Analysts bullish as AMC Networks launches

Financial analysts are broadly positive on the prospects for AMC Networks, the new cable channels group spun-off by Cablevision that starts trading on the Nasdaq exchange (under AMCXV) today.

In the US, said the ongoing success of key AMC programme franchises Mad Men and The Walking Dead and the fact it is a relatively young network, in terms of original series at least, means it will have leeway with operators to increase carriage fees going forward.

With relatively few original series, the cable net also has room to order more shows, building on its success with the likes of Breaking Bad, Mad Men and The Walking Dead, analysts said.

New series already ordered include Western Hell on Wheels and a local version of Scandi-originated drama The Man with the Golden Ears and for the first time reality series in the shape of Inside DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and another show set in a comic book store.

Several analysts also said that AMC Networks will be a prime acquisition target.