10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2024

Fox Corp Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Sep 30, 2023

Filed November 2, 2023For Securities:FOXAFOX

Summary

Fox Corporation (FOXA) reported relatively flat total revenues of $3.21 billion for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, a slight increase of 0.5% compared to the prior year's quarter. This stability was driven by an increase in affiliate fee revenue, boosted by higher rates from contractual renewals and affiliations, which offset a decline in advertising revenue. The decrease in advertising was primarily attributed to the absence of political advertising post-midterm elections and lower ratings, though partially mitigated by the FIFA Women's World Cup and growth in the AVOD service Tubi. However, profitability saw a significant decrease, with Net Income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders falling 33% to $407 million. This was largely due to a 12% increase in operating expenses, driven by higher sports programming rights, particularly for the NFL and FIFA Women's World Cup, and increased digital investment costs. Additionally, a substantial negative swing in 'Other, net' and lower income tax expenses compared to the prior year also contributed to the profit decline. Adjusted EBITDA declined 20% to $869 million. The company maintains a strong liquidity position with $3.8 billion in cash and equivalents and an undrawn $1 billion revolving credit facility. Despite the revenue stability, the declining profitability and increased operating expenses, particularly related to sports rights and digital initiatives, are key areas for investors to monitor.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$3.21B
SG&A Expenses$480.00M
Interest Expense$91.00M
Net Income$407.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.83
EPS (Diluted)$0.82
Shares Outstanding (Basic)492.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)494.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues remained largely flat at $3.21 billion, up 0.5% year-over-year, driven by higher affiliate fees offsetting lower advertising revenue.
  • 2Net income attributable to stockholders decreased significantly by 33% to $407 million, impacted by higher operating expenses and a notable increase in 'Other, net'.
  • 3Adjusted EBITDA declined 20% to $869 million, reflecting increased costs associated with sports programming rights (NFL, FIFA Women's World Cup) and digital investments.
  • 4The Cable Network Programming segment saw a 3% revenue decrease and an 18% decline in Segment EBITDA, primarily due to lower affiliate and advertising revenues and increased sports costs.
  • 5The Television segment reported a 4% increase in revenue, boosted by advertising and affiliate fees, but Segment EBITDA decreased by 14% due to higher operating expenses, particularly sports rights.
  • 6The company maintains a strong liquidity position with $3.8 billion in cash and equivalents and an undrawn $1 billion revolving credit facility.
  • 7In October 2023, the company issued $1.25 billion in senior notes, and during the quarter, repurchased approximately $250 million of Class A Common Stock.

Frequently Asked Questions

The 33% decrease in Net Income to $407 million was primarily driven by a 12% increase in operating expenses, largely due to higher sports programming rights amortization and production costs for events like the FIFA Women's World Cup and the renewed NFL contract. Additionally, a significant negative swing in 'Other, net' expenses and the absence of certain prior-year benefits also contributed to the decline.

The Cable Network Programming segment saw revenues decrease by 3% and Segment EBITDA decline by 18%, impacted by lower affiliate and advertising revenues and higher sports costs. The Television segment experienced a 4% revenue increase, but its Segment EBITDA dropped 14%, as revenue growth was outpaced by higher operating expenses, particularly sports rights and digital investments. The 'Other, Corporate and Eliminations' segment saw both revenues and Segment EBITDA decrease.

Fox Corporation maintains a strong liquidity position, with $3.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2023. The company also has an undrawn $1 billion unsecured revolving credit facility. In October 2023, they issued $1.25 billion in senior notes. They were in compliance with all covenants on their credit facility and did not anticipate noncompliance.

Advertising revenue decreased primarily due to lower political advertising at FOX Television Stations following the absence of expenditures related to the November 2022 U.S. midterm elections. Lower pricing in the direct response marketplace at FOX News Media and reduced ratings at the FOX Network also contributed. Partially offsetting this was revenue from the FIFA Women's World Cup and continued growth at Tubi.