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2019
Data-driven and tru th-led.
Get some Commons sense.
All the arguments analysed.
Politics. Tamed.
Politics. Tamed.
SunTHE
25P
DAILY MIRROR 3 Lions finally
win shootout
FOR A GREATER BRITAIN
LESS THAN THE
thesun.co.uk
Wednesday, July 4, 2018
50p
COLOMBIA 1
COLOMBIA 1
ENGLAND 1
ENGLAND 1
ENGLAND WIN 4-3 ON PENS
We’ve done it . . . heroes celebrate the winning penalty last night
Show stopper . . . the
save from Pickford in
last night’s shootout
HAND
OF JORD From NICK PARKER
SEE PAGES 2, 3, 4, 5, SUNSPORT AND GOALS PULLOUT
keeper Jordan Pickford.
time since 2006.
one-handed
ENGLAND
Continued on Page Three
in Moscow
save
on Saturday for a place in
the semis. Everton goalie
Jordan said last night: “We
through to the World Cup
quarter-finals for the first
penalty shootout last night
— thanks to a sensational
knew we were capable of
His heroics mean we are
England now face Sweden
finally won a
from
Real estate in real time.
Homes,
for the
real of us.SM
R
O
D F
E
N E W S W I R
A D V A N TA G E
Solutions Start
With Results
The professional research engine
that inspires every decision
Harness the world’s knowledge and power strategic decisions
Gain an edge for market
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Outperforming markets, recommending investments and
nurturing client relationships all call for a trusted, comprehensive
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complex and competitive financial markets.
Learn more at dowjones.com/factiva-engine
Find your edge at dowjones.com/newswires-advantage
© 2019 Dow Jones & Co., Inc. All rights reserved. 3DJ2021
We in form and excite…
We in form and excite…
inspire and entertain.
L
E
T
X
O
F
/
O
B
H
Annual Report 2019
A Message from Rupert Murdoch
Now entering our seventh successful year, News Corp
is an increasingly digital and global company, defined by
unparalleled premium content and iconic, market-leading
and multi-platform brands.
From Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal and The Times of London,
to our growing digital property platforms, realtor.com® and REA, and
one of the leading publishers, HarperCollins, News Corp is a uniquely
influential media company.
News Corp remains at the forefront of technological and creative
innovation, with groundbreaking digital membership and subscription
models for our mastheads and channels, the embrace and expansion
of audio, and robust leadership in the digital property sector.
Rupert Murdoch
Executive Chairman
We are well positioned to take advantage of the world’s growing appetite for quality content, data
and audiences. We will continue to fight for the protection of intellectual property and for the
proper recognition of journalism’s value by digital distributors.
And we remain focused on maintaining strong financial results through disciplined financial
policies, strategic reinvestment and leveraging the linkages between our global business units,
premium brands and audiences.
As we work to optimize our portfolio, simplify the structure of the Company and increase our
focus on creating and distributing premium content, we expect to generate increased profitability
and shareholder value.
There is no company like News Corp when it comes to the breadth and depth of our news,
publishing and digital real estate assets. We are uniquely able to combine our digital and global
capabilities to deliver value to audiences, to advertisers and to our investors.
Rupert Murdoch
Executive Chairman
Annual Report 2019
A Message from Robert Thomson
News Corp completed fiscal 2019 in a strong position, with revenues increasing
12% and profitability rising 16% against the prior year, reflecting not only the
consolidation of Foxtel, but also the continued development of core segments
of the company, including Book Publishing and Digital Real Estate Services, and
substantial progress in the digital transformation of our News and Information
Services businesses.
The concerted focus on our primary revenue drivers,
including the creation and distribution of premium content,
was reflected in audience growth across News Corp’s
mastheads and digital properties. We are also focused
on simplifying the structure of the company and making
clear the full value of the sum of our parts. To that end, we
announced a strategic review of News America Marketing,
including a potential sale of the business.
There is clearly a fundamental shift underway in the
content landscape, and one consequence, along with
intensifying regulatory scrutiny of Big Digital, is a gradual
transference of value to content creators. With Rupert
and Lachlan Murdoch’s encouragement, News Corp has
been advocating vigorously on behalf of journalists and
the protection of intellectual property, and that intense,
sometimes solitary, advocacy has begun to pay dividends.
We are still at a relatively early stage of this tectonic
transformation, but we believe there will be a flow of
revenue to creators in coming years – which should be of
great benefit to News Corp and its investors.
We have begun partnering with companies, such
as Apple and Twitter, which recognize the value of our
content, and discussions are underway with other digital
companies. It is clear that the terms of trade and the tenor
of our talks are now vastly different to even a year ago.
In fiscal 2019, the News & Information Services
segment posted higher profitability, spurred by the rapid
rise of digital paid subscribers. The Wall Street Journal,
The Times and Sunday Times and The Australian all grew
subscriber volumes at a healthy rate, with digital now
accounting for the majority of subscribers. There is an
evolving subscription sensibility among consumers, and we
are acutely conscious of the need to provide ever better
service to those who rightly have high expectations for
their digital experience.
We believe Dow Jones is a media business with a
distinctive ability to prosper in the digital age. The Wall
Street Journal recorded 14% growth in digital-only paid
subscribers, who account for over 69% of the total
subscriber base of 2.6 million. Circulation revenue trends
at Dow Jones remained robust, rising 7% for the year, well
above that of the competition. Since separation in 2013,
Dow Jones’ consumer circulation revenues have grown
more than 40% and within that category, digital revenues
at The Wall Street Journal have expanded by almost 150%.
The Dow Jones Professional
Information Business posted
revenue growth for the second
consecutive year, overcoming the
obvious currency headwinds. An
important driver has been the Risk
& Compliance business, which
grew 24% for the full fiscal year, to exceed $130 million in
revenues, at an attractive margin. Impressively, that business
has more than quadrupled in size since the 2013 separation.
Companies around the world are focused on maximizing
compliance and minimizing risk so we are confident there will
be continuing growth in that sector.
Robert Thomson
Chief Executive
In addition, Dow Jones’ trusted, world-class news coverage
and analysis is now carried on the Bloomberg Terminal,
significantly extending the reach and impact of Dow Jones’
journalism and analysis. Along with other new partnership
arrangements, Dow Jones Newswires is now available
on more than 300,000 additional terminals, making it
the most widely available professional newswires service
in the world.
In the U.K., in constant currency, The Times grew print
advertising revenues for the second consecutive year. Digital
paid subscriptions at The Times and Sunday Times expanded
19% to 304,000, while regulatory approval was received in
August for the two publications to share resources, without
undermining their unique identities.
Wireless Group posted its highest ratings ever in the April to
June period, and during that time, at Virgin Radio, Chris Evans
reached 1.1 million listeners a week across the U.K. Virgin Radio
continues to be the fastest growing station in the U.K., both in
reach and listening hours. Meanwhile, talkSPORT saw record
audiences with 3.3 million weekly listeners across the network
in the fourth quarter.
We are also deploying the peerless broadcast skills at
Wireless to improve the quality of audio products elsewhere
at News UK to take advantage of rapidly increasing podcast
demand.
In Australia, there was a tangible improvement in profitability,
driven, in part, by an increase in digital subscriptions, which
exceeded 517,000, up 24% year-on-year, with The Australian a
notably strong performer. And news.com.au remained Australia’s
number one news website throughout the fiscal year, with
monthly unique visitors topping 10 million and total visitors of
over 91 million in June.
News Corp Australia is also benefiting from the acceleration
in digital advertising, including the expansion of News Xtend,
and from its cost reduction efforts; we believe the business is
well positioned for fiscal 2020.
At the New York Post, the cover price was doubled to $2
in Metropolitan markets, the first increase in seven years and
one reason for improved financial results at the Post. The Post
Digital Network extended its reach, with audience numbers
averaging more than 101 million unique users per month in the
fourth quarter, according to Google Analytics.
In the Subscription Video Services segment, the combination
of Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia was completed in April
2018 and throughout fiscal 2019 the new business focused on
delivering premium content and experiences to customers, and
rapidly expanded its streaming services.
Foxtel has a large, loyal broadcast subscriber base and
unique content across sports, entertainment, documentaries
and news. By fiscal year end, Foxtel’s total paid subscribers
grew to over 3.1 million, led by the success of the new sports
streaming product, Kayo, and continued expansion of Foxtel
Now, where the number of subscribers increased by 36% from
the prior year to 446,000.
Kayo showed a material acceleration in subscriber additions,
with over 330,000 paid subscribers at fiscal year end, a
doubling since the third quarter. Worth noting is Kayo’s high
level of audience engagement, with 90% of subscribers using
the service each week, watching an average of 8.5 hours of
sports content across six different sports.
In toto, our streaming base in Australia nearly doubled
since calendar year end to approximately 777,000 customers
in June. It is notable that the growth in Kayo subscribers
between the third and fourth quarter was accompanied by
a decline in average churn among sports tier subscribers to
Foxtel broadcast.
We announced in July the integration of Netflix into Foxtel’s
iQ3 and iQ4 set-top boxes, which, along with a new user
interface, created a unified content discovery experience for
customers and strengthened Foxtel’s position in the market
as the pre-eminent creator and aggregator of the broadest
range of programming. The combination of Foxtel and FOX
SPORTS Australia has also provided an opportunity to review
our cost base without undermining the quality of service or
programming.
At Digital Real Estate Services, despite housing market
headwinds, both REA and realtor.com® strengthened their
competitive position by continuing to innovate and expand
audience. Signs of improvement in the U.S. housing market
are emerging, with realtor.com® traffic at record levels, interest
rates declining, buy lead volumes on the rise and pending
home sales increasing 2.8% in June.
Last November, Tracey Fellows was promoted to President
of Global Digital Real Estate, underscoring our company’s
increasing commitment to the sector, which has been an
engine of growth since we separated in 2013. Over that time,
segment revenues have tripled through a combination of rapid
growth at REA and acquisitions in the U.S. and Asia.
We are in the process of a major transformation at
home buying and selling experience. While that acquisition
and the migration towards a performance-based model
had an impact on revenues and investment last year, it
represents a commitment to future growth by increasing the
quality of connections between consumers and real estate
professionals, and heightening our potential to maximize the
value of those interactions. We believe a focus on quality
connections also increases our ability to generate additional
revenue across the home buying and selling experience,
from mortgage origination to the spending done by families
during the profoundly important process of moving home.
REA Group continued to significantly outperform the
competition despite Australia’s soft listing environment in the
second half of the year – for the year, REA extended its lead
over the competition, generating nearly three times as many
total visits. We also made good progress in Asia, through
iProperty, with healthy revenue growth despite fluctuating
economic and political conditions.
In Book Publishing, HarperCollins thrived this year with
new releases and a strong backlist fueling a 6% increase in
EBITDA, despite a tough comparison with fiscal 2018, which
had benefited from a one-time licensing contract for J.R.R.
Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings. As Tolkien himself wrote: “All’s
well that ends better.” That is certainly true of downloadable
audiobooks, for which revenues rose 40% for the fiscal
year – there is patently a fundamental shift in listening habits
underway and we expect double-digit growth to continue in
fiscal 2020.
HarperCollins is finding new ways to monetize our
content and enhance the profile of our authors. We entered
a partnership with Sony Pictures Entertainment in Hollywood
and the former Fox 2000 team to develop programming and
films from the HarperCollins catalog. We also announced an
agreement through our Harlequin imprint with Bell Media in
Canada to produce movies from Harlequin’s extensive library
of more than 30,000 titles.
The most successful book of the year was a standout
hit from our Christian division by best-selling author, Rachel
Hollis, whose debut and follow-up books, Girl, Wash Your
Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing, together shipped more
than five million units during the year. We also saw great
success with David Walliams, and with Mark Manson, with
strong sales for both The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck and
Everything is F*cked.
With our emphasis on simplifying the company, and
our focus on high-quality content creation and innovative
digital distribution, we are confident in the future returns for
News Corp and its investors. We are clearly entering an era
where our trusted news, information and entertainment is
increasingly sought by platforms and partners, advertisers
and audiences around the world. We intend to leverage
that opportunity for the benefit of our shareholders and the
societies in which we operate.
realtor.com®, underscored by the recent acquisition of Opcity,
and guided by our goal of providing consumers with a superior
Robert Thomson
Chief Executive
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0
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0
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100000
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Purchased
Energy 69%
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50k
0
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14
400k
Global Environmental Initiative
350k
News Corp is deeply committed to minimizing our environmental
300k
impact, growing our businesses sustainably and encouraging
250k
others to take action. Through the Global Environmental Initiative,
our comprehensive environmental sustainability program, we
200k
measure and report the carbon footprint of our global operations
150k
each year. This work has been overseen by third-party experts
at Deloitte and independently verified by Cventure LLC. In fiscal
100k
2018, News Corp generated a carbon footprint of 198,435 metric
50k
tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e), a reduction of 25%
against our fiscal 2014 base year and 7% against fiscal 2017.*
FY06 FY07 FY08 FY09 FY10 FY11 FY12 FY13 FY14 FY15 FY16 FY17
0
Carbon Emissions by Activity (metric tons CO2e)
300K
250K
200K
150K
100K
50K
0
FY14
FY15
FY16
FY17
FY18
n Business Air Travel
n Onsite Fuel
n Purchased Energy
n Refrigerants
n Transport Fuel
As a result of rigorous and transparent measurement,
improvements in operational efficiency, investments in
renewable energy and engagement with our customers,
employees, suppliers and partners on sustainability outcomes,
News Corp has reduced our environmental impact,
saved millions of dollars across our operations and
supply chain, and been recognized by key third parties
as a corporate leader. Some key environmental
achievements include:
n Reaching our third-party-approved Science Based Targets
initiative goal of reducing carbon emissions 25% by 2025 –
six years early.
n Reducing the overall costs associated with our greenhouse
gas emission sources by $18 million in fiscal 2018, versus
the fiscal 2014 base year.
n Installing more energy-efficient lighting at several of our
News Corp Australia facilities to reduce carbon emissions
and save over $225,000 annually in electricity costs.
n Expanding the DJ Green sustainability program across
eight global offices at Dow Jones, creating green teams
with over 100 volunteers to tackle waste reduction and
engage employees and customers in sustainable practices.
n Saving over $4 million in electricity costs and reducing
carbon emissions by over 29,000 metric tons since 2011
through our 4.1 megawatt solar power installation at Dow
Jones’ New Jersey office.
n Receiving the highest score – three trees – in the World
Wildlife Fund-UK’s 2019 Timber Scorecard for HarperCollins
UK, for the second time in a row. In 2018, HarperCollins
UK printed 99% of its books on Forest Stewardship Council-
(FSC-) certified material, up from 97% in 2017, moving
closer to reaching its goal of printing 100% of its books
on FSC-certified materials by 2020.
*Carbon footprint does not include reductions due to purchases of energy generated from clean power sources.
REDUCE
ENGAGE
Global
Environmental
Initiative
25%
CARBON FOOTPRINT
reduction in FY18 vs FY14
We bring together all of our different businesses with a vision built on 3 pillars to
minimize environmental impacts, grow sustainably and inspire others to take action:
SCIENCE-BASED TARGET
25% reduction goal to reduce our
electricity and fuel use carbon
emissions achieved
96%
$18M
Average WASTE diversion from
landfill rate at major owned print
centers across the globe
Savings in FY18 total
ENERGY SPENDING
vs FY14
We are committed to
ENGAGING our customers,
suppliers and partners on our
sustainability journey
14
Global office & plant
Green Teams at
Dow Jones
Our efforts have been
RECOGNIZED globally by
CDP, FSC, PEFC, SFI & PANPA
X
EARTH DAY 2019
events across
News Corp sites
SOURCE
RESPONSIBLY
100% by 2025
29K tons/$4M
3/3
All News Corp globally purchased
paper will be sourced from
CERTIFIED material by 2025
Carbon & Energy savings from
Dow Jones’ SOLAR
panels since 2011 startup
HarperCollins UK achieved
HIGHEST scoring level by
World Wildlife Fund-UK’s 2019
Timber Scorecard
To find out more go to newscorp.com/gei
Corporate Citizenship
At News Corp, corporate citizenship is about collaboration. It starts with our employees, who
play an integral role in selecting the organizations we support. Our Philanthropy Partners
program goes beyond financial contributions to engage with communities via employee
volunteering. Our Philanthropy Leaders Forum brings partner organizations together to share
best practices. We also recognize programs that deliver exponential results by leveraging the
power of collaboration through our annual Collaborative Impact Award.
News Corp Giving strives to make a positive impact in five areas: innovation in K-12
education, elevating and uplifting vulnerable youth, digital literacy, freedom of the press
and supporting veterans as they transition from the armed services to civilian life. Globally,
our businesses give back to their local communities through financial contributions and
innovative programs.
News Corp Australia’s philanthropy is guided by the pillars of stronger communities,
education for all, a healthy nation and news responsibility. This year, News Corp Australia
raised over $18 million AUD for the Royal Children’s Hospital annual Good Friday Appeal,
carrying on an 88-year relationship that has contributed $363 million AUD to the hospital.
News Corp Australia also continues to support the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute,
the largest child health research facility in Australia. News Corp Australia’s free news site
and classroom literacy tool, Kids News, grew its audience to almost 200,000 registered
students and has become one of the fastest growing educational sites in Australia.
News UK took a fresh approach to giving this year in
forming partnerships with seven youth-focused charities,
including Young Women’s Trust and Farms for City
Children. Separately, hundreds of schools have registered
for The Times and The Sunday Times News Literacy
Programme, free lessons designed to teach students
critical thinking skills. News UK’s charitable work also
includes editorial campaigns, which raised a total of £1.3
million this year and supported organizations dedicated to
the environment, humanitarian relief and homelessness,
among other causes.
In fiscal 2019, News Corp Giving
provided support to:
826 National
A Better Chance
After-School All-Stars
America Needs You
American Corporate Partners
Change for Kids
Clontarf Foundation
Committee to Protect Journalists
DC-CAP
DonorsChoose.org
Eagle Academy
Farms for City Children
Food Bank for New York City
FourBlock Foundation
Girls Who Code
Girls Write Now
Grace Outreach
Habitat for Humanity
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
In fiscal 2019, realtor.com® and its employees
Homes for Our Troops
contributed to a number of organizations, including Habitat
for Humanity, Operation Gratitude and Toys for Tots, and
made a $100,000 donation to The Good Neighbor Awards, which recognizes REALTORS®
who have made an extraordinary impact through volunteer work. News America Marketing
devoted its philanthropy to youth and veterans’ programs through organizations including
Larkin Street Youth Services, American Corporate Partners and Pets for Vets. The New
York Post collaborated with dozens of local and national charities, sponsoring World Pride,
contributing to the New York Police and Fire Widows’ and Children’s Benefit Fund and
donating care packages to soldiers overseas through Operation Gratitude.
Dow Jones focused its giving on journalism and freedom of the press, education
and literacy, diversity and inclusion, and arts and culture. Dow Jones made meaningful
contributions to schools and nonprofits around the world, including the Committee to
Protect Journalists, Easterseals and She’s the First. Storyful’s offices in New York, Dublin,
London and Sydney donated to local charities focused on food poverty and held employee
service days with these organizations.
HarperCollins continued its philanthropic efforts around promoting education and
literacy, supporting its authors and their freedom of expression and helping local
communities. HarperCollins donated tens of thousands of books and provided financial
support to the National Book Foundation, Literacy Partners and Change for Kids. With
backing from News Corp, HarperCollins also sponsored organizations that support
and promote the diverse backgrounds and unique viewpoints that shape our world,
including the AAP/UNCF scholarship, the Hurston/Wright Foundation and the Hispanic
Scholarship Fund. HarperCollins
also collaborated with Dow
Jones and News Corp to help
the Committee to Protect
Journalists in creating and
printing “The Last Column,”
honoring the works of journalists
killed in the line of duty.
Hurston/Wright Foundation
Jumpstart
Let’s Get Ready
Literacy Partners
Murdoch Children’s Research
Institute
National Book Foundation
New Writing North
Operation Gratitude
ParentChild+
Per Scholas
Posse Foundation
PowerMyLearning
Royal Children’s Hospital
Safe Horizon
She’s the First
Student Leadership Network
United Way New York City
Urban Alliance
WriteOn
Youth Inc
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
È ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
‘ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
Or
For the transition period from
to
Commission file number 001-35769
NEWS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York
(Address of principal executive offices)
46-2950970
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)
10036
(Zip Code)
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (212) 416-3400
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Trading Symbol(s)
Title of each class
Name of each exchange on which registered
Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share
Class A Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
Class B Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
NWSA
NWS
N/A
N/A
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
None
(Title of class)
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
The Nasdaq Global Select Market
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes È No ‘
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ‘ No È
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to
such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule
405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to
submit such files). Yes È No ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer È
Non-accelerated filer ‘
‘
Accelerated filer
Smaller reporting company ‘
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. ‘
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ‘ No È
As of December 28, 2018, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, the aggregate market value of
the registrant’s Class A Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates was approximately $4,309,425,180, based upon the closing
price of $11.25 per share as quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market on that date, and the aggregate market value of the registrant’s Class B Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, held by non-affiliates was approximately $1,384,737,608, based upon the closing price of $11.46 per share as
quoted on The Nasdaq Stock Market on that date.
As of August 5, 2019, 385,645,432 shares of Class A Common Stock and 199,630,240 shares of Class B Common Stock were outstanding.
DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Certain information required for Part III of this Annual Report on Form 10-K is incorporated by reference to the News Corporation
definitive Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which shall be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
pursuant to Regulation 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, within 120 days of News Corporation’s fiscal year end.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
PART I
ITEM 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 2.
ITEM 3.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 4. Mine Safety Disclosures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART II
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 6.
ITEM 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 8.
Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial
ITEM 9.
Disclosure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PART III
ITEM 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related
Stockholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 14.
PART IV
ITEM 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Form 10-K Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ITEM 16.
SIGNATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
OVERVIEW
The Company
News Corporation (the “Company,” “News Corp,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is a global diversified media and
information services company focused on creating and distributing authoritative and engaging content and other
products and services to consumers and businesses throughout the world. The Company comprises businesses
across a range of media, including news and information services, subscription video services in Australia, book
publishing and digital real estate services, that are distributed under some of the world’s most recognizable and
respected brands, including The Wall Street Journal, Dow Jones, The Australian, Herald Sun, The Sun, The
Times, HarperCollins Publishers, Foxtel, FOX SPORTS Australia, realestate.com.au, realtor.com®, talkSPORT
and many others.
The Company’s commitment to premium content makes its properties a premier destination for news,
information and entertainment. The Company distributes its content and other products and services to
consumers across various platforms consisting of traditional print and television, as well as an array of digital
platforms including websites, applications for mobile devices and tablets, social media and e-book devices. The
Company believes that the increasing number of media choices and formats will allow it to continue to deliver its
content and other products and services in a more engaging, timely and personalized manner and provide
opportunities for more effective monetization via strong customer relationships and more compelling and
engaging advertising solutions. The Company is pursuing multiple strategies to exploit these opportunities,
including sharing technologies and practices across geographies and businesses and bundling selected offerings
to provide greater value to consumers and advertising partners.
The Company’s diversified revenue base includes recurring subscriptions, circulation sales, advertising sales,
sales of real estate listing products, licensing fees and other consumer product sales. Headquartered in New York,
the Company operates primarily in the United States, Australia and the U.K., with its content and other products
and services distributed and consumed worldwide. The Company’s operations are organized into five reporting
segments: (i) News and Information Services; (ii) Subscription Video Services; (iii) Book Publishing; (iv) Digital
Real Estate Services; and (v) Other, which includes the Company’s general corporate overhead expenses,
corporate Strategy Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters (as defined in “Item 3. Legal
Proceedings”).
The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday nearest to June 30 in each year. Fiscal
2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 each included 52 weeks. Unless otherwise noted, all references to the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2019, June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 relate to the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019,
July 1, 2018 and July 2, 2017, respectively. For convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its
financial statements as of June 30.
Corporate Information
News Corporation is a Delaware corporation originally organized on December 11, 2012 in connection with its
separation (the “Separation”) from Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (formerly named News Corporation) (“21st
Century Fox”), which was completed on June 28, 2013 (the “Distribution Date”). In connection with the
Separation, the Company assumed the name “News Corporation.” Unless otherwise indicated, references in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 (the “Annual Report”) to the “Company,”
“News Corp,” “we,” “us,” or “our” means News Corporation and its subsidiaries. The Company’s principal
executive offices are located at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10036, and its telephone
number is (212) 416-3400. The Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock are listed on The Nasdaq Global
1
Select Market (“Nasdaq”) under the trading symbols “NWSA” and “NWS,” respectively, and CHESS Depositary
Interests (“CDIs”) representing the Company’s Class A and Class B Common Stock are listed on the Australian
Securities Exchange (“ASX”) under the trading symbols “NWSLV” and “NWS,” respectively. More information
regarding the Company is available on its website at www.newscorp.com, including the Company’s Annual
Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those
reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the “Exchange Act”), which are available, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after the material is
electronically filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). The information on
the Company’s website is not, and shall not be deemed to be, a part of this Annual Report or incorporated into
any other filings it makes with the SEC.
Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This document and any documents incorporated by reference into this Annual Report, including “Item 7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contain statements
that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 21E of the Exchange Act and
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All statements that are not statements of historical fact
are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe” and similar
expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear
in a number of places in this document and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations
of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends affecting the Company’s
financial condition or results of operations and the outcome of contingencies such as litigation and investigations.
Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve
risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties and other important factors that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements is set forth under the
heading “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in this Annual Report. The Company does not ordinarily make projections of its
future operating results and undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update
or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise,
except as required by law. Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by the
Company with the SEC. This section should be read together with the Consolidated Financial Statements of
News Corporation (the “Financial Statements”) and related notes set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report.
BUSINESS OVERVIEW
The Company’s five reporting segments are described below. For information regarding revenues generated by
the principal products and services of each segment, refer to “Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
For the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019
Revenues
Segment
EBITDA
(in millions)
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,956
2,202
1,754
1,159
3
$ 417
380
253
384
(190)
News and Information Services
The Company’s News and Information Services segment consists primarily of Dow Jones, News Corp Australia,
News UK, the New York Post and News America Marketing. This segment also includes Unruly, a global video
2
advertising marketplace, Wireless Group, operator of talkSPORT, the leading sports radio network in the U.K.,
and Storyful, a social media content agency that enables the Company to source real-time video content through
social media platforms. The News and Information Services segment generates revenue primarily through sales
of print and digital advertising and circulation and subscription sales of its print and digital products. Advertising
revenues at the News and Information Services segment are subject to seasonality, with revenues typically
highest in the Company’s second fiscal quarter due to the end-of-year holiday season in its main operating
geographies.
Dow Jones
Dow Jones is a global provider of news and business information, which distributes its content and data through a
variety of media channels including newspapers, newswires, websites, applications, or apps, for mobile devices,
tablets and e-book readers, newsletters, magazines, proprietary databases, live journalism, video and podcasts.
Dow Jones’s products, which target individual consumer and enterprise customers, include The Wall Street
Journal, Factiva, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, Dow Jones Newswires, Barron’s and MarketWatch. Dow
Jones’s revenue is diversified across business-to-consumer and business-to-business subscriptions, circulation,
advertising, including custom content and sponsorships, licensing fees for its print and digital products and
participation fees for its live journalism events. For the year ended June 30, 2019, consumer products and
professional information products represented approximately 73% and 27%, respectively, of total Dow Jones
revenues, and approximately 62% of total Dow Jones revenues was generated by digital sales.
Consumer Products
Through its premier brands and authoritative journalism, Dow Jones’s products targeting individual consumers
provide insights, research and understanding that enable customers to stay informed and make educated financial
decisions. Dow Jones continues to capitalize on new digital distribution platforms and technologies for these
products as consumer preferences for content consumption evolve. Digital revenues accounted for 55% and 40%
of consumer circulation and advertising revenues, respectively, in fiscal 2019. With a focus on the financial
markets, investing and other professional services, many of these products offer advertisers an attractive
customer demographic. Products targeting consumers include the following:
•
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). WSJ, Dow Jones’s flagship product, is available in print, online and
across multiple mobile, tablet and e-book devices. WSJ covers national and international news and
provides analysis, commentary and opinions on a wide range of topics, including business
developments and trends, economics, financial markets, investing, science and technology, lifestyle,
culture and sports. WSJ’s print products are printed at plants located around the U.S., including seven
owned by the Company. WSJ sells regional advertising in three major U.S. regional editions (Eastern,
Central and Western) and 21 smaller sub-regional editions. WSJ’s digital products offer both free and
premium content and are comprised of WSJ.com, WSJ mobile products, including a responsive design
website and apps for multiple mobile devices (WSJ Mobile), and live and on-demand video through
WSJ.com and other platforms such as YouTube, internet-connected television and set-top boxes (WSJ
Video), as well as podcasts. WSJ also distributes content through third party subscription and
non-subscription platform providers, such as Apple News+, which is referred to as off-platform
distribution. For the year ended June 30, 2019, WSJ Mobile (including WSJ.com accessed via mobile
devices, as well as apps, and excluding off-platform distribution) accounted for approximately 58% of
visits to WSJ’s digital news and information products according to Adobe Analytics.
•
Barron’s Group. The Barron’s Group focuses on Dow Jones consumer brands outside of The Wall
Street Journal franchise, including Barron’s and MarketWatch, among other properties.
Barron’s. Barron’s, which is available in print, online and on multiple mobile, tablet and e-book
devices, delivers news, analysis, investigative reporting, company profiles and insightful statistics
for investors and others interested in the investment world.
3
MarketWatch. MarketWatch is an investing and financial news website targeting active investors.
It also provides real-time commentary and investment tools and data. Products include mobile and
tablet apps, a mobile site and MarketWatch Premium Newsletters.
•
•
The Wall Street Journal Digital Network (WSJDN). WSJDN offers advertisers the opportunity to reach
Dow Jones’s audience across a number of brands, including the WSJ.com, Barrons.com and
MarketWatch.com websites.
Live Journalism. Dow Jones offers a number of conferences and events each year, including WSJ Tech
D-Live, its C-suite conferences such as CEO and CFO Council, the Women In series, the Future Of
series, Global Food Forum and Barron’s Summits. These live journalism events offer advertisers and
sponsors the opportunity to reach a select group of influential leaders from industry, finance,
government and policy. Many of these programs also earn revenue from participation fees charged to
attendees.
The following table provides information regarding issue sales and subscriptions (excluding off-platform
distribution) for certain Dow Jones consumer products:
(in 000’s)
The Wall Street Journal(1)
Barron’s(1)
Average
Global Issue
Sales(2)
Average
Global
Subscriptions
Average
Global Issue
Sales(2)
Average
Global
Subscriptions
Print(3)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total
1,005
1,829
2,834
799
1,818
2,617
290
299
589
280
299
579
(1) Based on internal data for the period from April 1, 2019 to June 30, 2019, with independent assurance
provided by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP UK.
(2) Average Global Issue Sales includes subscription and non-subscription categories. Non-subscription
categories include, but are not limited to, single copy (newsstand) sales and copies purchased by hotels for
distribution to guests.
In addition to their print and digital-only products, The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s sell print and
digital products bundled into one subscription, which is counted only once, under “Print,” in the table above.
(3)
The following table provides information regarding the digital platforms (excluding off-platform distribution) for
certain Dow Jones consumer products:
FY2019 Average
Monthly Visits(1)
FY2019 Average
Monthly Page Views(2)
FY2019 Average
Monthly Unique Users(3)
WSJ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
MarketWatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WSJDN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
91million
68million
170million
272 million
165 million
460 million
38 million
29 million
75 million
(1)
(2)
(3)
Includes visits via websites and mobile device and tablet apps based on Adobe Analytics for the 12 months
ended June 30, 2019.
Includes page views via websites and mobile device and tablet apps based on Adobe Analytics for the 12
months ended June 30, 2019.
Includes aggregate unique users accessing websites and mobile device and tablet apps based on Adobe
Analytics for the 12 months ended June 30, 2019. See “Part I. Business—Explanatory Note Regarding
Certain Key Metrics” for more information regarding the calculation of unique users.
Professional Information Products
Dow Jones’s professional information products, which target enterprise customers, combine news and
information with technology and tools that inform decisions and aid awareness, research and understanding.
4
These products consist of its Knowledge and Insight, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and Dow Jones Newswires
products, which represented 45%, 31% and 24%, respectively, of fiscal 2019 professional information product
revenues. Specific products include the following:
•
•
•
Knowledge and Insight. Dow Jones Knowledge and Insight products consist primarily of Factiva, a
leading provider of global business content, built on an archive of important original and licensed
publishing sources. Factiva offers content from over 33,000 global news and information sources from
over 200 countries and in 28 languages. This combination of business news and information, plus
sophisticated tools, helps professionals find, monitor, interpret and share essential information. As of
June 30, 2019, there were approximately 1.2 million activated Factiva users, including both
institutional and individual accounts.
Dow Jones Risk & Compliance. Dow Jones Risk & Compliance products provide data solutions for
customers focused on anti-corruption, anti-money laundering, monitoring embargo and sanction lists
and other compliance requirements. Dow Jones’s solutions allow customers to filter their business
transactions and partners against its data to identify regulatory, corporate and reputational risk, and
request follow-up due diligence reports. Products include online risk data and negative news searching
tools such as Risk Database Search/Research/Premium and the Risk & Compliance Portal for batch
screening. Dow Jones also provides an online solution for supplier risk assessment, RiskCenter KYBP
(Know Your Business Partner), which provides customers with automated risk and compliance checks
via questionnaires and embedded scoring. Feed services include Dow Jones Watchlist, Dow Jones
Anti-Corruption, Dow Jones Sanction Alert and Adverse Media Entities. In addition, Dow Jones
produces customized Due Diligence Reports to assist its customers with regulatory compliance.
Dow Jones Newswires. Dow Jones Newswires distributes real-time business news, information,
analysis, commentary and statistical data to financial professionals and investors worldwide. It
publishes, on average, over 14,000 news items each day, which are distributed via terminals, trading
platforms and websites reaching hundreds of thousands of financial professionals. This content also
reaches millions of individual investors via customer portals and the intranets of brokerage and trading
firms, as well as digital media publishers.
News Corp Australia
News Corp Australia is one of the leading news and information providers in Australia by readership, owning
over 150 newspapers covering a national, regional and suburban footprint. During the year ended May 31, 2019,
its daily, Sunday, weekly and bi-weekly newspapers were read by over 7.7 million Australians on average every
week. In addition, its digital mastheads are among the leading digital news properties in Australia based on
monthly unique audience data and had approximately 517,300 aggregate closing subscribers as of June 30, 2019.
News Corp Australia’s news portfolio includes The Australian and The Weekend Australian (National), The
Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph (Sydney), Herald Sun and Sunday Herald Sun (Melbourne), The
Courier Mail and The Sunday Mail (Brisbane) and The Advertiser and Sunday Mail (Adelaide), as well as paid
digital platforms for each. In addition, News Corp Australia owns a large number of community newspapers in
all major capital cities and leading regional publications in Geelong, across the state of Queensland and in the
capital cities of Hobart and Darwin.
5
The following table provides information regarding key properties within News Corp Australia’s portfolio:
Average Daily Paid
Print Circulation(1)
Total Paid Subscribers for
Combined Masthead
(Print and Digital)(2)
Total Monthly Audience
for Combined Masthead
(Print and Digital)(3)
The Australian (Mon – Fri) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Weekend Australian (Sat) . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Daily Telegraph (Mon – Sat)
. . . . . . . . .
The Sunday Telegraph . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Herald Sun (Mon – Sat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunday Herald Sun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Courier Mail (Mon – Sat) . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Sunday Mail
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Advertiser (Mon – Sat) . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sunday Mail . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
83,684
207,837
167,785
299,352
245,255
295,514
104,879
228,467
97,173
153,496
164,968
87,560
107,816
81,949
81,167
3.7 million
4.3 million
4.1 million
2.5 million
1.8 million
(1)
For the year ended June 30, 2019, based on internal sources.
(2) As of June 30, 2019, based on internal sources.
(3) Based on Enhanced Media Metrics Australia (“EMMA”) average monthly print readership data for the year
ended May 31, 2019 and Nielsen desktop, mobile and tablet audience data for May 2019. EMMA data
incorporates more frequent sampling and combines both online usage derived from Nielsen data and print
usage into a single metric that removes any audience overlap.
News Corp Australia’s broad portfolio of digital properties also includes news.com.au, the leading general
interest site in Australia that provides breaking news, finance, entertainment, lifestyle, technology and sports
news and delivers an average monthly unique audience of approximately 9.9 million based on Nielsen monthly
total audience ratings for the year ended June 30, 2019. In addition, News Corp Australia owns other premier
properties such as taste.com.au, a leading food and recipe site, and kidspot.com.au, a leading parenting website,
as well as various other digital media assets. As of June 30, 2019, News Corp Australia’s other assets included a
14.6% interest in HT&E Limited, which operates a portfolio of Australian radio and outdoor media assets, and a
30.2% interest in Hipages Group Pty Ltd., which operates a leading on-demand home improvement services
marketplace.
News UK
News UK publishes The Sun, The Sun on Sunday, The Times and The Sunday Times, which are leading
newspapers in the U.K that together accounted for approximately one-third of all national newspaper sales as of
June 30, 2019. The Sun is the most read national paid print news brand in the U.K., and The Times and The
Sunday Times are the most read national newspapers in the U.K. quality market. Together, across print and
digital, these brands now reach two-thirds of adult news readers in the U.K., or approximately 32 million people,
based on PAMCo data for the year ended March 31, 2019. News UK’s newspapers (except some Saturday and
Sunday supplements) are printed at News UK’s world-class printing facilities in England, Scotland and Ireland.
In addition to revenue from advertising, circulation and subscription sales for its print and digital products, News
UK generates revenue by providing third party printing services through these facilities and is one of the largest
contract printers in the U.K. News UK also distributes content through its digital platforms, including its
websites, thesun.co.uk, thetimes.co.uk and thesundaytimes.co.uk, as well as mobile and tablet apps. News UK’s
online and mobile offerings during the year included the rights to show English Premier League Football match
6
clips across its digital platforms. In addition, News UK has assembled a portfolio of complementary ancillary
product offerings, including Sun Bingo. The following table provides information regarding News UK’s news
portfolio:
Print
Average Issue
Readership(1)
Average Daily Paid
Print Circulation(2)
Paid Subscribers(3)
Monthly Global Unique
Users(5)
The Sun (Mon – Sat) . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,740,000
1,483,991
The Sun on Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,188,000
1,245,106
The Times (Mon – Sat)
. . . . . . . . . .
943,000
411,884
The Sunday Times . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,673,000
728,344
N/A
N/A
165,493 (print)(4)
292,655 (digital)
203,612 (print)(4)
283,233 (digital)
113 million
N/A
N/A
(1) Based on Publishers Audience Measurement Company (“PAMCo”) data for the 12 months ended March 31,
2019.
(5)
(2) Based on Audit Bureau of Circulation (“ABC”) data for the six months ended June 30, 2019.
(3) As of June 30, 2019, based on internal sources.
(4)
In addition to their print and digital-only products, The Times and The Sunday Times sell print and digital
products bundled into one subscription, which is counted only once, under “print,” in the table above.
Includes aggregate unique users accessing websites and mobile device and tablet apps based on Google
Analytics data for the month ended June 30, 2019. See “Part I. Business—Explanatory Note Regarding
Certain Key Metrics.” News UK transitioned from ABC Electronic (Omniture) to Google Analytics in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2019. Google made certain algorithm changes during the quarter that contributed to
an increase in the number of unique users reported. As a result, the Google Analytics user data provided in
the table above is not directly comparable to the data provided in the prior year’s Annual Report.
New York Post
NYP Holdings (“NYP”) is the publisher of the New York Post (the “Post”), NYPost.com, PageSix.com,
Decider.com and related mobile and tablet apps and social media channels. The Post is the oldest continuously
published daily newspaper in the U.S., with a focus on coverage of the New York metropolitan area. The Post
provides a variety of general interest content ranging from breaking news to business analysis, and is known in
particular for its comprehensive sports coverage, famous headlines and its iconic Page Six section, an authority
on celebrity news. The print version of the Post is primarily distributed in New York, where it is printed at its
Bronx printing facility, as well as throughout the Northeast, Florida and California, where it uses Dow Jones’s
printing facilities and third party printers. For the three months ended June 30, 2019, average weekday
circulation based on Alliance for Audited Media data, including mobile and tablet app digital editions, was
418,503. In addition, the Post Digital Network, which includes NYPost.com, PageSix.com and Decider.com,
reached approximately 101.4 million unique users on average each month during the quarter ended June 30, 2019
according to Google Analytics. See “Part I. Business—Explanatory Note Regarding Certain Key Metrics” for
information regarding the calculation of unique users and note 5 in the preceding table regarding algorithm
changes made by Google.
News America Marketing
News America Marketing (“NAM”) is a premier marketing partner of some of the world’s most well-known
brands, and its broad network of shopper media, incentive platforms and custom merchandising services
influences the purchasing decisions of online and offline shoppers across the U.S. and Canada. NAM’s marketing
solutions are available via multiple distribution channels, including publications, in stores and online, primarily
under the SmartSource brand name and through the Checkout 51 mobile app.
7
NAM provides customers with solutions across the shopper’s path to purchase, focusing primarily on the
following three business areas:
•
•
In-Store Advertising and Merchandising (53% of fiscal 2019 NAM revenues). NAM is a leading
provider of in-store marketing products and services, primarily to consumer packaged goods
manufacturers. NAM’s marketing products include at-shelf advertising such as coupon, information
and sample-dispensing machines, as well as floor and shopping cart advertising, among others, and are
found in thousands of shopping locations, including supermarkets, drug stores, dollar stores, office
supply stores, mass merchandisers and specialty stores across North America. NAM also provides
in-store merchandising services, including production and installation of instant-redeemable coupons,
on-pack stickers, shipper assembly, display set-up and refilling, shelf management and new product
cut-ins.
Home-Delivered (41% of fiscal 2019 NAM revenues). NAM is one of the leading providers of home-
delivered shopper media, including free-standing inserts and direct mail products. Free-standing inserts
are multiple-page marketing booklets containing coupons, rebates and other consumer offers, which are
distributed to millions of households under the SmartSource Magazine® brand through insertion
primarily into local Sunday publications. Advertisers, primarily packaged goods companies, pay NAM
to produce free-standing inserts where their offers are featured, often on an exclusive basis within their
product category. NAM contracts with and pays publishers as well as printers, among others, to
produce and/or distribute free-standing inserts in their papers.
• Mobile/Digital (6% of fiscal 2019 NAM revenues). NAM’s digital marketing solutions include
SmartSource Digital, which encompasses secure printable couponing, load-to-card couponing, targeted
email campaigns and programmatic digital display, and the Checkout 51 mobile app, a leading receipt
recognition app that enables packaged goods companies and brands to reach consumers with highly
personalized marketing campaigns.
NAM believes its programs have key advantages when compared to other marketing options available to
packaged goods companies, retailers and other marketers. NAM offers effective and targeted programs that reach
a national audience of consumers who are actively seeking incentives or information at critical points along the
path to purchase. The Company recently announced that it is reviewing strategic options for NAM, including a
potential sale. There is no assurance regarding the timing of any action or transaction, nor that the strategic
review will result in a transaction or other strategic change.
The Company’s News and Information Services products compete with a wide range of media businesses,
including print publications, digital media and information services.
The Company’s newspapers, magazines, digital publications and radio stations compete for consumers, audience
and advertising with other local and national newspapers, web and app-based media, magazines and radio
stations, social media sources, as well as other media such as television and outdoor displays. Competition for
subscriptions and circulation is based on news and editorial content, subscription pricing, cover price and, from
time to time, various promotions. Competition for advertising is based upon advertisers’ judgments as to the most
effective media for their advertising budgets, which is in turn based upon various factors, including circulation
volume, readership levels, audience demographics, advertising rates and advertising effectiveness. As a result of
rapidly changing and evolving technologies, distribution platforms and business models, the consumer-focused
businesses within the Company’s News and Information Services segment, including its newspaper businesses,
continue to face increasing competition for both circulation and advertising revenue from a variety of alternative
news and information sources. These include both paid and free websites, digital apps, news aggregators, blogs,
search engines, social media networks, digital advertising networks and exchanges, bidding and other
programmatic advertising buying channels, as well as other emerging media and distribution platforms, including
off-platform distribution of its products. Shifts in consumer behavior, including the widespread adoption of
mobile phones, tablets, e-book readers and other portable devices as platforms through which news and
8
information is consumed, require the Company to continually innovate and improve upon its own products,
services and platforms in order to remain competitive. The Company believes that these changes will continue to
pose opportunities and challenges, and that it is well positioned to leverage its global reach, brand recognition
and proprietary technology to take advantage of the opportunities presented by these changes.
Dow Jones professional information products that target enterprise customers compete with various information
service providers, compliance data providers and global financial newswires, including Thomson Reuters,
Bloomberg L.P., LexisNexis and Refinitiv, as well as many other providers of news, information and compliance
data.
NAM competes against other providers of advertising, marketing and merchandising products and services,
including those that provide promotional or advertising inserts, direct mailers of promotional or advertising
materials, providers of point-of-purchase and other in-store programs and providers of savings and/or grocery-
focused digital apps, as well as other marketing products and services. Competition is based on, among other
things, rates, availability of markets, quality of products and services provided and their effectiveness, rate of
coupon redemption, store coverage and other factors. The Company believes that based on the scale of NAM’s
home-delivered products, the reach of its in-store marketing products and the growing audience for its digital
marketing platform, NAM provides broader consumer access than many of its competitors. The Company is also
actively investing in shopper research and data-based insights that enable an advanced understanding of how to
apply the Company’s media and incentive network to achieve the greatest impact and value for clients and
partners.
Subscription Video Services
The Company’s Subscription Video Services segment provides video sports, entertainment and news services to
pay-TV subscribers and other commercial licensees, primarily via cable, satellite and internet distribution. This
segment consists of (i) the Company’s 65% interest in NXE Australia Pty Limited, which was formed to combine
News Corp and Telstra Corporation Limited’s interests in the Foxtel Group and FOX SPORTS Australia and is
referred to herein as “Foxtel” (the remaining 35% interest in Foxtel is held by Telstra), and (ii) Australian News
Channel (“ANC”).
Foxtel
Foxtel is the largest pay-TV provider in Australia, delivering nearly 200 channels (including standard definition
channels, high definition versions of some of those channels, audio channels and one 4K Ultra HD channel)
covering sports, general entertainment, movies, documentaries, music, children’s programming and news. Foxtel
offers the leading sports programming content in Australia, with unique rights across key sports and a suite of
channels that includes FOX LEAGUE, FOX SPORTS 503, FOX FOOTY, FOX SPORTS 505, FOX SPORTS
506, FOX SPORTS MORE, FOX SPORTS NEWS and its new FOX CRICKET channel. Foxtel’s channels
together broadcast approximately 15,000 hours of live sports programming per year, encompassing both live
national and international licensed sports events such as National Rugby League, Australian Football League,
Cricket Australia, the domestic football league, the Australian Rugby Union and various motorsports
programming, as well as other featured original and licensed premium sports content tailored to the Australian
market. Foxtel’s premium entertainment and news content includes television programming from HBO, FOX and
NBCUniversal, as well as Foxtel-produced dramas, and 29 channels owned and operated by Foxtel, including
general entertainment and movie channels (which provide an extensive range of movie programming sourced
through arrangements with major U.S. studios).
Foxtel’s content is available through channels and on-demand and is currently distributed to broadcast
subscribers using either cable networks accessed through Telstra or Optus’s satellite platform via Foxtel’s set-top
boxes, including the iQ4 (satellite only) and iQ3. Foxtel intends to migrate all broadcast subscribers to satellite or
internet delivery over the next several years. Broadcast subscribers can also access Foxtel’s content using a
9
companion service app on mobile devices and tablets. In addition, as part of its strategy to reach new segments of
the Australian population, Foxtel also offers its pay-TV service via the internet through Foxtel Now, an over-the-
top, or OTT, television service available on a number of compatible devices (including the Foxtel Now box,
mobile devices, tablets, personal computers, Chromecast, Telstra TV, Sony PlayStation, Xbox One and select
smart TVs), as well as Kayo, its recently launched sports-only OTT service that allows subscribers to stream over
50 sports live and on demand. Foxtel also offers a triple play bundle product, which consists of Foxtel’s existing
broadcast pay-TV service, sold together with broadband and telephone services. In addition to its pay-TV
services, Foxtel operates foxsports.com.au, a leading general sports website in Australia, and Watch NRL and
Watch AFL, subscription services that provide live streaming and on-demand replays of National Rugby League
and Australian Football League matches, internationally.
Foxtel generates revenue primarily through subscription revenue as well as advertising revenue. Foxtel’s
business generally is not highly seasonal, though results can fluctuate due to the timing and mix of its local and
international sports programming, as expenses associated with licensing certain programming rights are
recognized during the applicable season or event. The following table provides information regarding certain key
performance indicators for Foxtel (see “Part I. Business—Explanatory Note Regarding Certain Key Metrics” for
more information regarding the calculation of these performance indicators):
Broadcast Subscribers
Residential(1)
Commercial(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OTT Subscribers (Total (Paid))
FY 2019
(in 000’s, except
ARPU and Churn)
2,104
264
Foxtel Now(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kayo(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
460(446 Paid)
382(331 Paid)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A$78 (US$55)
Broadcast ARPU(5)
Broadcast Subscriber Churn(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15%
(1)
Subscribing households throughout Australia as of June 30, 2019.
(2) Residential equivalent business units throughout Australia as of June 30, 2019.
(3)
Total and Paid Foxtel Now subscribers as of June 30, 2019. Paid Foxtel Now subscribers excludes
customers receiving service for no charge under certain new subscriber promotions.
Total and Paid Kayo subscribers as of June 30, 2019. Paid Kayo subscribers excludes customers receiving
service for no charge under certain new subscriber promotions.
(4)
(5) Average monthly broadcast residential subscription revenue per user (excluding Optus) (Broadcast ARPU)
for the year ended June 30, 2019.
(6) Broadcast residential subscriber churn rate (Broadcast Subscriber Churn) for the year ended June 30, 2019.
Broadcast subscriber churn represents the number of cable and satellite residential subscribers whose
service is disconnected, expressed as a percentage of the average total number of cable and satellite
residential subscribers, presented on an annual basis.
Foxtel competes primarily with a variety of other video content providers, such as traditional Free To Air
(“FTA”) TV operators in Australia, including the three major commercial FTA networks and two major
government-funded FTA broadcasters, and new content providers that deliver video programming over the
internet. These providers include Internet Protocol television, or IPTV, and subscription video-on-demand, or
SVOD, providers such as Fetch TV, Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video; streaming services offered through
digital media providers, such as YouTube and Facebook; as well as programmers and distributors, such as CBS,
Disney and the FTA networks, that provide, or have indicated an intention to provide, content, including smaller,
lower-cost or free programming packages, directly to consumers over the internet. The Company believes that
Foxtel’s premium and exclusive content, wide array of products and services, set-top box features that enable
subscribers to record, rewind, discover and watch content, its investment in On Demand capability and
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programming and benefits through broadband bundling enable it to offer subscribers a compelling alternative to
its competitors. In addition, Foxtel continues to develop new features and products to improve the value
proposition of its broadcast television packages and expand its subscriber base, including its iQ4 set-top box, 4K
Ultra HD service, planned upgrades to its user interface to make content discovery easier and integrate third-
party apps, and its OTT services such as Foxtel Now and the new sports streaming service Kayo.
Australian News Channel
ANC operates 10 channels featuring the latest in news, politics, sports, entertainment, public affairs, business and
weather. ANC is licensed by Sky International AG to use Sky trademarks and domain names in connection with
its operation and distribution of channels and services. ANC’s channels consist of Sky News Live, Fox Sports
News, Sky News Weather, Sky News UK, Sky News Extra, Sky News Extra 1, Sky News Extra 2, Sky News
Extra 3, Sky News New Zealand and Sky News on WIN. ANC channels are distributed throughout Australia and
New Zealand and available on Foxtel and Sky Network Television NZ. Sky News on WIN is available on the
regional FTA WIN network in Australia. ANC also owns and operates the international Australia Channel IPTV
service and offers content across a variety of digital media platforms, including mobile, podcasts and social
media websites. ANC primarily generates revenue through monthly affiliate fees received from pay-TV
providers based on the number of subscribers and advertising.
ANC competes primarily with other news providers in Australia and New Zealand via its subscription television
channels, third party content arrangements and free domain website. Its Australia Channel IPTV service also
competes against OTT and IPTV subscription-based news providers in regions outside of Australia and New
Zealand.
Book Publishing
The Company’s Book Publishing segment consists of HarperCollins, the second largest consumer book publisher
in the world based on global revenue, with operations in 17 countries. HarperCollins publishes and distributes
consumer books globally through print, digital and audio formats. Its digital formats include e-books and
downloadable audio books for tablets, e-book readers and mobile devices. HarperCollins owns more than
120 branded imprints, including Harper, William Morrow, HarperCollins Children’s Books, Avon, Harlequin and
Christian publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson.
HarperCollins publishes works by well-known authors such as Harper Lee, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Rick
Warren, Sarah Young and Agatha Christie and popular titles such as The Hobbit, Goodnight Moon, To Kill a
Mockingbird, Jesus Calling and Hillbilly Elegy. Its print and digital global catalog includes more than 200,000
publications in different formats, in 16 languages, and it licenses rights for its authors’ works to be published in
more than 50 languages around the world. HarperCollins publishes fiction and nonfiction, with a focus on
general, children’s and religious content. Additionally, in the U.K., HarperCollins publishes titles for the
equivalent of the K-12 educational market.
As of June 30, 2019, HarperCollins offered approximately 100,000 publications in digital formats, and nearly all
of HarperCollins’ new titles, as well as the majority of its entire catalog, are available as e-books. Digital sales,
comprising revenues generated through the sale of e-books as well as downloadable audio books, represented
approximately 20% of global consumer revenues for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. With the widespread
adoption of electronic formats by consumers, HarperCollins is publishing a number of titles in digital formats
before, or instead of, publishing a print edition.
During fiscal 2019, HarperCollins U.S. had 141 titles on the New York Times print and digital bestseller lists,
with 22 titles hitting number one, including Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis,
Homebody, Magnolia Table and We Are the Gardeners by Joanna Gaines, The Hate U Give and On the Come Up
by Angie Thomas, Everything is F*cked by Mark Manson, The Russia Hoax by Gregg Jarrett, The Other Woman
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by Daniel Silva, The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn, The Tattooist of Auschwitz by Heather Morris, Sapiens
by Yuval Noah Harari, You Are My Happy by Hoda Kotbe, Dear Boy by Paris Rosenthal & Jason Rosenthal, The
Good Egg by Jory John and Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain.
HarperCollins derives its revenue from the sale of print and digital books to a customer base that includes global
technology companies, traditional brick and mortar booksellers, wholesale clubs and discount stores, including
Amazon, Apple, Barnes & Noble and Tesco. Revenues at the Book Publishing segment are significantly affected
by the timing of releases and the number of HarperCollins’ books in the marketplace, and are typically highest
during the Company’s second fiscal quarter due to increased demand during the end-of-year holiday season in its
main operating geographies.
The book publishing business operates in a highly competitive market that is quickly changing and continues to
see technological innovations. HarperCollins competes with other large publishers, such as Penguin Random
House, Simon & Schuster and Hachette Livre, as well as with numerous smaller publishers, for the rights to
works by well-known authors and public personalities; competition could also come from new entrants as
barriers to entry in book publishing are low. In addition, HarperCollins competes for consumers with other media
formats and sources such as movies, television programming, magazines and mobile content. The Company
believes HarperCollins is well positioned in the evolving book publishing market with significant size and brand
recognition across multiple categories and geographies. Furthermore, HarperCollins is a leader in children’s and
religious books, categories which have been less impacted by the transition to digital consumption.
Digital Real Estate Services
The Company’s Digital Real Estate Services segment consists of its 61.6% interest in REA Group, a publicly-
traded company listed on ASX (ASX: REA), and its 80% interest in Move. The remaining 20% interest in Move
is held by REA Group.
REA Group
REA Group is a market-leading digital media business specializing in property, with operations focused on
property and property-related advertising and services, as well as financial services.
Property and Property-Related Advertising and Services
REA Group advertises property and property-related services on its websites and mobile apps across Australia
and Asia. REA Group’s Australian operations include leading residential, commercial and share property
websites realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au, Flatmates.com.au and spacely.com.au. Additionally, REA
Group operates media display and data services businesses, serving the display media market and markets
adjacent to property, respectively. For the year ended June 30, 2019, average monthly visits to realestate.com.au
were approximately 76.8 million. Launches of the realestate.com.au app increased 21% to 29.4 million average
monthly launches in fiscal 2019 as compared to the prior year, with consumers spending more than 4.7 times
longer on the app than any other property app in Australia according to Nielsen Digital Content Ratings.
Realcommercial.com.au remains Australia’s leading commercial property site across website and app. In fiscal
2019, the realcommercial.com.au app was launched 8.8 times more than the nearest competitor, and consumers
spent more than 7.0 times longer on the realcommercial.com.au app based on Nielsen Digital Content Ratings
data. Flatmates.com.au is the largest site for share accommodation in Australia, with average monthly visits of
more than 3.0 million and more than 450,000 new members during fiscal 2019. Spacely.com.au is the leading
advertising portal for short term commercial and co-working spaces in Australia with more than 4,000 property
listings throughout Australia.
Realestate.com.au and realcommerical.com.au derive the majority of their revenue from their core property
advertising listing products and monthly advertising subscriptions from real estate agents and property
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developers. Realestate.com.au and realcommercial.com.au offer a product hierarchy which enables real estate
agents and property developers to upgrade listing advertisements to increase their prominence on the site, as well
as a variety of targeted products, including media display advertising products. Flatmates.com.au and
spacely.com.au derive the majority of their revenue from their shared space advertising listing products and
booking fees. The media business offers unique advertising opportunities on REA Group’s websites to property
developers and other relevant markets, including utilities and telecommunications, insurance, finance,
automotive and retail. REA Group also provides residential property data services to the financial sector through
its Hometrack data services business.
REA Group’s international operations consist of property sites throughout Asia, including leading property
portals in Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and Thailand, and prominent portals in Singapore and China. In fiscal
2019, REA Group consolidated its two brands in Hong Kong and launched a new squarefoot.com.hk, which
became Hong Kong’s leading property portal in June 2019. In Malaysia, iproperty.com.my became the first
major property portal to offer a search experience in the local Bahasa language, enabling the business to reach
more than 69% of the local population. REA Group also operates Chinese site myfun.com, which supports REA
Group’s businesses in other geographic markets by showcasing residential property listings to Chinese buyers
and investors, and delivers leads to agents. REA Group’s other assets include an approximate 13% interest in
Elara Technologies Pte. Ltd. (“Elara”), a leading online real estate services provider in India that owns and
operates PropTiger.com, Housing.com and Makaan.com, and a 20% interest in Move, as referenced above.
Financial Services
REA Group’s financial services business encompasses realestate.com.au Home Loans, an end-to-end digital
property search and financing experience, and mortgage broking services, both through an integrated mortgage
broking solution, as well as Smartline Home Loans Pty Limited, one of Australia’s premier mortgage broking
companies. The financial services business generates revenue primarily through fees and commissions from
lenders, mortgage brokers and other customers. Since launching realestate.com.au Home Loans in 2017,
applications for more than A$1.8 billion (approximately US$1.3 billion) of loans have been received.
REA Group competes primarily with other property websites in its geographic markets, including domain.com.au
in Australia.
Move
Move is a leading provider of online real estate services in the U.S. Move primarily operates realtor.com®, a
premier real estate information and services marketplace, under a perpetual agreement and trademark license
with the National Association of Realtors® (“NAR”). Through realtor.com®, consumers have access to over
135 million properties across the U.S., including an extensive collection of homes and properties listed and
displayed for sale and a large database of “off-market” properties. Realtor.com® and its related mobile apps
display approximately 98% of all Multiple Listing Services (“MLS”)-listed, for-sale and rental properties in the
U.S., which are primarily sourced directly from relationships with MLSs across the country. Approximately 95%
of its for-sale listings are updated at least every 15 minutes, on average, with the remaining listings updated
daily. Realtor.com®’s content attracts a highly engaged consumer audience. Based on internal data, realtor.com®
and its mobile sites had 72 million average monthly unique users during the quarter ended June 30, 2019. See
“Part I. Business—Explanatory Note Regarding Certain Key Metrics.” These users viewed an average of over
two billion pages and spent an average of over two billion minutes on the realtor.com® website and mobile apps
each month.
Realtor.com® generates the majority of its revenues through the sale of listing advertisement products, including
ConnectionsSM Plus and AdvantageSM Pro, as well as its recently acquired Opcity performance and subscription-
based services. Listing advertisement products allow real estate agents, brokers and franchises to enhance,
prioritize and connect with consumers on for-sale property listings within the realtor.com® website and mobile
13
apps. Listing advertisements are typically sold on a subscription basis. Opcity’s concierge-based business model
leverages its proprietary technology and platform to connect real estate professionals and other service providers,
such as lenders and insurance companies, to Opcity’s pre-vetted consumers. Opcity’s performance-based services
connect real estate agents and brokers with these consumers and typically generate success fees upon completion
of the associated real estate transaction, while the subscription-based services give service providers access to the
same highly qualified home shoppers. Realtor.com® also derives revenue from sales of non-listing advertisement,
or Media, products to real estate, finance, insurance, home improvement and other professionals that enable those
professionals to connect with realtor.com®’s highly engaged and valuable consumer audience. Media products
include sponsorships, display advertisements, text links, directories and Digital Advertising Package. Non-listing
advertisement pricing models include cost per thousand, cost per click, cost per unique user and subscription-
based sponsorships of specific content areas or targeted geographies.
In addition to realtor.com®, Move also offers a number of professional software and services products. These
include the Top Producer® productivity and lead management tools and services, which are tailored to real estate
agents and sold on a subscription basis, as well as the ListHubTM service, which syndicates for-sale listing
information from MLSs and other reliable data sources, such as real estate brokerages, and distributes that
content to an array of web sites. Listing syndication pricing includes fixed- or variable-pricing models based on
listing counts, while ListHubTM’s advanced reporting products are sold on a monthly subscription basis.
Move competes primarily with other real estate websites and mobile apps focused on the U.S. real estate market,
including zillow.com and trulia.com.
Other
The Other segment includes the Company’s general corporate overhead expenses, corporate Strategy Group and
costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Company’s Strategy Group identifies new products and
services across the Company’s businesses to increase revenues and profitability and targets and assesses potential
acquisitions, investments and dispositions. Initiatives include News IQ, the Company’s data-driven digital
advertising platform that enables targeting and engagement of premium audiences at scale across the Company’s
network of assets. As part of its ongoing role in assessing potential acquisitions and investments, the Strategy
Group also oversaw the Company’s acquisitions of Move, a leading provider of online real estate services in the
U.S., Unruly, a global video advertising marketplace, and Wireless Group, operator of talkSPORT, the leading
sports radio network in the U.K. The Strategy Group also oversees the Company’s strategic digital investments in
India, including Elara, which owns PropTiger.com, Housing.com and Makaan.com.
Governmental Regulation
General
Various aspects of the Company’s activities are subject to regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the world.
The introduction of new laws and regulations in countries where the Company’s products and services are
produced or distributed, and changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations in those countries, could
have a negative impact on the Company’s interests.
Australian Media Regulation
The Company’s subscription television interests are subject to Australia’s regulatory framework for the
broadcasting industry, including the Australian Broadcasting Services Act 1992 (Cth) (the “Broadcasting
Services Act”) and the Telecommunications Act 1997 (Cth) (the “Telecommunications Act”) and associated
Codes. The key regulatory body for the Australian broadcasting industry is the Australian Communications and
Media Authority.
Key regulatory issues for subscription television providers include: (a) anti-siphoning restrictions—currently
under the ‘anti-siphoning’ provisions of the Broadcasting Services Act, subscription television providers are
14
prevented from acquiring rights to televise certain listed events (for example, the Olympic Games and certain
Australian Rules football and cricket matches) unless national or commercial television broadcasters have not
obtained these rights 26 weeks before the start of the event or the rights are held by commercial television
licensees whose television broadcasting services cover more than 50% of the Australian population or the rights
are held by one of Australia’s two major government-funded broadcasters; and (b) other parts of the
Broadcasting Services Act that may impact the Company’s ownership structure and operations and restrict its
ability to take advantage of acquisition or investment opportunities. Foxtel is also subject to various consumer
protection regimes under the Telecommunications Act and associated Codes, which apply to Foxtel as a
telecommunications service provider.
Data Privacy and Security
The Company’s business activities are subject to laws and regulations governing the collection, use, sharing,
protection and retention of personal data, which continue to evolve and have implications for how such data is
managed. For example, in the U.S., certain of the Company’s websites, mobile apps and other online business
activities are subject to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998, which prohibits the collection of
personally identifiable information online from children under age 13 without prior parental consent. In addition,
the Federal Trade Commission continues to expand its application of general consumer protection laws to
commercial data practices, including to the use of personal and profiling data from online users to deliver
targeted internet advertisements. More state and local governments are also expanding, enacting or proposing
data privacy laws that govern the collection and use of personal data of their residents and increase penalties and
afford private rights of action to individuals in certain circumstances for failure to comply, and most states have
enacted legislation requiring businesses to provide notice to state agencies and to individuals whose personally
identifiable information has been disclosed as a result of a data breach. The California Consumer Privacy Act
(“CCPA”), which will take effect on January 1, 2020, is one such example, putting greater restrictions on how
the Company can collect and use personal information.
Similar laws and regulations have been implemented in many of the other jurisdictions in which the Company
operates, including the European Union and Australia. For example, the European Union adopted the General
Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which is intended to provide a uniform set of rules for personal data
processing throughout the European Union and to replace the existing Data Protection Directive (Directive
95/46/EC). Fully applicable and enforceable as of May 25, 2018, the GDPR expands the regulation of the
collection, processing, use and security of personal data, contains stringent conditions for consent from data
subjects, strengthens the rights of individuals, including the right to have personal data deleted upon request,
continues to restrict the trans-border flow of such data, requires companies to conduct privacy impact
assessments to evaluate data processing operations that are likely to result in a high risk to the rights and
freedoms of individuals, requires mandatory data breach reporting and notification, significantly increases
maximum penalties for non-compliance (up to 20 million Euros, or approximately 23 million U.S. dollars, or
4% of an entity’s worldwide annual turnover in the preceding financial year, whichever is higher) and increases
the enforcement powers of the data protection authorities. The European Union is also considering an update to
its Privacy and Electronic Communication (e-Privacy) Directive with a regulation to, among other things, amend
the current directive’s rules on the use of cookies and opt-outs.
In 2016, the European Commission adopted a new mechanism for the transfer of personal data from the
European Union to the United States called the Privacy Shield. Other than for one business unit operating an
advertising exchange, the Company has not certified to, and does not rely on, the Privacy Shield framework for
data transfers among the Company’s businesses and instead relies on other mechanisms. However, certain of the
Company’s service providers do rely on the Privacy Shield. The Privacy Shield is subject to significant
uncertainty, including an annual review procedure by U.S. and E.U. authorities and a legal challenge scheduled
to be heard by the General Court of the E.U. in July 2019, that could affect the Company’s or its service
providers’ obligations thereunder. The other mechanisms that the Company and certain of its service providers
rely on to address the European data protection requirements for transfers of data, including the European Union
15
Standard Contractual Clauses, are also subject to uncertainty and legal challenges. Challenges to existing data
transfer mechanisms, and any future legal challenges to data transfer mechanisms that may be adopted, could
cause the Company to incur additional costs, require it to change business practices or affect the manner in which
it provides its services.
In Australia, data privacy laws impose additional requirements on organizations that handle personal data by,
among other things, requiring the disclosure of cross-border data transfers, placing restrictions on direct
marketing practices and imposing mandatory data breach reporting, and additional data privacy and security
requirements and industry standards are under consideration.
Industry participants in the U.S., Europe and Australia have taken steps to increase compliance with relevant
industry-level standards and practices, including the implementation of self-regulatory regimes for online
behavioral advertising that impose obligations on participating companies, such as the Company, to give
consumers a better understanding of advertisements that are customized based on their online behavior.
The interpretation and application of data privacy and security laws are often uncertain, in flux, and evolving in
the United States and internationally. The Company continues to monitor pending legislation and regulatory
initiatives to ascertain relevance, analyze impact and develop strategic direction surrounding regulatory trends
and developments, including any changes required in the Company’s data privacy and security compliance
programs.
U.K. Press Regulation
As a result of the implementation of recommendations of the Leveson inquiry into the U.K. press, a Press
Recognition Panel responsible for approving, overseeing and monitoring a new press regulatory body or bodies
was established. Once approved by the Press Recognition Panel, the new press regulatory body or bodies would
be responsible for overseeing participating publishers. In addition to the Press Recognition Panel, certain
legislation provides that publishers who are not members of an approved regulator may be liable for exemplary
damages in certain cases where such damages are not currently awarded and, if Section 40 of the Crime and
Courts Act 2013 is enacted, the payment of costs for both parties in libel actions in certain circumstances.
Press regulator IMPRESS was recognized as an approved regulator by the Press Recognition Panel on
October 25, 2016. However, publications representing the majority of the industry in the U.K., including News
UK, entered into binding contracts to form an alternative regulator, the Independent Press Standards
Organisation, or IPSO, in September 2014. IPSO currently has no plans to apply for recognition from the Press
Recognition Panel. IPSO has an independent chairman and a 12-member board, the majority of which are
independent. IPSO oversees the Editors’ Code of Practice, requires members to implement appropriate internal
governance processes and requires self-reporting of any failures, provides a complaints handling service, has the
ability to require publications to print corrections and has the power to investigate serious or systemic breaches
of the Editors’ Code of Practice and levy fines of up to £1 million. IPSO has also introduced an arbitration
scheme to resolve claims against publications. The burdens IPSO imposes on its print media members, including
the Company’s newspaper publishing businesses in the U.K., may result in competitive disadvantages versus
other forms of media and may increase the costs of regulatory compliance.
U.K. Radio Broadcasting Regulation
The Company’s radio stations in the U.K. and Ireland are also subject to governmental regulation by the relevant
broadcast authorities as the Company is required to obtain and maintain licenses from such authorities to operate
these stations. Although the Company expects its licenses will, where relevant, be renewed in the ordinary course
upon their expiration, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Non-compliance by the Company with
the requirements associated with such licenses or other applicable laws and regulations, including of the relevant
authority, could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other adverse regulatory
actions.
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Intellectual Property
The Company’s intellectual property assets include: copyrights in newspapers, books, television programming
and other content and technologies; trademarks in names and logos; trade names; domain names; and licenses of
intellectual property rights. These licenses include: (1) the sports programming rights licenses for the National
Rugby League, Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, V8 Supercars, Formula One, Football Federation
Australia, Australian Rugby Union and other broadcasting rights described in Note 16 to the Financial
Statements; (2) licenses from various third parties, including ARRIS, of patents and other technology for the
set-top boxes and related operating and conditional access systems used in the Company’s pay-TV business;
(3) the trademark license for the realtor.com® website address, as well as the REALTOR® trademark (the “NAR
License”); and (4) the trademark licenses for the use of FOX formative trademarks used in the Company’s
pay-TV business in Australia (the “Fox Licenses”). In addition, its intellectual property assets include patents or
patent applications for inventions related to its products, business methods and/or services, none of which are
material to its financial condition or results of operations. The Company derives value and revenue from its
intellectual property assets through, among other things, print and digital newspaper and magazine subscriptions
and sales, subscriptions to its pay-TV services and distribution and/or licensing of its television programming to
other television services, the sale, distribution and/or licensing of print and digital books, the sale of subscriptions
to its content and information services and the operation of websites and other digital properties.
The Company devotes significant resources to protecting its intellectual property assets in the U.S., the U.K.,
Australia and other foreign territories. To protect these assets, the Company relies upon a combination of
copyright, trademark, unfair competition, patent, trade secret and other laws and contract provisions. However,
there can be no assurance of the degree to which these measures will be successful in any given case. Piracy,
including in the digital environment, continues to present a threat to revenues from products and services based
on intellectual property. Policing unauthorized use of the Company’s products, services and content and related
intellectual property is often difficult and the steps taken may not in every case prevent the infringement by
unauthorized third parties of the Company’s intellectual property. The Company seeks to limit the threat of
piracy by preventing unauthorized access to its content through the use of programming content encryption,
signal encryption and other security access devices and digital rights management software, as well as by
obtaining site blocking orders against pirate streaming and torrent sites and a variety of other actions. The
Company also seeks to limit such threat by pursuing legal sanctions for infringement, promoting appropriate
legislative initiatives and international treaties and enhancing public awareness of the meaning and value of
intellectual property and intellectual property laws. However, effective intellectual property protection may be
either unavailable or limited in certain foreign territories. Therefore, the Company also engages in efforts to
strengthen and update intellectual property protection around the world, including efforts to ensure the effective
enforcement of intellectual property laws and remedies for infringement.
Third parties may challenge the validity or scope of the Company’s intellectual property from time to time, and
such challenges could result in the limitation or loss of intellectual property rights. Irrespective of their validity,
such claims may result in substantial costs and diversion of resources that could have an adverse effect on the
Company’s operations.
Raw Materials
As a major publisher of newspapers, magazines, free-standing inserts and books, the Company utilizes
substantial quantities of various types of paper. In order to obtain the best available prices, substantially all of the
Company’s paper purchasing is done on a regional, volume purchase basis, and draws upon major paper
manufacturing countries around the world. The Company believes that under present market conditions, its
sources of paper supply used in its publishing activities are adequate.
Employees
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately 28,000 employees, of whom approximately 10,000 were
located in the U.S., 4,000 were located in the U.K. and 10,000 were located in Australia. Of the Company’s
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employees, approximately 5,000 were represented by various employee unions. The contracts with such unions
will expire during various times over the next several years. The Company believes its current relationships with
employees are generally good.
Explanatory Note Regarding Certain Key Metrics
Unique Users
For purposes of this Annual Report, the Company counts unique users the first time an individual accesses a
product’s website using a browser during a calendar month and the first time an individual accesses a product’s
mobile or tablet app using a mobile or tablet device during a calendar month. If the user accesses more than one
of a product’s desktop websites, mobile websites, mobile apps and/or tablet apps, the first access to each such
website or app is counted as a separate unique user. In addition, users accessing a product’s websites through
different browsers, users who clear their browser cache at any time and users who access a product’s websites
and apps through different devices are also counted as separate unique users. For a group of products such as
WSJDN, a user accessing different products within the group is counted as a separate unique user for each
product accessed.
Broadcast Subscribers
Broadcast subscribers consist of residential subscribers and commercial subscribers, which are calculated as
described below.
Residential Subscribers
Total number of residential subscribers represents total residential subscribers to the Company’s pay-TV services
through cable and satellite distribution, including subscribers obtained through third-party distribution
relationships.
Commercial Subscribers
Commercial subscribers for the Company’s pay-TV business are calculated as residential equivalent business
units, which are derived by dividing total recurring revenue from these subscribers by an estimated average
Broadcast ARPU which is held constant through the year. Total number of commercial subscribers represents
total commercial subscribers to the Company’s pay-TV services through cable and satellite distribution,
including subscribers obtained through third-party distribution relationships.
Broadcast ARPU
The Company calculates Broadcast ARPU for its pay-TV business by dividing broadcast package revenues for
the period, net of customer credits, promotions and other discounts, by average cable and satellite residential
subscribers for the period and dividing by the number of months in the period. Average cable and satellite
residential subscribers, or “Average Broadcast Subscribers,” for a given period is calculated by first adding the
beginning and ending cable and satellite residential subscribers for each month in the period and dividing by two
and then adding each of those monthly average subscriber numbers and dividing by the number of months in the
period.
Broadcast Subscriber Churn
The Company calculates Broadcast Subscriber Churn for its pay-TV business by dividing the total number of
disconnected cable and satellite residential subscribers for the period, net of reconnects and transfers, by the
Average Broadcast Subscribers for the period, calculated as described above. This amount is then divided by the
number of days in the period and multiplied by 365 days to present churn on an annual basis.
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ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
You should carefully consider the following risks and other information in this Annual Report on Form 10-K in
evaluating the Company and its common stock. Any of the following risks, or other risks or uncertainties not
presently known or currently deemed immaterial, could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business,
results of operations or financial condition, and could, in turn, impact the trading price of the Company’s
common stock.
The Company’s Businesses Operate in a Highly Competitive Business Environment, and the Company’s Success
Depends on its Ability to Compete Effectively.
The Company’s businesses face significant competition from other sources of news, information and entertainment,
including both traditional and new content providers. This competition continues to intensify as a result of rapid
changes in technologies and platforms, and the Company may be adversely affected if consumers migrate to other
alternatives. For example, advertising and circulation revenues in the Company’s News and Information Services
segment may continue to decline, reflecting consumers’ increasing reliance on a variety of content providers and
platforms, including search engines, news aggregation websites, social media networks and customized news feeds,
for the delivery of news and information, often without charge. In addition, due to the increased availability of high-
speed internet access and innovations in content distribution platforms that enable streaming and downloading of
programming, consumers are now more readily able to watch internet-delivered content through an increasing
variety of providers. These providers include IPTV and SVOD services, such as Fetch TV, Netflix, Stan and
Amazon Prime Video, streaming services offered through digital media providers, such as YouTube and Facebook,
as well as programmers and distributors, such as CBS, Disney and the FTA networks, that have begun providing
content, including smaller, lower-cost or free programming packages, directly to consumers over the internet. The
increasing number of choices available to consumers for video content has caused some of the subscribers to the
Company’s pay-TV services to disconnect their services, downgrade to smaller, less expensive programming
packages or purchase certain services from other providers, and this may continue. This trend has adversely
affected, and may continue to adversely affect, both the Company’s subscription revenue and, in turn, advertisers’
willingness to purchase television advertising from the Company.
In order to compete effectively, the Company must differentiate and distinguish its products and services and
anticipate and adapt to changes in consumer tastes and behaviors, which in turn, depends on many factors both
within and beyond its control. For example, the Company relies on acceptance of the high-quality differentiated
content in its newspapers, book titles, pay-TV programming and radio stations, as well as its wide array of digital
and mobile products and services, in order to retain and grow its audiences, consumers and subscribers.
However, when faced with a multitude of choices, consumers may place greater value on the convenience and
price of content and other products and services than they do on their source, quality or reliability. Online traffic
and product purchases are also driven by internet search results, referrals from social media and other platforms
and visibility on digital marketplace platforms and in mobile app stores. Search engine results and digital
marketplace and mobile app store rankings are based on algorithms that change frequently, and social media and
other platforms may also vary their emphasis on what content to highlight for users. Any failure to successfully
manage and adapt to these changes across the Company’s businesses, including those affecting how the
Company’s content, apps and products are prioritized, displayed and monetized, could result in significant
decreases in traffic to the Company’s digital properties, lower advertiser interest in those properties, increased
costs if free traffic is replaced with paid traffic and lower product sales and subscriptions or otherwise adversely
affect the Company’s business.
From time to time, the Company may pursue new strategic initiatives in order to remain competitive, such as its
OTT strategy and its planned migration of subscribers from cable to satellite or internet delivery at its pay-TV
business and its new concierge model for its U.S. digital real estate business. The Company may be required to
incur significant capital expenditures, marketing and other costs in order to implement these strategies, which
may be dilutive to its earnings. There can be no assurance these initiatives will be successful in the manner or
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time period the Company expects or that it will realize, in full or in part, the anticipated benefits it expects such
strategy to achieve. The failure to realize those benefits could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s
business, results of operations and financial condition. For example, the Company is targeting a different
demographic with its new streaming services, which are offered at a lower price point than its traditional
broadcast subscription packages. However, if instead those streaming offerings cause broadcast subscribers to
disconnect their services or downgrade to smaller, less expensive programming packages, the Company’s
revenues may be materially and adversely affected.
Some of the Company’s current and potential competitors may have greater resources, fewer regulatory burdens,
better competitive positions in certain areas, greater operating capabilities, greater access to sources of content or
other services and/or easier access to financing, which may allow them to respond more effectively to changes in
technology, consumer preferences and market conditions. Continued consolidation among competitors in certain
industries in which the Company’s businesses operate may increase these advantages, including through greater
scale, financial leverage and/or access to content and other offerings. If the Company is unable to compete
successfully against existing or future competitors, its business, results of operations and financial condition
could be adversely affected.
The Company Must Respond to New Technologies and Changes in Consumer Behavior and Continue to Innovate
and Provide Useful Products in Order to Remain Competitive.
Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and the resulting changes in consumer behavior and preferences create
constant opportunities for new and existing competitors that can quickly render the Company’s products and
services less valuable. For example, alternative methods for the delivery, storage and consumption of digital
content, including the distribution of news and other content through social networking tools and on mobile and
other devices, often without charge, internet and mobile distribution of video content via streaming and
downloading and digital distribution models for books, have empowered consumers to seek more control over
the convenience and price of content consumption. Enhanced internet capabilities and the development of new
media channels may continue to reduce the demand for the Company’s newspapers, television programs and
other products and services and the price consumers are willing to pay for such products and services.
Consumption of the Company’s content on new delivery platforms may also lead to loss of distribution and
pricing control, loss of a direct relationship with consumers and lower engagement and subscription rates. In
addition, other technological developments, such as those allowing consumers to skip, fast forward through or
block advertisements or otherwise time-shift viewing, may cause changes in consumer behavior that adversely
affect the attractiveness of the Company’s offerings to advertisers.
Technological developments have in many cases also increased competition by significantly lowering barriers to
entry. For example, content providers are now able to compete with our pay-TV business via direct-to-consumer
offerings, as internet streaming capabilities enabled the disaggregation of content delivery from the ownership of
network infrastructure. Other digital platforms and technologies, such as user-generated sites and self-publishing
tools, have also reduced the effort and expense of producing and distributing content on a wide scale, allowing
digital content providers, customers, suppliers and other third parties to compete with the Company, often at a
lower cost. This trend may drive down the price consumers are willing to spend on the Company’s products
disproportionately to the costs associated with generating content. Additional digital distribution channels, such
as online retailers and digital marketplaces, have presented, and may continue to present, challenges to the
Company’s business models, including its traditional book publishing model, which could adversely affect sales
volume and/or pricing.
The Company must continue to acquire, develop, adopt, upgrade and exploit new and existing technologies to
ensure its products and services remain relevant and useful for consumers and customers, are delivered in the
manner in which consumers and customers wish to consume them and are offered at competitive prices. The
Company may be required to incur significant capital expenditures and other costs in order to respond to new
technologies, new and enhanced offerings from its competitors and changes in consumer behavior, and to attract
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and retain employees with the necessary skill sets and knowledge base. For example, the Company has made,
and expects to continue to makes investments and incur costs in its pay-TV business as it continues to develop
and improve its OTT services, including its recently-launched Kayo sports streaming service, Foxtel Now and
other potential new OTT services. The development of new technologically advanced products is a complex and
uncertain process, and there is a risk the Company may not be able to develop and market these opportunities in a
timely or cost-effective manner and its responses and strategies to remain competitive, including new product
offerings, may not be accepted by consumers or generate sufficient revenues to be profitable. The Company’s
failure to respond to and develop new technologies, distribution channels and platforms, products and services to
take advantage of advancements in technology and the latest consumer preferences could cause its customer,
audience and/or user base or its advertisers to decline, in some cases precipitously, and could have a significant
adverse effect on its business, asset values, results of operations and financial condition.
A Decline in Customer Advertising Expenditures in the Company’s Newspaper and Other Businesses Could
Cause its Revenues and Operating Results to Decline Significantly.
The Company derives substantial revenues from the sale of advertising through its newspapers, integrated
marketing services, digital media properties, cable channels and other pay-TV programming and radio stations.
The Company’s ability to generate advertising revenue is dependent on a number of factors, including:
(1) demand for the Company’s products and services, (2) audience fragmentation, (3) digital advertising trends,
(4) its ability to offer advertising products and formats sought by advertisers, (5) general economic and business
conditions, (6) demographics of the customer base, (7) advertising rates and (8) advertising effectiveness.
Demand for the Company’s products and services depends upon the Company’s ability to differentiate those
products and services and anticipate and adapt to changes in consumer behaviors and is evaluated based on a
variety of metrics. For example, circulation levels for the Company’s newspapers, ratings points for its cable
channels and number of listeners for its radio stations are among the factors advertisers consider when
determining the amount of advertising to purchase from the Company as well as advertising rates. For the
Company’s digital media properties, advertisers evaluate consumer demand using metrics such as the number of
visits, number of users and user engagement. Any difficulty or failure in accurately measuring demand,
particularly demand generated through new platforms, may lead to under-measurement and, in turn, lower
advertising pricing and spending.
The increasing popularity of digital media among consumers as a source of news and other content has driven a
corresponding shift in advertising from traditional channels to digital platforms. This shift has significantly
impacted the Company’s print advertising revenues in particular, which have declined in each of its last three
fiscal years. The development of new devices and technologies, as well as higher consumer engagement with
other forms of digital media such as online and mobile social networking, are increasing the number of media
choices and formats available to audiences, resulting in audience fragmentation and increased competition for
advertising. The range of advertising choices across digital products and platforms and the large inventory of
available digital advertising space have historically resulted in significantly lower rates for digital advertising
than for print advertising. In addition, in the past, rates have been generally lower for mobile advertising than for
desktop advertising. As a result, increasing consumer reliance on mobile devices may add additional pricing
pressure. Consequently, the Company’s digital advertising revenue may not be able to replace print advertising
revenue lost as a result of the shift to digital consumption.
The digital advertising market also continues to undergo significant changes that may further impact digital
advertising revenues. Digital advertising networks and exchanges, real-time bidding and other programmatic
buying channels that allow advertisers to buy audiences at scale are playing a more significant role in the
advertising marketplace and may cause further downward pricing pressure. New delivery platforms may also
lead to loss of distribution and pricing control and loss of a direct relationship with consumers. In addition,
evolving standards for the delivery of digital advertising, as well as the development and implementation of
technology and policies that adversely affect the Company’s ability to deliver, target or measure the effectiveness
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of its advertising such as blocking, changing the location of, or obscuring, the display of advertising on websites
and mobile devices and/or blocking or deleting cookies, may also negatively impact digital advertising revenues.
As the digital advertising market continues to evolve, the Company’s ability to compete successfully for
advertising budgets will depend on, among other things, its ability to drive scale, engage and grow digital
audiences, collect and leverage better user data, develop new digital advertising products and formats such as
branded and other custom content, and video and mobile advertising, and prove the value of its advertising and
the effectiveness of the Company’s platforms to its advertising customers, including through more targeted, data-
driven offerings. In recent years, large digital platforms such as Facebook, Google and Amazon, which have
extensive audience reach and targeting capabilities, have commanded an increasing share of the digital
advertising market, and the Company expects this trend may continue.
The Company’s print and digital advertising revenue is also affected generally by overall national and local
economic and business conditions, including consumer spending, housing sales, auto sales, unemployment rates
and job creation, advertisers’ budgeting and buying patterns, which tend to be cyclical, as well as federal, state
and local election cycles. In addition, certain sectors of the economy account for a significant portion of the
Company’s advertising revenues, including retail, technology and finance. Some of these sectors, such as retail,
are more susceptible to weakness in economic conditions and have also been under pressure from increased
online competition. A decline in the economic prospects of these and other advertisers or the economy in general
could alter current or prospective advertisers’ spending priorities or result in consolidation or closures across
various industries, which may also reduce the Company’s overall advertising revenue.
While the Company has adopted a number of strategies and initiatives to address these challenges, there can be
no guarantee that its efforts will be successful. If the Company is unable to demonstrate the continuing value of
its various platforms and high-quality content and brands or offer advertisers unique multi-platform advertising
programs, its results may suffer. Reduced demand for the Company’s offerings, a decrease in advertising
expenditures by the Company’s customers or a surplus of advertising inventory could lead to a reduction in
pricing and advertising spending, which could have an adverse effect on the Company’s businesses and assets,
results of operations and financial condition.
The Inability to Obtain and Retain Sports, Entertainment and Other Programming Rights and Content Could
Adversely Affect the Revenue of Certain of the Company’s Operating Businesses, and Costs Could Also Increase
Upon Renewal.
Competition for popular programming licensed from third parties is intense, and the success of certain of the
Company’s operating businesses, including its pay-TV business, depends on, among other things, their ability to
obtain and retain rights to desirable programming and certain related elements thereof, such as music rights, that
enable them to deliver content to subscribers and audiences in the manner in which they wish to consume it and
at competitive prices. The pay-TV industry, including the Company’s pay-TV business, has experienced higher
programming costs due to, among other things, (1) increases imposed by sports, entertainment and other
programmers when offering new programming or upon the expiration of existing contracts; (2) the carriage of
incremental programming, including new services and SVOD programming; and (3) increased competition from
other digital media companies, including SVOD providers, for the rights to popular or exclusive content. Certain
of the Company’s operating businesses, including its pay-TV business, are party to contracts for sports,
entertainment and other programming rights with various third parties, including professional sports leagues and
teams, television and motion picture producers and other content providers. These contracts have varying
durations and renewal terms, and as they expire, renewals on favorable terms may be sought. In the course of
renegotiating these and other agreements as they expire, the financial and other terms of these contracts may
change as a result of various reasons beyond the Company’s control, such as changes in the Company’s
bargaining power or in the industry, and in order to retain or extend such rights, the Company may be required to
increase the value of its offer to amounts that substantially exceed the existing contract costs. Furthermore, third
parties may outbid the Company for those rights and/or for any new programming offerings. In addition, as other
content providers develop their own competing services, they may be unwilling to provide the Company with
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access to certain content. For example, professional sports leagues or teams, as well as programmers and
distributors such as CBS and Disney, have created and may continue to create their own direct-to-consumer
offerings. Further, consolidation among content providers may increase the amount of content that could become
unavailable to the Company. The loss of rights may adversely affect the breadth or quality of the Company’s
content offerings, including the extent of the sports coverage and the availability of other popular entertainment
programming offered by the Company and lead to customer or audience dissatisfaction or, in some cases, loss of
customers or audiences, which could, in turn, adversely affect its revenues. In addition, the Company’s business,
results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected if upon renewal, escalations in
programming rights costs are unmatched by increases in subscriber and carriage fees and advertising rates.
The Company Has Made and May Continue to Make Strategic Acquisitions, Investments and Divestitures That
Introduce Significant Risks and Uncertainties.
In order to position its business to take advantage of growth opportunities, the Company has made and may
continue to make strategic acquisitions and investments that involve significant risks and uncertainties. These
risks and uncertainties include, among others: (1) the difficulty in integrating newly acquired businesses and
operations in an efficient and effective manner, (2) the challenges in achieving strategic objectives, cost savings
and other anticipated benefits, (3) the potential loss of key employees of the acquired businesses, (4) with respect
to investments, risks associated with the inability to control the operations of the business, (5) the risk of
diverting the attention of the Company’s senior management from the Company’s operations, (6) the risks
associated with integrating financial reporting and internal control systems, (7) the difficulties in expanding
information technology systems and other business processes to accommodate the acquired businesses, (8) in the
case of foreign acquisitions and investments, the impact of specific economic, tax, currency, political, legal and
regulatory risks associated with the relevant countries, (9) liabilities, both known and unknown, associated with
the acquired businesses or investments and (10) in some cases, increased regulation. If any acquired business or
investment fails to operate as anticipated or an acquired business cannot be successfully integrated with the
Company’s existing businesses, the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and reputation
could be adversely affected, and the Company may be required to record non-cash impairment charges for the
write-down of certain acquired assets.
In addition, the Company has divested and may in the future divest certain assets or businesses that no longer fit
with its strategic direction or growth targets. Divestitures involve significant risks and uncertainties that could
adversely affect the Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition. These include, among
others, the inability to find potential buyers on favorable terms, disruption to its business and/or diversion of
management attention from other business concerns, loss of key employees, difficulties in separating the
operations of the divested business and possible retention of certain liabilities related to the divested business.
Fluctuations in Foreign Currency Exchange Rates Could Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Results of
Operations.
The Company is exposed to foreign currency exchange rate risk with respect to its consolidated debt when the
debt is denominated in a currency other than the functional currency of the operations whose cash flows support
the ability to repay or refinance such debt. As of June 30, 2019, the Foxtel operating subsidiaries, whose
functional currency is Australian dollars, had approximately $575 million aggregate principal amount of
outstanding indebtedness denominated in U.S. dollars. The Company’s policy is to hedge against the risk of
foreign currency exchange rate movements with respect to this exposure where commercially reasonable.
However, there can be no assurance that it will be able to continue to do so at a reasonable cost or at all, or that
there will not be a default by any of the counterparties to those arrangements.
In addition, the Company is exposed to foreign currency translation risk because it has significant operations in a
number of foreign jurisdictions and certain of its operations are conducted in currencies other than the
Company’s reporting currency, primarily the Australian dollar and the British pound sterling. Since the
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Company’s financial statements are denominated in U.S. dollars, changes in foreign currency exchange rates
between the U.S. dollar and other currencies have had, and will continue to have, a currency translation impact
on the Company’s earnings when the results of those operations that are reported in foreign currencies are
translated into U.S. dollars for inclusion in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which could, in
turn, have an adverse effect on its reported results of operations in a given period or in specific markets. In
particular, exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the British pound sterling are expected to remain volatile
due to continued political uncertainty in the U.K. and the negotiation of its exit from the European Union,
commonly referred to as “Brexit.”
Weak Domestic and Global Economic Conditions and Volatility and Disruption in the Financial and Other
Markets May Adversely Affect the Company’s Business.
The U.S. and global economies have undergone, and continue to experience, periods of economic and market
weakness or uncertainty, including as a result of recent trade disputes between a number of countries. These
conditions have in the past resulted in, among other things, a general tightening in the credit and capital markets,
limited access to the credit and capital markets, lower levels of liquidity, increases in the rates of default and
bankruptcy, lower consumer and business spending, lower consumer net worth and a dramatic decline in the real
estate market. Such market disruptions have often led to broader economic downturns that have historically
resulted in lower advertising expenditures, lower demand for the Company’s products and services and
unfavorable changes in the mix of products and services purchased and have adversely affected the Company’s
business, results of operations, financial condition and liquidity. Any continued or recurring economic weakness
could further impact the Company’s business and reduce its circulation and subscription, advertising, real estate,
consumer and other revenues and otherwise negatively impact the performance of its businesses. The Company
is particularly exposed to certain Australian business risks, including specific Australian legal and regulatory
risks, consumer preferences and competition, because it holds a substantial amount of Australian assets and
generated approximately 40% of its fiscal 2019 revenues from Australia. As a result, the Company’s business,
results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected by negative developments in the
Australian market, including, for example, recent weakness in the Australian residential real estate market which
has led, and may continue to lead, to lower listing volumes at REA Group. The Company also generated
approximately 13% of its fiscal 2019 revenues from the U.K., which continues to experience political, regulatory,
economic and market uncertainty as it negotiates the terms of Brexit. While the impact of Brexit is difficult to
predict, it could significantly affect the fiscal, monetary, political and regulatory landscape, lead other member
countries to consider leaving the European Union, result in the diminishment or elimination of barrier-free access
between the U.K. and other European Union member states and additional volatility and disruption in the
financial and other markets and have an adverse impact on the Company’s businesses in the U.K. and elsewhere.
In addition, further volatility and disruption in the financial markets could make it more difficult and expensive
for the Company to obtain financing or refinance its existing indebtedness. These conditions could also impair
the ability of those with whom the Company does business to satisfy their obligations to the Company, including
as a result of their inability to obtain capital on acceptable terms. Although the Company believes that its
capitalization, operating cash flow and current access to credit and capital markets, including the Company’s
revolving credit facility, will give it the ability to meet its financial needs for the foreseeable future, there can be
no assurance that any further volatility and disruption in domestic and global credit and capital markets will not
impair the Company’s liquidity or increase its cost of borrowing.
The Company Relies on Network and Information Systems and Other Technology Whose Failure or Misuse
Could Cause a Disruption of Services or Loss, Improper Access to or Disclosure of Personal Data, Business
Information, Including Intellectual Property, or Other Confidential Information, Resulting in Increased Costs,
Loss of Revenue, Reputational Damage or Other Harm to the Company’s Business.
Network and information systems and other technologies, including those related to the Company’s network
management, are important to its business activities and contain the Company’s proprietary, confidential and
24
sensitive business information, including personal data of its customers and personnel. The Company also relies
on third party providers for certain technology and “cloud-based” systems and services that support a variety of
business operations. Network and information systems-related events affecting the Company’s systems, or those
of third parties upon which the Company’s business relies, such as computer compromises, cyber threats and
attacks, computer viruses, worms or other destructive or disruptive software, process breakdowns, denial of
service attacks, malicious social engineering or other malicious activities by individuals or state-sponsored or
other groups, or any combination of the foregoing, as well as power and internet outages, equipment failure,
natural disasters (including extreme weather), terrorist activities, war, human or technological error or
malfeasance that may affect such systems, could result in disruption of the Company’s business and/or loss,
corruption, improper access to or disclosure of personal data, business information, including intellectual
property, or other confidential information. System redundancy may be ineffective or inadequate, and the
Company’s disaster recovery and business continuity planning may not be sufficient to address all potential
cyber events. Unauthorized parties may also fraudulently induce the Company’s employees or other agents to
disclose sensitive or confidential information in order to gain access to the Company’s systems, facilities or data,
or those of third parties with whom the Company does business. In addition, any design or manufacturing defects
in, or the improper implementation of, hardware or software applications the Company develops or procures
from third parties could unexpectedly disrupt the Company’s network and information systems or compromise
information security.
In recent years, there has been a significant rise in the number of cyberattacks on companies’ network and
information systems, and such attacks have become more sophisticated, targeted and difficult to detect and
prevent against. As a result, the risks associated with such an event continue to increase, particularly as the
Company’s digital businesses expand. The Company has experienced, and expects to continue to be subject to,
cybersecurity threats and incidents, none of which have been material to the Company to date, individually or in
the aggregate. While the Company and its vendors have developed and implemented security measures and
internal controls that are designed to protect personal data, business information, including intellectual property,
and other confidential information, to prevent data loss, and to prevent or detect security breaches, such security
measures cannot provide absolute security and may not be successful in preventing these events from occurring,
particularly given that techniques used to access, disable or degrade service, or sabotage systems change
frequently, and any network and information systems-related events could require the Company to expend
significant resources to remedy such event. Moreover, the development and maintenance of these measures is
costly and requires ongoing monitoring and updating as technologies change and efforts to overcome security
measures become more sophisticated. While the Company maintains cyber risk insurance, this insurance may not
be sufficient to cover all losses from any future breaches of the Company’s systems and does not extend to
reputational damage or costs incurred to improve or strengthen systems against future incidents.
A significant failure, compromise, breach or interruption of the Company’s systems, or those of third parties
upon which its business relies, could result in a disruption of its operations, including degradation or disruption
of service, equipment damage, customer, audience or advertiser dissatisfaction, damage to its reputation or
brands, regulatory investigations and enforcement actions, lawsuits, remediation costs, a loss of customers,
audience, advertisers, business partners or revenues and other financial losses. If any such failure, interruption or
similar event results in improper access to or disclosure of information maintained in the Company’s information
systems and networks or those of its vendors, including financial, personal and credit card data, as well as
confidential and proprietary information relating to personnel, customers, vendors and the Company’s business,
including its intellectual property, the Company could also be subject to liability under relevant contractual
obligations and laws and regulations protecting personal data and privacy. The Company may also be required to
notify certain governmental agencies and/or regulators (including the appropriate EU supervisory authority)
about any actual or perceived data security breach, as well as the individuals who are affected by any such
incident, within strict time periods. In addition, media or other reports of perceived security vulnerabilities in the
Company’s systems or those of third parties upon which its business relies, even if nothing has actually been
attempted or occurred, could also adversely impact the Company’s brand and reputation and materially affect its
business, results of operations and financial condition.
25
The Company Could Suffer Losses Due to Asset Impairment and Restructuring Charges.
As a result of adverse developments in the Company’s industry and challenging market conditions, the Company
may recognize impairment charges for write-downs of goodwill, intangible assets, investments and other long-
lived assets, as well as restructuring charges relating to the reorganization of its businesses, which negatively
impact the Company’s results of operations and, in the case of cash restructuring charges, its financial condition.
Impairments and restructuring charges may also negatively impact the Company’s taxes, including its ability to
deduct certain interest costs. The Company’s management must regularly evaluate the carrying value of goodwill
and other intangible assets expected to contribute indefinitely to the Company’s cash flows in order to determine
whether, based on projected discounted future cash flows and other market assumptions, the carrying value for
such assets exceeds current fair value and the Company should recognize an impairment. In accordance with
GAAP, the Company performs an annual impairment assessment of its recorded goodwill and indefinite-lived
intangible assets, including newspaper mastheads, distribution networks, publishing imprints, radio broadcast
licenses, trademarks and trade names, publishing rights and customer relationships, during the fourth quarter of
each fiscal year. The Company also continually evaluates whether current factors or indicators, such as
prevailing conditions in the business environment, credit and capital markets or the economy generally and actual
or projected operating results, require the performance of an interim impairment assessment of those assets, as
well as other investments and long-lived assets, or require the Company to engage in any additional business
restructurings to address these conditions. For example, any significant shortfall, now or in the future, in
advertising revenue, the expected popularity of the programming for which the Company has acquired rights and/
or consumer acceptance of new products, including the Company’s new SVOD services, could lead to a
downward revision in the fair value of certain reporting units. Any downward revisions in the fair value of a
reporting unit, indefinite-lived intangible assets, investments or other long-lived assets could result in additional
impairments for which non-cash charges would be required, and any such charge could be material to the
Company’s reported results of operations. For example, in fiscal 2019, the Company recognized non-cash
impairment charges of $96 million, primarily related to goodwill at a reporting unit within the News and
Information Services segment. In addition, as of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $2.0 billion of
goodwill that is at risk for future impairment because the fair values of the corresponding reporting units
exceeded their respective carrying values in a range from approximately 0% to 5%. The Company may also incur
additional restructuring charges in the future if it is required to further realign its resources in response to
significant shortfalls in revenue or other adverse trends.
There Can Be No Assurance That the Company Will Have Access to the Credit and Capital Markets on Terms
Acceptable to It, and the Significant Leverage of its Foxtel Operating Subsidiaries Could Limit the Ability of
Those Subsidiaries to Access the Credit and Capital Markets and Have Other Adverse Effects.
From time to time the Company expects to access the credit and capital markets to obtain financing or refinance
existing indebtedness. Although the Company believes that the sources of capital currently in place, including the
Company’s revolving credit facility, will permit the Company to finance its operations for the foreseeable future
on acceptable terms and conditions, the Company’s access to, and the availability of, financing on acceptable
terms and conditions in the future will be impacted by many factors. The Company’s Foxtel operating
subsidiaries have significant leverage that could limit or prevent them from incurring additional debt or
refinancing or otherwise extending the maturities of their existing debt. As of June 30, 2019, the Foxtel operating
subsidiaries’ total outstanding indebtedness was $1.2 billion, including $281 million due in fiscal 2020, with the
remainder having various maturities through fiscal 2025. Factors impacting the Company’s ability to access the
credit and capital markets include, but are not limited to: (1) the financial and operational performance of the
Company and/or its operating subsidiaries, as applicable; (2) the Company’s credit ratings or absence of a credit
rating and/or the credit rating of its operating subsidiaries, as applicable; (3) the provisions of any relevant debt
instruments, credit agreements, indentures and similar or associated documents (collectively, the “Debt
Documents”); (4) the liquidity of the overall credit and capital markets; and (5) the state of the economy. There
can be no assurance that the Company (particularly as News Corp currently has no credit rating) will continue to
have access to the credit and capital markets on terms acceptable to it.
26
The Company’s consolidated debt could also have other adverse effects. A portion of the outstanding debt bears
interest at variable rates, which exposes the Company to the risk of interest rate fluctuations. If interest rates
increase, the applicable debt service obligations will increase, which could reduce available cash flow and make it
more difficult to make scheduled debt payments and/or limit the amount of cash available for operations, including
investments and capital expenditures. Although the Company hedges a portion of the exposure to these interest rate
movements, there can be no assurance that it will be able to continue to do so at a reasonable cost or at all, or that
there will not be a default by any of the counterparties to those arrangements. In addition, the Foxtel operating
subsidiaries’ outstanding Debt Documents contain significant financial and operating covenants that may limit their
operational and financial flexibility. Subject to certain exceptions, these covenants restrict or prohibit these
operating subsidiaries from, among other things, undertaking certain transactions, disposing of properties or assets
(including subsidiary stock), merging or consolidating with any other person, making financial accommodation
available, giving guarantees, entering into certain other financing arrangements, creating or permitting certain liens,
engaging in transactions with affiliates, making repayments of other loans and undergoing fundamental business
changes. These instruments also generally include financial covenants requiring the Foxtel operating subsidiaries to
maintain specified total debt to EBITDA and interest coverage ratios. In the event any of these covenants are
breached and such breach results in a default under any of the Foxtel operating subsidiaries’ Debt Documents, the
lenders or noteholders, as applicable, may accelerate the maturity of the indebtedness under the applicable Debt
Documents, which could result in a default under other outstanding Debt Documents and could have a material
adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operation and financial condition.
The Company’s Business Could Be Adversely Impacted by Changes in Governmental Policy and Regulation.
Various aspects of the Company’s activities are subject to regulation in numerous jurisdictions around the world,
and the introduction of new laws and regulations in countries where the Company’s products and services are
produced or distributed, and changes in the enforcement of existing laws and regulations in those countries, could
have a negative impact on its interests. In addition, laws and regulations in some international jurisdictions differ
from those in the United States, and the enforcement of those laws and regulations may be inconsistent and
unpredictable. The Company may incur substantial costs or be required to change its business practices in order
to comply with applicable laws and regulations and could incur substantial penalties or other liabilities in the
event of any failure to comply.
The Company’s Australian operating businesses may be adversely affected by changes in government policy,
regulation or legislation, or the application or enforcement thereof, applying to companies in the Australian
media industry or to Australian companies in general. This includes:
•
•
•
anti-siphoning legislation which currently prevents pay-TV providers such as Foxtel from acquiring
rights to televise certain listed events (for example, the Olympic Games and certain Australian Rules
football and cricket matches) unless:
–
–
–
national or commercial television broadcasters have not obtained these rights 26 weeks
before the start of the event;
the rights are held by commercial television licensees whose television broadcasting services
cover more than 50% of the Australian population; or
the rights are held by one of Australia’s two major government-funded broadcasters;
other parts of the Broadcasting Services Act that regulate ownership interests and control of Australian
media organizations. Such legislation may have an impact on the Company’s ownership structure and
operations and may restrict its ability to take advantage of acquisition or investment opportunities; and
the Telecommunications Act and associated Codes, which apply various consumer protection regimes to
Foxtel as a telecommunications service provider.
The Company’s business activities are also subject to various laws and regulations in the United States and
internationally governing the collection, use, sharing, protection and retention of personal data, which have
27
implications for how such data is managed. Many of these laws and regulations continue to evolve, and
substantial uncertainty surrounds their scope and application. Complying with these laws and regulations could
be costly, require the Company to change its business practices, or limit or restrict aspects of the Company’s
business in a manner adverse to its business operations, including by inhibiting or preventing the collection of
information that would enable it to provide more targeted, data-driven advertising offerings. The Company’s
failure to comply, even if inadvertent or in good faith, or as a result of a compromise, breach or interruption of
the Company’s systems by a third party, could result in exposure to enforcement by U.S. federal or state or
foreign governments or private actors, as well as significant negative publicity and reputational damage.
Examples of such laws are the European Union’s GDPR, which went into effect in 2018, expanding the
regulation of personal data processing throughout the European Union and significantly increasing maximum
penalties for non-compliance, and California’s CCPA, which will take effect on January 1, 2020 and will put
greater restrictions on the collection and use of personal information. See “Governmental Regulation—Data
Privacy and Security” for more information. Finally, because some of the Company’s products and services are
available on the internet, it may be subject to laws or regulations exposing it to liability or compliance
obligations even in jurisdictions where the Company does not have a substantial presence.
In addition, the Company’s newspaper publishing businesses in the U.K. are subject to greater regulation and
oversight as a result of the implementation of recommendations of the Leveson inquiry into the U.K. press.
Following the inquiry, the U.K. Government established a Press Recognition Panel responsible for approving and
monitoring a new press regulatory body. Publishers who are not members of an approved regulator, including the
Company, may be subject to exemplary damages in privacy and libel cases and, if Section 40 of the Crime and
Courts Act 2013 is enacted, the payment of costs for both parties in libel actions in certain circumstances. The
majority of the U.K. press, including News UK, has established an alternative regulator, the Independent Press
Standards Organisation, or IPSO. IPSO, which has indicated that it does not intend to seek approval by the Press
Recognition Panel, has powers to impose burdens on its print media members in the U.K. These powers, which
include the ability to impose fines of up to £1 million for systemic breaches of IPSO’s Editor’s Code of Practice,
may result in competitive disadvantages versus other forms of media and may increase the costs of regulatory
compliance.
The Company’s radio stations in the U.K. and Ireland are also subject to governmental regulation by the relevant
broadcast authorities as the Company is required to obtain and maintain licenses from such authorities to operate
these stations. Although the Company expects its licenses will, where relevant, be renewed in the ordinary course
upon their expiration, there can be no assurance that this will be the case. Non-compliance by the Company with
the requirements associated with such licenses or other applicable laws and regulations, including of the relevant
authority, could result in fines, additional license conditions, license revocation or other adverse regulatory
actions.
Adverse Results from Litigation or Other Proceedings Could Impact the Company’s Business Practices and
Operating Results.
From time to time, the Company is party to litigation, as well as to regulatory and other proceedings with
governmental authorities and administrative agencies, including with respect to antitrust, tax, data privacy and
security, intellectual property, employment and other matters. See “Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and Note 16 to
the Financial Statements for a discussion of certain matters. The outcome of these matters and other litigation and
proceedings is subject to significant uncertainty, and it is possible that an adverse resolution of one or more such
proceedings could result in reputational harm and/or significant monetary damages, injunctive relief or settlement
costs that could adversely affect the Company’s results of operations or financial condition as well as the
Company’s ability to conduct its business as it is presently being conducted. In addition, regardless of merit or
outcome, such proceedings can have an adverse impact on the Company as a result of legal costs, diversion of
management and other personnel, and other factors.
28
The Company Could Be Subject to Significant Additional Tax Liabilities, which Could Adversely Affect its
Operating Results and Financial Condition.
The Company is subject to taxation in U.S. federal, state and local jurisdictions and various non-U.S.
jurisdictions, including Australia and the U.K. The Company’s effective tax rate is impacted by the tax laws,
regulations, practices and interpretations in the jurisdictions in which it operates and may fluctuate significantly
from period to period depending on, among other things, the geographic mix of the Company’s profits and
losses, changes in tax laws and regulations or their application and interpretation, the outcome of tax audits and
changes in valuation allowances associated with the Company’s deferred tax assets. Evaluating and estimating
the Company’s tax provision, current and deferred tax assets and liabilities and other tax accruals requires
significant management judgment, and there are often transactions for which the ultimate tax determination is
uncertain.
The Company’s tax returns are routinely audited by various tax authorities. Tax authorities may not agree with
the treatment of items reported in the Company’s tax returns or positions taken by the Company, and as a result,
tax-related settlements or litigation may occur, resulting in additional income tax liabilities against the Company.
Although the Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of tax reviews and
examinations and any related litigation, the final outcomes of these matters could differ materially from the
amounts recorded in the Financial Statements. As a result, the Company may be required to recognize additional
charges in its Statements of Operations and pay significant additional amounts with respect to current or prior
periods, or its taxes in the future could increase, which could adversely affect its operating results and financial
condition.
In connection with the Separation, 21st Century Fox received a private letter ruling from the Internal Revenue
Service (“IRS”) and an opinion from its tax counsel confirming the tax-free status of the Separation for U.S.
federal income tax purposes. The private letter ruling and the opinion relied on certain facts and assumptions, and
certain representations from the Company and 21st Century Fox regarding the past and future conduct of their
respective businesses and other matters. Notwithstanding the receipt of the private letter ruling and the opinion,
the IRS could determine on audit that the distribution or the related internal reorganization transactions should be
treated as taxable transactions if any of these facts, assumptions, representations or undertakings is not correct or
has been violated. If the internal reorganization and/or the distribution is ultimately determined to be taxable,
21st Century Fox and/or the Company would recognize gains on the internal reorganization and 21st Century
Fox would recognize gain in an amount equal to the excess of the fair market value of shares of the Company’s
common stock distributed to 21st Century Fox’s stockholders on the Distribution Date over 21st Century Fox’s
tax basis in such shares. The Company may in certain circumstances be required to indemnify 21st Century Fox
for liabilities arising out of the foregoing. Specifically, under the terms of the Tax Sharing and Indemnification
Agreement that the Company and 21st Century Fox entered into in connection with the Separation, in the event
that the distribution or the internal transactions intended not to be subject to tax were determined to be subject to
tax and such determination was the result of certain actions taken, or omitted to be taken, after the Separation by
the Company or any of its subsidiaries and such actions (1) were inconsistent with any representation or covenant
made in connection with the private letter ruling or opinion of 21st Century Fox’s tax counsel, (2) violated any
representation or covenant made in the Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, or (3) the Company or any
of its subsidiaries knew or reasonably should have expected, after consultation with its advisors, could result in
any such determination, the Company will be responsible for any tax-related liabilities incurred by 21st Century
Fox as a result of such determination.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The Tax Act instituted significant changes to the U.S. corporate income tax system
including, among other things, lowering the corporate tax rate, implementing a partial territorial tax system and,
beginning in fiscal 2019, implementing changes to limits on the deductions for executive compensation, a tax on
global intangible low-taxed income, the base erosion anti-abuse tax and a deduction for foreign-derived
intangible income. While the Company’s accounting for the effects of the Tax Act was completed in the second
29
quarter of fiscal 2019 and the Company believes those effects have been appropriately recorded, various
interpretive issues remain with respect to the Tax Act and regulatory guidance on many aspects of the Tax Act
has not been issued. The Company continues to monitor, among other things, changes in interpretations of the
Tax Act, any legislative action arising because of the Tax Act and any changes in accounting standards for
income taxes or related interpretations in response to the Tax Act. The Company cannot predict the manner in
which provisions of the Tax Act or any related regulations, legislation or accounting standards may be
interpreted or enforced in the future or whether such interpretation or enforcement may have a material adverse
effect on its income tax expense and/or its business, results of operations and financial condition. See Note 19 to
the Financial Statements for more information regarding the impact of the Tax Act.
On May 31, 2019, the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development released a program of work to
develop a consensus solution in relation to its Base Erosion and Profit Shifting Action 1, Addressing the Tax
Challenges of the Digitalization of the Economy. The outcome of this program may change various aspects of the
existing framework under which the Company’s tax obligations are determined in countries in which it does
business. In connection with the release of the program, several foreign jurisdictions introduced new digital
services taxes on revenue of companies that provide certain digital services. There is limited guidance about the
applicability of these new taxes to the Company’s businesses and significant uncertainty as to what type of
digital services will be deemed in scope. If these new taxes are applied to the Company’s revenue in these
foreign jurisdictions, which include the U.K., it could have an adverse impact on its business and financial
performance.
Theft of the Company’s Content, including Digital Piracy and Signal Theft, may Decrease Revenue and
Adversely Affect the Company’s Business and Profitability.
The Company’s success depends in part on its ability to maintain and monetize the intellectual property rights in
its content, and theft of its brands, programming, digital content, books and other copyrighted material affects the
value of its content. Developments in technology, including the wide availability of higher internet bandwidth
and reduced storage costs, increase the threat of content piracy by making it easier to stream, duplicate and
widely distribute pirated material, including from other less-regulated countries into the Company’s primary
markets. The Company seeks to limit the threat of content piracy by preventing unauthorized access to its content
through the use of programming content encryption, signal encryption and other security access devices and
digital rights management software, as well as by obtaining site blocking orders against pirate streaming and
torrent sites and a variety of other actions, both individually and, in some instances, together with industry
associations. However, these efforts are not always successful, and the Company cannot ensure that it will be
able to reduce or control theft of its content. The proliferation of unauthorized use of the Company’s content may
have an adverse effect on its business and profitability by reducing the revenue that the Company could receive
from the legitimate sale and distribution of its content. Moreover, protection of the Company’s intellectual
property rights is dependent on the scope and duration of its rights as defined by applicable laws in the U.S. and
abroad and the manner in which those laws are construed. If those laws are drafted or interpreted in ways that
limit the extent or duration of the Company’s rights, or if existing laws are changed, the Company’s ability to
generate revenue from its intellectual property may decrease, or the cost of obtaining and maintaining rights may
increase. In addition, the failure of legal and technological protections to evolve as piracy and associated
technological tools become more sophisticated, could make it more difficult for the Company to adequately
protect its intellectual property, which could, in turn, negatively impact its value and further increase the
Company’s enforcement costs.
The Company’s Pay-TV Business Depends on a Single or Limited Number of Suppliers for Certain Key Products
or Services, and Any Reduction or Interruption in the Supply of These Products and Services or a Significant
Increase in Price Could Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business, Results of Operations and
Financial Condition.
The Company’s pay-TV business depends on a single or limited number of third party suppliers to supply certain
key products and services necessary to provide its pay-TV services. In particular, the Company depends on Optus
30
to provide all of its satellite transponder capacity, and ARRIS and Technicolor are the Company’s sole suppliers
of satellite set-top boxes and the Foxtel Now box, respectively. If any of these suppliers breaches or terminates
their agreements with the Company or otherwise fails to perform their obligations in a timely manner,
experiences operating or financial difficulties, is unable to meet demand due to component shortages, insufficient
capacity or otherwise, significantly increases the amount the Company pays for necessary products or services or
ceases production of any necessary product, the Company’s business, results of operations and financial
condition may be adversely affected.
In addition, Telstra is the primary supplier of cable distribution capacity for the Company’s pay-TV
programming and is also currently the exclusive provider of wholesale fixed voice and broadband services for the
Company’s pay-TV business, as well as its primary supplier of wholesale mobile voice and broadband services
and the largest reseller of its cable and satellite products. Any disruption in the supply of those services or a
decline in Telstra’s business could result in disruptions to the supply of, and/or reduce the number of subscribers
for, the Company’s products and services, which could, in turn, adversely affect its business, results of operations
and financial condition.
While the Company will seek alternative sources for the products and services described above where possible
and/or permissible under applicable agreements, it may not be able to develop these alternative sources quickly
and cost-effectively, which could impair its ability to timely deliver its products and services to its subscribers or
operate its business.
The Company’s International Operations Expose it to Additional Risks that Could Adversely Affect its Business,
Operating Results and Financial Condition.
In its fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, approximately 61% of the Company’s revenues were derived outside the
U.S., and the Company is focused on expanding the international scope of its operations. There are risks inherent
in doing business internationally, including (1) issues related to managing international operations; (2) economic
uncertainties and volatility in local markets and political or social instability; (3) potentially adverse changes in
tax laws and regulations; (4) compliance with international laws and regulations, including foreign ownership
restrictions and data privacy requirements such as the GDPR; (5) compliance with anti-corruption laws and
regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and the UK Bribery Act; (6) restrictions on repatriation of
funds and foreign currency exchange; and (7) compliance with local labor laws and regulations. For example,
Brexit has and may continue to, among other things, adversely affect economic and market conditions in the U.K.
and the European Union and create uncertainty around doing business in the U.K., including with respect to data
protection and transfer, tax rates and the recruitment and retention of employees. Events or developments related
to these and other risks associated with the Company’s international operations could result in reputational harm
and have an adverse impact on the Company’s business, results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
Challenges associated with operating globally may increase as the Company continues to expand into geographic
areas that it believes represent the highest growth opportunities.
The Company is Party to Agreements with Third Parties Relating to Certain of its Businesses That Contain
Operational and Management Restrictions and/or Other Rights That, Depending on the Circumstances, May Not
be in the Best Interest of the Company.
The Company is party to agreements with third parties relating to certain of its businesses that restrict the
Company’s ability to take specified actions and contain other rights that, depending on the circumstances, may
not be in the best interest of the Company. For example, the Company and Telstra are parties to a Shareholders’
Agreement with respect to Foxtel containing certain minority protections for Telstra, including standard
governance provisions, as well as transfer and exit rights. The Shareholders’ Agreement provides Telstra with the
right to appoint two directors to the Board of Foxtel, as well as Board and shareholder-level veto rights over
certain non-ordinary course and/or material corporate actions that may prevent Foxtel from taking actions that
are in the interests of the Company. The Shareholders’ Agreement also provides for (1) certain transfer
31
restrictions, which could adversely affect the Company’s ability to effect such transfers and/or the prices at
which those transfers may occur, and (2) exit arrangements, which could, in certain circumstances, force the
Company to sell its interest, subject to rights of first and, in some cases, last refusals.
In addition, Move, the Company’s digital real estate services business in the U.S., operates the realtor.com®
website under an agreement with NAR that is perpetual in duration. However, NAR may terminate the operating
agreement for certain contractually-specified reasons upon expiration of applicable cure periods. If the operating
agreement with NAR is terminated, the NAR License would also terminate, and Move would be required to
transfer a copy of the software that operates the realtor.com® website to NAR and provide NAR with copies of
its agreements with advertisers and data content providers. NAR would then be able to operate a realtor.com®
website, either by itself or with another third party.
Failure by the Company to Protect Certain Intellectual Property and Brands, or Infringement Claims by Third
Parties, Could Adversely Impact the Company’s Business, Results of Operation and Financial Condition.
The Company’s businesses rely on a combination of trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, domain
names, trade secrets and other proprietary rights, as well as licenses and other contractual arrangements,
including licenses relating to sports programming rights, set-top box technology and related systems, the NAR
License and the Fox Licenses, to establish, obtain and protect the intellectual property and brand names used in
their businesses. The Company believes its proprietary trademarks, trade names, copyrights, patents, domain
names, trade secrets and other intellectual property rights are important to its continued success and its
competitive position. However, the Company cannot ensure that these intellectual property rights or those of its
licensors and suppliers will be upheld if challenged or that these rights will protect the Company against
infringement claims by third parties, and effective intellectual property protection may not be available in every
country or region in which the Company operates or where its products are available. Any failure by the
Company or its licensors and suppliers to effectively protect its or their intellectual property or brands, or any
infringement claims by third parties, could adversely impact the Company’s business, results of operations or
financial condition. Claims of intellectual property infringement could require the Company to enter into royalty
or licensing agreements on unfavorable terms (if such agreements are available at all), require the Company to
spend substantial sums to defend against or settle such claims or to satisfy any judgment rendered against it, or
cease any further use of the applicable intellectual property, which could in turn require the Company to change
its business practices or offerings and limit its ability to compete effectively. Even if the Company believes any
such challenges or claims are without merit, they can be time-consuming and costly to defend and divert
management’s attention and resources away from its business. In addition, the Company may be contractually
required to indemnify other parties against liabilities arising out of any third party infringement claims.
Newsprint Prices May Continue to Be Volatile and Difficult to Predict and Control, and any Increase in
Newsprint Costs or Disruption in Newsprint Supply may Adversely Affect the Company’s Business, Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.
Newsprint is a significant expense for the Company’s newspaper publishing units. The price of newsprint has
historically been volatile, and a number of factors may cause prices to increase, including: (1) the closure and
consolidation of newsprint mills or the conversion of newsprint mills to other products or grades of paper, which
has reduced the number of newsprint suppliers over the years; (2) the imposition of tariffs or other restrictions on
non-U.S. suppliers of paper; (3) an increase in supplier operating expenses due to rising raw material or energy
costs or other factors; (4) failure to maintain the Company’s current consumption levels; and (5) the inability to
maintain the Company’s existing relationships with its newsprint suppliers. Any increase in the cost of
newsprint, undersupply or supply chain disruption could have an adverse effect on the Company’s business,
results of operations and financial condition.
32
Damage, Failure or Destruction of Satellites and Transmitter Facilities that the Company’s Pay-TV Business
Depends Upon to Distribute its Programming Could Adversely Affect the Company’s Business, Results of
Operations and Financial Condition.
The Company’s pay-TV business uses satellite systems to transmit its programming to its subscribers and/or
authorized sublicensees. The Company’s distribution facilities include uplinks, communications satellites and
downlinks, and the Company also uses studio and transmitter facilities. Transmissions may be disrupted or
degraded as a result of local disasters, including extreme weather, that damage or destroy on-ground uplinks or
downlinks or studio and transmitter facilities, or as a result of damage to a satellite. Satellites are subject to
significant operational and environmental risks while in orbit, including anomalies resulting from various factors
such as manufacturing defects and problems with power or control systems, as well as environmental hazards
such as meteoroid events, electrostatic storms and collisions with space debris. These events may result in the
loss of one or more transponders on a satellite or the entire satellite and/or reduce the useful life of the satellite,
which could, in turn, lead to a disruption or loss of video services to the Company’s customers. The Company
does not carry commercial insurance for business disruptions or losses resulting from the foregoing events as it
believes the cost of insurance premiums is uneconomical relative to the risk. Instead, the Company seeks to
mitigate this risk through the maintenance of backup satellite capacity and other contingency plans. However,
these steps may not be sufficient, and if the Company is unable to secure alternate distribution, studio and/or
transmission facilities in a timely manner, any such disruption or loss could have an adverse effect on the
Company’s business, results of operations and financial condition.
The Company is Subject to Payment Processing Risk Which Could Lead to Adverse Effects on the Company’s
Business and Results of Operations.
The Company’s customers pay for its products and services using a variety of different payment methods,
including credit and debit cards, prepaid cards, direct debit, online wallets and through direct carrier and partner
billing. The Company relies on internal systems as well as those of third parties to process payment. Acceptance
and processing of these payment methods are subject to certain rules and regulations and require payment of
interchange and other fees. To the extent there are increases in payment processing fees, material changes in the
payment ecosystem, delays in receiving payments from payment processors, any failures to comply with, or
changes to, rules or regulations concerning payment processing, loss of payment or billing partners and/or
disruptions or failures in, or fraudulent use of or access to, payment processing systems or payment products, the
Company’s results of operations could be adversely impacted and it could suffer reputational harm. Furthermore,
if the Company is unable to maintain its chargeback rate at acceptable levels, card networks may impose fines
and its card approval rate may be impacted. The termination of the Company’s ability to process payments on
any major payment method would adversely affect its business and results of operations.
Labor Disputes May Have an Adverse Effect on the Company’s Business.
In a variety of the Company’s businesses, it engages the services of employees who are subject to collective
bargaining agreements. If the Company is unable to renew expiring collective bargaining agreements, it is
possible that the affected unions could take action in the form of strikes or work stoppages. Such actions, as well
as higher costs in connection with these collective bargaining agreements or a significant labor dispute, could
have an adverse effect on the Company’s business by causing delays in production or by reducing profit margins.
The Market Price of the Company’s Stock May Fluctuate Significantly.
The Company cannot predict the prices at which its common stock may trade. The market price of the
Company’s common stock may fluctuate significantly, depending upon many factors, some of which may be
beyond its control, including: (1) the Company’s quarterly or annual earnings, or those of other companies in its
industry; (2) actual or anticipated fluctuations in the Company’s operating results; (3) success or failure of the
Company’s business strategy; (4) the Company’s ability to obtain financing as needed; (5) changes in accounting
33
standards, policies, guidance, interpretations or principles; (6) changes in laws and regulations affecting the
Company’s business; (7) announcements by the Company or its competitors of significant new business
developments or customers; (8) announcements by the Company or its competitors of significant acquisitions or
dispositions; (9) changes in earnings estimates by securities analysts or the Company’s ability to meet its
earnings guidance, if any; (10) the operating and stock price performance of other comparable companies;
(11) investor perception of the Company and the industries in which it operates; (12) results from material
litigation or governmental investigations; (13) changes in capital gains taxes and taxes on dividends affecting
stockholders; and (14) overall market fluctuations and general economic conditions.
Certain of the Company’s Directors and Officers May Have Actual or Potential Conflicts of Interest Because of
Their Equity Ownership in Fox Corporation (“FOX”), and/or Because They Also Serve as Officers and/or on the
Board of Directors of FOX, Which May Result in the Diversion of Certain Corporate Opportunities to FOX.
Certain of the Company’s directors and executive officers own shares of FOX’s common stock, and the
individual holdings may be significant for some of these individuals compared to their total assets. In addition,
certain of the Company’s officers and directors also serve as officers and/or as directors of FOX, including K.
Rupert Murdoch, who serves as the Company’s Executive Chairman and Co-Chairman of FOX, and Lachlan K.
Murdoch, who serves as the Company’s Co-Chairman and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FOX. This
ownership or service to both companies may create, or may create the appearance of, conflicts of interest when
these directors and officers are faced with decisions that could have different implications for the Company and
FOX. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute that
may arise between the Company and FOX regarding the terms of the agreements governing the indemnification
of certain matters. In addition to any other arrangements that the Company and FOX may agree to implement, the
Company and FOX agreed that officers and directors who serve at both companies will recuse themselves from
decisions where conflicts arise due to their positions at both companies.
The Company’s Amended and Restated By-laws acknowledge that the Company’s directors and officers, as well
as certain of its stockholders, including K. Rupert Murdoch, certain members of his family and certain family
trusts (so long as such persons continue to own, in the aggregate, 10% or more of the voting stock of each of the
Company and FOX), each of which is referred to as a covered stockholder, are or may become stockholders,
directors, officers, employees or agents of FOX and certain of its affiliates. The Company’s Amended and
Restated By-laws further provide that any such overlapping person will not be liable to the Company, or to any
of its stockholders, for breach of any fiduciary duty that would otherwise exist because such individual directs a
corporate opportunity (other than certain types of restricted business opportunities set forth in the Company’s
Amended and Restated By-laws) to FOX instead of the Company. This could result in an overlapping person
submitting any corporate opportunities other than restricted business opportunities to FOX instead of the
Company.
Certain Provisions of the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Amended and Restated By-laws and
Delaware Law, the Company’s Third Amended and Restated Stockholder Rights Agreement and the Ownership
of the Company’s Common Stock by the Murdoch Family Trust May Discourage Takeovers, and the
Concentration of Ownership Will Affect the Voting Results of Matters Submitted for Stockholder Approval.
The Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws contain certain anti-
takeover provisions that may make more difficult or expensive a tender offer, change in control, or takeover
attempt that is opposed by the Company’s Board of Directors or certain stockholders holding a significant
percentage of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock. In particular, the Company’s
Restated Certificate of Incorporation and Amended and Restated By-laws provide for, among other things:
•
•
a dual class common equity capital structure;
a prohibition on stockholders taking any action by written consent without a meeting;
34
•
•
•
•
•
•
special stockholders’ meeting to be called only by the Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors,
or the holders of not less than 20% of the voting power of the Company’s outstanding voting stock;
the requirement that stockholders give the Company advance notice to nominate candidates for election
to the Board of Directors or to make stockholder proposals at a stockholders’ meeting;
the requirement of an affirmative vote of at least 65% of the voting power of the Company’s
outstanding voting stock to amend or repeal its by-laws;
vacancies on the Board of Directors to be filled only by a majority vote of directors then in office;
certain restrictions on the transfer of the Company’s shares; and
the Board of Directors to issue, without stockholder approval, Preferred Stock and Series Common
Stock with such terms as the Board of Directors may determine.
These provisions could discourage potential acquisition proposals and could delay or prevent a change in control
of the Company, even in the case where a majority of the stockholders may consider such proposals, if effective,
desirable.
In addition, in connection with the Separation, the Company’s Board of Directors adopted a stockholder rights
agreement, which it extended in June 2014, June 2015 and again in June 2018. Pursuant to the third amended and
restated stockholder rights agreement, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock has attached to it
a right entitling its holder to purchase from the Company additional shares of its Class A Common Stock and
Class B Common Stock in the event that a person or group acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the
then-outstanding Class B Common Stock without approval of the Company’s Board of Directors, subject to
exceptions for persons beneficially owning 15% or more of the Company’s Class B Common Stock immediately
following the Separation. The stockholder rights agreement could make it more difficult for a third-party to
acquire the Company’s voting common stock without the approval of its Board of Directors. The rights expire on
June 18, 2021, except as otherwise provided in the rights agreement. Further, as a result of his ability to appoint
certain members of the board of directors of the corporate trustee of the Murdoch Family Trust, which
beneficially owns less than one percent of the Company’s outstanding Class A Common Stock and
approximately 38.4% of the Company’s Class B Common Stock as of August 5, 2019, K. Rupert Murdoch may
be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the shares beneficially owned by the Murdoch Family Trust. K. Rupert
Murdoch, however, disclaims any beneficial ownership of these shares. Also, K. Rupert Murdoch beneficially
owns or may be deemed to beneficially own an additional one percent of the Company’s Class B Common Stock
and less than one percent of the Company’s Class A Common Stock as of August 5, 2019. Thus, K. Rupert
Murdoch may be deemed to beneficially own in the aggregate less than one percent of the Company’s Class A
Common Stock and approximately 39.4% of the Company’s Class B Common Stock as of August 5, 2019. This
concentration of voting power could discourage third parties from making proposals involving an acquisition of
the Company. Additionally, the ownership concentration of Class B Common Stock by the Murdoch Family
Trust increases the likelihood that proposals submitted for stockholder approval that are supported by the
Murdoch Family Trust will be adopted and proposals that the Murdoch Family Trust does not support will not be
adopted, whether or not such proposals to stockholders are also supported by the other holders of Class B
Common Stock. Furthermore, the adoption of the third amended and restated stockholder rights agreement will
prevent, unless the Company’s Board of Directors otherwise determines at the time, other potential stockholders
from acquiring a similar ownership position in the Company’s Class B Common Stock and, accordingly, could
prevent a meaningful challenge to the Murdoch Family Trust’s influence over matters submitted for stockholder
approval.
ITEM 1B. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.
35
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company owns and leases various real properties in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Asia that are utilized in
the conduct of its businesses. Each of these properties is considered to be in good condition, adequate for its
purpose and suitably utilized according to the individual nature and requirements of the relevant operations. The
Company’s policy is to improve and replace property as considered appropriate to meet the needs of the
individual operation.
United States
The Company’s principal real properties in the U.S. are the following:
(a) The U.S. headquarters of the Company, located at 1211 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York and
the offices of the Company located at 1185 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York, each of which
are subleased from FOX. These spaces include the executive and corporate offices of the Company, the
executive and editorial offices of Dow Jones, the editorial offices of the Post and the executive offices of
NAM;
(b) The leased offices of HarperCollins U.S. in New York, New York;
(c) The leased offices of HarperCollins U.S. in Scranton, Pennsylvania;
(d) The leased printing plant of the Post located in Bronx, New York;
(e) The leased offices of Move in Santa Clara, California;
(f) The leased offices of NAM in Wilton, Connecticut;
(g) The office space campus owned by the Company in South Brunswick, New Jersey; and
(h) The leased offices of Opcity in Austin, Texas.
Europe
The Company’s principal real properties in Europe are the following:
(a) The leased headquarters and editorial offices of the London operations of News UK, Dow Jones and
HarperCollins at The News Building, 1 London Bridge Street, London, England;
(b) The newspaper production and printing facilities for its U.K. newspapers, which consist of:
1.
2.
The leased office space at each of Fleet House, Peterborough, England; Dublin, Ireland; and Glasgow
City Centre, Scotland; and
The freehold interests in each of a publishing and printing facility in Broxbourne, England and printing
facilities in Knowsley, England and North Lanarkshire, Scotland; and
(c) The leased warehouse and office facilities of HarperCollins Publishers Limited in Glasgow, Scotland.
Australia and Asia
The Company’s principal real properties in Australia and Asia are the following:
(a) The Australian newspaper production and printing facilities which consist of:
1.
2.
The Company-owned print center and office building in Sydney, Australia at which The Australian,
The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph are printed and published, respectively;
The leased print center and office facility in Melbourne, Australia at which Herald Sun and Sunday
Herald Sun are printed and published, respectively;
36
3.
4.
The Company-owned print center and office building in Adelaide, Australia at which The Advertiser
and Sunday Mail are printed and published, respectively; and
The Company-owned print center and office building in Brisbane, Australia at which The Courier Mail
and The Sunday Mail are printed and published, respectively;
(b) The leased headquarters of Foxtel in Sydney, Australia;
(c) The leased corporate offices and call center of Foxtel in Melbourne, Australia;
(d) The leased offices and studios of FOX SPORTS Australia in Sydney, Australia;
(e) The leased corporate offices of REA Group in Melbourne, Australia; and
(f) The leased office space of Dow Jones in Hong Kong.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company routinely is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inspections or
investigations, including those discussed below.
News America Marketing
Insignia Systems, Inc.
On July 11, 2019, Insignia Systems, Inc. (“Insignia”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Minnesota against News America Marketing FSI L.L.C. (“NAM FSI”), News America Marketing In-Store
Services L.L.C. (“NAM In-Store”) and News Corporation (together, the “NAM Parties”) alleging violations of
federal and state antitrust laws and common law business torts. The complaint seeks treble damages, injunctive
relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any degree of certainty the
ultimate outcome of this action, the NAM Parties believe they have been compliant with applicable laws and
intend to defend themselves vigorously.
Valassis Communications, Inc.
On November 8, 2013, Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of Michigan (the “District Court”) against News America Incorporated, NAM FSI, NAM
In-Store and News Corporation (together, the “NAM Group”) alleging violations of federal and state antitrust
laws and common law business torts. The complaint sought treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees
and costs. On December 19, 2013, the NAM Group filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, and on March 30,
2016, the District Court ordered that Valassis’s bundling and tying claims be dismissed and that all remaining
claims in the NAM Group’s motion to dismiss be referred to a panel of antitrust experts (the “Antitrust Expert
Panel”) appointed in connection with a prior action brought by Valassis against certain members of the NAM
Group. The Antitrust Expert Panel was convened and, on February 8, 2017, recommended that the NAM Group’s
counterclaims in the action be dismissed with leave to replead three of the four counterclaims. The NAM Group
filed an amended counterclaim on February 27, 2017. Valassis subsequently filed motions with the District Court
seeking either to re-open the case in the District Court or to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York (the “N.Y. District Court”). On September 25, 2017, the District Court granted
Valassis’s motions and transferred the case to the N.Y. District Court. On April 13, 2018, the NAM Group filed a
motion for summary judgment dismissing the case with the N.Y. District Court, and on February 21, 2019, the
N.Y. District Court granted the NAM Group’s motion in part and denied it in part. The N.Y. District Court found
that the NAM Group’s bidding practices were lawful but denied the NAM Group’s motion with respect to claims
arising out of certain other alleged contracting practices. Valassis also ceased to pursue its claims relating to free-
standing insert products, and those claims were dismissed. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any
degree of certainty the ultimate outcome of this action, the NAM Group believes it has been compliant with
applicable laws and intends to defend itself vigorously.
37
U.K. Newspaper Matters
Civil claims have been brought against the Company with respect to, among other things, voicemail interception
and inappropriate payments to public officials at the Company’s former publication, The News of the World, and
at The Sun, and related matters (the “U.K. Newspaper Matters”). The Company has admitted liability in many
civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company also settled a number of claims through a private
compensation scheme which was closed to new claims after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Separation, the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution
Agreement that 21st Century Fox would indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date
arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters as well as legal and
professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the previously concluded criminal matters, other than
fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (i) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees
or (ii) with respect to civil matters, who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st
Century Fox’s indemnification obligations with respect to these matters are settled on an after-tax basis. In
March 2019, as part of the separation of FOX from 21st Century Fox, the Company, News Corp Holdings UK &
Ireland, 21st Century Fox and FOX entered into a Partial Assignment and Assumption Agreement, pursuant to
which, among other things, 21st Century Fox assigned, conveyed and transferred to FOX all of its
indemnification obligations with respect to the U.K. Newspaper Matters.
The net expense (benefit) related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters in Selling, general and administrative was
$10 million, $(35) million and $10 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, June 30, 2018 and June 30,
2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has provided for its best estimate of the liability for the
claims that have been filed and costs incurred, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, and has
accrued approximately $53 million. The amount to be indemnified by FOX of approximately $49 million was
recorded as a receivable in Other current assets on the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019. The net benefit for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 reflects a $46 million impact from the reversal of a portion of the Company’s
previously accrued liability and the corresponding receivable as the result of an agreement reached with the
relevant tax authority with respect to certain employment taxes. It is not possible to estimate the liability or
corresponding receivable for any additional claims that may be filed given the information that is currently
available to the Company. If more claims are filed and additional information becomes available, the Company
will update the liability provision and corresponding receivable for such matters.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these
proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair its ability to conduct its
business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
Not applicable.
38
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
News Corporation’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock are listed and traded on The Nasdaq
Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”), its principal market, under the symbols “NWSA” and “NWS,” respectively.
CHESS Depositary Interests (“CDIs”) representing the Company’s Class A Common Stock and Class B
Common Stock are listed and traded on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) under the symbols
“NWSLV” and “NWS,” respectively. As of August 5, 2019, there were approximately 19,000 holders of record
of shares of Class A Common Stock and 500 holders of record of shares of Class B Common Stock.
Dividends
For information regarding dividends, see Item 6. “Selected Financial Data” and Note 12—Stockholders’ Equity
in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In May 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) authorized the Company to
repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of its Class A Common Stock. No stock repurchases were made
during fiscal 2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017. Through August 5, 2019, the Company cumulatively repurchased
approximately 5.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $71 million.
The remaining authorized amount under the stock repurchase program as of August 5, 2019 was approximately
$429 million. All decisions regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a duly appointed
committee of the Board of Directors and management. The committee’s decisions regarding future stock
repurchases will be evaluated from time to time in light of many factors, including the Company’s financial
condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as
legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the
committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or
discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that
any additional shares will be repurchased.
The Company did not purchase any of its Class B Common Stock during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019,
2018 and 2017.
39
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with “Item 7—Management’s Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Item 8—Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data” and the other financial information included elsewhere herein.
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019(c)
2018(c)
2017(c)
2016
2015
(in millions except per share information)
$ 10,074
$ 9,024
$ 8,139
$ 8,292
$ 8,524
News Corporation stockholders(b)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
155
(1,514)
(738)
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
155
(1,514)
(738)
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to
164
179
News Corporation stockholders—basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.27
(2.60)
(1.27)
0.28
Income (loss) from continuing operations available to
News Corporation stockholders—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.26
(2.60)
(1.27)
0.28
298
(147)
0.51
0.51
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation
stockholders per share—basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.27
(2.60)
(1.27)
0.30
(0.26)
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation
stockholders per share—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends per share of Class A and Class B Common
Stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.26
(2.60)
(1.27)
0.30
(0.26)
0.20
0.20
0.20
0.20
—
As of June 30,
2019(c)
2018(c)
2017(c)
2016
2015
(in millions)
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total borrowings(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,643
15,711
1,453
—
$ 2,034
16,346
1,952
20
$ 2,016
14,552
379
20
$ 1,832
15,483
372
20
$ 1,951
15,035
—
20
(a) During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, News Corp and Telstra Corporation Limited (“Telstra”)
combined their respective 50% interests in the Foxtel Group and News Corp’s 100% interest in FOX
SPORTS Australia into a new company, NXE Australia Pty Limited (“the Transaction”), which the
Company refers to as “Foxtel” for post-Transaction periods. For periods prior to the completion of the
Transaction, the Company continues to refer to its equity investment in the Foxtel Group as Foxtel.
Following the completion of the Transaction in April 2018, News Corp owns a 65% interest in Foxtel, and
Telstra owns the remaining 35%. Consequently, the Company began consolidating the Foxtel Group in the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. As a result of the Transaction, Foxtel’s outstanding debt of approximately
$1.2 billion and $1.6 billion is included in the Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018,
respectively. See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions and Note 9—Borrowings in the
accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b) During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$96 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill at a reporting unit within the News and
Information Services segment. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized a $957 million non-cash write-down
of the carrying value of its investment in Foxtel. See Note 6—Investments in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company
40
recognized non-cash impairment charges of $280 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill
and intangible assets at the News America Marketing reporting unit and impairment of goodwill at the FOX
SPORTS Australia reporting unit. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements. As a result of the Transaction, the Company recognized a $337 million
loss in Other, net, primarily related to the Company’s settlement of its pre-existing contractual arrangement
between Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia which resulted in a $317 million write-off of its channel
distribution agreement intangible asset at the time of the Transaction. See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals
and Other Transactions in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded non-cash impairment charges of
approximately $785 million, of which approximately $360 million related to the News and Information
Services business in the U.K. and approximately $310 million related to the News and Information Services
business in Australia. See Note 7—Property, Plant and Equipment in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company recognized a
$227 million non-cash write-down of the carrying value of its investment in Foxtel. The write-down is
reflected in Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates in the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2017. See Note 6—Investments in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2016, the Company recognized $158 million ($98 million, net of tax)
in net settlement costs associated with the NAM Group and Zillow legal settlements. The Company
recognized one-time costs of approximately $280 million in connection with the settlement of certain
litigation and related claims at News America Marketing during the three months ended March 31, 2016. In
addition, the Company recognized a gain of $122 million in connection with the settlement of litigation with
Zillow, Inc., which reflects settlement proceeds received from Zillow of $130 million, less $8 million paid
to the National Association of Realtors® during the three months ended June 30, 2016.
See Notes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 16 in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for information
with respect to significant acquisitions, disposals, impairment charges, restructuring charges, borrowings,
contingencies and other transactions during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.
(c)
41
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This discussion and analysis contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the
meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and
Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended. All statements that are not statements of historical fact
are forward-looking statements. The words “expect,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” “predict,” “believe” and similar
expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear
in a number of places in this discussion and analysis and include statements regarding the intent, belief or
current expectations of the Company, its directors or its officers with respect to, among other things, trends
affecting the Company’s financial condition or results of operations and the outcome of contingencies such as
litigation and investigations. Readers are cautioned that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of
future performance and involve risks and uncertainties. More information regarding these risks, uncertainties
and other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements is set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” in Item 1A of this Annual Report on Form 10-K (the
“Annual Report”). The Company does not ordinarily make projections of its future operating results and
undertakes no obligation (and expressly disclaims any obligation) to publicly update or revise any forward-
looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.
Readers should carefully review this document and the other documents filed by the Company with the Securities
and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). This section should be read together with the Consolidated Financial
Statements of News Corporation and related notes set forth elsewhere in this Annual Report.
The following discussion and analysis omits discussion of fiscal 2017. Please see “Item 7. Management’s
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company’s Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 for a discussion on fiscal 2017.
INTRODUCTION
News Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “News Corporation,” “News Corp,” the “Company,” “we,” or
“us”) is a global diversified media and information services company comprised of businesses across a range of
media, including: news and information services, subscription video services in Australia, book publishing and
digital real estate services.
In April 2018, News Corp and Telstra combined their respective 50% interests in the Foxtel Group and News
Corp’s 100% interest in FOX SPORTS Australia into a new company, NXE Australia Pty Ltd. (the
“Transaction”), which the Company refers to herein as “Foxtel” for post-Transaction periods. Following the
completion of the Transaction, News Corp owns a 65% interest in the combined business, with Telstra owning
the remaining 35%. Consequently, the Company began consolidating the Foxtel Group in the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2018. (See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements). For periods prior to the completion of the Transaction, the Company continues to refer to
its equity investment in the Foxtel Group as Foxtel. The results of the combined business are reported within the
Subscription Video Services segment. To enhance the comparability of the financial information provided to
users, the Company has supplementally included pro forma financial information for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2018 reflecting the Transaction within its discussion and analysis below.
The consolidated financial statements are referred to herein as the “Consolidated Financial Statements.” The
consolidated statements of operations are referred to herein as the “Statements of Operations.” The consolidated
balance sheets are referred to herein as the “Balance Sheets.” The consolidated statements of cash flows are
referred to herein as the “Statements of Cash Flows.” The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”).
42
Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is intended to help provide
an understanding of the Company’s financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations.
This discussion is organized as follows:
•
•
•
•
Overview of the Company’s Business—This section provides a general description of the Company’s
businesses, as well as developments that occurred during the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and
through the date of this filing that the Company believes are important in understanding its results of
operations and financial condition or to disclose known trends.
Results of Operations—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s results of operations for
the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2019. This analysis is presented on both a consolidated basis and a
segment basis. Supplemental revenue information is also included for reporting units within certain
segments and is presented on a gross basis, before eliminations in consolidation. In addition, a brief
description is provided of significant transactions and events that impact the comparability of the
results being analyzed. To enhance the comparability of the financial information provided to users, the
Company has supplementally included pro forma financial information for fiscal 2018 within its
discussion and analysis below reflecting the Transaction. The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal
year ending on the Sunday closest to June 30 in each year. Fiscal 2019 and 2018 each included 52
weeks.
Liquidity and Capital Resources—This section provides an analysis of the Company’s cash flows for
the two fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, as well as a discussion of the Company’s financial
arrangements and outstanding commitments, both firm and contingent, that existed as of June 30, 2019.
Critical Accounting Policies—This section discusses accounting policies considered important to the
Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require significant judgment and
estimates on the part of management in application. In addition, Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial
Statements summarizes the Company’s significant accounting policies, including the critical
accounting policies discussed in this section.
OVERVIEW OF THE COMPANY’S BUSINESSES
The Company manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:
•
•
News and Information Services—The News and Information Services segment includes the
Company’s global print, digital and broadcast radio media platforms. These product offerings include
the global print and digital versions of The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Group, which includes
Barron’s and MarketWatch, the Company’s suite of professional information products, including
Factiva, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance, and Dow Jones Newswires, and its live journalism events.
The Company also owns, among other publications, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun,
The Courier Mail and The Advertiser in Australia, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sun
on Sunday in the U.K. and the New York Post in the U.S. This segment also includes News America
Marketing, a leading provider of in-store marketing products and services, home-delivered shopper
media, and digital marketing solutions, including Checkout 51’s mobile application, as well as Unruly,
a global video advertising marketplace, Wireless Group, operator of talkSPORT, the leading sports
radio network in the U.K., and Storyful, a social media content agency.
Subscription Video Services—The Company’s Subscription Video Services segment provides video
sports, entertainment and news services to pay-TV subscribers and other commercial licensees,
primarily via cable, satellite and internet distribution, and consists of (i) the Company’s 65% interest in
Foxtel (with the remaining 35% interest in Foxtel held by Telstra, an Australian Securities Exchange
(“ASX”)-listed telecommunications company) and (ii) Australian News Channel (“ANC”). Foxtel is
the largest pay-TV provider in Australia, with nearly 200 channels covering sports, general
entertainment, movies, documentaries, music, children’s programming and news. Foxtel offers the
leading sports programming content in Australia, with broadcast rights to live sporting events
43
including: National Rugby League, Australian Football League, Cricket Australia, the domestic
football league, the Australian Rugby Union and various motorsports programming. Foxtel also
operates Foxtel Now, an over-the-top, or OTT, service, and Kayo, a sports-only OTT service.
ANC operates the SKY NEWS network, Australia’s 24-hour multi-channel, multi-platform news
service. ANC channels are distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand and available on Foxtel
and Sky Network Television NZ. ANC also owns and operates the international Australia Channel
IPTV service and offers content across a variety of digital media platforms, including mobile, podcasts
and social media websites.
Book Publishing—The Book Publishing segment consists of HarperCollins, the second largest
consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 17 countries and particular strengths in
general fiction, nonfiction, children’s and religious publishing. HarperCollins owns more than 120
branded publishing imprints, including Harper, William Morrow, HarperCollins Children’s Books,
Avon, Harlequin and Christian publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, and publishes works by
well-known authors such as Harper Lee, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Rick Warren, Sarah Young and
Agatha Christie and popular titles such as The Hobbit, Goodnight Moon, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jesus
Calling and Hillbilly Elegy.
Digital Real Estate Services—The Digital Real Estate Services segment consists of the Company’s
61.6% interest in REA Group and 80% interest in Move. The remaining 20% interest in Move is held
by REA Group. REA Group is a market-leading digital media business specializing in property and is
listed on the ASX (ASX: REA). REA Group advertises property and property-related services on its
websites and mobile apps across Australia and Asia, including Australia’s leading residential,
commercial and share property websites, realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au, Flatmates.com.au
and spacely.com.au, and property portals in Asia. In addition, REA Group provides property-related
data to the financial sector and financial services through an end-to-end digital property search and
financing experience and a mortgage broking offering.
Move is a leading provider of online real estate services in the U.S. and primarily operates
realtor.com®, a premier real estate information and services marketplace. Move offers real estate
advertising solutions to agents and brokers, including its ConnectionsSM Plus and AdvantageSM Pro
products as well as its Opcity performance and subscription-based services. Move also offers a number
of professional software and services products, including Top Producer®, and ListHubTM.
Other—The Other segment consists primarily of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate
Strategy Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Company’s Strategy Group
identifies new products and services across its businesses to increase revenues and profitability and
targets and assesses potential acquisitions, investments and dispositions.
•
•
•
News and Information Services
Revenue at the News and Information Services segment is derived primarily from the sale of advertising,
circulation and subscriptions, as well as licensing. Adverse changes in general market conditions for advertising
continue to affect revenues. Advertising revenues at the News and Information Services segment are also subject
to seasonality, with revenues typically being highest in the Company’s second fiscal quarter due to the
end-of-year holiday season in its main operating geographies. Circulation and subscription revenues can be
greatly affected by changes in the prices of the Company’s and/or competitors’ products, as well as by
promotional activities.
Operating expenses include costs related to paper, production, distribution, third party printing, editorial,
commissions and radio sports rights. Selling, general and administrative expenses include promotional expenses,
salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
The News and Information Services segment’s advertising volume and rates, circulation and the price of paper
are the key variables whose fluctuations can have a material effect on the Company’s operating results and cash
44
flow. The Company has to anticipate the level of advertising volume and rates, circulation and paper prices in
managing its businesses to maximize operating profit during expanding and contracting economic cycles. The
Company continues to be exposed to risks associated with paper used for printing. Paper is a basic commodity
and its price is sensitive to the balance of supply and demand. The Company’s expenses are affected by the
cyclical increases and decreases in the price of paper and other factors that may affect paper prices, including
tariffs or other restrictions on non-U.S. paper suppliers. The News and Information Services segment’s products
compete for readership, audience and advertising with local and national competitors and also compete with
other media alternatives in their respective markets. Competition for circulation and subscriptions is based on the
content of the products provided, pricing and, from time to time, various promotions. The success of these
products also depends upon advertisers’ judgments as to the most effective use of their advertising budgets.
Competition for advertising is based upon the reach of the products, advertising rates and advertiser results. Such
judgments are based on factors such as cost, availability of alternative media, distribution and quality of
consumer demographics.
The Company’s traditional print business faces challenges from alternative media formats and shifting consumer
preferences. The Company is also exposed to the impact of long-term structural movements in advertising
spending, in particular, the move in advertising from print to digital. These alternative media formats could
impact the Company’s overall performance, positively or negatively. In addition, technologies have been and
will continue to be developed that allow users to block advertising on websites and mobile devices, which may
impact advertising rates or revenues.
As a multi-platform news provider, the Company recognizes the importance of maximizing revenues from a
variety of media formats and platforms, both in terms of paid-for content and in new advertising models, and
continues to invest in its digital products. Smartphones, tablets and similar devices, their related apps and other
technologies, provide continued opportunities for the Company to make its content available to a new audience
of readers, introduce new or different pricing schemes and develop its products to continue to attract advertisers
and/or affect the relationship between content providers and consumers. The Company continues to develop and
implement strategies to exploit its content across a variety of media channels and platforms.
Subscription Video Services
The Company’s Subscription Video Services segment consists of (i) its 65% interest in Foxtel and (ii) ANC.
Foxtel is the largest pay-TV provider in Australia, delivering nearly 200 channels including the leading sports
programming content in Australia. Foxtel generates revenue primarily through subscription revenue as well as
advertising revenue.
Foxtel competes for audiences primarily with a variety of other video content providers, such as traditional
Free-To-Air (“FTA”) TV operators in Australia, including the three major commercial FTA networks and two
major government-funded FTA broadcasters, and new content providers that deliver video programming over the
internet. These providers include, Internet Protocol television, or IPTV, and subscription video-on-demand
providers such as Fetch TV, Netflix, Stan and Amazon Prime Video; streaming services offered through digital
media providers; as well as programmers and distributors that provide, or have indicated an intention to provide,
content directly to consumers over the internet.
ANC operates the SKY NEWS network, Australia’s 24-hour multi-channel, multi-platform news service, and
also owns and operates the Australia Channel IPTV service for international markets. Revenue is primarily
derived from monthly affiliate fees received from pay-TV providers based on the number of subscribers and
advertising.
The most significant operating expenses of the Subscription Video Services segment are the acquisition and
production expenses related to programming, the expenses related to operating the technical facilities of the
broadcast operations, expenses related to cable, satellite, internet and broadband transmission costs and studio
45
and engineering expense. The expenses associated with licensing certain programming rights are recognized
during the applicable season or event, which can cause results at the Subscription Video Services segment to
fluctuate based on the timing and mix of Foxtel’s local and international sports programming. Programming
rights associated with a dedicated channel are amortized over 12 months. Other expenses include subscriber
acquisition costs such as sales costs and marketing and promotional expenses related to improving the market
visibility and awareness of the channels and their programming. Additional expenses include salaries, employee
benefits, rent and other routine overhead expenses.
Book Publishing
The Book Publishing segment derives revenues from the sale of general fiction, nonfiction, children’s and
religious books in the U.S. and internationally. The revenues and operating results of the Book Publishing
segment are significantly affected by the timing of releases and the number of its books in the marketplace. The
book publishing marketplace is subject to increased periods of demand during the end-of-year holiday season in
its main operating geographies. This marketplace is highly competitive and continues to change due to
technological developments, including additional digital platforms and distribution channels and other factors.
Each book is a separate and distinct product and its financial success depends upon many factors, including
public acceptance.
Major new title releases represent a significant portion of the Book Publishing segment’s sales throughout the
fiscal year. Print-based consumer books are generally sold on a fully returnable basis, resulting in the return of
unsold books. In the domestic and international markets, the Book Publishing segment is subject to global trends
and local economic conditions. Operating expenses for the Book Publishing segment include costs related to
paper, printing, authors’ royalties, editorial, promotional, art and design expenses. Selling, general and
administrative expenses include salaries, employee benefits, rent and other routine overhead.
Digital Real Estate Services
The Digital Real Estate Services segment generates revenue through property and property-related advertising
and services, including the sale of real estate listing and performance-based products to agents, brokers and
developers, display advertising on its residential real estate and commercial property sites and residential
property data services to the financial sector. The Digital Real Estate Services segment also generates revenue
through licenses of certain professional software products on a subscription basis and fees and commissions from
referrals generated through its end-to-end digital property search and financing offering and mortgage broking
services. Significant expenses associated with these sites, services and software solutions include development
costs, advertising and promotional expenses, hosting and support services, salaries, broker commissions,
employee benefits and other routine overhead expenses.
Consumers are increasingly turning to the internet and mobile devices for real estate information and services.
The Digital Real Estate Services segment’s success depends on its continued innovation to provide products and
services that are useful for consumers and real estate, mortgage and financial services professionals and attractive
to its advertisers. The Digital Real Estate Services segment operates in a highly competitive digital environment
with other real estate and property websites.
Other
The Other segment primarily consists of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate Strategy Group and
costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Company’s Strategy Group identifies new products and
services across the Company’s businesses to increase revenues and profitability and targets and assesses potential
acquisitions, investments and dispositions.
46
Other Business Developments
In June 2019, the Company announced that it is reviewing strategic options for News America Marketing,
including a potential sale. There is no assurance regarding the timing of any action or transaction, nor that the
strategic review will result in a transaction or other strategic change.
In October 2018, the Company acquired Opcity Inc. (“Opcity”), a market-leading real estate technology platform
that matches qualified home buyers and sellers with real estate professionals in real time. The total transaction
value was approximately $210 million, consisting of approximately $182 million in cash, net of $7 million of
cash acquired and approximately $28 million in deferred payments and restricted stock unit awards for Opcity’s
founders and qualifying employees, which is being recognized as compensation expense over the three years
following the closing. Included in the cash amount was approximately $20 million that is being held back for
approximately 18 months after closing. The acquisition broadens realtor.com®’s lead generation product
portfolio, allowing real estate professionals to choose between traditional lead products or a concierge-based
model that provides highly vetted, transaction-ready leads. Opcity is a subsidiary of Move, and its results are
included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment.
In addition to the acquisitions noted above, the Company used $26 million of cash for additional acquisitions
during fiscal 2019, primarily relating to Racing Internet Services (“Racenet”) and Medium Rare Content Agency
(“Medium Rare”), an integrated content agency. Racenet and Medium Rare are subsidiaries of News Corp
Australia and the results of each are included within the News and Information Services segment.
In June 2018, REA Group acquired Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd (“Hometrack Australia”) for approximately
A$130 million (approximately $100 million) in cash, which was funded with a mix of cash on hand and debt of
A$70 million (approximately $53 million). Hometrack Australia is a provider of property data services to the
financial sector and it allows REA Group to deliver more property data and insights to its customers. Hometrack
Australia is a subsidiary of REA Group, and its results are included within the Digital Real Estate Services
segment.
In April 2018, News Corp and Telstra combined their respective 50% interests in the Foxtel Group and News
Corp’s 100% interest in FOX SPORTS Australia into a new company. Following the completion of the
Transaction, News Corp owns a 65% interest in the combined business, with Telstra owning the remaining 35%.
The combination allows Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia to leverage their media platforms and content
to improve services for consumers and advertisers. The results of Foxtel are reported within the Subscription
Video Services segment, and Foxtel is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Company’s annual
goodwill impairment review.
In July 2017, REA Group acquired an 80.3% interest in Smartline Home Loans Pty Limited (“Smartline”) for
approximately A$70 million in cash (approximately $55 million). The minority shareholders have the option to
sell the remaining 19.7% interest to REA Group beginning three years after closing at a price dependent on the
financial performance of Smartline. If the option is not exercised, the minority interest will become mandatorily
redeemable four years after closing. As a result, REA Group recognized a liability of $12 million in the three
months ended September 30, 2017 for the present value of the amount expected to be paid for the remaining
interest based on the formula specified in the acquisition agreement. Smartline is one of Australia’s premier
mortgage broking franchise groups, and the acquisition provides REA Group’s financial services business with
greater scale and capability. Smartline is a subsidiary of REA Group, and its results are included within the
Digital Real Estate Services segment.
47
Results of Operations—Fiscal 2019 versus Fiscal 2018 (as reported)
The following table sets forth the Company’s operating results for fiscal 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,104
2,738
1,679
908
645
$ 3,021
2,856
1,664
858
625
$1,083
(118)
15
50
20
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net
Income (loss) before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . .
10,074
(5,622)
(3,208)
(659)
(188)
(17)
(59)
33
354
(126)
228
(73)
9,024
(4,903)
(3,050)
(472)
(351)
(1,006)
(7)
(324)
(1,089)
(355)
(1,444)
(70)
1,050
(719)
(158)
(187)
163
989
(52)
357
1,443
229
1,672
(3)
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
155
$(1,514) $1,669
36%
(4)%
1%
6%
3%
12%
(15)%
(5)%
(40)%
46%
98%
**
**
**
65%
**
(4)%
**
**
not meaningful
Revenues—Revenues increased $1,050 million, or 12%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to
fiscal 2018. The Revenue increase was primarily due to higher revenues at the Subscription Video Services
segment of $1,198 million resulting in large part from the Transaction, which contributed $1,289 million to the
increase and higher revenues of $18 million at the Digital Real Estate Services segment. These increases were
partially offset by lower revenues at the News and Information Services segment of $163 million, primarily due
to the $154 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, weakness in the print advertising market
and lower revenues at News America Marketing of $61 million, partially offset by cover and subscription price
increases and digital subscriber growth, primarily at The Wall Street Journal and in Australia. The impact of the
adoption of the new revenue recognition standard resulted in a revenue decrease of approximately $72 million.
The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue
decrease of $311 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The Company
calculates the impact of foreign currency fluctuations for businesses reporting in currencies other than the U.S.
dollar by multiplying the results for each quarter in the current period by the difference between the average
exchange rate for that quarter and the average exchange rate in effect during the corresponding quarter of the
prior year and totaling the impact for all quarters in the current period.
Operating expenses—Operating expenses increased $719 million, or 15%, for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The increase in Operating expenses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 was
mainly due to higher operating expenses at the Subscription Video Services segment of $822 million primarily
resulting from the Transaction. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local
currencies resulted in an Operating expense decrease of $153 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as
compared to fiscal 2018.
48
Selling, general and administrative—Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $158 million, or
5%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The increase in Selling, general and
administrative expenses was primarily due to higher expenses of $169 million at the Subscription Video Services
segment, primarily as a result of the Transaction, and the absence of the $46 million impact from the reversal of a
portion of the previously accrued liability for the U.K. Newspaper Matters and the corresponding receivable as
the result of an agreement reached with the relevant tax authority with respect to certain employment taxes in the
first quarter of fiscal 2018. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies
resulted in a Selling, general and administrative expense decrease of $109 million for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
Depreciation and amortization—Depreciation and amortization expense increased $187 million, or 40%, for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily as a result of an additional $185 million of
depreciation and amortization expense at the Subscription Video Services segment, mainly due to the
Transaction.
Impairment and restructuring charges—During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the Company
recorded restructuring charges of $92 million and $71 million, respectively.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$96 million related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$280 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets at the News America
Marketing reporting unit and impairment of goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit.
See Note 5—Restructuring Programs and Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Equity losses of affiliates—Equity losses of affiliates improved by $989 million for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease in losses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 was
primarily due to the absence of a $957 million non-cash write-down of the carrying value of the Company’s
investment in Foxtel recognized in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
(in millions, except %)
Foxtel(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other equity affiliates, net(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $ (974) $974
15
(17)
(32)
Total Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(17) $(1,006) $989
**
47%
98%
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
**
(a)
not meaningful
Following completion of the Transaction in April 2018, News Corp ceased accounting for Foxtel as an
equity method investment and began consolidating its results in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. See
Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions and Note 6—Investments in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements.
The fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 included the write-down discussed above. See Note 6—Investments in
the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other”
(“ASC 350”), the Company amortized $49 million related to excess cost over the Company’s proportionate
share of its investment’s underlying net assets allocated to finite-lived intangible assets during the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2018. Such amortization is reflected in Equity losses of affiliates in the Statement of
Operations.
49
(b) Other equity affiliates, net for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 include losses primarily from
the Company’s interest in Elara. Additionally, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 the Company
recognized $13 million in non-cash write-downs of certain equity method investments’ carrying values. The
write-downs were reflected in Equity losses of affiliates in the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2018. See Note 6—Investments in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Interest expense, net—Interest expense, net for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 increased $52 million, as
compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to higher interest expense as a result of the Transaction. As a result of the
Transaction, the Company consolidated outstanding debt of approximately $1.8 billion. See Note 9—Borrowings
in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Other, net—Other, net increased $357 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal
2018. See Note 21—Additional Financial Information in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Income tax (expense) benefit—The Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019 were $126 million and 36%, respectively, as compared to an income tax expense and
effective tax rate of $355 million and (33%), respectively, for fiscal 2018.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 the Company recorded a tax expense of $126 million on pre-tax income
of $354 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The higher tax
rate was primarily due to lower tax benefits on impairments, valuation allowances being recorded against tax
benefits in certain foreign jurisdictions with operating losses and the impact from foreign operations which are
subject to higher tax rates.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a tax expense of $355 million on pre-tax loss of
$1,089 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The lower tax rate
was primarily due to $340 million of lower tax benefits on impairments and write-downs of approximately
$1.3 billion, $88 million of lower tax benefits related to the $337 million loss for the settlement of the
pre-existing contractual arrangement between FOX SPORTS Australia and Foxtel as a result of the Transaction
and a tax expense of $237 million related to the impact of the Tax Act, offset by a tax benefit of approximately
$49 million related to the settlement of pre-Separation tax matters with the Internal Revenue Service.
Net income (loss)—Net income (loss) increased $1,672 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as
compared to fiscal 2018 primarily due to lower equity losses of affiliates resulting from the absence of the
$957 million non-cash write-down of the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Foxtel recognized in
fiscal 2018, lower impairment and restructuring charges resulting from the absence of non-cash impairment
charges of $280 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets at the News
America Marketing reporting unit and impairment of goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit,
higher Other, net resulting from the absence of a $337 million loss related to the Transaction, primarily resulting
from the write-off of the FOX SPORTS Australia channel distribution agreement intangible asset, the absence of
the $237 million negative impact of the Tax Act recognized in fiscal 2018 and higher Total Segment EBITDA,
partially offset by higher Depreciation and amortization and Interest expense.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests—Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests
increased $3 million, or 4%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to
higher results at REA Group offset by the noncontrolling interest impact from Foxtel.
Segment Analysis
Segment EBITDA is defined as revenues less operating expenses and selling, general and administrative
expenses. Segment EBITDA does not include: depreciation and amortization, impairment and restructuring
charges, equity losses of affiliates, interest expense, net, other, net and income tax (expense) benefit. Segment
EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, since companies and
investors may differ as to what items should be included in the calculation of Segment EBITDA.
50
Segment EBITDA is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the
performance of, and allocate resources within, the Company’s businesses. Segment EBITDA provides
management, investors and equity analysts with a measure to analyze the operating performance of each of the
Company’s business segments and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although
historical results may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many
factors, including customer tastes and preferences).
Total Segment EBITDA is a non-GAAP measure and should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for,
net income (loss), 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 and restructuring charges, which are significant components in
assessing the Company’s financial performance. The Company believes that the presentation of Total Segment
EBITDA provides useful information regarding the Company’s operations and other factors that affect the
Company’s reported results. Specifically, the Company believes that by excluding certain one-time or non-cash
items such as impairment and restructuring charges and depreciation and amortization, as well as potential
distortions between periods caused by factors such as financing and capital structures and changes in tax
positions or regimes, the Company provides users of its consolidated financial statements with insight into both
its core operations as well as the factors that affect reported results between periods but which the Company
believes are not representative of its core business. As a result, users of the Company’s consolidated financial
statements are better able to evaluate changes in the core operating results of the Company across different
periods. The following table reconciles Net income (loss) to Total Segment EBITDA for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2019 and 2018:
(in millions)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
$ 228
$(1,444)
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
126
(33)
59
17
188
659
355
324
7
1,006
351
472
Total Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,244
$ 1,071
The following table sets forth the Company’s Revenues and Segment EBITDA for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2019 and 2018:
(in millions)
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Revenues
$ 4,956
2,202
1,754
1,159
3
Segment
EBITDA Revenues
Segment
EBITDA
$ 417
380
253
384
(190)
$5,119
1,004
1,758
1,141
2
$ 397
173
239
401
(139)
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,074
$1,244
$9,024
$1,071
51
News and Information Services (49% and 57% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2019 and
2018, respectively)
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2,128
2,400
428
$ 2,115
2,589
415
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4,956
(2,822)
(1,717)
5,119
(2,934)
(1,788)
$ 13
(189)
13
(163)
112
71
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
417
$
397
$ 20
1%
(7)%
3%
(3)%
4%
4%
5%
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues at the News and Information Services segment decreased
$163 million, or 3%, as compared to fiscal 2018. The revenue decrease was primarily due to lower Advertising
revenues of $189 million resulting mainly from weakness in the print advertising market, the $74 million
negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and lower revenues at News America Marketing of $61 million,
partially offset by digital advertising growth, primarily in Australia. Circulation and subscription revenues for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 increased $13 million as compared to fiscal 2018 mainly due to cover and
subscription price increases, digital subscriber growth, primarily at The Wall Street Journal and in Australia,
higher professional information business revenues at Dow Jones and the impact of the adoption of the new
revenue recognition standard in Australia. These increases were partially offset by the $61 million negative
impact of foreign currency fluctuations and print volume declines in Australia and in the U.K., primarily at The
Sun. Other revenues increased $13 million as compared to fiscal 2018 primarily due to the $38 million net
benefit related to News UK’s exit from the partnership for Sun Bets in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, partially
offset by the $19 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and lower brand partnership revenues
in the U.K. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a
revenue decrease of $154 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, Segment EBITDA at the News and Information Services segment
increased $20 million, or 5%, as compared to fiscal 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher contribution
from Dow Jones of $17 million, primarily related to higher revenues, and from News Corp Australia of
$9 million, primarily due to lower newsprint, production and distribution costs and cost savings initiatives.
Dow Jones
Revenues were $1,559 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, an increase of $48 million, or 3%, as
compared to fiscal 2018 revenues of $1,511 million. Circulation and subscription revenues increased $58 million,
primarily due to the $44 million impact from digital subscriber growth and digital subscription price increases at
The Wall Street Journal, as well as $21 million of higher professional information business revenues led by Dow
Jones Risk & Compliance, partially offset by the negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations. Advertising
revenues decreased $13 million, primarily due to weakness in the print advertising market, partially offset by
digital advertising growth. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies
resulted in a revenue decrease of $7 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
News Corp Australia
Revenues at the Australian newspapers were $1,197 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, a decrease of
$82 million, or 6%, as compared to fiscal 2018 revenues of $1,279 million. The impact of foreign currency
52
fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $99 million, or 7%, for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. Advertising revenues decreased $65 million,
primarily due to the $56 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and the $52 million impact of
weakness in the print advertising market, partially offset by the $26 million increase due to digital advertising
growth and a $20 million increase from the acquisition of an integrated content marketing agency. Circulation
and subscription revenues decreased $21 million primarily due to the $32 million negative impact of foreign
currency fluctuations and print volume declines, partially offset by the impact of the adoption of the new revenue
recognition standard, cover price increases and digital subscriber growth.
News UK
Revenues were $1,032 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, a decrease of $44 million, or 4%, as
compared to fiscal 2018 revenues of $1,076 million. The decrease was due in part to lower Advertising revenues
of $28 million, primarily due to weakness in the print advertising market and the $12 million negative impact of
foreign currency fluctuations. Circulation and subscription revenues decreased $27 million, primarily due to
single-copy volume declines, mainly at The Sun, and the $22 million negative impact of foreign currency
fluctuations, partially offset by the impact of cover price increases across mastheads. The decrease was partially
offset by higher Other revenues of $11 million, mainly due to the $38 million net benefit related to the exit from
the partnership for Sun Bets in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, partially offset by lower brand partnership
revenues. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a
revenue decrease of $40 million, or 4%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
News America Marketing
Revenues at News America Marketing were $895 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, a decrease of
$61 million, or 6%, as compared to fiscal 2018 revenues of $956 million. The decrease was primarily related to
$67 million of lower home delivered revenues, which include free-standing insert products, mainly due to lower
volume.
Subscription Video Services (22% and 11% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2019 and 2018,
respectively)
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,926
215
61
$ 850
127
27
$1,076
88
34
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,202
(1,476)
(346)
1,004
(654)
(177)
1,198
(822)
(169)
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
380
$ 173
$ 207
**
69%
**
**
**
(95)%
**
**
not meaningful
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues at the Subscription Video Services segment increased
$1,198 million and Segment EBITDA increased $207 million, as compared to fiscal 2018. The revenue and
Segment EBITDA increases were primarily due to the Transaction, which contributed $1,289 million of revenue
and $236 million of Segment EBITDA during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. The impact of foreign
currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a revenue decrease of $74 million for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. See the “Results of Operations—Fiscal 2019 (as
reported) versus Fiscal 2018 (pro forma)” section below for additional details.
53
Book Publishing (17% and 19% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2019 and 2018, respectively)
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,679
75
$ 1,664
94
$ 15
(19)
1%
(20)%
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,754
(1,174)
(327)
1,758
(1,178)
(341)
(4)
4
14
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
253
$
239
$ 14
—
—
4%
6%
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues at the Book Publishing segment decreased $4 million as
compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease was primarily due to the $65 million impact of the adoption of the new
revenue recognition standard, the absence of $28 million in revenues from the sublicensing agreement for J.R.R.
Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy recognized in fiscal 2018 and the $27 million negative impact of foreign
currency fluctuations. These decreases were partially offset by strong frontlist and backlist sales in the Christian
publishing category, primarily titles by Rachel Hollis including Girl, Wash Your Face and Girl, Stop
Apologizing, as well as the success of Homebody: A Guide to Creating Spaces You Never Want to Leave by
Joanna Gaines in the general books category and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas in the children’s books
category. Digital sales increased 7% compared to fiscal 2018, driven by growth in downloadable audiobook
sales, and represented 20% of Consumer revenues during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, Segment EBITDA at the Book Publishing segment increased
$14 million, or 6%, as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to the mix of titles.
Digital Real Estate Services (12% and 13% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2019 and 2018,
respectively)
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
49
122
908
80
$
56
139
858
88
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,159
(167)
(608)
1,141
(138)
(602)
$ (7)
(17)
50
(8)
18
(29)
(6)
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 384
$ 401
$(17)
(13)%
(12)%
6%
(9)%
2%
(21)%
(1)%
(4)%
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues at the Digital Real Estate Services segment increased
$18 million, or 2%, as compared to fiscal 2018. Revenues at Move increased $32 million, or 7%, to $484 million
in fiscal 2019 from $452 million in fiscal 2018, primarily due to higher Real Estate revenues resulting from
growth in leads and higher yield, partially offset by lower non-listing advertising revenues. At REA Group,
revenues increased $8 million, or 1%, to $674 million in fiscal 2019 from $666 million in fiscal 2018. The higher
revenues were primarily due to an increase in Australian residential depth revenue driven by price increases,
improved penetration and favorable product mix, as well as the acquisition of Hometrack Australia, partially
offset by the $56 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and softness in listing volumes which
54
are not expected to improve in the short term. The increase in revenues was partially offset by the $21 million
impact resulting from the sale of DIAKRIT during the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, Segment EBITDA at the Digital Real Estate Services segment decreased
$17 million, or 4%, as compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease in Segment EBITDA was primarily due to the
$39 million impact associated with the acquisition and continued investment in Opcity at Move and the
$30 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by the higher revenues noted above.
55
Results of Operations—Fiscal 2019 (as reported) versus Fiscal 2018 (pro forma)
The following supplemental unaudited pro forma information for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 reflects the
Company’s results of operations as if the Transaction had occurred on July 1, 2016. The Company believes that
the presentation of this supplemental information enhances comparability across the reporting periods. The
information was prepared in accordance with Article 11 of Regulation S-X and is based on historical results of
operations of News Corp and Foxtel, adjusted for the effect of Transaction-related accounting adjustments, as
described below. Pro forma adjustments were based on available information and assumptions regarding impacts
that are directly attributable to the Transaction, are factually supportable, and are expected to have a continuing
impact on the combined results. In addition, the pro forma information is provided for supplemental and
informational purposes only, and is not necessarily indicative of what the Company’s results of operations would
have been, or the Company’s future results of operations, had the Transaction actually occurred on the date
indicated. As only the financial results for the Subscription Video Services segment were adjusted due to the
presentation of this pro forma supplemental information, the Company is only providing a supplemental analysis
for this segment below, under “Segment Analysis (pro forma).” The unaudited pro forma information should be
read in conjunction with other sections of this “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations,” as well as “Selected Financial Data” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and
related notes appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report.
Pro Forma (unaudited)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018
News Corp
Historical(a)
Foxtel
Historical(b)
Transaction
Adjustments
Pro Forma
(in millions, except per share amounts)
Revenues:
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 3,021
2,856
1,664
858
625
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(Loss) income before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling
9,024
(4,903)
(3,050)
(472)
(351)
(1,006)
(7)
(324)
(1,089)
(355)
(1,444)
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(70)
Net (loss) income attributable to News Corporation . . . . . . .
$(1,514)
$
Basic and diluted loss per share:
Net loss available to News Corporation stockholders per
$ 1,638
141
—
—
39
1,818
(1,136)
(340)
(187)
(5)
5
(76)
(2)
77
(13)
64
1
65
$(278)(c)(d) $ 4,381
2,997
1,664
858
664
—
—
—
—
(278)
291(c)(e)
17(f)
(17)(g)(h)(i)
(957)(j)
974(j)
—
337(k)
367
(5)(l)
10,564
(5,748)
(3,373)
(676)
(1,313)
(27)
(83)
11
(645)
(373)
362
(1,018)
(27)(m)
(96)
$ 335
$ (1,114)
share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (2.60)
$ (1.92)
56
Notes to the unaudited pro forma statements:
(a) Reflects the historical results of operations of News Corporation. As the acquisition of a controlling interest
in Foxtel was completed on April 3, 2018, Foxtel is reflected in our historical Statement of Operations from
April 3, 2018 onwards.
(b) Reflects the historical results of operations of Foxtel to the date of the Transaction. From April 3, 2018
onwards, Foxtel is included in the historical results of operations of News Corporation. The Statement of
Operations of Foxtel is derived from its historical financial statements for the nine months ended March 31,
2018. The Statement of Operations for the nine months ended March 31, 2018 reflects Foxtel’s Statement of
Operations on a U.S. GAAP basis and translated from Australian dollars to U.S. dollars, the reporting
currency of the combined group, using the quarterly average rate for each quarter in the period presented.
Additionally, certain balances within Foxtel’s historical financial information were reclassified to be
consistent with the Company’s presentation.
(c) Represents the impact of eliminating transactions between Foxtel and the consolidated subsidiaries of News
Corporation, which would be eliminated upon consolidation as a result of the Transaction.
(d) Reflects the reversal of revenue recognized in Foxtel’s historical Statement of Operations resulting from the
fair value adjustment of Foxtel’s historical deferred installation revenue in the preliminary purchase price
allocation for the Transaction.
(f)
(e) Reflect the adjustment to amortization of program inventory recognized in Foxtel’s historical Statement of
Operations related to the fair value adjustment of Foxtel’s historical program inventory in the preliminary
purchase price allocation.
Reflects the removal of transaction expenses directly related to the Transaction that are included in News
Corp’s historical Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. These costs are
considered to be non-recurring in nature, and as such, have been excluded from the pro forma Statement of
Operations.
(g) Reflects the adjustment to amortization expense resulting from the recognition of amortizable intangible
assets in the preliminary purchase price allocation.
(j)
(i)
(h) Reflects the adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense resulting from the fair value adjustment to
Foxtel’s historical fixed assets in the preliminary purchase price allocation, which resulted in a step-up in
the value of such assets.
Reflects the reversal of amortization expense included in News Corp’s historical Statement of Operations
from the Company’s settlement of its pre-existing contractual arrangement between Foxtel and FOX
SPORTS Australia, which resulted in a write-off of its channel distribution agreement intangible asset at the
time of the Transaction.
Represents the impact to equity losses of affiliates as a result of the Transaction, as if the Transaction
occurred on July 1, 2016. Historically News Corp accounted for its investment in Foxtel under the equity
method of accounting. As a result of the Transaction, Foxtel became a majority owned subsidiary of the
Company, and therefore, the impact of Foxtel on the Company’s historical equity losses of affiliates was
eliminated. In addition, during the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, News Corp recorded an impairment to
its investment in Foxtel within equity losses of affiliates which is reflected in News Corp’s historical results.
As this impairment is non-recurring in nature and is not directly attributable to the Transaction, such amount
has not been eliminated and has been reclassified in the pro forma Statement of Operations from equity
losses of affiliates into impairment and restructuring charges.
(k) Represents the write-off recorded as a result of the effective settlement of the channel distribution
agreement between FOX SPORTS Australia and Foxtel as a result of the Transaction as well as other costs
directly attributable to the Transaction. The write-off of the intangible asset related to this agreement and
other associated costs are considered transaction costs directly attributable to the Transaction that were
incurred in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.
In determining the tax rate to apply to our pro forma adjustments we used the Australian statutory rate of
30%, which is the jurisdiction in which the business operates. However, in certain instances, the effective
tax rate applied to certain adjustments differs from the statutory rate primarily as a result of certain valuation
allowances on deferred tax assets, based on the Company’s historical tax profile in Australia.
(l)
57
(m) Represents the adjustment, as a result of the Transaction, to reflect the noncontrolling interest of the
combined company on a pro forma basis.
The following table sets forth the Company’s audited operating results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
and its unaudited pro forma operating results for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
As reported
Pro forma
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,104
2,738
1,679
908
645
$ 4,381
2,997
1,664
858
664
$ (277)
(259)
15
50
(19)
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . .
10,074
(5,622)
(3,208)
(659)
(188)
(17)
(59)
33
354
(126)
228
(73)
10,564
(5,748)
(3,373)
(676)
(1,313)
(27)
(83)
11
(645)
(373)
(490)
126
165
17
1,125
10
24
22
999
247
(1,018)
(96)
1,246
23
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation . . . . . . . . . . .
$
155
$ (1,114) $1,269
(6)%
(9)%
1%
6%
(3)%
(5)%
2%
5%
3%
86%
37%
29%
**
**
66%
**
24%
**
**
not meaningful
Revenues (pro forma)—Revenues decreased $490 million, or 5%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as
compared to fiscal 2018. The Revenue decrease was primarily attributable to a $342 million decrease in revenues
at the Subscription Video Services segment, primarily due to the $181 million negative impact of foreign
currency fluctuations and lower subscription revenues resulting from lower broadcast subscribers and changes in
the subscriber package mix, partially offset by $46 million of higher revenues from Foxtel Now and Kayo, as
well as lower revenues at the News and Information Services segment of $163 million, mainly due to the
$154 million negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations, weakness in the print advertising market and
lower revenues at News America Marketing of $61 million, partially offset by cover and subscription price
increases and digital subscriber growth, primarily at The Wall Street Journal and in Australia. The Revenue
decrease was partially offset by higher revenues of $18 million at the Digital Real Estate Services segment. The
impact of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard resulted in a Revenue decrease of approximately
$72 million. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a
Revenue decrease of $418 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
Operating expenses (pro forma)—Operating expenses decreased $126 million, or 2%, for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease in Operating expenses for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2019 was mainly due to the $219 million positive impact of foreign currency fluctuations, partially offset by
$95 million of higher sports programming and production costs at the Subscription Video Services segment,
mainly related to Cricket Australia and the National Rugby League. During fiscal 2019, as a result of Foxtel
management’s new programming strategy, the Company determined that certain entertainment programming
provided a higher benefit upon its first run and now accelerates amortization for such programming. The
Company expects an increase in non-cash programming amortization expense in fiscal 2020 as a result.
58
Selling, general and administrative (pro forma)—Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
$165 million, or 5%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease in Selling,
general and administrative expenses was primarily due to lower expenses at the Subscription Video Services
segment of $154 million primarily related to lower customer service and installation costs and lower overhead
costs, partially offset by the absence of the $46 million impact from the reversal of a portion of the previously
accrued liability for the U.K. Newspaper Matters and the corresponding receivable as the result of an agreement
reached with the relevant tax authority with respect to certain employment taxes in the first quarter of fiscal
2018. The impact of foreign currency fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a Selling,
general and administrative expense decrease of $130 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared
to fiscal 2018.
Depreciation and amortization (pro forma)—Depreciation and amortization expense decreased $17 million, or
3%, for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018. The impact of foreign currency
fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against local currencies resulted in a depreciation and amortization expense
decrease of $32 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018.
Impairment and restructuring charges (pro forma)—During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, the
Company recorded restructuring charges of $92 million and $76 million, respectively, primarily related to
employee termination benefits in the News and Information Services segment.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$96 million related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$1,237 million consisting primarily of a $957 million non-cash write-down of the carrying value of its
investment in Foxtel and $280 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets at the
News America Marketing reporting unit and impairment of goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting
unit.
Equity losses of affiliates (pro forma)—Equity losses of affiliates improved by $10 million to $17 million for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 from $27 million in fiscal 2018. The decrease in losses for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019 was primarily due to the absence of $13 million in non-cash write-downs of certain equity
method investments recognized in the second quarter of fiscal 2018.
Interest expense, net (pro forma)—Interest expense, net decreased $24 million, or 29%, for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily due to lower third party interest expense due to repayments
of maturing facilities.
Other, net (pro forma)—Other, net increased $22 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to
fiscal 2018, primarily due to dividends received from certain investments in the second quarter of fiscal 2019 and
gain recognized on the sale of property in Australia, partially offset by the absence of the gain recognized on the
sale of the Company’s investment in SEEKAsia in the third quarter of fiscal 2018.
Income tax expense (pro forma)—The Company’s income tax expense and effective tax rate for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019 were $126 million and 36%, respectively, as compared to an income tax expense and
effective tax rate of $373 million and (58%), respectively, for fiscal 2018.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded income tax expense of $126 million on pre-tax
income of $354 million, resulting in an effective tax rate that was higher than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The
59
higher tax rate was primarily due to lower tax benefits on impairments, valuation allowances being recorded
against tax benefits in certain foreign jurisdictions with operating losses and the impact from foreign operations
which are subject to higher tax rates.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded a tax expense of $373 million on pre-tax loss of
$645 million resulting in an effective tax rate that was lower than the U.S. statutory tax rate. The lower tax rate
was primarily due to $340 million of lower tax benefits on impairments and write-downs of approximately
$1.3 billion and a tax expense of $237 million related to the impact of the Tax Act, offset by a tax benefit of
approximately $49 million related to the settlement of pre-Separation tax matters with the Internal Revenue
Service.
Net income (loss) (pro forma)—Net income (loss) improved by $1,269 million for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2019 as compared to fiscal 2018 primarily due to lower impairment and restructuring charges resulting from the
absence of $1,237 million of non-cash impairment charges recognized in fiscal 2018 consisting of a $957 million
non-cash write-down of the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Foxtel and $280 million primarily
related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets at the News America Marketing reporting unit and
impairment of goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit and the absence of the $237 million
negative impact of the Tax Act recognized in fiscal 2018, partially offset by lower Total Segment EBITDA.
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests (pro forma)—Net income attributable to noncontrolling
interests decreased by $23 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to fiscal 2018, primarily
due to lower performance at Foxtel, partially offset by higher results at REA Group.
Segment Analysis (pro forma)
The following table reconciles audited reported and pro forma Net income (loss) to audited reported and pro
forma Total Segment EBITDA for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
(in millions, except %)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Add:
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense, net
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
As Reported
$ 228
Pro forma
$(1,018)
126
(33)
59
17
188
659
373
(11)
83
27
1,313
676
Total Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,244
$ 1,443
60
The following table sets forth the Company’s reported Revenues and Segment EBITDA for the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019 and pro forma Revenues and Segment EBITDA for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018:
(in millions)
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Revenues
Segment
EBITDA Revenues
Segment
EBITDA
As Reported
Pro forma
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,956
2,202
1,754
1,159
3
$ 417
380
253
384
(190)
$ 5,119
2,544
1,758
1,141
2
$ 397
545
239
401
(139)
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,074
$1,244
$10,564
$1,443
Subscription Video Services (pro forma) (22% and 24% of the Company’s consolidated revenues in fiscal 2019
and 2018, respectively)
(in millions, except %)
Revenues:
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Change % Change
As reported
Pro forma
Better/(Worse)
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,926
215
61
2,202
(1,476)
(346)
$ 2,210
268
66
2,544
(1,499)
(500)
$(284)
(53)
(5)
(342)
23
154
Segment EBITDA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
380
$
545
$(165)
(13)%
(20)%
(8)%
(13)%
2%
31%
(30)%
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues at the Subscription Video Services segment decreased
$342 million, or 13%, as compared to fiscal 2018. The revenue decrease was primarily due to the $181 million
negative impact of foreign currency fluctuations and lower subscription revenues resulting from lower broadcast
subscribers and changes in the subscriber package mix, partially offset by $46 million of higher revenues from
Foxtel Now and Kayo.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, Segment EBITDA at the Subscription Video Services segment decreased
$165 million, or 30%, as compared to fiscal 2018. The decrease in Segment EBITDA was primarily due to the
lower revenues discussed above, $95 million of higher sports programming and production costs, mainly related
to Cricket Australia and the National Rugby League, and approximately $30 million in higher marketing costs
related to Kayo, partially offset by lower entertainment programming costs, customer service and installation
costs and overhead expenses.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Current Financial Condition
The Company’s principal source of liquidity is internally generated funds and cash and cash equivalents on hand.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $1.64 billion. The Company expects these
elements of liquidity will enable it to meet its liquidity needs in the foreseeable future, including repayment of
indebtedness. The Company also has available borrowing capacity under the Facility (as defined below) and
61
certain other facilities, as described below, and expects to have access to the worldwide credit and capital
markets, subject to market conditions, in order to issue additional debt if needed or desired. Although the
Company believes that its cash on hand and future cash from operations, together with its access to the credit and
capital markets, will provide adequate resources to fund its operating and financing needs, its access to, and the
availability of, financing on acceptable terms in the future will be affected by many factors, including: (i) the
performance of the Company and/or its operating subsidiaries, as applicable, (ii) the Company’s credit rating or
absence of a credit rating and/or the credit rating of its operating subsidiaries, as applicable, (iii) the provisions of
any relevant debt instruments, credit agreements, indentures and similar or associated documents, (iv) the
liquidity of the overall credit and capital markets and (v) the current state of the economy. There can be no
assurances that the Company will continue to have access to the credit and capital markets on acceptable terms.
See Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” for further discussion.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company’s consolidated assets included $633 million in cash and cash equivalents that
were held by its foreign subsidiaries. Of this amount, $97 million is cash not readily accessible by the Company
as it is held by REA Group, a majority owned but separately listed public company. REA Group must declare a
dividend in order for the Company to have access to its share of REA Group’s cash balance. The Company earns
income outside the U.S., which is deemed to be permanently reinvested in certain foreign jurisdictions. The
Company does not currently intend to repatriate these earnings. Should the Company require more capital in the
U.S. than is generated by and/or available to its domestic operations, the Company could elect to transfer funds
held in foreign jurisdictions. The transfer of funds from foreign jurisdictions may be cumbersome due to local
regulations, foreign exchange controls and taxes. Additionally, the transfer of funds from foreign jurisdictions
may result in higher effective tax rates and higher cash paid for income taxes for the Company. The Tax Act was
enacted on December 22, 2017. As part of the transition to the new partial territorial tax system, the Tax Act
imposed a one-time tax on the mandatory deemed repatriation of earnings of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries.
The deemed repatriation tax was determined to be approximately $26 million, which was recorded to income tax
expense in fiscal 2018. The U.S. Treasury Department released additional guidance and proposed regulations
during the past year. The Company undertook a review of the guidance and proposed regulations and determined
that there were no material changes to the deemed repatriation tax of approximately $26 million.
The principal uses of cash that affect the Company’s liquidity position include the following: operational
expenditures including employee costs and paper purchases; capital expenditures; income tax payments;
investments in associated entities; acquisitions; and the repayment of debt and related interest. In addition to the
acquisitions and dispositions disclosed elsewhere, the Company has evaluated, and expects to continue to
evaluate, possible future acquisitions and dispositions of certain businesses. Such transactions may be material
and may involve cash, the issuance of the Company’s securities or the assumption of indebtedness.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
In May 2013, the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”) authorized the Company to
repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of its Class A Common Stock. No stock repurchases were made
during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. Through August 5, 2019, the Company cumulatively
repurchased approximately 5.2 million shares of Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately
$71 million. The remaining authorized amount under the stock repurchase program as of August 5, 2019 was
approximately $429 million. All decisions regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a
duly appointed committee of the Board of Directors and management. The committee’s decisions regarding
future stock repurchases will be evaluated from time to time in light of many factors, including the Company’s
financial condition, earnings, capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as
well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the
committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or
discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors and the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that
any additional shares will be repurchased.
62
The Company did not purchase any of its Class B Common Stock during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019
and 2018.
Dividends
The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid per share on both the Company’s Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock:
Cash dividends paid per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$0.20
2019
2018
$0.20
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
Sources and Uses of Cash—Fiscal 2019 versus Fiscal 2018
Net cash provided by operating activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in
millions):
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$928
$757
Net cash provided by operating activities increased by $171 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as
compared to fiscal 2018. The increase was primarily due to higher Total Segment EBITDA, higher cash
distributions received from affiliates of $27 million and lower net tax payments of $27 million, partially offset by
higher net interest payments of $46 million.
Net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in
millions):
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(677) $(321)
Net cash used in investing activities was $677 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as compared to net
cash used in investing activities of $321 million for fiscal 2018. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the
Company used $188 million of cash for acquisitions, primarily for the acquisition of Opcity, and had capital
expenditures of $572 million, of which $302 million related to Foxtel. The net cash used in investing activities
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 was partially offset by proceeds from the sale of businesses and other
assets.
Foxtel’s total capital expenditures in fiscal 2020 are expected to be approximately 20% lower than fiscal 2019.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company used $364 million of cash for capital expenditures
which included approximately $60 million from the consolidation of Foxtel and $77 million of cash for
acquisitions, primarily for the acquisitions of Hometrack and Smartline, partially offset by cash acquired from
the Transaction. The net cash used in investing activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 was also
partially offset by proceeds from the sale of the SEEKAsia cost method investment of $122 million.
Net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018 was as follows (in
millions):
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(610) $(398)
63
The Company had net cash used in financing activities of $610 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 as
compared to net cash used in financing activities of $398 million for fiscal 2018. During the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019, the Company repaid $1,116 million of borrowings related to Foxtel and REA Group, and made
dividend payments of $161 million, primarily to News Corporation stockholders and REA Group minority
stockholders. The net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 was partially offset
by new borrowings of $681 million.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company repaid $213 million of borrowings related to Foxtel
and REA Group, and made dividend payments of $158 million, primarily to News Corporation stockholders and
REA Group minority stockholders. The Company also paid $79 million for its mandatorily redeemable interest in
iProperty in fiscal 2018. The net cash used in financing activities for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 was
partially offset by new borrowings of $95 million.
Reconciliation of Free Cash Flow Available to News Corporation
Free cash flow available to News Corporation is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as net cash provided by
operating activities, less capital expenditures (“free cash flow”), less REA Group free cash flow, plus cash
dividends received from REA Group. Free cash flow available to News Corporation should be considered in
addition to, not as a substitute for, cash flows from operations and other measures of financial performance
reported in accordance with GAAP. Free cash flow available to News Corporation may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures reported by other companies, since companies and investors may differ as to what items
should be included in the calculation of free cash flow.
The Company considers free cash flow available to News Corporation to provide useful information to
management and investors about the amount of cash that is available to be used to strengthen the Company’s
balance sheet and for strategic opportunities including, among others, investing in the Company’s business,
strategic acquisitions, dividend payouts and repurchasing stock. The Company believes excluding REA Group’s
free cash flow and including dividends received from REA Group provides users of its consolidated financial
statements with a measure of the amount of cash flow that is readily available to the Company, as REA Group is
a separately listed public company in Australia and must declare a dividend in order for the Company to have
access to its share of REA Group’s cash balance. The Company believes free cash flow available to News
Corporation provides a more conservative view of the Company’s free cash flow because this presentation
includes only that amount of cash the Company actually receives from REA Group, which has generally been
lower than the Company’s unadjusted free cash flow.
A limitation of free cash flow available to News Corporation is that it does not represent the total increase or
decrease in the cash balance for the period. Management compensates for the limitation of free cash flow
available to News Corporation by also relying on the net change in cash and cash equivalents as presented in the
Statements of Cash Flows prepared in accordance with GAAP which incorporate all cash movements during the
period.
64
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by operating activities to free cash flow
available to News Corporation:
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: REA Group free cash flow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plus: Cash dividends received from REA Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$ 928
(572)
356
(212)
69
$ 757
(364)
393
(207)
63
Free cash flow available to News Corporation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 213
$ 249
Free cash flow available to News Corporation decreased $36 million in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 to
$213 million from $249 million in fiscal 2018, primarily due to higher capital expenditures, partially offset by
higher cash provided by operating activities as discussed above.
Borrowings
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had total borrowings of $1.45 billion, including the current portion. The
Company’s borrowings as of such date reflect $1.24 billion of outstanding debt incurred by certain subsidiaries
of Foxtel (together with Foxtel, the “Foxtel Debt Group”) that the Company consolidated upon completion of the
Transaction. The Foxtel Debt Group indebtedness includes U.S. private placement senior unsecured notes and
drawn amounts under its revolving credit facilities, with maturities ranging from fiscal 2020 to 2025.
Approximately $281 million and $337 million aggregate principal amount outstanding of the Foxtel Debt Group
indebtedness will mature during fiscal 2020 and 2021, respectively, and these debt repayments are expected to be
funded primarily through a combination of cash on hand and debt refinancing. The Foxtel Debt Group’s
borrowings are guaranteed by certain members of the Foxtel Debt Group. In accordance with ASC 805 “Business
Combinations” (“ASC 805”), these debt instruments were recorded at fair value as of the Transaction date.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Foxtel Debt Group had repayments of $1.03 billion, including the
repayment of its A$300 million (approximately $216 million) facility maturing in April 2019 and the repayment
of its A$200 million (approximately $139 million) facility maturing in May 2019, and borrowings of
$681 million. The repayments of the A$300 million facility maturing in April 2019 and the A$200 million
facility maturing in May 2019 were repaid using A$500 million of shareholder loans provided by the Company.
The shareholder loans bear interest at a variable rate of Australian BBSY plus an applicable margin ranging from
6.30% to 7.75%. The shareholder loans mature in December 2027.
The Company’s borrowings as of June 30, 2019 also reflect the indebtedness of REA Group. During the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2019, REA Group repaid $87 million (A$120 million) for its unsecured loan facility due
December 2018. REA Group had remaining borrowings of $217 million, of which approximately $168 million
(A$240 million) will mature in December 2019. The Company expects REA Group to fund this debt repayment
primarily through a combination of cash on hand and debt refinancing.
The Company has additional borrowing capacity under its unsecured $650 million revolving credit facility (the
“Facility”), which can be increased up to a maximum amount of $900 million at the Company’s request. The
lenders’ commitments to make the Facility available terminate on October 23, 2020, provided the Company may
request that the commitments be extended under certain circumstances for up to two additional one-year periods.
As of the date of this filing, the Company has not borrowed any funds under the Facility. In addition, the
Company has $181 million of undrawn commitments under the Foxtel Group’s revolving credit facilities.
The Company’s borrowings contain customary representations, covenants and events of default. The Company
was in compliance with all such covenants at June 30, 2019.
65
See Note 9—Borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements for further details regarding
the Company’s outstanding debt, including certain information about interest rates and maturities related to such
debt arrangements.
Commitments
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make
future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the
normal course of operations.
The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments as of June 30, 2019:
Purchase obligations(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sports programming rights(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming costs(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases(d)
Transmission costs(e)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plant and machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Borrowings(f)
Interest payments on borrowings(g)
As of June 30, 2019
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less than 1
year
$1,012
1,793
378
$ 461
501
141
1-3 years
3-5 years
(in millions)
$ 362
912
183
$ 138
380
54
408
1,499
12
1,449
111
63
172
5
450
45
121
289
6
579
51
115
248
1
270
15
More than
5 years
$
51
—
—
109
790
—
150
—
Total commitments and contractual obligations . . . . . . . . . .
$6,662
$1,838
$2,503
$1,221
$1,100
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
The Company has commitments under purchase obligations related to minimum subscriber guarantees for
license fees, printing contracts, capital projects, marketing agreements, production services and other legally
binding commitments.
The Company has sports programming rights commitments with the National Rugby League, Australian
Football League, Cricket Australia, domestic football league and Australian Rugby Union as well as certain
other broadcast rights which are payable through fiscal 2024.
The Company has programming rights commitments with various suppliers for programming content.
The Company leases office facilities, warehouse facilities, printing plants, satellite services and equipment.
These leases, which are classified as operating leases, are expected to be paid at certain dates through fiscal
2021. This amount includes approximately $45 million of office facilities that have been subleased from
Fox Corporation.
The Company has contractual commitments for satellite transmission services. The transponder services
arrangements extend through 2029 and are accounted for as operating leases.
See Note 9—Borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
(g) Reflects the Company’s expected future interest payments on borrowings outstanding and interest rates
applicable at June 30, 2019. Such rates are subject to change in future periods. See Note 9—Borrowings in
the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company has certain contracts to purchase newsprint, ink and plates that require the Company to purchase a
percentage of its total requirements for production. Since the quantities purchased annually under these contracts
are not fixed and are based on the Company’s total requirements, the amount of the related payments for these
purchases is excluded from the table above.
The table also excludes the Company’s pension obligations, other postretirement benefits (“OPEB”) obligations
and the liabilities for unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions as the Company is unable to
66
reasonably predict the ultimate amount and timing of the commitments. The Company made contributions of
$16 million and $29 million to its pension plans in fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively. Future plan
contributions are dependent upon actual plan asset returns and interest rates and statutory requirements. The
Company anticipates that it will make contributions of approximately $20 million in fiscal 2020, assuming that
actual plan asset returns are consistent with the Company’s expected returns in fiscal 2019 and beyond, and that
interest rates remain constant. The Company will continue to make voluntary contributions as necessary to
improve the funded status of the plans. Payments due to participants under the Company’s pension plans are
primarily paid out of underlying trusts. Payments due under the Company’s OPEB plans are not required to be
funded in advance, but are paid as medical costs are incurred by covered retiree populations, and are principally
dependent upon the future cost of retiree medical benefits under the Company’s OPEB plans. The Company
expects its OPEB payments to approximate $9 million in fiscal 2020. See Note 17—Retirement Benefit
Obligations in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
Contingencies
The Company routinely is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inspections or
investigations, including those discussed in Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements. The outcome of these matters and claims is subject to significant uncertainty,
and the Company often cannot predict what the eventual outcome of pending matters will be or the timing of the
ultimate resolution of these matters. Fees, expenses, fines, penalties, judgments or settlement costs which might
be incurred by the Company in connection with the various proceedings could adversely affect its results of
operations and financial condition.
The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal claims when it determines that a loss is both probable and
the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Once established, accruals are adjusted from time to time, as
appropriate, in light of additional information. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters
for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters.
Legal fees associated with litigation and similar proceedings are expensed as incurred. The Company recognizes
gain contingencies when the gain becomes realized or realizable. See Note 16—Commitments and Contingencies
in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company’s tax returns are subject to on-going review and examination by various tax authorities. Tax
authorities may not agree with the treatment of items reported in the Company’s tax returns, and therefore the
outcome of tax reviews and examinations can be unpredictable. The Company believes it has appropriately
accrued for the expected outcome of uncertain tax matters and believes such liabilities represent a reasonable
provision for taxes ultimately expected to be paid. However, these liabilities may need to be adjusted as new
information becomes known and as tax examinations continue to progress, or as settlements or litigations occur.
CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
An accounting policy is considered to be critical if it is important to the Company’s financial condition and
results and if it requires significant judgment and estimates on the part of management in its application. The
development and selection of these critical accounting policies have been determined by management of the
Company. See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements.
Long-lived assets
The Company’s long-lived assets include goodwill, finite-lived and indefinite-lived intangible assets and
property, plant and equipment. Assets acquired in business combinations are recorded at their estimated fair
value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the cost of acquiring an entity and
the estimated fair values assigned to its tangible and identifiable intangible net assets and is assigned to one or
more reporting units for purposes of testing for impairment.
67
Determining the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management’s judgment and often
involves the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including assumptions with respect to future cash
inflows and outflows, discount rates, asset lives and market multiples, among other items. Identifying reporting
units and assigning goodwill to them requires judgment involving the aggregation of business units with similar
economic characteristics and the identification of existing business units that benefit from the acquired goodwill.
The judgments made in determining the estimated fair value assigned to each class of long-lived assets acquired,
their reporting unit, as well as their useful lives can significantly impact net income. The Company allocates
goodwill to disposed businesses using the relative fair value method.
Goodwill and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
The Company tests goodwill and indefinite-lived intangibles for impairment on an annual basis in the fourth
quarter and at other times if a significant event or change in circumstances indicates that it is more likely than not
that the fair value of these assets has been reduced below their carrying value. The Company uses its judgment in
assessing whether assets may have become impaired between annual impairment assessments. Indicators such as
unexpected adverse economic factors, unanticipated technological change or competitive activities, loss of key
personnel and acts by governments and courts, may signal that an asset has become impaired.
Under ASC 350, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform a qualitative
assessment to determine whether events or circumstances exist that lead to a determination that it is more likely
than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company determines that it
is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the Company is
not required to perform any additional tests in assessing goodwill for impairment. However, if the Company
concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform a
quantitative analysis to determine the fair value of the business, and compare the calculated fair value of a
reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. The Company determines the fair value of a
reporting unit primarily by using both a discounted cash flow analysis and market-based valuation approach.
Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about appropriate
discount rates, long-term growth rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples and the amount and
timing of expected future cash flows. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, as part of the Company’s long-
range planning process, the Company completed its annual goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible asset
impairment test.
The performance of the Company’s annual impairment analysis resulted in $87 million of impairments to
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2019 primarily related to goodwill at a reporting unit
within the News and Information Services segment. The fair values of the Company’s reporting units in fiscal
2019 exceeded the respective carrying values in a range from approximately 0% to 54%. Significant
unobservable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation method were discount rates (ranging from 9.0% to
25.0%), long-term growth rates (ranging from 0.0% to 3.0%) and royalty rates (ranging from 0.5%-6.0%).
Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the market approach valuation method were EBITDA multiples from
guideline public companies operating in similar industries and control premiums (ranging from 5%-10%).
Significant increases (decreases) in royalty rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, assuming no
change in discount rates, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant
decreases (increases) in discount rates, assuming no changes in royalty rates, growth rates, control premiums and
multiples, would result in a significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement.
As of June 30, 2019, the News and Information Services and Subscription Video Services segments had
reporting units with goodwill of approximately $2.0 billion that is at-risk for future impairment, of which
$0.1 billion relates to the News and Information Services segment and $1.9 billion relates to the Subscription
Video Services segment. The fair values of these reporting units with goodwill at risk exceeded their respective
carrying values in a range from approximately 0% to 5%. Significant unobservable inputs
68
utilized in the income approach valuation method for at-risk reporting units were discount rates (ranging from
10.25% to 20%) and long-term growth rates (ranging from 1.1% to 2.0%). Significant unobservable inputs
utilized in the market approach valuation method for at-risk reporting units were EBITDA multiples from
guideline public companies operating in similar industries and a control premium of 10%. Any increase in the
discount rate or decrease in the projected cash flows terminal growth rate would have resulted in a reporting unit
of the News and Information Services segment and the Subscription Video Services segment failing the fiscal
2019 impairment analysis, which would have required the company to record an impairment charge equal to the
difference between the fair value of the reporting unit and its carrying value. The Company will continue to
monitor its goodwill for possible future impairment.
Property, Plant and Equipment
The Company evaluates the carrying value of property, plant and equipment for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset group may not be recoverable, in accordance
with ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”). An asset group is the lowest level of assets and
liabilities for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and
liabilities. Events or circumstances that might warrant an impairment recoverability review include, among other
things, material declines in operating performance, significant adverse market conditions and planned changes in
the use of an asset group.
In determining whether the carrying value of an asset group is recoverable, the Company estimates undiscounted
future cash flows over the estimated life of the primary asset of the asset group. The estimates of such future cash
flows require estimating such factors as future operating performance, market conditions and the estimated
holding period of each asset. If all or a portion of the carrying value of an asset group is found to be
non-recoverable, the Company records an impairment charge equal to the difference between the asset group’s
carrying value and its fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sales prices for
similar assets or by discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Typical
assumptions applied when using a market-based approach include projected EBITDA and related multiples.
Typical assumptions applied when using an income approach include projected free cash flows, discount rates
and long-term growth rates. All of these assumptions are made by management based on the best available
information at the time of the estimates and are subject to deviations from actual results.
Programming Costs
Costs incurred in acquiring program rights or producing programs are accounted for in accordance with ASC
920, “Entertainment—Broadcasters.” Program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at the gross amount
of the liabilities when the license period has begun, the cost of the program is determinable and the program is
accepted and available for airing. Programming costs are amortized based on the expected pattern of
consumption over the license period or expected useful life of each program. The pattern of consumption is based
primarily on consumer viewership information as well as other factors. If initial airings are expected to generate
higher viewership an accelerated method of amortization is used. The Company monitors its programming
amortization policy on an ongoing basis and any impact arising from changes to the policy would be recognized
prospectively. The Company regularly reviews its programming assets to ensure they continue to reflect net
realizable value. Changes in circumstances may result in a write-down of the asset to fair value. The Company
has single and multi-year contracts for broadcast rights of sporting events. The costs of sports contracts are
primarily charged to expense over the respective season as events are aired. For sports contracts with dedicated
channels, the Company amortizes the sports programming rights costs over 12 months.
Income Taxes
The Company is subject to income taxes in the U.S. and various foreign jurisdictions in which it operates and
records its tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences in its reported results of operations. Tax laws are
69
complex and subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and respective governmental taxing authorities.
Significant judgment is required in determining the Company’s tax expense and in evaluating its tax positions
including evaluating uncertainties as promulgated under ASC 740, “Income Taxes.”
The Company’s annual tax rate is based primarily on its geographic income and statutory tax rates in the various
jurisdictions in which it operates. Significant management judgment is required in determining the Company’s
provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities and the valuation allowance recorded against the
Company’s net deferred tax assets, if any. In assessing the likelihood of realization of deferred tax assets,
management considers estimates of the amount and character of future taxable income. The Company’s actual
effective tax rate and income tax expense could vary from estimated amounts due to the future impacts of various
items, including changes in income tax laws, tax planning and the Company’s forecasted financial condition and
results of operations in future periods. Although the Company believes current estimates are reasonable, actual
results could differ from these estimates.
The Company recognizes tax benefits from uncertain tax positions only if it is more likely than not that the tax
position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position.
The tax benefits recognized in the Consolidated Financial Statements from such positions are then measured
based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement.
Significant management judgment is required to determine whether the recognition threshold has been met and,
if so, the appropriate amount of unrecognized tax benefits to be recorded in the Consolidated Financial
Statements. Management re-evaluates tax positions each period in which new information about recognition or
measurement becomes available. The Company’s policy is to recognize, when applicable, interest and penalties
on unrecognized income tax benefits as part of Income tax (expense) benefit.
Retirement Benefit Obligations
The Company’s employees participate in various defined benefit pension and postretirement plans sponsored by
the Company and its subsidiaries. See Note 17—Retirement Benefit Obligations in the accompanying
Consolidated Financial Statements.
The Company records amounts relating to its pension and other postretirement benefit plans based on
calculations specified by GAAP. The measurement and recognition of the Company’s pension and other
postretirement benefit plans require the use of significant management judgments, including discount rates,
expected return on plan assets, mortality and other actuarial assumptions. Net periodic benefit costs (income) is
calculated based upon a number of actuarial assumptions, including a discount rate for plan obligations, an
expected rate of return on plan assets and mortality rates. Current market conditions, including changes in
investment returns and interest rates, were considered in making these assumptions. In developing the expected
long-term rate of return, the pension portfolio’s past average rate of returns, and future return expectations of the
various asset classes were considered. The weighted average expected long-term rate of return of 4.6% for fiscal
2020 is based on a weighted average target asset allocation assumption of 23% equities, 68% fixed-income
securities and 9% cash and other investments.
The Company recorded ($2) million and $3 million in net periodic benefit (income) costs in the Statements of
Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company utilizes the full yield-
curve approach to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit costs for its pension
and other postretirement benefit plans.
Although the discount rate used for each plan will be established and applied individually, a weighted average
discount rate of 2.7% will be used in calculating the fiscal 2020 net periodic benefit costs (income). The discount
rate reflects the market rate for high-quality fixed-income investments on the Company’s annual measurement
date of June 30 and is subject to change each fiscal year. The discount rate assumptions used to account for
pension and other postretirement benefit plans reflect the rates at which the benefit obligations could be
70
effectively settled. The rate was determined by matching the Company’s expected benefit payments for the plans
to a hypothetical yield curve developed using a portfolio of several hundred high-quality non-callable corporate
bonds. The weighted average discount rate is volatile from year to year because it is determined based upon the
prevailing rates in the U.S., the U.K., Australia and other foreign countries as of the measurement date.
The key assumptions used in developing the Company’s fiscal 2019 and 2018 net periodic benefit costs (income)
for its plans consist of the following:
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit costs (income)
Discount rate for PBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Service Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Interest on PBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Interest on Service Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets:
Expected rate of return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain/(Loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
One year actual return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Five year actual return . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2019
2018
(in millions, except %)
3.2%
3.9%
2.9%
3.6%
4.7%
$ 61
$ 76
$ 15
5.9%
6.7%
3.0%
3.9%
2.6%
3.5%
5.1%
$ 70
$ 35
$(35)
3.0%
7.3%
The Company will use a weighted average long-term rate of return of 4.6% for fiscal 2020 based principally on a
combination of current asset mix and an expectation of future long term investment returns. The accumulated net
pre-tax losses on the Company’s pension plans as of June 30, 2019 were approximately $484 million which
increased from approximately $442 million for the Company’s pension plans as of June 30, 2018. This increase
of $42 million was primarily due to decreased discount rates. Lower discount rates increase present values of
benefit obligations and increase the Company’s deferred losses and also increase subsequent-year benefit costs.
Higher discount rates decrease the present values of benefit obligations and reduce the Company’s accumulated
net loss and also decrease subsequent-year benefit costs. These deferred losses are being systematically
recognized in future net periodic benefit costs (income) in accordance with ASC 715, “Compensation—
Retirement Benefits.” Unrecognized losses for the primary plans in excess of 10% of the greater of the market-
related value of plan assets or the plan’s projected benefit obligation are recognized over the average life
expectancy for plan participants for the primary plans.
The Company made contributions of $16 million and $29 million to its funded pension plans in fiscal 2019 and
2018, respectively. Future plan contributions are dependent upon actual plan asset returns, statutory requirements
and interest rate movements. Assuming that actual plan returns are consistent with the Company’s expected plan
returns in fiscal 2019 and beyond, and that interest rates remain constant, the Company anticipates that it will
make contributions of approximately $20 million in fiscal 2020. The Company will continue to make voluntary
contributions as necessary to improve the funded status of the plans. See Note 18—Other Postretirement Benefits
in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
71
Changes in net periodic benefit costs may occur in the future due to changes in the Company’s expected rate of
return on plan assets and discount rate resulting from economic events. The following table highlights the
sensitivity of the Company’s pension obligations and expense to changes in these assumptions, assuming all
other assumptions remain constant:
Changes in Assumption
Impact on Annual
Pension Expense
0.25 percentage point decrease in discount rate . . . . . . . . . . .
0.25 percentage point increase in discount rate . . . . . . . . . . .
0.25 percentage point decrease in expected rate of return on
assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
0.25 percentage point increase in expected rate of return on
assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Decrease $3 million
Increase $1 million
—
Increase $3 million
Impact on Projected
Benefit Obligation
Increase $65 million
Decrease $51 million
—
—
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies in the accompanying Consolidated Financial
Statements.
72
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
The Company has exposure to different types of market risk including changes in foreign currency rates, interest
rates, stock prices and credit.
When deemed appropriate, the Company uses derivative financial instruments such as cross-currency interest
rate swaps, interest rate swaps and foreign exchange contracts to hedge certain risk exposures. The primary
market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments include:
•
•
foreign currency exchange rate risk: arising primarily through Foxtel Debt Group borrowings
denominated in U.S. dollars; and
interest rate risk: arising from fixed and floating rate Foxtel Debt Group borrowings. The Company
neither holds nor issues financial instruments for trading purposes.
The following sections provide quantitative information on the Company’s exposure to foreign currency rate
risk, interest rate risk and other relevant market risks. The Company makes use of sensitivity analyses that are
inherently limited in estimating actual losses in fair value that can occur from changes in market conditions.
Foreign Currency Exchange Rate Risk
The Company conducts operations in three principal currencies: the U.S. dollar; the Australian dollar; and the
British pound sterling. These currencies operate primarily as the functional currency for the Company’s U.S.,
Australian and U.K. operations, respectively. Cash is managed centrally within each of the three regions with net
earnings reinvested locally and working capital requirements met from existing liquid funds. To the extent such
funds are not sufficient to meet working capital requirements, funding in the appropriate local currencies is made
available from intercompany capital. The Company does not hedge its investments in the net assets of its
Australian and U.K. operations.
Because of fluctuations in exchange rates, the Company is subject to currency translation exposure on the results
of its operations. Foreign currency translation risk is the risk that exchange rate gains or losses arise from
translating foreign entities’ statements of earnings and balance sheets from functional currency to the Company’s
reporting currency (the U.S. dollar) for consolidation purposes. The Company does not hedge translation risk
because it generally generates positive cash flows from its international operations that are typically reinvested
locally. Exchange rates with the most significant impact to its translation include the Australian dollar and British
pound sterling. As exchange rates fluctuate, translation of its Statements of Operations into U.S. dollars affects
the comparability of revenues and expenses between years.
The table below details the percentage of revenues and expenses by the three principal currencies for the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2019 and 2018:
U.S.
Dollars
Australian
Dollars
British Pound
Sterling
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year ended June 30, 2018
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating and Selling, general and administrative expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
39%
40%
43%
44%
41%
38%
34%
31%
16%
17%
18%
19%
Based on the year ended June 30, 2019, a one cent change in each of the U.S. dollar/Australian dollar and the
U.S. dollar/British pound sterling exchange rates would have impacted revenues by approximately $58 million
and $12 million, respectively, for each currency on an annual basis, and would have impacted Total Segment
EBITDA by approximately $12 million and $1 million, respectively, on an annual basis.
73
Derivatives and Hedging
As a result of the Transaction, the Company consolidated Foxtel’s portfolio of debt and derivative instruments.
As of June 30, 2019, the Foxtel operating subsidiaries, whose functional currency is Australian dollars, had
approximately $575 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding indebtedness denominated in U.S. dollars.
The remaining borrowings are denominated in Australian dollars. Foxtel utilizes cross-currency interest rate
swaps, designated as both cash flow hedges and fair value hedges, to hedge a portion of the exchange risk related
to interest and principal payments on its U.S. dollar denominated debt. The total notional value of these cross-
currency interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedges and fair value hedges were approximately
A$400 million and A$100 million, respectively, as of June 30, 2019. Foxtel also has a portfolio of foreign
exchange contracts to hedge a portion of the exchange risk related to U.S. dollar payments for license fees. The
notional value of these foreign exchange contracts was $9 million as of June 30, 2019.
In addition to derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting, the Company also uses
certain derivatives not designated as accounting hedges to mitigate foreign currency and interest rate risk. These
are referred to as economic hedges. The total notional value of these cross-currency interest rate derivatives
classified as economic hedges was $75 million as of June 30, 2019.
Some of the derivative instruments in place may create volatility during the fiscal year as they are
marked-to-market according to accounting rules and may result in revaluation gains or losses in different periods
from when the currency impact on the underlying transactions are realized.
The table below provides further details of the sensitivity of the Company’s derivative financial instruments
which are subject to foreign exchange rate risk and interest rate risk as of June 30, 2019 (in millions):
Foreign currency derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . US$ 9
A$575
Cross currency interest rate swaps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A$700
Interest rate derivatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
1
139
(20)
Notional
Value
Fair Value
Sensitivity
from
Adverse
10%
Change in
Foreign
Exchange
Rates
$ (1)
(49)
n/a
Sensitivity
from
Adverse
10%
Change in
Interest
Rates
n/a
$ 2
(1)
Any resulting changes in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments may be partially offset by changes
in the fair value of certain balance sheet positions (primarily U.S. dollar denominated liabilities) impacted by the
change in the foreign exchange rates. The ability to reduce the exposure of currencies on earnings depends on the
magnitude of the derivatives compared to the balance sheet positions during each reporting cycle.
Interest Rate Risk
The Company’s current financing arrangements and facilities include approximately $650 million of outstanding
fixed-rate debt and approximately $800 million of outstanding variable-rate bank facilities, before adjustments
for unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (See Note 9 —Borrowings in the accompanying Consolidated
Financial Statements). Fixed and variable-rate debts are impacted differently by changes in interest rates. A
change in the market interest rate or yield of fixed-rate debt will only impact the fair market value of such debt,
while a change in the market interest rate of variable-rate debt will impact interest expense, as well as the amount
of cash required to service such debt. In connection with these borrowings, Foxtel has utilized certain derivative
instruments to swap U.S. dollar denominated fixed rate interest payments for Australian dollar denominated
variable rate payments. As discussed above, Foxtel utilizes cross-currency interest rate swaps, designated as both
cash flow hedges and fair value hedges, to hedge a portion of the interest rate risk related to interest and principal
payments on its U.S. dollar denominated debt. The Company has also utilized certain derivative instruments to
74
swap Australian dollar denominated variable interest rate payments for Australian dollar denominated fixed rate
payments. As of June 30, 2019, the notional amount of interest rate swap contracts outstanding was
approximately A$700 million. Refer to the table above for further details of the sensitivity of the Company’s
financial instruments which are subject to interest rate risk.
Stock Prices
The Company has common stock investments in publicly traded companies that are subject to market price
volatility. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01 in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, any changes in fair value of the
Company’s common stock investments are recognized in the Statement of Operations. These investments had an
aggregate fair value of approximately $74 million as of June 30, 2019. A hypothetical decrease in the market
price of these investments of 10% would result in a decrease in income of approximately $7 million before tax.
Credit Risk
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. Deposits held with banks may
exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be redeemed upon
demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear minimal credit risk.
The Company’s receivables did not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as of June 30, 2019 or
June 30, 2018 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company’s
products and services are sold.
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions which are
counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the counterparties to the agreements. As of June 30, 2019, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by
any of the counterparties.
75
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
NEWS CORPORATION
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and
2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Page
77
78
82
83
84
85
86
87
76
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting for June 30, 2019
Management of News Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over
financial reporting as defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, and for the assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. News
Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The Company’s
internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that:
•
•
•
•
pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the
transactions and dispositions of the assets of News Corporation;
provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America;
provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures of News Corporation are being made only
in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of News Corporation; and
provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use
or disposition of assets that could have a material effect on the consolidated financial statements.
Internal control over financial reporting includes the controls themselves, monitoring and internal auditing
practices and actions taken to correct deficiencies as identified.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting, no matter how well designed, may
not prevent or detect misstatements. Accordingly, even effective internal control over financial reporting can
provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation. Also, the assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting was made as of a specific date. Projections of any
evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because
of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
Management, including the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer, conducted an
assessment of the effectiveness of News Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30,
2019, based on criteria for effective internal control over financial reporting described in the 2013 “Internal
Control—Integrated Framework” issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
Commission. Management’s assessment included an evaluation of the design of News Corporation’s internal
control over financial reporting and testing of the operational effectiveness of its internal control over financial
reporting. Management reviewed the results of its assessment with the Audit Committee of News Corporation’s
Board of Directors.
Based on this assessment, management did not identify any material weakness in the Company’s internal control
over financial reporting, and management determined that, as of June 30, 2019, News Corporation maintained
effective internal control over financial reporting.
Ernst & Young LLP, the independent registered public accounting firm who audited and reported on the
Consolidated Financial Statements of News Corporation included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, has audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Their report
appears on the following page.
August 13, 2019
77
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of News Corporation:
Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
We have audited News Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019, based on
criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the COSO criteria). In our opinion, News
Corporation (the Company) maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of June 30, 2019, based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of News Corporation as of June 30, 2019 and 2018,
the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended June 30, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated
financial statements”) and our report dated August 13, 2019 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and
for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion
on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with
the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects.
Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that
a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based
on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We
believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance
with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
New York, New York
August 13, 2019
78
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of News Corporation:
Opinion on the Financial Statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of News Corporation (the Company) as of
June 30, 2019 and 2018, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive loss, equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2019, and the related notes (collectively referred to
as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of News Corporation at June 30, 2019 and 2018, and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended June 30, 2019, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States) (PCAOB), News Corporation’s internal control over financial reporting as of June 30, 2019,
based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring
Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) and our report dated August 13, 2019 expressed
an unqualified opinion thereon.
Basis for Opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of News Corporation’s management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm
registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with
the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange
Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of
material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that
respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial
statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
Critical Audit Matters
The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the financial
statements that were communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to
accounts or disclosures that are material to the financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging,
subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in any way our
opinion on the financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters
below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they
relate.
79
Valuation of Goodwill
Description of the
Matter
As reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, at June 30, 2019, the
Company’s goodwill was $5.1 billion. As disclosed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements, goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually or more frequently if
indicators of impairment require the performance of an interim impairment assessment.
Auditing management’s goodwill impairment tests for the Company’s reporting units was
complex and highly judgmental due to the significant measurement uncertainty in
determining the fair values of the reporting units. In particular, the fair value estimates were
sensitive to changes in significant assumptions such as discount rate, revenue growth rate,
operating margins, estimated spend on capital expenditures, the projected cash flow terminal
growth rates and market multiples that are affected by expected future market or economic
conditions. For instance, the revenue growth rates, operating margins and projected cash
flow terminal growth rates are impacted by advertising trends in the News and Information
Services segment and the Australian broadcast subscriber trends in the Subscription Video
Services segment.
How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of controls over the Company’s goodwill impairment assessment process. For example, we
tested controls over the Company’s long range planning process as well as controls over the
review of the significant assumptions in estimating the fair values of the reporting units.
To test the fair values of the reporting units, our audit procedures included assessing
methodologies and testing the significant assumptions and underlying data used by the
Company. We evaluated the Company’s long range plan by comparing the significant
assumptions to current industry and economic trends, changes in the Company’s business
model, customer base or product mix and also assessed the historical accuracy of
management’s estimates. For example, for the reporting units within the News and
Information Services segment, we audited management’s forecasted advertising revenue
streams to identify, understand and evaluate the changes as compared to the historical
results. For the reporting unit within the Subscription Video Services segment, we audited
the forecasted revenue by evaluating future subscriber growth, expected customer churn and
new product launches. In addition, we also performed sensitivity analyses of significant
assumptions to evaluate the changes in the fair value of the reporting units resulting from
changes in the assumptions. We also involved a valuation specialist to assist in evaluating
the significant assumptions in the fair value estimate.
Valuation of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets
Description of the
Matter
As reflected in the Company’s consolidated financial statements, at June 30, 2019, the
Company’s indefinite-lived intangible assets were $1.4 billion. As disclosed in Note 8 to the
consolidated financial statements, indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested for
impairment at least annually or more frequently if indicators of impairment require the
performance of an interim impairment assessment.
Auditing management’s indefinite-lived intangible assets impairment tests was complex and
highly judgmental due to the significant measurement uncertainty in determining the fair
values of the assets. For example, the fair value estimates for trademarks and tradenames
were sensitive to significant assumptions such as discount rate, revenue growth rate,
operating margins, royalty rates, and the projected cash flow terminal growth rates that are
affected by expected future market or economic conditions.
80
How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit
We tested controls over the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible asset impairment
assessment process. This included testing of controls over the Company’s long range
planning process as well as controls over the review of the significant assumptions used to
estimate the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets.
To test the fair values of the indefinite-lived intangible assets, our audit procedures included
assessing methodologies and testing the significant assumptions and underlying data used
by the Company. For example, for trademarks and tradenames in the Subscription Video
Services segment we audited the forecasted revenue by evaluating forecasted subscribers,
expected customer churn and new product launches. We also evaluated the operating
expense targets and forecasted operating margins included in the long range plan.
Additionally, we compared the significant assumptions used by management to current
industry and economic trends and changes in the Company’s business model, customer base
or product mix. We performed sensitivity analyses of significant assumptions to evaluate the
change in the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets and also assessed the
historical accuracy of management’s estimates. In addition, we involved a valuation
specialist to assist in evaluating the significant assumptions in the fair value estimate.
Assessment of realizability of deferred tax assets
Description of the
Matter
As discussed in Note 19 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company records a
valuation allowance based on the assessment of the realizability of the Company’s deferred
tax assets. For the year-ended June 30, 2019, the Company had deferred tax assets before
valuation allowances of $1.7 billion.
Auditing management’s assessment of recoverability of deferred tax assets in the U.S. and
non-U.S. jurisdictions involved subjective estimation and complex auditor judgment in
determining whether sufficient future taxable income will be generated to support the
realization of the existing deferred tax assets before expiration.
How We
Addressed the
Matter in Our
Audit
We obtained an understanding, evaluated the design and tested the operating effectiveness
of internal controls that address the risks of material misstatement relating to the
realizability of deferred tax assets, including controls over management’s projections of
future taxable income.
Among other audit procedures performed, we evaluated the assumptions used by the
Company to develop projections of future taxable income by income tax jurisdiction and
tested the completeness and accuracy of the underlying data used in the projections. For
example, we compared the projections of future taxable income with the actual results of
prior periods, as well as management’s consideration of current industry and economic
trends. We also compared the projections of future taxable income with other forecasted
financial information prepared by the Company.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2012.
New York, New York
August 13, 2019
81
NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
Notes
2019
2018
2017
Revenues:
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest (expense) income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation stockholders . . . . . . .
3
5, 7, 8
6
21
19
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders per share:
14
Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,104
2,738
1,679
908
645
$ 3,021
2,856
1,664
858
625
$ 2,470
2,905
1,573
696
495
10,074
(5,622)
(3,208)
(659)
(188)
(17)
(59)
33
354
(126)
228
(73)
9,024
(4,903)
(3,050)
(472)
(351)
(1,006)
(7)
(324)
(1,089)
(355)
(1,444)
(70)
8,139
(4,529)
(2,728)
(449)
(927)
(295)
39
135
(615)
(28)
(643)
(95)
155
$(1,514) $ (738)
0.27
0.26
$ (2.60) $ (1.27)
$ (2.60) $ (1.27)
$
$
$
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
82
NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(IN MILLIONS)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other comprehensive (loss) income:
Foreign currency translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net change in the fair value of cash flow hedges(a)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities, net(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefit plan adjustments, net(c)
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Share of other comprehensive income from equity affiliates, net(d)
Other comprehensive (loss) income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Other comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
$ 228
$(1,444) $(643)
(247)
2
—
(43)
—
(288)
(60)
(73)
(123)
4
27
128
12
48
84
—
(25)
8
4
71
(1,396)
(572)
(70)
(95)
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
58
42
(9)
Comprehensive loss attributable to News Corporation stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (75) $(1,424) $(676)
(a) Net of income tax expense of $1 million, $2 million and nil for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
(b) Net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1 million and $(10) million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
(c) Net of income tax (benefit) expense of ($10) million, $28 million and $8 million for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(d) Net of income tax expense of nil, $5 million and $2 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
83
NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
Assets:
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current assets:
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment, net
Intangible assets, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities and Equity:
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-current liabilities:
Borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retirement benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Commitments and contingencies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Redeemable preferred stock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class A common stock(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class B common stock(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additional paid-in capital
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total News Corporation stockholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total liabilities and equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30,
Notes
2019
2018
2
6
7
8
8
19
21
3
9
21
9
17
19
16
10
21
$ 1,643
1,544
348
515
4,050
335
2,554
2,426
5,147
269
930
$15,711
$
411
1,328
428
449
724
3,340
1,004
266
295
495
$ 2,034
1,612
376
372
4,394
393
2,560
2,671
5,218
279
831
$16,346
$
605
1,340
516
462
372
3,295
1,490
245
389
430
—
4
2
12,243
(1,979)
(1,126)
9,144
1,167
10,311
$15,711
20
4
2
12,322
(2,163)
(874)
9,291
1,186
10,477
$16,346
(a) Class A common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Class A Common Stock”), 1,500,000,000 shares
authorized, 385,580,015 and 383,385,353 shares issued and outstanding, net of 27,368,413 treasury shares at
par at June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
(b) Class B common stock, $0.01 par value per share (“Class B Common Stock”), 750,000,000 shares
authorized, 199,630,240 shares issued and outstanding, net of 78,430,424 treasury shares at par at June 30,
2019 and June 30, 2018, respectively.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
84
NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN MILLIONS)
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Income from discontinued operations, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income (loss) from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile income (loss) from continuing operations to cash
provided by operating activities:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
Notes
2019
2018
2017
$
228
—
228
$(1,444) $ (643)
—
—
(1,444)
(643)
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash distributions received from affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes and taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Receivables and other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
NAM Group settlement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash provided by operating activities from continuing
operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in operating activities from discontinued operations . . .
6
7, 8
21
19
Net cash provided by operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investing activities:
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in equity affiliates and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from property, plant and equipment and other asset
dispositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities from continuing operations . . . . .
Net cash used in investing activities from discontinued operations . . .
Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financing activities:
Borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayment of borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
9
Net cash used in financing activities from continuing operations . . . .
Net cash used in financing activities from discontinued operations . . .
Net cash used in financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . .
Exchange movement on opening cash balance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
659
17
32
96
(33)
—
134
(58)
(147)
—
928
—
928
(572)
(188)
(4)
(34)
103
18
(677)
—
(677)
681
(1,116)
(161)
(14)
(610)
—
(610)
(359)
2,034
(32)
472
1,006
5
280
324
202
(128)
(14)
54
—
757
—
757
(364)
(77)
(18)
(33)
138
33
(321)
—
(321)
95
(213)
(158)
(122)
(398)
—
449
295
4
785
(135)
(95)
(58)
15
140
(258)
499
(5)
494
(256)
(347)
(59)
(39)
271
10
(420)
—
(420)
—
(23)
(152)
(42)
(217)
—
(398)
38
2,016
(20)
(217)
(143)
2,147
12
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,643
$ 2,034
$2,016
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
85
NEWS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EQUITY
(IN MILLIONS)
Class A
Common Stock
Class B
Common Stock Additional
Paid-in
Capital
Shares Amount Shares Amount
Balance, June 30, 2016 . . . . . . 380
$ 4
200
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . — — — —
Other comprehensive
$ 2 $12,434
—
Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
Total News
Corporation
Equity
Noncontrolling
Interests
Total
Equity
$
150
(738)
$(1,026)
—
$11,564
(738)
$ 218
95
$11,782
(643)
income . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
2 — — —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
(58)
19
—
(60)
—
62
—
—
62
(118)
19
Balance, June 30, 2017 . . . . . . 382
2
Net (loss) income . . . . . . . — — — —
Other comprehensive
200
4
12,395
(648)
— (1,514)
(964)
—
10,789
(1,514)
income (loss) . . . . . . . . — — — —
Foxtel transaction(a)
. . . . . — — — —
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
1 — — —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
(119)
46
—
—
—
(1)
90
—
—
—
90
—
(119)
45
9
(34)
(4)
284
70
(42)
914
(39)
(1)
71
(152)
15
11,073
(1,444)
48
914
(158)
44
Balance, June 30, 2018 . . . . . . 383
Cumulative impact from
4
200
2
12,322
(2,163)
(874)
9,291
1,186
10,477
adoption of new
accounting standards . . — — — —
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
Other comprehensive
loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . — — — —
3 — — —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
(117)
38
32
155
—
—
(3)
(22)
—
(230)
—
—
10
155
(230)
(117)
35
10
73
(58)
(44)
—
20
228
(288)
(161)
35
Balance, June 30, 2019 . . . . . . 386
$ 4
200
$ 2 $12,243
$(1,979)
$(1,126)
$ 9,144
$1,167
$10,311
(a)
See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these audited consolidated financial statements.
86
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1. DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION
News Corporation (together with its subsidiaries, “News Corporation,” “News Corp,” the “Company,” “we” or
“us”) is a global diversified media and information services company comprised of businesses across a range of
media, including: news and information services, subscription video services in Australia, book publishing and
digital real estate services.
In April 2018, News Corp and Telstra Corporation Limited (“Telstra”) combined their respective 50% interests
in the Foxtel Group and News Corp’s 100% interest in FOX SPORTS Australia into a new company, NXE
Australia Pty Ltd. (the “Transaction”) which the Company refers to herein as “Foxtel” for post-Transaction
periods. Following the completion of the Transaction, News Corp owns a 65% interest in the combined business,
with Telstra owning the remaining 35%. Consequently, the Company began consolidating the Foxtel Group in
the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions; Note 6—
Investments; Note 8—Goodwill; Note 9—Borrowings; and Note 11—Financial Instruments and Fair Value
Measurements. For periods prior to the completion of the Transaction, the Company continues to refer to its
equity investment in the Foxtel Group as Foxtel.
Basis of presentation
The accompanying consolidated financial statements of the Company, which are referred to herein as the
“Consolidated Financial Statements,” have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”). The Company’s financial statements as of and for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 are presented on a consolidated basis.
The consolidated statements of operations are referred to herein as the “Statements of Operations.” The
consolidated balance sheets are referred to herein as the “Balance Sheets.” The consolidated statements of cash
flows are referred to herein as the “Statements of Cash Flows.”
The Company maintains a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on the Sunday closest to June 30 in each year. Fiscal
2019, fiscal 2018 and fiscal 2017 each included 52 weeks. All references to the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019,
2018 and 2017 relate to the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, July 1, 2018 and July 2, 2017, respectively. For
convenience purposes, the Company continues to date its consolidated financial statements as of June 30.
NOTE 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Principles of consolidation
The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of all majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries. In
addition, the Company evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are variable interest
entities (“VIEs”) as defined by Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards
Codification (“ASC”) 810-10, “Consolidation” (“ASC 810-10”) and whether the Company is the primary
beneficiary. Consolidation is required if both of these criteria are met. All significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation, including the intercompany portion of transactions with
equity method investees.
Changes in the Company’s ownership interest in a consolidated subsidiary where a controlling financial interest
is retained are accounted for as capital transactions. When the Company ceases to have a controlling interest in a
consolidated subsidiary the Company will recognize a gain or loss in the Statements of Operations upon
deconsolidation.
87
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Reclassifications
Certain reclassifications have been made to the prior period consolidated financial statements to conform to the
current fiscal year presentation. Specifically, in fiscal 2019, the Company reclassified Conference Sponsorship
revenues at its Dow Jones reporting unit and Merchandising revenues at the News America Marketing reporting
unit from Other revenues to Advertising revenues as the Company believes that the reclassification more
accurately reflects the nature of those revenue streams. These revenue reclassifications totaled $57 million and
$45 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Use of estimates
The preparation of the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts that are reported in the Consolidated
Financial Statements and accompanying disclosures. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and other investments that are readily convertible into cash
with original maturities of three months or less. The Company’s cash and cash equivalents balance as of June 30,
2019 and 2018 also includes $97 million and $86 million, respectively, which is not readily accessible by the
Company as it is held by REA Group Limited (“REA Group”), a majority owned but separately listed public
company. REA Group must declare a dividend in order for the Company to have access to its share of REA
Group’s cash balance. The Company classifies cash as restricted when the cash is unavailable for use in its
general operations. The Company had no restricted cash as of June 30, 2019 and 2018.
Concentration of credit risk
Cash and cash equivalents are maintained with multiple financial institutions. The Company has deposits held
with banks that exceed the amount of insurance provided on such deposits. Generally, these deposits may be
redeemed upon demand and are maintained with financial institutions of reputable credit and, therefore, bear
minimal credit risk.
Receivables, net
Receivables are presented net of an allowance for doubtful accounts, which is an estimate of amounts that may
not be collectible. The allowance for doubtful accounts is estimated based on historical experience, receivable
aging, current economic trends and specific identification of certain receivables that are at risk of not being
collected.
Receivables, net consist of:
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowances for sales returns(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowances for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,590
$1,829
— (171)
(46)
(46)
Receivables, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,544
$1,612
88
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) As a result of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard during fiscal 2019, the Company
reclassified the allowance for sales returns from Receivables, net to Other current liabilities.
The Company’s receivables did not represent significant concentrations of credit risk as of June 30, 2019 or
June 30, 2018 due to the wide variety of customers, markets and geographic areas to which the Company’s
products and services are sold.
Inventory, net
Inventory primarily consists of programming rights, books, newsprint and printing ink. In accordance with ASC
920, “Entertainment—Broadcasters”, program rights and the related liabilities are recorded at the gross amount
of the liabilities when the license period has begun, the cost of the program is determinable and the program is
accepted and available for airing. Programming costs are amortized based on the expected pattern of
consumption over the license period or expected useful life of each program. The pattern of consumption is based
primarily on consumer viewership information as well as other factors. The Company regularly reviews its
programming assets to ensure they continue to reflect net realizable value. Changes in circumstances may result
in a write-down of the asset to fair value.
Inventory for books and newsprint are valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost for
non-programming inventory is determined by the weighted average cost method. The Company records a reserve
for excess and obsolete inventory based upon a calculation using the historical usage rates, sales patterns of its
products and specifically identified obsolete inventory.
Investments
The Company makes investments in various businesses in the normal course of business. The Company
evaluates its relationships with other entities to identify whether they are VIEs in accordance with ASC 810-10
and whether the Company is the primary beneficiary. In determining whether the Company is the primary
beneficiary of a VIE, it assesses whether it has the power to direct matters that most significantly impact the
activities of the VIE and has the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that
could potentially be significant to the VIE. The Company would consolidate any investments in which it was
determined to be the primary beneficiary of a VIE.
Investments in and advances to equity investments or joint ventures in which the Company has significant
influence, but is not the primary beneficiary, and has less than a controlling voting interest, are accounted for
using the equity method. Significant influence is generally presumed to exist when the Company owns an interest
between 20% and 50% or when the Company has the ability to exercise significant influence. Under the equity
method of accounting, the Company includes its investments and amounts due to and from such investments in
its Balance Sheets. The Company’s Statements of Operations include the Company’s share of the investees’
earnings (losses) and the Company’s Statements of Cash Flows include all cash received from or paid to the
investee.
The difference between the Company’s investment and its share of the fair value of the underlying net tangible
assets of the investee upon acquisition is first allocated to either finite-lived intangibles, indefinite-lived
intangibles or other assets and liabilities and the balance is attributed to goodwill. The Company follows ASC
350, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”), which requires that equity method finite-lived intangibles
be amortized over their estimated useful life. Such amortization is reflected in Equity (losses) earnings of
affiliates in the Statements of Operations. Indefinite-lived intangibles and goodwill are not amortized.
89
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Investments in which the Company has no significant influence (generally less than a 20% ownership interest) or
does not have the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for in accordance with Accounting
Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and
Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). Gains and losses on equity
securities with readily determinable fair market value are recorded in Other, net in the Statement of Operations.
Equity securities without readily determinable fair market values are valued at cost, less any impairment, plus or
minus changes in fair value resulting from observable price changes in orderly transactions for an identical or
similar investment of the same issuer. See Note 6—Investments.
Financial instruments and derivatives
The carrying value of the Company’s financial instruments, including cash and cash equivalents, approximate
fair value. The fair value of financial instruments is generally determined by reference to market values resulting
from trading on a national securities exchange, trading in an over-the-counter market which are considered to be
Level 2 measurements or unobservable inputs that require the Company to use its own best estimates about
market participant assumptions which are considered to be Level 3 measurements. See Note 11—Financial
Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.
ASC 815, “Derivatives and Hedging” (“ASC 815”) requires derivative instruments to be recorded on the balance
sheet at fair value as either an asset or a liability. ASC 815 also requires that changes in the fair value of recorded
derivatives be recognized currently in the Statements of Operations unless specific hedge accounting criteria are
met.
For derivatives that will be accounted for as hedging instruments, the Company formally designates and
documents, at inception, the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk
management objective and the strategy for undertaking the hedge transaction. On an ongoing basis, the Company
assesses whether the financial instruments used in hedging transactions continue to be highly effective. The
ineffective portion of a financial instrument’s change in fair value is immediately recognized in the Statements of
Operations in Other, net.
The Company determines the fair values of its derivatives using standard valuation models. The notional
amounts of the derivative financial instruments do not necessarily represent amounts exchanged by the parties
and, therefore, are not a direct measure of the Company’s exposure to the financial risks. The amounts exchanged
are calculated by reference to the notional amounts and by other terms of the derivatives, such as interest rates
and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not view the fair values of its derivatives in isolation,
but rather in relation to the fair values or cash flows of the underlying hedged transactions or other exposures. All
of the Company’s derivatives are over-the-counter instruments with liquid markets. The carrying values of the
derivatives reflect the impact of master netting agreements which allow the Company to net settle positive and
negative positions with the same counterparty. As the Company does not intend to settle any derivatives at their
net positions, derivative instruments are presented gross in the Balance Sheets. See Note 11—Financial
Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.
The Company monitors its positions with, and the credit quality of, the financial institutions which are
counterparties to its financial instruments. The Company is exposed to credit loss in the event of nonperformance
by the counterparties to the agreements. As of June 30, 2019, the Company did not anticipate nonperformance by
any of the counterparties.
Cash flow hedges
Cash flow hedges are used to mitigate the Company’s exposure to variability in cash flows that is attributable to
particular risk associated with a highly probable forecasted transaction or a recognized asset or liability which
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could affect income or expenses. The effective portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument is
recognized directly in Accumulated other comprehensive loss, while the ineffective portion is recognized in the
Statements of Operations in Other, net. Amounts recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are
recognized in the Statements of Operations when the hedged forecasted transaction impacts income or if the
forecasted transaction is no longer expected to occur.
Fair value hedges
Fair value hedges are used to mitigate the Company’s exposure to changes in the fair value of a recognized asset
or liability, or an identified portion thereof that is attributable to a particular risk and could affect income or
expenses. The hedged item is adjusted for gains and losses attributable to the risk being hedged and the
derivative is remeasured to fair value. The Company records the changes in the fair value of these items in the
Statements of Operations.
Economic hedges
Derivatives not designated as accounting hedge relationships are referred to as economic hedges. Economic
hedges are those derivatives which the Company uses to mitigate their exposure to variability in the cash flows of
a forecasted transaction or the fair value of a recognized asset or liability, but which do not qualify for hedge
accounting in accordance with ASC 815. The economic hedges are adjusted to fair value each period in Other,
net in the Statements of Operations.
Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using
the straight-line method over an estimated useful life of 3 to 50 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized
using the straight-line method over the shorter of their useful lives or the life of the lease. Costs associated with
the repair and maintenance of property, plant and equipment are expensed as incurred. Changes in circumstances,
such as technological advances or changes to the Company’s business model or capital strategy, could result in
the actual useful lives differing from the Company’s estimates. In those cases where the Company determines
that the useful life of buildings and equipment should be changed, the Company would depreciate the asset over
its revised remaining useful life, thereby increasing or decreasing depreciation expense.
Operating leases
For operating leases, minimum lease payments, including minimum scheduled rent increases, are recognized as
rent expense on a straight-line basis over the applicable lease terms. The term used for straight-line rent expense
is calculated beginning on the date that the Company obtains possession of the leased premises through the
expected lease termination date.
Capitalized software
In accordance with ASC 350-40 “Internal-use Software,” the Company capitalizes certain costs incurred in
connection with developing or obtaining internal-use software. Costs incurred in the preliminary project stage are
expensed. All direct costs incurred to develop internal-use software during the development stage are capitalized
and amortized using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life, generally 2 to 13 years. Costs such as
maintenance and training are expensed as incurred. Research and development costs are also expensed as
incurred.
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Upon adoption of ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles–Goodwill and Other–Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-24):
Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement that is a Service
Contract” (“ASU 2018-15”), the Company evaluates upfront costs, including implementation, set-up or other
costs (collectively, “implementation costs”), for hosting arrangements under the internal-use software
framework. Costs related to preliminary project activities and post implementation activities are expensed as
incurred, whereas costs incurred in the development stage are generally capitalized as prepaid assets within Other
Current Assets in the Balance Sheet. Capitalized implementation costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over
the expected term of the hosting arrangement, which includes consideration of the non-cancellable contractual
term and reasonably certain renewals. Amortization of capitalized implementation costs is included in the same
line item in the Statements of Operations as the expense for fees for the associated hosting arrangement.
Royalty advances to authors
Royalty advances are initially capitalized and subsequently expensed as related revenues are earned or when the
Company determines future recovery is not probable. The Company has a long history of providing authors with
royalty advances, and it tracks each advance earned with respect to the sale of the related publication.
Historically, the longer the unearned portion of the advance remains outstanding, the less likely it is that the
Company will recover the advance through the sale of the publication. The Company applies this historical
experience to its existing outstanding royalty advances to estimate the likelihood of recovery and a provision is
established to write-off the unearned advance, usually between 12 and 24 months after initial publication of the
first format. Additionally, the Company reviews its portfolio of royalty advances for unpublished titles to
determine if individual royalty advances are not recoverable for discrete reasons, such as the death of an author
prior to completion of a title or titles, a Company decision to not publish a title, poor market demand or other
relevant factors that could impact recoverability. Based on this information, the portion of any advance that the
Company believes is not recoverable is expensed.
Goodwill and intangible assets
The Company has goodwill and intangible assets, including trademarks and tradenames, newspaper mastheads,
distribution networks, publishing imprints, radio broadcast licenses, publishing rights and customer relationships.
Goodwill is recorded as the difference between the cost of acquiring entities or businesses and amounts assigned
to their tangible and identifiable intangible net assets. In accordance with ASC 350, the Company’s goodwill and
indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually during the fourth quarter for impairment or earlier if events
occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair values below their carrying
amounts. Intangible assets with finite lives are amortized over their estimated useful lives.
Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at a reporting unit level. Reporting units are determined based on an
evaluation of the Company’s operating segments and the components making up those operating segments. For
purposes of its goodwill impairment review, the Company has identified Dow Jones, the Australian newspapers,
the U.K. newspapers, News America Marketing, Unruly Holdings Limited (“Unruly”), Storyful Limited
(“Storyful”), Wireless Group plc (“Wireless Group”), Foxtel, Australian News Channel (“ANC”), HarperCollins,
REA Group and Move, Inc. (“Move”), as its reporting units. During fiscal 2017, the Company early adopted
ASU 2017-04, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment”
(“ASU 2017-04”) which eliminates Step 2 from the goodwill impairment test and instead requires an entity to
perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its
carrying amount and to recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds
the reporting unit’s fair value.
In accordance with ASC 350, in assessing goodwill for impairment, the Company has the option to first perform
a qualitative assessment to determine whether events or circumstances exist that lead to a determination that it is
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more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If the Company
determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount,
the Company is not required to perform any additional tests in assessing goodwill for impairment. However, if
the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the qualitative assessment, then it is required to
perform a quantitative analysis to determine the fair value of the business, and compare the calculated fair value
of a reporting unit with its carrying amount, including goodwill. If through a quantitative analysis the Company
determines the fair value of a reporting unit exceeds its carrying amount, the goodwill of the reporting unit is
considered not to be impaired. If the Company concludes that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its
carrying value, an impairment will be recognized for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the
reporting unit’s fair value.
The Company also performs impairment reviews on its indefinite-lived intangible assets, including trademarks
and tradenames, newspaper mastheads, distribution networks, publishing imprints and radio broadcast licenses.
Newspaper mastheads and book publishing imprints are reviewed on an aggregated basis in accordance with
ASC 350. Distribution networks, trademarks and tradenames and radio broadcast licenses are reviewed
individually. In assessing its indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment, the Company has the option to first
perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether events or circumstances exist that lead to a determination
that it is more likely than not that the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying
amount. If the Company determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of an indefinite-lived
intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company is not required to perform any additional tests in
assessing the asset for impairment. However, if the Company concludes otherwise or elects not to perform the
qualitative assessment, then it is required to perform a quantitative analysis to determine if the fair value of an
indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value. If through a quantitative analysis the Company
determines the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset exceeds its carrying amount, the indefinite-lived
intangible asset is considered not to be impaired. If the Company concludes that the fair value of an indefinite-
lived intangible asset is less than its carrying value, an impairment will be recognized for the amount by which
the carrying amount exceeds the indefinite-lived intangible asset’s fair value.
The methods used to estimate the fair value measurements of the Company’s reporting units and indefinite-lived
intangible assets include those based on the income approach (including the discounted cash flow, relief-from-
royalty and excess earnings methods) and those based on the market approach (primarily the guideline public
company method). The resulting fair value measurements of the assets are considered to be Level 3
measurements. Determining fair value requires the exercise of significant judgments, including judgments about
appropriate discount rates, long-term growth rates, relevant comparable company earnings multiples and the
amount and timing of expected future cash flows. The cash flows employed in the analyses are based on the
Company’s estimated outlook and various growth rates are assumed for years beyond the long-term business plan
period. Discount rate assumptions are based on an assessment of the risk inherent in the future cash flows of the
respective reporting units. In assessing the reasonableness of its determined fair values, the Company evaluates
its results against other value indicators, such as comparable public company trading values.
When a business within a reporting unit is disposed of, goodwill is allocated to the disposed business using the
relative fair value method.
Borrowings
Loans and borrowings are initially recognized at the fair value of the consideration received. Transaction costs
are recorded within current borrowings (current portion) and non-current borrowings (long-term portion) in the
Consolidated Balance Sheets. They are subsequently recognized at amortized cost using the effective interest
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method. Debt may be considered extinguished when it has been modified and the terms of the new debt
instruments and old debt instruments are substantially different, as that term is defined in the debt modification
guidance in ASC 470-50 “Debt—Modifications and Extinguishments.” The Company classifies the current
portion of long term debt as non-current liabilities on the Balance Sheets when it has the intent and ability to
refinance the obligation on a long-term basis, in accordance with ASC 470-50 “Debt.”
Retirement benefit obligations
The Company provides defined benefit pension, postretirement healthcare and defined contribution benefits to
the Company’s eligible employees and retirees. The Company accounts for its defined benefit pension,
postretirement healthcare and defined contribution plans in accordance with ASC 715, “Compensation—
Retirement Benefits” (“ASC 715”). The expense recognized by the Company is determined using certain
assumptions, including the discount rate, expected long-term rate of return of pension assets and mortality rates,
among others. The Company recognizes the funded status of its defined benefit plans (other than multiemployer
plans) as an asset or liability in the Balance Sheets and recognizes changes in the funded status in the year in
which the changes occur through Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the Balance Sheets.
Fair value measurements
The Company has various financial instruments that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis, including
certain marketable securities and derivatives. The Company also applies the provisions of fair value
measurement to various non-recurring measurements for the Company’s non-financial assets and liabilities. With
the exception of investments measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient prescribed in
ASU 2015-07, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosures for Investments in Certain Entities That
Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent)” or ASC 2016-01 described above, the Company
measures assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC 820, “Fair Value Measurements” (“ASC 820”), using
inputs from the following three levels of the fair value hierarchy: (i) inputs that are quoted prices in active
markets for identical assets or liabilities (“Level 1”); (ii) inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1
that are observable, including quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities (“Level 2”); and (iii) unobservable
inputs that require the entity to use its own best estimates about market participant assumptions (“Level 3”). See
Note 11—Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.
The Company’s assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis include investments, long-lived assets,
indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. The Company reviews the carrying amounts of such assets
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amounts may not be recoverable or at
least annually during the fourth quarter for indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill. Any resulting asset
impairment would require that the asset be recorded at its fair value. The resulting fair value measurements of the
assets are considered to be Level 3 measurements.
Asset impairments
Investments
Equity method investments are regularly reviewed to determine whether a significant event or change in
circumstances has occurred that may impact the fair value of each investment. If the fair value of the investment
has dropped below the carrying amount, management considers several factors when determining whether an
other-than-temporary decline in market value has occurred, including the length of time and extent to which the
market value has been below cost, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, the intent and
ability of the Company to retain its investment in the issuer for a period of time sufficient to allow for any
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anticipated recovery in market value and other factors influencing the fair market value, such as general market
conditions.
During fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10):
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). Prior to the
adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company regularly reviewed its investments in equity securities for impairments
based on criteria that included the extent to which an investment’s carrying value exceeded its related market
value, the duration of the market decline, the Company’s ability to hold its investment until recovery and the
investment’s financial strength and specific prospects. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company
remeasures the value of these equity securities each quarter and includes the impact from the remeasurement in
Other, net in the Statements of Operations.
Long-lived assets
ASC 360, “Property, Plant, and Equipment” (“ASC 360”) and ASC 350 require the Company to periodically
review the carrying amounts of its long-lived assets, including property, plant and equipment and finite-lived
intangible assets, to determine whether current events or circumstances indicate that such carrying amounts may
not be recoverable. If the carrying amount of the asset is greater than the expected undiscounted cash flows to be
generated by such asset, an impairment adjustment is recognized if the carrying value of such asset exceeds its
fair value. The Company generally measures fair value by considering sale prices for similar assets or by
discounting estimated future cash flows using an appropriate discount rate. Considerable management judgment
is necessary to estimate the fair value of assets, accordingly, actual results could vary significantly from such
estimates. Assets to be disposed of are carried at the lower of their financial statement carrying amount or fair
value, less their costs to sell.
Treasury Stock
The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method. Upon the retirement of treasury stock, the
Company allocates the value of treasury shares between common stock, additional paid-in capital and retained
earnings. All shares repurchased to date have been retired.
Revenue recognition
During fiscal 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”
(“ASU 2014-09”) on a modified retrospective basis, which amended the FASB ASC by creating Topic 606,
“Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASC 606”). Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when or as the
Company satisfies its respective performance obligations under each contract.
Circulation and subscription revenues
Circulation and subscription revenues include single-copy newspaper, newspaper subscription, information
services subscription and pay television broadcast subscription revenues. Circulation revenues are based on the
number of copies of the printed newspaper (through home-delivery subscriptions and single-copy sales) and/or
digital subscriptions sold, and the associated rates charged to the customers. Single-copy revenue is recognized at
a point in time on the date the newspapers are sold to distribution outlets, net of provisions for related returns.
Revenues from home delivery and digital subscriptions are recognized over the subscription term as the
newspapers and/or digital subscriptions are delivered. Information services subscription revenues are recognized
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over time as the subscriptions are delivered. Payments from subscribers are generally due at the beginning of the
month and are recorded as deferred revenue. Such amounts are recognized as revenue as the associated
subscription is delivered.
Revenue generated from subscriptions to receive pay television broadcast, OTT services, broadband and home
phone services for residential and commercial subscribers is recognized over time on a monthly basis as the
services are provided. Payment is generally received monthly in advance of providing services, and is deferred
upon receipt. Such amounts are recognized as revenue as the related services are provided.
Advertising revenues
Revenue from print advertising is recognized at the point in time the print advertisement is published. Broadcast
advertising revenue is recognized over the time that the broadcast advertisement is aired. For impressions-based
digital advertising, revenues are recognized as impressions are delivered over the term of the arrangement, while
revenue from non-impressions-based digital advertising is recognized over the period that the advertisements are
displayed. Such amounts are recognized net of agency commissions and provisions for estimated sales
incentives, including rebates, rate adjustments or discounts.
Advertising revenues earned from integrated marketing services are recognized at the point in time when free-
standing inserts are published. Revenues earned from in-store marketing services are partially recognized upon
installation, with the remaining revenue recognized over the in-store campaign.
The Company enters into transactions that involve the exchange of advertising, in part, for other products and
services, which are recorded at the estimated fair value of the product or service received. If the fair value of the
product or service received cannot be reliably determined, the value is measured indirectly by reference to the
standalone selling price of the advertising provided by the Company. Revenue from nonmonetary transactions is
recognized when services are performed, and expenses are recognized when products are received or services are
incurred.
Billings to clients and payments received in advance of performance of services or delivery of products are
recorded as deferred revenue until the services are performed or the product is delivered. Payment for advertising
services is typically due shortly after the Company has satisfied its performance obligation to print, broadcast or
place the advertising specified in the contract. For advertising campaigns that extend beyond one month, the
Company generally invoices the advertiser in arrears based on the number of advertisements that were printed,
broadcast or placed, or impressions delivered during the month.
Consumer revenues
Revenue from the sale of physical books and electronic books (“e-books”) is recognized at the point in time of
physical receipt by the customer or electronic delivery. Such amounts are recorded net of provisions for returns
and payments to customers. If the Company prohibits its customer from selling a physical book until a future
date, it recognizes revenue when that restriction lapses.
Revenue is recognized net of any amounts billed to customers for taxes remitted to government authorities.
Payments for the sale of physical books and e-books are generally collected within one to three months of sale or
delivery and are based on the number of physical books or e-books sold.
Real Estate revenues
Real estate revenues are derived from the sale of online real estate listing products and advanced client
management and reporting products, as well as services to agents, brokers and developers. Revenue is typically
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recognized over the contractual period during which the services are provided. Payments are generally due
monthly over the subscription term.
With the acquisition of Opcity Inc. (“Opcity”), the Company began providing certain leads to agents and brokers
at no upfront cost with the Company receiving a portion of the agent sales commission at the time a home
transaction is closed. As the amount of revenues is based on several factors outside of the Company’s control
including home prices, revenue is recognized when a real estate transaction is closed and any variability no
longer exists.
Other revenues
Other revenues are recognized when the related services are performed or the product has been delivered.
Contracts with multiple performance obligations
The Company has certain revenue contracts which contain multiple performance obligations such as print and
digital advertising bundles and bundled video service subscriptions. Revenues derived from sales contracts that
contain multiple products and services are allocated based on the relative standalone selling price of each
performance obligation to be delivered. Standalone selling price is typically determined based on prices charged
to customers for the same or similar goods or services on a standalone basis. If observable standalone prices are
not available, the Company estimates standalone selling price by maximizing the use of observable inputs to
most accurately reflect the price of each individual performance obligation. Revenue is recognized as each
performance obligation included in the contract is satisfied.
Identification of a customer and gross versus net revenue recognition
In the normal course of business, the Company acts as or uses an intermediary or agent in executing transactions
with third parties. When the intermediary or agent is determined to be the Company’s customer, the Company
records revenue based on the amount it expects to receive from the agent or intermediary.
In other circumstances, the determination of whether revenue should be reported on a gross or net basis is based
on an assessment of whether the Company is acting as the principal or an agent in the transaction. If the
Company is acting as a principal in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a gross basis. If the Company
is acting as an agent in a transaction, the Company reports revenue on a net basis. The determination of whether
the Company is acting as a principal or an agent in a transaction involves judgment and is based on an evaluation
of the terms of the arrangement. The Company serves as the principal in transactions in which it controls the
goods or services prior to being transferred to the ultimate customer.
Sales returns
Certain of the Company’s products, such as books and newspapers, are sold with the right of return. The
Company records the estimated impact of such returns as a reduction of revenue. To estimate product sales that
will be returned and the related products that are expected to be placed back into inventory, the Company
analyzes historical returns, current economic trends, changes in customer demand and acceptance of the
Company’s products. Based on this information, the Company reserves a percentage of each dollar of product
sales that provide the customer with the right of return. As a result of the adoption of ASC 606, the Company
reclassified its sales returns reserve from Receivables, net to Other current liabilities.
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Subscriber acquisition costs
Costs related to the acquisition of subscription video service customers primarily consist of amounts paid for
third-party customer acquisitions, which consist of the cost of commissions paid to authorized retailers and
dealers for subscribers added through their respective distribution channels and the cost of hardware and
installation subsidies for subscribers. All costs, including hardware, installation and commissions, are expensed
upon activation, except where legal ownership of the equipment is retained, in which case the cost of the
equipment and direct and indirect installation costs are capitalized and depreciated over the respective useful life.
Advertising expenses
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred in accordance with ASC 720-35, “Other Expenses—
Advertising Cost.” Advertising and promotional expenses recognized totaled $669 million, $663 million and
$587 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Shipping and handling
Costs incurred for shipping and handling are reflected in Operating expenses in the Statements of Operations.
Translation of foreign currencies
The financial results and position of foreign subsidiaries and affiliates are translated into U.S. dollars using the
current rate method, whereby operating results are converted at the average rate of exchange for the period and
assets and liabilities are converted at the closing rates on the period end date. The resulting translation
adjustments are accumulated as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Gains and losses from
foreign currency transactions are generally included in income for the period.
Income taxes
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes” (“ASC 740”). ASC 740
requires an asset and liability approach for financial accounting and reporting for income taxes. Under the asset
and liability approach, deferred taxes are provided for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the
carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax
purposes. Valuation allowances are established where management determines that it is more likely than not that
some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The Company recognizes interest and penalty
charges related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense.
The Company has not provided for taxes on undistributed earnings attributable to certain foreign subsidiaries. It
is the Company’s intention to reinvest in these subsidiaries indefinitely as the Company does not anticipate the
need to repatriate funds to satisfy domestic liquidity needs. An actual repatriation from these subsidiaries could
be subject to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state taxes. Calculation of the unrecognized tax liabilities is not
practicable.
Following the enactment of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”) (See Note 19—Income Taxes), the
Company has elected to account for the tax on GILTI as a period cost and thus has not adjusted any net deferred
tax assets of its foreign subsidiaries for the new tax. However, the Company has considered the potential impact
of GILTI and BEAT on its U.S. federal net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward and determined that the
projected tax benefit to be received from its NOL carryforward may be reduced due to these provisions. As such,
the Company has recorded a valuation allowance on its U.S. federal NOL carryforward for the reduction in the
projected tax benefit upon utilization.
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Earnings (loss) per share
Basic earnings (loss) per share for Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is calculated by dividing
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders by the weighted average number of shares of
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock outstanding. Diluted earnings (loss) per share for Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock is calculated similarly, except that the calculation includes the
dilutive effect of the assumed issuance of shares issuable under the Company’s equity-based compensation plans.
See Note 14—Earnings (Loss) Per Share.
Equity-based compensation
Equity-based awards are accounted for in accordance with ASC 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation”
(“ASC 718”). ASC 718 requires that the cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions be recognized
in the Consolidated Financial Statements. ASC 718 establishes fair value as the measurement objective in
accounting for share-based payment arrangements and requires all companies to apply a fair-value-based
measurement method in accounting for generally all share-based payment transactions with employees.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Adopted
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, which amended ASC 606. ASU 2014-09 removes inconsistencies
and differences in revenue recognition requirements between GAAP and International Financial Reporting
Standards and requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to
customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange
for those goods or services. The FASB also issued several standards which provided additional clarification and
implementation guidance on ASU 2014-09. The Company adopted ASU 2014-09 and subsequent related
standards on a modified retrospective basis as of July 1, 2018. As a result, the Company recorded a $20 million
decrease to Accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2018 to reflect the cumulative impact of its adoption of ASC 606.
See Note 3—Revenues.
In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Overall (Subtopic 825-10):
Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The amendments
in ASU 2016-01 address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation and disclosure of financial
instruments. ASU 2016-01 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning
July 1, 2018. The Company adopted the guidance on a cumulative-effect basis for its investments with readily
determinable fair values effective July 1, 2018. In accordance with ASU 2016-01, the cumulative net unrealized
gains (losses) for these investments contained within Accumulated other comprehensive loss were reclassified
through Accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2018, and the Company recorded a $22 million decrease to
Accumulated deficit. The Company has elected to measure equity investments that do not have readily
determinable fair values at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price
changes in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. There was no financial
statement impact upon adoption for these investments. See Note 6—Investments and Note 21—Additional
Financial Information.
In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits (Topic 715): Improving
the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost” (“ASU 2017-07”).
The amendments in ASU 2017-07 require that an employer report the service cost component in the same line
item or items as other compensation costs arising from services rendered by the pertinent employees during the
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period. The other components of net periodic benefit cost (income) as defined in paragraphs 715-30-35-4 and
715-60-35-9 are required to be presented in the income statement separately from the service cost component and
outside a subtotal of income from operations, if one is presented. ASU 2017-07 allows for a practical expedient
that permits a company to use the amounts disclosed in its pension and other postretirement benefit plans note for
the prior comparative periods as the estimation basis for applying the retrospective presentation requirements.
ASU 2017-07 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2018. The
Company adopted ASU 2017-07 utilizing the practical expedient. The other components of net periodic benefit
cost (income) are included in Other, net in the Statements of Operations. The adoption did not have a material
impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In June 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-07, “Compensation—Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements
to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2018-07”). The amendments in ASU 2018-07
expanded the scope of Topic 718 to include share-based payment transactions for acquiring goods and services
from nonemployees. As permitted by ASU 2018-07, the Company early-adopted this standard and the adoption
did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-14, “Compensation—Retirement Benefits—Defined Benefit
Plans—General (Subtopic 715-20): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for
Defined Benefit Plans” (“ASU 2018-14”). The amendments in ASU 2018-14 modify the disclosure requirements
for employers that sponsor defined benefit pension or other postretirement plans. ASU 2018-14 eliminates the
disclosures for amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss expected to be recognized as a component of
net periodic benefit cost (income) and the effect of a percentage change in health care cost trend rate. As
permitted by ASU 2018-14, the Company early adopted this standard. See Note 17—Retirement Benefit
Obligations.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, “Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software
(Subtopic 350-40): Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing
Arrangement That Is a Service Contract (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force)” (“ASU
2018-15”). The amendments in ASU 2018-15 align the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs
incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation
costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software (and hosting arrangements that include an internal-use
software license). As permitted by ASU 2018-15, the Company early-adopted this standard on a prospective
basis. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements.
Issued
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). The amendments in
ASU 2016-02 require lessees to recognize all leases on the balance sheet by recording a right-of-use asset and a
lease liability, and lessor accounting has been updated to align with the new requirements for lessees. The new
standard also provides changes to the existing sale-leaseback guidance. ASU 2016-02 is effective for the
Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2019. The FASB has also issued additional
standards which provide additional clarification and implementation guidance on the previously issued ASU
2016-02 and have the same effective date as the original standard. The Company plans to apply this guidance on
a modified retrospective basis at the beginning of the period of adoption through a cumulative-effect adjustment
to retained earnings, with no restatement of prior periods. The Company is in the process of finalizing its
inventory of lease contracts and implementing processes and controls to enable the preparation of the required
financial information for this standard. The Company is also finalizing the testing of its lease management
system and the implementation process. The Company plans to elect the package of practical expedients
100
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
permitted under the transition guidance within the new standard. The Company plans to elect the practical
expedient to combine lease and non-lease components for all asset classes. The Company also plans to elect the
short-term lease exception to keep leases with an initial term of twelve months or less off of the balance sheet.
The Company is continuing to evaluate the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on its consolidated financial
statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement
of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). The amendments in ASU 2016-13 require a
financial asset (or a group of financial assets) measured at amortized cost basis to be presented at the net amount
expected to be collected. ASU 2016-13 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods
beginning July 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2016-13 will have on its
consolidated financial statements.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-12, “Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Targeted Improvements
to Accounting for Hedging Activities” (“ASU 2017-12”). The amendments in ASU 2017-12 more closely align
the results of cash flow and fair value hedge accounting with risk management activities through changes to both
the designation and measurement guidance for qualifying hedging relationships and the presentation of hedge
results in the financial statements. The amendments address specific limitations in current GAAP by expanding
hedge accounting for both nonfinancial and financial risk components and by refining the measurement of hedge
results to better reflect an entity’s hedging strategies. ASU 2017-12 is effective for the Company for annual and
interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2017-12
will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, “Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income
(Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income”
(“ASU 2018-02”). The amendments in ASU 2018-02 provide a reclassification from Accumulated other
comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Act (as defined
below). See Note 19—Income Taxes. Consequently, the amendments eliminate the stranded tax effects resulting
from the Tax Act and will improve the usefulness of information reported to financial statement users. ASU
2018-02 is effective for the Company for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2019. The
Company is currently evaluating the impact ASU 2018-02 will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure
Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU
2018-13 removes, modifies and adds certain disclosure requirements in Topic 820, “Fair Value Measurement.”
ASU 2018-13 eliminates certain disclosures related to transfers and the valuation process, modifies disclosures
for investments that are valued based on net asset value, clarifies the measurement uncertainty disclosure, and
requires additional disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for the Company
for annual and interim reporting periods beginning July 1, 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact
ASU 2018-13 will have on the disclosures included in its consolidated financial statements.
NOTE 3. REVENUES
On July 1, 2018, the Company adopted ASC 606 on a modified retrospective basis for all contracts which were
not completed as of the adoption date. Results for reporting periods beginning after July 1, 2018 are presented
under ASC 606 while prior periods have not been restated. Under ASC 606, revenue is recognized when or as the
Company satisfies its respective performance obligations under each contract. The Company recorded a
$20 million decrease to Accumulated deficit as of July 1, 2018 to reflect the cumulative impact of its adoption of
ASC 606.
101
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
When implementing ASC 606, the Company applied the practical expedient to reflect the aggregate effect of all
contract modifications occurring before the beginning of the earliest period presented when identifying satisfied
and unsatisfied performance obligations, determining the transaction price, and allocating the transaction price to
the satisfied and unsatisfied performance obligations.
The adoption of ASC 606 primarily resulted in the following changes related to the Company’s revenue
recognition policies:
•
Reclassification of certain payments to customers
For certain revenue streams within the Subscription Video Services, Book Publishing and News and
Information Services segments, the Company previously recorded certain marketing and sales
incentive payments to customers within Operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative
expenses. In accordance with ASC 606, such payments are now recorded as a reduction of revenue. For
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues were $113 million lower as a result of this
reclassification, with no impact on the Company’s net income.
•
Deferred installation revenues in the Subscription Video Services segment
Under ASC 606, each customer subscription sold is accounted for as a distinct performance obligation.
Installation services are not accounted for as a distinct performance obligation and are instead included
within the overall services being provided. Therefore, installation revenues are deferred and recognized
over the respective customer contract term. Historically, installation revenues were deferred and
recognized over the estimated customer life. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, revenues were
$23 million higher as a result of the adoption of ASC 606.
•
Acceleration of revenue associated with REA Group’s financial services business
The Company has historically delayed the recognition of trailing commission revenue associated with
REA Group’s financial services business until such amounts became fixed or determinable. Under
ASC 606, trailing commission revenue is recognized when the related mortgage loan is established. As
a result, the Company established a commission receivable of $121 million and a broker commission
payable of $94 million as of July 1, 2018. The current portion of the commission receivable and broker
commission payable are classified in Receivables, net and Other current liabilities, respectively, with
the non-current portion of each classified within Other non-current assets and liabilities, respectively,
in the Balance Sheets. The change in accounting for trailing commission revenue did not have a
material impact on the Statement of Operations.
102
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Company’s revenues and expenses for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 and the opening balance sheet as
of July 1, 2018 under both ASC 606 and the prior standard, ASC 605 are as follows:
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
ASC 605
Effects of Adoption ASC 606
(in millions)
Revenue:
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,092
2,743
1,744
908
659
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating expenses and Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,146
$ (8,925)
212
$
$ 12
(5)
(65)
—
(14)
$(72)
$ 95
$ 16
$ 4,104
2,738
1,679
908
645
$10,074
$ (8,830)
228
$
As of July 1, 2018
ASC 605 Effects of Adoption ASC 606
(in millions)
Assets:
Receivables, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Liabilities and Equity:
Deferred revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 1,612
372
279
831
$
516
372
389
430
(2,163)
$200
(4)
2
92
$ (6)
194
11
71
20
$ 1,812
368
281
923
$
510
566
400
501
(2,143)
Disaggregated revenue
The following table presents revenue by type and segment for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019:
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019
News and
Information
Services
Subscription
Video
Services
Book
Publishing
Digital Real
Estate
Services
Other
Total
Revenues
(in millions)
Revenues:
Circulation and subscription . . . . . . . . .
Advertising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consumer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,128
2,400
—
—
428
$4,956
$1,926
215
—
—
61
$2,202
$ —
—
1,679
—
75
$1,754
$
49
122
—
908
80
$1,159
$ 1
1
—
—
1
$ 3
$ 4,104
2,738
1,679
908
645
$10,074
103
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Contract liabilities and assets
The Company’s deferred revenue balance primarily relates to amounts received from customers for subscriptions
paid in advance of the services being provided. The following table presents changes in the deferred revenue
balance for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019:
Balance as of July 1, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferral of revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recognition of deferred revenue(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance as of June 30, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019
(in millions)
$
510
3,008
(3,084)
(6)
$
428
(a)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized approximately $493 million of revenue
which was included in the opening deferred revenue balance.
Contract assets were immaterial for disclosure as of June 30, 2019.
Practical expedients
The Company typically expenses sales commissions incurred to obtain a customer contract as those amounts are
incurred as the amortization period is 12 months or less. These costs are recorded within Selling, general and
administrative in the Statements of Operations. The Company also applies the practical expedient for significant
financing components when the transfer of the good or service is paid within 12 months or less, or the receipt of
consideration is received within 12 months or less of the transfer of the good or service.
Other revenue disclosures
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recognized approximately $316 million in revenues
related to performance obligations that were satisfied or partially satisfied in a prior reporting period. The
remaining transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations as of June 30, 2019 was approximately
$354 million, of which approximately $182 million is expected to be recognized during fiscal 2020,
approximately $129 million is expected to be recognized in fiscal 2021, $35 million is expected to be recognized
in fiscal 2022, $5 million is expected to be recognized in fiscal 2023, with the remainder to be recognized
thereafter. These amounts do not include (i) contracts with an expected duration of one year or less, (ii) contracts
for which variable consideration is determined based on the customer’s subsequent sale or usage and
(iii) variable consideration allocated to performance obligations accounted for under the series guidance that
meets the allocation objective under ASC 606.
NOTE 4. ACQUISITIONS, DISPOSALS AND OTHER TRANSACTIONS
Fiscal 2019
Opcity
In October 2018, the Company acquired Opcity, a market-leading real estate technology platform that matches
qualified home buyers and sellers with real estate professionals in real time. The total transaction value was
approximately $210 million, consisting of approximately $182 million in cash, net of $7 million of cash
104
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
acquired, and approximately $28 million in deferred payments and restricted stock unit awards for Opcity’s
founders and qualifying employees, which is being recognized as compensation expense over the three years
following the closing. Included in the cash amount was approximately $20 million that is being held back for
approximately 18 months after closing. The acquisition broadens realtor.com®’s lead generation product
portfolio, allowing real estate professionals to choose between traditional lead products or a concierge-based
model that provides highly vetted, transaction-ready leads. Opcity is a subsidiary of Move, and its results are
included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration was first allocated to net tangible assets and
identifiable intangible assets based upon their fair values as of the date of completion of the acquisition. As a
result of the acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $73 million of assets, of which $49 million
primarily related to the Opcity technology and data platform with a weighted average useful life of 12 years and
$24 million primarily related to intangible assets resulting from previously acquired leads and customer
relationships with a weighted average useful life of 9 years. In accordance with ASC 350 the excess of the total
consideration over the fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets of approximately $124 million was
recorded as goodwill on the transaction.
Fiscal 2018
Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd
In June 2018, REA Group acquired Hometrack Australia Pty Ltd (“Hometrack Australia”) for approximately
A$130 million (approximately $100 million) in cash, which was funded with a mix of cash on hand and debt of
A$70 million (approximately $53 million). Hometrack Australia is a provider of property data services to the
financial sector and allows REA Group to deliver more property data and insights to its customers. Under the
acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration is allocated to net tangible assets and identifiable
intangible assets based upon the fair value as of the date of completion of the acquisition. The excess of the total
consideration over the fair value of the net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets acquired was
recorded as goodwill. The Company recorded approximately $25 million of intangible assets consisting of
technology, primarily associated with the Hometrack.com website, and customer relationships which have useful
lives of 8 years and 15 years, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $74 million of goodwill on the
transaction. Hometrack Australia is a subsidiary of REA Group and its results are included within the Digital
Real Estate Services segment.
Foxtel
In April 2018, News Corp and Telstra combined their respective 50% interests in Foxtel Group and News Corp’s
100% interest in FOX SPORTS Australia into a new company. Following the completion of the Transaction,
News Corp owns a 65% interest in the combined business, with Telstra owning the remaining 35%.
Consequently, the Company began consolidating Foxtel in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. The combination
allows Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia to leverage their media platforms and content to improve services for
consumers and advertisers. The results of Foxtel are reported within the Subscription Video Services segment,
and Foxtel is considered a separate reporting unit for purposes of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment
review.
The Transaction was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 “Business Combinations” (“ASC 805”) which
requires the Company to re-measure its previously held equity interest in Foxtel at its Transaction completion
date fair value. The carrying amount of the Company’s previously held equity interest in Foxtel was equal to its
fair value as of the Transaction completion date, as the Company wrote its investment in Foxtel down to fair
105
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
value during the third quarter of fiscal 2018. In accordance with ASC 805, as the Company did not relinquish
control of its investment in FOX SPORTS Australia, the reduction in the Company’s ownership interest to 65%
was accounted for as a common control transaction on a carryover basis. See Note 6—Investments.
The total aggregate purchase price associated with the Transaction at the completion date is set forth below (in
millions):
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consideration transferred(a)
Fair value of News Corp previously held equity interest in Foxtel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of noncontrolling interest(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 331
631
578
Fair value of net assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,540
(a)
(b)
Primarily represents the fair value of 35% of FOX SPORTS Australia exchanged as consideration in the
Transaction and has been included in noncontrolling interest.
Primarily represents the fair value of 35% of Foxtel, which includes the impact of certain market participant
synergies.
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the aggregate purchase price, based on a valuation of 100% of
Foxtel, was allocated to net tangible and intangible assets based upon their fair value as of the date of completion
of the Transaction. The excess of the aggregate purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and
intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The allocation is as follows (in millions):
Assets acquired:
Cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property, plant and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
78
492
967
861
1,559
268
Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$4,225
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 611
1,751
323
Total liabilities assumed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2,685
Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,540
As a result of the Transaction, the Company recorded tangible assets of approximately $871 million, excluding
long-term borrowings, primarily consisting of property, plant and equipment which mainly relate to digital set
top units and installations and technical equipment, as well as accounts receivable, inventory, accounts payable
and accruals at their estimated fair values at the completion date of the Transaction. The Company recorded
outstanding borrowings of approximately $1.8 billion as a result of the Transaction. See Note 9—Borrowings.
In addition, the Company recorded approximately $0.9 billion of intangible assets of which $468 million has
been allocated to subscriber relationships with a weighted-average useful life of 10 years, $270 million has been
allocated to the tradenames which have an indefinite life and approximately $123 million has been allocated to
106
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
advertiser relationships with a weighted-average useful life of 15 years. In accordance with ASC 350, the excess
of the purchase price over the fair values of the net tangible and intangible assets of approximately $1.6 billion
was recorded as goodwill on the transaction.
As a result of the Transaction, the Company recognized a $337 million loss in Other, net, primarily related to the
Company’s settlement of its pre-existing contractual arrangement between Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia
which resulted in a $317 million write-off of its channel distribution agreement intangible asset at the time of the
Transaction.
Smartline Home Loans Pty Limited
In July 2017, REA Group acquired an 80.3% interest in Smartline Home Loans Pty Limited (“Smartline”) for
approximately A$70 million in cash (approximately $55 million). The minority shareholders have the option to
sell the remaining 19.7% interest to REA Group beginning three years after closing at a price dependent on the
financial performance of Smartline. If the option is not exercised, the minority interest will become mandatorily
redeemable four years after closing. As a result, REA Group recognized a liability of $12 million in the three
months ended September 30, 2017 for the present value of the amount expected to be paid for the remaining
interest based on the formula specified in the acquisition agreement. Smartline is one of Australia’s premier
mortgage broking franchise groups, and the acquisition provides REA Group’s financial services business with
greater scale and capability. Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration was allocated to
net tangible assets and identifiable intangible assets based upon the fair value as of the date of completion of the
acquisition. The excess of the total consideration over the fair value of the net tangible assets and identifiable
intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The acquired intangible assets of approximately $19 million
primarily relate to customer relationships which have a useful life of 16 years. The Company recorded
approximately $49 million of goodwill on the transaction. Smartline is a subsidiary of REA Group, and its results
are included within the Digital Real Estate Services segment.
Fiscal 2017
Wireless Group plc
In September 2016, the Company completed its acquisition of Wireless Group for a purchase price of 315 pence
per share in cash, or approximately £220 million (approximately $285 million) in the aggregate, plus $23 million
of assumed debt which was repaid subsequent to closing. Wireless Group operates talkSPORT, the leading sports
radio network in the U.K., and a portfolio of radio stations in the U.K. and Ireland. The acquisition broadens the
Company’s range of services in the U.K., Ireland and internationally, and the Company continues to closely align
Wireless Group’s operations with those of The Sun and The Times. The Company utilized the restricted cash
which was specifically set aside at June 30, 2016 for purposes of funding the acquisition and therefore the
Company had no restricted cash as of June 30, 2017.
The total transaction value for the Wireless Group acquisition is set forth below (in millions):
Cash paid for Wireless Group equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plus: Assumed debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$285
23
Total transaction value . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$308
Under the acquisition method of accounting, the total consideration is allocated to net tangible and intangible
assets based upon the fair value as of the date of completion of the acquisition. The excess of the total
107
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
consideration over the fair value of the net tangible and intangible assets acquired was recorded as goodwill. The
allocation is as follows (in millions):
Assets Acquired:
Intangible assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$220
115
(50)
Total net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$285
The acquired intangible assets primarily relate to broadcast licenses, which have a fair value of approximately
$185 million, tradenames, which have a fair value of approximately $27 million, and customer relationships with
a fair value of approximately $8 million. The broadcast licenses and tradenames have indefinite lives and the
customer relationships are being amortized over a weighted-average useful life of approximately 6 years.
Wireless Group’s results are included within the News and Information Services segment, and it is considered a
separate reporting unit for purposes of the Company’s annual goodwill impairment review.
REA Group European Business
In December 2016, REA Group, in which the Company holds a 61.6% interest, sold its European business for
approximately $140 million (approximately €133 million) in cash, which resulted in a pre-tax gain of
$107 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. The sale allows REA Group to focus on its core businesses
in Australia and Asia.
In addition to the acquisitions noted above and the investments referenced in Note 6—Investments, the Company
used $62 million of cash for additional acquisitions during fiscal 2017, primarily consisting of Australian
Regional Media (“ARM”). ARM’s results are included within the News and Information Services segment.
NOTE 5. RESTRUCTURING PROGRAMS
The Company recorded restructuring charges of $92 million, $71 million and $142 million for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, of which $77 million, $58 million and $133 million related to
the News and Information Services segment, respectively. The restructuring charges recorded in fiscal 2019,
2018 and 2017 were primarily for employee termination benefits.
108
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Changes in the restructuring program liabilities were as follows:
One-time
employee
termination
benefits
Facility
related
costs
Other
costs
Total
Balance, June 30, 2016 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, June 30, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 33
137
(135)
(2)
$ 33
69
(73)
—
$ 29
92
(91)
(2)
Balance, June 30, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 28
(in millions)
$ 5
—
(1)
2
$ 6
5
(1)
—
$10
$ 6
2
—
(2)
(1)
(2) —
$11
—
(2)
1
$ 2
—
—
—
$ 2
$ 44
142
(137)
—
$ 49
71
(76)
(2)
$ 42
92
(93)
(1)
$10
$ 40
As of June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 restructuring liabilities of approximately $30 million and $31 million,
respectively, were included in the Balance Sheet in Other current liabilities and $10 million and $11 million,
respectively, were included in Other non-current liabilities.
NOTE 6. INVESTMENTS
The Company’s investments were comprised of the following:
Equity method investments(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
various
various
Total Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ownership
Percentage
as of June 30,
2019
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$173
$148
220
187
$335
$393
(a)
(b)
Equity method investments are primarily comprised of Foxtel’s investment in Nickelodeon Australia Joint
Venture and Elara Technologies Pte. Ltd. (“Elara”), which operates PropTiger.com, Makaan.com and
Housing.com.
Equity securities are primarily comprised of certain investments in China and the Company’s investment in
HT&E Limited, which operates a portfolio of Australian radio and outdoor media assets.
The Company has equity securities with quoted prices in active markets as well as equity securities without
readily determinable fair market values. Equity securities without readily determinable fair market values are
valued at cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes in fair value resulting from observable price changes
109
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
in orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. The components comprising total
gains and losses on equity securities are set forth below:
Total (losses) gains recognized on equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net (losses) gains recognized on equity securities sold or impaired . . . . . . . .
Unrealized (losses) gains recognized on equity securities held at end of period . . . .
Equity Losses of Affiliates
The Company’s share of the losses of its equity affiliates was as follows:
Foxtel(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other equity affiliates, net(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal year ended June 30,
2019
(in millions)
$(23)
—
$(23)
2018
$35
7
$28
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
$ — $ (974)
(32)
(17)
$(265)
(30)
Total Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(17)
$(1,006)
$(295)
(a)
Following completion of the Transaction in April 2018, News Corp ceased accounting for Foxtel as an
equity method investment and began consolidating its results in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018. See
Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a $957 million non-cash write-down of the
carrying value of its investment in Foxtel. In the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company assessed the
long-term prospects for Foxtel, on both a stand-alone and combined basis. As a result of lower-than-
expected revenues from certain products and broadcast subscribers at Foxtel, the Company revised its
outlook for Foxtel, which resulted in a reduction in expected future cash flows. Based on the revised
projections, the Company concluded that the fair value of its investment in Foxtel declined below its
carrying value. The assumptions utilized in the income approach valuation method were a discount rate of
10.25% and a long-term growth rate of 2.0%. The write-down was reflected in Equity losses of affiliates in
the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a $227 million non-cash write-down of
the carrying value of its investment in Foxtel. As a result of Foxtel’s performance in the first half of fiscal
2017 and the competitive operating environment in the Australian pay-TV market, the Company revised its
future outlook for the business in the second quarter of fiscal 2017, which resulted in a reduction in expected
future cash flows. Based on the revised projections, the Company determined that the fair value of its
investment in Foxtel declined below its carrying value, which included the gain recognized in connection
with the acquisition of Consolidated Media Holdings Ltd. (“CMH”). The assumptions utilized in the income
approach valuation method were a discount rate of 9.0% and a long-term growth rate of 2.5%. The
assumptions utilized in the market approach valuation methods were EBITDA multiples from guideline
public companies operating in similar industries and a control premium of 10%. The write-down is reflected
in Equity (losses) earnings of affiliates in the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30,
2017.
110
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In November 2012, the Company acquired CMH, a media investment company that operates in Australia.
CMH owned a 25% interest in Foxtel through its 50% interest in FOX SPORTS Australia. The CMH
acquisition was accounted for in accordance with ASC 805 which requires an acquirer to remeasure its
previously held equity interest in an acquiree at its acquisition date fair value and recognize the resulting
gain or loss in earnings. The carrying amount of the Company’s previously held equity interest in FOX
SPORTS Australia, through which the Company held its indirect 25% interest in Foxtel, was revalued to fair
value as of the acquisition date, resulting in a step-up and non-cash gain of approximately $1.3 billion for
the fiscal year ended June 30, 2013, of which $0.9 billion related to Foxtel.
Additionally, in accordance with ASC 350, the Company amortized $49 million and $68 million related to
excess cost over the Company’s proportionate share of its investment’s underlying net assets allocated to
finite-lived intangible assets during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Such
amortization was reflected in Equity losses of affiliates in the Statements of Operations.
(b) Other equity affiliates, net for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 include losses primarily
from the Company’s interest in Elara. Additionally, during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017,
the Company recognized non-cash write-downs of $13 million and $9 million, respectively, on certain other
equity method investments. The write-downs are reflected in Equity losses of affiliates in the Statements of
Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017.
Impairments of Equity Securities
Prior to the adoption of ASU 2016-01 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company regularly reviewed its
investments in equity securities for impairments based on criteria that included the extent to which the
investment’s carrying value exceeded its related market value, the duration of the market decline, the Company’s
ability to hold its investment until recovery and the investment’s financial strength and specific prospects. The
Company recorded write-offs and impairments of certain available-for-sale securities in the fiscal years ended
June 30, 2018 and 2017 of $33 million and $21 million, respectively which were reclassified out of Accumulated
other comprehensive income and included in Other, net. These write-offs and impairments were taken either as a
result of the deteriorating financial position of the investee or due to an other-than-temporary impairment
resulting from sustained losses and limited prospects for recovery. As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01,
the Company has included the impact from the remeasurement of its investments in equity securities in Other, net
in the Statement of Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019.
Summarized Financial Information
Summarized financial information for Foxtel for periods through April 2, 2018, presented in accordance with
U.S. GAAP, was as follows:
For the nine
months ended
March 31,
For the fiscal year
ended June 30,
2018
2017
(in millions)
Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating income(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,818
155
64
$2,411
353
59
(a)
Includes Depreciation and amortization of $187 million for the period ended April 2, 2018 and $215 million
for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017. Operating income before depreciation and amortization was
$342 million for the period ended April 2, 2018 and $568 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017.
111
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Useful
Lives
As of June 30,
2019
2018
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings and leaseholds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital set top units and installations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Machinery and equipment(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3 to 50 years
3 to 10 years
2 to 20 years
$
$
(in millions)
146
1,729
911
3,123
150
1,742
744
3,131
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization(b)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5,909
(3,524)
5,767
(3,352)
2,385
169
2,415
145
Total Property, plant and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2,554
$ 2,560
(a)
(b)
Includes capitalized software of approximately $1,331 million and $1,189 million as of June 30, 2019 and
2018, respectively.
Includes accumulated amortization of capitalized software of approximately $818 million and $734 million
as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Depreciation and amortization related to property, plant and equipment was $533 million, $372 million and
$358 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. This includes amortization of
capitalized software of $218 million, $175 million and $168 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019,
2018 and 2017, respectively.
Total operating lease expense was approximately $195 million, $183 million and $156 million for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Fixed Asset Impairments
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company recognized total fixed asset impairment charges of
$679 million, primarily at News UK and News Corp Australia.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, as part of the Company’s long-range planning process, the Company
reduced its outlook for the U.K. newspapers due to the impact of adverse print advertising and print circulation
trends on the future expected performance of the business. As a result, the Company recognized a
non-cash impairment charge of approximately $360 million related to the write-down of fixed assets at the U.K.
newspapers. The write-down was comprised of approximately $252 million related to print sites, $85 million
related to printing presses and print related equipment and $23 million related to capitalized software. Significant
unobservable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation method were a discount rate of 8.5% and a -1.0%
long term growth rate.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of
approximately $310 million primarily related to the write-down of fixed assets at the Australian newspapers. The
write-down was a result of the impact of adverse trends on the future expected performance of the Australian
newspapers, where revenue declines from continued weakness in the print advertising market accelerated during
the second quarter. The write-down was comprised of approximately $149 million related to printing presses and
print related equipment, $77 million related to facilities, $66 million related to capitalized software and
112
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
$18 million related to tradenames. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation
method were a discount rate of 11.5% and no long-term growth.
NOTE 8. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
The carrying values of the Company’s intangible assets and related accumulated amortization for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019 and June 30, 2018 were as follows:
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
Intangible Assets Not Subject to Amortization
Trademarks and tradenames . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Newspaper mastheads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Distribution networks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Imprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio broadcast licenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 383
296
308
231
140
$ 441
298
308
239
188
Total intangible assets not subject to amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,358
1,474
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Publishing rights(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Customer relationships(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
275
746
47
299
849
49
Total intangible assets subject to amortization, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,068
1,197
Total Intangible assets, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,426
$2,671
(a) Net of accumulated amortization of $235 million and $213 million as of June 30, 2019 and 2018,
respectively. The useful lives of publishing rights range from 4 to 30 years primarily based on the weighted-
average remaining contractual terms of the underlying publishing contracts and the Company’s estimates of
the period within those terms that the asset is expected to generate a majority of its future cash flows.
(b) Net of accumulated amortization of $528 million and $447 million as of June 30, 2019 and 2018,
respectively. The useful lives of customer relationships range from 3 to 25 years. The useful lives of these
assets are estimated by applying historical attrition rates and determining the resulting period over which a
majority of the accumulated undiscounted cash flows related to the customer relationships are expected to
be generated.
(c) Net of accumulated amortization of $98 million and $87 million as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
The useful lives of other intangible assets range from 2 to 15 years. The useful lives represent the periods
over which these intangible assets are expected to contribute directly or indirectly to the Company’s future
cash flows.
The Company recognized impairment charges of $47 million, $50 million and $58 million for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, related to indefinite-lived intangible assets.
Amortization expense related to amortizable intangible assets was $126 million, $100 million and $91 million for
the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Based on the current amount of amortizable intangible assets, the estimated amortization expense for each of the
succeeding five fiscal years is as follows: 2020—$112 million; 2021—$105 million; 2022—$101 million;
2023—$94 million; and 2024—$89 million.
113
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The changes in the carrying value of goodwill, by segment, are as follows:
News and
Information
Services
Subscription
Video Services
Book
Publishing
Digital Real
Estate
Services
Total
Goodwill
Balance, June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairments(b)
Foreign currency movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,884
2
(158)
2
Balance, June 30, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,730
Acquisitions(c)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dispositions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign currency movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
29
(49)
(16)
(7)
$ 500
1,574
(41)
(73)
$1,960
—
—
—
(116)
(in millions)
$271
—
—
(4)
$1,183
123
(19)
(26)
$3,838
1,699
(218)
(101)
$267
$1,261
$5,218
—
—
—
(1)
125
—
—
(36)
154
(49)
(16)
(160)
Balance, June 30, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,687
$1,844
$266
$1,350
$5,147
(a)
(b)
(c)
Primarily relates to the Transaction in the Subscription Video Services segment and the acquisition of
Smartline and Hometrack in the Digital Real Estate Services segment.
In the News and Information Services segment, the write-down of goodwill primarily relates to the News
America Marketing reporting unit, and in the Subscription Video Services segment the write-down
primarily relates to the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit. In the Digital Real Estate Services segment,
the write-down of goodwill relates to the Company’s DIAKRIT reporting unit.
In the News and Information Services segment, the increase in goodwill primarily relates to acquisitions
made by the News Australia reporting unit and in the Digital Real Estate Services segment, the increase in
goodwill primarily relates to the acquisition of Opcity.
The carrying amount of goodwill as of June 30, 2019 reflected accumulated impairments, principally relating to
the News and Information Services segment, of $3.7 billion.
Annual Impairment Assessments
Fiscal 2019
In accordance with ASC 350, the Company’s goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are tested annually
in the fourth quarter for impairment or earlier if events occur or circumstances change that would more likely
than not reduce the fair values below their carrying amounts. See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting
Policies.
The performance of the Company’s annual impairment analysis resulted in $87 million of impairments to
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2019, primarily related to goodwill at a reporting unit
within the News and Information Services segment. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the income
approach valuation method were discount rates (ranging from 9.0% to 25.0%), long-term growth rates (ranging
from 0.0% to 3.0%) and royalty rates (ranging from 0.5%-6.0%). Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the
market approach valuation method were EBITDA multiples from guideline public companies operating in
similar industries and control premiums (ranging from 5%-10%). Significant increases (decreases) in royalty
rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, assuming no change in discount rates, would result in a
significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant decreases (increases) in discount rates, assuming
no changes in royalty rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, would result in a significantly higher
(lower) fair value measurement.
114
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Fiscal 2018
The performance of the Company’s annual impairment analysis resulted in impairments of $43 million of
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2018. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the
income approach valuation method were discount rates (ranging from 8.5%-25.0%), long-term growth rates
(ranging from (1.0)%-3.0%) and royalty rates (ranging from 0.5%-7.5%). Significant unobservable inputs
utilized in the market approach valuation method were EBITDA multiples from guideline public companies
operating in similar industries and a control premium of 10%. Significant increases (decreases) in royalty rates,
growth rates, control premiums and multiples, assuming no change in discount rates, would result in a
significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant decreases (increases) in discount rates, assuming
no changes in royalty rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, would result in a significantly higher
(lower) fair value measurement.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, due to the impact of adverse trends on the future expected performance of
the business, the Company revised its future outlook with respect to the News America Marketing reporting unit
which resulted in a reduction in expected future cash flows. As a result, the Company determined that the fair
value of this reporting unit declined below its carrying value and recorded a $165 million impairment of goodwill
and indefinite-lived intangible assets. For this reporting unit and intangible asset, significant unobservable inputs
utilized in the income approach valuation method were discount rates (ranging from 12.5%-14%), long-term
growth rates (ranging from (1.9)%-0.9%) and a royalty rate of 2.5%.
Additionally, during the third quarter of fiscal 2018, as part of the Company’s long range planning process and in
preparation for the Transaction, the Company assessed the long-term prospects for Foxtel and FOX SPORTS
Australia. As a result of lower-than-expected revenues at Foxtel, the Company revised its future outlook for the
FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit, whose revenues are heavily predicated on Foxtel subscribers. Based on
the revised projections, the Company determined that the fair value of the reporting unit was less than its
carrying value and recorded a $41 million impairment of goodwill in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. For the
impaired reporting unit, significant unobservable inputs utilized in the income approach valuation method were a
discount rate of 9.5% and a long-term growth rate of 2.0%. See Note 6—Investments.
Fiscal 2017
The performance of the Company’s annual impairment analysis resulted in impairments of $88 million of
goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets in fiscal 2017. Significant unobservable inputs utilized in the
income approach valuation method were discount rates (ranging from 9.0%-25.0%), long-term growth rates
(ranging from 0.0%-3.3%) and royalty rates (ranging from 0.5%-7.5%). Significant unobservable inputs utilized
in the market approach valuation method were EBITDA multiples from guideline public companies operating in
similar industries and control premiums (ranging from 10%-15%). Significant increases (decreases) in royalty
rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, assuming no change in discount rates, would result in a
significantly higher (lower) fair value measurement. Significant decreases (increases) in discount rates, assuming
no changes in royalty rates, growth rates, control premiums and multiples, would result in a significantly higher
(lower) fair value measurement.
115
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 9. BORROWINGS
The Company’s total borrowings consist of the following:
Foxtel Group
Credit facility 2013(a)(b)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2014—tranche 1(a)(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2014—tranche 2(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2015(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2016(a)(c)
Working capital facility 2017(a)(c)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US private placement 2009—tranche 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US private placement 2012—USD
Interest rate at
June 30,
2019
Due date at
June 30,
2019
As of
June 30,
2019
As of
June 30,
2018
(in millions)
—
—
3.07%
3.32%
3.81%
3.47%
6.20%
Apr 7,2019
May 30,2019
Jan 31, 2020
Jul 31, 2020
Sept 11, 2021
Jul 3, 2020
Sept 24, 2019
$ — $ 222
148
148
296
108
59
75
—
56
281
193
56
75
portion—tranche 1(d)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.68%
Jul 25, 2019
US private placement 2012—USD
portion—tranche 2(d)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.27%
Jul 25, 2022
US private placement 2012—USD
portion—tranche 3(d)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
US private placement 2012—AUD portion . . . . . . . . . . .
REA Group
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2016—tranche 2(e)(f)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Credit facility 2016—tranche 3(e)(f)
Credit facility 2018(e)(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: current portion(g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term borrowings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.42%
7.04%
—
2.97%
2.73%
Jul 25, 2024
Jul 25, 2022
Dec 31,2018
Dec 31, 2019
Apr 27, 2021
150
199
149
77
—
168
49
150
196
146
83
89
178
54
1,453
(449)
1,952
(462)
$1,004
$1,490
(a) Borrowings under these facilities bear interest at a floating rate of Australian BBSY plus an applicable
margin of between 1.20% and 2.70% per annum payable quarterly.
(b) During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Foxtel Debt Group repaid its A$300 million (approximately
$216 million) facility maturing in April 2019 and its A$200 million (approximately $139 million) facility
maturing in May 2019 using A$500 million of shareholder loans provided by the Company.
(c) As of June 30, 2019, the Foxtel Debt Group has undrawn commitments of $181 million under these
facilities for which it pays a commitment fee in the range of 40% and 45% of the applicable margin.
The carrying values of the borrowings include any fair value adjustments related to the Company’s fair
value hedges. See Note 11—Financial Instruments and Fair Value Measurements.
(d)
(e) Borrowings under these facilities bear interest at a floating rate of the Australian BBSY plus a margin in the
range of 0.85% and 1.45% depending on REA Group’s net leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2019, REA Group
was paying a margin of between 0.85% and 1.05%.
(f) During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, REA Group repaid $87 million (A$120 million) for its
(g)
unsecured loan facility due December 2018. REA Group had remaining borrowings of $217 million, of
which approximately $168 million (A$240 million) will mature in fiscal 2020.
The Company classifies the current portion of long term debt as non-current liabilities on the Balance Sheets
when it has the intent and ability to refinance the obligation on a long-term basis, in accordance with ASC
470-50 “Debt.”
116
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Foxtel Group Borrowings
As of June 30, 2019, the Company’s borrowings reflect $1.24 billion of outstanding debt incurred by certain
subsidiaries of Foxtel (together with Foxtel, the “Foxtel Debt Group”) that the Company consolidated upon
completion of the Transaction. The Foxtel Debt Group indebtedness includes U.S. private placement senior
unsecured notes and drawn amounts under its revolving credit facilities, with maturities ranging from fiscal 2020
to 2025. In accordance with ASC 805, these debt instruments were recorded at fair value as of the Transaction
completion date.
During fiscal 2019, the Foxtel Debt Group had repayments of $1.03 billion, including the repayment of its
A$300 million (approximately $216 million) facility maturing in April 2019 and the repayment of its
A$200 million (approximately $139 million) facility maturing in May 2019, and borrowings of $681 million.
The repayments of the A$300 million facility maturing in April 2019 and the A$200 million facility maturing in
May 2019 were repaid using A$500 million of shareholder loans provided by the Company. The shareholder
loans bear interest at a variable rate of Australian BBSY plus an applicable margin ranging from 6.30% to 7.75%.
The shareholder loans mature in December 2027.
Covenants, Collateral and Unamortized borrowing costs
The Foxtel Debt Group’s external borrowings (revolving credit facilities and U.S. private placement senior
unsecured notes) require the Foxtel Debt Group to comply with specified financial and non-financial covenants
calculated in accordance with Australian International Financial Reporting Standards. Subject to certain
exceptions, these covenants restrict or prohibit members of the Foxtel Debt Group from, among other things,
undertaking certain transactions, disposing of properties or assets (including subsidiary stock), merging or
consolidating with any other person, making financial accommodation available, giving guarantees, entering into
certain other financing arrangements, creating or permitting certain liens, engaging in transactions with affiliates,
making repayments of other loans and undergoing fundamental business changes. The financial covenants
require the Foxtel Debt Group to maintain a total debt to Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation and
Amortization (“EBITDA”) ratio of not more than 3.75 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of no less than 3.50 to
1.0. The Foxtel Debt Group’s external borrowings are only guaranteed by certain members of the Foxtel Debt
Group. The Foxtel Debt Group was in compliance with these covenants as of June 30, 2019. There were no assets
pledged as collateral for any of the borrowings.
REA Group Facilities
During fiscal 2019, REA Group repaid approximately $87 million (A$120 million) for the second tranche of its
A$480 million unsecured revolving loan facility, which matured in December 2018. REA Group had remaining
borrowings of $217 million, of which approximately $168 million (A$240 million) will mature in December
2019.
The facilities require REA Group to maintain a net leverage ratio of not more than 3.25 to 1.0 and an interest
coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. As of June 30, 2019, REA Group was in compliance with all of the
applicable debt covenants.
Revolving Credit Facility
The Company’s Credit Agreement (as amended, the “Credit Agreement”) provides for an unsecured $650 million
revolving credit facility (the “Facility”) that can be used for general corporate purposes. The Facility has a
sublimit of $100 million available for issuances of letters of credit. Under the Credit Agreement, the Company
may request increases in the amount of the Facility up to a maximum amount of $900 million. The lenders’
commitments under the Credit Agreement terminate on October 23, 2020 provided the Company may request
that the commitments be extended under certain circumstances as set forth in the Credit Agreement for up to two
additional one-year periods.
117
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The Credit Agreement contains customary affirmative and negative covenants and events of default, with
customary exceptions, including limitations on the ability of the Company and its subsidiaries to engage in
transactions with affiliates, incur liens, merge into or consolidate with any other entity, incur subsidiary debt or
dispose of all or substantially all of its assets or all or substantially all of the stock of its subsidiaries. In addition,
the Credit Agreement requires the Company to maintain an adjusted operating income leverage ratio of not more
than 3.0 to 1.0 and an interest coverage ratio of not less than 3.0 to 1.0. As of June 30, 2019, the Company was in
compliance with all of the applicable debt covenants.
Interest on borrowings under the Facility is based on either (a) a Eurodollar Rate formula or (b) the Base Rate
formula, each as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The applicable margin and the commitment fee are based on
the pricing grid in the Credit Agreement, which varies based on the Company’s adjusted operating income
leverage ratio. As of June 30, 2019, the Company was paying a commitment fee of 0.25% on any undrawn
balance and an applicable margin of 0.75% for a Base Rate borrowing and 1.75% for a Eurodollar Rate
borrowing.
As of the date of this filing, the Company has not borrowed any funds under the Facility.
Future maturities
The following table summarizes the Company’s debt maturities as of June 30, 2019:
Fiscal 2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Thereafter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of
June 30, 2019
(in millions)
$449
386
193
276
—
149
NOTE 10. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
In connection with the Company’s separation of its businesses (the “Separation”) from Twenty-First Century
Fox, Inc. (“21st Century Fox”) on June 28, 2013 (the “Distribution Date”), 21st Century Fox sold 4,000 shares of
cumulative redeemable preferred stock with a par value of $5,000 per share of a newly formed U.S. subsidiary of
the Company. The preferred stock paid dividends at a rate of 9.5% per annum, payable quarterly, in arrears. The
preferred stock was callable by the Company at any time after the fifth year and puttable at the option of the
holder after 10 years. In July 2018, the Company exercised its call option and redeemed 100% of the outstanding
redeemable preferred stock.
NOTE 11. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
In accordance with ASC 820, fair value measurements are required to be disclosed using a three-tiered fair value
hierarchy which distinguishes market participant assumptions into the following categories:
•
•
Level 1—Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2—Observable inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1. The Company could value
assets and liabilities included in this level using dealer and broker quotations, certain pricing models,
bid prices, quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are
observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
118
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
•
Level 3—Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant
to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. For the Company, this primarily includes the use of
forecasted financial information and other valuation related assumptions such as discount rates and
long term growth rates in the income approach as well as the market approach which utilizes certain
market and transaction multiples.
Under ASC 820, certain assets and liabilities are required to be remeasured to fair value at the end of each
reporting period. The following table summarizes those assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring
basis:
June 30, 2019
June 30, 2018
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total
(in millions)
Assets:
Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $
1
$ — $
1
$ — $
3
$ — $
3
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—fair
value hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—
economic hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—cash
flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity securities(a)
—
—
29
12
—
—
29
12
— 116
74
— 116
187
— 113
—
—
—
93
29
10
76
—
—
—
—
—
29
10
76
93
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 74
$158
$113
$345
$ 93
$118
$ — $211
Liabilities:
Interest rate derivatives—cash flow hedges . . . . . .
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling
interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—cash
flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $ 20
$ — $ 20
$ — $ 20
$ — $ 20
—
—
—
18
11
—
11
18
—
—
—
12
12
—
12
12
Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $ 38
$ 11
$ 49
$ — $ 32
$ 12
$ 44
(a)
See Note 6—Investments.
There have been no transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy during the periods presented.
Equity securities
The fair values of equity securities with quoted prices in active markets are determined based on the closing price
at the end of each reporting period. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy outlined
above. The fair values of equity securities without readily determinable fair market values are determined based
on cost, less any impairment, plus or minus changes in fair value resulting from observable price changes in
orderly transactions for an identical or similar investment of the same issuer. These securities are classified as
Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy outlined above.
119
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
A rollforward of the Company’s equity securities classified as Level 3 is as follows:
Balance—beginning of period(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019
(in millions)
$127
8
(10)
(2)
(10)
Balance—end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$113
(a)
Includes impact from the adoption of ASU 2016-01. See Note 1—Description of Business and Basis of
Presentation.
Mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests
The Company has liabilities recorded in its Balance Sheets for its mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling
interests. These liabilities represent management’s best estimate of the amounts expected to be paid in
accordance with the contractual terms of the underlying acquisition agreements. The fair values of these
liabilities are based on the contractual payout formulas included in the acquisition agreements taking into account
the expected performance of the business. Any remeasurements or accretion related to the Company’s
mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interests are recorded through Interest (expense) income, net in the
Statements of Operations. As the fair value does not rely on observable market inputs, the Company classifies
these liabilities as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
A rollforward of the Company’s mandatorily redeemable noncontrolling interest liabilities classified as Level 3 is
as follows:
For the fiscal year ended
June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
Balance—beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Measurement adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accretion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance—end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$12
—
—
(4)
4
(1)
$11
$ 79
12
(81)
—
3
(1)
$ 12
120
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Derivative Instruments
The Company is directly and indirectly affected by risks associated with changes in certain market conditions.
When deemed appropriate, the Company uses derivative instruments to mitigate the potential impact of these
market risks. The primary market risks managed by the Company through the use of derivative instruments
include:
•
•
foreign currency exchange rate risk: arising primarily through Foxtel Debt Group borrowings
denominated in U.S. dollars; and
interest rate risk: arising from fixed and floating rate Foxtel Debt Group borrowings.
The Company formally designates qualifying derivatives as hedge relationships (“hedges”) and applies hedge
accounting when considered appropriate. For economic hedges where no hedge relationship has been designated,
changes in fair value are included as a component of net income in each reporting period within Other, net in the
Statements of Operations. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative
purposes.
Hedges are classified as current or non-current in the Consolidated Balance Sheets based on their maturity dates.
Refer to the table below for further details:
Foreign currency derivatives—cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . .
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—fair value
Fair value as of June 30,
Balance Sheet Location
2019
2018
Other current assets
$ 1
$ 3
(in millions)
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—economic
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—cash flow
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current assets
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—fair value
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—cash flow
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other non-current assets
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—economic
Other non-current assets
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate derivatives—cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities
Interest rate derivatives—cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other non-current liabilities
Cross-currency interest rate derivatives—cash flow
8
12
33
21
83
—
(2)
(18)
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other non-current liabilities
(18)
—
—
—
29
76
10
—
(20)
(12)
Cash flow hedges
The Company utilizes a combination of foreign currency derivatives, interest rate derivatives and cross-currency
interest rate derivatives to mitigate currency exchange and interest rate risk in relation to future interest payments
and payments for license fees.
The total notional value of foreign exchange contract derivatives designated for hedging was $9 million as
of June 30, 2019. The maximum hedge term over which the Company is hedging exposure to foreign currency
121
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
fluctuations is to July 2019. As of June 30, 2019, the Company estimates that approximately $1 million of net
derivative gains related to its foreign currency contract derivative cash flow hedges included in Accumulated
other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into the Statement of Operations within the next 12 months.
The total notional value of interest rate swap derivatives designated as cash flow hedges was approximately
A$700 million as of June 30, 2019. The maximum hedged term over which the Company is hedging exposure to
variability in interest payments is to September 2022. As of June 30, 2019, the Company estimates that
approximately $5 million of net derivative gains related to its interest rate swap derivative cash flow hedges
included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into the Statement of Operations within
the next 12 months.
The total notional value of cross-currency interest rate swaps that were designated as cash flow hedges was
approximately A$400 million as of June 30, 2019. The maximum hedged term over which the Company is
hedging exposure to variability in interest payments is to July 2024. As of June 30, 2019, the Company estimates
that approximately $2 million of net derivative gains related to its cross-currency interest rate swap derivative
cash flow hedges included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss will be reclassified into the Statement of
Operations within the next 12 months.
The following table presents the impact that changes in the fair values of derivatives designated as cash flow
hedges had on Accumulated other comprehensive loss and the Statement of Operations during the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019 and 2018. The Company did not have any such hedges in fiscal 2017.
Gain (loss) recognized in
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss for the Fiscal
year ended June 30,
(Gain) loss reclassified from
Accumulated Other
Comprehensive
Loss for the Fiscal
year ended June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
(in millions)
Income statement
location
Derivative instruments designated
as cash flow hedges:
Foreign currency derivatives—
cash flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2
$ 3
$(3)
$ 1
Operating expenses
Cross-currency interest rate
derivatives—cash flow
hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest rate derivatives—cash
flow hedges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9
(9)
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 2
8
—
$11
(4)
8
$ 1
(9)
Interest (expense) income, net
1
Interest (expense) income, net
$(7)
During fiscal 2019 and 2018, the amount recognized in the Statements of Operations for the ineffective portion
of derivative instruments designated as cash flow hedges was approximately $4 million and nil, respectively, and
the Company did not exclude any component of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments from the
assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Fair value hedges
The Company’s primary interest rate risk arises from its borrowings acquired as a part of the Transaction.
Borrowings issued at fixed rates and in U.S. dollars expose Foxtel to fair value interest rate risk and currency
122
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
exchange rate risk. The Company manages fair value interest rate risk and currency exchange rate risk through
the use of cross-currency interest rate swaps under which the Company exchanges fixed interest payments
equivalent to the interest payments on the U.S. dollar denominated debt for floating rate Australian dollar
denominated interest payments. The changes in fair value of derivatives designated as fair value hedges and the
offsetting changes in fair value of the hedged items are recognized in Other, net. As of June 30, 2019, such
adjustments increased the carrying value of borrowings by approximately $4 million.
The total notional value of the fair value hedges was approximately A$100 million as of June 30, 2019. The
maximum hedged term over which the Company is hedging exposure to variability in interest payments is to July
2024.
During fiscal 2019 and 2018, the amount recognized in the Statement of Operations on derivative instruments
designated as fair value hedges related to the ineffective portion was nil and the Company did not exclude any
component of the changes in fair value of the derivative instruments from the assessment of hedge effectiveness.
Economic (non-designated) hedges
In addition to derivative instruments that are designated and qualify for hedge accounting, the Company also uses
certain derivatives not designated as accounting hedges to mitigate foreign currency and interest rate risk. These
are referred to as economic hedges. The changes in fair value of economic hedges are immediately recognized
into the Statement of Operations. The total notional value of cross-currency interest rate derivatives classified as
economic hedges was $75 million as of June 30, 2019, which relate to the U.S. private placement 2009 debt.
Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements
In addition to assets and liabilities that are remeasured at fair value on a recurring basis, the Company has certain
assets, primarily goodwill, intangible assets, equity method investments and property, plant and equipment, that
are not required to be remeasured to fair value at the end of each reporting period. On an ongoing basis, the
Company monitors whether events occur or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair
values of these assets below their carrying amounts. If the Company determines that these assets are impaired,
the Company would write down these assets to fair value. These nonrecurring fair value measurements are
considered to be Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a $957 million non-cash write-down of the
carrying value of its investment in Foxtel from $1,588 million to $631 million. In the second quarter of fiscal
2018, the Company recognized non-cash write-downs of certain equity method investments of approximately
$13 million. During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a $227 million non-cash write-
down of the carrying value of its investment in Foxtel from $1,432 million to $1,205 million. See Note 6—
Investments.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of $120 million
and $45 million to goodwill and intangible assets, respectively, at the News America Marketing reporting unit.
The carrying value of goodwill decreased from $301 million to $181 million and the carrying value of intangible
assets decreased from $391 million to $346 million. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a $41 million non-cash impairment charge to
goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting unit. The carrying value of goodwill decreased from
$490 million to $449 million. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
123
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of
approximately $360 million related to the write-down of fixed assets at the U.K. newspapers. The carrying value
of fixed assets decreased from $731 million to $371 million. See Note 7—Property, Plant and Equipment.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized a non-cash impairment charge of
approximately $310 million primarily related to the write-down of fixed assets at News Corp Australia. The
carrying value of fixed assets decreased from $667 million to $375 million and the carrying value of the
intangible assets decreased from $48 million to $30 million. See Note 7—Property, Plant and Equipment.
Other Fair Value Measurements
As of June 30, 2019, the carrying value of the Company’s outstanding borrowings approximates the fair value.
The U.S. private placement borrowings are classified as Level 2 and the remaining borrowings are classified as
Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.
NOTE 12. STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Authorized Capital Stock
The Company’s authorized capital stock consists of 1,500,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$0.01 per share, 750,000,000 shares of Class B Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, 25,000,000 shares of
Series Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 25,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per
share.
Common Stock and Preferred Stock
Shares Outstanding—As of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately 386 million shares of Class A
Common Stock outstanding at a par value of $0.01 per share and approximately 200 million shares of Class B
Common Stock outstanding at a par value of $0.01 per share. As of June 30, 2019, the Company had no shares of
Series Common Stock and Preferred Stock outstanding.
Dividends—The following table summarizes the dividends declared and paid per share on both the Company’s
Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock:
Cash dividends paid per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$0.20
2019
2018
$0.20
2017
$0.20
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
The timing, declaration, amount and payment of future dividends to stockholders, if any, is within the discretion
of the Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board of Directors”). The Board of Directors’ decisions regarding the
payment of future dividends will depend on many factors, including the Company’s financial condition, earnings,
capital requirements and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements,
regulatory constraints, industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the Board of Directors deems
relevant.
Voting Rights—Holders of the Company’s Class A Common Stock are entitled to vote only in the limited
circumstances set forth in the Company’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation (the “Charter”). Holders of the
Company’s Class B Common Stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters submitted
to a vote of the stockholders.
124
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Liquidation Rights—In the event of a liquidation or dissolution of the Company, holders of Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to receive all of the remaining assets of the Company
available for distribution to its stockholders, ratably in proportion to the number of shares held by Class A
Common Stock holders and Class B Common Stock holders, respectively. In the event of any merger or
consolidation with or into another entity, the holders of Class A Common Stock and the holders of Class B
Common Stock shall generally be entitled to receive substantially identical per share consideration.
Under the Company’s Charter, the Board of Directors is authorized to issue shares of preferred stock or series
common stock at any time, without stockholder approval, in one or more series and to fix the number of shares,
designations, voting powers, if any, preferences and relative, participating, optional and other rights of such
series, as well as any applicable qualifications, limitations or restrictions, to the full extent permitted by Delaware
law, subject to the limitations set forth in the Charter, including stockholder approval requirements with respect
to the issuance of preferred stock or series common stock entitling holders thereof to more than one vote per
share.
Stock Repurchases
In May 2013, the Board of Directors authorized the Company to repurchase up to an aggregate of $500 million of
its Class A Common Stock. No stock repurchases were made during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017. Through August 5, 2019, the Company cumulatively repurchased approximately 5.2 million shares of
Class A Common Stock for an aggregate cost of approximately $71 million. The remaining authorized amount
under the stock repurchase program as of August 5, 2019 was approximately $429 million. All decisions
regarding any future stock repurchases are at the sole discretion of a duly appointed committee of the Board of
Directors and management. The committee’s decisions regarding future stock repurchases will be evaluated from
time to time in light of many factors, including the Company’s financial condition, earnings, capital requirements
and debt facility covenants, other contractual restrictions, as well as legal requirements, regulatory constraints,
industry practice, market volatility and other factors that the committee may deem relevant. The stock repurchase
authorization may be modified, extended, suspended or discontinued at any time by the Board of Directors and
the Board of Directors cannot provide any assurances that any additional shares will be repurchased.
The Company did not purchase any of its Class B Common Stock during the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019,
2018 and 2017.
Stockholder Rights Agreement
During fiscal 2018, the Board of Directors adopted the third amended and restated rights agreement, which is
referred to below as the “rights agreement.” Under the rights agreement, each outstanding share of common stock
of the Company has attached to it one right. Initially, the rights are represented by the common stock of the
Company, are not traded separately from the common stock and are not exercisable. The rights, unless redeemed
or exchanged, will become exercisable for common stock of the Company 10 business days after the earlier of
public announcement that a person or group has obtained beneficial ownership (defined to include stock which a
person has the right to acquire, regardless of whether such right is subject to the passage of time or the
satisfaction of conditions) of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock or
launch of a tender offer to do so. Following such acquisition of beneficial ownership, each right will entitle its
holder (other than the acquiring person or group) to purchase, at the exercise price (subject to adjustments
provided in the rights agreement), a number of shares of the Company’s Class A or Class B Common Stock, as
applicable, having a then-current market value of twice the exercise price, and in the event of a subsequent
merger or other acquisition of the Company or transfer of more than 50% of the Company or its assets, to
125
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
purchase, at the exercise price, a number of shares of common stock of the acquiring entity having a then-current
market value of twice the exercise price. The exercise price for the Company rights will be $90.00, subject to
certain adjustments.
The rights will not become exercisable by virtue of (i) any person’s or group’s beneficial ownership, as of the
Distribution Date, of 15% or more of the Class B Common Stock of the Company, unless such person or group
acquires beneficial ownership of additional shares of the Company’s Class B Common Stock after June 18, 2018;
(ii) the repurchase of the Company’s shares that causes a holder to become the beneficial owner of 15% or more
of the Company’s Class B Common Stock, unless such holder acquires beneficial ownership of additional shares
representing one percent or more of the Company’s Class B Common Stock; (iii) acquisitions by way of a pro
rata stock dividend or a stock split; (iv) acquisitions solely as a result of any unilateral grant of any security by
the Company or through the exercise of any options, warrants, rights or similar interests (including restricted
stock) granted by the Company to its directors, officers and employees pursuant to any equity incentive or award
plan; or (v) certain acquisitions determined by the Board of Directors to be inadvertent, provided, that following
such acquisition, the acquirer promptly, but in any case within 10 business days, divests a sufficient number of
shares so that such person would no longer otherwise qualify as an acquiring person.
The rights will expire on June 18, 2021, unless the rights agreement is earlier terminated or such date is advanced
or extended by the Company, or the rights are earlier redeemed or exchanged by the Company. The description
of the rights agreement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the rights agreement, including the form of the
Certificate of Designations attached as an exhibit thereto.
NOTE 13. EQUITY-BASED COMPENSATION
Employees of the Company are eligible to participate in the News Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan
(the “2013 LTIP”), which provides for equity-based compensation including stock options, performance stock
units (“PSUs”), restricted stock units (“RSUs”) and other types of awards. The Company has the ability to award
up to 30 million shares of Class A Common Stock under the terms of the 2013 LTIP in addition to awards
assumed in connection with the Separation and with acquisitions.
The following table summarizes the Company’s equity-based compensation expense from continuing operations
reported in the Statements of Operations:
Total equity compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total intrinsic value of stock options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
$
$
73
1
$
$
76
1
$
$
38
2
As of June 30, 2019, total compensation cost not yet recognized for all unvested awards held by the Company’s
employees was approximately $52 million and is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of
between one and two years.
The tax benefit recognized on PSUs and RSUs for the Company’s employees that vested and stock options that
were exercised by the Company’s employees during the applicable fiscal year was $16 million, $9 million and
$17 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
126
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Summary of Incentive Plans
The fair value of equity-based compensation granted under the 2013 LTIP is calculated according to the type of
award issued. Cash settled awards are marked-to-market at the end of each reporting period.
Performance Stock Units
PSUs are grants that entitle the holder to shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock or the cash equivalent
value of such shares based on the achievement of pre-established performance metrics over the applicable
performance period. The fair value of PSUs is determined on the date of grant and expensed using a straight-line
method over the applicable vesting period. The expense is adjusted to reflect the number of shares expected to
vest based on management’s determination of the probable achievement of the pre-established performance
metrics. The Company records a cumulative adjustment in periods in which its estimate of the number of shares
expected to vest changes. Additionally, the Company ultimately adjusts the expense recognized to reflect the
actual vested shares following the final determination of the achievement of the performance conditions. Any
person who holds PSUs shall have no ownership interest in the shares or cash to which such PSUs relate unless
and until the shares or cash are delivered to the holder. All shares of Class A Common Stock reserved for
cancelled or forfeited equity-based compensation awards become available for future grants. Commencing with
awards granted in fiscal 2017, each PSU is entitled to receive dividend equivalents for each regular cash dividend
on the Class A Common Stock paid by the Company during the award period, subject to the same terms and
conditions as apply to the underlying award.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2017, certain participants in the plan received grants of PSUs which have a three-year
performance measurement period. The number of shares that will be issued upon vesting of these PSUs can range
from 0% to 200% of the target award, subject to three-year performance conditions consisting
of pre-defined targets based on the Company’s cumulative earnings per share, cumulative free cash flow and
three-year total shareholder return (“TSR”) relative to that of the companies that comprise the Standard and
Poor’s 500 Index. The fair value of the TSR market condition is determined using a Monte Carlo simulation
model.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2019 and 2018, certain participants in the plan received grants of PSUs which have a
three-year performance measurement period. The number of shares that will be issued upon vesting of these
PSUs can range from 0% to 200% of the target award, subject to three-year performance conditions consisting of
a combination of cumulative business-unit-specific revenue, EBITDA (as defined in Note 9—Borrowings) and
free cash flow or the Company’s cumulative earnings per share, cumulative free cash flow and three-year TSR
relative to that of the companies that comprise the Standard and Poor’s 1500 Media Index. In addition, certain
participants other than named executive officers of the Company also received grants of PSUs which have a
one-year performance measurement period. The number of shares that will be issued upon vesting of these PSUs
can range from 0% to 200% of the target award, subject to one-year performance conditions consisting of a
combination of business-unit-specific revenue and free cash flow or Company earnings per share and free cash
flow.
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company granted approximately 6.0 million,
4.4 million and 5.5 million PSUs, respectively, at target to the Company’s employees, of which approximately
4.3 million, 3.2 million and 4.1 million PSUs, respectively, will be settled in Class A Common Stock, with the
remaining PSUs, which are granted to executive directors and to employees in certain foreign locations, being
settled in cash, assuming performance conditions are met.
For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, approximately 4.2 million, 1.6 million and 2.8 million
PSUs respectively, vested, of which approximately 1.1 million, 0.5 million and 1.0 million PSUs, respectively,
127
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
were settled in cash for approximately $15.4 million, $6.6 million and $13.1 million, respectively, before
statutory tax withholdings.
Restricted Stock Units
RSU awards are grants that entitle the holder to shares of the Company’s Class A Common Stock. The fair value
of RSUs is based upon the fair market value of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date. Any person
who holds RSUs shall have no ownership interest in the shares to which such RSUs relate unless and until the
shares are delivered to the holder.
During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, certain employees of the Company received grants of time-vested RSUs.
Vesting of the awards is subject to the participants’ continued employment with the Company through the
applicable vesting date. During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, 1.1 million, 0.3 million and
0.4 million RSUs, respectively, were granted to the Company’s employees. These RSUs have graded vesting
primarily over two to four years.
The following table summarizes the activity related to the target PSUs and RSUs granted to the Company’s
employees that will be settled in shares of the Company (PSUs and RSUs in thousands):
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2017
Weighted
average
grant-
date fair
value
Number
of
shares
Weighted
average
grant-
date fair
value
Number
of
shares
Weighted
average
grant-
date fair
value
Number
of
shares
PSUs and RSUs
. . . . . . . . . .
Unvested units at beginning of the year
Granted(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vested(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled(c)
9,341
5,445
(3,534)
(972)
$14.54
12.98
14.72
14.02
8,652
3,510
(1,467)
(1,354)
$15.57
13.47
16.70
16.04
7,773
4,502
(2,387)
(1,236)
$17.34
14.69
18.38
17.08
Unvested units at the end of the year(d)
. . . . . . . . . . .
10,280
$13.70
9,341
$14.54
8,652
$15.57
(a)
(b)
(c)
For fiscal 2019, includes 3.8 million target PSUs and 1.1 million RSUs granted and a payout adjustment of
0.5 million PSUs due to the actual performance level achieved for PSUs granted in fiscal 2018 that vested
during fiscal 2019.
For fiscal 2018, includes 3.2 million target PSUs and 0.3 million RSUs granted.
For fiscal 2017, includes 4.1 million target PSUs and 0.4 million RSUs granted.
The fair value of PSUs and RSUs held by the Company’s employees that vested during the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was $52 million, $25 million and $44 million, respectively.
For fiscal 2019, includes 0.6 million of target PSUs and 0.1 million RSUs cancelled and a payout
adjustment of 0.3 million PSUs due to the actual performance level achieved for PSUs granted in fiscal
2016 that vested during fiscal 2019.
For fiscal 2018, includes 0.6 million of target PSUs and 0.1 million RSUs cancelled and a payout
adjustment of 0.7 million PSUs due to the actual performance level achieved for PSUs granted in fiscal
2015 that vested during fiscal 2018.
For fiscal 2017, includes 0.7 million of target PSUs and 0.1 million RSUs cancelled and a payout
adjustment of 0.4 million PSUs due to the actual performance level achieved for PSUs granted in fiscal
2014 that vested during fiscal 2017.
128
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(d)
The intrinsic value of these unvested RSUs and target PSUs was approximately $139 million as of June 30,
2019.
Stock Options
The following table summarizes information about stock option transactions for the employee stock option plans
(options in thousands):
. . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at the beginning of the year
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cancelled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outstanding at the end of the year(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercisable at the end of the year(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2018
Fiscal 2017
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$7.61
6.58
5.90
$8.04
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$7.74
8.04
9.04
$7.61
Weighted
average
exercise
price
$ 9.03
7.78
15.00
$ 7.74
Options
1,238
(354)
(218)
666
585
Options
666
(189)
(4)
473
470
Options
473
(136)
(2)
335
335
(a)
(b)
The intrinsic value of options outstanding held by the Company’s employees as of June 30, 2019, 2018 and
2017 was $1.9 million, $3.7 million and $4.0 million, respectively. The weighted average remaining
contractual life of options outstanding as of June 30, 2019 was 3.34 years.
The weighted average remaining contractual life of options exercisable as of June 30, 2019 was 3.34 years.
NOTE 14. EARNINGS (LOSS) PER SHARE
The following tables set forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share under ASC 260,
“Earnings per Share”:
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Redeemable preferred stock dividends(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions, except per share amounts)
$ (643)
$(1,444)
$ 228
(95)
(70)
(73)
(2)
(2)
—
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 155
$(1,516)
$ (740)
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock outstanding—basic . . .
Dilutive effect of equity awards(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
584.7
3.2
582.7
—
581.4
—
Weighted-average number of shares of common stock
outstanding—diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
587.9
582.7
581.4
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders per share—
basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 0.27
$ (2.60)
$ (1.27)
Net income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders per share—
diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 0.26
$ (2.60)
$ (1.27)
(a) Refer to Note 10—Redeemable Preferred Stock.
(b)
The dilutive impact of the Company’s PSUs, RSUs and stock options has been excluded from the
calculation of diluted loss per share for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017 because their
inclusion would have an antidilutive effect on the net loss per share.
129
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 15. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Related Party Transactions
In the ordinary course of business, the Company enters into transactions with related parties to purchase and/or
sell advertising and administrative services. The Company has also previously entered into transactions with
related parties to sell certain broadcast rights. The following table sets forth the net revenue from related parties
included in the Statements of Operations:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018(a)
2017
Related party revenue (expense), net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(96)
(in millions)
$240
$307
(a) Related party revenue, net of expenses, includes nine months of affiliate fees earned by FOX SPORTS
Australia from Foxtel in fiscal 2018. The Company began consolidating the results of Foxtel in the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2018 as a result of the Transaction.
The following table sets forth the amount of receivables due from and payables due to related parties outstanding
on the Balance Sheets:
Accounts receivable from related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable to related parties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$32
$8
17
4
NOTE 16. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
Commitments
The Company has commitments under certain firm contractual arrangements (“firm commitments”) to make
future payments. These firm commitments secure the future rights to various assets and services to be used in the
normal course of operations. The following table summarizes the Company’s material firm commitments as of
June 30, 2019:
Purchase obligations(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sports programming rights(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Programming costs(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases(d)
Transmission costs(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land and buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plant and machinery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Borrowings(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest payments on borrowings(g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30, 2019
Payments Due by Period
Total
Less than 1
year
$1,012
1,793
378
$ 461
501
141
1-3 years
3-5 years
(in millions)
$ 362
912
183
$ 138
380
54
408
1,499
12
1,449
111
63
172
5
450
45
121
289
6
579
51
115
248
1
270
15
More than 5
years
$
51
—
—
109
790
—
150
—
Total commitments and contractual obligations . . . . . . . . .
$6,662
$1,838
$2,503
$1,221
$1,100
130
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
The Company has commitments under purchase obligations related to minimum subscriber guarantees for
license fees, printing contracts, capital projects, marketing agreements, production services and other legally
binding commitments.
The Company has sports programming rights commitments with the National Rugby League, Australian
Football League, Cricket Australia, domestic football league and Australian Rugby Union as well as certain
other broadcast rights which are payable through fiscal 2024.
The Company has programming rights commitments with various suppliers for programming content.
The Company leases office facilities, warehouse facilities, printing plants, satellite services and equipment.
These leases, which are classified as operating leases, are expected to be paid at certain dates through fiscal
2021. This amount includes approximately $45 million of office facilities that have been subleased from
Fox Corporation (“FOX”).
The Company has contractual commitments for satellite transmission services. The transponder services
arrangements extend through 2029 and are accounted for as operating leases.
See Note 9—Borrowings.
(g) Reflects the Company’s expected future interest payments on borrowings outstanding and interest rates
applicable at June 30, 2019. Such rates are subject to change in future periods. See Note 9—Borrowings.
Contingencies
The Company routinely is involved in various legal proceedings, claims and governmental inspections or
investigations, including those discussed below. The outcome of these matters and claims is subject to significant
uncertainty, and the Company often cannot predict what the eventual outcome of pending matters will be or the
timing of the ultimate resolution of these matters. Fees, expenses, fines, penalties, judgments or settlement costs
which might be incurred by the Company in connection with the various proceedings could adversely affect its
results of operations and financial condition.
The Company establishes an accrued liability for legal claims when it determines that a loss is both probable and
the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. Once established, accruals are adjusted from time to time, as
appropriate, in light of additional information. The amount of any loss ultimately incurred in relation to matters
for which an accrual has been established may be higher or lower than the amounts accrued for such matters.
Legal fees associated with litigation and similar proceedings are expensed as incurred. Except as otherwise
provided below, for the contingencies disclosed for which there is at least a reasonable possibility that a loss may
be incurred, the Company was unable to estimate the amount of loss or range of loss. The Company recognizes
gain contingencies when the gain becomes realized or realizable.
News America Marketing
Insignia Systems, Inc.
On July 11, 2019, Insignia Systems, Inc. (“Insignia”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court for the District
of Minnesota against News America Marketing FSI L.L.C. (“NAM FSI”), News America Marketing In-Store
Services L.L.C. (“NAM In-Store”) and News Corporation (together, the “NAM Parties”) alleging violations of
federal and state antitrust laws and common law business torts. The complaint seeks treble damages, injunctive
relief and attorneys’ fees and costs. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any degree of certainty the
ultimate outcome of this action, the NAM Parties believe they have been compliant with applicable laws and
intend to defend themselves vigorously.
131
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Valassis Communications, Inc.
On November 8, 2013, Valassis Communications, Inc. (“Valassis”) filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of Michigan (the “District Court”) against News America Incorporated, NAM FSI, NAM
In-Store and News Corporation (together, the “NAM Group”) alleging violations of federal and state antitrust
laws and common law business torts. The complaint sought treble damages, injunctive relief and attorneys’ fees
and costs. On December 19, 2013, the NAM Group filed a motion to dismiss the complaint, and on March 30,
2016, the District Court ordered that Valassis’s bundling and tying claims be dismissed and that all remaining
claims in the NAM Group’s motion to dismiss be referred to a panel of antitrust experts (the “Antitrust Expert
Panel”) appointed in connection with a prior action brought by Valassis against certain members of the NAM
Group. The Antitrust Expert Panel was convened and, on February 8, 2017, recommended that the NAM Group’s
counterclaims in the action be dismissed with leave to replead three of the four counterclaims. The NAM Group
filed an amended counterclaim on February 27, 2017. Valassis subsequently filed motions with the District Court
seeking either to re-open the case in the District Court or to transfer the case to the U.S. District Court for the
Southern District of New York (the “N.Y. District Court”). On September 25, 2017, the District Court granted
Valassis’s motions and transferred the case to the N.Y. District Court. On April 13, 2018, the NAM Group filed a
motion for summary judgment dismissing the case with the N.Y. District Court, and on February 21, 2019, the
N.Y. District Court granted the NAM Group’s motion in part and denied it in part. The N.Y. District Court found
that the NAM Group’s bidding practices were lawful but denied the NAM Group’s motion with respect to claims
arising out of certain other alleged contracting practices. Valassis also ceased to pursue its claims relating to free-
standing insert products, and those claims were dismissed. While it is not possible at this time to predict with any
degree of certainty the ultimate outcome of this action, the NAM Group believes it has been compliant with
applicable laws and intends to defend itself vigorously.
In-Store Marketing and FSI Purchasers
On February 29, 2016, the parties agreed to settle the litigation in the N.Y. District Court in which The Dial
Corporation, Henkel Consumer Goods, Inc., H.J. Heinz Company, H.J. Heinz Company, L.P., Foster Poultry
Farms, Smithfield Foods, Inc., HP Hood LLC and BEF Foods, Inc. alleged various claims under federal and state
antitrust law against the NAM Group. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, the NAM Group paid the
settlement amount of approximately $250 million during the quarter ended September 30, 2016, and the litigation
was subsequently dismissed with prejudice.
U.K. Newspaper Matters
Civil claims have been brought against the Company with respect to, among other things, voicemail interception
and inappropriate payments to public officials at the Company’s former publication, The News of the World, and
at The Sun, and related matters (the “U.K. Newspaper Matters”). The Company has admitted liability in many
civil cases and has settled a number of cases. The Company also settled a number of claims through a private
compensation scheme which was closed to new claims after April 8, 2013.
In connection with the Separation, the Company and 21st Century Fox agreed in the Separation and Distribution
Agreement that 21st Century Fox would indemnify the Company for payments made after the Distribution Date
arising out of civil claims and investigations relating to the U.K. Newspaper Matters as well as legal and
professional fees and expenses paid in connection with the previously concluded criminal matters, other than
fees, expenses and costs relating to employees (i) who are not directors, officers or certain designated employees
or (ii) with respect to civil matters, who are not co-defendants with the Company or 21st Century Fox. 21st
Century Fox’s indemnification obligations with respect to these matters are settled on an after-tax basis. In
March 2019, as part of the separation of FOX from 21st Century Fox, the Company, News Corp Holdings UK &
132
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Ireland, 21st Century Fox and FOX entered into a Partial Assignment and Assumption Agreement, pursuant to
which, among other things, 21st Century Fox assigned, conveyed and transferred to FOX all of its
indemnification obligations with respect to the U.K. Newspaper Matters.
The net expense (benefit) related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters in Selling, general and administrative was
$10 million, ($35) million and $10 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, June 30, 2018 and June 30,
2017, respectively. As of June 30, 2019, the Company has provided for its best estimate of the liability for the
claims that have been filed and costs incurred, including liabilities associated with employment taxes, and has
accrued approximately $53 million. The amount to be indemnified by FOX of approximately $49 million was
recorded as a receivable in Other current assets on the Balance Sheet as of June 30, 2019. The net benefit for the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 reflects a $46 million impact from the reversal of a portion of the Company’s
previously accrued liability and the corresponding receivable as the result of an agreement reached with the
relevant tax authority with respect to certain employment taxes. It is not possible to estimate the liability or
corresponding receivable for any additional claims that may be filed given the information that is currently
available to the Company. If more claims are filed and additional information becomes available, the Company
will update the liability provision and corresponding receivable for such matters.
The Company is not able to predict the ultimate outcome or cost of the civil claims. It is possible that these
proceedings and any adverse resolution thereof could damage its reputation, impair its ability to conduct its
business and adversely affect its results of operations and financial condition.
Other
The Company’s tax returns are subject to on-going review and examination by various tax authorities. Tax
authorities may not agree with the treatment of items reported in the Company’s tax returns, and therefore the
outcome of tax reviews and examinations can be unpredictable.
The Company believes it has appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of uncertain tax matters and
believes such liabilities represent a reasonable provision for taxes ultimately expected to be paid; however, these
liabilities may need to be adjusted as new information becomes known and as tax examinations continue to
progress, or as settlements or litigations occur.
NOTE 17. RETIREMENT BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS
The Company’s employees participate in various defined benefit pension and postretirement plans sponsored by
the Company and its subsidiaries. Plans in the U.S., U.K., Australia, and other foreign plans are accounted for as
defined benefit pension plans. Accordingly, the funded and unfunded position of each plan is recorded in the
Balance Sheets. Actuarial gains and losses that have not yet been recognized through net income are recorded in
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of taxes, until they are amortized as a component of net periodic
benefit cost. The determination of benefit obligations and the recognition of expenses related to the plans are
dependent on various assumptions. The major assumptions primarily relate to discount rates, expected long-term
rates of return on plan assets and mortality rates. Management develops each assumption using relevant company
experience in conjunction with market-related data for each individual country in which such plans exist. The
funded status of the plans can change from year to year, but the assets of the funded plans have been sufficient to
pay all benefits that came due in each of fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Summary of Funded Status
The Company uses a June 30 measurement date for all pension and postretirement benefit plans. The combined
domestic and foreign pension and postretirement benefit plans resulted in a net pension and postretirement
133
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
benefits liability of $159 million and $120 million at June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company
recognized these amounts in the Balance Sheets at June 30, 2019 and 2018 as follows:
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement
benefits
Total
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
(in millions)
Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —
(74)
Retirement benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ — $ — $117
(2)
(78)
(87)
$135
(1)
(74)
$ — $ — $ 117
(10)
(266)
(8)
(101)
(9)
(97)
$ 135
(10)
(245)
Net amount recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(87) $(74) $ 37
$ 60
$(109) $(106) $(159) $(120)
The following table sets forth the change in the projected benefit obligation, change in the fair value of the
Company’s plan assets and funded status:
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
As of June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
(in millions)
$334
—
13
(22)
—
25
—
—
$368
—
12
(27)
—
(19)
—
—
$1,040
2
25
(41)
(23)
52
(39)
9
$1,216
6
29
(45)
(29)
(151)
14
—
$ 106
—
4
(8)
—
8
(1)
—
$ 117
—
3
(8)
—
(6)
—
—
$1,480
2
42
(71)
(23)
85
(40)
9
$1,701
6
44
(80)
(29)
(176)
14
—
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of
the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial loss/(gain)(b)
Foreign exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . .
Amendments, transfers and other . . . . . . . . .
Projected benefit obligation, end of the
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
350
334
1,025
1,040
109
106
1,484
1,480
Change in the fair value of plan assets for
the Company’s benefit plans:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of the
year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Settlements(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign exchange rate changes . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets, end of the year . . .
260
21
4
(22)
—
—
263
277
9
1
(27)
—
—
260
1,100
56
12
(41)
(23)
(42)
1,112
26
28
(45)
(29)
8
1,062
1,100
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
— 1,360
77
—
16
—
(63)
—
(23)
—
(42)
—
1,389
35
29
(72)
(29)
8
— 1,325
1,360
Funded status . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (87) $ (74) $
37
$
60
$(109) $(106) $ (159) $ (120)
(a) Amounts related to payments made to former employees of the Company in full settlement of their deferred
pension benefits.
134
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(b)
Fiscal 2019 actuarial losses related to domestic and foreign pension plans primarily relates to the decrease in
discount rates used in measuring plan obligations as of June 30, 2019. Fiscal 2018 actuarial gains related to
domestic and foreign pension plans primarily relates to the increase in discount rates for the U.S. and U.K.
plans used in measuring plan obligations as of June 30, 2018.
Amounts recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive loss consist of:
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
As of June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Actuarial losses (gains) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prior service cost (benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$142
—
$126
—
$333
9
(in millions)
$ 1
$316
— (25)
$ (7) $476
(16)
(28)
$435
(28)
Net amounts recognized . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$142
$126
$342
$316
$(24) $(35) $460
$407
Accumulated pension benefit obligations as of June 30, 2019 and 2018 were $1,365 million and $1,364 million,
respectively. Below is information about funded and unfunded pension plans.
Domestic Pension Benefits
Funded Plans Unfunded Plans
Total
As of June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$335
335
263
(in millions)
$350
$14
$15
$320
14
320
350
15
— 263
260 —
$334
334
260
Foreign Pension Benefits
Funded Plans
Unfunded Plans
Total
As of June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 955
945
1,062
$ 971
961
(in millions)
$1,025
$69
$70
69
1,015
70
— 1,062
1,100 —
$1,040
1,030
1,100
The accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of plan assets for all domestic pension plans. Below is
information about foreign pension plans in which the accumulated benefit obligation exceeds the fair value of the
plan assets.
Foreign Pension Benefits
Funded Plans Unfunded Plans
Total
As of June 30,
2019
2018
2019
2018
2019
2018
Projected benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated benefit obligation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$253
253
244
(in millions)
$323
$69
$70
$235
69
235
323
70
— 244
229 —
$304
304
229
135
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Summary of Net Periodic Benefit Costs
The Company recorded ($2) million, $3 million and $1 million in net periodic benefit (income) costs in the
Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The Company
utilizes the full yield-curve approach to estimate the service and interest cost components of net periodic benefit
(income) costs for its pension and other postretirement benefit plans.
The amortization of amounts related to unrecognized prior service costs (credits), deferred losses and settlements,
curtailments and other were reclassified out of Other comprehensive income as a component of net periodic
benefit costs. The components of net periodic benefits costs (income) were as follows:
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
2019
2018
2017
2019
2018
2017
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Service cost benefits earned
during the period . . . . . . . . . . . $ — $ — $ — $ 2 $ 6 $ 9 $ — $ — $ — $ 2 $ 6 $ 9
Interest costs on projected
benefit obligations . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . .
Amortization of deferred
13
(15)
12
(18)
12
(18)
25
(46)
29
(53)
29
42
3
(57) — — — (61)
3
4
44
(71)
44
(75)
losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
4
5
5
10
18
1 6 — — — 14
23
21
Amortization of prior service
costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. — — — — — — (3)
(3)
(4)
(3)
(3)
(4)
Settlements, curtailments and
other
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — —
3
4
4
3 — — —
4
4
6
Net periodic benefit (income)
costs – Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 2 $ (1) $ 2 $ (5) $ 4 $ — $
1 $ — $ (1) $ (2) $ 3 $ 1
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement Benefits
For the fiscal years ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
2019
2018
2017
2019
2018
2017
Additional information:
Weighted-average assumptions used to
determine benefit obligations
Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6% 4.2% 3.8% 2.3% 2.8% 2.7% 3.3% 4.0% 3.5%
Rate of increase in future compensation . . . N/A N/A N/A 3.4% 3.1% 2.8% N/A N/A N/A
Weighted-average assumptions used to
determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate for PBO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Service Cost . . . . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Interest on PBO . . . . . . . .
Discount rate for Interest on Service
4.2% 3.8% 3.8% 2.8% 2.7% 2.9% 4.0% 3.5% 3.4%
4.3% 4.0% 4.1% 3.7% 3.8% 3.1% 4.3% 3.9% 3.7%
3.9% 3.3% 3.0% 2.5% 2.4% 2.5% 3.6% 2.9% 2.6%
4.3% 3.8% 3.8% 3.3% 3.4% 2.9% 4.1% 3.5% 3.2%
Cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.0% 6.5% 6.5% 4.4% 4.7% 5.5% N/A N/A N/A
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of increase in future compensation . . . N/A N/A N/A 3.1% 2.8% 2.7% N/A N/A N/A
N/A—not applicable
136
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following assumed health care cost trend rates as of June 30 were also used in accounting for postretirement
benefits:
Postretirement benefits
Fiscal 2019
Fiscal 2018
Health care cost trend rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate to which the cost trend rate is assumed to decline (the ultimate trend rate) . . . . . . . . .
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.4%
4.7%
6.8%
4.6%
2027
2027
The following table sets forth the estimated benefit payments for the next five fiscal years, and in aggregate for
the five fiscal years thereafter. The expected benefits are estimated based on the same assumptions used to
measure the Company’s benefit obligation at the end of the fiscal year and include benefits attributable to
estimated future employee service:
Expected Benefit Payments
Pension Benefits
Domestic
Foreign
Postretirement
Benefits
Total
(in millions)
Fiscal year:
2020 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2021 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2022 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2023 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2025-2029 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 27
21
21
21
21
103
$ 56
44
46
47
47
239
$ 9
9
9
9
8
35
$ 92
74
76
77
76
377
Plan Assets
The Company applies the provisions of ASC 715, which requires disclosures including: (i) investment policies
and strategies; (ii) the major categories of plan assets; (iii) the inputs and valuation techniques used to measure
plan assets; (iv) the effect of fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs on changes in plan
assets for the period; and (v) significant concentrations of risk within plan assets.
137
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The table below presents the Company’s plan assets by level within the fair value hierarchy, as described in
Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, as of June 30, 2019 and 2018:
Fiscal 2019
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
Fiscal 2018
Fair Value Measurements at
Reporting Date Using
Total
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
NAV
Total
Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
NAV
(in millions)
Assets
Pooled funds:(a)
Domestic equity
funds . . . . . . . . .
$
73
$ — $ — $ — $
73
$
73
$ — $ — $ — $
73
International
equity funds . . .
Domestic fixed
income funds . .
International fixed
income funds . .
Balanced funds . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
201
147
704
146
54
—
—
—
—
45
—
—
—
89
—
—
—
—
—
9
201
147
704
57
—
206
142
679
186
74
—
—
—
—
—
—
— 107
—
64
—
—
—
—
10
206
142
679
79
—
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$1,325
$ 45
$ 89
$
9
$1,182
$1,360
$ 64
$107
$ 10
$1,179
(a) Open-ended pooled funds that are registered and/or available to the general public are valued at the daily
published net asset value (“NAV”). Other pooled funds are valued at the NAV provided by the fund issuer.
The table below sets forth a summary of changes in the fair value of investments reflected as Level 3 assets as of
June 30, 2019 and 2018:
Balance, June 30, 2017 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relating to assets sold during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases, sales, settlements and issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers in and out of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, June 30, 2018 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return on plan assets:
Relating to assets still held at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Relating to assets sold during the period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Purchases, sales, settlements and issuances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Transfers in and out of Level 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Level 3
Investments
(in millions)
$11
—
—
(1)
—
$10
—
—
(1)
—
Balance, June 30, 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 9
The Company’s investment strategy for its pension plans is to maximize the long-term rate of return on plan
assets within an acceptable level of risk in order to minimize the cost of providing pension benefits while
maintaining adequate funding levels. The Company’s practice is to conduct a periodic strategic review of its
138
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
asset allocation. The Company’s current broad strategic targets are to have a pension asset portfolio comprised of
23% equity securities, 68% fixed income securities and 9% in cash and other investments. In developing the
expected long-term rate of return, the Company considered the pension asset portfolio’s past average rate of
returns and future return expectations of the various asset classes. A portion of the other allocation is reserved in
cash to provide for expected benefits to be paid in the short term. The Company’s equity portfolios are managed
in such a way as to achieve optimal diversity. The Company’s fixed income portfolio is investment grade in the
aggregate. The Company does not manage any assets internally.
The Company’s benefit plan weighted-average asset allocations, by asset category, are as follows:
Pension benefits
As of June 30,
2019
2018
Asset Category:
Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash and other
22%
68%
10%
23%
65%
12%
Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
100% 100%
Required pension plan contributions for the next fiscal year are expected to be approximately $20 million;
however, actual contributions may be affected by pension asset and liability valuation changes during the
year. The Company will continue to make voluntary contributions as necessary to improve funded status.
NOTE 18. OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS
Multiemployer Pension and Postretirement Plans
The Company contributes to various multiemployer defined benefit pension plans under the terms of collective
bargaining agreements that cover certain of its union-represented employees, primarily at the newspaper
businesses. The risks of participating in these multiemployer pension plans are different from single-employer
pension plans in that (i) contributions made by the Company to the multiemployer pension plans may be used to
provide benefits to employees of other participating employers; (ii) if the Company chooses to stop participating
in certain of these multiemployer pension plans, it may be required to pay those plans an amount based on the
underfunded status of the plan, which is referred to as a withdrawal liability; and (iii) actions taken by a
participating employer that lead to a deterioration of the financial health of a multiemployer pension plan may
result in the unfunded obligations of the multiemployer pension plan being borne by its remaining participating
employers. While no multiemployer pension plan that the Company contributed to is individually significant to
the Company, the Company was listed on certain Form 5500s as providing more than 5% of total contributions
based on the current information available. The financial health of a multiemployer plan is indicated by the zone
status, as defined by the Pension Protection Act of 2006, which represents the funded status of the plan as
certified by the plan’s actuary. In general, plans in the red zone are less than 65% funded, plans in the yellow
zone are between 65% and 80% funded, and plans in the green zone are at least 80% funded. The funded status
for two of the plans for which the Company was listed as providing more than 5% of total contributions reported
green zone status for the most recent available plan year. The funded status for one of the plans for which the
Company was listed as providing more than 5% of total contributions reported red zone status for the most recent
available plan year. Total contributions made by the Company to multiemployer pension plans for each of the
fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017 were approximately $5 million.
139
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Defined Contribution Plans
The Company has defined contribution plans for the benefit of substantially all employees meeting certain
eligibility requirements. Employer contributions to such plans were $145 million, $145 million and $137 million
for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Deferred Compensation Plan
The Company has non-qualified deferred compensation plans for the benefit of certain management
employees. The investment funds offered to the participants generally correspond to the funds offered in the
Company’s 401(k) plan, and the account balance fluctuates with the investment returns on those funds. The
unfunded obligations of the plans included in Other liabilities as of June 30, 2019 and 2018 were $45 million and
$41 million, respectively, and the majority of these plans are closed to new employees.
NOTE 19. INCOME TAXES
Income taxes are recognized for the amount of taxes payable for the current year and for the impact of deferred
tax assets and liabilities, which represent future tax consequences of events that have been recognized differently
in the financial statements than for tax purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established using the
enacted statutory tax rates and are adjusted for any changes in such rates in the period of change.
On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the
Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act included significant changes to the U.S. corporate income
tax system including, among other things, lowering the U.S. statutory federal tax rate to 21%. The reduction of
the U.S. corporate tax rate caused the Company to adjust its U.S. deferred tax assets and liabilities to the lower
federal rate of 21% in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. The Tax Act also added many new provisions,
including a one-time repatriation tax on deemed repatriation of historical earnings of foreign subsidiaries
(“transition tax”), changes to bonus depreciation, limits on deductions for executive compensation and interest
expense, a tax on global intangible low-taxed income (“GILTI”), the base erosion anti-abuse tax (“BEAT”) and a
deduction for foreign-derived intangible income. The Company has elected to account for the tax on GILTI and
BEAT as a period cost and thus has not adjusted any net deferred tax assets of its foreign subsidiaries for the new
tax. However, the Company has considered the potential impact of GILTI and BEAT on its U.S. federal net
operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward and determined that the projected tax benefit to be received from its NOL
carryforward may be reduced due to these provisions.
The changes included in the Tax Act are broad and complex. The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118
(SAB 118), as amended by ASU 2018-05, which provides guidance for companies related to the Tax Act. ASU
2018-05 allows for a measurement period of up to one year after the enactment date of the Tax Act to finalize the
recording of the related tax impacts. The Company’s accounting for the tax effects of the Tax Act were
completed in the second quarter of fiscal 2019. Although the Company believes the effects of the Tax Act have
been appropriately recorded, it will continue to monitor, among other things, changes in interpretations of the
Tax Act, any legislative action arising because of the Tax Act and any changes in accounting standards for
income taxes or related interpretations in response to the Tax Act. The Company intends to assess the impact of
any such changes in legislative interpretations or standards and adjust its provision as new information becomes
available.
In accordance with SAB 118, the Company has made reasonable estimates related to (1) the remeasurement of its
U.S. deferred tax balances for the reduction in the statutory tax rate, (2) the liability for the transition tax and
(3) the partial valuation allowance recorded against its federal NOL carryforward due to the impact of the GILTI
140
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
and BEAT provisions. As a result, the Company recognized a net provisional income tax expense of $237 million
associated with these items in the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018. In fiscal 2019, the Company determined that
there were no material changes to the provisional amounts recorded as of June 30, 2018.
Income (loss) before income tax expense was attributable to the following jurisdictions:
U.S.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 99
255
(in millions)
$
(1,034)
(55) $ 84
(699)
Income (loss) before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$354
$(1,089) $(615)
The significant components of the Company’s income tax expense were as follows:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Current:
U.S.
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
State & Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
5
2
118
125
$
4
8
107
119
$
1
4
118
123
Deferred:
U.S.
Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State & Local . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
5
(30)
1
269
(9)
(24)
236
57
(1)
(151)
(95)
Total income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$126
$355
$ 28
141
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The reconciliation between the Company’s actual effective tax rate and the statutory U.S. Federal income tax rate
was as follows:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
21% 28% 35%
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. federal income tax rate(a)
2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State and local taxes, net
9
Effect of foreign operations(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Change in valuation allowance(c)
5
Non-deductible goodwill and asset impairments(d)
Impact of the Tax Act(e)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Write-off of channel distribution agreement(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Income tax audit settlements(g) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
1
Non-deductible compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
R&D credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(2)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Other, net
(1) —
(17)
(2)
(7)
1
(32)
(7)
(22) —
(9) —
(10)
5
(1)
(1)
1
—
1
—
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effective tax rate(h) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
36% (33)% (5)%
(b)
(a) As the Company has a June 30 fiscal year-end, the impact of the lower tax rate from the Tax Act was phased
in resulting in a U.S. statutory federal tax rate of approximately 28% for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018
and a 21% U.S. statutory federal tax rate for fiscal years thereafter.
The Company’s effective tax rate is impacted by the geographic mix of its pre-tax income. The Company’s
foreign operations are located primarily in Australia and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”) which prior to the
fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 had lower income tax rates than the U.S. Beginning with fiscal year ended
June 30, 2019, Australia has a higher income tax rate than the U.S.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, valuation allowance increased by $40 million related to foreign net
operating losses, which more likely than not will not be utilized.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $96 million related to
the impairment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets, which reduced the Company’s tax
expense by $10 million. These write-downs have an impact on our effective tax rate to the extent a lower tax
benefit is recorded.
(d)
(c)
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $218 million related to
the impairment of goodwill and a write-down of assets and investments of approximately $1.1 billion, which
reduced the Company’s tax expense by $54 million and $301 million, respectively. These impairments and
write-downs have an impact on our effective tax rate to the extent a lower tax benefit is recorded.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company recorded non-cash charges of $48 million related to
the impairment of goodwill, which was non-deductible, and a write-down of $360 million on U.K. fixed
assets, a portion of which were non-deductible, which reduced the Company’s tax expense by $12 million
and $29 million, respectively. These impairments and write-downs have an impact on our effective tax rate
to the extent a lower tax benefit is recorded.
(e) As a result of the Tax Act, the Company recognized a net provisional income tax expense of $237 million
primarily related to the re-measurement of U.S. deferred tax balances for the reduction in tax rate, valuation
allowances recorded on certain deferred tax assets, and the liability for the transition tax. In fiscal 2019, the
Company determined that there were no material changes to the provisional amounts recorded as of June 30,
2018.
142
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(f)
(g)
(h)
Represents the tax effect of the write-off of the FOX SPORTS Australia channel distribution agreement
intangible asset as a result of the Transaction, as well as other costs directly attributable to the Transaction.
In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, certain pre-Separation tax matters were effectively settled with the
Internal Revenue Service. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a net income tax benefit of
$49 million, comprised of a current tax benefit of $2 million and a deferred tax benefit of $47 million.
In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company reached an agreement with a foreign tax authority to
settle certain tax issues related to fiscal years 2010 through 2015. As a result of the settlement, the Company
recorded net income tax expense of $63 million. See ”Uncertain Tax Positions” below.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019, the effective tax rate of 36% represents income tax expense when
compared to consolidated pre-tax book income. For the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the
effective tax rates of (33)% and (5)%, respectively, represent income tax expense when compared to
consolidated pre-tax book loss.
The Company recognized deferred income taxes in the Balance Sheets as follows:
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
Deferred income tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 269
(295)
$ 279
(389)
Net deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ (26) $(110)
The significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:
Deferred tax assets:
Accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retirement benefit obligations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net operating loss carryforwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Business tax credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$
$
78
923
53
397
78
210
95
889
38
348
62
294
Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1,739
1,726
Deferred tax liabilities:
Asset basis difference and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(266)
(31)
(297)
(362)
(89)
(451)
Net deferred tax asset before valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .
Less: valuation allowance (See Note 22—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts)
1,442
(1,468)
1,275
(1,385)
Net deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
(26) $ (110)
143
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had income tax NOL Carryforwards (gross, net of uncertain tax benefits) in
various jurisdictions as follows:
Jurisdiction
Expiration
Amount
(in millions)
U.S. Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Various
Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.K.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other Foreign . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Various
Indefinite
Indefinite
2021 to 2037
$555
444
516
4
451
Utilization of the NOLs is dependent on generating sufficient taxable income from our operations in each of the
respective jurisdictions to which the NOLs relate, while taking into account tax filing methodologies and
limitations and/or restrictions on our ability to use them. Certain of our U.S. federal NOLs were acquired as part
of the acquisitions of Move and Harlequin and are subject to limitations as promulgated under Section 382 of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). Section 382 of the Code limits the amount of NOLs
that we can use on an annual basis to offset consolidated U.S. taxable income. The NOLs are also subject to
review by relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions to which they relate.
The Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $397 million and $348 million associated with its NOLs (net of
approximately $44 million and $45 million, respectively, of unrecognized tax benefits recorded against deferred
tax assets) as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively. Significant judgment is applied in assessing our ability to
realize our NOLs. Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient
future taxable income will be generated to utilize existing deferred tax assets within the applicable expiration
period.
On the basis of this evaluation, valuation allowances of $216 million and $195 million have been established to
reduce the deferred tax asset associated with the Company’s NOLs to an amount that will more likely than not be
realized as of June 30, 2019 and 2018, respectively.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $2.2 billion and $1.6 billion of capital loss carryforwards
in Australia and the U.K., respectively, which may be carried forward indefinitely. The capital loss carryforwards
are also subject to review by relevant tax authorities in the jurisdictions to which they relate. Realization of our
capital losses is dependent on generating capital gain taxable income and satisfying certain continuity of business
requirements. The Company recorded a deferred tax asset of $923 million and $889 million as of June 30, 2019
and 2018, respectively for these capital loss carryforwards. However, it is more likely than not that the Company
will not generate capital gain income in the normal course of business in these jurisdictions. Accordingly,
valuation allowances of $923 million and $889 million have been established to reduce the capital loss
carryforward deferred tax asset to an amount that will more likely than not be realized as of June 30, 2019 and
2018, respectively.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $46 million of U.S. federal tax credit carryforwards which
includes $24 million of foreign tax credits and $21 million of research and development credits, which begin to
expire in 2026 and 2036, respectively, and $1 million of alternative minimum tax credits which will be carried
forward indefinitely.
As of June 30, 2019, the Company had approximately $23 million of non-U.S. tax credit carryforwards which
expire in various amounts beginning in 2026 and $9 million of state tax credit carryforwards (net of U.S. federal
benefit), which expire in various amounts beginning in 2019.
144
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
In accordance with the Company’s accounting policy, a valuation allowance of $45 million has been established
to reduce the deferred tax asset associated with the Company’s U.S. foreign tax credits, non-U.S. and state credit
carryforwards to an amount that will more likely than not be realized as of June 30, 2019.
Uncertain Tax Positions
The following table sets forth the change in the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits, excluding interest and
penalties:
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
Balance, beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$62
Additions for prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Additions for current year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4
Reduction for prior year tax positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Lapse of the statute of limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(6)
Settlement—cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Settlement—tax attributes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
(2)
Impact of currency translations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(in millions)
$64
2
3
(4)
(3)
—
(2)
2
$ 86
107
5
(9)
(8)
(21)
(94)
(2)
Balance, end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$58
$62
$ 64
The Company recognizes interest and penalty charges related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax
expense, which is consistent with the recognition in prior reporting periods. The Company recognized a benefit
related to interest and penalties of $1 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 and interest and penalty
charges of $1 million and $11 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, respectively.
The Company recorded liabilities for accrued interest and penalties of approximately $3 million, $3 million and
$3 million as of June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, certain pre-Separation tax matters were effectively settled with the
Internal Revenue Service. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded a net income tax benefit of
$49 million, comprised of a current tax benefit of $2 million and a deferred tax benefit of $47 million.
In the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017, the Company reached an agreement with a foreign tax authority to settle
certain tax issues related to fiscal years 2010 through 2015. As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded
net income tax expense, including interest and penalties of $63 million comprised of a current tax expense of
$20 million and a deferred tax expense of $43 million.
The Company’s tax returns are subject to on-going review and examination by various tax authorities. Tax
authorities may not agree with the treatment of items reported in our tax returns, and therefore the outcome of tax
reviews and examinations can be unpredictable. The Company is currently undergoing tax examinations in the
U.S., various states and foreign jurisdictions. During the year ended June 30, 2018, the Internal Revenue Service
commenced an audit of the Company for the year ended June 30, 2014. The Company believes it has
appropriately accrued for the expected outcome of uncertain tax matters and believes such liabilities represent a
reasonable provision for taxes ultimately expected to be paid. However, the Company may need to accrue
additional income tax expense and our liability may need to be adjusted as new information becomes known and
as these tax examinations continue to progress, or as settlements or litigations occur.
145
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
The following is a summary of major tax jurisdictions for which tax authorities may assert additional taxes based
upon tax years currently under audit and subsequent years that could be audited by the respective taxing
authorities.
Jurisdiction
Fiscal Years Open to Examination
U.S. federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.S. states . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
U.K.
2014, 2016-2018
Various
2015-2018
2011-2018
It is reasonably possible that uncertain tax positions may increase or decrease in the next fiscal year, however,
actual developments in this area could differ from those currently expected. As of June 30, 2019, approximately
$37 million would affect the Company’s effective income tax rate, if and when recognized in future fiscal years.
It is reasonably possible, the amount of uncertain tax liabilities which may be resolved within the next fiscal year
is between the range of approximately nil and $26 million, a portion of which will affect our effective income tax
rate, primarily as a result of the settlement of tax examinations and the lapsing of statutes of limitations.
Other
Prior to the passage of the Tax Act, the Company asserted that substantially all of the undistributed earnings were
considered indefinitely reinvested and accordingly, no deferred taxes were provided. Pursuant to the provisions
promulgated in the Tax Act these earnings were subjected to the one-time transition tax, for which a provisional
charge was recorded. It is the Company’s intention to reinvest in these subsidiaries indefinitely as the Company
does not anticipate the need to repatriate funds to satisfy domestic liquidity needs. An actual repatriation from
these subsidiaries could be subject to foreign withholding taxes and U.S. state taxes. Calculation of the
unrecognized tax liabilities is not practicable. Undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries considered
to be indefinitely reinvested amounted to approximately $2.7 billion as of June 30, 2019.
During the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the Company paid gross income taxes of
$144 million, $160 million and $132 million, respectively, and received income tax refunds of $18 million,
$7 million and $9 million, respectively.
NOTE 20. SEGMENT INFORMATION
The Company manages and reports its businesses in the following five segments:
•
News and Information Services—The News and Information Services segment includes the
Company’s global print, digital and broadcast radio media platforms. These product offerings include
the global print and digital versions of The Wall Street Journal and Barron’s Group, which includes
Barron’s and MarketWatch, the Company’s suite of professional information products, including
Factiva, Dow Jones Risk & Compliance and Dow Jones Newswires, and its live journalism events. The
Company also owns, among other publications, The Australian, The Daily Telegraph, Herald Sun, The
Courier Mail and The Advertiser in Australia, The Times, The Sunday Times, The Sun and The Sun on
Sunday in the U.K. and the New York Post in the U.S. This segment also includes News America
Marketing, a leading provider of in-store marketing products and services, home-delivered shopper
media and digital marketing solutions, including Checkout 51’s mobile application, as well as Unruly,
a global video advertising marketplace, Wireless Group, operator of talkSPORT, the leading sports
radio network in the U.K., and Storyful, a social media content agency.
146
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
•
•
•
•
Subscription Video Services—The Company’s Subscription Video Services segment provides video
sports, entertainment and news services to pay-TV subscribers and other commercial licensees,
primarily via cable, satellite and internet distribution, and consists of (i) the Company’s 65% interest in
Foxtel (with the remaining 35% interest in Foxtel held by Telstra, an Australian Securities Exchange
(“ASX”)-listed telecommunications company) and (ii) ANC. Foxtel is the largest pay-TV provider in
Australia, with nearly 200 channels covering sports, general entertainment, movies, documentaries,
music, children’s programming and news. Foxtel offers the leading sports programming content in
Australia, with broadcast rights to live sporting events including: National Rugby League, Australian
Football League, Cricket Australia, the domestic football league, the Australian Rugby Union and
various motorsports programming. Foxtel also operates Foxtel Now, an over-the-top, or OTT, service
and Kayo, a sports-only OTT service.
ANC operates the SKY NEWS network, Australia’s 24-hour multi-channel, multi-platform news
service. ANC channels are distributed throughout Australia and New Zealand and available on Foxtel
and Sky Network Television NZ. ANC also owns and operates the international Australia Channel
IPTV service and offers content across a variety of digital media platforms, including mobile, podcasts
and social media websites.
Book Publishing—The Book Publishing segment consists of HarperCollins, the second largest
consumer book publisher in the world, with operations in 17 countries and particular strengths in
general fiction, nonfiction, children’s and religious publishing. HarperCollins owns more than 120
branded publishing imprints, including Harper, William Morrow, HarperCollins Children’s Books,
Avon, Harlequin and Christian publishers Zondervan and Thomas Nelson, and publishes works by
well-known authors such as Harper Lee, Chip and Joanna Gaines, Rick Warren, Sarah Young and
Agatha Christie and popular titles such as The Hobbit, Goodnight Moon, To Kill a Mockingbird, Jesus
Calling and Hillbilly Elegy.
Digital Real Estate Services—The Digital Real Estate Services segment consists of the Company’s
61.6% interest in REA Group and 80% interest in Move. The remaining 20% interest in Move is held
by REA Group. REA Group is a market-leading digital media business specializing in property and is
listed on the ASX (ASX: REA). REA Group advertises property and property-related services on its
websites and mobile apps across Australia and Asia, including Australia’s leading residential,
commercial and share property websites, realestate.com.au, realcommercial.com.au, Flatmates.com.au
and spacely.com.au, and property portals in Asia. In addition, REA Group provides property-related
data to the financial sector and financial services through an end-to-end digital property search and
financing experience and a mortgage broking offering.
Move is a leading provider of online real estate services in the U.S. and primarily operates
realtor.com®, a premier real estate information and services marketplace. Move offers real estate
advertising solutions to agents and brokers, including its ConnectionsSM Plus and AdvantageSM Pro
products as well as its Opcity performance and subscription-based services. Move also offers a number
of professional software and services products, including Top Producer® and ListHubTM.
Other—The Other segment consists primarily of general corporate overhead expenses, the corporate
Strategy Group and costs related to the U.K. Newspaper Matters. The Company’s Strategy Group
identifies new products and services across its businesses to increase revenues and profitability and
targets and assesses potential acquisitions, investments and dispositions.
Segment EBITDA is defined as revenues less operating expenses and selling, general and administrative
expenses. Segment EBITDA does not include: depreciation and amortization, impairment and restructuring
charges, equity losses of affiliates, interest (expense) income, net, other, net and income tax (expense) benefit.
147
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Segment EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies, since
companies and investors may differ as to what items should be included in the calculation of Segment EBITDA.
Segment EBITDA is the primary measure used by the Company’s chief operating decision maker to evaluate the
performance of and allocate resources within the Company’s businesses. Segment EBITDA provides
management, investors and equity analysts with a measure to analyze the operating performance of each of the
Company’s business segments and its enterprise value against historical data and competitors’ data, although
historical results may not be indicative of future results (as operating performance is highly contingent on many
factors, including customer tastes and preferences).
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Revenues:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 4,956
2,202
1,754
1,159
3
$ 5,119
1,004
1,758
1,141
2
$5,069
494
1,636
938
2
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,074
$ 9,024
$8,139
Segment EBITDA:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment and restructuring charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity losses of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest (expense) income, net
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Income (loss) before income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
417
380
253
384
(190)
(659)
(188)
(17)
(59)
33
354
(126)
$
397
173
239
401
(139)
(472)
(351)
(1,006)
(7)
(324)
(1,089)
(355)
$ 412
123
195
324
(172)
(449)
(927)
(295)
39
135
(615)
(28)
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
228
$(1,444) $ (643)
Depreciation and amortization:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
148
For the fiscal years ended
June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
$223
292
42
97
5
$659
$223
107
52
87
3
$472
$283
32
52
78
4
$449
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the fiscal years
ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Capital expenditures:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$172
307
7
78
8
$173
81
17
78
15
$165
14
11
66
—
Total Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$572
$364
$256
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
Total assets:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 5,482
4,406
2,074
2,229
1,185
335
$ 6,039
4,738
1,898
2,171
1,107
393
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$15,711
$16,346
(a)
The Other segment primarily includes Cash and cash equivalents.
Goodwill and intangible assets, net:
News and Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Subscription Video Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Book Publishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Digital Real Estate Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$2,617
2,595
772
1,589
—
$2,730
2,853
804
1,502
—
Total Goodwill and intangible assets, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$7,573
$7,889
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
149
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Geographic Segments
Revenues:(a)
For the fiscal years
ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
U.S. and Canada(b)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australasia and Other(d)
$ 4,044
1,664
4,366
$3,998
1,766
3,260
$3,880
1,671
2,588
Total Revenues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$10,074
$9,024
$8,139
(a) Revenues are attributed to region based on location of customer.
(b) Revenues include approximately $3.9 billion for fiscal 2019, $3.9 billion for fiscal 2018 and $3.7 billion for
fiscal 2017 from customers in the U.S.
(c) Revenues include approximately $1.3 billion for fiscal 2019, $1.4 billion for fiscal 2018 and $1.3 billion for
fiscal 2017 from customers in the U.K.
(d) Revenues include approximately $4.0 billion for fiscal 2019, $2.9 billion for fiscal 2018 and $2.3 billion for
fiscal 2017 from customers in Australia.
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
Long-lived assets:(a)
U.S. and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Australasia and Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 983
654
1,847
$ 937
682
1,772
Total long-lived assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$3,484
$3,391
(a) Reflects total assets less current assets, goodwill, intangible assets, investments and deferred income tax
assets.
There is no material reliance on any single customer. Revenues are attributed to countries based on location of
customers.
Australasia comprises Australia, Asia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.
150
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 21. ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Other Non-Current Assets
The following table sets forth the components of Other non-current assets included in the Balance Sheets:
Royalty advances to authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Retirement benefit assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$312
$343
135
117
143
155
241
315
Total Other non-current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$930
$831
(a)
Primarily consists of the non-current portion of programming rights.
Other Current Liabilities
The following table sets forth the components of Other current liabilities:
Royalties and commissions payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Allowance for sales returns(a)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current tax payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As of June 30,
2019
2018
(in millions)
$187
$211
—
192
17
22
168
299
Total Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$724
$372
(a) As a result of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard during the first quarter of fiscal 2019,
the Company reclassified the allowance for sales returns from Receivables, net to Other current liabilities.
See Note 2—Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
Other, net
The following table sets forth the components of Other, net included in the Statements of Operations:
For the fiscal years
ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
$ 24 $ — $ —
Dividends received from equity security investments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remeasurement of equity securities(a)
—
(23)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on the Transaction(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . — (337) —
(21)
Impairment of marketable securities and cost method investments(c)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
(33)
—
Gain on sale of SEEKAsia(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
32
—
Gain on sale of Australian property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
16
— 107
Gain on sale of REA Group’s European business(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
49
14
16
Other(f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Total Other, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 33 $(324) $135
151
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) As a result of the adoption of ASU 2016-01 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company has
included the impact from the remeasurement of equity securities in Other, net in the Statement of
Operations for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019. During the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018, the impact
from the remeasurement of equity securities was included in Accumulated other comprehensive loss in the
Balance Sheets.
See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.
For the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, the write-downs of available-for-sale securities were
reclassified out of Accumulated other comprehensive loss and included in Other, net in the Statements of
Operations. See Note 6—Investment.
(b)
(c)
(d) During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company sold its investment in SEEKAsia for $122 million in
(e)
cash and recognized a $32 million gain in Other, net in the Statements of Operations.
The Company recognized a pre-tax gain of $107 million for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2017 related to
REA Group’s sale of its European business. See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.
(f) As a result of the adoption of ASU 2017-07 during the first quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company has
included the other non-service cost components of net periodic benefit (income) cost in Other, net in the
Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017.
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
The following table sets forth the Company’s gross cash paid for taxes and interest:
For the fiscal years
ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
$ 29
160
$ 12
132
$ 82
144
Cash paid for interest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash paid for taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
152
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
The components of Accumulated other comprehensive loss were as follows:
For the fiscal years
ended June 30,
2019
2018
2017
(in millions)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity(a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash flow hedge adjustments:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity(b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
22
(22)
—
4
2
6
$
(5) $
27
22
—
4
4
Benefit Plan Adjustments:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity(c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(309)
(43)
(437)
128
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(352)
(309)
Foreign currency translation adjustments:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity(d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(591)
(189)
(510)
(81)
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(780)
(591)
Share of other comprehensive income from equity affiliates, net:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity(e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
—
—
(12)
12
—
20
(25)
(5)
—
—
—
(445)
8
(437)
(585)
75
(510)
(16)
4
(12)
Total accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Balance, beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal year activity, net of income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(874)
(252)
(964)
90
(1,026)
62
Balance, end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$(1,126) $(874) $ (964)
(a) Net of income tax expense (benefit) of $1 million and ($10) million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2018
and 2017, respectively. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-01, the Company recorded a $22 million decrease to
Accumulated deficit to reclassify the cumulative net unrealized gains (losses) for these investments as of
July 1, 2018.
(b) Net of income tax expense of $1 million, $2 million and nil for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017 respectively.
(c) Net of income tax (benefit) expense of ($10) million, $28 million and $8 million for the fiscal years ended
(d)
June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
Excludes ($58) million, ($42) million and $9 million relating to noncontrolling interests for the fiscal years
ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively.
(e) Net of income tax expense of nil, $5 million, and $2 million for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017, respectively.
153
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 22. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
Balance at
beginning
of year
Additions
Acquisitions
and disposals Utilization
Foreign
exchange
(in millions)
Fiscal 2019
Allowances for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . .
Allowances for sales returns(a) . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2018
Allowances for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . .
Allowances for sales returns . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . .
Fiscal 2017
Allowances for doubtful accounts . . . . . . . .
Allowances for sales returns . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax valuation allowance . . . . . . . . .
$
(46)
(171)
(1,385)
$
(5)
(615)
(53)
$
(42)
(166)
(1,187)
$ (11)
(526)
(409)
$
(43)
(170)
(1,014)
$ (14)
(590)
(92)
$ (10)
—
(122)
$
$
(5)
—
169
(2)
—
(92)
$ 14
593
27
$ 11
519
13
$ 17
594
23
Balance at
end of
year
$
(46)
(192)
(1,468)
$
(46)
(171)
(1,385)
$ 1
1
65
$ 1
2
29
$ — $
—
(12)
(42)
(166)
(1,187)
(a) As a result of the adoption of the new revenue recognition standard during fiscal 2019, the Company
reclassified the allowance for sales returns from Receivables, net to Other current liabilities. See Note 2—
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies.
NOTE 23. QUARTERLY DATA (UNAUDITED)
For convenience purposes, all references to September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 refer to the three
months ended September 30, 2018 and October 1, 2017, respectively. All references to December 31, 2018 and
December 31, 2017 refer to the three months ended December 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017, respectively.
All references to March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2018 refer to the three months ended March 31, 2019 and
April 1, 2018, respectively.
Fiscal 2019
Revenues(a) (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss)(c)
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation
For the three months ended
September 30, December 31, March 31,
June 30,
(in millions, except per share amounts)
$2,524
128
$2,627
119
$ 2,457
23
$2,466
(42)
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
101
95
10
(51)
Income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders per
share—basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 0.17
$ 0.16
$ 0.02
$ (0.09)
Fiscal 2018
Revenues(a) (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss)(d)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) attributable to News Corporation
$2,058
87
$2,180
(66)
$ 2,093
(1,110)
$2,693
(355)
stockholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68
(83)
(1,128)
(371)
Income (loss) available to News Corporation stockholders per
share—basic and diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
$ 0.12
$ (0.14)
$ (1.94) $ (0.64)
154
NEWS CORPORATION
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(a) Revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 and for the three months ended June 30, 2018 includes the
impact of the consolidation of Foxtel.
(b) Revenue for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 reflects the adoption of the new revenue recognition
standard. See Note 3—Revenues.
(c) Net income (loss) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2019 includes the impact of the following items:
•
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$87 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill at a reporting unit within the News and
Information Services segment. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
(d) Net income (loss) for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2018 includes the impact of the following items:
•
•
•
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized a $957 million non-cash write-down
of the carrying value of its investment in Foxtel. See Note 6—Investments.
During the third quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company recognized non-cash impairment charges of
$225 million primarily related to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets at the News
America Marketing reporting unit and impairment of goodwill at the FOX SPORTS Australia reporting
unit. See Note 8—Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets.
During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018, the loss on the Transaction primarily relates to the Company’s,
settlement of its pre-existing contractual arrangement between Foxtel and FOX SPORTS Australia
which resulted in a $317 million write-off of its channel distribution agreement intangible asset at the
time of the Transaction. See Note 4—Acquisitions, Disposals and Other Transactions.
NOTE 24. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
In August 2019, the Company declared a semi-annual cash dividend of $0.10 per share for Class A Common
Stock and Class B Common Stock. This dividend is payable on October 16, 2019 to stockholders of record as of
September 11, 2019.
155
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
None
ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Disclosure Controls and Procedures
The Company’s management, with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as such
term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the
“Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this Annual Report. Based on such evaluation, the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such
period, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective in recording, processing, summarizing
and reporting on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or
submits under the Exchange Act and were effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by the
Company in the reports it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the
Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as
appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
Management’s report and the report of the independent registered public accounting firm thereon are set forth on
pages 77 and 78, respectively, and are incorporated herein by reference.
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There has been no change in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in
Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the Company’s fourth quarter of the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2019 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s
internal control over financial reporting.
ITEM 9B. OTHER INFORMATION
None
156
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this item with respect to the Company’s Directors is contained in the Proxy
Statement for the Company’s 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the
SEC under the heading “Proposal No. 1: Election of Directors” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual
Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the Company’s executive officers is contained in the Proxy
Statement under the heading “Executive Officers of News Corporation” and is incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the Company’s Standards of Business Conduct is contained
in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate Governance Matters—Corporate Governance Policies” and
is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the procedures by which security holders may recommend
nominees to the Board of Directors is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate
Governance Matters—Stockholder Recommendation of Director Candidates” and is incorporated by reference in
this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the Company’s Audit Committee, including the Audit
Committee’s members and its financial expert, is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Corporate
Governance Matters—Board Committees” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this item with respect to executive compensation and director compensation is
contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Compensation Discussion and Analysis,” “Executive
Compensation,” “Pay Ratio” and “Director Compensation,” respectively, and is incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to compensation committee interlocks and insider
participation is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Compensation Committee Interlocks and
Insider Participation” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The compensation committee report required by this item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading
“Report of the Compensation Committee” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to compensation policies and practices as they relate to the
Company’s risk management is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Risks Related to
Compensation Policies and Practices” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The information required by this item with respect to securities authorized for issuance under the Company’s
equity compensation plans is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Equity Compensation Plan
Information” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to the security ownership of certain beneficial owners and
management is contained in the Proxy Statement under the heading “Security Ownership of News Corporation”
and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
157
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR
INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this item with respect to transactions with related persons is contained in the Proxy
Statement under the heading “Corporate Governance Matters—Related Person Transactions Policy” and is
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
The information required by this item with respect to director independence is contained in the Proxy Statement
under the headings “Corporate Governance Matters—Director Independence” and “Corporate Governance
Matters—Board Committees” and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this item is contained in the Proxy Statement under the headings “Fees Paid to
Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm” and “Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policies and Procedures”
and is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report.
158
ITEM 15. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
(a)
The following documents are filed as part of this report:
PART IV
1.
2.
3.
The Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements required to be filed as part of this Annual Report
and the Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm are included in Part II, Item 8.
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
All other financial statement schedules are omitted because the required information is not
applicable, or because the information called for is included in the Company’s Consolidated
Financial Statements or the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Exhibits—The exhibits listed under Part (b) below are filed or incorporated by reference as part of
this Annual Report. A “±” identifies each management contract or compensatory plan or
arrangement required to be filed as an exhibit to this Annual Report, and such listing is incorporated
herein by reference.
(b)
Exhibits
Exhibit
Number
2.1
2.2
2.3
2.4
2.5
3.1
3.2
4.1
Exhibit Description
Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated June 28, 2013, among News Corporation, New News
Corporation and News Corp Holdings UK & Ireland. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the
Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on July 3, 2013.)
Partial Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated as of March 18, 2019, among Twenty-First
Century Fox, Inc., Fox Corporation, News Corporation and News Corp Holdings UK & Ireland, in
respect of the Separation and Distribution Agreement, dated June 28, 2013 (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 2.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File
No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2019.)
Tax Sharing and Indemnification Agreement, dated June 28, 2013, between News Corporation and
New News Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.3 to the Current Report of News
Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 3, 2013.)
FOX SPORTS Trade Mark Licence. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.5 to the Current Report
of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on July 3, 2013.)
FOX Trade Mark Licence. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 2.6 to the Current Report of News
Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on July 3, 2013.)
Restated Certificate of Incorporation of News Corporation. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Amended and Restated By-laws of News Corporation, effective February 25, 2019. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File
No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2019.)
Third Amended and Restated Rights Agreement, dated as of June 18, 2018, between News
Corporation and Computershare Trust Company, N.A., as Rights Agent. (Incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 18, 2018.)
159
Exhibit
Number
4.2
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
Exhibit Description
Description of News Corporation’s Securities.*
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated May 9, 2019, between News Corporation and
Robert Thomson. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Quarterly Report of News
Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on May 10, 2019.)±
Employment Agreement, dated February 23, 2017, between News Corporation and Susan Panuccio.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on
Form 10-Q (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10,
2017.)±
Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated November 9, 2017, between News
Corporation and David Pitofsky. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report
of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on November 13, 2017.)±
News Corporation 2013 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective August 6,
2014. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on
Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 11,
2014.)±
News Corp Restoration Plan, amended and restated as of February 11, 2019. (Incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File
No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 10, 2019.)±
Letter Agreement, dated June 27, 2014, from News Corporation to K. Rupert Murdoch.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on
Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 14,
2014.)±
Form of Agreement for Cash-Settled Performance Stock Units under the News Corporation 2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to the Annual Report of News
Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on August 12, 2016.)±
Form of Agreement for Stock-Settled Performance Stock Units under the News Corporation 2013
Long-Term Incentive Plan. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Annual Report of
News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission on August 12, 2016.)±
Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2013, among News Corporation, as borrower, the lenders
named therein, the initial issuing banks named therein, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank,
N.A. as co-administrative agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as designated agent, Commonwealth
Bank of Australia as syndication agent and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, Citigroup Global Markets
Inc. and Commonwealth Bank of Australia as joint lead arrangers and joint bookrunners.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K
(File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2013.)
10.10
Amendment No. 1, dated as of October 23, 2015, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23,
2013, among News Corporation, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as co-administrative agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
designated agent, and the other parties thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Current Report of News Corporation on Form 8-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on October 26, 2015.)
160
Exhibit
Number
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
10.15
10.16
10.17
10.18
10.19
10.20
Exhibit Description
Amendment No. 2, dated as of July 13, 2016, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23, 2013,
among the Company, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan Chase
Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as co-administrative agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
designated agent, and the other parties thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2016.)
Amendment No. 3, dated as of March 29, 2018, to the Credit Agreement, dated as of October 23,
2013, among the Company, as borrower, the lenders from time to time party thereto, JPMorgan
Chase Bank, N.A. and Citibank, N.A., as co-administrative agents, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as
designated agent, and the other parties thereto. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the
Quarterly Report of News Corporation on Form 10-Q (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on May 11, 2018.)
Syndicated Revolving Facility Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2014, among Foxtel Management Pty
Limited and Foxtel Finance Pty Limited, as initial borrowers, the initial financiers named therein and
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as facility agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 to
the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Amendment Letter, dated as of June 12, 2015, in respect of the Syndicated Revolving Facility
Agreement, dated as of June 17, 2014, among Foxtel Management Pty Limited and Foxtel Finance
Pty Limited, as initial borrowers, the initial financiers named therein and Commonwealth Bank of
Australia, as facility agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 to the Annual Report of News
Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
on August 15, 2018.)
Syndicated Revolving Facility Agreement, dated as of June 12, 2015, among Foxtel Management Pty
Limited and Foxtel Finance Pty Limited, as initial borrowers, the initial financiers named therein and
Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as facility agent. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 to
the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Syndicated Revolving Facility Agreement, dated as of September 12, 2016, among Foxtel
Management Pty Limited and Foxtel Finance Pty Limited, as initial borrowers, the initial financiers
named therein and Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as facility agent. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.22 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Multi-Option Facility Agreement, dated as of June 30, 2017, among Foxtel Management Pty
Limited, Foxtel Finance Pty Limited and the other original borrowers listed therein and
Commonwealth of Bank of Australia, as the original lender. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.23 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Common Terms Deed Poll, dated as of April 10, 2012, made by Foxtel Management Pty Ltd and the
other parties thereto acting as initial guarantors in favor of the finance parties defined therein.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.24 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Guarantee Deed Poll, dated as of April 3, 2018, made by each of the parties thereto acting as
guarantors in favor of the finance parties defined therein. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.25
to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Note and Guarantee Agreement, dated as of September 24, 2009, among Foxtel Management Pty
Limited, Sky Cable Pty Limited, Foxtel Media Pty Limited (formerly Telstra Media Pty Limited) and
others. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.26 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
161
Exhibit
Number
10.21
10.22
10.23
10.24
10.25
21.1
23.1
31.1
31.2
32.1
101
Exhibit Description
Waiver, Consent and Amendment Number 1, to the Note and Guarantee Agreement, dated as of
September 24, 2009 among Foxtel Management Pty Limited, Sky Cable Pty Limited, Foxtel Media
Pty Limited (formerly Telstra Media Pty Limited) and others. (Incorporated by reference to
Exhibit 10.27 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form 10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Notice of Security Release and Amendment Number 2, to the Note and Guarantee Agreement, dated
as of September 24, 2009 (as amended from time to time), among Foxtel Management Pty Limited,
Sky Cable Pty Limited, Foxtel Media Pty Limited (formerly Telstra Media Pty Limited) and others.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Deed of Guarantee dated September 24, 2009 executed by each entity listed in Annex 1 thereto.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Note and Guarantee Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2012, among Foxtel Management Pty Limited,
Sky Cable Pty Limited, Foxtel Media Pty Limited (formerly Telstra Media Pty Limited) and others.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
Deed of Guarantee dated July 25, 2012 executed by each entity listed in Annex 1 thereto.
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Annual Report of News Corporation on Form
10-K (File No. 001-35769) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 15, 2018.)
List of Subsidiaries.*
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP with respect to News Corporation.*
Chief Executive Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
Chief Financial Officer Certification required by Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14 under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.*
Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002.**
The following financial information from the Registrant’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended June 30, 2019 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language):
(i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017;
(ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018
and 2017; (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2019 and 2018; (iv) Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017; (v) Consolidated
Statements of Equity for the fiscal years ended June 30, 2019, 2018 and 2017; and (vi) Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements.*
*
Filed herewith
** Furnished herewith
± Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement
ITEM 16. FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.
162
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has
duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
SIGNATURES
NEWS CORPORATION
(Registrant)
By:
/s/ Susan Panuccio
Susan Panuccio
Chief Financial Officer
Date: August 13, 2019
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the
following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
Signature
Title
Date
/s/ Robert J. Thomson
Robert J. Thomson
Chief Executive Officer and Director
(Principal Executive Officer)
August 13, 2019
/s/ Susan Panuccio
Susan Panuccio
/s/ Kevin P. Halpin
Kevin P. Halpin
/s/ K. Rupert Murdoch
K. Rupert Murdoch
/s/ Lachlan K. Murdoch
Lachlan K. Murdoch
/s/ Kelly Ayotte
Kelly Ayotte
/s/ José María Aznar
José María Aznar
/s/ Natalie Bancroft
Natalie Bancroft
/s/ Peter L. Barnes
Peter L. Barnes
/s/ Joel I. Klein
Joel I. Klein
/s/ James R. Murdoch
James R. Murdoch
/s/ Ana Paula Pessoa
Ana Paula Pessoa
/s/ Masroor Siddiqui
Masroor Siddiqui
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
August 13, 2019
Principal Accounting Officer
August 13, 2019
Executive Chairman
August 13, 2019
Co-Chairman
August 13, 2019
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
163
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
August 13, 2019
Stock Performance
The following graph compares the cumulative total return to stockholders of a $100 investment in News Corp’s Class A
Common Stock and Class B Common Stock (which trade on The Nasdaq Global Select Market (“Nasdaq”), their principal
market, under the symbols “NWSA” and “NWS,” respectively) for the five-year period from July 1, 2014 through
June 30, 2019 with a similar investment in the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index, the S&P Australia BMI Media
(Subsector) Index and the S&P 1500 Media Index, and assumes reinvestment of dividends.
Cumulative Total Return for Five-Year Period
Ended June 30, 2019
$180
$180
$195
$160
$160
$175
$140
$140
$155
$120
$120
$135
$100
$100
$115
$80
$80
$95
$60
$60
$75
2014
NWSA
NWSA
NWS
NWS
S&P 500
S&P 500
NWSA
NWS
S&P 500
S&P Australia BMI Media
S&P 1500 Media
7/1/2014 6/30/2015 6/30/2016 6/30/2017 6/30/2018 6/30/2019
$100
$100
$100
$100
$100
$81
$82
$64
$68
$79
$84
$107
$112
$132
$73
$87
$89
$113
$108
$126
$90
$95
$151
$109
$126
$80
$85
$166
$102
$149
2015
2016
2017
S&P 1500 Media
2018
2019
S&P 1500 Media
S&P Australia BMI Media
S&P Australia BMI Media
Information on News Corp’s Common Stock
For the beneficial ownership of News Corp’s Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock as of August 30, 2019 of:
(i) each person who is known by News Corp to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding shares of Class B Common
Stock; (ii) each Director and Director nominee; (iii) each named executive officer (as defined under SEC rules) of News Corp; and
(iv) all Directors and executive officers of News Corp as a group, please refer to News Corp’s Proxy Statement for its 2019 Annual
Meeting of Stockholders under the heading “Security Ownership of News Corporation.” As of August 30, 2019, there were
199,630,240 shares of Class B Common Stock outstanding and 388,476,978 shares of Class A Common Stock outstanding,
approximately 514 holders of record of Class B Common Stock and 19,295 holders of record of Class A Common Stock and
approximately 13,968 holders of record of Class B CDIs and 3,413 holders of record of Class A CDIs. In addition, as of August 30,
2019, there were 139 holders of 316,351 options over Class A Common Stock.
Each share of Class B Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote per share on all matters on which stockholders have the
right to vote. Each share of Class A Common Stock entitles the holder to one vote per share only in the limited circumstances
set forth in News Corp’s Restated Certificate of Incorporation.
Distribution of stockholders and CDI holders of record
The following information is provided as of August 30, 2019:
Size of holding
1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
100,001 and above
Class B Common Stock
Class A Common Stock
13,690
678
52
44
18
22,448
222
17
11
10
Based on the market prices of each class of the Company’s Common Stock on August 30, 2019, there were approximately
3,264 holders holding less than a marketable parcel of Class B Common Stock (including CDIs) and approximately 18,082
holders holding less than a marketable parcel of Class A Common Stock (including CDIs).
Top twenty stockholders and CDI holders
The following information regarding the top twenty stockholders of record and CDI holders of record is based on information provided
by News Corp’s transfer agent as of August 30, 2019:
Class B Common Stock
No. Name
No. of
shares held
% of issued
share capital
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
CEDE & CO
CHESS DEPOSITARY NOMINEES PTY LIMITED
ANN T P ALLEN-STEVENS
KENNETH B ULLMAN
CHARLES WILSON
WILLIAM A O’NEILL TR UA 04/01/2003 THE O’NEILL FAMILY TRUST
JENNIFER ANN THORPE
STEVEN JOHN BROWN
DR BRAHMAVAR RAMANNA SADANANDA
ERIC LIPMAN
RAYMOND R CRANBOURNE
JULIE BAUMGOLD
SHERWIN D FINLAY + JOYCE C FINLAY JT TEN
THE CHISHOLM WHITNEY FAMILY
THE PUBLIC TR A/C LJOHNSONNO3
BRIAN ROBERT GAMBLE & SANDRA ELAINE GAMBLE & KEITH GEORGE SAVORY
SUSAN JANE CAREY
17
18 WENDY GILBERT
19
20
CLARKS POTTERIES LTD
JACKY BROWN
Class A Common Stock
No. Name
1
2
3
4
5
6
CEDE & CO
CHESS DEPOSITARY NOMINEES PTY LIMITED
ELIAN EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUSTEE LTD
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