AMC Networks Streaming Revenue Rises 12%, Ad Sales Drop 18%

AMC Networks experienced a mix of successes and challenges in the second quarter of 2025, according to the company’s latest report. While U.S. ad sales saw an 18% decline, the streaming business saw a significant 12% increase in revenue during this period.

One of the highlights for AMC Networks was the growth in subscribers to its suite of streaming platforms, which include AMC+, Acorn TV, Shudder, Sundance Now, ALLBLK, and HIDIVE. The total number of subscribers increased by 2% to reach 10.4 million. This growth is particularly noteworthy as AMC Networks recently adjusted its subscriber count methodology to only include direct, paid signups, which totaled 10.2 million at the end of the previous quarter.

Despite the positive performance of the streaming business, the bulk of AMC Networks’ revenue still comes from its U.S. cable channels such as AMC, BBC America, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films. Overall, domestic operations revenue saw a slight dip of 2% in the second quarter, amounting to $527 million.

Within the domestic segment, subscription revenues decreased by 1% to $320 million, while streaming sales increased by 12% to $169 million. This increase was mainly attributed to price adjustments across the AMC Networks-owned streamers. On the other hand, affiliate revenue dropped by 12% to $151 million. Content licensing revenues showed a significant growth of 26% to $84 million, while ad sales experienced an 18% decline to $123 million.

Internationally, AMC Networks faced a 16% decrease in sales, totaling $76 million. Subscription revenue also declined by 5% to $47 million. International ad sales saw a significant drop of 31% to $26 million, partially due to a $13.4 million adjustment reported by a third party for the previous year’s second quarter. Excluding this adjustment, ad sales actually increased by 2%.

In terms of financial performance, Wall Street had forecasted earnings per share (EPS) of 61 cents on $583 million in revenue. AMC Networks, however, exceeded these expectations by reporting adjusted EPS of 69 cents on $600 million in revenue.

CEO Kristin Dolan expressed confidence in the company’s strategic plan focused on programming, partnerships, and profitability. Dolan highlighted the commitment to delivering high-quality content to engaged fans across all platforms, including the diverse range of streaming services offered by AMC Networks. The company is optimistic about its outlook for the rest of 2025 and expects to generate approximately $250 million in free cash flow for the full year.

In conclusion, AMC Networks’ performance in the second quarter of 2025 reflects a mix of challenges and successes across its various business segments. The company remains focused on delivering quality content and driving growth in its streaming business while navigating the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.

(Pictured above: “Anne Rice’s Mayfair Witches” on AMC.)