• by Wayne Friedman , August 8, 2013

Big upward financial numbers were posted by AMC Networks -- including double-digit percentage gains in advertising, as well as a major litigation settlement gain.

Net revenues gained 15.8% to $379 million, with net income more than tripling to $135.7 million from $41.5 million. A one-time $133 million gain came from a legal settlement with Dish Network in the Voom HD channels dispute between the satellite TV firm and Cablevision Systems-AMC Networks on the other.

Operating income soared 151.7% to $247 million. Excluding the one-time gain, operating income increased 14.6% at National Networks and was essentially flat for its international and other revenue categories.

National TV networks, led by AMC Networks, posted a 15.9% improvement to $353.6 million -- led by a 17.5% increase in distribution/affiliate revenue to $206 million, and a 13.7% rise to $147 million. The strong advertising results were "due to strong demand for our original programming," the company said.

AMC also credited its programming lineup for its high demand among viewers and marketers, as well as citing last month's 39 Emmy Award nominations for AMC, IFC and Sundance Channel: “The most nominations of any basic cable programming group, contributing to our momentum."

International TV-video business climbed 13.9% to $29.9 million.

AMC Networks is comprised of AMC (98.3 million subscribers), WE tv (82.7 million), IFC, (69.5 million), and Sundance Channel (50.6 million), according to Nielsen.

AMC Networks' stock was down 2.9% to $69.19 in midday trading. Analysts say this is due to its adjusted operating cash flow -- $138 million -- which came in worse than expected for the second quarter.

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