8-K
Fox Corp false 0001754301 0001754301 2022-11-01 2022-11-01 0001754301 us-gaap:CommonStockMember 2022-11-01 2022-11-01 0001754301 us-gaap:CommonClassBMember 2022-11-01 2022-11-01

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 8-K

 

 

CURRENT REPORT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

DATE OF REPORT

(DATE OF EARLIEST EVENT REPORTED)

November 1, 2022

 

 

Fox Corporation

(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)

 

 

 

Delaware   001-38776   83-1825597

(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION

OF INCORPORATION)

 

(COMMISSION

FILE NO.)

 

(IRS EMPLOYER

IDENTIFICATION NO.)

1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036

(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES, INCLUDING ZIP CODE)

(212) 852-7000

(REGISTRANT’S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)

 

 

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

 

Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

 

Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

 

Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of Each Class

 

Trading

Symbols

 

Name of Each Exchange

on Which Registered

Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   FOXA   The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share   FOX   The Nasdaq Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933 (§230.405 of this chapter) or Rule 12b-2 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (§240.12b-2 of this chapter).

Emerging growth company  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

 

 

 


Item 2.02.

Results of Operations and Financial Condition.

On November 1, 2022, Fox Corporation (the “Company”) released its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022. A copy of the Company’s press release is attached as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 8-K and incorporated herein by reference.

The information in this report shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or incorporated by reference in any filing under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

 

Item 9.01.

Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(d)    Exhibits

 

Exhibit
Number

  

Description

99.1    Press release issued by Fox Corporation, dated November 1, 2022, announcing Fox Corporation’s financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2022.
104    Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document).


SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

FOX CORPORATION

 

By:  

/s/ Viet D. Dinh

Name:   Viet D. Dinh
Title:   Chief Legal and Policy Officer

November 1, 2022

EX-99.1

Exhibit 99.1

 

LOGO

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

FOX REPORTS FIRST QUARTER FISCAL 2023

REVENUES OF $3.19 BILLION

NEW YORK, NY, November 1, 2022 – Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX) (“FOX” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the three months ended September 30, 2022.

The Company reported total quarterly revenues of $3.19 billion, a 5% increase from the $3.05 billion reported in the prior year quarter. Affiliate revenues increased 3% led by 6% growth at the Television segment. Advertising revenues increased 8%, primarily due to higher political advertising revenues at the FOX Television Stations, continued strength in pricing across the Company’s news and sports brands, and continued growth at TUBI. Other revenues increased 5%, primarily due to higher FOX Nation subscription revenues and the impact of the consolidation of entertainment production companies at the Television segment.

The Company reported quarterly net income of $613 million as compared to the $708 million reported in the prior year quarter. The change in net income was primarily due to higher gains recognized in Other, net in the prior year quarter. Net Income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders was $605 million ($1.10 per share) as compared to the $701 million ($1.21 per share) reported in the prior year quarter. Adjusted net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders1 was $670 million ($1.21 per share), an increase of $28 million ($0.10 per share) from the $642 million ($1.11 per share) reported in the prior year quarter.

Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA2 was $1.09 billion, a 3% increase from the $1.06 billion reported in the prior year quarter, as the revenue increases noted above were partially offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects increased digital investment at FOX News Media and TUBI and higher programming rights amortization at FOX Sports.

Commenting on the results, Executive Chair and Chief Executive Officer Lachlan Murdoch said:

“Once again FOX delivered solid operational and financial results in our fiscal first quarter. These results demonstrate the continued strength of our established businesses along with the momentum across our digital portfolio. It is a strong start to what promises to be a notable fiscal year of prominent scheduled events across the company underscoring the importance of our live and event programming to viewers. While we are mindful of current macroeconomic conditions, the durability of our brands and FOX’s ability to deliver audiences at scale position us well to navigate this uncertainty while continuing to create value for our shareholders.”

 

1 

Excludes net income effects of Impairment and restructuring charges, adjustments to Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates, Other, net and tax provision adjustments. See Note 1 for a description of adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders, which are considered non-GAAP financial measures, and a reconciliation of reported net income and earnings per share attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders to adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders.

2 

Adjusted EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. See Note 2 for a description of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Page 1


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

REVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022     2021  
              
     $ Millions  

Revenues by Component:

    

Affiliate fee

   $ 1,711     $ 1,667  

Advertising

     1,220       1,130  

Other

     261       248  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 3,192     $ 3,045  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment Revenues:

    

Cable Network Programming

   $ 1,431     $ 1,416  

Television

     1,714       1,581  

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

     47       48  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

   $ 3,192     $ 3,045  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA:

    

Cable Network Programming

   $ 742     $ 774  

Television

     409       359  

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

     (59     (69
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA3

   $ 1,092     $ 1,064  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization:

    

Cable Network Programming

   $ 17     $ 10  

Television

     29       26  

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

     53       43  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total depreciation and amortization

   $ 99     $ 79  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

3 

Adjusted EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure. See Note 2 for a description of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income to Adjusted EBITDA.

 

Page 2


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

CABLE NETWORK PROGRAMMING

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022     2021  
              
     $ Millions  

Revenues

    

Affiliate fee

   $ 1,029     $ 1,026  

Advertising

     316       311  

Other

     86       79  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,431       1,416  

Operating expenses

     (564     (523

Selling, general and administrative

     (129     (124

Amortization of cable distribution investments

     4       5  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA

   $ 742     $ 774  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cable Network Programming reported quarterly segment revenues of $1.43 billion, an increase of $15 million or 1% from the amount reported in the prior year quarter. Affiliate fee revenues increased $3 million, primarily due to contractual price increases, partially offset by the impact of net subscriber declines. Advertising revenues increased $5 million or 2% led by FOX News Media, where continued strength in linear pricing was partially offset by lower ratings and lower digital advertising revenues. In addition, advertising revenues associated with the national sports networks were lower in the quarter due to the absence of prior year international soccer matches. Other revenues increased $7 million or 9%, primarily due to higher FOX Nation subscription revenues.

Cable Network Programming reported quarterly segment EBITDA of $742 million as compared to $774 million in the prior year quarter, as the revenue increases noted above were more than offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects increased digital investment and higher costs associated with breaking news coverage at FOX News Media.

 

Page 3


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

TELEVISION

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022     2021  
              
     $ Millions  

Revenues

    

Advertising

   $ 905     $ 819  

Affiliate fee

     682       641  

Other

     127       121  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total revenues

     1,714       1,581  

Operating expenses

     (1,071     (1,026

Selling, general and administrative

     (234     (196
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment EBITDA

   $ 409     $ 359  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Television reported quarterly segment revenues of $1.71 billion, an increase of $133 million or 8% from the amount reported in the prior year quarter. Advertising revenues increased $86 million or 11%, primarily due to higher political advertising revenues at the FOX Television Stations, continued growth at TUBI and continued strength in pricing, partially offset by lower ratings, at the FOX Network. The FOX Network also benefitted from additional MLB broadcasts in the current year quarter. Affiliate fee revenues increased $41 million or 6%, driven by increases in fees from third-party FOX affiliates and higher average rates, partially offset by the impact of net subscriber declines, at the Company’s owned and operated television stations. Other revenues increased $6 million or 5%, primarily due to the impact of the consolidation of TMZ and entertainment production companies at FOX Entertainment.

Television reported quarterly segment EBITDA of $409 million, an increase of $50 million or 14% from the prior year quarter, as the revenue increases noted above were partially offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects increased digital investment at TUBI and higher programming rights amortization at FOX Sports, partially offset by lower costs at FOX Entertainment.

 

Page 4


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company has authorized a $4 billion stock repurchase program. To date, the Company has repurchased $2.0 billion of its Class A common stock and $860 million of its Class B common stock.

POTENTIAL COMBINATION WITH NEWS CORPORATION

On October 14, 2022, the Company announced that its Board of Directors (the “Board”) has formed a special committee composed of independent members of the Board (the “Special Committee”) to begin exploring a potential combination with News Corporation. The Special Committee has not made any determination at this time, and there can be no certainty that the Company will engage in such a transaction.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “projects,” “believes,” “estimates,” “outlook” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements, including those regarding the exploration of a potential combination with News Corporation, are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements in this press release due to changes in economic, business, competitive, technological, strategic and/or regulatory factors and other factors affecting the operation of the Company’s businesses, including the impact of COVID-19 and other widespread health emergencies or pandemics and measures to contain their spread. More detailed information about these factors is contained in the documents the Company has filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2022 filed with the SEC on August 12, 2022, and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Statements in this press release speak only as of the date they were made, and the Company undertakes no duty to update or release any revisions to any forward-looking statement made in this press release or to report any events or circumstances after the date of this press release or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in the Company’s expectations, except as required by law.

To access a copy of this press release through the Internet, access Fox Corporation’s corporate website located at http://www.foxcorporation.com.

CONTACTS

 

Gabrielle Brown, Investor Relations    Brian Nick, Press Inquiries
212-852-7720    310-369-3545
Dan Carey, Investor Relations    Lauren Townsend, Press Inquiries
212-852-7955    310-369-2729

 

Page 5


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022     2021  
              
     $ Millions, except
per share amounts
 

Revenues

   $ 3,192     $ 3,045  

Operating expenses

     (1,656     (1,571

Selling, general and administrative

     (448     (415

Depreciation and amortization

     (99     (79

Interest expense, net

     (68     (97

Other, net4

     (76     69  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Income before income tax expense

     845       952  

Income tax expense

     (232     (244
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

     613       708  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (8     (7
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders

   $ 605     $ 701  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares:

     552       578  

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders per share:

   $ 1.10     $ 1.21  

 

 

4 

Other, net presented above includes Equity losses of affiliates.

 

Page 6


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 

     September 30,
2022
    June 30,
2022
 
              
     $ Millions  

Assets:

    

Current assets:

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 4,950     $ 5,200  

Receivables, net

     2,268       2,128  

Inventories, net

     1,020       791  

Other

     257       162  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current assets

     8,495       8,281  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current assets:

    

Property, plant and equipment, net

     1,681       1,682  

Intangible assets, net

     3,135       3,157  

Goodwill

     3,550       3,554  

Deferred tax assets

     3,334       3,440  

Other non-current assets

     2,229       2,071  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total assets

   $ 22,424     $ 22,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Liabilities and Equity:

    

Current liabilities:

    

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

   $ 2,362     $ 2,296  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total current liabilities

     2,362       2,296  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Non-current liabilities:

    

Borrowings

     7,207       7,206  

Other liabilities

     1,077       1,120  

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

     193       188  

Commitments and contingencies

    

Equity:

    

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value

     3       3  

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value

     2       3  

Additional paid-in capital

     8,949       9,098  

Retained earnings

     2,795       2,461  

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

     (228     (226
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total Fox Corporation stockholders’ equity

     11,521       11,339  

Noncontrolling interests

     64       36  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total equity

     11,585       11,375  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 22,424     $ 22,185  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022     2021  
              
     $ Millions  

Operating Activities:

    

Net income

   $ 613     $ 708  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

    

Depreciation and amortization

     99       79  

Amortization of cable distribution investments

     4       5  

Equity-based compensation

     7       15  

Other, net

     76       (69

Deferred income taxes

     104       168  

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions and dispositions

    

Receivables and other assets

     (260     (174

Inventories net of programming payable

     (333     (499

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

     (127     (171

Other changes, net

     87       (33
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

     270       29  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Investing Activities:

    

Property, plant and equipment

     (74     (53

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

     —         (75

Proceeds from dispositions, net

     —         82  

Purchase of investments

     (31     (29

Other investing activities, net

     (13     —    
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in investing activities

     (118     (75
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Financing Activities:

    

Repurchase of shares

     (250     (250

Dividends paid and distributions

     (147     (150

Sale of subsidiary noncontrolling interest

     25       —    

Other financing activities, net

     (30     (29
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net cash used in financing activities

     (402     (429
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (250     (475

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

     5,200       5,886  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 4,950     $ 5,411  
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

NOTE 1 – ADJUSTED NET INCOME AND ADJUSTED EPS

The Company uses net income and earnings per share (“EPS”) attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders excluding net income effects of Impairment and restructuring charges, adjustments to Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates, Other, net, and tax provision adjustments (“Adjusted Net Income” and “Adjusted EPS” respectively) to evaluate the performance of the Company’s operations exclusive of certain items that impact the comparability of results from period to period.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS are not measures of performance under GAAP and should be considered in addition to, and not as substitutes for, net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders and EPS as reported in accordance with GAAP. However, management uses these measures in comparing the Company’s historical performance and believes that they provide meaningful and comparable information to management, investors and equity analysts to assist in their analysis of the Company’s performance relative to prior periods and the Company’s competitors.

The following table reconciles net income and EPS attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders to Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted EPS for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:

 

     Three Months Ended  
     September 30, 2022      September 30, 2021  
     Income      EPS      Income      EPS  
                             
     $ Millions, except per share data  

Net income

   $ 613         $ 708     

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

     (8         (7   
  

 

 

       

 

 

    

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders

   $ 605      $ 1.10      $ 701      $ 1.21  

Other, net5

     77        0.14        (68      (0.12

Tax provision

     (12      (0.02      9        0.02  

Rounding

     —          (0.01      —          —    
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

As adjusted

   $ 670      $ 1.21      $ 642      $ 1.11  
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

 

5 

Other, net presented above excludes Equity losses of affiliates.

 

Page 9


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EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

 

 

 

NOTE 2 – ADJUSTED EBITDA

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Revenues less Operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA does not include: Amortization of cable distribution investments, Depreciation and amortization, Impairment and restructuring charges, Interest expense, net, Other, net and Income tax expense.

Management believes that information about Adjusted EBITDA assists all users of the Company’s Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements by allowing them to evaluate changes in the operating results of the Company’s portfolio of businesses separate from non-operational factors that affect net income, thus providing insight into both operations and the other factors that affect reported results. Adjusted EBITDA provides management, investors and equity analysts a measure to analyze the operating performance of the Company’s business and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although historical results, including Adjusted EBITDA, may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many factors, including customer tastes and preferences).

Adjusted EBITDA is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for, net income, cash flow and other measures of financial performance reported in accordance with GAAP. In addition, this measure does not reflect cash available to fund requirements and excludes items, such as depreciation and amortization and impairment charges, which are significant components in assessing the Company’s financial performance. Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

The following table reconciles net income to Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended September 30, 2022 and 2021:

 

     Three Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2022      2021  
               
     $ Millions  

Net Income

   $ 613      $ 708  

Add:

     

Amortization of cable distribution investments

     4        5  

Depreciation and amortization

     99        79  

Interest expense, net

     68        97  

Other, net

     76        (69

Income tax expense

     232        244  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Adjusted EBITDA

   $ 1,092      $ 1,064  
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

Page 10