21st Century Fox reported lower fourth-quarter profit despite gains at its cable programming operations.
Net income fell 16% to $476 million, or 26 cents a share, from $567 million, or 30 cents a share.
Revenue rose 2% to $6.75 billion in the quarter.
Earnings were a hair above Wall Street forecasts, but revenue fell short.
Operating income increased 19% to $1.44 billion at the company’s cable network programming unit. Revenue rose to $4.329 billion from $3.921 billion.
Domestic affiliate revenue rose 10% on increased rates at Fox News Channel, FX, FS1 and the regional sports networks.
Related: Fox News, ‘Game of Thrones’ Stay Hot in Weekly Cable Ratings Race
Domestic advertising revenue was up 6% because of higher ratings at Fox News and increases at National Geographic Channel.
At Fox’s television unit, which includes the Fox Broadcasting Co., fourth-quarter operating income fell by $7 million to $137 million. Revenue dropped to $137 million from $144 million.
National and local advertising was down, offsetting gains in retransmission payments. Expenses were 3% lower because of lower entertainment programming costs.
Read more at broadcastingcable.com.
