Southeastern Asset Management Comments on Scripps Networks

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Apr 14, 2016

Scripps Networks (NASDAQ:SNI) (+19%; +1.4%), the media company that owns cable channels, including HGTV, The Food Network, DIY Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel, and Great American Country, reported a strong quarter with all six networks adding new viewers as millennial growth continued. Advertising revenue grew at a mid-single digit rate. The company’s advertising is better than most competitors, with more exposure to stable categories than others have. Affiliate fee revenue growth is expected to grow at a mid-to-high-single digit rate, and programming cost growth should continue to decelerate. Part of the stock’s discount is related to its international expansion opportunity which has not produced profits yet but has created startup costs and noncash amortization. The company purchased the remaining 35% of The Travel Channel that it did not own and sold its 7.25% stake in Fox Sports South & Southeast.

From Southeastern Asset Management's Q1 2016 shareholder letter.