Fox Corporation

08/10/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/10/2022 06:09

FOX REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL 2022 - Form 8-K

FOX REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER FISCAL 2022

REVENUES OF $3.03 BILLION,

NET INCOME OF $308 MILLION, AND

ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $770 MILLION

FOX REPORTS FULL YEAR FISCAL 2022

REVENUES OF $13.97 BILLION,

NET INCOME OF $1.23 BILLION, AND

ADJUSTED EBITDA OF $2.96 BILLION

NEW YORK, NY, August 10, 2022 - Fox Corporation (Nasdaq: FOXA, FOX; "FOX" or the "Company") today reported financial results for the three months and twelve months ended June 30, 2022.

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

"We completed another successful year at FOX, with Fiscal 2022 results demonstrating the strength and durability of our core brands and their ability to deliver consistent audiences across the entirety of FOX. These results validate the strategy we embarked on three years ago - to focus on live news and sports while investing in high growth digital initiatives to create a platform for ongoing growth. We begin Fiscal 2023 with strong momentum, supported by an enviable schedule of live sporting events and the mid-term election cycle, and bolstered by a best-in-class balance sheet. These attributes will serve us well in navigating any macroeconomic uncertainty while continuing to create value for our shareholders."

FOURTH QUARTER COMPANY RESULTS

The Company reported total quarterly revenues of $3.03 billion, a 5% increase from the $2.89 billion reported in the prior year quarter. Affiliate fee revenues increased 4% with 7% growth at the Television segment and 2% growth at the Cable Network Programming segment. Advertising revenues increased 7%, primarily due to stronger pricing and higher ratings at FOX News Media, higher political advertising revenues at the FOX Television Stations and continued growth at TUBI. Other revenues increased 4%, primarily due to the impact of the consolidation of entertainment production companies and higher FOX Nation subscription revenues, partially offset by the timing of sports sublicensing revenues.

The Company reported quarterly net income of $308 million as compared to the $272 million reported in the prior year quarter. Net Income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders was $306 million ($0.55 per share) as compared to the $253 million ($0.43 per share) reported in the prior year quarter. Adjusted net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders1 was $413 million ($0.74 per share) as compared to the $381 million ($0.65 per share) reported in the prior year quarter.

Quarterly Adjusted EBITDA2 increased 7% to $770 million from $717 million reported in the prior year quarter, led by higher contributions at the Television segment.

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

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

FULL YEAR COMPANY RESULTS

The Company reported total full year revenues of $13.97 billion, an 8% increase from the $12.91 billion reported in the prior year. Affiliate fee revenues increased 7% with 10% growth at the Television segment and 5% growth at the Cable Network Programming segment. Advertising revenues increased 9%, primarily due to higher pricing at FOX Sports and FOX News Media, continued growth at TUBI and the return of a full schedule of live events at FOX Sports. These advertising gains were partially offset by lower political advertising revenues. Other revenues increased 15%, primarily due to higher sports sublicensing revenues and FOX Nation subscription revenues at the Cable Network Programming segment and the impact of the consolidation of entertainment production companies at the Television segment.

The Company reported full year net income of $1.23 billion as compared to the $2.20 billion reported in the prior year. This was primarily due to the change in fair value of the Company's investments recognized in Other, net. Net Income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders was $1.21 billion ($2.11 per share) as compared to the $2.15 billion ($3.61 per share) reported in the prior year. Adjusted net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders was $1.59 billion ($2.79 per share) as compared to the $1.71 billion ($2.88 per share) reported in the prior year. The effective income tax rate was higher for both the quarter and the full year, primarily due to a remeasurement of the Company's net deferred tax assets associated with changes in the mix of its jurisdictional earnings.

Full year Adjusted EBITDA was $2.96 billion as compared to the $3.09 billion in the prior year, as the revenue increases noted above were offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects increased digital investment at TUBI and FOX News Media, costs associated with the launch of the USFL and higher programming rights amortization associated with normalized sports and entertainment schedules that were impacted by COVID-19 in the prior year.

Page 2

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

REVIEW OF OPERATING RESULTS

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
$ Millions

Revenues by Component:

Affiliate fee

$ 1,726 $ 1,665 $ 6,878 $ 6,435

Advertising

1,055 982 5,900 5,431

Other

252 243 1,196 1,043

Total revenues

$ 3,033 $ 2,890 $ 13,974 $ 12,909

Segment Revenues:

Cable Network Programming

$ 1,460 $ 1,399 $ 6,097 $ 5,683

Television

1,525 1,447 7,685 7,048

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

48 44 192 178

Total revenues

$ 3,033 $ 2,890 $ 13,974 $ 12,909

Adjusted EBITDA:

Cable Network Programming

$ 628 $ 674 $ 2,934 $ 2,876

Television

226 148 347 555

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

(84 ) (105 ) (326 ) (344 )

Adjusted EBITDA3

$ 770 $ 717 $ 2,955 $ 3,087

Depreciation and amortization:

Cable Network Programming

$ 17 $ 14 $ 60 $ 55

Television

30 27 112 104

Other, Corporate and Eliminations

52 43 191 141

Total depreciation and amortization

$ 99 $ 84 $ 363 $ 300
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 3

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

CABLE NETWORK PROGRAMMING

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
$ Millions

Revenues

Affiliate fee

$ 1,043 $ 1,026 $ 4,205 $ 3,995

Advertising

358 314 1,462 1,337

Other

59 59 430 351

Total revenues

1,460 1,399 6,097 5,683

Operating expenses

(655 ) (564 ) (2,595 ) (2,289 )

Selling, general and administrative

(181 ) (166 ) (586 ) (540 )

Amortization of cable distribution investments

4 5 18 22

Segment EBITDA

$ 628 $ 674 $ 2,934 $ 2,876

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

Cable Network Programming reported quarterly segment revenues of $1.46 billion, an increase of $61 million or 4% from the amount reported in the prior year quarter. Affiliate fee revenues increased $17 million or 2%, primarily due to contractual price increases. Advertising revenues increased $44 million or 14%, primarily due to continued strength in pricing and higher ratings at FOX News Media, partially offset by the impact of higher preemptions associated with breaking news coverage. Other revenues were $59 million, unchanged from the prior year quarter, primarily due to higher FOX Nation subscription revenues being offset by the timing of sports sublicensing revenues which were impacted by COVID-19 in the prior year quarter.

Cable Network Programming reported quarterly segment EBITDA of $628 million as compared to $674 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 at FOX News Media, including those associated with breaking news coverage, and higher costs associated with the launch of the USFL.

Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2022

Cable Network Programming reported full year segment revenues of $6.10 billion, an increase of $414 million or 7% from the prior year. Affiliate fee revenues increased $210 million or 5%, primarily due to contractual price increases, including the impact of distribution agreement renewals, and the absence of the prior year accrual for distribution credits for cancelled college football games as a result of COVID-19. Advertising revenues increased $125 million or 9%, primarily due to stronger linear and digital results at FOX News Media and stronger pricing and the impact of additional live events at the national sports networks following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the prior year. Other revenues increased $79 million or 23%, primarily due to higher sports sublicensing revenues at the national sports networks, which were impacted by COVID-19 in the prior year, and higher FOX Nation subscription revenues at FOX News Media, partially offset by the impact of the divestiture of the Company's sports marketing businesses in the prior year.

Cable Network Programming reported full year segment EBITDA of $2.93 billion, an increase of $58 million or 2% from the prior year, 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, higher sports programming rights amortization at the national sports networks, including the impact of COVID-19 in the prior year, and costs associated with the launch of the USFL, partially offset by the impact of the divestiture of the Company's sports marketing businesses in the prior year.

Page 4

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

TELEVISION

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
$ Millions

Revenues

Advertising

$ 698 $ 668 $ 4,440 $ 4,094

Affiliate fee

683 639 2,673 2,440

Other

144 140 572 514

Total revenues

1,525 1,447 7,685 7,048

Operating expenses

(1,039 ) (1,049 ) (6,431 ) (5,662 )

Selling, general and administrative

(260 ) (250 ) (907 ) (831 )

Segment EBITDA

$ 226 $ 148 $ 347 $ 555

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

Television reported quarterly segment revenues of $1.53 billion, an increase of $78 million or 5% from the prior year quarter. Advertising revenues increased $30 million or 4%, primarily due to higher political advertising revenues at the FOX Television Stations, continued growth at TUBI and the addition of the USFL at FOX Sports, partially offset by lower ratings at FOX Entertainment. Affiliate fee revenues increased $44 million or 7%, driven by higher average rates at the Company's owned and operated television stations and increases in fees from third-party FOX affiliates. Other revenues increased $4 million or 3%, primarily due to the impact of the consolidation of MarVista Entertainment, TMZ and Studio Ramsay Global.

Television reported quarterly segment EBITDA of $226 million, an increase of $78 million or 53% from the prior year quarter, primarily due to the revenue increases noted above. Expenses were unchanged from the prior year quarter as the increased digital investment at TUBI was offset by the timing of programming rights amortization at FOX Entertainment.

Twelve Months Ended June 30, 2022

Television reported full year segment revenues of $7.69 billion, an increase of $637 million or 9% from the prior year. Advertising revenues increased $346 million or 8%, primarily due to higher pricing and the return of a full schedule of live events at FOX Sports following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the prior year and continued growth at TUBI, partially offset by lower political advertising revenues at the FOX Television Stations. Affiliate fee revenues increased $233 million or 10%, driven by higher average rates at the Company's owned and operated television stations and increases in fees from third-party FOX affiliates. Other revenues increased $58 million or 11%, primarily due to the impact of the consolidation of MarVista Entertainment, TMZ and Studio Ramsay Global.

Television reported full year segment EBITDA of $347 million, as compared to $555 million in the prior year, as the revenue increases noted above were more than offset by higher expenses. The increase in expenses primarily reflects higher sports and entertainment programming rights amortization at the FOX Network following the disruptions caused by COVID-19 in the prior year and increased digital investment at TUBI.

Page 5

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

DIVIDEND

The Company's Board of Directors has authorized an increase in the Company's semi-annual dividend and has declared a dividend of $0.25 per Class A and Class B share. This dividend is payable on September 28, 2022 with a record date for determining dividend entitlements of August 31, 2022.

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

The Company has authorized a $4 billion stock repurchase program. To date, the Company has repurchased $1.9 billion of its Class A common stock and $784 million of its Class B common stock.

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 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, 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 6

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

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

Revenues

$ 3,033 $ 2,890 $ 13,974 $ 12,909

Operating expenses

(1,715 ) (1,638 ) (9,117 ) (8,037 )

Selling, general and administrative

(552 ) (540 ) (1,920 ) (1,807 )

Depreciation and amortization

(99 ) (84 ) (363 ) (300 )

Impairment and restructuring charges

- - - (35 )

Interest expense, net

(86 ) (98 ) (371 ) (391 )

Other, net4

(134 ) (173 ) (509 ) 579

Income before income tax expense

447 357 1,694 2,918

Income tax expense

(139 ) (85 ) (461 ) (717 )

Net income

308 272 1,233 2,201

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(2 ) (19 ) (28 ) (51 )

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders

$ 306 $ 253 $ 1,205 $ 2,150

Weighted average shares:

560 586 570 595

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders per share:

$ 0.55 $ 0.43 $ 2.11 $ 3.61
4

Other, net presented above includes Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates.

Page 7

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

June 30,
2022
June 30,
2021
$ Millions

Assets:

Current assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

$ 5,200 $ 5,886

Receivables, net

2,128 2,029

Inventories, net

791 729

Other

162 105

Total current assets

8,281 8,749

Non-current assets:

Property, plant and equipment, net

1,682 1,708

Intangible assets, net

3,157 3,154

Goodwill

3,554 3,435

Deferred tax assets

3,440 3,822

Other non-current assets

2,071 2,058

Total assets

$ 22,185 $ 22,926

Liabilities and Equity:

Current liabilities:

Borrowings

$ - $ 749

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities

2,296 2,253

Total current liabilities

2,296 3,002

Non-current liabilities:

Borrowings

7,206 7,202

Other liabilities

1,120 1,336

Redeemable noncontrolling interests

188 261

Commitments and contingencies

Equity:

Class A common stock, $0.01 par value

3 3

Class B common stock, $0.01 par value

3 3

Additional paid-in capital

9,098 9,453

Retained earnings

2,461 1,982

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

(226 ) (318 )

Total Fox Corporation stockholders' equity

11,339 11,123

Noncontrolling interests

36 2

Total equity

11,375 11,125

Total liabilities and equity

$ 22,185 $ 22,926

Page 8

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Twelve Months Ended

June 30,

2022 2021
$ Millions

Operating Activities:

Net income

$ 1,233 $ 2,201

Adjustments to reconcile net income to cash provided by operating activities

Depreciation and amortization

363 300

Amortization of cable distribution investments

18 22

Impairment and restructuring charges

- 35

Equity-based compensation

102 147

Other, net

509 (579 )

Deferred income taxes

342 534

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

Receivables and other assets

(79 ) (269 )

Inventories net of programming payable

(301 ) 190

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

(54 ) 282

Other changes, net

(249 ) (224 )

Net cash provided by operating activities

1,884 2,639

Investing Activities:

Property, plant and equipment

(307 ) (484 )

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

(243 ) (51 )

Proceeds from dispositions, net

83 93

Purchase of investments

(28 ) (86 )

Other investing activities, net

(18 ) -

Net cash used in investing activities

(513 ) (528 )

Financing Activities:

Repayment of borrowings

(750 ) -

Repurchase of shares

(1,000 ) (1,001 )

Non-operating cash flows from The Walt Disney Company

- 112

Settlement of Divestiture Tax Prepayment

- 462

Dividends paid and distributions

(307 ) (330 )

Purchase of subsidiary noncontrolling interest

- (67 )

Sale of subsidiary noncontrolling interest

25 -

Other financing activities, net

(25 ) (46 )

Net cash used in financing activities

(2,057 ) (870 )

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

(686 ) 1,241

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

5,886 4,645

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

$ 5,200 $ 5,886

Page 9

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 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 June 30, 2022 and 2021:

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

Net income

$ 308 $ 272

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(2 ) (19 )

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders

$ 306 $ 0.55 $ 253 0.43

Other, net5

135 0.24 173 0.30

Tax provision

(28 ) (0.05 ) (45 ) (0.08 )

As adjusted

$ 413 $ 0.74 $ 381 0.65
5

Other, net presented above excludes Equity earnings of affiliates.

Page 10

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2022

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

Twelve Months Ended
June 30, 2022 June 30, 2021
Income EPS Income EPS
$ Millions, except per share data

Net income

$ 1,233 $ 2,201

Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests

(28 ) (51 )

Net income attributable to Fox Corporation stockholders

$ 1,205 $ 2.11 $ 2,150 $ 3.61

Impairment and restructuring charges

- - 35 0.06

Other, net6

513 0.90 (586 ) (0.98 )

Tax provision

(127 ) (0.22 ) 114 0.19

As adjusted

$ 1,591 $ 2.79 $ 1,713 $ 2.88
6

Other, net presented above excludes Equity earnings (losses) of affiliates.

Page 11

EARNINGS RELEASE FOR THE QUARTER AND FISCAL YEAR ENDED JUNE 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 and the impact of COVID-19 and other widespread health emergencies or pandemics and measures to contain their spread).

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 and twelve months ended June 30, 2022 and 2021:

Three Months Ended
June 30,
Twelve Months Ended
June 30,
2022 2021 2022 2021
$ Millions

Net Income

$ 308 $ 272 $ 1,233 $ 2,201

Add:

Amortization of cable distribution investments

4 5 18 22

Depreciation and amortization

99 84 363 300

Impairment and restructuring charges

- - - 35

Interest expense, net

86 98 371 391

Other, net

134 173 509 (579 )

Income tax expense

139 85 461 717

Adjusted EBITDA

$ 770 $ 717 $ 2,955 $ 3,087

Page 12