, including AMC+, Acorn TV, and Shudder, while also enhancing its advertising technologies to optimize revenue.
Looking ahead, AMC Networks anticipates ongoing challenges in the advertising market and subscriber retention, particularly as viewer consumption patterns shift towards digital platforms. The company is committed to maintaining financial discipline and improving free cash flow, with plans to streamline operations and reduce programming expenditures to historical levels. Despite the current difficulties, AMC Networks aims to leverage its extensive library of content and strategic partnerships to navigate the evolving media landscape and enhance its market position.