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Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) traded near flat on Tuesday, while iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ:IHRT) climbed after announcing a major content partnership.The companies unveiled an exclusive video podcasting deal that brings top iHeartPodcasts to Netflix.The agreement covers more than 15 original iHeartPodcasts.Also Read: Eric Jackson To Head Crypto Treasury — SRX Health Stock SoarsNetflix will stream new video episodes exclusively. Select past episodes will also appear on the platform.New video podcasts debut in ...

Core Insights - Netflix has partnered with iHeartMedia to launch 14 exclusive video podcasts in early 2026, marking its second major entry into the podcasting space after a deal with Spotify [1][5] Group 1: Partnership Details - The partnership will feature a variety of shows including comedy, crime, history, and sports, with notable titles such as "Dear Chelsea," "The Breakfast Club," and "My Favorite Murder" [2][6] - The agreement includes new episodes from the podcast lineup and select library episodes, while iHeartMedia retains audio-only rights and distribution on platforms like iHeartRadio [3] Group 2: Strategic Goals - Netflix aims to attract viewers who prefer video podcasts, competing against platforms like YouTube, although this may impact podcasters' ad revenue and audience reach [4] - The move is part of Netflix's broader strategy to diversify its content offerings beyond traditional TV shows and movies, including collaborations with creators and interactive content [5]

Core Insights - Netflix has entered into a significant partnership with iHeartMedia to exclusively host video versions of over a dozen popular podcasts, including "The Breakfast Club" and "My Favorite Murder," set to launch in early 2026 in the US [1][3] - This move is part of Netflix's broader strategy to diversify its content offerings beyond traditional TV series and movies, aiming to include various genres such as pop culture, true crime, sports, and comedy [3][6] - The deal with iHeartMedia complements Netflix's previous agreement with Spotify, indicating a strong push into the video podcasting space [3][4] Content Strategy - Netflix aims to have between 50 to 75 shows available at the launch of its video podcasts, with aspirations to expand that number to as many as 200 over time [5] - The partnership with iHeartMedia allows Netflix to provide exclusive video content that will not be available on platforms like YouTube, while iHeartMedia retains audio-only rights [2][6] - The inclusion of popular shows like "The Breakfast Club," which ranks as the 15th most listened to podcast, is expected to help Netflix establish itself as a regular destination for podcast viewers [6] Market Trends - A report from Edison Research indicates that over half (51%) of people in the US aged 12 and up have watched a video podcast, highlighting a growing trend in the consumption of video content [8] - The demand for video exclusivity from Netflix may pose challenges for some podcasters, as it could limit their ad revenue and audience reach on platforms like YouTube [7] - Netflix's exploration of partnerships with individual podcasters, such as Alex Cooper, suggests a targeted approach to curating content that appeals to diverse audiences [4]

NEW YORK & LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iHeartMedia, the No. 1 audio company in America, and Netflix today announced an exclusive video podcasting partnership for more than 15 industry-leading original iHeartPodcasts. The agreement includes all new episodes from the podcast lineup, as well as select library episodes from each show. New video podcast episodes will launch on Netflix in early 2026 in the US, with more markets to follow. About iHeartMedia, Inc. "With this partnership we are incredibly excited ...

Core Viewpoint - Investors in iHeartMedia, Inc. should closely monitor the stock due to significant movements in the options market, particularly the high implied volatility of the Dec 19, 2025 $7.50 Put option [1] Group 1: Implied Volatility - Implied volatility indicates the market's expectations for future stock movement, with high levels suggesting potential significant price changes or upcoming events that could impact the stock [2] - The current high implied volatility for iHeartMedia shares suggests that options traders anticipate a substantial price movement [3] Group 2: Analyst Sentiment - iHeartMedia holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) within the Broadcast Radio and Television industry, which is in the bottom 31% of the Zacks Industry Rank [3] - Over the past 30 days, no analysts have raised their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while two have lowered their estimates, resulting in a decrease in the Zacks Consensus Estimate from 28 cents per share to 10 cents [3] Group 3: Trading Strategies - The high implied volatility may indicate a developing trading opportunity, as options traders often seek to sell premium on options with elevated implied volatility to capture decay [4] - Seasoned traders typically hope that the underlying stock does not move as much as initially expected by expiration [4]

Group 1 - U.S. stocks showed mixed performance, with the Dow Jones increasing by over 600 points on Thursday [1] - Diamond Hill Investment Group Inc's shares surged 45.3% to $170.74 after First Eagle announced an acquisition for $175 per share in a $473 million all-cash deal [1] Group 2 - Planet Labs PBC's stock rose 29.7% to $16.79 following better-than-expected third-quarter sales results and an optimistic fourth-quarter sales guidance [2] - Nextdoor Holdings Inc experienced a gain of 22.9% to $3.11 [2] - Gemini Space Station Inc's shares jumped 19.2% to $13.54 after regulatory approval for its subsidiary to offer prediction markets to U.S. customers [2] - Rhythm Pharmaceuticals Inc's stock increased by 13.5% to $119.00 after announcing preliminary results from a Phase 2 trial for setmelanotide in Prader-Willi syndrome patients [2] - Candel Therapeutics Inc gained 12.4% to $6.52 [2] - VersaBank's shares rose 12.34% to $14.52 [2] - Perpetua Resources Corp's stock increased by 10.4% to $28.37 [2] - iHeartMedia Inc jumped 10.1% to $5.19 [2] - NovaBay Pharmaceuticals Inc gained 9.5% to $2.65 [2] - Idaho Strategic Resources Inc's shares rose 9.3% to $43.62 [2] - Immunovant Inc's stock increased by 8.5% to $25.57 after pricing a $550 million common stock offering [2] - Vail Resorts Inc gained 8.3% to $153.30 following first-quarter results [2] - Mosaic Co's shares surged 7.2% to $25.47 amid higher fertilizer stock prices after reports of Ukraine attacking Russian fertilizer plants [2] - Wayfair Inc's stock rose 6.9% to $99.76 [2] - Centene Corp gained 5.3% to $40.72 [2]

iHeartMedia Conference Summary Company Overview - iHeartMedia is the number one audio company in America, generating approximately $4 billion in annual advertising revenue [4][5] - Revenue composition: about $2.7-$2.8 billion from the multi-platform group (broadcast radio and network business) and about $1.2-$1.3 billion from the digital audio group (podcasting, streaming, websites) [4][5] - The company owns 850 radio stations and operates in 150 cities, reaching approximately 273 million people in the U.S. [4][5] Industry Insights - Broadcast radio listening has increased over the past 10-20 years, contrary to perceptions of decline in traditional media [6][8] - iHeartMedia's audience remains resilient compared to declining viewership in ad-supported television and print media [8][9] - The company believes in the monetization of consumer relationships and has a strategic advantage with a large sales force across the country [9][10] Revenue Challenges - Revenue shrinkage is attributed to economic challenges and advertising recession rather than a decline in listenership [10][11] - iHeartMedia expects the multi-platform group to return to low single-digit revenue growth due to audience resiliency and efficiency [14][20] Digital Transformation - iHeartMedia is implementing a digital programmatic initiative to allow advertisers to buy broadcast inventory similarly to digital ads, enhancing scalability and ease of purchase [16][17] - The total addressable market (TAM) for digital entertainment is estimated at $250-$300 billion, with iHeartMedia aiming to capture a share of this market [18][19] Podcasting Growth - Podcasting is the primary growth driver for iHeartMedia, with projected revenue of $550 million in 2025, up from $50 million in 2019, reflecting a 22% growth rate [21][23] - iHeartMedia is the largest podcast publisher in the U.S., surpassing the combined revenue of its closest competitors [22][23] - The company emphasizes the importance of promoting podcasts through its broadcast channels to maximize audience reach [24][25] Cost Management and Efficiency - iHeartMedia has implemented a $150 million cost reduction program for 2025 and an additional $50 million for 2026, focusing on efficiency across both multi-platform and digital groups [31][32] - The company has reduced its workforce from 13,000 to 8,500 and cut office space from 4 million sq ft to 2 million sq ft [36] Financial Position - iHeartMedia aims to reduce its leverage ratio to 3-3.5 times EBITDA, currently standing at approximately 5.5-6 times [37][38] Future Outlook - The company is optimistic about its digital transformation, with broadcast inventory now being sold programmatically and measured similarly to digital campaigns [40][41] - iHeartMedia anticipates a strong year in political advertising due to the upcoming election cycle [20][42] - The management is focused on creating value for stakeholders through innovative revenue streams and leveraging existing assets [27][42]

Group 1 - iHeartMedia has promoted Michael McGuinness to CFO, effective January 1, succeeding Richard Bressler, who will retain his roles as COO and president [8] - McGuinness's annual base salary will be $1.2 million, with a target bonus opportunity increased to 150% of his salary and a long-term incentive award valued at $1.5 million [6] - The company is on track to achieve net cost savings of $150 million by the end of the year, with an additional $50 million in annual savings targeted starting in 2026 [7] Group 2 - The appointment of McGuinness as CFO contrasts with a trend of companies merging CFO and COO roles, as seen with Salesforce and PayPal [3] - The combination of CFO and COO roles can depend on executive personalities and company culture, as noted by Scott Roe during a panel discussion [4] - McGuinness joined iHeartMedia in September 2019, previously holding positions at Hain Celestial Group and Monster [5]

Core Points - iHeartMedia has initiated its annual transition to holiday music, with over 95 stations nationwide broadcasting festive music 24/7 [1] - The iHeartRadio Holiday Special is returning this year, hosted by Mario Lopez, featuring interviews with various artists [1] Company Summary - iHeartMedia is expanding its holiday music offerings by flipping more than 95 stations to play a mix of contemporary holiday hits and classic Christmas songs [1] - The company continues to engage listeners with special programming, such as the iHeartRadio Holiday Special, enhancing its brand presence during the holiday season [1]