News Corporation Announces Significant Stock Repurchase Program Update
Key Points for Investors:
- News Corporation (“News Corp”) has announced updates regarding its ongoing stock repurchase program, known as the “Repurchase Program”.
- The company is authorized to repurchase up to US\$1 billion in aggregate of its outstanding Class A common stock (“NWSA”) and Class B common stock (“NWS”), both listed on NASDAQ.
- The repurchase is executed through an on-market buy-back via Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC as the designated broker.
- There is no minimum number of shares required to be bought back, but there is a clearly stated maximum of US\$1 billion in total across both classes.
- Recent buy-back activity: On June 12, 2026, News Corp bought back 38,321 shares for a total cash consideration of US\$1,139,582.23 at a price of US\$25.63 per share.
- Total number of shares in the buy-back class: For Class A, 142,629,896 shares were outstanding at the time of reporting; for Class B, 362,171,045 shares.
- The company’s stated reason for the buy-back: “To enhance shareholder value”.
- There are no additional conditions or shareholder approvals required for the buy-back to proceed.
- The buy-back notifications are provided daily to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in compliance with listing rule 3.8A, and are also disclosed in quarterly and annual reports.
- No ASX-listed CDIs will be repurchased in these programs; the focus is solely on NASDAQ-listed common stock.
Important Shareholder Information and Potential Price Sensitivity:
- The buy-back program is substantial in size and can potentially influence the share price by reducing the number of outstanding shares and increasing earnings per share (EPS).
- Repurchases are conducted at market prices, and recent activity indicates ongoing execution, which may signal management’s confidence in the company’s valuation and prospects.
- Forward-looking statements included in the report caution that actual repurchases may vary based on market price, general market conditions, relevant securities laws, and alternative investment opportunities.
- News Corp expressly states no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law, meaning future buy-back intentions may change without prior notice.
- This ongoing buy-back could be interpreted as a positive signal for investors, potentially supporting share price appreciation or reducing volatility.
Detailed Buy-Back Mechanics:
- Broker: Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC is responsible for executing the buy-back transactions.
- Buy-Back Type: On-market buy-back.
- Cash Consideration: All buy-backs are for cash consideration; recent transaction price was US\$25.63 per share.
- Maximum Number: Up to US\$1 billion in aggregate of Class A and Class B common shares.
- Reason for Buy-Back: To enhance shareholder value, a typical rationale for reducing share count and potentially increasing share price.
- Regulatory Compliance: Daily notifications to ASX and disclosure in quarterly/annual SEC filings.
- No Shareholder Approval Required: The buy-back does not require security holder approval nor any additional conditions.
Forward-Looking Statements and Risks:
- The company’s statements include expectations and intentions regarding the buy-back program, but caution that actual results may differ due to market price changes, general conditions, applicable laws, and other risks described in SEC filings.
- Investors should monitor ongoing buy-back activity as it can provide insight into management’s view of intrinsic value and may materially affect share liquidity and pricing.
Summary for Investors:
News Corp’s active and substantial buy-back program could be a positive catalyst for share price, as it demonstrates management’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value through direct capital return and share count reduction. The program’s size and ongoing execution are key price-sensitive factors. Investors should be aware of the forward-looking nature of these statements and the potential for changes in program execution based on market conditions.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. All forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties; actual results may differ materially. Investors should consult official SEC filings and their financial advisors before making investment decisions related to News Corp.
