8/4 – Discovery Reports Q2 Results, Cites International Growth

Discovery Communications, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 30, 2011.  Second quarter revenues of $1,067 million increased $104 million, or 11%, over the second quarter a year ago, led by 20% growth at International Networks and 6% growth at U.S. Networks.  Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization (1) (“OIBDA”) grew 12% to $510 million, driven by a 31% increase at International Networks and a 4% increase at U.S. Networks.  Adjusted OIBDA margin for the second quarter increased to 48% from 47% in the second quarter of 2010. Second quarter net income from continuing operations available to Discovery Communications, Inc. stockholders of $254 million ($0.62 per diluted share) increased $148 million compared to $106 million ($0.25 per diluted share) for the second quarter a year ago.  The current quarter results reflect the strong operating performance, while the prior year’s quarter includes losses from the early extinguishment of debt and termination of interest rate swaps.  Excluding these items, net income for the quarter increased $43 million (2). Discovery continues to deliver strong financial results, particularly across our unique international platform, as the depth and breadth of content assets have enabled the company to capitalize on the sustained ad market strength worldwide as well as take advantage of the evolution of pay-tv across the globe.