Company Overview - News Corporation (NWSA) is headquartered in New York and is valued at $13.5 billion by market cap, delivering a range of products and services including news, financial insights, entertainment, book publishing, digital real estate services, and subscription video content through influential publications like The Wall Street Journal and The Times [1] - NWSA is classified as a large-cap stock, underscoring its size, influence, and dominance within the entertainment industry, with competitive strengths including iconic brands, diversified revenue streams, successful digital transformation, and strong financials [2] Stock Performance - NWSA has experienced a decline of 23.8% from its 52-week high of $31.61, achieved on September 30, 2025, with a stock decline of 8.1% over the past three months, underperforming the State Street Communication Services Select Sector SPDR ETF's (XLC) 2.4% dip during the same period [3] - Over a six-month basis, NWSA shares fell 20.9%, and over the past 52 weeks, the stock dipped 10.1%, underperforming XLC's six-month losses of 4.4% and 18.5% returns over the last year [3] - The stock has been trading below its 50-day moving average since early February and below its 200-day moving average since early October 2025, confirming a bearish trend [4] Financial Results - For Q2, NWSA reported revenue of $2.3 billion, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 3.5%, while the adjusted EPS rose by 21.2% from the year-ago quarter to $0.40 [5] - NWSA's rival, Fox Corporation (FOXA), has shown better performance with a 3.7% decline on a six-month basis and 10.1% gains over the past 52 weeks [5] Analyst Ratings - Wall Street analysts are optimistic about NWSA's prospects, with a consensus "Strong Buy" rating from nine analysts covering the stock, and a mean price target of $35.57 indicating a potential upside of 47.6% from current price levels [6]

Core Viewpoint - The Dow Jones Special Committee has elected Melanie Kirkpatrick to succeed Tom Bray as a member, ensuring continuity in leadership and editorial independence at Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal [1][2]. Group 1: Leadership Changes - Melanie Kirkpatrick will serve out Tom Bray's term until December 31, 2029, and is eligible for reelection for an additional five-year term [2]. - Tom Bray is retiring after 18 years as chair of the committee, emphasizing his commitment to maintaining the reputation of The Wall Street Journal for fair reporting [3]. - Lawrence Ingrassia was elected as the board chair in December, bringing experience from his roles at The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times [2]. Group 2: Committee Composition and Responsibilities - The Special Committee consists of five members, including Kirkpatrick and Ingrassia, and is tasked with safeguarding the editorial independence of The Wall Street Journal and Dow Jones [6]. - The committee's approval is necessary for appointing the Journal's Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Page Editor, ensuring adherence to high ethical and professional standards [6]. Group 3: Kirkpatrick's Background - Kirkpatrick has a distinguished career as a journalist, having worked at The Wall Street Journal from 1980 to 2009, holding senior editing positions in the Opinion section [3]. - She is an accomplished author with three published books and has received the 2001 Mary Morgan Hewett Award for Women in Journalism [4]. - Kirkpatrick holds a bachelor's degree from Princeton University and a master's degree from the University of Toronto, and is involved in various prestigious organizations [5].

Summary of News Corp Investor Briefing on Dow Jones Company Overview - **Company**: News Corp (NasdaqGS:NWS) - **Focus**: Digital-first news and information services, particularly through Dow Jones - **Key Leadership**: Lachlan Murdoch (Chairman), Robert Thomson (CEO), Almar Latour (CEO of Dow Jones) Core Industry Insights - **Industry**: Media and Information Services - **Transformation**: News Corp has shifted from traditional media to a majority digital company, with a focus on recurring revenues and expanding margins [18][19] - **AI Integration**: The company is leveraging AI to enhance content value, improve subscription management, and create new products [20][21][22] Financial Performance - **EBITDA Growth**: Reported 11 successive quarters of year-on-year EBITDA growth, with a free cash flow of $571 million in fiscal 2025 [19][38] - **Digital Revenue**: 62% digital revenue in fiscal 2025, up from 22% in 2014; total segment EBITDA margin increased from 11% in 2014 to nearly 17% [20] - **Buyback and Dividends**: Increased buyback levels four times compared to the previous year while maintaining dividends [19] Dow Jones Business Model - **Three Growth Engines**: Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate, and HarperCollins, all contributing to profitability and cash flow [19] - **B2B Focus**: Significant growth expected in B2B properties, particularly in risk and energy sectors, with a target of reaching $1 billion in EBITDA within five years [31][80] - **Consumer Engagement**: Average of 67 million monthly users in fiscal 2025, with a focus on expanding subscription base and geographic reach [44] AI and Technology Strategy - **AI Partnerships**: Landmark deals with Meta and OpenAI to enhance content creation and consumption [20][21] - **AI Applications**: Using AI for dynamic pricing, content translation, and improving operational efficiency [22][41] - **Data Utilization**: Proprietary data and intelligence are critical for clients, especially in compliance and risk management [80][89] Market Position and Competitive Advantage - **Trust and Credibility**: Dow Jones is recognized as the most trusted source for business news, particularly among C-suite executives [66] - **Retention Rates**: High retention rates linked to trust, with around 90% for premium products [50] - **Growth Potential**: Opportunities for international expansion and deeper integration of services across various sectors [80][86] Key Metrics and Future Outlook - **Subscription Growth**: Digital subscriptions have grown 12% per year to 6 million, with ARPU up 6% [74] - **Advertising Revenue**: Digital ad revenue has held steady, with a shift towards higher-value formats [75] - **Strategic Initiatives**: Focus on enhancing product offerings, expanding into new markets, and leveraging AI for growth [86] Conclusion - **Overall Strategy**: News Corp is positioned to thrive in the evolving media landscape by focusing on digital transformation, AI integration, and maintaining high standards of trust and credibility in its offerings [19][86]

This presentation contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements and information that are not historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "outlook," "believe," "will," "should" and similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements appear in a number of places in this presentation and include state ...

Summary of News Corp Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: News Corp (NasdaqGS:NWS) - **Event**: Morgan Stanley TMT Conference - **Date**: March 02, 2026 Key Points Portfolio and Business Performance - News Corp has undergone significant changes since the split from Fox, focusing on refining its portfolio and enhancing digital growth, particularly in Dow Jones, digital real estate, and HarperCollins publishing [8][11] - The company has achieved 11 consecutive quarters of year-on-year EBITDA growth, with a record fiscal year profit of $1.4 billion, reflecting a 14% increase [8][11] - The outlook for the second half of the fiscal year is positive, with expectations for continued growth [9][11] AI Opportunities and Risks - The company views AI as presenting more opportunities than risks, positioning itself as an input provider rather than an output company [15][16] - News Corp has established significant partnerships with major AI companies like OpenAI and Bloomberg, focusing on acquiring content to enhance their operations [16][17] - The company emphasizes the importance of reliable data and news as critical inputs for AI applications, which are increasingly recognized as valuable [15][17][25] Digital Real Estate and REA Group - REA Group is highlighted as a strong asset, with a focus on creating a holistic real estate experience [44][45] - The average unique user engagement on Realtor.com is higher than competitors, indicating a strong position in the market [46] - The company is optimistic about the potential for growth in the real estate market as interest rates decline, which could lead to increased turnover and revenue [52][53] Dow Jones and Wall Street Journal - Dow Jones has seen a 20% year-on-year increase in risk and compliance revenue, bolstered by recent acquisitions [57] - Digital advertising revenue at Dow Jones reached a record high, up 12% year-on-year [58] - The Wall Street Journal's average revenue per user (ARPU) has slightly decreased due to more enterprise deals, but the long-term strategy focuses on dynamic pricing and individualizing the subscriber experience [61][62] Capital Allocation and Buyback Strategy - News Corp has increased its share buyback program by an additional $1 billion, indicating confidence in the company's undervalued stock [84][86] - The company is cautious about acquisitions, ensuring they do not overpay for assets while seeking intelligent adjacencies in various sectors [85][86] Miscellaneous - The California Post app has seen double the expected downloads, indicating strong interest and engagement [87] Conclusion News Corp is strategically refining its portfolio with a strong focus on digital growth and AI opportunities. The company is well-positioned in the digital real estate market and is optimistic about its future performance, particularly in its Dow Jones and publishing segments. The increased buyback program reflects confidence in the company's valuation and commitment to shareholder returns.

Core Viewpoint - Ben Levisohn has been appointed as the new editor in chief of Barron's, succeeding in a role that comes at a time of heightened investor interest in markets and the publication itself [1] Company Overview - Dow Jones announced the appointment of Ben Levisohn, a 15-year veteran of the company, who previously served as senior managing editor [1] - Barron's is recognized as a leading financial publication, established in 1921, known for its authoritative analysis and in-depth coverage of global financial markets [1] Leadership and Experience - Levisohn has a background as a Wall Street equities trader and transitioned to journalism in 2007, joining Dow Jones in 2010 and Barron's in 2012 [1] - His previous roles include writing popular columns such as Streetwise and Trader, and he served as deputy editor before becoming senior managing editor in August 2025 [1] Strategic Initiatives - Levisohn was instrumental in launching Barron's Investor Circle, a new premium experience for readers, which offers exclusive content and investing tools [1] - Dow Jones has recently reported a record quarter and six years of continuous growth, supported by its business news and intelligence units [1] Subscription and Market Position - The company currently boasts over 6 million subscriptions, positioning itself as a core provider of news and intelligence to large financial institutions and corporate customers [1] - In the context of AI advancements, Dow Jones is recognized as a leading provider of trusted proprietary data and exclusive news [1]

Core Insights - News Corporation (NWSA) reported second-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings of 40 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 21.21% and increasing 21% year over year [2][8] - Revenues reached $2.36 billion, a 6% year-over-year increase, surpassing the consensus mark by 2.26% [2][8] - The growth was driven by the Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services, and Book Publishing segments, which collectively accounted for 95% of profitability [3][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted revenues increased 3% year over year, with total segment EBITDA rising 9% to $521 million, marking the 11th consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth [3] - Net income from continuing operations was $242 million, down 21% from $306 million in the prior year [22] - Free cash flow for the six months ended Dec. 31, 2025, was $136 million, an increase from $121 million in the prior year [23] Segment Performance Digital Real Estate Services - Revenues increased 8% year over year to $511 million, driven by growth at REA Group and Move [4] - Move's revenues rose 10% year over year to $143 million, with a 13% increase in lead volume [5] - REA Group revenues grew 7% year over year to $368 million, despite a decrease in REA India revenues [6] Dow Jones - Revenues increased 8% year over year to $648 million, with digital revenues accounting for 83% of total revenues [7] - Segment EBITDA increased 10% to $191 million, marking a fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth [9] - Professional information business revenues grew 12% year over year [9] Book Publishing - Revenues reached a quarterly record of $633 million, a 6% increase year over year [14] - Segment EBITDA declined 2% to $99 million, impacted by a one-time write-off [14] - Digital sales increased 2% year over year, with e-book sales up 7% [15] News Media - Revenues were flat year over year at $570 million, with circulation and subscription revenues rising 4% [16] - Advertising revenues increased 10% to $133 million, driven by digital advertising growth [10] - Segment EBITDA declined 5% year over year to $70 million [19] Shareholder Returns - The company accelerated its share buyback program, repurchasing $172 million in shares during the quarter [24] - A semi-annual cash dividend of 10 cents per share was declared, payable on April 8, 2026 [25]

Core Viewpoint - News Corporation is actively building defenses against the threat posed by artificial intelligence to its media assets, emphasizing the importance of proprietary content and legal strategies to protect intellectual property [1][5][7]. Financial Performance - News Corp reported a 6% increase in second quarter revenue to $US2.4 billion ($A3.4 billion), aligning with analysts' forecasts, driven by its Dow Jones information services and digital real estate services [8]. - Quarterly underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization reached $US521 million, a 9% increase compared to the previous year [9]. - For the half-year period ending December 31, revenue rose 7% to $US1.2 billion ($A1.7 billion), with underlying earnings also increasing by 7% to $US861 million ($A1.2 billion) [9]. Digital Strategy and Subscriber Growth - The company is experiencing growth in digital subscriber numbers, with 1.2 million digital subscribers in Australia and nearly one million news masthead subscribers by the end of December [14]. - Circulation and subscription revenue have increased due to higher pricing in the UK and Australia, contributing positively to earnings results [14]. Legal and Competitive Landscape - News Corp's CEO highlighted a recent $US1.5 billion lawsuit settlement against AI company Anthropic for copyright infringements, which will benefit the company and its authors [5][6]. - The company has established a partnership with OpenAI to enhance its editorial products, positioning itself as a creator of premium content in contrast to AI-generated material [7]. Market Challenges - While Dow Jones remains a strong asset, other media properties in the UK and Australia have faced challenges, with flat quarterly revenue and a 4% decline in underlying earnings due to a tough print advertising market [10].

Core Insights - News Corp reported a revenue increase of 5.5% to $2.36 billion in the second quarter of its fiscal year, driven by growth in its Dow Jones and digital real estate divisions [1][4] - EBITDA for the quarter rose by 9% to $521 million, slightly exceeding analysts' expectations [1][2] Revenue Breakdown - Revenue from Dow Jones, which includes The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch, increased by 8% year-over-year to $648 million [4] - Revenue from News Corp's digital real estate services division also rose by 8% to $511 million [4] CEO Statements - CEO Robert Thomson expressed satisfaction with the second quarter results, highlighting accelerating revenue and profitability growth compared to the previous quarter, and optimistic signs for the second half of the fiscal year [2] - Thomson emphasized the importance of AI firms compensating for the content they utilize, reiterating this message in light of ongoing discussions about AI's impact on the industry [5][6] Industry Context - The results come amid challenges faced by news organizations and publishers regarding the integration of artificial intelligence [5] - Thomson noted that companies are beginning to recognize the value of premium content, suggesting that there will be a willingness to pay a premium for quality content [7]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues increased by 6% to $2.4 billion for the quarter, with total segment EBITDA expanding by 9% to $521 million, despite a one-time inventory-related charge at HarperCollins [4][20] - Net income from continuing operations was $242 million, a 21% decrease from the prior year, attributed to the absence of a favorable gain from the sale of PropertyGuru [4][21] - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was $0.40, compared to $0.33 in the prior quarter, with profitability margin rising from 21.4% to 22.1% [4][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - **Dow Jones**: Revenues rose by 8% to $648 million, with segment EBITDA increasing by 10% to $191 million, achieving a record profit margin of 29.5% [21][24] - **Digital Real Estate Services**: Revenues grew by 8% to $511 million, with segment EBITDA up 11% to $206 million [25][20] - **Book Publishing**: Revenues increased by 6% to $633 million, while segment EBITDA declined by 2% to $99 million due to a one-time write-off [29][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the U.S. market, Realtor.com saw revenues grow by 10%, driven by premium products and improved lead volume [11][25] - In Australia, REA's revenues grew by 7%, benefiting from double-digit yield growth and improved listing volumes [12][20] - Digital advertising revenue at Dow Jones reached a record level of $87 million, rising by 12% [8][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming into a digital-first entity, increasing recurring revenues while reducing dependence on advertising [5][19] - There is a strong emphasis on operational efficiency and margin expansion, with a disciplined approach to capital expenditures [18][19] - The company is exploring AI partnerships to enhance its content offerings and is confident in its ability to monetize proprietary content [6][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism for the second half of the fiscal year, citing strong performance in core business segments and a robust balance sheet [4][16] - The evolving impact of AI on the industry was acknowledged, with management confident in the company's unique content and its ability to meet AI demands [35][39] - The company anticipates continued strong revenue growth in B2B and is focused on maximizing shareholder value through share buybacks [19][51] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $172 million in shares during the quarter, significantly higher than the previous year [20][51] - The launch of the California Post was highlighted as a strategic move to enhance the company's media presence [16][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Market reaction to AI and its implications - Management clarified that AI's impact is often misunderstood, emphasizing the value of proprietary content and the company's strategy to monetize it [33][34] Question: Investment in Dow Jones and CapEx - Management confirmed confidence in Dow Jones and indicated that CapEx for Dow Jones would be modestly down this year, while overall free cash flow is expected to grow [38][41] Question: M&A strategy and areas of interest - Management stated that they are constantly looking for reasonable investment opportunities while also focusing on organic growth and share buybacks [49][50] Question: Simplifying the company structure - Management reiterated their focus on generating long-term value and expressed satisfaction with the progress of Realtor.com compared to competitors like Homes.com [55][56]