Fox to Raise $1.2 Billion After Saying Coronavirus May Have ‘Material’ Impact on Earnings

The news business has been good, but postponed sporting events and other productions are having the opposite impact

Sean Hannity Fox News
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Fox says it plans to raise $1.2 billion through the sale of senior notes and use the money “for general corporate purposes.”

Hey, everyone needs a little extra cash these days.

Earlier on Tuesday, Fox became the latest major media corporation to tamp down any optimistic financial expectations. As a general rule, Fox does not provide actual financial guidance, so there were technically no specifics to alter.

While Fox News has been a bright spot as viewers flock to the network for information on the pandemic, a number of canceled or postponed sporting events are threatening to offset those gains. And then there are just regular TV and film productions that are on hiatus as social distancing has become our new normal.

“The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and measures to prevent its spread are affecting the macroeconomic environment, as well as the business of Fox Corporation, in a number of ways,” the company said in a Tuesday SEC filing. “For example, while the company’s national news ratings remain strong, sports events for which the company has broadcast rights have been cancelled or postponed and the production of certain entertainment content the Company acquires has been suspended. The magnitude of the impacts will depend on the duration and extent of COVID-19 and the effect of governmental actions and consumer behavior in response to the pandemic and such governmental actions.”

“The evolving and uncertain nature of this situation makes it challenging for the company to estimate the future performance of its businesses, particularly over the near to medium term, including the supply and demand for its services, its cash flows and its current and future advertising revenues,” it continued. “However, the impact of COVID-19 could have a material adverse effect on the company’s business, financial condition or results of operations over the near to medium term.”

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