Segment profits of group that publishes The Wall Street Journal, MarketWatch and Barron's rose 10% ...

Core Insights - News Corporation (NWSA) is a significant player in the global media and information services sector, with a market capitalization of approximately $17.3 billion, categorizing it as a large-cap company [1] - The company's diverse portfolio includes major brands such as The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, and HarperCollins, which enhance its reach in both consumer and business markets [2] Market Performance - NWSA stock reached a 52-week high of $30.86 on September 19 but has seen a slight decline since then, with a 9.1% increase over the past three months, compared to a 15.8% gain in the Nasdaq Composite [3] - Over the past 52 weeks, NWSA has advanced by 15.4%, while the Nasdaq surged by 25.6%, indicating a lag in momentum for NWSA [4] Technical Analysis - The stock has consistently traded above its 50-day moving average of $29.52 since mid-August and above the 200-day moving average of $28.33 since late June, with a notable period of trading above both averages starting in early September [4] Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, NWSA reported revenue of $2.11 billion, surpassing analyst expectations of $2.10 billion, driven by increased digital subscriptions and strong performance from the Dow Jones unit, although adjusted EPS of $0.19 slightly missed the forecast of $0.20 [5] Strategic Developments - The company plans to expand its operations on the West Coast with the launch of The California Post in early 2026 and aims to accelerate its stock buyback program while increasing investments in Dow Jones Professional Information Services [6]

Core Insights - News Corp reported a 28% increase in quarterly profits and a 1% rise in revenue, surpassing Wall Street expectations [1] - The company's net income for the fourth quarter was $86 million, up from $67 million year-over-year, while revenues reached $2.11 billion, compared to $2.09 billion in the prior year [1] - For the fiscal year 2025, profits surged 71% to $648 million from $379 million, with annual revenues increasing 2% to $8.45 billion [4] Revenue Drivers - The earnings growth was primarily driven by higher circulation and subscription revenues from the Dow Jones division, which includes notable publications like The Wall Street Journal and Barron's [2][4] Capital Return Strategy - News Corp's CEO announced a new $1 billion stock repurchase program, in addition to approximately $300 million remaining from a previous program [5] - The company plans to accelerate share repurchases following the release of these strong financial results, reflecting confidence in its financial strength [6] Expansion Plans - The company is set to expand its operations with the launch of The California Post in early 2026, targeting the West Coast market [8] Industry Commentary - The CEO emphasized the importance of protecting intellectual property rights in the face of challenges posed by artificial intelligence, highlighting the need to maintain America's competitive edge through creativity and innovation [9][10]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For fiscal year 2025, revenues increased by 2% to nearly $8.5 billion, while total segment EBITDA improved by 14% to just over $1.4 billion, marking a record for the company on a continuing operations basis [6] - Net income from continuing operations rose by 71% to $648 million, with profit margins increasing by 170 basis points to 16.7% [6] - In the fourth quarter, revenues rose by 1% to $2.1 billion, profitability grew by 5% to $322 million, and net income from continuing operations increased by 28% to $86 million [6][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Dow Jones reported a strong year with revenue and EBITDA rising by 48% respectively, with fourth-quarter revenues increasing by 7% to $604 million [12][26] - Digital real estate revenues rose by 9% for the year, with segment EBITDA increasing by 18% [14] - Book publishing achieved a 3% revenue increase to $2.1 billion, with segment EBITDA expanding by 10% [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - REA posted a 12% revenue growth for the year, with audience reach improving significantly [17] - Digital real estate segment revenues were up 4% year-over-year, while segment EBITDA increased by 13% [31] - The New York Post continued to expand its influence and profitability, with plans for expansion in California [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on driving value across three pillars: Dow Jones, digital real estate services, and book publishing [9] - The recent sale of Foxtel Group has streamlined the portfolio and bolstered cash position, allowing for strategic acquisitions [9] - The company emphasizes the importance of protecting intellectual property in the age of AI, advocating for the value of content creation [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's transformation towards high-margin content licensing and recurring digital revenues [23] - The outlook for Dow Jones remains positive, with expectations for continued margin expansion as the business shifts to B2B [38] - The company anticipates challenges in the housing market affecting digital real estate but remains optimistic about future growth [38] Other Important Information - The board authorized a new $1 billion stock repurchase program, in addition to approximately $300 million remaining from a previous program [7][24] - Free cash flow for fiscal 2025 was $571 million, up from $540 million in the prior year [7] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you expand on the decision to accelerate the buyback? - Management indicated that the scale and pace of the buyback will increase, supported by improved free cash flow and the sale of Foxtel [43] Question: What is the strategy for Move and its growth adjacencies? - Management expressed positivity about realtor.com, highlighting revenue growth despite a sluggish property market and the focus on rentals, new homes, and seller segments [49] Question: What is the outlook for Dow Jones' revenue growth? - Management is optimistic about continued growth in both the professional information and consumer businesses, with a focus on risk and compliance [57] Question: Any updates on simplifying the company? - Management noted that the sale of Foxtel was a step towards simplification, and they are continuously evaluating the best use of capital [63] Question: What impact is AI having on the publishing business? - Management stated that they are not seeing negative trends from AI and are engaged in negotiations with several AI companies regarding IP rights [68]