Core Insights - The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with materials science is creating new opportunities for innovation in material research [1][2] - The second Materials Science Summit focused on the intersection of AI and materials science, highlighting the importance of AI as a core driver of research and development [1][2] - The summit featured discussions on how AI is reshaping the paradigms of materials research, moving from experience-driven to data and intelligence-driven approaches [4][5] Group 1: Summit Overview - The summit was hosted by MDPI and held at the Guangdong Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, attracting top scholars and industry representatives from around the world [1] - Keynote speeches emphasized the need for AI to redefine materials research fundamentally, rather than merely serving as a supportive tool [1][2] - The event included the announcement of the Michele Parrinello Award and the launch of new journals focused on AI and materials research, indicating a commitment to advancing this interdisciplinary field [2] Group 2: Academic Contributions - Prominent academicians shared insights on the groundbreaking applications of AI in materials science during the summit [2] - A high-level forum featured discussions on AI's role in empowering materials research and nurturing young scientists, showcasing the collaborative spirit of the academic community [2][4] - The consensus among participants was that AI is becoming the "new language" and "new tool" in materials science, facilitating a shift towards more efficient research methodologies [4] Group 3: Future Directions - The convergence of AI models, automated experiments, high-performance computing, and materials databases is expected to significantly enhance the efficiency of materials development [5] - MDPI plans to continue supporting the global materials science community through open-access publishing, academic platform development, and international conference organization [5]

Core Viewpoint - News Corp's CEO Robert Thomson emphasized that artificial intelligence companies must compensate for the data and journalism they utilize, highlighting the importance of valuing creativity and content in the AI landscape [1][4][8] Financial Performance - News Corp reported a 2% increase in revenue for the quarter ending September 30, reaching $2.14 billion, surpassing analyst expectations [4] - Net income from continuing operations rose by 1% to $150 million [4] - The News Media segment, which includes notable publications, saw revenues increase by 1% to $545 million, driven by higher cover and subscription prices in the UK and Australia [5] - Segment EBITDA for News Corp increased by 5% to $340 million, while the News Media segment's EBITDA surged 67% to $30 million due to cost efficiencies [5] Business Segments - Revenue at Dow Jones, which encompasses The Wall Street Journal, grew by 6% to $586 million, supported by a 16% increase in its professional information unit and rising digital subscriptions [9] - Realtor.com's parent company, Move, reported a 9% revenue increase to $152 million, marking its strongest quarterly growth since early 2022 [10] Strategic Insights - Thomson noted a positive trend in the recognition of the value of creativity and content by both companies and courts, indicating a shift in the perception of intellectual property in the AI era [8][9] - News Corp's legal and licensing strategy with AI firms is progressing, with expectations of announcing further partnerships that could positively impact results [12][13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 rose 2% year-over-year to $2.14 billion, while total segment EBITDA increased by 5% to $340 million [4][19] - Net income from continuing operations was $150 million, slightly up from $149 million last year, and adjusted EPS rose from $0.20 to $0.22 [4][20] - Total segment EBITDA was negatively impacted by a $13 million write-off related to a book distributor closure [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dow Jones segment revenue increased by 6% to $586 million, with digital revenues accounting for 84% of total segment revenue [21][22] - Digital real estate services reported revenues of $479 million, up 5% year-over-year, with segment EBITDA rising 13% to $158 million [25] - Book publishing segment revenue declined by 2% to $534 million, with EBITDA down 28% to $58 million due to a $13 million write-off [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital revenues have nearly doubled since fiscal 2018, now comprising 62% of total revenues [18] - Digital advertising accounted for 68% of total advertising revenues, a new record for the company [8][24] - The U.S. housing market is showing signs of recovery, with Realtor.com experiencing a 9% revenue boost year-on-year [9][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on maximizing shareholder value through accelerated share buybacks, with a current repurchase rate of approximately $2.5 million per day [5][17] - Strategic diversification across high-margin content licensing and digital revenues is emphasized, with a focus on risk and compliance services [18][22] - The company is pursuing partnerships in the AI space and addressing piracy issues through legal actions [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the recovery in the housing market and the potential for continued revenue growth in digital real estate and Dow Jones [9][30] - The book publishing segment is expected to benefit from improved trends in the coming months, with recent releases performing well [12][31] - Management remains confident in the company's growth potential and plans to continue share repurchases at an elevated rate [17][32] Other Important Information - The company has made strategic acquisitions, such as Eco-Movement, to enhance its data offerings in the professional information business [8][23] - The digital-only subscriptions for the Wall Street Journal surged by 11%, contributing to the overall growth in digital circulation revenues [8][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Concerns about Realtor's revenue growth sustainability - Management highlighted the ongoing focus on growth areas such as seller, new homes, and rentals, indicating that the strategy is yielding positive results despite market challenges [34] Question: Share repurchase strategy and Wall Street Journal pricing - Management confirmed the accelerated buyback rate and indicated that there is potential for further increases, while also discussing the elasticity of subscription pricing for the Wall Street Journal [38][39] Question: Impact of Factiva dispute settlement on revenues - Management noted that while the settlement had a modest impact, overall performance in Dow Jones was strong, with significant growth in risk and compliance revenues [42][43] Question: Future simplification of the business structure - Management expressed openness to structural changes and emphasized the importance of maximizing shareholder returns through strategic decisions [49] Question: Growth potential in risk and compliance services - Management is optimistic about the growth trajectory in risk and compliance, citing regulatory pressures as a source of new business [52][53] Question: Trajectory of news media business - Management reported a slight revenue increase and significant improvements in EBITDA, driven by cost efficiencies and strong advertising performance at the New York Post [58][59]

Core Insights - The segment profits of the group that publishes The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch, and Barron's increased by 10% [1] Financial Performance - The group reported a 10% rise in segment profits, indicating strong financial performance in its publishing operations [1]

The New York Times Company reported higher third-quarter profit and revenue as a decline in news-only subscriptions was offset by an increase in its bundle and other single-product subscriptions https://t.co/OvCVZjEslZ ...

Core Insights - Access Investment Management LLC increased its stake in John Wiley & Sons by purchasing 66,660 shares for an estimated $2.69 million, reflecting confidence in the company's direction [2][9][10] - Post-transaction, Access Investment Management holds a total of 155,940 shares valued at $6.31 million, which constitutes 1.7% of its reported U.S. equity assets under management (AUM) [1][3] Financial Performance - John Wiley & Sons reported trailing twelve-month (TTM) revenue of $1.67 billion and a net income of $97.30 million, with a dividend yield of 3.7% [4][10] - As of November 3, 2025, the share price was $37.47, which is down 24.0% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 41.4 percentage points [3][4] Company Overview - John Wiley & Sons is a global research and education publisher with a diversified portfolio that includes journals, books, and digital learning solutions, serving academic, professional, and corporate customers [5][6] - The company generates revenue through subscriptions, licensing of journals, direct sales of content, and online program management services [8][10] Strategic Direction - The company is focusing on its core business model, which relies on peer-reviewed journals and recurring contracts, while also exploring new revenue streams through AI licensing agreements [10][11] - John Wiley & Sons is undergoing a restructuring process to streamline operations and build a steadier foundation for growth, emphasizing disciplined execution for future success [10][11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAC reported a 9% digital revenue growth in Q3, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth, with strong performance in licensing and performance marketing [16][31] - Digital-adjusted EBITDA grew 9% pro forma to $72 million, with 27% margins, and overall adjusted EBITDA reached $75 million, exceeding previous guidance [31][32] - The company has a cash balance exceeding $1 billion, which will be enhanced by the sale of non-core assets [14][32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - People Inc. achieved a 9% growth in digital revenue, driven by its iconic brands and diversified revenue sources [16][31] - The print division saw a 10% decline in adjusted EBITDA and a 15% revenue decline, which was considered acceptable by management [32] - Off-platform audience growth accelerated by 66% year-over-year, contributing significantly to revenue [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Google Search traffic as a source for core brands dropped from 54% two years ago to 24% in the latest quarter, but overall audience scale was maintained [22] - Ad revenue declined by 3% due to volume-related issues, with expectations for recovery in Q4 [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IAC aims to streamline its assets, focusing on People Inc. and MGM, while divesting non-core holdings [5][7] - The strategy includes reimagining People Inc. from a defensive to an offensive position, leveraging its brands to create new business opportunities [6][9] - MGM is viewed as a hedge against disintermediation, with a strong position in Las Vegas and plans to increase ownership [10][14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong performance in digital revenue and audience engagement [16][29] - The macroeconomic environment is stable for higher-end consumers, while pressures exist in the lower-end market [66] - Management expects continued growth in digital revenue and profitability despite challenges from Google [23][32] Other Important Information - The company laid off about 6% of its workforce to free up capital for investments [29] - IAC has entered into a partnership with Microsoft for a publisher content marketplace, indicating a proactive approach to monetizing content in the AI landscape [25][26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on MGM's valuation and investor interest - Management believes owning MGM through IAC offers additional value and optionality, despite the current market discount [39][44] Question: Update on one-time expenses - Management indicated that significant one-time expenses have been cleaned up, with a clear path forward for profitability [40][45] Question: State of the business and Google litigation update - Management expressed confidence in the business's future, highlighting the importance of recent deals and the potential for significant damages from the Google litigation [52][58] Question: Macro environment insights - The macro environment is stable for higher-end consumers, with some pressures noted in the corporate benefit sector [66] Question: Capital allocation strategy - Management emphasized a focus on opportunistic stock buybacks rather than pursuing high-priced acquisitions [72][74]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAC reported a 9% digital revenue growth in Q3, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth [16][31] - Digital-adjusted EBITDA grew 9% pro forma to $72 million, with margins at 27% [31][32] - The company expects digital revenue growth in the range of 7%-10% for Q4 and adjusted EBITDA guidance for the year has been slightly lowered to $325 million-$340 million [32][33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - People Inc. achieved a 9% growth in digital revenue, driven by strong performance in licensing and performance marketing [16][31] - The print division saw a 10% decline in adjusted EBITDA and a 15% revenue decline, which was considered acceptable by management [31] - Off-platform audience growth accelerated by 66% year-over-year, contributing significantly to revenue [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Google Search traffic as a source for core brands decreased from 54% two years ago to 24% in the latest quarter, indicating a shift in traffic sources [22] - Despite challenges from Google, overall audience growth has been maintained, with other traffic sources increasing [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IAC aims to focus on People Inc. and MGM, divesting non-core assets and reducing overhead [5][6] - The strategy includes reimagining People Inc. from a defensive to an offensive position, leveraging its strong brand portfolio [7][8] - MGM is viewed as a hedge against disintermediation, with a strong position in the Las Vegas market [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong audience engagement and the potential for new business ventures [16][29] - The macroeconomic environment is seen as stable for higher-end consumers, while pressures exist in lower-end markets [66][67] - Management is cautious about asset pricing and intends to focus on share repurchases rather than high-priced acquisitions [15][75] Other Important Information - The company laid off about 6% of its workforce to free up capital for investments [29] - IAC has a cash balance of over $1 billion, which will be enhanced by selling non-core assets [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on MGM's valuation and investor interest - Management believes owning MGM through IAC offers a better value proposition than buying MGM directly, highlighting the combined potential of both assets [39][44] Question: Update on one-time expenses - Management indicated that significant one-time expenses have been cleaned up, and they do not expect further large one-time charges going forward [40][45] Question: State of the business and future outlook - Management expressed confidence in the business's future, citing the Microsoft AI deal and the Feedfeed acquisition as positive indicators [52][56] Question: Macro environment insights - The macro environment is stable for higher-end consumers, with some pressures noted in the corporate benefit sector [66][67] Question: Capital allocation strategy - Management emphasized a focus on opportunistic share buybacks rather than pursuing high-priced acquisitions [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAC reported a 9% digital revenue growth in Q3 2025, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth, with strong performance in licensing and performance marketing offsetting a decline in advertising revenue [23][44] - Digital adjusted EBITDA grew 9% to $72 million, with margins at 27% and incremental margins at 26% [24][46] - The company expects digital revenue growth in the range of 7% to 10% for Q4 2025, with adjusted EBITDA guidance for the year slightly lowered to $325 million to $340 million [47] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - People Inc. is the core asset, with a focus on diversifying revenue sources and audience growth, achieving significant traction in off-platform audience growth, which accelerated by 66% year-over-year [35][24] - The print division saw a 10% decline in adjusted EBITDA and a 15% revenue decline, which was considered acceptable by management [46] - The emerging and other segments reported a negative $20 million EBITDA due to legal expenses, but the rest of the segment remains profitable [49] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Google search traffic as a source for core brands decreased from 54% two years ago to 24% in the latest quarter, but overall audience scale has been maintained [32] - Ad revenue declined by 3% in Q3, primarily due to volume-related issues rather than rate-related [33] - Off-platform revenue, which is the fastest-growing revenue stream, accounted for over a third of the quarter's revenue [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to streamline its assets and reduce overhead, focusing on People Inc. and MGM as core components of its strategy [6][5] - IAC plans to divest non-core holdings and increase share repurchases, with a total of $300 million in shares bought back year-to-date [20][50] - The management is optimistic about evolving People Inc. into a more proactive business model, leveraging its iconic brands and exploring new business opportunities [13][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate challenges posed by Google and the broader market, emphasizing a strong relationship with audiences and advertisers [70][72] - The macroeconomic environment is perceived as stable for middle and upper segments, while some pressures exist in lower segments, particularly in corporate spending [80][81] - The company is optimistic about future growth, particularly in off-platform revenue and new initiatives like the Microsoft AI deal [68][39] Other Important Information - The company laid off about 6% of its workforce to free up capital for investments and maintain profitability goals [42] - IAC's cash balances exceed $1 billion, which will be enhanced by selling non-core assets [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on MGM's valuation and investor interest - Management believes that owning MGM through IAC offers a cheaper entry point and that the combined assets provide additional value [53][60] Question: Onetime expense cleanup in Q3 - Management indicated that significant cleanup has occurred, with no expectation of large one-time charges continuing in the future [60][61] Question: Update on People Inc. and Google litigation - Management expressed confidence in the future of People Inc. and highlighted the ongoing litigation against Google, seeking significant damages [73][75] Question: Macro environment and capital allocation - The macro environment is stable, with a focus on stock buybacks and cautious approach to acquisitions due to high prices [80][87] Question: Corporate costs trajectory - Corporate costs are expected to decrease as the company continues to rationalize its operations [113]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - IAC reported a 9% digital revenue growth in Q3, marking the eighth consecutive quarter of growth, with strong performance in licensing and performance marketing [13][14] - Digital-adjusted EBITDA grew 9% pro forma to $72 million, with 27% margins, and the company expects digital revenue growth in the 7%-10% range for Q4 [30][31] - The company has a cash balance exceeding $1 billion, which will be enhanced by selling non-core assets [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - People Inc. achieved a digital revenue growth of 9% in Q3, driven by its iconic portfolio of brands and strong audience engagement [14][15] - The print division saw a 15% revenue decline, but adjusted EBITDA only declined by 10%, indicating effective cost management [30] - Off-platform audience growth accelerated by 66% year-over-year, contributing significantly to revenue [22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Google Search traffic as a source for core brands dropped from 54% two years ago to 24% in the latest quarter, but overall audience scale has been maintained [19][20] - Ad revenue declined by 3% in Q3, primarily due to volume-related issues rather than rate-related [21] - The macro environment appears solid for middle and upper-end consumers, while pressures are noted in the lower-end market [46][47] Company Strategy and Development Direction - IAC aims to streamline its assets, focusing on People and MGM, while divesting non-core holdings and reducing overhead [4][5] - The company is reimagining People Inc. to transition from a defensive to an offensive strategy, leveraging its brands to create new business opportunities [5][6] - MGM is viewed as a hedge against disintermediation, with a strong position in Las Vegas and a focus on digital opportunities [8][9] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the future of People Inc. and MGM, highlighting the potential for growth despite current challenges [13][41] - The company is optimistic about upcoming AI-related deals and the value of its content in the evolving digital landscape [23][24] - Management acknowledged the impact of Google litigation costs but views the spending as worthwhile given the potential for significant damages [40][45] Other Important Information - The company laid off about 6% of its workforce to free up capital for investments and maintain profitability goals [27] - IAC has repurchased $300 million worth of shares year-to-date, representing about 8% of its outstanding shares [33] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Current thinking on MGM's valuation and why invest through IAC - Management believes that investing in MGM through IAC offers a cheaper entry point and provides additional value from IAC's other assets [34][38] Question: One-time expense cleanup in Q3 - Management indicated that significant one-time expenses have been cleaned up and do not expect similar charges in the future [39] Question: Update on the state of the business and Google litigation - Management expressed confidence in the business's future, citing the Microsoft AI deal and the Feedfeed acquisition as positive indicators [41][42][45] Question: Macro environment observations - The macro environment is solid for middle and upper-end consumers, with some pressures noted in the lower-end market [46][47] Question: Capital allocation strategy moving forward - Management emphasized a focus on opportunistic share buybacks rather than pursuing high-priced acquisitions [49]