Paramount-Warner Deal Seen Clearing FCC Review; Netflix Warns of Job Cuts – FTMarch 3, 2026 9:30 AM
IH Market News
Paramount’s (NASDAQ:PSKY) proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) is expected to secure approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission, according to a Financial Times report on Monday that cited comments from FCC Chair Brendan Carr.Speaking to the FT at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Carr said U.S. regulators had previously raised concerns about Warner’s earlier agreement with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), but added that the competitive implications of a merger with Paramount were “drastically different.”Paramount became the sole remaining suitor for Warner after Netflix opted not to match an enhanced $31-per-share bid for the entertainment group.Carr told the FT that the majority of the regulatory review will be handled by the Department of Justice, with the FCC’s involvement limited primarily to assessing the transaction’s financial structure.Paramount’s bid is backed by $47 billion in equity financing, alongside investment from a consortium of Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.“All the information that I’ve seen about that foreign debt?.?.?.?is that would qualify under FCC rules as what we call bona fide debt, meaning, it would be a very quick, almost pro forma review,” Carr told the FT.Despite expectations of regulatory clearance, lawmakers from both political parties have voiced concerns about the deal’s competitive impact, particularly in the streaming sector, where consolidation could narrow consumer choice.Separately, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters cautioned in an interview with the Financial Times that the takeover could result in “severe” job losses across Hollywood.“A bunch of people are going to lose their jobs,” Peters told the FT, just days after Netflix decided against matching Paramount’s improved offer for Warner.“They’re bidding and winning these deals at prices that I can’t make sense of, that don’t seem economic,” Peters told the FT.Paramount Skydance stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock priceNetflix stock price

Original: Paramount-Warner Deal Seen Clearing FCC Review; Netflix Warns of Job Cuts – FT

Paramount forecasts $69B revenue in FY2026 following Warner Bros. Discovery mergerMarch 2, 2026 11:21 AM
IH Market News
Paramount (NASDAQ:PSKY) said it expects the combined company formed through its merger with Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) to generate approximately $69 billion in pro forma revenue for fiscal year 2026.According to projections released Monday, the merged media group is targeting adjusted EBITDA of about $18 billion and anticipates realizing roughly $6 billion in synergies as integration progresses.Looking further ahead, the company forecasts revenue growth at a mid-single-digit compound annual rate between 2026 and 2030.Management also expects adjusted EBITDA margins to reach the mid-20% range by 2030, while free cash flow conversion is projected to average around 50% over the same period.Paramount Skydance stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock price

Original: Paramount forecasts $69B revenue in FY2026 following Warner Bros. Discovery merger

PARAMOUNT TO ACQUIRE WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY TO FORM NEXT-GENERATION GLOBAL MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANYFebruary 27, 2026 4:27 PM
PR Newswire (US)

The newly merged company will be well positioned to compete in the rapidly evolving entertainment industry where storytelling combined with world class technology expertise will be an important driver of value creation across the ecosystem and for shareholdersInvesting in the world-class studios of Paramount and WBD, focusing on attracting and retaining the industry's leading creative talent while expanding the supply of high-quality content for both the combined company's platforms and third-party distribution platformsDriving long-term growth by investing in and expanding our DTC business, powered by our combined world-class storytelling to reach more audiences and compete effectively with leading streaming servicesCommitted to producing a minimum of 30 theatrical films annually, delivering exceptional entertainment to audiences and driving long-term job growth across the film and creative industriesParamount issuing $47 billion of new Class B shares at $16.02 per share, supported by a fully committed investment from the Ellison Family and RedBird Capital PartnersTransaction values WBD at enterprise value of $110 billion, representing a multiple of 7.5x on fully synergized 2026 EBITDALOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount") and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") today announced they have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which Paramount will acquire WBD, forming a premier global media and entertainment company focused on expanding consumer choice and empowering creative talent worldwide.Under the terms of the agreement, Paramount will pay $31.00 per share in cash for all outstanding shares of WBD. The transaction has been unanimously approved by the Boards of Directors of both companies and is expected to close in Q3 2026, subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory clearances and approval by WBD shareholders, with a vote expected in the early spring of 2026. In the event the transaction has not closed by September 30, 2026, WBD shareholders will receive a $0.25 per share "ticking fee" for each quarter (measured daily) until closing.The merger unlocks innovative and compelling storytelling opportunities across the combined company's best-in-class film and television studios, streaming and linear platforms. Together, Paramount and WBD will deliver greater choice for consumers through its leading streaming platforms with an exceptional intellectual property portfolio that has produced popular franchises such as Game of Thrones, Mission Impossible, Harry Potter, Top Gun, the DC Universe and SpongeBob SquarePants.    David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, said: "From the very beginning, our pursuit of Warner Bros. Discovery has been guided by a clear purpose: to honor the legacy of two iconic companies while accelerating our vision of building a next-generation media and entertainment company. By bringing together these world-class studios, our complementary streaming platforms, and the extraordinary talent behind them, we will create even greater value for audiences, partners and shareholders — and we couldn't be more excited for what's ahead."David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery said: "I'm very pleased with the outcome we achieved for WBD shareholders and the entertainment industry. Our guiding principle throughout this process has been to secure a transaction that maximizes the value of our iconic assets and our century-old studio while delivering as much certainty as possible for our investors. We look forward to working with Paramount to complete this historic transaction."Strategic and Financial Benefits of a Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery MergerHollywood Champion: We will invest in expanding the creative engines at the core of both WBD and Paramount. We will maintain both studios while prioritizing the attraction and retention of world-class creative talent, strengthening our ability to deliver a broad pipeline of high-quality content, including 15 theatrical feature films per year per studio, for our combined platforms and third-party distribution partners.Establishes a Global Streaming Competitor: By uniting the strengths of Paramount and WBD, we will create a premier direct-to-consumer platform with enhanced reach, engagement, and monetization capabilities – positioning the combined company to increase competition while accelerating subscriber growth, deepening engagement, and driving significant long-term profitability.Pro-Competition: The combination of Paramount+, HBO Max and Pluto creates a highly competitive DTC business that expands both consumer choice and opportunities for creative talent and labor. The deal will deliver compelling value for both content suppliers and consumers – establishing another strong, credible competitor in today's streaming marketplace.Transaction Supports a Competitive Theatrical and Content Distribution Ecosystem: Every film will receive a full theatrical release, with a minimum 45-day window globally before becoming available on paid video-on-demand (VOD), with the intention of 60-90 days or more to maximize the audience for our most successful releases.Both studios will continue to support a vibrant third-party ecosystem by licensing their films and shows across their own and third-party platforms, while remaining active buyers of content from third-party studios and independent producers.Following its theatrical run, each film will transition to the current industry standard home video window, preserving paid video-on-demand prior to availability on subscription streaming services.Paramount will continue to adhere to specific windowing regimes in geographies it operates in, including in France where Paramount maintains its windowing commitments.A Compelling Portfolio of IP and Content: The combined company will own a film library of more than 15,000 titles and thousands of hours of television programming. It will be home to many of the world's most iconic and enduring franchises, including Harry Potter, Mission Impossible, Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones, the DC Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Transformers, Star Trek and SpongeBob SquarePants.Broad Sports Rights Portfolio: The merged company will hold one of the industry's most compelling and competitive portfolios of sports rights, including: the NFL, Olympics, UFC, PGA Tour, NHL, Big Ten and Big 12 Football, NCAA College Basketball, and Champions League, with the ability to distribute these rights collectively across all of our platforms, thereby giving sports fans easier access to more of the content they want in one place.Stronger Linear Networks: A complementary portfolio of cable networks spanning entertainment, sports and news will significantly improve cash flow, unlock efficiencies, and strengthen our ability to manage linear market pressures. It also creates a more compelling, unified platform for advertisers through integrated cross-channel sales and activation opportunities.Diverse International Portfolio: A presence in over 200 countries and territories, including cable and free-to-air networks, that will provide more opportunities for world class storytelling – including local production – to be seen globally and allow us to continue to serve local audiences around the world with the best stories across TV, film, sports, and news.Technology to Create Stronger Infrastructure Backbone and Improved User Interface: By streamlining the technological underpinning of every aspect of the combined company's businesses, we will improve the user experience, generate financial and operating efficiencies and eliminate redundancies.Well-Positioned to Invest in Growth: The pro forma balance sheet and cash flow will enable continued investment in growth initiatives, as demonstrated by the marquee deals announced by Paramount since the close of the Skydance merger, including: Trey Parker and Matt Stone of South Park, the UFC, the Duffer Brothers and Activision, among others. The combined company's resources and backing of Paramount's committed investors will support increased investment in content generation, reinvigorating the media industry and enhancing competition to the benefit of talent and labor.Transaction Highlights
Paramount will acquire 100% of WBD for $31 per share in cash, plus the "ticking fee", valuing WBD at $81 billion in equity value and $110 billion in enterprise value. Paramount expects that the acquisition will yield over $6 billion in synergies, which are driven by a combination of: technology integration (such as migrating the combined company to a single enterprise resource planning system and consolidating streaming technology stacks), corporate-wide efficiencies, including procurement savings, optimizing the combined real estate footprint, and otherwise streamlining operational efficiencies.On a fully synergized basis, this values WBD at 7.5x 2026 EBITDA. At closing, we expect to have a net debt-to-EBITDA of 4.3x on a synergized basis, with a clear path to investment grade credit metrics within three years of closing. The transaction is funded by $47 billion in equity, fully backed by the Ellison Family and RedBird Capital Partners. At closing, the equity may include other strategic and financial partners. Under the terms of the equity commitments, new shares of Class B Paramount stock will be issued at a price of $16.02 per share. The terms of this equity investment were decided by a Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Paramount comprised of independent directors with independent legal and financial advisors. In addition to the new cash equity investment, the transaction is backed by $54 billion of debt commitments from Bank of America, Citigroup, and Apollo, which includes $15 billion to backstop WBD's existing bridge facility and $39 billion of incremental new debt. The $54 billion excludes $3.5 billion of bridge financing from these institutions to backstop our existing $3.5 billion revolving credit facility. In addition, existing Paramount stockholders will have the opportunity to participate in a rights offering of up to $3.25 billion of Class B Paramount stock alongside the new equity investment, which is expected to occur nearer the closing date, at a price of $16.02 per share. The proposed transaction between Paramount and WBD is not subject to any financing conditions.In connection with the entry into the merger agreement, Paramount has terminated its all-cash tender offer to acquire all outstanding shares of WBD.Centerview Partners LLC and RedBird Advisors are acting as lead financial advisors to Paramount, and Bank of America Securities, Citi, M. Klein & Company and LionTree Advisors are also acting as financial advisors. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP are acting as legal counsel to Paramount. Latham & Watkins LLP is also acting as legal counsel to the investor consortium, including the Ellison Family.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to WBD and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.Barclays Capital are acting as financial advisors to the Special Committee of the Board of Directors of Paramount and Cleary, Gottlieb, Steen & Hamilton LLP are serving as legal counsel.Conference Call and Webcast
Paramount will conduct a conference call and webcast on Monday, March 2 at 8:30am ET to discuss its merger agreement with WBD. The webcast link and dial-in information will be made available on Paramount's Investor Relations homepage at ir.paramount.com prior to the call. An audio replay of the call will be available in the Events and Webcasts section of Paramount's Investors homepage.About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation 
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Paramount's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Paramount TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, visit paramount.com.About Warner Bros. Discovery
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.Additional Information and Where to Find It
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") by Paramount Skydance Corporation ("Paramount"). In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD intends to file relevant materials with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including WBD's proxy statement in preliminary and definitive form. INVESTORS AND STOCKHOLDERS OF WBD ARE URGED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING WBD'S PROXY STATEMENT (WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE), BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN OR WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and stockholders of WBD are or will be able to obtain these documents (when they are available) free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, or free of charge from WBD under the "SEC Filings" section of WBD's website at https://ir.wbd.com.Participants in the Solicitation
Paramount and WBD and certain of their respective directors and executive officers, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be "participants" in the solicitation of proxies from security holders of WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of Paramount is set forth in its Current Reports on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 7, 2025, September 16, 2025 and January 14, 2026 and in its Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2026. Information about WBD's directors and executive officers is available in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors." To the extent holdings of WBD's securities by its directors or executive officers has changed since the amounts set forth in such 2025 proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3 or Statements of Changes of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 4 filed with the SEC. Investors and stockholders of Paramount or WBD are or will be able to obtain these documents free of charge from the SEC's website at www.sec.gov, from Paramount on Paramount's website at https://ir.paramount.com/sec-filings/paramount, from WBD on WBD's website at https://ir.wbd.com or on request from Paramount or WBD, as applicable.  Additional information concerning the interests of WBD's participants in the solicitation, which may, in some cases, be different than those of WBD's stockholders generally, will be set forth in WBD's proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction when it becomes available.Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains "forward-looking statements" regarding the potential acquisition of WBD. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Paramount or WBD. Risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: the risk that the closing conditions for the acquisition will not be satisfied, including the risk that clearances under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act or other applicable antitrust laws will not be obtained; uncertainty as to the percentage of WBD stockholders that will vote to approve the proposed transaction at the applicable WBD stockholder meeting; the possibility that the transaction will not be completed in the expected timeframe or at all; potential adverse effects to the businesses of Paramount or WBD during the pendency of the transaction, such as employee departures or distraction of management from business operations; the risk of stockholder litigation relating to the transaction, including resulting expense or delay; the potential that the expected benefits and opportunities of the acquisition, if completed, may not be realized or may take longer to realize than expected; risks related to Paramount's streaming business; the adverse impact on Paramount's advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer behavior, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to Paramount's decisions to invest in new businesses, products, services and technologies, and the evolution of Paramount's business strategy; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in, or the impact of negotiations for, the distribution of Paramount's content; damage to Paramount's reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, content and long-lived assets, including finite-lived intangible assets; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; challenges in protecting and maintaining Paramount's intellectual property rights; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting Paramount's businesses generally; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; disruptions to Paramount's operations as a result of labor disputes; risks and costs associated with the integration of, and Paramount's ability to integrate, the businesses of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; litigation relating to the transactions contemplated by the transaction agreement entered into on July 7, 2024, between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC, potentially resulting in substantial costs; volatility in the price of Paramount's Class B common stock; the effect Paramount's dual-class capital structure and the concentrated ownership may have on the price of its Class B common stock or business; risks related to a private sale of a controlling interest in Paramount, including that Paramount's stockholders may not realize any change of control premium on shares of Paramount's Class B common stock and that Paramount may become subject to the control of a presently unknown third party; risks associated with Paramount's status as a "controlled company" under Nasdaq rules, including its exemption from certain corporate governance requirements; risks associated with the lack of voting rights of Paramount's Class B common stock; risks that anti-takeover provisions in Paramount's amended and restated certificate of incorporation ("Charter") and amended and restated bylaws, and under Delaware law, could deter, delay, or prevent a change of control; risks that exclusive forum provisions in Paramount's Charter could limit a stockholder's choice of forum for certain claims and discourage lawsuits against Paramount's directors and officers; risks that corporate opportunity provisions in Paramount's Charter could permit certain persons to pursue competitive opportunities that might otherwise be available to Paramount; and risks associated with Paramount's holding company structure, including its dependence on distributions from its subsidiaries to meet tax obligations and other cash requirements; A further list and description of these risks, uncertainties and other factors and the general risks associated with the respective businesses of Paramount and WBD can be found in Paramount's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025, filed with the SEC on February 25, 2026, including in the sections captioned "Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," and Paramount's subsequent filings with the SEC, and WBD's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 27, 2025, including in the section captioned "Item 1A. Risk Factors" and in WBD's most recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and WBD's subsequent filings with the SEC. Copies of these filings, as well as subsequent filings, are available online at www.sec.gov, https://ir.paramount.com/sec-filings/paramount, https://ir.wbd.com or on request from Paramount or WBD. Neither Paramount nor WBD undertakes to update any forward-looking statement as a result of new information or future events or developments, except as required by law.Paramount
Media Contacts: 
Melissa Zukerman / Laura Watson
msz@paramount.com / laura.watson@paramount.comBrunswick Group
ParamountSkydance@brunswickgroup.comGagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
dg@gagnierfc.comInvestor Contacts:
Kevin Creighton / Logan Thomas
kevin.creighton@paramount.com / logan.thomas@paramount.comWarner Bros. Discovery
Media Contact:
Robert Gibbs
Robert.gibbs@wbd.comInvestor Contact:
Peter Lee
Peter.lee@wbd.com



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-to-acquire-warner-bros-discovery-to-form-next-generation-global-media-and-entertainment-company-302699998.htmlSOURCE Paramount Skydance Corporation

Original: PARAMOUNT TO ACQUIRE WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY TO FORM NEXT-GENERATION GLOBAL MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT COMPANY

Netflix jumps after opting not to match Paramount Skydance’s bid for Warner BrosFebruary 27, 2026 6:20 AM
IH Market News
Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:NFLX) said Thursday it will not increase its offer for Warner Bros Discovery Inc (NASDAQ:WBD) after Warner Bros concluded that a revised proposal from Paramount Skydance Corp (NASDAQ:PSKY) represents a superior offer under the terms of its existing merger agreement with the streaming group.Netflix shares climbed nearly 7% in premarket trading on Friday, while Paramount surged about 10% and Warner Bros declined roughly 2%.In a joint statement, Netflix co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters said the agreement they had negotiated offered clear shareholder value and a defined regulatory pathway, but matching Paramount Skydance’s higher proposal would no longer make financial sense.“We’ve always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance’s latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid,” Sarandos and Peters said.Warner Bros. Discovery’s board reached its conclusion after consulting independent financial and legal advisers. Earlier this week, the company disclosed that Paramount Skydance’s offer values WBD at $31.00 per share in cash, alongside a daily ticking fee equivalent to $0.25 per share per quarter beginning after September 30, 2026.The proposal also includes a $7 billion regulatory termination fee payable by PSKY if the transaction fails due to regulatory issues. Paramount Skydance would additionally cover the $2.8 billion termination fee owed by WBD to Netflix under the existing merger agreement.Larry J. Ellison and an affiliated trust are committed to providing additional equity financing if required to support the solvency certification demanded by PSKY’s lenders. The bid also defines a company material adverse effect clause that excludes performance from WBD’s Global Linear Networks division.Following the announcement, brokerage Raymond James downgraded Warner Bros to Underperform.“Netflix declined to raise its offer, thus effectively ending the bidding war for WBD,” analysts led by Ric Prentiss said in a note. “Since we do not anticipate any more topping bids, WBD now becomes a more traditional “arb spread” stock, and we see more attractive potential returns elsewhere in our coverage universe.”Separately, analysts at Wolfe Research led by Peter Supino said that “if Netflix raised its bid, it risked being perceived as desperate, and it could have taken years to wash that perception away.”“WBD was more a nice to have than need to have for Netflix, and Netflix declining to raise its bid only a few hours into its 4 business day review period is a signal of Netflix’s confidence in its stand-alone prospects,” he continued.Netflix also thanked Warner Bros. Discovery CEO David Zaslav, CFO Gunnar Wiedenfels, Bruce Campbell, Brad Singer and the WBD board for conducting what it described as a fair and thorough process. The company said it believed it would have been a strong steward of Warner Bros.’ brands and that the transaction could have strengthened the entertainment industry while supporting production jobs in the United States.The streaming company reiterated that the deal was always a nice to have at the right price rather than a must have at any price. Netflix added that its core business remains healthy, resilient and growing organically, supported by its content slate and streaming platform. The company plans to invest about $20 billion in films and series this year, expand its offering, and restart its share buyback programme.Netflix stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock priceParamount Skydance stock price

Original: Netflix jumps after opting not to match Paramount Skydance’s bid for Warner Bros

Paramount Poised to Win Warner Deal as Block Jumps — Key Market Movers: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesFebruary 27, 2026 5:21 AM
IH Market News
U.S. stock index futures moved slightly lower on Friday as investors weighed fresh earnings from major technology companies and reassessed sentiment around artificial intelligence-driven trades. Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) appears set to prevail in the takeover contest for Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) after Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) withdrew its competing offer, while AI firm Anthropic entered a dispute with the Pentagon. Meanwhile, Jack Dorsey’s Block (NYSE:XYZ) surged after announcing large-scale job cuts, and oil prices edged higher.



Futures drift lower



U.S. equity futures pointed to a softer finish to the week as markets digested a wave of influential technology earnings.As of 02:59 ET (07:59 GMT), Dow futures were down 205 points, or 0.4%, S&P 500 futures slipped 13 points, or 0.2%, and Nasdaq 100 futures traded broadly flat.Wall Street closed mixed on Thursday, with investors focused on results from artificial intelligence heavyweight Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and cloud software provider Salesforce (NYSE:CRM).Although Nvidia delivered quarterly earnings above expectations, investors remained cautious amid growing competition, questions about the durability of strong demand, and uncertainty over when meaningful returns will materialize. Shares of Nvidia — a major index component — fell more than 5%.Salesforce shares advanced despite issuing a weaker-than-anticipated annual revenue outlook. Analysts at Vital Knowledge described the results as “no worse than feared.”The session also saw what analysts called a “violent rotation” within technology stocks, as capital shifted away from hardware-oriented names such as semiconductors and data center infrastructure toward software and data-focused companies.According to analysts, “small red flags” from Nvidia alongside relief over results from Salesforce and peer Workday — combined with comments earlier this week from AI startup Anthropic about aiming to “compliment and augment, not kill” software companies — helped fuel the rotation.



Paramount leads Warner bidding battle



Paramount Skydance has emerged as the likely victor in the prolonged takeover struggle for Warner Bros. Discovery after Netflix unexpectedly stepped away from negotiations.Netflix executives — whose shares rose in after-hours trading following the announcement — said the deal was “always a ’nice to have’ at the right price,” but “not a ’must have’ at any price.” While Netflix has the financial capacity to pursue acquisitions, some investors had questioned the strategic logic of buying a traditional media company.Warner Bros.’ board determined Paramount’s $31-per-share all-cash proposal represented a superior offer, prompting Netflix to reconsider its position. After receiving four days to respond, Netflix opted not to match the bid and abandoned its $27.75-per-share proposal covering Warner Bros.’ studios and HBO Max.The development positions Paramount — controlled by David Ellison, son of technology billionaire Larry Ellison — to build a larger entertainment group incorporating franchises such as “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones.” If approved by regulators, the transaction would also give Paramount control of cable networks including CNN and TBS.Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav said a Paramount transaction would “create tremendous value for our shareholders.” Paramount shares rose in extended trading, while Warner Bros. stock declined.



Anthropic clashes with Pentagon



Artificial intelligence company Anthropic said it would refuse Pentagon demands to remove safeguards embedded in its AI systems, creating tension between one of the sector’s leading startups and the U.S. government.The dispute centers on a Pentagon request to eliminate protections that prevent the technology from being used for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons applications.The Defense Department has warned it could terminate its partnership with Anthropic and classify the firm as a “supply chain risk” if the company does not comply. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly set a Friday deadline for Anthropic to allow the technology’s use in all lawful scenarios.Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei said he could not agree “in good conscience,” arguing that the military’s request would effectively dismantle the system’s safety guardrails.



Block shares surge



Shares of Block jumped more than 23% in after-hours trading after the payments firm announced plans to cut nearly half of its workforce as part of a strategy to integrate artificial intelligence more deeply across its operations.The reductions — expected to eliminate more than 4,000 positions — come as companies increasingly reshape staffing structures around AI adoption, raising broader concerns about employment impacts despite productivity gains.Block CEO Jack Dorsey said that “ntelligence tools have changed what it means to build and run a company,” adding “[w]e’re already seeing it internally” and “[a] significantly smaller team using the tools can do more and do it better[.]”Although the company anticipates up to $500 million in restructuring costs, analysts cited by Reuters suggested the sharp share price rise reflects expectations that leaner staffing could improve profitability margins.



Oil edges higher after U.S.–Iran talks



Oil prices moved modestly higher but remained on track for weekly declines after the United States and Iran agreed to continue negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program, easing fears of supply disruptions.Brent crude futures gained 0.7% to $71.29 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures rose 0.8% to $65.74 per barrel.For the week, Brent prices were largely unchanged, while WTI was set to fall roughly 1%, reversing part of the prior week’s advance.Talks between Washington and Tehran ended Thursday without a definitive agreement, but technical discussions are scheduled to resume next week in Vienna, Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi said in a post on X following meetings in Geneva.Geopolitical tensions involving Iran have been a key driver of oil price movements throughout February, as the United States increased its military presence in the Middle East and warned of potential action if negotiations failed.Warner Brothers Discovery stock priceNetflix stock priceParamount Skydance stock priceBlock stock priceNvidia stock priceSalesforce stock price

Original: Paramount Poised to Win Warner Deal as Block Jumps — Key Market Movers: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Netflix Declines to Raise Offer for Warner Bros.February 26, 2026 5:45 PM
PR Newswire (US)

HOLLYWOOD, Calif., Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Netflix, Inc. today announced that it has declined to raise its offer for Warner Bros. Netflix had earlier received notice from Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) that its Board of Directors has determined Paramount Skydance's (PSKY) latest proposal constitutes a "Superior Proposal" under the terms of WBD's existing merger agreement with Netflix. Netflix issued the following statement in response from co-CEOs Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters:







The transaction we negotiated would have created shareholder value with a clear path to regulatory approval. However, we've always been disciplined, and at the price required to match Paramount Skydance's latest offer, the deal is no longer financially attractive, so we are declining to match the Paramount Skydance bid.Warner Bros. is a world-class organization, and we want to thank David Zaslav, Gunnar Wiedenfels, Bruce Campbell, Brad Singer and the WBD Board for running a fair and rigorous process. We believe we would have been strong stewards of Warner Bros.' iconic brands, and that our deal would have strengthened the entertainment industry and preserved and created more production jobs in the U.S.  But this transaction was always a 'nice to have' at the right price, not a 'must have' at any price.Netflix's business is healthy, strong and growing organically, powered by our slate and best-in-class streaming service. This year, we'll invest approximately $20 billion in quality films and series and will expand our entertaining offering. Consistent with our capital allocation policy, we'll also resume our share repurchase program.We will continue to do what we've done for more than 20 years as a public company: delight our members, profitably grow our business, and drive long-term shareholder value.About NetflixNetflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services offering TV series, films, games and live programming across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.Important Information and Where to Find ItIn connection with the proposed transaction between Netflix and WBD, WBD filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A (the "Proxy Statement") with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The Proxy Statement was first mailed to WBD stockholders on or around February 17, 2026. Each of Netflix and WBD may also file with or furnish to the SEC other relevant documents regarding the proposed transaction. This communication is not a substitute for the Proxy Statement or any other document that Netflix or WBD may file with the SEC or mail to WBD's stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS OF NETFLIX AND WBD ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT, AS WELL AS ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION OR INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE INTO THE PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO), BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING NETFLIX, WBD, THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement as well as other filings containing information about Netflix and WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. The documents filed by Netflix with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at Netflix's website at https://ir.netflix.net/home/default.aspx. The documents filed by WBD with the SEC also may be obtained free of charge at WBD's website at https://ir.wbd.com.Participants in the SolicitationNetflix, WBD and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of WBD in connection with the proposed transaction under the rules of the SEC. Information about the interests of the directors and executive officers of WBD and other persons who may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of stockholders of WBD in connection with the proposed transaction and a description of their direct and indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is included in the Proxy Statement, which has been filed by WBD with the SEC. Information about WBD's directors and executive officers is set forth in WBD's proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, WBD's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Information about Netflix's directors and executive officers is set forth in Netflix's proxy statement for its 2025 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on Schedule 14A filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, and any subsequent filings with the SEC. Additional information regarding the direct and indirect interests of those persons and other persons who may be deemed participants in the proposed transaction may be obtained by reading the Proxy Statement regarding the proposed transaction. Free copies of these documents may be obtained as described above.Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws, including Section 27A of the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements are based on Netflix's and WBD's current expectations, estimates and projections about the expected date of closing of the proposed transaction and the potential benefits thereof, their respective businesses and industries, management's beliefs and certain assumptions made by Netflix and WBD, all of which are subject to change. In this context, forward-looking statements often address expected future business and financial performance and financial condition, and often contain words such as "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "could," "seek," "see," "will," "may," "would," "might," "potentially," "estimate," "continue," "expect," "target," similar expressions or the negatives of these words or other comparable terminology that convey uncertainty of future events or outcomes. All forward-looking statements by their nature address matters that involve risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control and are not guarantees of future results, such as statements about the consummation of the proposed transaction and the anticipated benefits thereof. These and other forward-looking statements, including the failure to consummate the proposed transaction or to make or take any filing or other action required to consummate the transaction on a timely matter or at all, are not guarantees of future results and are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements and caution must be exercised in relying on forward-looking statements. Important risk factors that may cause such a difference include, but are not limited to: (i) the completion of the proposed transaction on anticipated terms and timing, including obtaining stockholder and regulatory approvals, completing the separation of WBD's Discovery Global business ("Discovery Global") and Warner Bros. business, anticipated tax treatment, unforeseen liabilities, future capital expenditures, revenues, expenses, earnings, synergies, economic performance, indebtedness, financial condition, losses, future prospects, business and management strategies, expansion and growth of WBD's and Netflix's businesses and other conditions to the completion of the proposed transaction; (ii) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed transaction, including as a result of delay in completing the transaction or integrating the businesses of Netflix and WBD; (iii) Netflix's and WBD's ability to implement their business strategies; (iv) consumer viewing trends; (v) potential litigation relating to the proposed transaction that could be instituted against Netflix, WBD or their respective directors; (vi) the risk that disruptions from the proposed transaction will harm Netflix's or WBD's business, including current plans and operations; (vii) the ability of Netflix or WBD to retain and hire key personnel; (viii) potential adverse reactions or changes to business relationships resulting from the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction; (ix) uncertainty as to the long-term value of Netflix's common stock; (x) legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting Netflix's and WBD's businesses; (xi) general economic and market developments and conditions; (xii) the evolving legal, regulatory and tax regimes under which Netflix and WBD operate; (xiii) potential business uncertainty, including changes to existing business relationships, during the pendency of the proposed transaction that could affect Netflix's or WBD's financial performance; (xiv) restrictions during the pendency of the proposed transaction that may impact Netflix's or WBD's ability to pursue certain business opportunities or strategic transactions; (xv) failure to receive the approval of the stockholders of WBD; (xvi) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and Discovery Global in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (xvii) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; and (xviii) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in Netflix's and WBD's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the Proxy Statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. While the list of factors presented here and in the Proxy Statement are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements. Consequences of material differences in results as compared with those anticipated in the forward-looking statements could include, among other things, business disruption, operational problems, financial loss, legal liability to third parties and similar risks, any of which could have a material adverse effect on Netflix's or WBD's consolidated financial condition, results of operations or liquidity. Neither Netflix nor WBD assumes any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws.



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Original: Netflix Declines to Raise Offer for Warner Bros.

PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY BOARD'S DETERMINATION OF PARAMOUNT'S PROPOSAL AS SUPERIORFebruary 26, 2026 4:35 PM
PR Newswire (US)

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount") confirms that it has been notified by Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") that WBD's Board of Directors has determined that Paramount's $31 per share, all-cash proposal to acquire WBD is a "Company Superior Proposal" under the terms of WBD's merger agreement with Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX).David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, said: "We are pleased WBD's Board has unanimously affirmed the superior value of our offer, which delivers to WBD shareholders superior value, certainty and speed to closing."Under the terms of Paramount's proposed merger agreement:Paramount will acquire WBD for $31.00 per WBD share in cash for 100% of the company;A daily "ticking fee" of $0.25 per quarter will accrue after September 30, 2026, until the consummation of the Paramount transaction;A regulatory termination fee of $7 billion would be payable in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters;Paramount will pay the $2.8 billion termination fee which WBD is required to pay to Netflix to terminate its existing Netflix merger agreement;Paramount will eliminate WBD's potential $1.5 billion financing cost associated with its debt exchange offer;The "Company Material Adverse Effect" definition excludes the performance of WBD's Global Linear Networks business;The Ellison Trust is providing a $45.7 billion equity commitment, and Larry Ellison is guaranteeing such commitment, including an obligation to contribute additional equity funding to Paramount to the extent needed to support the solvency certificate required by Paramount's lending banks, andBank of America Merrill Lynch, Citi and Apollo are providing a $57.5 billion debt commitment.The entry into Paramount's proposed transaction requires the expiration of a four business day match period, termination of the Netflix merger agreement and execution of a definitive merger agreement between Paramount and WBD.As previously announced, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act applicable to Paramount's acquisition of WBD expired at 11:59 pm on February 19, 2026.Centerview Partners LLC and RedBird Advisors are acting as lead financial advisors to Paramount, and Bank of America Securities, Citi, M. Klein & Company and LionTree are also acting as financial advisors. Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Latham & Watkins LLP are acting as legal counsel to Paramount.About Paramount, a Skydance CorporationParamount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to Paramount Skydance Corporation's ("Paramount") future financial results and performance, potential achievements, anticipated reporting segments and industry changes and developments. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Similarly, statements that describe Paramount's objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Paramount's current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "may," "could," "estimate" or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause Paramount's actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others:  the outcome of the tender offer by Paramount and Prince Sub Inc. (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Series A common stock of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") or any discussions between Paramount and WBD with respect to a possible transaction (including, without limitation, by means of the Tender Offer, the "Potential Transaction"), including the possibility that the Tender Offer will not be successful, that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction or that the terms of any such transaction will be materially different from those described herein; the conditions to the completion of the Potential Transaction or the previously announced transaction between WBD and Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 4, 2025, among Netflix, Nightingale Sub, Inc., WBD and New Topco 25, Inc. (the "Proposed Netflix Transaction"), including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals for either transaction, the proposed financing for the Potential Transaction, the indebtedness Paramount expects to incur in connection with the Potential Transaction and the total indebtedness of the combined company; the possibility that Paramount may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate the operations of WBD with those of Paramount, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the Potential Transaction; risks related to Paramount's streaming business; the adverse impact on Paramount's advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer behavior, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries, including cost increases; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to Paramount's decisions to make investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, and the evolution of Paramount's business strategy; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of Paramount's content; damage to Paramount's reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and content; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting Paramount's businesses generally, including tariffs and other changes in trade policies; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; disruptions to Paramount's operations as a result of labor disputes; the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and Paramount's ability to integrate, the businesses of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; volatility in the prices of Paramount's Class B Common Stock; potential conflicts of interest arising from Paramount's ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; and other factors described in Paramount's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to Paramount Global's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Paramount's reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that Paramount does not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this report, and Paramount does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.Additional Information This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. This communication relates to a proposal that Paramount has made for an acquisition of WBD, the Tender Offer that Paramount, through Prince Sub Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, has made to WBD stockholders, and Paramount's intention to solicit proxies against the Proposed Netflix Transaction and other proposals to be voted on by WBD stockholders at the special meeting of WBD stockholders to be held to approve the Proposed Netflix Transaction (the "Netflix Merger Solicitation") and/or for use at the WBD annual meeting of stockholders. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and other related offer documents), filed with the SEC on December 8, 2025. These materials, as may be amended from time to time, contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the offer. Subject to future developments, Paramount (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, WBD) may file additional documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, tender offer statement, or other document Paramount and/or WBD may file with the SEC in connection with the Potential Transaction.Paramount, Prince Sub Inc. and the other participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation have filed a preliminary proxy statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card with the SEC on January 22, 2026 in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation (the "Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement"). Paramount expects to file a definitive proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card with the SEC in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation and may file other proxy solicitation materials in connection therewith or the annual meeting of WBD stockholders, or other documents with the SEC.PARAMOUNT STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF WBD TO READ THE SPECIAL MEETING PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, PARAMOUNT AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY SOLICITATIONS WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE APPLICABLE PROXY STATEMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE APPLICABLE PROXY SOLICITOR. Participants in the SolicitationThe participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation are expected to be Paramount, Prince Sub Inc., certain directors and executive officers of Paramount and Prince Sub Inc., Lawrence Ellison, RedBird Capital Management and The Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, u/a/d 1/22/88, as amended. Additional information about the participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation is available in the Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement.PSKY-IRMedia Contacts:
Paramount
Melissa Zukerman / Laura Watson
msz@paramount.com / laura.watson@paramount.comBrunswick Group
ParamountSkydance@brunswickgroup.comGagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
dg@gagnierfc.comInvestor Contacts:
Paramount 
Kevin Creighton / Logan Thomas
kevin.creighton@paramount.com / logan.thomas @teena
Toll-Free: (844) 343-2621
info@okapipartners.com 



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Original: PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY BOARD'S DETERMINATION OF PARAMOUNT'S PROPOSAL AS SUPERIOR

Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors Determines Revised Proposal from Paramount Skydance Constitutes a "Company Superior Proposal"February 26, 2026 4:15 PM
PR Newswire (US)

Revised PSKY Proposal Values WBD at Per Share Price of $31.00; Netflix Now Has a Four Business Day Match Period NEW YORK, Feb. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") (NASDAQ: WBD) today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board"), following consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, has determined that the previously disclosed proposal from Paramount Skydance Corporation ("PSKY") (NASDAQ: PSKY) constitutes a "Company Superior Proposal" as defined in WBD's merger agreement with Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") (NASDAQ: NFLX).As disclosed by WBD on February 24, 2026, PSKY's proposal includes a purchase price of $31.00 per WBD share in cash, plus a daily ticking fee equal to $0.25 per share per quarter beginning after September 30, 2026, as well as a $7 billion regulatory termination fee payable by PSKY in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters, payment by PSKY of the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would be required to pay to Netflix to terminate the existing Netflix merger agreement, an obligation of Larry J. Ellison and an associated trust to contribute additional equity funding to the extent needed to support the solvency certificate required by PSKY's lending banks, and a "Company Material Adverse Effect" definition that excludes the performance of WBD's Global Linear Networks segment.WBD has notified Netflix of its determination that the PSKY proposal constitutes a "Company Superior Proposal." Under the terms of the Netflix merger agreement, this notice triggers a four business day period during which Netflix has the right to propose revisions to the Netflix merger agreement so that the PSKY proposal would cease to constitute a "Company Superior Proposal." Following the conclusion of this period, if the Board determines in good faith, after consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, that, after considering any revisions to the terms of the Netflix merger agreement proposed by Netflix, the PSKY proposal continues to constitute a "Company Superior Proposal," WBD would be entitled to terminate the Netflix merger agreement.The Netflix merger agreement remains in effect, and the Board continues to recommend in favor of the Netflix transaction and has not withdrawn or modified its recommendation.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.About Warner Bros. Discovery:Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.Important Information about the Tender Offer and Where to Find ItWBD has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer (the "tender offer") by a subsidiary of PSKY with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement as well as other filings by WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. In addition, free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available free of charge on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find ItThis communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix (the "proposed transaction"). In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") with the SEC. The Proxy Statement was first mailed to WBD stockholders on or around February 17, 2026. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement as well as other filings containing information about WBD and Netflix, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. Free copies of the Proxy Statement and each company's other filings with the SEC may also be obtained from the respective companies. Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com. Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by Netflix will be made available on Netflix's investor relations website at https://ir.netflix.net.Participants in the SolicitationWBD and Netflix and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction.  Information about the directors and executive officers of WBD is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors." Information about the directors and executive officers of Netflix is set forth in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, under the headings "Our Board of Directors" and "Our Company Executive Officers." Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.Forward-Looking StatementsInformation set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix, constitute forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements about the tender offer and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of WBD and Netflix and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the proposed transaction may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (3) the risk that WBD stockholders may not approve the proposed transaction; (4) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (5) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (6) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and a newly formed subsidiary ("Discovery Global") in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (7) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the proposed transaction; (8) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (9) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (10) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of WBD common stock; (11) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; (12) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; (13) the risk that Discovery Global, as a new company that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms; (14) the risk that Discovery Global may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that WBD expects Discovery Global to achieve as an independent, publicly-traded company; (15) the risk that Discovery Global may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while still a part of WBD; (16) the risk that Discovery Global will incur significant indebtedness in connection with the separation, and the degree to which it will be leveraged following completion of the separation may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; (17) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the proposed transaction or the separation upon acceptable terms or at all; (18) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation; (19) uncertainties as to how many WBD stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; (20) the conditions to the completion of the tender offer, including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals; (21) PSKY's ability to finance the tender offer and the indebtedness PSKY expects to incur in connection with the tender offer; (22) the possibility that PSKY may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate WBD's operations with those of PSKY, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the tender offer; and (23) the response of WBD, Netflix or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD's and Netflix's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the Proxy Statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. Neither WBD nor Netflix is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.



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Original: Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors Determines Revised Proposal from Paramount Skydance Constitutes a "Company Superior Proposal"

Warner Bros. Discovery beats earnings forecasts as takeover contest intensifiesFebruary 26, 2026 9:39 AM
IH Market News
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded expectations, with the media group saying it is “well positioned” for long-term growth as it weighs competing takeover approaches from Paramount Skydance and Netflix.The company confirmed Thursday that its merger agreement with Netflix remains active, but added that its board believes an enhanced proposal from Paramount “could reasonably be expected” to result in a superior offer.Paramount earlier this week raised its bid for Warner Bros. to $31 per share, escalating a high-profile battle for control of the entertainment company behind major franchises including “Harry Potter” and “Game of Thrones.” The revised proposal also increases the regulatory termination fee to $7 billion from $5.8 billion should the deal fail to secure approval.According to Bloomberg News, citing people familiar with the situation, the updated offer was intended to disrupt Warner Bros.’ existing agreement with Netflix.If Warner Bros.’ board ultimately determines Paramount’s proposal is more favorable, Netflix would have four days to submit a counteroffer under the current terms.Netflix has proposed paying $27.75 per share for Warner Bros.’ studio operations and HBO Max streaming platform, while Warner Bros. plans to separate its traditional television business into an independent entity. Paramount’s offer, by contrast, targets the entire company.Despite the ongoing negotiations, Warner Bros. said in a shareholder letter that it would not address questions related to the takeover process during its post-earnings analyst call.Financially, Warner Bros. posted adjusted EBITDA of $2.22 billion for the fourth quarter, down 19% year over year but ahead of Bloomberg consensus estimates of $2.11 billion. Revenue declined 5.7% to $9.46 billion, also topping expectations.The company highlighted its studios division as the “clear standout” performer in 2025, with core profit rising 52% year over year to $2.55 billion on a currency-adjusted basis. Management said the segment is “already seeing momentum” in the current year, supported by strong box office performance from the recent romantic drama “Wuthering Heights.”Streaming subscriber growth also remained strong, with total subscribers reaching nearly 132 million — surpassing a target of 130 million set in August 2022. Strength in Germany and Italy, along with planned launches in the U.K. and Ireland in March, is expected to lift subscribers above 140 million by the end of the current quarter, bringing the company closer to its goal of exceeding 150 million by the end of 2026.Warner Bros. added that coverage of the Winter Olympic Games on HBO Max across Europe boosted its global linear networks business as the company continues shifting toward a digital-first strategy. The event in Italy became the most streamed Winter Olympics ever for the company, with viewership more than tripling compared with Beijing 2022.Shares of Warner Bros. Discovery were little changed in premarket U.S. trading.Warner Brothers Discovery stock price

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery beats earnings forecasts as takeover contest intensifies

PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY BOARD'S DETERMINATION THAT PARAMOUNT PROPOSAL COULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO LEAD TO A SUPERIOR PROPOSALFebruary 24, 2026 8:27 PM
PR Newswire (US)

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount") issued the following statement in response to the announcement by Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") that WBD's Board of Directors has determined that Paramount's revised $31 per share, all-cash offer to acquire WBD could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Company Superior Proposal" under the terms of WBD's merger agreement with Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX):
Paramount welcomes the WBD Board's determination and looks forward to continuing to engage constructively with WBD to deliver the benefits of Paramount's proposal to WBD shareholders, the creative community and consumers.Under the terms of its revised offer, Paramount:Increased the purchase price to $31.00 per WBD share in cash for 100% of the company,Accelerated timing of the daily "ticking fee" of $0.25 per quarter to commence after September 30, 2026, until the consummation of the Paramount transaction,Increased the regulatory termination fee to $7 billion in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters,Reaffirmed it will pay the $2.8 billion termination fee which WBD would be required to pay to Netflix to terminate its existing Netflix merger agreement,Reaffirmed it will eliminate WBD's potential $1.5 billion financing cost associated with its debt exchange offer,Agreed to an obligation to contribute additional equity funding to the extent needed to support the solvency certificate required by PSKY's lending banks, andAgreed to a "Company Material Adverse Effect" definition that excludes the performance of WBD's Global Linear Networks business.As previously announced, the waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act applicable to Paramount's acquisition of WBD expired at 11:59 pm on February 19, 2026.The entry into a transaction with WBD would require the WBD Board to determine that Paramount's revised proposal is a "Company Superior Proposal" under its merger agreement with Netflix, the expiration of a four business day match period, termination of the Netflix merger agreement and execution of a definitive merger agreement between Paramount and WBD.About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit www.paramount.com.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to Paramount Skydance Corporation's ("Paramount") future financial results and performance, potential achievements, anticipated reporting segments and industry changes and developments. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Similarly, statements that describe Paramount's objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Paramount's current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "may," "could," "estimate" or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause Paramount's actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others: the outcome of the tender offer by Paramount and Prince Sub Inc. (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Series A common stock of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") or any discussions between Paramount and WBD with respect to a possible transaction (including, without limitation, by means of the Tender Offer, the "Potential Transaction"), including the possibility that the Tender Offer will not be successful, that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction or that the terms of any such transaction will be materially different from those described herein; the conditions to the completion of the Potential Transaction or the previously announced transaction between WBD and Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 4, 2025, among Netflix, Nightingale Sub, Inc., WBD and New Topco 25, Inc. (the "Proposed Netflix Transaction"), including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals for either transaction, the proposed financing for the Potential Transaction, the indebtedness Paramount expects to incur in connection with the Potential Transaction and the total indebtedness of the combined company; the possibility that Paramount may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate the operations of WBD with those of Paramount, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the Potential Transaction; risks related to Paramount's streaming business; the adverse impact on Paramount's advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer behavior, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries, including cost increases; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to Paramount's decisions to make investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, and the evolution of Paramount's business strategy; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of Paramount's content; damage to Paramount's reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and content; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting Paramount's businesses generally, including tariffs and other changes in trade policies; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; disruptions to Paramount's operations as a result of labor disputes; the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and Paramount's ability to integrate, the businesses of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; volatility in the prices of Paramount's Class B Common Stock; potential conflicts of interest arising from Paramount's ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; and other factors described in Paramount's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to Paramount Global's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Paramount's reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that Paramount does not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this report, and Paramount does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.Additional Information This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. This communication relates to a proposal that Paramount has made for an acquisition of WBD, the Tender Offer that Paramount, through Prince Sub Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, has made to WBD stockholders, and Paramount's intention to solicit proxies against the Proposed Netflix Transaction and other proposals to be voted on by WBD stockholders at the special meeting of WBD stockholders to be held to approve the Proposed Netflix Transaction (the "Netflix Merger Solicitation") and/or for use at the WBD annual meeting of stockholders. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and other related offer documents), filed with the SEC on December 8, 2025. These materials, as may be amended from time to time, contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the offer. Subject to future developments, Paramount (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, WBD) may file additional documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, tender offer statement, or other document Paramount and/or WBD may file with the SEC in connection with the Potential Transaction.Paramount, Prince Sub Inc. and the other participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation have filed a preliminary proxy statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card with the SEC on January 22, 2026 in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation (the "Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement"). Paramount expects to file a definitive proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card with the SEC in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation and may file other proxy solicitation materials in connection therewith or the annual meeting of WBD stockholders, or other documents with the SEC.PARAMOUNT STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF WBD TO READ THE SPECIAL MEETING PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, PARAMOUNT AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY SOLICITATIONS WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE APPLICABLE PROXY STATEMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE APPLICABLE PROXY SOLICITOR. Participants in the SolicitationThe participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation are expected to be Paramount, Prince Sub Inc., certain directors and executive officers of Paramount and Prince Sub Inc., Lawrence Ellison, RedBird Capital Management and The Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, u/a/d 1/22/88, as amended. Additional information about the participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation is available in the Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement.PSKY-IRMedia Contacts: 
Paramount
Melissa Zukerman / Laura Watson
msz@paramount.com / laura.watson@paramount.comBrunswick Group
ParamountSkydance@brunswickgroup.comGagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
dg@gagnierfc.comInvestor Contacts:
Paramount 
Kevin Creighton / Logan Thomas
kevin.creighton@paramount.com / logan.thomas @teena
Toll-Free: (844) 343-2621
info@okapipartners.com 



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-comments-on-warner-bros-discovery-boards-determination-that-paramount-proposal-could-reasonably-be-expected-to-lead-to-a-superior-proposal-302696430.htmlSOURCE Paramount Skydance Corporation

Original: PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY BOARD'S DETERMINATION THAT PARAMOUNT PROPOSAL COULD REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO LEAD TO A SUPERIOR PROPOSAL

Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors Determines Revised Proposal from Paramount Skydance Could Reasonably Be Expected to Lead to a "Company Superior Proposal"February 24, 2026 4:21 PM
PR Newswire (US)

WBD Will Continue to Engage with PSKY; Netflix Merger Agreement Remains in PlaceNEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("Warner Bros. Discovery" or "WBD") (NASDAQ: WBD) today announced that its Board of Directors (the "Board"), consistent with its fiduciary duties and following consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, has determined that the revised proposal from Paramount Skydance Corporation ("Paramount Skydance" or "PSKY") (NASDAQ: PSKY) could reasonably be expected to lead to a "Company Superior Proposal" as defined in WBD's merger agreement with Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") (NASDAQ: NFLX) (the "Netflix Merger Agreement").The revised proposal includes an increased purchase price of $31.00 per WBD share in cash, plus a daily ticking fee equal to $0.25 per quarter beginning after September 30, 2026, as well as a $7 billion regulatory termination fee payable by PSKY in the event the transaction does not close due to regulatory matters, payment by PSKY of the $2.8 billion termination fee that WBD would be required to pay to Netflix to terminate the existing Netflix Merger Agreement, an obligation to contribute additional equity funding to the extent needed to support the solvency certificate required by PSKY's lending banks, and a "Company Material Adverse Effect" definition that excludes the performance of WBD's Global Linear Networks business. The Board has not made a determination as to whether the revised PSKY proposal is superior to the merger with Netflix. WBD will engage further with PSKY to determine if a proposal that constitutes a "Company Superior Proposal," as defined in the Netflix Merger Agreement, can be reached. In the event that the Board ultimately determines such a "Company Superior Proposal" has been received, Netflix will have four business days after such determination to negotiate with WBD and to propose any revisions to the Netflix transaction.There can be no assurance that the Board will conclude that the transaction proposed by PSKY is superior to the merger with Netflix or that any definitive agreement or transaction will result from WBD's discussions with PSKY. The Netflix Merger Agreement remains in effect, and the Board continues to recommend in favor of the Netflix transaction and is not withdrawing or modifying its recommendation.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.About Warner Bros. Discovery:
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.Important Information about the Tender Offer and Where to Find It
WBD has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer (the "tender offer") by a subsidiary of PSKY with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement as well as other filings by WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  In addition, free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available free of charge on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix (the "proposed transaction").  In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") with the SEC.  The Proxy Statement was first mailed to WBD stockholders on or around February 17, 2026.  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement as well as other filings containing information about WBD and Netflix, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  Free copies of the Proxy Statement and each company's other filings with the SEC may also be obtained from the respective companies.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by Netflix will be made available on Netflix's investor relations website at https://ir.netflix.net.Participants in the Solicitation
WBD and Netflix and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction.  Information about the directors and executive officers of WBD is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors."  Information about the directors and executive officers of Netflix is set forth in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, under the headings "Our Board of Directors" and "Our Company Executive Officers."  Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix, constitute forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements about the tender offer and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of WBD and Netflix and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the proposed transaction may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (3) the risk that WBD stockholders may not approve the proposed transaction; (4) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (5) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (6) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and a newly formed subsidiary ("Discovery Global") in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (7) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the proposed transaction; (8) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (9) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (10) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of WBD common stock; (11) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; (12) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; (13) the risk that Discovery Global, as a new company that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms; (14) the risk that Discovery Global may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that WBD expects Discovery Global to achieve as an independent, publicly-traded company; (15) the risk that Discovery Global may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while still a part of WBD; (16) the risk that Discovery Global will incur significant indebtedness in connection with the separation, and the degree to which it will be leveraged following completion of the separation may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; (17) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the proposed transaction or the separation upon acceptable terms or at all; (18) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation; (19) uncertainties as to how many WBD stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; (20) the conditions to the completion of the tender offer, including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals; (21) PSKY's ability to finance the tender offer and the indebtedness PSKY expects to incur in connection with the tender offer; (22) the possibility that PSKY may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate WBD's operations with those of PSKY, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the tender offer; (23) the possibility that WBD's discussions with PSKY may not lead to a superior proposal by PSKY; and (24) the response of WBD, Netflix or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD's and Netflix's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the Proxy Statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. Neither WBD nor Netflix is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/warner-bros-discovery-board-of-directors-determines-revised-proposal-from-paramount-skydance-could-reasonably-be-expected-to-lead-to-a-company-superior-proposal-302696253.htmlSOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors Determines Revised Proposal from Paramount Skydance Could Reasonably Be Expected to Lead to a "Company Superior Proposal"

PARAMOUNT CONFIRMS SUBMISSION OF REVISED PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE WARNER BROS. DISCOVERYFebruary 24, 2026 9:10 AM
PR Newswire (US)

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount") today confirmed it has submitted to the Board of Directors of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD") a revised proposal to acquire WBD. This submission follows a period of engagement with WBD after it received a seven-day waiver under its merger agreement with Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) to engage with Paramount. The entry into a transaction with WBD would require the WBD Board to determine that Paramount's revised proposal is a "Company Superior Proposal" under its merger agreement with Netflix, the expiration of a four business day match period, termination of the Netflix merger agreement and execution of a definitive merger agreement between Paramount and WBD.While the WBD Board of Directors considers Paramount's revised proposal, Paramount will continue to maintain its previously announced tender offer and its solicitation in opposition to the inferior Netflix merger.About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation
Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Paramount's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Paramount TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, visit paramount.com.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to Paramount Skydance Corporation's ("Paramount") future financial results and performance, potential achievements, anticipated reporting segments and industry changes and developments. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Similarly, statements that describe Paramount's objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Paramount's current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "may," "could," "estimate" or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause Paramount's actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others:  the outcome of the tender offer by Paramount and Prince Sub Inc. (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Series A common stock of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") or any discussions between Paramount and WBD with respect to a possible transaction (including, without limitation, by means of the Tender Offer, the "Potential Transaction"), including the possibility that the Tender Offer will not be successful, that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction or that the terms of any such transaction will be materially different from those described herein; the conditions to the completion of the Potential Transaction or the previously announced transaction between WBD and Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 4, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented), among Netflix, Nightingale Sub, Inc., WBD and New Topco 25, Inc. (the "Proposed Netflix Transaction"), including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals for either transaction, the proposed financing for the Potential Transaction, the indebtedness Paramount expects to incur in connection with the Potential Transaction and the total indebtedness of the combined company; the possibility that Paramount may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate the operations of WBD with those of Paramount, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the Potential Transaction; risks related to Paramount's streaming business; the adverse impact on Paramount's advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer behavior, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries, including cost increases; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to Paramount's decisions to make investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, and the evolution of Paramount's business strategy; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of Paramount's content; damage to Paramount's reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and content; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting Paramount's businesses generally, including tariffs and other changes in trade policies; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; disruptions to Paramount's operations as a result of labor disputes; the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and Paramount's ability to integrate, the businesses of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; volatility in the prices of Paramount's Class B Common Stock; potential conflicts of interest arising from Paramount's ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; and other factors described in Paramount's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to Paramount's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Paramount's reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that Paramount does not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this report, and Paramount does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.Additional Information
This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. This communication relates to a proposal that Paramount has made for an acquisition of WBD, the Tender Offer that Paramount, through Prince Sub Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, has made to WBD stockholders, and Paramount's intention to solicit proxies against the Proposed Netflix Transaction and other proposals to be voted on by WBD stockholders at the special meeting of WBD stockholders to be held to approve the Proposed Netflix Transaction (the "Netflix Merger Solicitation") and/or for use at the WBD annual meeting of stockholders. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and other related offer documents), filed with the SEC on December 8, 2025. These materials, as may be amended from time to time, contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the offer. Subject to future developments, Paramount (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, WBD) may file additional documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, tender offer statement, or other document Paramount and/or WBD may file with the SEC in connection with the Potential Transaction.Paramount, Prince Sub Inc. and the other participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation have filed a preliminary proxy statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card with the SEC on January 22, 2026 in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation (the "Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement"). Paramount expects to file a definitive proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card with the SEC in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation and may file other proxy solicitation materials in connection therewith or the annual meeting of WBD stockholders, or other documents with the SEC.PARAMOUNT STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF WBD TO READ THE SPECIAL MEETING PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, PARAMOUNT AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY SOLICITATIONS WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE APPLICABLE PROXY STATEMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE APPLICABLE PROXY SOLICITOR.Participants in the Solicitation
The participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation are expected to be Paramount, Prince Sub Inc., certain directors and executive officers of Paramount and Prince Sub Inc., Lawrence Ellison, RedBird Capital Management and The Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, u/a/d 1/22/88, as amended. Additional information about the participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation is available in the Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement.PSKY-IRMedia Contacts:
Paramount
Melissa Zukerman / Laura Watson
msz@paramount.com / laura.watson@paramount.comBrunswick Group
ParamountSkydance@brunswickgroup.comGagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
dg@gagnierfc.comInvestor Contacts:
Paramount
Kevin Creighton / Logan Thomas
kevin.creighton@paramount.com / logan.thomas @teena
Toll-Free: (844) 343-2621
info@okapipartners.com  



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-confirms-submission-of-revised-proposal-to-acquire-warner-bros-discovery-302695815.htmlSOURCE Paramount Skydance Corporation

Original: PARAMOUNT CONFIRMS SUBMISSION OF REVISED PROPOSAL TO ACQUIRE WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY

Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Receipt of Revised Proposal from Paramount SkydanceFebruary 24, 2026 8:15 AM
PR Newswire (US)

NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("Warner Bros. Discovery" or "WBD") (NASDAQ: WBD) today confirmed that it has received a revised proposal from Paramount Skydance Corporation ("Paramount Skydance" or "PSKY") (NASDAQ: PSKY) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock.The Board issued the following statement:Following engagement with PSKY during the seven-day limited waiver period, we received a revised PSKY proposal to acquire WBD, which we are reviewing in consultation with our financial and legal advisors. We will update our shareholders following the Board's review. The Netflix merger agreement remains in effect, and the Board continues to recommend in favor of the Netflix transaction. WBD shareholders are advised not to take any action at this time with respect to the amended PSKY tender offer.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.About Warner Bros. Discovery:
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.Important Information about the Tender Offer and Where to Find It
WBD has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer (the "tender offer") by a subsidiary of PSKY with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement as well as other filings by WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  In addition, free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available free of charge on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix (the "proposed transaction").  In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") with the SEC.  The Proxy Statement was first mailed to WBD stockholders on or around February 17, 2026.  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement as well as other filings containing information about WBD and Netflix, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  Free copies of the Proxy Statement and each company's other filings with the SEC may also be obtained from the respective companies.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by Netflix will be made available on Netflix's investor relations website at https://ir.netflix.net.Participants in the Solicitation
WBD and Netflix and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction.  Information about the directors and executive officers of WBD is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors."  Information about the directors and executive officers of Netflix is set forth in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, under the headings "Our Board of Directors" and "Our Company Executive Officers."  Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix, constitute forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements about the tender offer and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of WBD and Netflix and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the proposed transaction may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (3) the risk that WBD stockholders may not approve the proposed transaction; (4) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (5) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (6) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and a newly formed subsidiary ("Discovery Global") in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (7) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the proposed transaction; (8) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (9) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (10) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of WBD common stock; (11) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; (12) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; (13) the risk that Discovery Global, as a new company that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms; (14) the risk that Discovery Global may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that WBD expects Discovery Global to achieve as an independent, publicly-traded company; (15) the risk that Discovery Global may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while still a part of WBD; (16) the risk that Discovery Global will incur significant indebtedness in connection with the separation, and the degree to which it will be leveraged following completion of the separation may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; (17) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the proposed transaction or the separation upon acceptable terms or at all; (18) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation; (19) uncertainties as to how many WBD stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; (20) the conditions to the completion of the tender offer, including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals; (21) PSKY's ability to finance the tender offer and the indebtedness PSKY expects to incur in connection with the tender offer; (22) the possibility that PSKY may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate WBD's operations with those of PSKY, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the tender offer; and (23) the response of WBD, Netflix or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD's and Netflix's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the Proxy Statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. Neither WBD nor Netflix is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. 



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/warner-bros-discovery-confirms-receipt-of-revised-proposal-from-paramount-skydance-302695738.htmlSOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Receipt of Revised Proposal from Paramount Skydance

AI disruption concerns and new Trump tariffs dominate market focus; key earnings ahead: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesFebruary 24, 2026 5:15 AM
IH Market News
U.S. equity futures traded cautiously on Tuesday as investors weighed concerns over artificial intelligence–driven disruption while preparing for a busy week of corporate earnings. Sentiment was also shaped by the implementation of President Donald Trump’s new 10% global tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling that invalidated earlier emergency trade measures. Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) has reportedly raised its takeover bid for Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), and Home Depot (NYSE:HD) is set to release quarterly results later in the day.



Futures trade cautiously



Futures tied to major U.S. indices hovered close to unchanged levels as markets awaited earnings from several major companies, including AI heavyweight Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA).As of 03:03 ET, Dow futures were up 47 points, or 0.1%, S&P 500 futures gained 10 points, or 0.1%, and Nasdaq 100 futures rose 38 points, or 0.2%.Wall Street’s main indices declined in the previous session amid persistent concerns that emerging AI models could disrupt multiple industries. Analysts noted that the latest market weakness followed a report from Citrini Research outlining a severe hypothetical scenario in which AI adoption could trigger widespread white-collar job losses, weaken consumer spending, increase loan defaults and ultimately push the economy into contraction.Citrini emphasised that the analysis represented a “scenario, not a prediction,” but this clarification did little to calm investors already worried about pressure on mega-cap technology companies investing heavily in AI infrastructure.“As has been the case for weeks, AI is clearly a net negative for the equity market as hyperscalers get weighed down [free cash flow] fears while disruption worries eviscerate software and several other sectors,” analysts at Vital Knowledge wrote in a note.



Trump’s 10% tariffs take effect



President Trump’s latest global trade tariffs came into force at midnight Tuesday at a 10% rate after a Supreme Court decision last week struck down his so-called “reciprocal” tariffs.The new rate was communicated through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection messaging system and remains below the 15% level Trump had suggested following the ruling, which determined that his use of emergency economic powers to impose broad global surcharges was unlawful.Trump initially reinstated a universal 10% tariff following the decision and later threatened to raise the rate to 15%. According to Bloomberg News, the White House is now working toward issuing a formal order to increase tariffs to that higher level.These tariffs, introduced under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, are scheduled to remain in place for 150 days, after which Congress will decide whether to extend or modify them.Uncertainty continues to surround the broader trade outlook, particularly regarding agreements negotiated before the court ruling. Responding to reports that some countries were reconsidering existing deals, Trump warned trading partners via social media not to “play games.”



Paramount reportedly raises bid for Warner Bros Discovery



Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) has submitted an improved offer for Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), according to a Reuters report, as it attempts to persuade the media group to abandon its agreement with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX).Reuters, citing a source familiar with the discussions, said the revised proposal improves upon Paramount’s earlier $30-per-share offer, which valued Warner Bros at approximately $108.4 billion. Warner Bros had previously argued that the initial bid undervalued the company and granted Paramount a seven-day window — ending February 23 — to present an updated proposal.Netflix has separately agreed a deal valued at $27.75 per share in cash, equivalent to roughly $82.7 billion, covering Warner’s studios and streaming assets.Variety reported that Warner Bros is expected to review Paramount’s revised offer even as management continues to encourage shareholders to support the Netflix agreement.Control of Warner Bros’ intellectual property portfolio — including major franchises such as “Game of Thrones” and “Harry Potter” — remains central to the takeover contest.



Home Depot earnings due



Home Depot (NYSE:HD) is scheduled to publish its latest quarterly results before the opening bell on Tuesday.The home-improvement retailer previously issued cautious guidance for fiscal 2026, forecasting modest comparable sales growth and profit as demand for high-value renovation items remains subdued.During an investor day in December, chief financial officer Richard McPhail warned that consumer caution linked to cost-of-living pressures is expected to persist, noting there has not been “a catalyst or an inflection in housing activity.”High property prices and subdued hiring trends have contributed to uneven housing demand in the United States, despite signs of easing interest and mortgage rates.The company expects same-store sales growth in a range between flat and 2% for fiscal 2026, while adjusted earnings per share are projected to rise between flat and 4%, both below LSEG forecasts cited by Reuters.



Oil prices approach seven-month highs



Oil prices moved higher, trading near seven-month highs ahead of renewed nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran later this week.Brent crude futures rose 0.2% to $71.28 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude gained 0.3% to $66.51 per barrel. Both benchmarks are currently trading near levels last seen in early August 2025.The United States and Iran are expected to hold a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva on Thursday, amid increasing concerns about potential military escalation as Washington pushes for the termination of Iran’s nuclear programme.Warner Brothers Discovery stock priceHome Depot stock priceNvidia stock priceParamount Skydance stock priceNetflix stock price

Original: AI disruption concerns and new Trump tariffs dominate market focus; key earnings ahead: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Warner Bros. Discovery shares gain after report of higher takeover bidFebruary 23, 2026 11:26 AM
IH Market News
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) shares edged 1.5% higher on Monday after a media report indicated that Paramount is preparing to submit a revised acquisition proposal valuing the company at $32 per share.According to Variety, sources familiar with the matter said Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, is expected to increase its offer from a prior bid of $30 per share as it competes with Netflix in the race to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery.The company’s board previously granted Paramount a seven-day window to submit an improved proposal, a process approved with Netflix’s consent. The negotiation period is scheduled to conclude at 11:59 p.m. ET on Feb. 23, following intensive discussions between the parties over the weekend.Paramount declined to comment on its plans, the report said.Warner Brothers Discovery stock price

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery shares gain after report of higher takeover bid

Exclusive: Netflix has financial firepower to sweeten Warner Bros bid if rivalry intensifies, sources sayFebruary 20, 2026 5:59 AM
IH Market News
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) has significant cash reserves and retains the flexibility to raise its offer for Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) should rival bidder Paramount Skydance improve its proposal, according to two people familiar with the situation.The streaming heavyweight and the rival studio have been engaged in a high-stakes contest for Warner Bros and its vast content library, which includes blockbuster franchises such as “Harry Potter”, “Game of Thrones”, DC Comics and Superman.While Warner Bros is proceeding with a March 20 shareholder vote on Netflix’s proposal, the company has granted Paramount a one-week window to submit a more attractive bid.Netflix has offered $27.75 per share — valuing Warner Bros’ studio and streaming operations at roughly $82.7 billion — whereas Paramount has proposed $30 per share, or about $108.4 billion, for the entire company, including Discovery Global, which owns networks such as CNN and HGTV.Both Netflix and Warner Bros declined to comment.The company behind “Stranger Things” is said to have substantial financial capacity to escalate its bid if necessary, with approximately $9.03 billion in cash and cash equivalents on its balance sheet as of December 31.



Monday deadline looms



Earlier this week, Warner Bros turned down Paramount’s latest hostile approach but invited the competing bidder to submit a “best and final” offer by the end of Monday. Paramount had reportedly drawn the board into discussions after informally floating a $31-per-share proposal.“Netflix still looks to be in the driving seat, but that can quickly shift,” said Matt Britzman, senior equity analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown. “Price will likely be the deciding factor — Warner’s concerns around funding and regulatory risk are real, but at a high enough number, they become secondary.”Britzman added that he expects Netflix would respond to any enhanced bid from Paramount. “But the real twist is that these deals were never apples to apples, and it may ultimately come down to how much value the board and shareholders assign to the network business that Netflix would leave behind,” he said.Paramount, for its part, confirmed it will continue pursuing its tender offer for Warner Bros, oppose what it described as the “inferior” Netflix transaction, and move ahead with plans to nominate directors at the company’s upcoming annual meeting.Attention now turns to whether the CBS parent company will increase its offer, which Netflix would have the right to match under the existing merger agreement, according to Warner Bros.In a letter to Paramount’s board on Tuesday, Warner Bros Chairman Samuel DiPiazza Jr. and CEO David Zaslav wrote that “we continue to recommend and remain fully committed to our transaction with Netflix”.



Board reservations persist



Paren Knadjian, partner at Eisner Advisory Group, said Paramount’s continued pursuit indicates confidence it can ultimately prevail.“Board level concerns around financing structure, timing and regulatory approval meaningfully detract from the attractiveness of Paramount’s proposal, irrespective of headline valuation,” he said.Last week, Paramount proposed offering Warner Bros shareholders additional cash payments for each quarter that the deal fails to close beyond this year, and pledged to cover the $2.8 billion breakup fee Warner Bros would owe Netflix if it exited their agreement. However, Warner Bros said the revised terms still fell short of qualifying as a superior proposal in the eyes of its board.In its letter, the board highlighted several unresolved issues within Paramount’s offer, including who would bear responsibility for a potential $1.5 billion junior lien financing fee, how the transaction would proceed if debt financing were not secured, and whether equity funding led by Larry Ellison was fully committed.Netflix stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock price

Original: Exclusive: Netflix has financial firepower to sweeten Warner Bros bid if rivalry intensifies, sources say

Warner Bros. Discovery to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results on Thursday, February 26February 19, 2026 2:00 PM
PR Newswire (US)

NEW YORK, Feb. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (the "Company") (Nasdaq: WBD) today announced that it will report its fourth quarter and full year 2025 results on Thursday, February 26, 2026 before the market opens. Links to the live webcast of the conference call as well as the earnings materials will be available in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://ir.wbd.com/ starting at approximately 7:00 a.m. ET. The Company will host a conference call at 8:00 a.m. ET that same day to discuss the results.A telephone replay of the call will be available approximately two hours after the completion of the call until March 5, 2026. The replay can be accessed via phone by dialing +1 888-660-6264 or +1 646-517-3975 and using playback passcode 97030#. A replay of the audio webcast will also be available in the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website for twelve months.About Warner Bros. Discovery:Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com. 



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/warner-bros-discovery-to-report-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2025-results-on-thursday-february-26-302691873.htmlSOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results on Thursday, February 26

PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY DISCLOSURESFebruary 17, 2026 2:47 PM
PR Newswire (US)

LOS ANGELES and NEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026  /PRNewswire/ -- Paramount Skydance Corporation (NASDAQ: PSKY) ("Paramount") today provided the following statement in regards to disclosures by Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ: WBD) ("WBD"):Paramount acknowledges the announcement from Warner Bros. Discovery that, acting with Netflix, they have decided to provide Paramount a 7-day "waiver" for negotiation. In doing so, the WBD Board has chosen to avoid making the customary determination under the Netflix merger agreement that Paramount's superior $30 per share all-cash offer "could reasonably be expected to result in" a superior proposal, which would have given it an unfettered right to negotiate without a time deadline.The Board has also elected to proceed with convening its special shareholder meeting on March 20 to seek approval of the Netflix merger and has commenced mailing its proxy materials, which state that the range of merger consideration offered to WBD shareholders will be a minimum of $21.23 to a maximum of $27.75.By contrast, Paramount already offers a higher value of $30 per share, all-cash and a more expeditious and certain path to closing a transaction, including with the previously disclosed addition of a $0.25 per-share, per-quarter ticking fee.Although the Board's actions are unusual, Paramount is nonetheless prepared to engage in good faith and constructive discussions. At the same time, we will continue to advance our tender offer, maintain our solicitation in opposition to the inferior Netflix merger, and proceed with our intention to nominate a slate of directors at the upcoming WBD annual meeting.Shareholders with questions about how to vote their WBD shares AGAINST the inferior Netflix transaction may contact Paramount's proxy solicitor Okapi Partners at (212) 297-0720, Toll-Free: (844) 343-2621, or by email at info@okapipartners.com.The tender offer statement and related materials have been filed with the SEC. WBD shareholders who need additional copies of the tender offer statement and related materials or who have questions regarding the offer should contact Okapi Partners LLC, the information agent for the tender offer, toll-free at (844) 343-2621.PARAMOUNT URGES WBD SHAREHOLDERS TO REGISTER THEIR PREFERENCE FOR PARAMOUNT'S SUPERIOR OFFER WITH THE WBD BOARD OF DIRECTORS BY TENDERING THEIR SHARES TODAY.WBD shareholders and other interested parties can find additional information about Paramount's superior offer at www.StrongerHollywood.com.About Paramount, a Skydance Corporation Paramount, a Skydance Corporation is a leading, next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Paramount's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, CBS Sports, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Paramount TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information, visit paramount.com.Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains both historical and forward-looking statements, including statements related to Paramount Skydance Corporation's ("Paramount") future financial results and performance, potential achievements, anticipated reporting segments and industry changes and developments. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". Similarly, statements that describe Paramount's objectives, plans or goals are or may be forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect Paramount's current expectations concerning future results and events; generally can be identified by the use of statements that include phrases such as "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "plan," "foresee," "likely," "will," "may," "could," "estimate" or other similar words or phrases; and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that are difficult to predict and which may cause Paramount's actual results, performance or achievements to be different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by these statements. These risks, uncertainties and other factors include, among others:  the outcome of the tender offer by Paramount and Prince Sub Inc. (the "Tender Offer") to purchase for cash all of the outstanding Series A common stock of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") or any discussions between Paramount and WBD with respect to a possible transaction (including, without limitation, by means of the Tender Offer, the "Potential Transaction"), including the possibility that the Tender Offer will not be successful, that the parties will not agree to pursue a business combination transaction or that the terms of any such transaction will be materially different from those described herein; the conditions to the completion of the Potential Transaction or the previously announced transaction between WBD and Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated December 4, 2025 (as it may be amended or supplemented), among Netflix, Nightingale Sub, Inc., WBD and New Topco 25, Inc. (the "Proposed Netflix Transaction"), including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals for either transaction, the proposed financing for the Potential Transaction, the indebtedness Paramount expects to incur in connection with the Potential Transaction and the total indebtedness of the combined company; the possibility that Paramount may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate the operations of WBD with those of Paramount, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the Potential Transaction; risks related to Paramount's streaming business; the adverse impact on Paramount's advertising revenues as a result of changes in consumer behavior, advertising market conditions and deficiencies in audience measurement; risks related to operating in highly competitive and dynamic industries, including cost increases; the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior, as well as evolving technologies and distribution models; risks related to Paramount's decisions to make investments in new businesses, products, services and technologies, and the evolution of Paramount's business strategy; the potential for loss of carriage or other reduction in or the impact of negotiations for the distribution of Paramount's content; damage to Paramount's reputation or brands; losses due to asset impairment charges for goodwill, intangible assets, FCC licenses and content; liabilities related to discontinued operations and former businesses; increasing scrutiny of, and evolving expectations for, sustainability initiatives; evolving business continuity, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection and similar risks; content infringement; domestic and global political, economic and regulatory factors affecting Paramount's businesses generally, including tariffs and other changes in trade policies; the inability to hire or retain key employees or secure creative talent; disruptions to Paramount's operations as a result of labor disputes; the risks and costs associated with the integration of, and Paramount's ability to integrate, the businesses of Paramount Global and Skydance Media, LLC successfully and to achieve anticipated synergies; volatility in the prices of Paramount's Class B Common Stock; potential conflicts of interest arising from Paramount's ownership structure with a controlling stockholder; and other factors described in Paramount's news releases and filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), including but not limited to Paramount's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Paramount's reports on Form 10-Q and Form 8-K. There may be additional risks, uncertainties and factors that Paramount does not currently view as material or that are not necessarily known. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made only as of the date of this report, and Paramount does not undertake any obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.Additional Information
This communication does not constitute an offer to buy or a solicitation of an offer to sell securities. This communication relates to a proposal that Paramount has made for an acquisition of WBD, the Tender Offer that Paramount, through Prince Sub Inc., its wholly owned subsidiary, has made to WBD stockholders, and Paramount's intention to solicit proxies against the Proposed Netflix Transaction and other proposals to be voted on by WBD stockholders at the special meeting of WBD stockholders to be held to approve the Proposed Netflix Transaction (the "Netflix Merger Solicitation") and/or for use at the WBD annual meeting of stockholders. The Tender Offer is being made pursuant to a tender offer statement on Schedule TO (including the offer to purchase, the letter of transmittal and other related offer documents), filed with the SEC on December 8, 2025. These materials, as may be amended from time to time, contain important information, including the terms and conditions of the offer. Subject to future developments, Paramount (and, if a negotiated transaction is agreed, WBD) may file additional documents with the SEC. This communication is not a substitute for any proxy statement, tender offer statement, or other document Paramount and/or WBD may file with the SEC in connection with the Potential Transaction.Paramount, Prince Sub Inc. and the other participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation have filed a preliminary proxy statement and the accompanying BLUE proxy card with the SEC on January 22, 2026 in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation (the "Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement"). Paramount expects to file a definitive proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card with the SEC in connection with the Netflix Merger Solicitation and may file other proxy solicitation materials in connection therewith or the annual meeting of WBD stockholders, or other documents with the SEC.PARAMOUNT STRONGLY ADVISES ALL STOCKHOLDERS OF WBD TO READ THE SPECIAL MEETING PRELIMINARY PROXY STATEMENT AND OTHER PROXY MATERIALS AS THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION, INCLUDING INFORMATION RELATED TO THE PARTICIPANTS. SUCH PROXY MATERIALS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT NO CHARGE ON THE SEC'S WEB SITE AT HTTP://WWW.SEC.GOV. IN ADDITION, PARAMOUNT AND THE OTHER PARTICIPANTS IN SUCH PROXY SOLICITATIONS WILL PROVIDE COPIES OF THE APPLICABLE PROXY STATEMENTS WITHOUT CHARGE, WHEN AVAILABLE, UPON REQUEST. REQUESTS FOR SUCH COPIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE APPLICABLE PROXY SOLICITOR.Participants in the Solicitation
The participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation are expected to be Paramount, Prince Sub Inc., certain directors and executive officers of Paramount and Prince Sub Inc., Lawrence Ellison, RedBird Capital Management and The Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, u/a/d 1/22/88, as amended. Additional information about the participants in the Netflix Merger Solicitation is available in the Special Meeting Preliminary Proxy Statement.PSKY-IRMedia Contacts:
Paramount
Melissa Zukerman / Laura Watson
msz@paramount.com / laura.watson@paramount.comBrunswick Group
ParamountSkydance@brunswickgroup.comGagnier Communications
Dan Gagnier
dg@gagnierfc.comInvestor Contacts:
Paramount
Kevin Creighton / Logan Thomas
kevin.creighton@paramount.com / logan.thomas @teena
Toll-Free: (844) 343-2621
info@okapipartners.com  



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/paramount-comments-on-warner-bros-discovery-disclosures-302689880.htmlSOURCE Paramount Skydance Corporation

Original: PARAMOUNT COMMENTS ON WARNER BROS. DISCOVERY DISCLOSURES

Warner Bros rejects Paramount Skydance bid but invites improved proposalFebruary 17, 2026 11:09 AM
IH Market News
Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) has turned down a revised hostile takeover proposal of $30 per share from Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY), though it has granted the bidder a one-week window to return with a stronger offer, the company said Tuesday.In a statement, Warner Bros disclosed that Paramount had also floated, on an informal basis, a potential price of $31 per share — a figure that appears to have prompted the board to consider further discussions.The competing suitor now has until February 23 to deliver its “best and final offer,” Warner Bros noted. Under the existing merger agreement, Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) retains the right to match any competing bid.The latest development adds another twist to the battle over Warner Bros’ storied film and television studio, including its extensive catalog of movies and TV content.Warner Brothers Discovery stock priceParamount Skydance stock priceNetflix stock price

Original: Warner Bros rejects Paramount Skydance bid but invites improved proposal

Warner Bros. Discovery Sets Special Meeting Date of March 20, 2026, and Unanimously Recommends Shareholders Vote FOR Netflix Merger; Warner Bros. Discovery to Initiate Discussions with Paramount Skydance for Their Best and Final OfferFebruary 17, 2026 7:00 AM
PR Newswire (US)

Netflix Grants Seven-Day Waiver Permitting WBD to Engage with PSKY Regarding Deficiencies and Open Items in Amended Offer PSKY Representative Separately Informed WBD it Would Agree to Pay $31 Per Share Pending Engagement and That the Offer Was Not PSKY's "Best and Final" ProposalNEW YORK, Feb. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("WBD") (NASDAQ: WBD) today announced that it will hold the Special Meeting of Shareholders (the "Special Meeting") to vote on the merger with Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") (NASDAQ: NFLX) on March 20, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time and the commencement of mailing of the definitive proxy statement to shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting. WBD also announced today that Netflix has provided WBD a limited waiver under the terms of WBD's merger agreement with Netflix, permitting WBD to engage in discussions with Paramount Skydance ("PSKY") (NASDAQ: PSKY) for a seven-day period ending on February 23, 2026 to seek clarity for WBD stockholders and provide PSKY the ability to make its best and final offer. During this period, WBD will engage with PSKY to discuss the deficiencies that remain unresolved and clarify certain terms of PSKY's proposed merger agreement. Netflix retains its matching rights as defined by the merger agreement.The WBD Board of Directors (the "WBD Board") continues to unanimously recommend in favor of the Netflix merger. The WBD Board also unanimously recommends that shareholders reject the PSKY offer, for the reasons set forth in the amendment to our Schedule 14D-9 filed today with the SEC. Following receipt of PSKY's latest amended offer, a senior representative for PSKY informed a WBD Board member that, if the WBD Board authorized discussions, PSKY would agree to pay $31 per share and that the offer was not PSKY's "best and final" proposal. This price, along with several other matters that PSKY stated it would address in its February 10 letter, are not reflected in the latest merger agreement that PSKY proposed. To provide specific clarity in this regard, WBD has today sent PSKY a letter, included below, setting out the key issues yet to be addressed by PSKY, along with drafts of full transaction agreements for PSKY to confirm the terms of its offer."Throughout the entire process, our sole focus has been on maximizing value and certainty for WBD shareholders," said David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Warner Bros. Discovery. "Every step of the way, we have provided PSKY with clear direction on the deficiencies in their offers and opportunities to address them. We are engaging with PSKY now to determine whether they can deliver an actionable, binding proposal that provides superior value and certainty for WBD shareholders through their best and final offer." Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr., Chair of the Warner Bros. Discovery Board of Directors added, "As announced today, we continue to believe the Netflix merger is in the best interests of WBD shareholders due to the tremendous value it provides, our clear path to achieve regulatory approval and the transaction's protections for shareholders against downside risk. With Netflix, we will create a brighter future for the entertainment industry – providing consumers with more choice, creating and protecting jobs and expanding U.S. production capacity while increasing investments to drive the long-term growth of our industry."WBD today sent the following letter to PSKY, together with revised versions of the merger agreement and other transaction documentation:Dear Members of the PSKY Board:The Board of Directors of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is fully committed to delivering a superior transaction to our shareholders. Since our decision last year to separate our Streaming & Studios businesses from our Global Linear Networks business, we have actively explored a wide range of alternatives, including through a publicly-announced strategic review process in which Paramount Skydance (PSKY) participated, having initially approached WBD in September 2025.  Our agreed transaction with Netflix offers superior value for our shareholders, allows us to achieve our strategic goal to separate WBD's businesses, offers a high degree of certainty with minimal risk to the businesses in the interim and has essentially no financing risk.  The WBD Board continues to unanimously recommend that our shareholders approve the Netflix transaction, as reflected in the definitive proxy statement we have filed with the SEC today.On February 10, PSKY amended its tender offer for WBD common stock.  While this amendment addresses some of the concerns that WBD had identified several months ago, it still contains many of the unfavorable terms and conditions that were in the draft agreements submitted by PSKY on December 4, 2025 and December 22, 2025 and twice unanimously rejected by our Board.  PSKY indicated in its February 10 letter to the WBD Board a willingness to address some of those concerns, but does not do so in its proposed merger agreement, leaving WBD with vague assurances of intention. Other important issues raised several times with PSKY are unchanged from your prior submissions.  On February 11th, a senior representative of your financial advisor communicated orally to a member of our Board that PSKY would agree to pay $31 per WBD share if we engage with you, and that $31 is not PSKY's best and final proposal. We are writing to inform you that Netflix has agreed to provide WBD a waiver of certain terms of the Netflix merger agreement to permit us, through February 23, to engage with PSKY to clarify your proposal, which we understand will include a WBD per share price higher than $31.  We seek your best and final proposal.  To be clear, our Board has not determined that your proposal is reasonably likely to result in a transaction that is superior to the Netflix merger.  We continue to recommend and remain fully committed to our transaction with Netflix and have scheduled a special meeting of our shareholders on March 20, 2026 to vote on the Netflix merger agreement.As you know, it is typical and expected for a would-be overbidder to accept the substantive terms of the merger agreement that the target company has already agreed with its existing merger party.  To provide you with specific clarity in this regard, we have prepared, and our legal counsel will deliver to you today, copies of transaction agreements that conform to this approach, address key issues for the WBD Board in prior PSKY offers and incorporate the terms and assurances reflected in your February 10 letter, as well as certain other changes to reflect matters unique to your proposal.  Attached at the end of this letter is a business summary of these changes. As part of your binding proposal, the WBD Board needs confirmation that you are prepared to sign our proposed agreements.  We encourage you to be direct and transparent with your best and final value and other terms in that binding proposal.During this seven-day period – as we consistently did during the strategic review process last year – we welcome the opportunity to engage with you and expeditiously determine whether PSKY can deliver an actionable, binding proposal that provides superior value, transaction certainty and interim protection for WBD's businesses to Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders.On behalf of the WBD Board of Directors,Samuel A. Di Piazza, Jr.                                                       
Board Chair                                                                            David Zaslav
President and
Chief Executive OfficerSummary of Changes to Transaction AgreementsBelow is a summary of the principal business changes reflected in the transaction agreements provided by WBD today, as compared to the draft agreements provided by PSKY in its tender offer.  Many of these reflect terms proposed by PSKY in its public statements but not reflected in its merger agreement; others align the draft agreement with the terms of the Netflix merger agreement.Refinancing and Junior Lien Notes: PSKY to bear expenses in connection with any junior notes liability management exercise when incurred, or pay the $1.5 billion financing fee to WBD at the time it would be due (December 30, 2026).  The Netflix merger agreement does not require WBD to bear any cost in this regard.Bridge Refinancing: PSKY's consent will not be required for WBD's bridge refinancing, which will consist of dollar and euro term loan debt and bonds on market terms available at the time of the refinancing.  The bond component will have a tenor of no more than 7 years, and will be non-callable for no more than 3 years, and the loan component will be non-callable for no more than 1 year.  This provision is substantially more favorable to PSKY than the terms of the Netflix Merger Agreement, which permit WBD full refinancing flexibility.Material Adverse Effect: Consistent with the statement in PSKY's Feb. 10 letter that it is "prepared to address any concerns WBD has regarding the impact of Discovery Global's performance on closing certainty," the "Company Material Adverse Effect" definition excludes effects attributable to the performance of WBD's Global Linear Networks business (consistent with the Netflix Merger Agreement).Equity Cure to Support Debt: The significant debt financing and resulting pro forma leverage in the PSKY offer create material closing uncertainty, particularly when compared to Netflix's investment grade credit rating and large positive free cash flow. PSKY has repeatedly stated that these concerns are not serious, noting the personal wealth of your lead equity sponsor and the credibility of your lending banks. To reflect your assurances, the draft agreements provide that in the event the transaction would not close due to the debt financing being unavailable, additional equity will be funded to enable closing to occurInterim Operating Covenants: The interim operating covenants should not require consent from PSKY in order for WBD to operate its business in the ordinary course between signing and closing.  The additional covenants you have proposed are not part of our agreement with Netflix, and are not accepted, as they further risk the certainty of closing.Equity Financing Certainty: Our changes to the PSKY equity documents reflect the need for absolute clarity as to funding obligations and certainty of funding at closing, or to pay damages if due.Equity Syndication: WBD will receive notice and full information regarding any equity syndication, and its consent will be required for any direct or indirect syndication that would require regulatory approvals or delay closing.The WBD Board has not determined that PSKY's proposal is reasonably likely to result in a transaction that is superior to the Netflix merger. There can be no assurance that a definitive transaction will result from WBD's discussions with PSKY. The WBD Board and management team remain resolute in their commitment to maximizing value for shareholders and continue to recommend shareholders vote FOR the merger with Netflix.WBD has commenced mailing its definitive proxy statement to shareholders in connection with the Special Meeting. WBD shareholders of record as of 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on February 4, 2026 will be entitled to vote at the Special Meeting. Additional information regarding the Special Meeting can be found at VoteWBDNetflix.com.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.About Warner Bros. Discovery:
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com.Important Information about the Tender Offer and Where to Find It
WBD has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer (the "tender offer") by a subsidiary of PSKY with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement as well as other filings by WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  In addition, free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available free of charge on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find It
This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix (the "proposed transaction").  In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD filed a definitive proxy statement (the "Proxy Statement") with the SEC.  The Proxy Statement was first mailed to WBD stockholders on or around February 17, 2026.  INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS.  Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Proxy Statement as well as other filings containing information about WBD and Netflix, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov.  Free copies of the Proxy Statement and each company's other filings with the SEC may also be obtained from the respective companies.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com.  Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by Netflix will be made available on Netflix's investor relations website at https://ir.netflix.net.Participants in the Solicitation
WBD and Netflix and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction.  Information about the directors and executive officers of WBD is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors."  Information about the directors and executive officers of Netflix is set forth in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, under the headings "Our Board of Directors" and "Our Company Executive Officers."  Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the Proxy Statement and other relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix, constitute forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements about the tender offer and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of WBD and Netflix and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the proposed transaction may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (3) the risk that WBD stockholders may not approve the proposed transaction; (4) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (5) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (6) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and a newly formed subsidiary ("Discovery Global") in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (7) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the proposed transaction; (8) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (9) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (10) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of WBD common stock; (11) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; (12) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; (13) the risk that Discovery Global, as a new company that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms; (14) the risk that Discovery Global may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that WBD expects Discovery Global to achieve as an independent, publicly-traded company; (15) the risk that Discovery Global may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while still a part of WBD; (16) the risk that Discovery Global will incur significant indebtedness in connection with the separation, and the degree to which it will be leveraged following completion of the separation may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; (17) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the proposed transaction or the separation upon acceptable terms or at all; (18) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation; (19) uncertainties as to how many WBD stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; (20) the conditions to the completion of the tender offer, including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals; (21) PSKY's ability to finance the tender offer and the indebtedness PSKY expects to incur in connection with the tender offer; (22) the possibility that PSKY may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate WBD's operations with those of PSKY, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the tender offer; and (23) the response of WBD, Netflix or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD's and Netflix's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the Proxy Statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction. Neither WBD nor Netflix is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof. 



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/warner-bros-discovery-sets-special-meeting-date-of-march-20-2026-and-unanimously-recommends-shareholders-vote-for-netflix-merger-warner-bros-discovery-to-initiate-discussions-with-paramount-skydance-for-their-best-and-final-o-302689237.htmlSOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery Sets Special Meeting Date of March 20, 2026, and Unanimously Recommends Shareholders Vote FOR Netflix Merger; Warner Bros. Discovery to Initiate Discussions with Paramount Skydance for Their Best and Final Offer

Holiday week brings fresh data, earnings and renewed U.S.–Iran talks to the fore: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesFebruary 16, 2026 5:40 AM
IH Market News
Markets are heading into a shortened trading week packed with economic releases and major corporate earnings, while geopolitical developments between Washington and Tehran are keeping energy traders alert. Oil prices are holding in a narrow range ahead of new nuclear talks in Switzerland, Warner Bros. Discovery is reportedly reassessing a takeover proposal, and both gold and Bitcoin are under pressure.



U.S. markets shut for holiday



Wall Street is closed Monday for a public holiday, but investors are bracing for a busy schedule later in the week featuring key inflation data and high-profile earnings.On Friday, U.S. indices finished mixed. Traders weighed January inflation figures that showed price pressures easing more than expected, strengthening expectations that the Federal Reserve could bring forward its next rate cut to as early as June. Earlier in the week, however, a robust labor market report had fueled speculation that policymakers — who reduced rates several times in 2025 — might delay further easing until the second half of the year.The Nasdaq Composite remained under strain, reflecting persistent concerns about disruption in technology and communication services from the rapid development of new artificial intelligence models. Questions around competitive pressures and the timeline for returns on heavy AI infrastructure spending by mega-cap firms weighed on sentiment.Attention now shifts to Friday’s release of the U.S. personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index for December, closely watched by Fed officials as a key inflation gauge. An advance estimate of fourth-quarter U.S. GDP is also due the same day.Earnings season continues, with results expected from companies including Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:PANW), Analog Devices (NASDAQ:ADI) and Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:BKNG).



Washington and Tehran to meet again



The U.S. and Iran are scheduled to hold a second round of nuclear negotiations in Switzerland this week, following renewed dialogue earlier in February.The diplomatic push comes alongside heightened tensions, with Washington deploying additional military assets to the Middle East and signaling readiness for further action should talks falter. President Donald Trump has repeatedly urged Tehran to accept an agreement or risk facing increased military pressure.Over the weekend, Iranian officials indicated a willingness to compromise on aspects of their nuclear program in exchange for relief from U.S. sanctions, adding that the next move rests with Washington.“[T]here is still a large risk premium priced into the market given the uncertainty over how the situation between the U.S. and Iran evolves,” analysts at ING said in a note.Oil markets were largely steady in European trading, with volumes dampened by holidays in China and the U.S. Weak Japanese growth data also raised concerns about global demand. Brent crude for April delivery was little changed at $67.72 per barrel.



Warner Bros. revisits takeover discussions – report



Separately, media reports suggest fresh developments in the ongoing takeover saga involving Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD).According to Bloomberg, Warner Bros. is considering reopening negotiations with Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) after David Ellison’s group enhanced its hostile bid. Board members are reportedly evaluating whether Paramount’s proposal may be more attractive than an alternative offer from Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX).Last week, Paramount pledged to increase the cash component payable to Warner Bros. shareholders for each quarter a deal remains unresolved in 2026 and to cover any penalties tied to breaking Warner’s current agreement with Netflix. However, the base offer of $30 per share was left unchanged.



Gold retreats



Gold prices slipped in European trading as the U.S. dollar stabilized following recent inflation data. Precious metals have been volatile in recent weeks, remaining below late-January highs.Spot gold declined 0.9% to $4,998.69 per ounce, while April gold futures fell 0.6% to $5,018.69. Although both gold and silver gained last week on dip-buying and dollar softness, geopolitical tensions have continued to support safe-haven demand.



Bitcoin extends slide



Bitcoin (COIN:BTCUSD) also moved lower, marking a fourth consecutive week of steep losses across cryptocurrency markets.The world’s largest digital asset retreated after briefly touching $70,000 over the weekend, falling 3.1% to $68,624.6. Bitcoin has now erased roughly half its value since reaching a record high near $126,000 in October.Meanwhile, Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), the largest corporate holder of Bitcoin, stated it could manage its debt obligations even if Bitcoin dropped as low as $8,000. In a social media post, the company said it can “withstand a drawdown in $BTC price to $8K and still have sufficient assets to fully cover our debt.”Strategy currently holds 714,644 Bitcoin, financed through a combination of equity issuance and long-term debt.Walmart stock pricePalo Alto stock priceAnalog Devices stock priceBooking Holdings stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock priceParamount Skydance stock priceNetflix stock price

Original: Holiday week brings fresh data, earnings and renewed U.S.–Iran talks to the fore: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

U.S. payrolls in focus; Ford absorbs $900 million tariff charge – markets in motion: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street FuturesFebruary 11, 2026 5:27 AM
IH Market News
Futures tied to the main U.S. equity benchmarks edged higher ahead of a closely watched employment report that could shape expectations for Federal Reserve rate policy later this year. Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) recorded a sizeable charge related to a delay in U.S. tariff relief, but stronger-than-anticipated guidance supported its shares in extended trading. Meanwhile, an activist investor is reportedly urging Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBD) to reject an approach from Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX), adding another chapter to the protracted takeover story.



Futures tick higher



By 02:33 ET, Dow futures were up 91 points, or 0.2%. S&P 500 futures gained 12 points, also 0.2%, while Nasdaq 100 futures advanced 48 points, or 0.2%.On Tuesday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed at a fresh record, but the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite slipped, pressured in part by renewed concerns about the impact of emerging artificial intelligence tools.Financial stocks were hit after wealth management start-up Altruis launched an AI-driven tax planning product. The Charles Schwab Corporation (NYSE:SCHW) fell more than 7%, while Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF) posted its steepest one-day drop since the height of the 2020 pandemic turmoil.The selloff echoed recent AI-related weakness in insurance brokers and software names, reflecting concerns that the rapidly evolving technology could disrupt a wide range of industries, though some analysts argue these fears may be exaggerated.Weak retail sales data also dampened sentiment, prompting speculation that economic growth could slow in 2026. Expectations for a more dovish Federal Reserve stance increased, with CME FedWatch showing higher odds of a rate cut as early as April.



Employment report awaited



Against this backdrop, the spotlight turns to the delayed January U.S. jobs report.Economists expect payrolls to have risen by about 66,000 in January, up from 50,000 in December.At its most recent meeting, the Federal Reserve described the labor market as “stabilizing” after a period of weakness. Combined with still-elevated but steady inflation, this assessment led policymakers to keep rates unchanged in the 3.5% to 3.75% range.Earlier this week, White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett cautioned that advances in AI could weigh on job growth in the coming months, even as productivity improves.Uncertainty around employment and inflation — the Fed’s two key mandates — clouds the outlook for 2026. Today’s payrolls figures, along with Friday’s consumer price data, may provide clearer signals about the direction of rates next year.“Today’s jobs report is a pivotal event for the [foreign exchange] market. A materially weak print would likely pave the way for markets to price in a cut in April,” analysts at ING Groep N.V. wrote.



Ford hit by tariff delay



Ford shares edged higher in after-hours trading after the company issued guidance that topped expectations.The automaker projected annual operating income of roughly $9 billion, ahead of Wall Street’s $8.85 billion estimate. Forecast free cash flow of $5.5 billion also exceeded projections.However, Ford posted a fourth-quarter operating loss of $11.1 billion — the largest in its history — after taking a $900 million charge tied to a delay in the implementation of a Trump-era tariff relief program.Chief Financial Officer Sherry House said the company was informed of the “unexpected” shift “very late” in 2025.



Warner battle intensifies



Separately, takeover developments around Warner Bros. Discovery continued to unfold.The Wall Street Journal reported that activist investor Ancora Holdings has accumulated a stake worth roughly $200 million in Warner and plans to press the company to reject Netflix’s substantial bid for its film and television assets and HBO Max platform.According to the report, Ancora may disclose its position as soon as Wednesday and argue that Warner has not sufficiently considered a competing proposal from Paramount Skydance, led by David Ellison, which envisions acquiring the entire company rather than select divisions.Paramount has reportedly sweetened its offer by proposing additional cash payments to Warner shareholders for each quarter the transaction remains incomplete and by covering any breakup fee linked to abandoning the Netflix deal. However, the overall bid — valued at $108.4 billion including debt — remains unchanged.



Gold and oil move higher



Gold prices climbed after weak U.S. retail sales reinforced expectations of cooling economic momentum, heightening anticipation around payrolls data.Spot gold rose 0.4% to $5,047.08 per ounce, while futures gained 0.8% to $5,071.34, though prices remained below recent record highs.Oil prices also advanced. Brent crude increased 1.2% to $69.64 per barrel, and U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained 1.3% to $64.81 per barrel.Ford stock priceWarner Brothers Discovery stock priceNetflix stock priceCharles Schwab stock priceRaymond James stock price

Original: U.S. payrolls in focus; Ford absorbs $900 million tariff charge – markets in motion: Dow Jones, S&P, Nasdaq, Wall Street Futures

Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Receipt of Further Amended Unsolicited Tender Offer from Paramount SkydanceFebruary 10, 2026 12:25 PM
PR Newswire (US)

NEW YORK, Feb. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. ("Warner Bros. Discovery" or "WBD") (NASDAQ: WBD) today confirmed that it has received an amended, unsolicited tender offer from Paramount Skydance Corporation ("Paramount Skydance" or "PSKY") (NASDAQ: PSKY) to acquire all of the outstanding shares of WBD common stock (the "February 10 Amended Tender Offer").The WBD Board of Directors (the "Board"), consistent with its fiduciary duties and in consultation with its independent financial and legal advisors, will carefully review and consider Paramount Skydance's offer in accordance with the terms of WBD's agreement with Netflix, Inc. ("Netflix") (the "Netflix Merger Agreement").The Board is not modifying its recommendation with respect to the Netflix Merger Agreement. WBD will review the amended tender offer and advise its stockholders of the Board's recommendation after the completion of that review.WBD stockholders are advised not to take any action at this time with respect to the amended Paramount Skydance tender offer.Allen & Company, J.P. Morgan and Evercore are serving as financial advisors to Warner Bros. Discovery and Wachtell Lipton, Rosen & Katz and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP are serving as legal counsel.About Warner Bros. Discovery:
Warner Bros. Discovery is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world's most differentiated and complete portfolio of branded content across television, film, streaming and gaming. Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, HBO Max, discovery+, CNN, DC, TNT Sports, Eurosport, HBO, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, Warner Bros. Television Group, Warner Bros. Pictures Animation, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, please visit www.wbd.com. Important Information about the Tender Offer and Where to Find ItWBD has filed a solicitation/recommendation statement on Schedule 14D-9 with respect to the tender offer (the "tender offer") by a subsidiary of PSKY with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS, WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE TENDER OFFER. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the solicitation/recommendation statement as well as other filings by WBD, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. In addition, free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available free of charge on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com. Important Information about the Transaction and Where to Find ItThis communication does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities or a solicitation of any vote or approval. This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix (the "proposed transaction"). In connection with the proposed transaction, WBD has filed a preliminary proxy statement with the SEC. The definitive proxy statement, when available, will be sent or given to WBD stockholders. WBD also intends to file a registration statement for a newly formed subsidiary ("Discovery Global"), which is contemplated to own certain assets and businesses of WBD not being acquired by Netflix in connection with the proposed transaction. INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO READ ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED WITH THE SEC, INCLUDING THE PROXY STATEMENT, REGISTRATION STATEMENT AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND RELATED MATTERS. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and registration statement (when available) as well as other filings containing information about WBD and Netflix, without charge, at the SEC's website, https://www.sec.gov. Free copies of the proxy statement and registration statement, once available, and each company's other filings with the SEC may also be obtained from the respective companies. Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by WBD will be made available on WBD's investor relations website at https://ir.wbd.com. Free copies of documents filed with the SEC by Netflix will be made available on Netflix's investor relations website at https://ir.netflix.net. Participants in the SolicitationWBD and Netflix and certain of their respective directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed transaction. Information about the directors and executive officers of WBD is set forth in its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, under the heading "Executive Officers of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.," and its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 23, 2025, under the heading "Proposal 1: Election of Directors." Information about the directors and executive officers of Netflix is set forth in its definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 17, 2025, under the headings "Our Board of Directors" and "Our Company Executive Officers." Investors may obtain additional information regarding the interests of such participants by reading the definitive proxy statement, registration statement and other relevant materials regarding the proposed transaction when they become available.Forward-Looking StatementsInformation set forth in this communication, including financial estimates and statements as to the expected timing, completion and effects of the proposed transaction between WBD and Netflix, constitute forward-looking statements. These estimates and statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially. Such estimates and statements include, but are not limited to, statements about the benefits of the proposed transaction, including future financial and operating results, the combined company's plans, objectives, expectations and intentions, statements about the tender offer and other statements that are not historical facts. Such statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the management of WBD and Netflix and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties outside of our control.Among the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from those described in the forward-looking statements are the following: (1) the completion of the proposed transaction may not occur on the anticipated terms and timing or at all; (2) the occurrence of any event, change or other circumstances that could give rise to the termination of the proposed transaction; (3) the risk that WBD stockholders may not approve the proposed transaction; (4) the risk that the necessary regulatory approvals for the proposed transaction may not be obtained or may be obtained subject to conditions that are not anticipated; (5) risks that any of the closing conditions to the proposed transaction may not be satisfied in a timely manner; (6) the final allocation of indebtedness between WBD and Discovery Global in connection with the separation could cause a reduction to the consideration for the proposed transaction; (7) risks related to litigation brought in connection with the proposed transaction; (8) risks related to disruption of management time from ongoing business operations due to the proposed transaction; (9) effects of the announcement, pendency or completion of the proposed transaction on the ability of WBD to retain customers and retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with suppliers, distributors, advertisers, content providers, vendors and other business partners, and on its operating results and business generally; (10) negative effects of the announcement or the consummation of the proposed transaction on the market price of WBD common stock; (11) risks related to the potential impact of general economic, political and market factors on the companies or the proposed transaction; (12) inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and assumptions used in the preparation of financial projections, and inherent uncertainties involved in the estimates and judgments used to estimate the differences between WBD's Global Linear Networks segment results and the expected results of Discovery Global; (13) the risk that Discovery Global, as a new company that currently has no credit rating, will not have access to the capital markets on acceptable terms; (14) the risk that Discovery Global may be unable to achieve some or all of the benefits that WBD expects Discovery Global to achieve as an independent, publicly-traded company; (15) the risk that Discovery Global may be more susceptible to market fluctuations and other adverse events than it would have otherwise been while still a part of WBD; (16) the risk that Discovery Global will incur significant indebtedness in connection with the separation, and the degree to which it will be leveraged following completion of the separation may materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition and results of operations; (17) the ability to obtain or consummate financing or refinancing related to the proposed transaction or the separation upon acceptable terms or at all; (18) volatility or a decline in the market price for Discovery Global common stock following the separation; (19) uncertainties as to how many WBD stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer; (20) the conditions to the completion of the tender offer, including the receipt of any required stockholder and regulatory approvals; (21) PSKY's ability to finance the tender offer and the indebtedness PSKY expects to incur in connection with the tender offer; (22) the possibility that PSKY may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies within the expected timeframes or at all and to successfully integrate WBD's operations with those of PSKY, and the possibility that such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected or that operating costs and business disruption (including, without limitation, disruptions in relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected in connection with the tender offer; and (23) the response of WBD, Netflix or PSKY management to any of the aforementioned factors. Discussions of additional risks and uncertainties are contained in WBD's and Netflix's filings with the SEC, including their Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and the preliminary proxy statement filed by WBD in connection with the proposed transaction and will be contained in the registration statement to be filed by Discovery Global in connection with the separation. Neither WBD nor Netflix is under any obligation, and each expressly disclaims any obligation, to update, alter, or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law. Persons reading this announcement are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements which speak only as of the date hereof.



View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/warner-bros-discovery-confirms-receipt-of-further-amended-unsolicited-tender-offer-from-paramount-skydance-302684090.htmlSOURCE Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc.

Original: Warner Bros. Discovery Confirms Receipt of Further Amended Unsolicited Tender Offer from Paramount Skydance

Netflix Shares Edge Higher After Trump Steps Back From Warner Bros Discovery Deal ReviewFebruary 5, 2026 9:27 AM
IH Market News
Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares climbed 1.6% on Thursday morning after U.S. President Donald Trump signalled he would not take part in the dispute involving Netflix and Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD).The streaming company’s stock advanced following remarks Trump made to NBC News indicating he has “decided I shouldn’t be involved” in the ongoing review of the proposed media deal. His position represents a shift from comments made in December, when he suggested he would “be involved in that decision” regarding Netflix’s planned acquisition.“The Justice Department will handle it,” Trump said during the interview, indicating that regulatory scrutiny of Netflix’s $82.7 billion bid for Warner Bros Discovery will remain in the hands of federal antitrust authorities. The U.S. Department of Justice is currently assessing both Netflix’s proposal and a rival hostile takeover attempt by Paramount Skydance.Trump also acknowledged the intense rivalry between the bidders, stating, “There’s a theory that one of the companies is too big and it shouldn’t be allowed to do it, and the other company is saying something else. They’re beating the hell out of each other – and there’ll be a winner.”Netflix stock price

Original: Netflix Shares Edge Higher After Trump Steps Back From Warner Bros Discovery Deal Review

ROCK AND ROLL HOOCHIE COO

Has anyone else heard that Netflix may be pulling out of the Warner deal citing potential concerns with governmental approval?
I heard a fairly credible rumor that may happen. If it does, does anyone have an idea where WBD would drop to without a deal? I want to limit my risk.

The Paramount offer is far superior to the Netflix proposal. Take the deal! 

Warner Bros. Board Set to Reject Paramount’s $108.4 Billion Bid, Sources Say

Dec 17, 2025

The board of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) is expected to recommend that shareholders vote against a $108.4 billion takeover proposal from Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY), according to people familiar with the matter.

Sources indicate that the move would reaffirm Warner Bros. Discovery’s preference for an existing transaction with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX), marking another development in the competitive battle for high-profile media assets. These include the iconic Warner Bros. film and television studio and its extensive content library, which spans classic titles such as Casablanca and Citizen Kane, as well as globally recognised franchises like Harry Potter and Friends, along with HBO and the HBO Max streaming platform.

A spokesperson for Warner Bros. Discovery declined to comment.

Control of these assets is seen as a significant strategic prize in the intensifying streaming wars, as ownership would provide access to one of the industry’s most valuable and sought-after content catalogs.

Earlier this month, Netflix agreed to a tender offer valued at $27 per share, structured as a mix of cash and stock, for Warner Bros. Discovery’s non-cable television operations. Shortly thereafter, Paramount CEO David Ellison approached Warner Bros. shareholders directly with an all-cash proposal of $30 per share for the entire company.

In regulatory filings, Paramount argued that its offer is superior to Netflix’s proposal and would face fewer regulatory hurdles. The bid is backed by $41 billion in new equity financing from the Ellison family and RedBird Capital, alongside $54 billion in debt commitments provided by Bank of America, Citi and Apollo.

Separately, Bloomberg reported that Affinity Partners, the investment firm founded by Jared Kushner and previously aligned with Paramount on the deal, has withdrawn from the bidding process.

Neither Paramount nor Affinity Partners responded to requests for comment from Reuters.

https://investorshub.advfn.com/stock-market/NASDAQ/warner-brothers-discovery-WBD/stock-news/97459900/warner-bros-board-set-to-reject-paramount-s-108

$WBD

$28

30 dollar all cash tender just announced

Take to $30 on Trump news

$WBD: Now at $0.75 prem !!!!!!!!!!!!

Added 500 at $0.05 yesterday............. Like I said.............

https://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=176687402

Thats a 15x GROSS BAGGER babyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.

Watch this deal go thru this weekend..... and I think the offer will be $25/sh.

Hoping for that NUMBER.... HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND !!!!!!!!


GO $WBD

$WBD: Now at $18 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

HElllooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo............ ELLISON !!!!


GO $WBD

$WBD: 9/19 $20 calls should pay

Now only $0.05 !!!!!!!!!!

Added 500 .......... LFG


GO $WBD

$WBD: Now $16....... made you MONEY

Oh yes I did.

Don't deny it


GO $WBD

$WBD: Paramount Skydance going after them.............

WITH ELLISON MONEY


GO $WBD

$WBD: Sudden spiker....... now $14.80

So what............. is there a deal or something ???

Now over $15

Fill us in


GO $WBD

I've jumped in. Let's see where this split takes.

splitting up DC. https://bleedingcool.com/comics/dc-comics-has-new-owners-at-warners-with-a-ten-year-plan-for-dc/

$WBD DEI - Warner Bros. Discovery Renames DEI Group to Refer Only to ‘Inclusion’
https://variety.com/2025/biz/news/warner-bros-discovery-scale-back-dei-inclusion-1236322594/

PUMP AND DUMP JUNK $WBD Total Debt (mrq) $43.01B OVERBOUGHT $.000001 coming

$WBD Total Debt (mrq) $43.01B

Let’s go. Let’s run to $20

OUCH

wow, WBD is dead.
this has restructuring written all over it

Much better.

NBA deal is killing this stock.

News after hours.

https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/WBD

WBD
Warner Brothers Discovery Inc
11.3195
-0.1705 (-1.48%)
Volume: 14,241,524
Day Range: 11.21 - 11.63
Last Trade Time: 2:53:42 PM EST
Delayed by 15 minutes