10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2024

Fox Corp Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Dec 31, 2023

Filed February 7, 2024For Securities:FOXAFOX

Summary

Fox Corporation (FOXA) reported a decrease in revenues and net income for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023, compared to the prior year period. This decline was largely driven by a significant drop in advertising revenue, primarily due to the absence of major sporting events like the FIFA Men's World Cup and lower political advertising compared to the previous year's midterm elections. While affiliate fee revenue saw a modest increase, it was not enough to offset the advertising revenue shortfall. The company's Cable Network Programming segment showed resilience, with Segment EBITDA increasing significantly for the quarter and modestly for the six-month period, benefiting from higher affiliate fees and controlled expenses, despite lower advertising revenue. Conversely, the Television segment experienced a substantial decline in Segment EBITDA, negatively impacted by lower advertising revenue from broadcast networks and entertainment production due to labor disputes, as well as increased programming costs associated with the renewed NFL contract. Adjusted EBITDA declined across the company, reflecting the overall revenue pressures.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$4.23B
SG&A Expenses$495.00M
Interest Expense$119.00M
Net Income$109.00M
EPS (Basic)$0.23
EPS (Diluted)$0.23
Shares Outstanding (Basic)481.00M
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)482.00M

Key Highlights

  • 1Total revenues decreased by 8% for the three months and 5% for the six months ended December 31, 2023, primarily due to lower advertising revenue.
  • 2Advertising revenue saw a substantial decline of 20% for the quarter and 14% for the six months, heavily influenced by the absence of the FIFA Men's World Cup and reduced political advertising.
  • 3Cable Network Programming Segment EBITDA surged by 60% for the quarter and 7% for the six months, driven by increased affiliate fees, higher other revenues (sports sublicensing), and reduced operating expenses.
  • 4Television Segment EBITDA experienced a significant decline, down 394% for the quarter and 68% for the six months, due to lower advertising and other revenues, coupled with higher operating expenses.
  • 5Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders decreased by 65% for the quarter and 44% for the six months, reflecting the lower segment performance.
  • 6The company maintained a strong liquidity position with approximately $4.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents and an unused $1.0 billion revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2023.
  • 7The company repurchased approximately $500 million of Class A Common Stock during the six months ended December 31, 2023, under its ongoing share repurchase program.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary reason for the decline in Fox Corporation's revenues for the three and six months ended December 31, 2023, was a significant decrease in advertising revenue. This was largely due to the absence of major sporting events like the FIFA Men's World Cup and lower political advertising revenue compared to the prior year's U.S. midterm elections.

The Cable Network Programming segment showed strong performance, with Segment EBITDA increasing significantly in the quarter and modestly in the six-month period, driven by higher affiliate fees and cost controls. In contrast, the Television segment experienced a sharp decline in Segment EBITDA due to lower advertising revenue and increased operating costs, including sports programming rights.

Fox Corporation reported a healthy liquidity position with approximately $4.1 billion in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2023. Additionally, they have an undrawn $1.0 billion revolving credit facility, indicating ample financial flexibility.

Yes, the company repurchased approximately $500 million of its Class A Common Stock during the six months ended December 31, 2023, as part of its ongoing stock repurchase program. The company also declared a semi-annual dividend subsequent to December 31, 2023.