Summary of Fox Corporation 2026 Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Fox Corporation (NasdaqGS: FOX) - **Date of Conference**: March 02, 2026 - **Speaker**: Lachlan Murdoch, Executive Chairman and CEO Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Media and Entertainment - **Key Focus Areas**: News, Sports, Digital Platforms, Advertising, Direct-to-Consumer Services Strategic Priorities - **Business Performance**: Fox has experienced record revenue and profitability across various segments, including sports, news, and Tubi, indicating strong operational performance [12][13][14] - **Digital Expansion**: Emphasis on digital platforms, particularly FOX One and Tubi, as key growth areas. The focus is on direct-to-consumer strategies and enhancing advertising revenue [16][17] - **News Coverage**: Investment in news gathering is crucial, with Fox News achieving its highest Saturday ratings in over 23 years, highlighting the importance of timely and skilled news coverage [14][16] Financial Performance - **Stock Performance**: The stock has had a choppy period recently, but overall business performance remains strong [12][13] - **Share Buybacks**: Fox has a buyback capacity of $12 billion, with approximately $8.6 billion executed to date, indicating a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [25][26] - **Advertising Revenue**: Strong growth in advertising, particularly for Fox News, with over 200 new advertisers attracted due to competitive CPM rates [75][76] Market Position and Competition - **Scale vs. Focus**: Fox does not believe in scale for its own sake, preferring to focus on core competencies in news and sports rather than expanding into less profitable areas [30][31] - **Competitive Landscape**: Fox News continues to outperform competitors like CNN and MSNBC, with a strong audience base and engagement metrics [34][75] Challenges and Risks - **Subscriber Declines**: Traditional pay TV subscriber declines are improving, with a reported decline of just under 6.5%, but the sustainability of this trend remains uncertain [41][44] - **NFL Negotiations**: Concerns about potential renegotiations of NFL contracts, but Fox maintains a strong relationship with the NFL and believes current pricing is market-competitive [38][39] Digital and Streaming Initiatives - **Tubi's Growth**: Tubi has seen a 27% growth in total viewing time and is EBITDA positive, benefiting from a large content library and strong advertising engagement [97][100] - **FOX One Launch**: Launched in August 2025, FOX One has exceeded expectations in subscriber growth and engagement, with users watching an average of 10 hours per week [62][64] Future Outlook - **Political Advertising**: Anticipation of strong political advertising revenues in the upcoming election cycle, with Tubi expected to attract significant political ad dollars due to its targeted audience [90][92] - **Sports Betting**: Fox holds a 2.5% stake in Flutter and an 18.6% option in FanDuel, viewing sports betting as a valuable growth area, while emphasizing the need for regulatory guardrails [116][120] Conclusion - **Overall Performance**: Fox Corporation is positioned strongly across its various segments, with a focus on digital growth, advertising revenue, and maintaining a competitive edge in news and sports [123][125]

Core Insights - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry is experiencing growth driven by premiumization and digital momentum, with consumers favoring high-quality, performance-driven products that enhance brand loyalty [1][5][6] - However, the industry is facing challenges such as elevated promotional activity, excess inventory, and rising input costs, which are pressuring margins and profitability [2][7] - Future growth will rely on continued innovation, enhanced digital infrastructure, and deeper consumer engagement, with established brands well-positioned to navigate challenges [3] Industry Overview - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry includes companies that design, source, and market clothing, footwear, and accessories for various demographics [4] - Product offerings primarily consist of athletic and casual footwear, fashion apparel, and sports equipment, distributed through branded outlets and various retail channels [4] Key Trends - **Premiumization & Performance Innovation**: The industry benefits from a shift towards premium products, with consumers prioritizing functionality and comfort, leading to higher price points and stronger margins [5] - **Direct-to-Consumer Expansion & Digital Acceleration**: Brands are investing in e-commerce and data analytics to enhance customer relationships and improve inventory efficiency, positioning the industry for sustainable growth [6] Challenges - **Margin Pressure From Promotions & Cost Inflation**: Elevated promotional activity and excess inventory are forcing brands to sacrifice pricing power, while rising input costs continue to impact profitability [7] - Consumer demand remains volatile due to macroeconomic uncertainty, affecting revenue stability and earnings growth [2][7] Industry Performance - The Zacks Shoes and Retail Apparel industry has underperformed compared to the broader Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 18.9% over the past year [11] - The industry currently holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 89, placing it in the top 37% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating positive earnings outlook [8][10] Valuation - The industry is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 25.94X, higher than the S&P 500's 22.72X and the sector's 17.54X, reflecting a premium valuation [14] Notable Companies - **Carter's**: Focused on essential products for children, adapting pricing strategies to boost profitability, with a projected sales growth of 4.5% for 2026 [15][16] - **NIKE**: Leveraging its Consumer Direct Acceleration strategy to enhance competitiveness, with a sales growth estimate of 1.1% for fiscal 2026 [19][20] - **adidas**: Benefiting from strong demand and improved margins, with projected sales growth of 8.3% for 2026 [21][22] - **Birkenstock**: Expanding into higher-priced designs while maintaining strong demand, with projected sales growth of 19.4% for 2026 [26][27] - **Caleres**: Improving its investment case through strong brand momentum and cost management, with projected sales growth of 5.7% for 2026 [30][31]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - ODDITY reported a record revenue of $810 million for 2025, representing a 25% increase year-over-year [4][21] - Adjusted EBITDA reached $163 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 20.2%, consistent with long-term targets [4][21] - The company experienced a gross margin of 70.5% in Q4, which compressed by 220 basis points year-over-year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - IL MAKIAGE generated approximately $560 million in revenue, with low double-digit growth, and IL MAKIAGE SKIN accounted for about 40% of brand revenue [6][7] - SpoiledChild achieved approximately $250 million in revenue, marking a strong performance for a brand launched only four years ago [7] - The launch of Methodic, a medical telehealth platform, is off to a promising start, focusing on dermatological treatments [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - ODDITY's international revenue grew by 42%, representing 17.5% of overall net revenue for 2025 [7] - The company noted that many competitors generate over 65% of their net sales from international markets, highlighting ODDITY's growth potential [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - ODDITY is focused on leveraging its platform and technology to expand into new product categories and brands, with significant investments in ODDITY Labs and tech infrastructure [5][9] - The company aims to address consumer pain points with high-performance products and has a robust product development pipeline [9][10] - Despite challenges in user acquisition costs, ODDITY remains committed to its long-term growth strategy and online distribution model [17][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged unprecedented increases in user acquisition costs due to algorithm changes from a major advertising partner, impacting new user acquisition efficiency [12][13] - The company expects a negative impact on 2026 financial results, particularly in the first half, but does not foresee a structural issue in its business model [17][18] - Management remains optimistic about returning to growth and believes the current challenges are temporary [36][38] Other Important Information - ODDITY ended the year with $776 million in cash and cash equivalents, positioning itself well for future investments and potential stock buybacks [22] - The company is navigating a situation where current customer acquisition costs are significantly higher than historical levels, affecting profitability on first orders [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about LTV changes and user acquisition issues - Management noted that the issue was first observed in the second half of 2025 and worsened in 2026, with ongoing efforts to address it while maintaining the try-before-you-buy model [28][29][30] Question: Concerns about guidance and user acquisition shifts - Management confirmed no change in strategy towards online distribution and expressed confidence in returning to growth despite current challenges [34][36] Question: Discussion on advertising spend strategy - Management emphasized the need to balance spending to feed algorithms while managing costs effectively during high CPA periods [41][43] Question: Clarification on changes within the acquisition funnel - Management explained that the dislocation affects multiple brands and highlighted the importance of maintaining a diversified advertising strategy [51][52] Question: Strength in international opportunities and brand launches - Management reported strong initial success with the Methodic brand and emphasized the need for user acquisition to support growth [59][60]

Core Viewpoint - Expedia forecasts 2026 gross bookings and revenue to exceed Wall Street expectations, driven by strong demand from business clients [1] Group 1: Financial Projections - Gross bookings for 2026 are expected to be between $127 billion and $129 billion, surpassing analysts' average estimate of $125.95 billion [1] - Annual revenue is projected to be in the range of $15.6 billion to $16 billion, with the midpoint exceeding analysts' estimate of $15.69 billion [1] Group 2: Business Segment Performance - The business-to-business (B2B) segment has seen growth due to new client additions, including airlines and offline travel agents [1] - Gross bookings in the B2B division increased by 24% in the fourth quarter, compared to a 5% increase in the direct-to-consumer unit [1] Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - Cost-conscious travelers are driving demand for online travel agencies, seeking value through deals and discounts [1] - Expedia reported a 70% increase in partners participating in Black Friday sales, with 30% of fourth-quarter bookings coming from discounted inventory [1] Group 4: Financial Performance - Adjusted profit for the fourth quarter was $3.78 per share, up from $2.39 per share a year earlier [1] - Total revenue for the fourth quarter rose by 11.4% to $3.54 billion [1]

Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. is experiencing delays in its transition to a hybrid distribution model, now expected to be completed by the end of 2026 instead of early 2026 [3][9] - The company has incurred higher distribution costs due to the continued operation of its Hebron facility while transitioning to the Groveport site, contributing to a 2.6% increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses in Q4 [4][9] - Despite the setbacks, the company remains confident in its strategy, citing a successful similar transition in Europe as a model for the U.S. [5][6] Financial Performance - The transition challenges have led to increased distribution costs, which are anticipated to persist into the first half of 2026 [4] - The company reported double-digit revenue growth in Europe during the previous quarter, indicating successful execution of its distribution strategy there [6] Strategic Focus - The company is focused on improving direct-to-consumer (DTC) margins, which are seen as a key driver for overall company margins [7] - Efforts to optimize product mix and reduce lead times are part of the strategy to enhance DTC operations [6]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net bookings of $1.76 billion for Q3 2026, exceeding the high end of guidance by a significant margin [7][17] - GAAP net revenue increased by 25% to $1.7 billion, while cost of revenue rose by 26% to $754 million [18] - Operating expenses increased by 10% to $984 million, with management basis operating expenses rising by 13% year-over-year [18][21] - The company raised its full fiscal year net bookings outlook to $6.65-$6.7 billion, representing an 18% growth compared to fiscal 2025 [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobile business saw a 19% year-over-year increase, with Toon Blast growing by 43% and Match Factory by 17% [8][18] - NBA 2K series grew by 30%, while Grand Theft Auto Online increased by 27% [10][18] - Recurrent consumer spending rose by 23%, accounting for 76% of net bookings [17][19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobile direct-to-consumer business achieved its strongest quarter on record, driven by enhancements in personalized offers and flexible pricing [9] - Advertising revenues grew by 10% year-over-year, supported by higher average revenue per daily active user [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on leveraging AI technologies to drive efficiencies and enhance creative processes [12][28] - The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to significantly impact future financial performance and establish a higher financial baseline [12][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ongoing momentum of the business and projected record levels of net bookings for fiscal 2027 [12][23] - The company anticipates that the release schedule will drive sequential growth next year, establishing a new baseline for future performance [62] Other Important Information - The company plans to support organic growth while remaining selective in pursuing inorganic growth opportunities [41] - The regulatory environment is becoming more favorable for direct-to-consumer strategies, which are expected to enhance margins [35][89] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about AI's impact on the business - Management clarified that the video game industry has always utilized machine learning and AI, and they are optimistic about the opportunities AI presents for efficiency and creativity [26][27] Question: Mobile business growth initiatives - Management highlighted the importance of creating hits in the mobile space and the success of their Zynga team in doing so [32][33] Question: Engagement and monetization strategies for NBA 2K - Management emphasized the importance of continuous consumer engagement and the potential for international expansion as key growth opportunities [45][48] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management outlined three main uses for capital: supporting organic growth, pursuing selective acquisitions, and returning capital to shareholders [41][42] Question: Future of GTA Online post-GTA VI release - Management indicated that they will continue to support GTA Online, as the community remains engaged and responsive to new content [58] Question: Mobile advertising growth - Management attributed the growth in mobile advertising to the strategic addition of ad units and effective monetization without disrupting user experience [56]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net bookings of $1.76 billion for Q3 FY2026, significantly exceeding the high end of guidance [5][15] - Full-year net bookings outlook has been raised to $6.65 billion - $6.7 billion, representing an 18% growth compared to FY2025 [5][17] - Recurrent consumer spending rose 23% year-over-year, accounting for 76% of net bookings [15][16] - GAAP net revenue increased by 25% to $1.7 billion, while operating expenses rose by 10% to $984 million [15][16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobile business saw a 19% year-over-year increase, with Toon Blast growing 43% and Match Factory increasing by 17% [6][15] - NBA 2K series grew 30%, while Grand Theft Auto Online increased by 27% [9][16] - Advertising revenues grew by 10% year-over-year, driven by higher average revenue per daily active user [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The mobile direct-to-consumer business achieved its strongest quarter on record, with enhancements leading to more personalized offers and flexible pricing [8] - The NBA 2K franchise is on track to generate the highest level of annual net bookings and recurrent consumer spending in its history [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on creativity, innovation, and efficiency, with generative AI being embraced to drive efficiencies and enhance creative processes [11][25] - The upcoming release of Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to significantly impact future financial performance, with marketing efforts set to begin in summer [11][70] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business momentum and projected record levels of net bookings in FY2027, driven by a robust release schedule [11][20] - The company aims to democratize access to its products, ensuring that interactive entertainment remains affordable for consumers [70] Other Important Information - The company plans to support organic growth while also pursuing selective acquisitions that align with its strategy [40][64] - The regulatory environment is becoming more favorable for direct-to-consumer initiatives, which are expected to enhance margins [32][86] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about AI's impact on the business - Management clarified that the video game industry has always utilized machine learning and AI, and they are optimistic about the opportunities AI presents for efficiency and creativity [24][25] Question: Mobile business performance and initiatives - Management highlighted the success of mobile titles and the importance of creating hits, emphasizing the role of talent and data-driven decisions [28][30] Question: Engagement and monetization strategies for NBA 2K - Management noted that success stems from constant consumer engagement and attention to detail, with opportunities for international expansion and higher monetization [44][46] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management outlined three uses of capital: supporting organic growth, pursuing selective acquisitions, and returning capital to shareholders through buybacks [39][40] Question: GTA Online's future post-GTA VI release - Management indicated that support for GTA Online will continue, as engagement remains strong and new content updates drive player interest [56] Question: User-generated content and marketplace opportunities - Management expressed interest in user-generated content and the potential for tools that facilitate this engagement, while emphasizing the importance of high-quality entertainment [79]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant comp increase of 9% for the quarter, building on a 10% comp from the previous year, indicating strong sales momentum [11][14] - Online sales rebounded with a 9% comp increase, while store comps were up 10%, showcasing a balanced recovery across channels [11][12] - Johnston & Murphy also achieved positive comps, contributing to overall positive performance across all business lines [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys achieved a remarkable 12% comp increase, following a 14% increase last year, driven by full-price selling and a strong assortment [12] - The schuh business in the U.K. reported a 6% comp increase, although it faced a more promotional environment [12] - Johnston & Murphy's performance was bolstered by newness in the assortment, particularly in apparel, which became a key driver of sales [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains volatile, with consumers being more selective and responsive to newness and freshness in products [8][9] - Price increases have been accepted by consumers, with double-digit growth observed in certain categories, indicating a shift in shopping behavior [9][10] - The U.K. market remains challenging, but the company is implementing strategies to clean up inventory and optimize performance [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving the underserved teen market, particularly through Journeys, by enhancing product assortment and brand relationships [17][18] - A strategic growth plan has been implemented to elevate the Journeys brand and improve customer experience through store remodels [19][20] - The formation of the Journeys Global Retail Group aims to leverage insights across markets to enhance product offerings and brand collaboration [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recapturing margins despite ongoing tariff pressures and anticipated lower sales [36] - The company expects to continue positive comps and is optimistic about sustainable growth opportunities within Journeys and other business lines [43] - The rollout of the 4.0 store model is expected to drive future growth, with plans to expand this model to 30%-40% of the fleet [22] Other Important Information - The collaboration with Peyton Manning as a brand ambassador has already shown positive impacts on store and online traffic [31][32] - The company plans to maintain capital expenditures around $55 million-$60 million to support ongoing business initiatives [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the consumer environment affecting business operations? - Management noted that consumers are stretched and selective, with a focus on newness driving shopping behavior [8] Question: What were the key drivers of performance at Journeys? - The performance was driven by serving an underserved market, enhancing product assortment, and improving customer experience [17][19] Question: What is the outlook for margins and profitability? - Management expects to recapture margins over time, despite some ongoing pressures, and anticipates meaningful earnings growth [36] Question: Can you elaborate on the capital allocation strategy? - The company plans to continue investing in the business, particularly in the rollout of the 4.0 store model [39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company had a strong guidance heading into Q4, anticipating double-digit growth, which was confirmed as the holiday season performed well [2] - The domestic and international businesses both showed strong performance, with notable growth in new markets such as Mexico and parts of Europe [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer business was strong during the holiday season, with significant sales through platforms like Amazon and visibility in retail locations such as Costco [3] - The company plans to launch 25 new products in 2026, building on pent-up demand from 2025 [6][7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced triple-digit growth in its Latin America business, particularly in Mexico, during Q4 [38] - There is significant consumer awareness and demand for SharkNinja products in new markets like South Africa, which is expected to facilitate retailer partnerships [39][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on affordable, accessible innovation, aiming to serve a broad consumer base across various price points [17][19] - A robust direct-to-consumer strategy is being implemented, with plans to expand globally and enhance customer engagement through loyalty programs and subscriptions [35][36] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming product launches and the overall health of the business, indicating a strong base for future growth [7][8] - The transition to direct distribution in various markets is expected to be smoother than previous efforts, with a focus on consumer demand driving retailer engagement [38][39] Other Important Information - The company is investing in software engineering talent to enhance product functionality, with expectations for integrated hardware-software products to emerge by the second half of 2026 [27][30] - The company is actively engaging with consumers through platforms like TikTok, aiming to build direct relationships and gather instant feedback [20][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on holiday performance and trends - Management confirmed strong holiday performance and positive trends continuing into 2026 [2][3] Question: Insights on product life cycle management - The company discussed strategies for managing product life cycles, using the air fryer category as a case study for innovation and diversification [10][11] Question: Direct-to-consumer replatforming efforts - The company provided updates on the successful launch of direct-to-consumer platforms in Canada and the US, with plans for further expansion in 2026 [33][35] Question: Transition to self-distribution in new markets - Management detailed the successful transition in Poland, Benelux, and the Nordics, with plans for Spain and Italy in early 2026 [38]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company had a strong guidance heading into Q4, anticipating double-digit growth, which was confirmed as the holiday season performed well [2] - The domestic and international businesses both showed strong performance, with notable growth in new markets such as Mexico and parts of Europe [2][3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer business thrived during the holiday season, with significant sales through platforms like Amazon and Costco [3] - The company launched several new products, including the Luxe Café and the Ninja Crispi, which contributed to the overall positive performance [8][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced triple-digit growth in its Latin America business, particularly in Mexico, indicating strong market demand [39] - There is a growing interest in SharkNinja products in new markets like South Africa, where consumer searches for the brand are already high [39][40] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch 25 new products in 2026, focusing on innovation and expanding into new markets [6] - SharkNinja aims to maintain affordable pricing while innovating across various product categories, ensuring accessibility for a broad consumer base [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the upcoming year, citing a healthy base business and strong consumer interest [7][39] - The transition to direct-to-consumer sales and self-distribution in various markets is expected to enhance growth and streamline operations [35][38] Other Important Information - The company is investing in software engineering to enhance product functionality, with expectations for integrated hardware-software products by the second half of 2026 [27][29] - The direct-to-consumer replatforming efforts in Canada and the U.S. have been successful, with plans to expand to the U.K. and EMEA in 2026 [34][35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on holiday performance and trends - Management confirmed strong holiday performance and positive trends continuing into 2026, with excitement for future product launches [2][3] Question: Product life cycle management - Management discussed strategies for managing product life cycles, using the air fryer category as a case study for ongoing innovation [10][11] Question: Direct-to-consumer replatforming efforts - The company provided updates on successful replatforming in Canada and the U.S., with plans for further expansion in 2026 [34][35] Question: Transition to self-distribution in new markets - Management shared insights on the successful transition in Poland, Benelux, and the Nordics, with plans for Spain and Italy in early 2026 [38]