News Corporation Announces Progress on \$1 Billion Share Repurchase Program
Key Points:
- News Corporation (NASDAQ: NWSA, NWS) reaffirms its ongoing stock repurchase program authorized up to \$1 billion of outstanding Class A and Class B common stock.
- Latest filings disclose daily transactions to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as required, and regular updates to shareholders via quarterly and annual reports.
- The company has already purchased approximately \$75.7 million of Class A and Class B shares under the 2025 Repurchase Program as of February 25, 2026.
- Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is identified as the broker facilitating these buy-backs.
- The buy-back is conducted on the open market or otherwise, depending on market conditions and stock price.
- No minimum number of shares is set for repurchase, but the maximum is capped at the authorized \$1 billion.
- The stated reason for the buy-back: “To enhance shareholder value.”
- No shareholder approval is required for this buy-back, and there are no additional conditions attached to the program.
- The highest price paid for shares in the current reporting period was \$31.40 per share (on February 2, 2026), with the lowest being \$26.37 per share.
- As of the most recent notification, 368,265,368 Class A and 141,693,978 Class B shares are outstanding, with the buy-back program applying to both classes.
What Shareholders Need to Know
- Potential Price Sensitivity: A share repurchase program of this scale can have a significant impact on News Corp’s share price. Buy-backs reduce the number of shares outstanding, potentially increasing earnings per share and supporting the share price.
- Forward-Looking Statements: The company notes that all statements regarding the intent to repurchase shares are “forward-looking” and subject to risks, including stock price volatility, general market conditions, and alternative investment opportunities. Actual buy-back activity may vary.
- Transparency: News Corp provides daily buy-back disclosures to the ASX and includes details in regular SEC filings, ensuring shareholders remain informed about ongoing repurchase activities.
- No Immediate Impact on Voting Rights: Since the program does not require shareholder approval and targets shares on the open market, existing shareholders’ voting power is not directly diluted or concentrated beyond the typical effects of a buy-back.
- Broker Involvement: The use of Goldman Sachs as the buy-back agent may ensure efficient execution and market participation.
Implications for Investors
The continuation and progress of a large-scale share buy-back program is a clear sign of management’s confidence in the company’s value and future prospects. It may also reflect a lack of more attractive investment opportunities, indicating that returning capital to shareholders is a priority. For investors, this could be a positive signal, potentially supporting the stock price in the near term.
However, as with all forward-looking initiatives, execution depends on market conditions, regulatory factors, and the company’s own capital requirements. Investors are encouraged to monitor News Corp’s future filings and disclosures for ongoing updates on the program’s progress.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All forward-looking statements are based on current information and subject to risks and uncertainties. Investors should review all filings and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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