News Corp Confirms USD 0.10 Dividend for H1 2025 with Dual Currency Payments

Dividend Update and Context

News Corporation has issued an update to its dividend distribution details for the first half of 2025, confirming an ordinary dividend payment of USD 0.10 per Class A non-voting common stock CDI. This dividend covers the six-month period ending 30 June 2025 and reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to returning value to shareholders amid a dynamic media landscape.

The dividend is unfranked, meaning it carries no Australian franking credits, and is fully unfranked at 100%. This is consistent with News Corp’s international structure and the nature of its earnings, which are primarily generated outside Australia.

Currency and Payment Details

One notable aspect of this update is the dual currency payment arrangement. Holders of News Corp’s Class A common stock on the ASX will receive their dividends in Australian dollars, while holders of the underlying US-listed shares will be paid in US dollars. The exchange rate applied for AUD payments is AUD 1.00 to USD 0.6539, which was actual at the time of announcement.

The record date for entitlement was 10 September 2025, with an ex-dividend date of 9 September 2025. The dividend payment is scheduled for 8 October 2025, and importantly, no shareholder or regulatory approvals were required to finalise this distribution, indicating a smooth process aligned with prior expectations.

Implications for Investors

For investors, the confirmation of this dividend provides clarity on income expectations from News Corp’s ASX-listed securities. The absence of franking credits means Australian investors will need to consider the tax implications of unfranked foreign income. Additionally, the fixed exchange rate at announcement time offers some certainty, though currency fluctuations between announcement and payment dates could affect the final AUD amount received.

News Corp’s decision not to offer a securities plan for dividends suggests a straightforward cash payment approach, which may appeal to income-focused investors seeking predictable returns without reinvestment complexities.

Looking Ahead

While this update solidifies the dividend payment for H1 2025, it leaves open questions about future dividend policy and potential adjustments in response to market conditions or corporate strategy shifts. Investors will be watching closely for any guidance on subsequent payments and how currency dynamics might influence returns.