AMC Networks' 'Better Call Saul' Makes Albert Fried & Co Very Excited, Firm Predicts An A La Cart Platform Like HBO GO

In a report published Friday, Albert Fried & Co analyst Rich Tullo maintained an Overweight rating on AMC Networks Inc (NYSE: AMCX), with a price target of $97.

In the report, Albert Fried & Co noted, "We predict AMCX will launch an OTT A La Cart platform like HBO GO or CBS Anywhere in 2015E as AMCX is already authenticating OTT views of Better Call Saul and selling high quality Ad inventory on the On Demand Streams…We also think Better Call Saul is a winner for AMCX. Better Call Saul has a Metacritic score of 78 by Critics and 85 by viewers. As the average TV show scores about 62 these days, up from the low 50's last year, we think Better Call Saul is a success."

"We think AMCX in 4Q14E benefits from the acquisition of Chello Media…While AMCX faces a tough Y/Y comparison owing to fewer Original programming hours in 4Q14E as compared to 4Q13A we still expect AMCX to grow revenue Y/Y," Tullo wrote. The analyst added that AMCX is "one of our favorite names," given the company's "strong earnings growth potential, better performance from Originals, and great emerging opportunities."