*Fourth quarter revenues were $2.43 billion, compared to $2.67 billion in the prior year, reflecting the absence of the extra week in the prior year and the negative impact from foreign currency fluctuations
*Net loss in the quarter was $(32) million, inclusive of $166 million related to higher non-cash write- downs and restructuring charges, compared to net income of $127 million in the prior year, which included a $149 million tax benefit
*Fourth quarter Total Segment EBITDA was $341 million, compared to $315 million in the prior year
*Digital revenues accounted for over 50% of total revenues for the full year, marking a key inflection point in the transformation of the Company
*The success of the Professional Information Business has transformed Dow Jones. Segment EBITDA rose 25% for the fourth quarter and 14% for the full year, bolstered by the addition of CMA and OPIS and robust growth in Risk & Compliance revenues
*At the Subscription Video Services Segment, Foxtel Group saw streaming revenue growth more than offset broadcast declines for the fourth quarter and full year, as total paid streaming subscribers reached nearly 3.1 million
*Foxtel Group is nearing completion of its external debt refinancing which is expected to provide a pathway for repayment of News Corp’s shareholder loans
Commenting on the results, Chief Executive Robert Thomson said: “News Corp’s Fiscal 2023 results highlighted the durability and depth of our revenue streams and the impact of stringent cost controls as we navigated challenging macro conditions, supply chain pressures and currency headwinds. We achieved full year Fiscal 2023 revenues of $9.9 billion and profits of over $1.4 billion – the second highest profitability ever recorded by the Company. Our results showed marked improvement in the second half, so with inflation abating, interest rates plateauing and incipient signs of stability in the housing market, we have sound reasons for optimism about the coming quarters.
For the first time, digital accounted for over 50% of News Corp’s revenues for the full year, marking a profound transformation during the past decade. That momentum is surely gathering pace in the age of generative AI, which we believe presents a remarkable opportunity to create a new stream of revenues, while allowing us to reduce costs across the business. We are already in active negotiations to establish a value for our unique content sets and IP that will play a crucial role in the future of AI.”
more at: https://newscorp.com/2023/08/10/news-corp-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-results-for-fiscal-2023/