Form 4: News Corp Director Masroor Siddiqui Reports Routine Equity Transactions

News Corporation Director Masroor Siddiqui reported the cash settlement of previously vested deferred stock units and the acquisition of new deferred stock units, as part of pre-scheduled compensation arrangements.

Summary

• Masroor Siddiqui, a Director of News Corporation (NWS), reported transactions involving Class A Common Stock and Deferred Stock Units (DSUs).
• On July 1, 2025, 3,578 Deferred Stock Units were settled for the cash value of an equivalent number of Class A Common Stock shares.
• Concurrently, 3,578 Class A Common Stock shares were disposed of at a price of $29.73 per share, resulting in zero direct beneficial ownership of Class A Common Stock following these transactions.
• Additionally, 1,639 new Deferred Stock Units were acquired on July 1, 2025, at a price of $29.73 per unit.
• Following these transactions, Masroor Siddiqui beneficially owns an aggregate of 42,286 Deferred Stock Units.
• The reported transactions were made pursuant to a contract, instruction, or written plan intended to satisfy the affirmative defense conditions of Rule 10b5-1(c).

Sentiment

Score: 6

Explanation: The sentiment is neutral to slightly positive. While there was a disposition of shares, it was a pre-scheduled cash settlement of deferred units, not a discretionary sale. The acquisition of new deferred stock units indicates ongoing equity compensation and alignment with company performance.

Positives

• The acquisition of 1,639 new Deferred Stock Units indicates continued equity-based compensation for the Director, aligning their interests with shareholders.
• The transactions were pre-scheduled under a Rule 10b5-1 plan, indicating routine compensation and settlement processes rather than discretionary market sales.

Negatives

• The disposition of 3,578 Class A Common Stock shares, resulting in zero direct beneficial ownership of common stock, represents a reduction in direct equity holdings, although it was a pre-scheduled cash settlement of deferred units.

Future Outlook

The Deferred Stock Units held by the Reporting Person become payable in cash on the earlier of (i) the first trading day of the quarter five years following the respective grant and (ii) the Reporting Person's end of service as a Director.

Industry Context

This Form 4 filing details routine insider transactions related to executive compensation, which is a common practice across publicly traded companies in various industries, including media and publishing.

Stakeholder Impact

• Shareholders: This is a routine insider transaction related to director compensation and is unlikely to have a significant direct impact on share price or company strategy. It provides transparency into director equity holdings.
• Employees: No direct impact mentioned.

Next Steps

• Future vesting and cash payment of the remaining 42,286 Deferred Stock Units held by Masroor Siddiqui, based on the earlier of five years from grant or end of director service.

Key Dates

Keywords

News Corporation, NWS, Masroor Siddiqui, Director, SEC Form 4, Insider Trading, Deferred Stock Units, Equity Compensation, Rule 10b5-1 Plan, Stock Transactions