In a surprising turn of events, media mogul Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp announced on Thursday that it had exceeded its quarterly profit estimates, attributing the achievement to its strategic cost-cutting endeavors and promising prospects in the realm of generative artificial intelligence (AI). This development marks a significant milestone for the company, as digital revenue for the first time accounted for more than half of News Corp’s total revenue over the course of the fiscal year.
During a conference call, Chief Executive Robert Thomson emphasized the momentum gained in the era of generative AI. He highlighted the remarkable opportunity that this technology presents for creating a fresh stream of revenues, while simultaneously enabling substantial cost reductions across the organization. News Corp is currently engaged in negotiations to leverage AI for the valuation of its content and Intellectual Property, a move that underlines its commitment to harnessing cutting-edge technology for future growth.
Concurrently, a parallel narrative unfolds in the world of news media. Just last month, the venerable Associated Press (AP) struck a deal to license a portion of its extensive archive of news stories to OpenAI, the parent company of ChatGPT, for application in generative AI-generated narratives. This convergence of traditional news agencies and advanced AI technology exemplifies a synergy that could redefine the landscape of media production.
In the financial realm, News Corp’s resilience is evident as its better-than-anticipated digital subscription revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter managed to offset an 11.5% decline in advertising revenue. The company’s diverse portfolio, including its professional information business encompassing data and analytics platforms like the Oil Price Information Service, contributed to a commendable 10% increase in revenue.
In an interview, CEO Thomson offered a promising outlook, highlighting positive indicators such as diminishing inflation, stabilizing interest rates, and nascent signs of recovery in the housing market. These factors collectively fuel optimism regarding the forthcoming quarters, implying that News Corp is well-poised to navigate the lingering economic downturn.
Excluding extraordinary items, News Corp reported earnings of 14 cents per share in the June quarter, significantly surpassing the consensus estimate of 8 cents showing profit. This substantial beat can be attributed in part to the organization’s rigorous cost-cutting initiatives, including a 5% reduction in its workforce. The quarter’s revenue stood at $2.43 billion, marking a 9% decline compared to the corresponding period the previous year.
Despite these achievements, the market response was somewhat muted. News Corp’s stock, which had experienced a 12% ascent since the start of the year, exhibited marginal fluctuations following the announcement. However, this performance remains consistent with that of industry peers, as evidenced by the recent positive forecasts from New York Times Co. and Fox Corp., both of which surpassed market projections in their advertising revenues this week.
This newfound stability within the media and advertising sectors is being interpreted as an early harbinger of potential economic recovery. As businesses cautiously resume their operations, the resurgence in advertising revenues could signify a broader rejuvenation of economic activity.
In conclusion, News Corp’s quarterly results underscore a triumphant convergence of strategic cost-saving measures, innovative AI integration, and partnerships with industry stalwarts. With its commitment to technological advancement and a diversified revenue stream, As it outpaces profit estimates, News Corp stands resilient in the face of economic challenges, poised to navigate the future with confidence.
Source: Reuters
