News Corporation (NWSLV.AX) Q4 2024 Earnings Report

News Corporation delivered a USD 2.58 billion revenue quarter (QQ4 2024), with a year-over-year growth rate of 5.9% and a strong sequential rebound of 29.2% quarter-over-quarter. Despite a robust top line, net income remained modest at USD 50 million, implying a margin structure pressured by elevated other expenses and SG&A, which collectively weighed on profitability. EBITDA stood at USD 320 million (12.4% EBITDA margin) and operating income was USD 188 million (7.3% margin), underscoring a business with solid cash generative capability but a cost base that requires further optimization to translate into higher bottom-line profitability.

The company generated USD 254 million of operating cash flow and USD 111 million of free cash flow in the quarter, supported by a healthy liquidity position (USD 1.96 billion in cash) and a modest net debt burden (~USD 2.09 billion). Balance sheet metrics reflect conservative leverage with a current ratio of 1.43 and an interest coverage of 10.4x, suggesting resilience against near-term liquidity stress. However, the reported net income margin of 1.94% and a high level of other expenses (USD 1.45 billion) indicate that profitability hinges on ongoing cost discipline and potential optimization of non-operating cost lines.

Management commentary from the earnings materials is not included in the provided data set, so quotes and specific call-out guidance are not available. Given the diversified asset base—ranging from Dow Jones and News Media to real estate services and subscription content—the company possesses multiple channels to drive sustainable cash flow and monetize its premium content ecosystem. Absent explicit forward guidance, the assessment favors a cautious stance: modest revenue growth paired with disciplined cost management and potential margin expansion through operating efficiency and monetization of high-margin franchises.