The long-running dispute over the future of the Murdoch media empire has finally concluded. The $3.3 billion deal confirms Lachlan Murdoch‘s control over the empire built by his father, Rupert Murdoch, which includes both News Corp. (NWSA) and Fox Corp. (FOXA). Also, he will retain current roles as executive chairman and CEO of Fox and chairman of News Corp.
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Following the news, FOXA stock fell 3% in after-hours trading, while NWSA dipped about 1%.
The agreement removes three of his siblings, James Murdoch, Elisabeth Murdoch, and Prudence MacLeod, as beneficiaries of the trust. In exchange, they will receive about $1.1 billion from the sale of their shares in the family businesses. This transaction will see the trust offload 16.9 million shares of Fox and 14.2 million shares of News Corp.
Also, a new holding company, under Lachlan Murdoch’s control, will now own 36.2% of the Class B stock in Fox and 33.1% in News Corp., the shares that confer control over the two media giants.
Clear Path Forward for Fox and News Corp.
The settlement removes uncertainty over the future leadership and direction of the Murdoch empire. Also, it means the continuation of the conservative direction he and his father support.
It must be noted that Lachlan Murdoch had been chosen as successor years ago, as he became Fox’s CEO in 2018 and chairman of News Corp. in 2023.
Under his leadership, Fox, which includes the Fox broadcast network and the highly profitable Fox News Channel, has seen its stock rise by 25.5% year-to-date. At the same time, shares of News Corp., the parent company of The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and The New York Post, have gained 9.1% in 2025 so far.
What Is the Price Target for FOXA?
Turning to Wall Street, FOXA stock has a Moderate Buy consensus rating based on seven Buys and six Holds assigned in the last three months. At $62.50, the average Fox stock price target implies a marginal upside potential.
Is NWSA a Good Buy Now?
On TipRanks, NWSA stock has received a Strong Buy consensus rating, with four Buys and one Hold assigned in the last three months. The average News Corp. stock price target is $38.74, suggesting an upside potential of 29.39% from the current level.
