Why the News Corp (ASX:NWS) share price is charging higher

The News Corp share price is charging higher. We take a look at the ASX 200 media company's $361 million acquisition announcement.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

The News Corporation (ASX: NWS) share price is charging higher in morning trade, up 3.24%.

This comes after the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) listed global media company announced a major acquisition.

Man drawing illustration of a big fish eating a little fish representing a takeover or acquisition.

Image source: Getty Images

About the acquisition

The News Corp share price is moving higher in morning trade after the company reported it will acquire Investor's Business Daily (IBD) from O'Neil Capital Management for US$275 million (AU$361 million).

News Corp subsidiary Dow Jones will run the newly acquired business, which operates the Investors.com website.

According to the release, IBD generates more than 90% of its revenue from its digital offerings. And revenue has been growing at double-digit levels for the past several years. IBD currently has almost 100,000 digital subscribers, with News Corp reporting a "minimal overlap" with Dow Jones's subscriber list.

Commenting on the acquisition, News Corp CEO Robert Thomson said:

IBD will greatly enhance our e-expertise in finance, with compelling digital coverage, unique tools and high-yielding services. We will be able to cross-sell and up-sell with Dow Jones financial products and provide specialist insights for a knowing business audience… This transformative deal obviously comes as investor interest is surging in stock and bond markets and there is a premium for intelligence, insight and integrity.

Almar Latour, CEO, Dow Jones added, "The prospect of combining our collective skills and strengths, especially our shared legacies of trusted, rigorous journalism and research, opens up a wide range of potential."

Completion of the deal is subject to the standard legal conditions and approvals. News Corp anticipates closing the deal in the fiscal quarter ending 30 June.

News Corp share price snapshot

News Corp shareholders have enjoyed a profitable 12 months, with shares of the media company up 125%. By comparison, the ASX 200 is up by around 34% over that same time.

Year to date, the News Corp share price is up 40%.

News Corp pays an annual dividend yield of 0.7%, unfranked.

Motley Fool contributor Bernd Struben has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Bruce Jackson.

More on Share Market News

A young couple stands next to a real estate agent in an empty apartment they are inspecting.
Real Estate Shares

Mirvac shares sink to their lowest level since 2015. Is this ASX property giant back on the radar?

Multi-year lows put Mirvac shares back on investors’ watchlists today.

Read more »

surprised child reading all about asx 200 shares in a newspaper
Share Market News

Why Magellan, Telix and Fortescue shares are grabbing headlines on Friday

Telix, Magellan, and Fortescue shares are catching ASX investor interest today. But why?

Read more »

Person with thumbs down and a red sad face poster covering the face.
52-Week Lows

Harvey Norman just hit a 52-week low. Is this beaten-down ASX retailer becoming too cheap to ignore?

Harvey Norman sinks to 52-week low as sentiment weakens further.

Read more »

Woman using a pen on a digital stock market chart in an office.
Broker Notes

Could these ASX stocks double by the end of 2026?

These 5 stocks could be undervalued.

Read more »

Stock market chart in green with a rising arrow symbolising a rising share price.
Energy Shares

Up 635% in one year, guess which ASX energy share is rocketing again on Friday

Investors are bidding up this surging ASX energy share again today. But why?

Read more »

Two company members shaking hands on a deal.
Share Market News

Magellan Financial Group shares in focus following Barrenjoey merger approval

Magellan Financial Group advances full merger with Barrenjoey Capital Partners after strong shareholder support, expanding its diversified financial services platform.

Read more »

An investor wearing a dressing gown and holding a cup of coffee in a yellow mug gives a satisfied smile.
Broker Notes

7 ASX 200 shares just upgraded to strong buy ratings

Looking for inspiration after the March sell-off?

Read more »

A man looking at his laptop and thinking.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Friday

Let's see if it will be a good finish to the week for Aussie investors.

Read more »