• by Wayne Friedman , November 7, 2016

Scripps Networks Interactive posted higher-than-expected advertising for its fiscal third quarter. U.S. advertising grew 7% -- higher than the 4% to 5% projections. Scripps' mid-day Monday stock price was up 3% to $66.77.

Bernstein Research says the strong performance was “even higher than companies benefiting from cable news networks” such as Time Warner, which rose 2% to 3% in advertising sales and Fox, which gained 4% in ad revenue.

MoffettNathanson Research says advertising revenues were boosted by lower overall revenue-weighted demographics ratings -- down 1%.

Scripps’s domestic affiliate revenue was off 3% -- in line with expectations. Bernstein Research expects a similar decline in the fourth quarter. Overall U.S. revenue for Scripps grew 3.8% for $686 million.

HGTV revenues were up 7% to $266 million, while Food Network, was 2% higher to $217 million, Cooking Channel improved 3% to $34 million; and Travel Channel was also up 3% to $76 million.

Scripps’ DIY Network was down 3% to $40 million. Great American Country went south 5% to $7 million.

International revenue was also up 3.8% to $123 million.

Overall Scripps revenue was 3.5% higher to $803 million, with net income up 11% to $182 million.