Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says the company’s bid to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery offers great value to Warner Bros. shareholders and Netflix. He speaks with @EdLudlow and @Lucas_Shaw on Bloomberg Television https://t.co/NPndVxG8w0 https://t.co/g6UHgi0lxp ...

Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos says the company feels "really good" about their chances of acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery. He speaks with @EdLudlow and @Lucas_Shaw on Bloomberg Television https://t.co/NPndVxG8w0 https://t.co/7iSTulcpVc ...

Core Viewpoint - The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's film studio by Netflix is viewed as a significant threat to the theatrical film industry, with concerns about job losses and a negative impact on the U.S. economy [2][4]. Group 1: Concerns from Industry Figures - James Cameron has expressed strong opposition to the Netflix-Warner Bros. merger, stating it could be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business [4]. - The broader filmmaking industry shares concerns that such mergers typically lead to fewer releases and reduced job opportunities [4]. - Lawmakers, including Senator Mike Lee, have received feedback from various industry stakeholders regarding the merger's potential negative implications [6]. Group 2: Netflix's Position - Netflix has outlined its commitment to the film and TV production industry, planning to spend $20 billion on film and TV by 2026, primarily in the U.S. [7]. - The company asserts that the merger will lead to increased production investments and job preservation, countering claims of potential layoffs [8][9]. - Netflix's leadership believes the acquisition will be beneficial for the media industry, promoting consumer interests and innovation [9][10]. Group 3: Market Dynamics - The merger would combine two major streaming services, Netflix with 325 million global subscribers and HBO Max with 128 million as of September 30 [5]. - There are concerns regarding how this merger would affect consumer choices and pricing in the streaming market [5].

Core Viewpoint - The ongoing deal between Netflix and Warner Brothers Discovery is seen as beneficial for both parties, despite some investor concerns regarding regulatory challenges and integration risks [2][3][6]. Regulatory Environment - The regulatory path for the deal is considered normal, with no unique challenges anticipated, as the process is currently in progress with various regulators including the DOJ and European authorities [3][4]. - The company expresses confidence in navigating the regulatory landscape and believes that the deal will ultimately be approved [4][6]. Business Integration and Strategy - The company is optimistic about successfully integrating the business and has a history of effectively managing changes and adding new business lines, which have previously led to growth [4][5]. - Recent successful pivots, such as the introduction of advertising and live sporting events, are highlighted as examples of the company's ability to adapt and thrive [5]. Investor Communication - The company acknowledges the need for clarity regarding the deal, particularly in light of misinformation being spread by competitors, and has initiated a seven-day period to address these concerns [6][7]. - The belief is that the current deal is superior for both Warner Brothers Discovery and Netflix, and the company is eager to move forward with it [7].

Warner Bros. Discovery to Report Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Results on Thursday, February 26 [Accessibility Statement] Skip NavigationNEW 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" secti ...

Group 1: Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery - Netflix has the capacity to increase its current offer of $27.75 per share for Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and streaming segments amid a bidding war with Paramount Skydance, which has proposed a $108.4 billion deal for the entire company [2][9] - Warner Bros. Discovery is set to hold a shareholder vote on Netflix's proposal on March 20, while giving Paramount seven days to submit a "best and final" offer [3] Group 2: U.S. Treasury and TIPS Auction - The recent auction of 30-year Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS) yielded a high rate of 2.473%, down from 2.650% in the previous sale, indicating strong demand with a bid-to-cover ratio of 2.750 [4][5][9] Group 3: Federal Reserve Outlook - Federal Reserve Governor Stephen Miran has revised his interest rate projections for 2026, now suggesting a potential cut of 100 basis points instead of the previously anticipated 150 basis points, influenced by strong labor market data and rising goods inflation [6][7][9] Group 4: Corporate Finance Developments - Nippon Steel plans to raise $1.9 billion by selling off shareholdings to finance its $14.9 billion acquisition of U.S. Steel, which has recently cleared regulatory hurdles [8][9] Group 5: Biotech Developments - PureTech Health has received dual Orphan Drug Designation for its idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis candidate, LYT-100, from both the U.S. FDA and the European Commission, providing market exclusivity and development incentives [11][9] Group 6: Sovereign Debt Markets - Sri Lanka has initiated a tender offer for its $1 billion 5.875% bonds, offering to pay full principal plus 50.2% of accrued unpaid interest to bondholders, with results expected on March 16 [10]

By Amy-Jo Crowley and Milana Vinn Feb 19 (Reuters) - Netflix has ample cash and could bump up its offer for HBO Max owner Warner Bros Discovery if competing bidder Paramount Skydance increases its own offer, two people with knowledge of the matter said. The ‌two media giants have been locked in a heated rivalry over Warner Bros and its storied catalogue, which includes iconic franchises ‌like "Harry Potter", "Game of Thrones", DC Comics and Superman. Though Warner Bros is moving forward with a March 20 ...

Core Viewpoint - The Justice Department is investigating the potential impact of a sale of Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) to Netflix on the film industry, particularly regarding fewer new film releases and the implications for moviegoers [1][4]. Group 1: Investigation and Concerns - Federal antitrust lawyers are in discussions with major movie theater chains to assess the implications of the potential sale [2][11]. - The investigation is focused on whether a merger between Netflix and HBO Max would create a monopoly in the streaming industry [4]. - Concerns have been raised that a Netflix acquisition could negatively affect Hollywood, as Netflix typically does not release its original films in theaters [5]. Group 2: Competitive Bidding and Industry Reactions - Warner Bros. has resumed negotiations with Paramount Skydance after they improved their offer for WBD, which includes cable assets [5][14]. - Paramount has expressed that a sale to Netflix would not enhance competition but rather diminish it, citing concerns over the financial burden it would face post-acquisition [6]. - Industry figures, including James Cameron, have warned that a Netflix deal could be detrimental to cinemas [7]. Group 3: Netflix's Position and Promises - Netflix has criticized Paramount's actions as distractions and claims that its acquisition would provide more choices and value to audiences [8]. - Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has promised to release all WBD films in theaters exclusively for 45 days, attempting to alleviate industry concerns [10]. - Some theater executives remain skeptical about Netflix's commitment to theatrical releases, seeking more concrete assurances [12]. Group 4: Investor and Regulatory Dynamics - Confidence is growing within Paramount that WBD may abandon the Netflix deal due to potential regulatory challenges [13]. - Activist investor Ancora Holdings, with a nearly $200 million stake in WBD, plans to oppose the Netflix deal, arguing that the board did not adequately engage with Paramount [13].

Core Insights - Licensing Expo 2026 is set to be a significant event in the global licensing industry, taking place from May 19-21, 2026, at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, featuring major brands and industry leaders [1][2] Industry Overview - The event will gather influential brands such as Netflix, Warner Bros. Discovery, LEGO, and The Coca-Cola Company, showcasing the latest trends and innovations in licensing [2][3] - Licensing Expo serves as a critical platform for brands across various sectors, including entertainment, sports, fashion, and gaming, making it essential for professionals in retail, branding, and consumer products [2][11] New Participants and Trends - New entrants like PepsiCo and Sony Pictures Television are expected to bring fresh opportunities for collaboration in licensing, particularly in food and beverages [3] - The rise of sports licensing is highlighted, with brands like Real Madrid FC and NASCAR participating, reflecting the growing importance of sports as a branding strategy [4] Fashion and Youth Engagement - The expo will feature brands that resonate with Gen Z, which constitutes 25% of the global population, showcasing merchandise from artists like Adele and Olivia Rodrigo [6] - Companies like Ceremony of Roses and tokidoki will present products that align with Gen Z's values of creativity and self-expression [6] Digital Innovation and Gaming - The gaming industry is a focal point, with companies like Riot Games and The Pokémon Company demonstrating how digital content is transforming consumer engagement [9] - Licensing Expo will highlight the intersection of gaming and merchandise, showcasing how brands create immersive experiences [9] Creativity and Cultural Impact - The event will celebrate creativity, featuring art and design innovators that redefine consumer experiences, emphasizing the role of creativity in licensing [10] - Major entertainment brands will showcase their cultural impact, reinforcing the connection between play and consumer engagement [8] Market Growth and Future Outlook - The global licensing market is projected to be worth $369.9 billion in 2025, indicating robust growth and opportunities for participants at Licensing Expo [13][17] - Licensing Expo is positioned as a platform for shaping the future of consumer products, connecting brands with emerging trends and consumer interests [13]

智通财经APP获悉，交易员们猜测华纳兄弟探索频道(WBD.US)控制权争夺战将促使其中一家竞购者提 高报价。这家历史悠久的好莱坞制片厂的股价周三收于每股略低于29美元，此前一天，派拉蒙天舞 (PSKY.US)表示可能将报价至少提高1美元至每股31美元，股价一度短暂突破该水平。华纳兄弟于去年 12月同意以每股27.75美元的价格出售给奈飞(NFLX.US)，外加其旗下部分有线电视网络(如TNT和CNN) 的股份。 自竞购战爆发以来，华纳兄弟的股价从未超过每股30美元，这很可能是由于市场担心奈飞收购的交易会 经历耗时的监管审查，以及有线电视资产估值的不确定性。与此同时，华纳兄弟董事会也多次拒绝了派 拉蒙天舞提出的每股30美元的收购要约。 周二，华纳兄弟收到一份修改后的提案，其中部分条款有所改善，随后华纳兄弟同意重启与派拉蒙天舞 的谈判，这一消息令收购进程出现转机。受此消息提振，华纳兄弟股价上涨2.7%，较两周前的低点已 上涨约7%，市场猜测竞购尚未结束。 Water Island Capital LLC专注于并购套利的投资组合经理Matt Osowiecki周三表示："从今天的交易价格 和几天前的价格来看，这表明 ...