MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has posted a consolidated revenue of $3.95 billion in the fiscal first quarter ended December, up three per cent over the earlier year. This is driven by growth in both the Media Networks and Filmed Entertainment segments.

First quarter operating income declined by two per cent to $1.02 billion, reflecting higher media networks revenues more than offset by lower filmed entertainment ancillary revenues.

However net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom in the first quarter decreased by five per cent to $591 million. Diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased to $1.06, up by four per cent over the first quarter of 2011.

Quarterly operating income of $1.02 billion decreased by two per cent, from $1.04 billion in the first quarter of 2011, driven primarily by the decline in ancillary revenues in film partially offset by the increase in media networks affiliate revenues.

Viacom president, CEO Philippe Dauman said, "In the first quarter of 2012, Viacom proved that it has the creative capability, operational resolve and financial strength to deliver for shareholders despite short term economic headwinds. Our proven strategy of continuing to invest in creative content is fueling momentum across our properties.

MTV, Comedy Central and Bet were home to many of the top rated shows in the first quarter of fiscal 2012 and Nickelodeon remained the number one cable network for kids. Despite short term softness in the overall ad markets, Viacom?s quarterly results benefited from strong affiliate fee revenue growth, as our industry-leading portfolio of TV brands continued to attract traditional distributors as well as emerging digital services."

Paramount Pictures also began the year with a strong performance in the theatrical market, with hits like Paranormal Activity 3 and Mission: Impossible ? Ghost Protocol, which has generated approximately $575 million at the worldwide box office.

Paramount is looking forward to its slate of films for the 2012 calendar year and has already made a strong start with the breakout performance of The Devil Inside, a low-cost genre film from Paramount?s Insurge Pictures label that has earned more than $50 million at the box office.

Quarterly revenues increased by three per cent to $3.95 billion from $3.83 billion in the prior year. Higher Media Networks revenues of $2.45 billion were driven by an increase in affiliate fee revenues, partially offset by a decrease in advertising and ancillary revenues.

Domestic and worldwide affiliate fees each increased by 16 per cent, reflecting higher revenues from digital distribution arrangements, as well as rate increases. Ad revenue decreased by three per cent on both a domestic and worldwide basis, driven by lower ratings and softness in the US ad market in the second half of the quarter.

Film revenues increased by four per cent to $1.56 billion, driven by higher theatrical revenues, partially offset by lower ancillary revenues due to the prior year benefit from the sale of distribution rights of two future Marvel films and lower home entertainment revenues.

Quarterly net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom declined to $591 million, a decrease of 5 per cent, from $620 million in the same period last year. The change reflects the decline in operating income and lower equity income.

MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Viacom has announced that fourth quarter revenues increased by 22 per cent to $4.05 billion.

Adjusted Operating Income grew by 27 per cent o $1.06 billion, reflecting a significant increase in profitability in the film segment and double-digit growth in the media networks segment. Fourth quarter adjusted net earnings increased by 33 per cent to $614 million.

Consolidated revenues for the year increased by 12 per cent to $14.91 billion, with significant contributions from both media networks and film. Full-year adjusted operating income grew by 13 per cent to $3.85 billion, reflecting higher ad and affiliate revenues in Media Networks.

Full-year adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom rose 22 per cent to $2.25 billion and full-year adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased 25 per cent to $3.78. The company also announced an expansion of stock repurchase programme to $10 billion from $4 billion.

Viacom executive chairman Sumner M. Redstone said, "Viacom‘s performance in fiscal 2011 once again illustrates the value of our focused strategy and strong leadership. Viacom‘s powerful brands are enhanced by operational and financial discipline, which continues to drive our results and build value for shareholders."

Viacom president, CEO Philippe Dauman said, "2011 was an outstanding year, highlighted by significant creative milestones, strong topline growth and expanded profitability across every division of Viacom. Creatively we are at the top of our game, powered by unique audience insights and connections, coupled with consistent investment in innovative programming at our marquee media networks, including MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, and BET. Paramount Pictures is benefiting from a disciplined franchise-centric approach that has produced an unprecedented number of hits in the domestic and international box office.

In terms of quarterly revenues media networks contributed $2.29 billion in revenues, an eight per cent gain over the same period last year, driven principally by growth in ad and affiliate revenues. Both worldwide and domestic ad revenues rose by seven per cent in the quarter. Worldwide affiliate revenues increased 11 per cent to $883 million, driven largely by rate increases.

Film revenues grew 46 per cent to $1.79 billion, principally due to the strong performance of ?Transformers: Dark of the Moon? in theatrical and home entertainment markets, as well as higher ancillary revenues, due in part to availability of titles for digital distribution.

For the year media networks delivered $814 million of the increase, reflecting a 10 per cent gain in ad revenues to $5 billion and a 12 per cent gain in affiliate fees to $3.52 billion, which more than offset a two per cent decline in ancillary revenues. Domestic advertising revenues rose 10 per cent. Domestic affiliate revenues increased 12 per cent, largely as a result of rate increases, as well as the availability of programming for digital distribution arrangements.

Film revenues increased 15 per cent to $5.92 billion, driven by sharply higher theatrical and ancillary revenues, as well as increased television license fees, which were partially offset by lower home entertainment revenues. The size and strength of the film slate were the primary drivers of a 58 per cent increase in theatrical revenues, while ancillary revenues rose by 48 per cent, principally reflecting the sale of distribution rights and digital revenues.

Quarterly adjusted operating income rise was driven by a 10 per cent increase in the media networks segment and a triple-digit gain in the film segment. Higher results in the media networks stemmed primarily from increases in domestic advertising and affiliate revenue, partially offset by higher programming investments. Film profits were driven by the strong performance of ‘Transformers: Dark of the Moon‘.

Full-year adjusted operating income increase was driven by higher adjusted operating income of $467 million in media networks, principally reflecting increased revenues, partially offset by higher expenses. Film adjusted operating income was substantially flat. Adjusted full-year 2011 results exclude the impact of the current year restructuring charges, while the adjusted results for prior year exclude the impact of asset impairment.

Quarterly adjusted net earnings‘ increase reflects higher adjusted operating income and a lower effective tax rate. Full-year adjusted net earnings from continuing operations attributable to Viacom increased 22 per cent to $2.25 billion in 2011, primarily due to the increase in tax-effected adjusted operating income and higher equity income principally from Epix, which generated income this year, compared with a loss in 2010. Full-year 2011 adjusted diluted earnings per share from continuing operations increased $0.76 to $3.78.

Stock Repurchase Programme: For the quarter ended 30 September, 2011 Viacom repurchased 19.7 million shares under its stock repurchase programme for an aggregate purchase price of $900 million. During the year ended 30 September, 2011 Viacom repurchased 55.7 million shares for an aggregate price of $2.5 billion. As of November 9, 2011, Viacom had $7.22 billion remaining in its $10 billion stock repurchase programme.