10-QPeriod: Q3 FY2021

Fox Corp Quarterly Report for Q3 Ended Mar 31, 2021

Filed May 6, 2021For Securities:FOXAFOX

Summary

Fox Corporation (FOXA) reported a significant increase in net income for the three and nine months ended March 31, 2021, driven primarily by a substantial reimbursement from Disney related to the Divestiture Tax and unrealized gains on investments. Total revenues saw a modest increase for the nine-month period, but a decrease for the quarter, primarily due to lower advertising revenue, which was partially offset by increased affiliate fees and the performance of Tubi. The company is navigating the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected advertising spend and content production, particularly sports events, although many have resumed. Operationally, the Cable Network Programming segment showed growth in Segment EBITDA, benefiting from higher affiliate fees and advertising revenue, while the Television segment experienced a notable decline in Segment EBITDA for the quarter due to lower advertising revenue and increased programming costs, despite overall revenue flatness for the nine months. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with substantial cash reserves and an undrawn revolving credit facility, positioning it to manage operational needs and potential future investments.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.21B
SG&A Expenses$437.00M
Interest Expense$98.00M
Net Income$567.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.96
EPS (Diluted)$0.96
Shares Outstanding (Basic)589.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)593.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Net income attributable to stockholders more than doubled for the nine months ended March 31, 2021 ($1.9 billion) compared to the prior year ($877 million), significantly boosted by a $462 million reimbursement from Disney and strong performance in equity investments.
  • 2Total revenues for the nine months ended March 31, 2021, increased by 1% to $10.02 billion, though revenues for the third quarter decreased by 7% to $3.22 billion, primarily due to a 24% drop in advertising revenue.
  • 3The Cable Network Programming segment demonstrated resilience, with Segment EBITDA growing 7% for the quarter and 8% for the nine months, driven by increased affiliate fees and advertising revenue, despite a slight decline in overall subscribers.
  • 4The Television segment's Segment EBITDA decreased significantly by 40% in the quarter, largely due to a 28% drop in advertising revenue and higher programming costs, though it saw a 56% increase for the nine-month period due to strong affiliate fees and overall lower expenses.
  • 5The company continues to manage the impacts of COVID-19, noting disruptions to advertising and sports content, but has seen a resumption in most events and productions. Affiliate fee credits were recorded due to the under-delivery of college football games.
  • 6Fox Corporation maintained a strong liquidity position with $5.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents and an undrawn $1.0 billion revolving credit facility as of March 31, 2021.
  • 7The company repurchased approximately $725 million of its common stock during the nine months ended March 31, 2021, under its authorized repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The COVID-19 pandemic had a mixed impact. It led to reduced advertising revenue due to weaker economic conditions and advertiser cutbacks, as well as disruptions in sports event schedules and entertainment content production. However, the consolidation of Tubi, a free ad-supported streaming service, contributed positively to advertising revenue and viewership.

The substantial increase in net income was primarily driven by a $462 million reimbursement received from Disney related to the Divestiture Tax for the sale of Regional Sports Networks. Additionally, unrealized gains from changes in the fair value of equity investments, compared to prior year losses on the sale of Roku, also contributed significantly.

The Cable Network Programming segment showed positive performance, with Segment EBITDA increasing by 7% for the quarter. Key revenue drivers include higher affiliate fees, resulting from contractual rate increases and renewals, and increased advertising revenue, particularly at FOX News Media, driven by political advertising and higher pricing. However, a decline in traditional MVPD subscribers partially offset these gains.

Advertising revenue remains a key area of focus and sensitivity. While the company experienced a significant decline in advertising revenue in the quarter, partly due to comparisons with the Super Bowl broadcast in the prior year and COVID-19 impacts, it also benefited from political advertising and the performance of Tubi. Management acknowledges that future advertising expenditures will depend on the overall economic prospects of advertisers and the broader economy.