Fox beat analyst expectations in fiscal Q2 earning

Fox beat analyst expectations in fiscal Q2 earning

The Company reported total quarterly revenues of $3.78 bn

Fox

MUMBAI– Fox Corporation reported financial results for the three months ended December 31, 2019.

 The Company reported total quarterly revenues of $3.78 bn, a 5 per cent increase from the $3.58 bn of revenues in the prior year quarter. This increase includes affiliate revenue growth of 7 per cent, reflecting growth at both the Television and Cable Network Programming segments, and advertising revenue growth of 1%, which was achieved despite the comparative effect of record political advertising revenues from the mid-term elections at the Company’s owned and operated television stations in the prior year quarter.

The Company also reported a 32 per cent increase in other revenues, led by growth at the Cable Network Programming segment and higher revenues at the Other, Corporate and Eliminations segment attributable to the operation of the FOX Studios Lot for third parties and the consolidation of Credible Labs Inc.

Quarterly net income increased to $314 million from the $24 million in the prior year quarter, primarily due to unrealized gains recognized in other, net related to changes in the fair values of the Company’s investments in Roku, Inc. and The Stars Group Inc., partially offset by higher operating, selling, general and administrative and net interest expenses. The increases in selling, general and administrative and net interest expenses primarily reflect higher costs related to FOX operating as a standalone public company following the Distribution.

Quarterly net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders increased to $300 million ($0.48 per share) compared to $8 million ($0.01 per share) in the prior year quarter. Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA2 of $261 million was lower than the prior year quarter, primarily due to lower contributions at the Television segment. Adjusted net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders3 was $64 million ($0.10 per share), lower than the $268 million ($0.43 per share) adjusted result in the prior year quarter.

Commenting on the results, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch said: “Our results reaffirm that Fox Corporation is delivering on the operational and financial objectives that we established less than twelve months ago. Our brands are exhibiting strength in a competitive marketplace and delivering healthy top-line growth as we continue to invest strategically to expand the reach of our portfolio and further diversify our revenue streams. Meanwhile, we are taking a balanced approach to capital allocation, including the return of $500 million to shareholders in the form of share repurchases since our last earnings release. Coming off an incredibly successful Super Bowl LIV and with the buildup to the November Presidential Election ahead of us, we look forward to continuing our momentum through calendar 2020.”