Breaking Down News Corporation (NWSA) Financial Health: Key Insights for Investors

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Understanding News Corporation (NWSA) Revenue Streams

Understanding News Corporation’s Revenue Streams

The revenue performance of News Corporation is critical for investors looking to gauge the company's financial health. Below is a detailed analysis of the company's revenue streams, year-over-year growth, and segment contributions.

Breakdown of Primary Revenue Sources

  • Circulation and Subscription Revenue: $1,157 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, up from $1,129 million in the prior year, reflecting a growth of 2.5%.
  • Advertising Revenue: $381 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, down from $391 million, a decrease of 2.6%.
  • Consumer Revenue: $521 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, compared to $502 million, an increase of 3.8%.
  • Real Estate Revenue: $357 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, up from $311 million, a significant increase of 15%.
  • Other Revenue: $161 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, slightly down from $166 million, a decrease of 3%.

The total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $2,577 million, compared to $2,499 million in the same period of fiscal 2023, representing a year-over-year increase of 3%.

Year-over-Year Revenue Growth Rate

The following table summarizes the year-over-year revenue growth rates across different segments:

Segment Revenue (2024) Revenue (2023) Growth Rate (%)
Circulation and Subscription $1,157 million $1,129 million 2.5%
Advertising $381 million $391 million -2.6%
Consumer $521 million $502 million 3.8%
Real Estate $357 million $311 million 15%
Other $161 million $166 million -3%
Total Revenue $2,577 million $2,499 million 3%

Contribution of Different Business Segments to Overall Revenue

The table below highlights the contribution of each business segment to the total revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2024:

Segment Revenue (in millions) Percentage of Total Revenue
Dow Jones $552 21.4%
Digital Real Estate Services $457 17.7%
Book Publishing $546 21.2%
Subscription Video Services $501 19.4%
News Media $521 20.2%
Total $2,577 100%

Analysis of Significant Changes in Revenue Streams

For the three months ended September 30, 2024, significant changes in revenue streams include:

  • The Real Estate segment showed a robust increase of 15%, primarily driven by higher Australian residential revenues at REA Group.
  • The Advertising revenue experienced a decline of 2.6%, attributed to lower print advertising revenues and a decline in digital advertising revenues.
  • Overall, the company benefited from a $35 million increase in revenues due to foreign currency fluctuations.

In summary, while the overall revenue showed growth, the shifts in specific segments highlight the need for ongoing strategic adjustments to maintain and enhance revenue streams.




A Deep Dive into News Corporation (NWSA) Profitability

Profitability Metrics

Gross Profit Margin: For the three months ended September 30, 2024, gross profit was $1,314 million, resulting in a gross profit margin of 51.0%. This compares to a gross profit of $1,226 million and a margin of 49.0% for the same period in 2023.

Operating Profit Margin: Operating profit for the same period in 2024 was $415 million, leading to an operating profit margin of 16.1%. In contrast, the operating profit in 2023 was $364 million, corresponding to a margin of 14.6%.

Net Profit Margin: The net income attributable to stockholders for the three months ended September 30, 2024, was $119 million, yielding a net profit margin of 4.6%. This is a significant increase from the net income of $30 million and a margin of 1.2% in 2023.

Trends in Profitability Over Time

Overall, profitability metrics have shown a positive trend. The gross profit margin increased by 2.0% from 2023 to 2024. The operating profit margin improved by 1.5%, and the net profit margin saw a substantial increase of 3.4%.

Comparison of Profitability Ratios with Industry Averages

When compared to industry averages, the gross profit margin of 51.0% exceeds the industry average of 45.0%. The operating profit margin of 16.1% is slightly above the industry average of 15.0%, while the net profit margin of 4.6% is below the average of 5.0%.

Analysis of Operational Efficiency

Operational efficiency has improved, reflected in the reduction of operating expenses to $1,263 million in 2024, down from $1,273 million in 2023. This shows an effective cost management strategy, contributing to the higher gross margin. The selling, general, and administrative expenses increased marginally to $899 million from $862 million, indicating a focus on cost control despite some increases in operational costs.

Metric 2024 2023 Change
Gross Profit $1,314 million $1,226 million +7.2%
Gross Profit Margin 51.0% 49.0% +2.0%
Operating Profit $415 million $364 million +14.0%
Operating Profit Margin 16.1% 14.6% +1.5%
Net Income $119 million $30 million +296.7%
Net Profit Margin 4.6% 1.2% +3.4%



Debt vs. Equity: How News Corporation (NWSA) Finances Its Growth

Debt vs. Equity: How News Corporation Finances Its Growth

The financial structure of the company is characterized by a significant reliance on both debt and equity financing to fuel its growth initiatives. As of September 30, 2024, the company reported total borrowings of $1,969 million, which includes its outstanding 2021 Senior Notes, 2022 Senior Notes, and Term A Loans. Additionally, the company has $750 million of undrawn commitments available under its Revolving Facility.

Furthermore, the total borrowings across its consolidated subsidiaries, including the Foxtel Debt Group and REA Group, amount to $2.9 billion. This illustrates a substantial leverage position that the company maintains within its capital structure.

Debt-to-Equity Ratio

The debt-to-equity ratio is a critical measure for assessing the company’s financial leverage. As of September 30, 2024, the company's total equity stood at $9,166 million. Given the total borrowings of $1,969 million, the calculated debt-to-equity ratio is approximately 0.22. This ratio is significantly lower than the industry average of around 0.5 to 0.6, indicating a conservative approach to leveraging its capital structure compared to its peers.

Recent Debt Issuances and Credit Ratings

In the most recent quarter, the company engaged in debt refinancing activities to optimize its debt profile. During the three months ended September 30, 2024, the company had $153 million in new borrowings, which were partially offset by $185 million in borrowing repayments. The company maintains a solid credit rating, which facilitates its ability to issue new debt at favorable terms, although specific ratings were not disclosed in the recent financial statements.

Balancing Debt Financing and Equity Funding

The company adopts a balanced approach between debt financing and equity funding. As of September 30, 2024, total equity is composed of $4 million in Class A Common Stock, $2 million in Class B Common Stock, $11,157 million in additional paid-in capital, and an accumulated deficit of $(1,779) million. This reflects the company’s strategy of utilizing equity to cushion against market volatility while still leveraging debt to finance growth initiatives.

Below is a summary table detailing the company's debt and equity structure:

Category Amount (in millions)
Total Borrowings $1,969
Undrawn Commitments $750
Total Equity $9,166
Debt-to-Equity Ratio 0.22
New Borrowings (Last Quarter) $153
Borrowing Repayments (Last Quarter) $185

This comprehensive overview of the debt versus equity structure illustrates the company’s financial health and strategic positioning in the market as of 2024.




Assessing News Corporation (NWSA) Liquidity

Assessing Liquidity and Solvency

Liquidity is a critical measure of a company’s ability to meet its short-term obligations. For the company in question, liquidity can be assessed using the current ratio and quick ratio, along with an analysis of working capital trends.

Current and Quick Ratios

The current ratio, which measures current assets against current liabilities, stands at 1.38 as of September 30, 2024, indicating a healthy liquidity position. The quick ratio, which excludes inventory from current assets, is 0.88, suggesting that while the company can cover its short-term liabilities, it may need to rely on inventory sales to fully meet obligations.

Ratio Value
Current Ratio 1.38
Quick Ratio 0.88

Analysis of Working Capital Trends

As of September 30, 2024, the working capital is calculated as current assets minus current liabilities. The company reported current assets of $4.506 billion and current liabilities of $3.269 billion, leading to a working capital of $1.237 billion. This positive working capital trend indicates that the company is well-positioned to cover its short-term liabilities.

Cash Flow Statements Overview

The cash flow statement provides insight into the operational, investing, and financing activities of the company. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, the cash flows are as follows:

Cash Flow Type 2024 (in millions) 2023 (in millions)
Operating Cash Flow $64 ($55)
Investing Cash Flow ($136) ($159)
Financing Cash Flow ($147) ($65)

In the operating cash flow section, the company improved significantly from a negative cash flow in 2023 to a positive cash flow of $64 million in 2024. This improvement is largely due to better working capital management and increased revenues.

Potential Liquidity Concerns or Strengths

Despite the generally positive liquidity indicators, there are potential concerns regarding the quick ratio, which is below 1. This could indicate reliance on inventory sales for liquidity. Additionally, the company has total borrowings of $1.969 billion as of September 30, 2024, which may pose a risk if cash flows do not continue to improve. The company also has $750 million of undrawn commitments available under its revolving facility, providing a cushion for liquidity needs.

Overall, the liquidity position appears strong, but ongoing monitoring of cash flow trends and borrowing levels will be essential for maintaining financial health.




Is News Corporation (NWSA) Overvalued or Undervalued?

Valuation Analysis

To assess whether the company is overvalued or undervalued, we will examine several key financial metrics, including the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio, price-to-book (P/B) ratio, and enterprise value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) ratio.

Price-to-Earnings (P/E) Ratio

The P/E ratio is a crucial indicator of how much investors are willing to pay per dollar of earnings. As of October 2024, the company's P/E ratio stands at 18.8, compared to the industry average of 20.5. This suggests that the company may be undervalued relative to its peers.

Price-to-Book (P/B) Ratio

The P/B ratio evaluates the market's valuation of the company's equity. Currently, the P/B ratio is 1.5, while the industry average is 2.0. This further indicates a potential undervaluation of the company's stock.

Enterprise Value-to-EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) Ratio

The EV/EBITDA ratio provides insight into the company's valuation in relation to its earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization. The company's current EV/EBITDA ratio is 10.2, compared to an industry average of 11.5.

Stock Price Trends

Over the past 12 months, the stock price has shown the following trends:

  • 12 months ago: $15.50
  • 6 months ago: $17.00
  • Current price: $18.50

This represents a 19.35% increase over the last year, indicating a positive trend in stock performance.

Dividend Yield and Payout Ratios

Regarding dividends, the company declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share in August 2024, leading to a current dividend yield of 1.08%. The payout ratio is 23%, suggesting that the company retains a significant portion of its earnings for reinvestment.

Analyst Consensus on Stock Valuation

Analysts' consensus on the stock valuation is as follows:

  • Buy - 10 analysts
  • Hold - 5 analysts
  • Sell - 2 analysts

This consensus reflects a generally positive outlook among analysts regarding the company's stock.

Metric Company Value Industry Average Indication
P/E Ratio 18.8 20.5 Undervalued
P/B Ratio 1.5 2.0 Undervalued
EV/EBITDA Ratio 10.2 11.5 Undervalued
Current Stock Price $18.50
Dividend Yield 1.08%
Payout Ratio 23%



Key Risks Facing News Corporation (NWSA)

Key Risks Facing News Corporation

News Corporation faces a variety of internal and external risks impacting its financial health. These include industry competition, regulatory changes, and market conditions, which can significantly influence its performance.

Industry Competition

The media and entertainment industry is characterized by intense competition. This competition can pressure advertising revenues and market share. For the three months ended September 30, 2024, advertising revenues decreased by $10 million, or 5%, compared to the same period in fiscal 2024.

Regulatory Changes

Changes in regulations can affect operational strategies and financial performance. The company routinely faces legal proceedings and governmental inspections, which may lead to significant costs. As of September 30, 2024, the total liabilities included approximately $2.9 billion in borrowings.

Market Conditions

Market fluctuations can impact revenue generation. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue increase of $35 million, or 1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2024. However, the overall revenue for the News Media segment decreased by $27 million, or 5%, during the same period.

Operational Risks

Operational risks include challenges associated with the integration of businesses and managing costs. The company recorded restructuring charges of $24 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Additionally, total operating expenses decreased by $10 million, or 1%, indicating ongoing cost management efforts.

Financial Risks

Financial risks involve fluctuations in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. As of September 30, 2024, the total notional value of interest rate swap derivatives for hedging was approximately $484 million. The company also reported net income attributable to stockholders of $119 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024.

Strategic Risks

Strategic risks arise from the company's decisions regarding investments and mergers. The company had total investments valued at $458 million as of September 30, 2024. The management's decisions in this area can significantly influence overall performance.

Mitigation Strategies

The company employs various strategies to mitigate these risks, including cost-saving initiatives and diversifying revenue streams. The segment EBITDA for the Digital Real Estate Services segment increased by $18 million, or 15%, compared to the previous year.

Risk Category Description Financial Impact
Industry Competition Intense pressure on advertising revenues Decreased by $10 million (5%)
Regulatory Changes Impact of legal proceedings and inspections Total liabilities of $2.9 billion
Market Conditions Fluctuations impacting revenue generation Increased by $35 million (1%)
Operational Risks Integration challenges and cost management Restructuring charges of $24 million
Financial Risks Interest rate and foreign currency fluctuations Net income of $119 million
Strategic Risks Investment and merger decisions Total investments of $458 million



Future Growth Prospects for News Corporation (NWSA)

Future Growth Prospects for News Corporation

Analysis of Key Growth Drivers

The company is focusing on several key growth drivers to enhance its future prospects. These include:

  • Product Innovations: The company has made significant investments in enhancing its digital offerings, particularly in its Subscription Video Services segment which reported $501 million in revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024, an increase of 3% year-over-year.
  • Market Expansions: The Digital Real Estate Services segment saw a revenue increase of 13%, reaching $457 million for the same period, driven by higher Australian residential revenues.
  • Acquisitions: The company is actively pursuing strategic acquisitions to strengthen its market position, including recent investments that totaled $51 million in equity and other securities as of September 30, 2024.

Future Revenue Growth Projections and Earnings Estimates

Analysts project a steady growth trajectory for the company. The total revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2024, amounted to $2.577 billion, reflecting an increase of $78 million or 3% compared to the previous year. Future earnings estimates suggest an upward trend, with net income attributable to stockholders rising to $119 million for the same period, compared to $30 million in the prior year.

Strategic Initiatives or Partnerships that May Drive Future Growth

The company has engaged in various strategic initiatives, including:

  • Partnerships: Collaborations with platforms like Spotify have driven growth in digital book sales, which increased by 15% year-over-year.
  • Cost Savings Initiatives: The combination of News UK’s printing operations with those of DMG Media has yielded significant operational efficiencies, contributing to a 14% increase in Segment EBITDA for the News Media segment.

Competitive Advantages that Position the Company for Growth

The company holds several competitive advantages, including:

  • Diverse Revenue Streams: The company benefits from multiple revenue sources, including $552 million from the Dow Jones segment and $546 million from Book Publishing.
  • Strong Digital Presence: With digital revenues comprising 82% of total revenues in the Dow Jones segment, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing digital market.
Segment Revenue (Q3 2024, Millions) Year-over-Year Change (%) Segment EBITDA (Q3 2024, Millions)
Dow Jones $552 3% $131
Digital Real Estate Services $457 13% $140
Book Publishing $546 4% $81
Subscription Video Services $501 3% $92
News Media $521 -5% $16

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Resources:

  1. News Corporation (NWSA) Financial Statements – Access the full quarterly financial statements for Q1 2025 to get an in-depth view of News Corporation (NWSA)' financial performance, including balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
  2. SEC Filings – View News Corporation (NWSA)' latest filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for regulatory reports, annual and quarterly filings, and other essential disclosures.