Scripps Networks (NASDAQ:SNI) (+31%,+1.51%), the media company whose three main brands are HGTV, Food Network and Travel Channel, had solid advertising revenue gains during the year, and the stock continued its rise in the fourth quarter, gaining 13%. Ratings were strong overall in 2016, and HGTV ended up as the third most watched U.S. cable channel behind ESPN and Fox News. The company’s advertising has more exposure to stable categories than most competitors and also earns premiums per viewer over the competition. The year did see a decline in distributor fees paid to Scripps, but this was due to one-time items that will be lapped next year. Part of the stock’s discount is related to international expansion which has not yet produced profits but has created startup costs and non-cash amortization. Scripps’ high-profile lifestyle channels could be valuable content for other media and entertainment companies, as evidenced by AT&T’s recent bid for Time Warner at an attractive multiple relative to Scripps’ stock price.
From Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund fourth-quarter 2016 commentary.
