News Corporation (ASX:NWS) is a New York-based global media and information services company. Its main businesses include Dow Jones, which publishes The Wall Street Journal and provides risk and compliance data; Digital Real Estate Services, including its stake in REA Group and Move, the operator of Realtor.com; Book Publishing through HarperCollins; and news media operations in Australia, the UK and the US. News Corp is listed on Nasdaq and the ASX and reports in US dollars. Robert Thomson is Chief Executive.

On 2 October 2026, News Corp shares were trading at $45.34 on the ASX, up 0.11% for the session. The company's fourth-quarter and full-year fiscal 2026 results, released in August, reported record Revenue and profitability on a continuing operations basis.

News Corp's financial year ends on 30 June. The company describes itself as transforming into a digital-first Business built on trusted content.

News Corp holds a majority stake in REA Group, which is also listed on the ASX, so REA's performance forms a significant part of News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services results.

Inside the Latest Results

News Corp reported its results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended 30 June 2026 on 5 August 2026 (US time). All figures are in US dollars. Key points include:

  • Fourth-quarter revenues were $2.34 billion, up 11% from $2.11 billion.
  • Fourth-quarter Net Income from continuing operations rose 167% to $230 million.
  • Fourth-quarter Total Segment EBITDA increased 31% to $423 million.
  • Fourth-quarter reported EPS from continuing operations was $0.33, compared with $0.09, and adjusted EPS was $0.35, compared with $0.19.
  • Full-year revenues rose 7% to $9.03 billion.
  • Full-year net income from continuing operations increased 15% to $743 million, and Total Segment EBITDA was up 15% to $1.63 billion.
  • Operating cash flow increased 26% to $1.24 billion, and free cash flow rose 42% to $811 million.
  • The company repurchased $643 million of shares, more than four times the prior year's rate.

By business, Dow Jones fourth-quarter revenues rose 7%, with Segment EBITDA up 20%, supported by higher content licensing and digital circulation revenues, an 11% increase in Risk and Compliance revenues and a 10% increase in digital Advertising revenues. REA Group's fourth-quarter revenues rose 21%, driven by Australian residential performance, double-digit growth in Yield and listing volumes, and favourable currency movements. Move grew fourth-quarter revenue by 13% on Demand for premium offerings and product innovation. Book Publishing delivered 15% revenue growth in the quarter, supported by its frontlist, higher backlist sales and growth in digital revenues.

Mr Thomson said the fourth quarter delivered the highest profitability on record and that the core growth engines of Digital Real Estate Services, Dow Jones and Book Publishing drove the increase in Segment EBITDA. He said the company's enhanced cash position allowed it to return Capital to shareholders through the accelerated buyback. He described News Corp as an important participant in the emerging AI ecosystem, noting trusted content relationships with OpenAI and Meta and advanced discussions with other companies, while taking action against those it says use its content without permission. The company declared a semi-annual Dividend of $0.10 per share for Class A and Class B common stock, payable on 7 October 2026 to holders of record on 9 September 2026.

Mr Thomson said the record performance reflects sustained focus on, and reinvestment in, the company's core growth engines. He said that while much of the world is being reshaped by artificial intelligence, AI is only as useful and trustworthy as the quality of its inputs, which the company believes makes its journalism, books, data and brands valuable. News Corp describes its approach as "woo and sue", seeking commercial agreements with AI companies while pursuing legal action where it considers its work is being used without permission.

Points of Caution

News Corp's Digital Real Estate Services Earnings depend on housing market activity in Australia and the US, which can be sensitive to interest rates. Advertising revenues in news media can be cyclical and affected by economic conditions and shifts to digital platforms.

The company's approach to AI includes licensing agreements and legal action, and the outcomes of negotiations and litigation are uncertain. Book publishing results can vary with the success of new titles. The buyback reduces cash that could otherwise be invested. Currency movements affect reported results and returns for ASX holders. Some measures in the release are non-GAAP.

Regulatory changes affecting digital platforms, data use and media ownership could also affect operations in its key markets.

REA Group's earnings depend on Australian property listing volumes and pricing, which can be affected by interest rates and housing market conditions. The Move business operates in the US housing market, where activity has been affected by Mortgage rates. Any slowdown in these markets could affect Digital Real Estate Services earnings, which are a key profit contributor.

What Lies Ahead

Investors may watch for News Corp's first-quarter fiscal 2027 results, including trends at Dow Jones, REA Group, Move and Book Publishing. Further AI content agreements, progress on legal actions, the pace of Buybacks and the payment of the semi-annual dividend on 7 October 2026 may also be relevant.

Commentary on digital subscription growth at Dow Jones and The Wall Street Journal may also be of interest.

Key Takeaways

News Corp's fiscal 2026 result showed record revenue and profitability from continuing operations, higher cash flow and accelerated buybacks. Housing markets, AI developments and advertising trends are likely to remain the main factors to follow.