Netflix and WBD Transaction Progressing Smoothly
The company states: "Today marks another important milestone for our transaction with WBD. WBD has filed and commenced the mailing of its definitive proxy statement for the special meeting to be held on March 20, 2026, to approve our Board-recommended transaction and superior offer. Throughout the robust and highly competitive strategic review process, Netflix has consistently taken a constructive, responsive approach with WBD, in stark contrast to Paramount Skydance (PSKY). While we are confident that our transaction provides superior value and certainty, we recognize the ongoing distraction for WBD stockholders and the broader entertainment industry caused by PSKY's antics. Accordingly, we granted WBD a narrow seven-day waiver of certain obligations under our merger agreement to allow them to engage with PSKY to fully and finally resolve this matter. This does not change the fact that we have the only signed, board-recommended agreement with WBD, and ours is the only certain path to delivering value to WBD's stockholders. In its press release today, WBD reaffirmed its recommendation that WBD stockholders vote to approve the Netflix transaction at WBD's special meeting. Together, Netflix and Warner Bros. will deliver more choice and greater value to audiences worldwide with expanded access to exceptional films and series - both at home and in theaters. Our transaction also expands production capacity and increases investment in original content, leading to long-term job creation. The Netflix transaction is centered on growth, opportunity, and a reinforced commitment to creating world-class films and television - not consolidation and layoffs. Netflix is confident that our transaction, a largely vertical merger of complementary assets, has a clear path to timely regulatory approval. Netflix and WBD have each submitted their Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filings and are engaged constructively with competition authorities across the world, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), state Attorneys General, the European Commission, and the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). Netflix and WBD are driving the regulatory process forward - collaboratively and constructively and focused on a clear path to closing. By contrast, PSKY has repeatedly mischaracterized the regulatory review process by suggesting its proposal will sail through, misleading WBD stockholders about the real risk of their regulatory challenges around the world. WBD stockholders should not be misled into thinking that PSKY has an easier or faster path to regulatory approval - it does not." PSKY is also quick to publicize routine checkpoints to exaggerate "progress." For example, PSKY cited securing German FDI clearance on January 27, 2026, as evidence of their "regulatory certainty." In fact, Netflix received German FDI clearance on the very same day. Separately, the foreign funding behind PSKY's bid is already raising serious national security concerns. We expect government reviewers globally, including CFIUS and Team Telecom in the U.S., as well as European authorities, to scrutinize the Middle Eastern investors in PSKY's consortium and to be skeptical of claims that they are purely passive investors.
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- Value Confirmation: The acquisition deal between Netflix and Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) provides a clear value path for WBD shareholders, with expectations for shareholder support at the special meeting on March 20, 2026, as recommended by the board.
- Clear Regulatory Approval Path: Netflix and WBD have submitted their Hart-Scott-Rodino (HSR) filings and are actively collaborating with global competition authorities to ensure a smooth transaction process, demonstrating a higher level of certainty compared to PSKY.
- Industry Growth Potential: This transaction is set to expand production capacity and increase investment in original content, which is expected to create long-term job opportunities and further drive overall growth in the entertainment industry.
- Competitive Comparison: PSKY's financing challenges and rapid deleveraging plans pose significant risks to the entertainment sector, while Netflix's strong cash flow supports its all-cash transaction structure, ensuring a healthy balance sheet and flexibility for future strategic priorities.
- Shareholder Vote Arrangement: Warner Bros. has confirmed a special shareholder meeting on March 20 at 8:00 AM to vote on the merger proposal with Netflix, demonstrating the company's strong confidence in the merger and aiming to accelerate shareholder support for the transaction.
- Negotiations with Paramount: Warner Bros. has initiated discussions with Paramount Skydance regarding a potential 'best and final offer', indicating the company's flexibility in its M&A strategy, which could lead to higher returns for shareholders.
- Stock Price Increase: Following the announcement, Warner Bros. shares rose by 2.39% to $28.66, reflecting market optimism about the merger prospects and potentially attracting more investor interest in the stock.
- Merger Terms Analysis: Warner Bros. emphasized that despite Paramount's $30 per share cash offer, its board has not determined that this proposal is likely to result in a superior transaction, reiterating its support for the Netflix merger, which showcases confidence in the deal's potential benefits.
- Spotify's Pricing Strategy: Spotify has raised subscription prices twice in the U.S. over the past 18 months, achieving a record gross margin of 33.1% in Q4, exceeding analyst expectations, indicating that users are willing to pay more for quality content, thereby enhancing the company's profitability.
- User Growth and Profitability Shift: Spotify's premium subscribers grew by 10% year-over-year, with free cash flow reaching $3 billion for the entire year, demonstrating a shift from rapid growth to intelligent monetization strategies, improving overall financial health.
- Retail Sales Data Analysis: Retail sales increased by 2.4% year-over-year in 2025, falling short of the 2.7% analyst estimate, highlighting a disparity in consumer spending power, with the top 20% of earners accounting for 60% of personal outlays, while lower-income households face greater economic pressure.
- Unity Earnings Reaction: Unity's latest earnings report showed revenue and adjusted EBITDA below market expectations, leading to a 30% drop in stock price, as the market fears potential disruption from AI, despite the company's strong cash flow position, reflecting uncertainty about the future.
- Tech Stock Pressure: Selling pressure in the Nasdaq is expected to exceed that of the S&P 500 due to ongoing fears of AI disruption, indicating a cautious market sentiment that may impact the short-term performance of tech companies.
- Norwegian Cruise Investment: Activist investor Elliott Investment Management has acquired over a 10% stake in Norwegian Cruise Line, aiming to turnaround the underperforming operator, which has led to a more than 6% increase in share price, reflecting market confidence in its restructuring potential.
- Energy Stock Upgrade: Melius upgraded Chevron from hold to buy, raising its price target from $162 to $205, as analysts believe the global energy company is well-positioned for growth, particularly due to developments in Venezuela.
- Apple Product Launch: Apple has invited press members to a

Netflix Shares Decline: Netflix shares fell by 1.5% following news of Warner Bros. rejecting a revised bid from Paramount.
Warner Bros. Decision: The rejection of the bid indicates ongoing negotiations and potential changes in the media landscape.
Paramount's Position: Despite the rejection, Paramount remains open to a final offer, suggesting that discussions may continue.
Market Reactions: The stock market's response reflects investor concerns about the implications of these negotiations on Netflix and its competitors.
- Market Sentiment Dips: Despite the latest inflation data coming in slightly lower than expected, Wall Street failed to rally before the holiday weekend, with the S&P 500 dropping over 1% last week, reflecting concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence on industries like trucking, media, and real estate.
- Jesse Jackson Passes Away: Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson has died at the age of 84, prompting widespread tributes to his contributions to equality and justice, highlighting his significant role in the American civil rights movement.
- Pritzker Resigns: Hyatt Hotels Chairman Thomas Pritzker has stepped down due to his ties with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, expressing regret over his judgment, a move that underscores the pressure business leaders face amid scandal revelations.
- AI Summit Held: Tech moguls are gathering in India for an artificial intelligence summit, with OpenAI's Sam Altman and others expected to attend, although Nvidia's Jensen Huang has pulled out due to








