Core Viewpoint - Paramount's CEO David Ellison emphasizes the company's focus on building its own assets while navigating ongoing merger speculation regarding Warner Bros. Discovery [1][2]. Group 1: Paramount's Strategy - The company is prioritizing a "buy versus build" approach, indicating a strong capability to develop content and streaming services internally while remaining open to opportunistic M&A that aligns with long-term goals [2]. - Following the merger with Skydance on August 7, Ellison has shifted focus towards acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery, making at least three escalating offers, the latest being $23.50 per share, all of which have been rejected [3]. Group 2: Warner Bros. Discovery Situation - Warner Bros. Discovery is currently in an "active process" of exploring potential sales, having received interest from multiple parties, with a data room available for suitors to review financials [4]. - The company had plans to split into two separate public entities next year, focusing on studios & streaming and global linear networks, which Ellison's offer aimed to prevent [5]. - Zaslav, the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, has indicated that the company will consider selling all or parts of its operations [5].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paramount's total revenue guidance for 2026 is set at $30 billion, driven by strong growth in direct-to-consumer (D2C) revenue and global profitability, with adjusted EBITDA expected to reach $3.5 billion [8][10] - The company has increased its run rate efficiency target from $2 billion to at least $3 billion [8] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The D2C segment saw a 24% revenue growth, with a total of 75 million subscribers, and Paramount+ added 1.4 million new subscribers in Q3, bringing the total to 79 million [10][16] - The plan is to grow theatrical output to at least 15 movies per year starting in 2026, with an incremental programming investment of over $1.5 billion across theatrical and D2C platforms [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paramount+ has achieved the largest U.S. subscription growth among major streamers since 2023, ranking as one of the top three preferred content sources [10] - The company is focusing on scaling its direct-to-consumer business globally, with significant investments in content and technology to enhance user experience [11][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform Paramount into a global home for world-class storytelling, focusing on three North Star priorities: investing in growth businesses, scaling the D2C business, and driving enterprise-wide efficiency [6][7] - Paramount is committed to enhancing its technological capabilities to remain competitive in the media landscape, viewing technology as a tool to amplify creativity rather than replace it [11][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve its strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and creative partnerships [4][5] - The management highlighted the need for increased investment in content and technology to drive subscriber growth and engagement, particularly in international markets [18][19] Other Important Information - The company is pursuing high-impact partnerships and expanding its creative talent roster, with notable collaborations including the UFC and the Duffer Brothers [9][10] - Paramount is focused on improving operational efficiencies and cash flow generation, with a goal to achieve investment-grade metrics by 2027 [53][55] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk more about your confidence for Paramount+ to gain global scale? - Management highlighted a strong quarter for the D2C business, with significant investments in content and technology to improve user experience and drive subscriber growth [16] Question: How much investment do you plan to put into Paramount Skydance over the next several years? - Management indicated plans for continued investment in growth businesses, with an additional $1.5 billion in content investments planned [23] Question: What is your updated view on your portfolio of networks regarding advertising and cord-cutting trends? - Management noted the distinct differences between broadcast and cable, with CBS being a cornerstone asset that continues to perform well despite overall declines in linear TV [30][32] Question: Can you give us your vision of how tech and entertainment interrelate and how you drive growth? - Management emphasized the goal of becoming the most technologically capable media company, with ongoing initiatives to unify streaming services and improve operational efficiency [39][41] Question: How should we think of the long-term profitability of the DTC business? - Management expects the DTC segment to be profitable next year, with a focus on improving working capital and cash tax rates to enhance free cash flow [71][76] Question: What does the $1.5 billion content investment look like across various categories? - Management confirmed that the investment will be spread across sports, originals, licensing, DTC, and theatrical, with a unified review process for content spending [80]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paramount's total revenue guidance for 2026 is set at $30 billion, driven by strong growth in direct-to-consumer (D2C) revenue and global profitability, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be $3.5 billion [8][10] - Paramount+ achieved a 24% revenue growth in Q3, with a total of 75 million subscribers, reflecting a significant increase in engagement and subscriber growth [16][10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company plans to grow theatrical output to at least 15 movies per year starting in 2026, indicating a strategic shift towards enhancing its film production capabilities [9][25] - Incremental programming investments exceeding $1.5 billion are planned across theatrical and direct-to-consumer platforms, aimed at expanding the content pipeline [9][80] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paramount+ has achieved the largest U.S. subscription growth among major streamers, excluding bundles, with 1.4 million new subscribers added in Q3 [10][16] - The company is focusing on scaling its direct-to-consumer business globally, with significant investments in content and technology to enhance user experience and engagement [10][11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform Paramount into a global home for world-class storytelling, leveraging its diverse entertainment assets and focusing on efficiency and long-term growth [5][6] - Key strategic priorities include investing in growth businesses, scaling the D2C business, and driving enterprise-wide efficiency to enhance free cash flow generation [7][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve its strategic goals, emphasizing the importance of high-quality storytelling and technology as a core competency [11][12] - The management highlighted the need for increased investment in content and technology to drive subscriber growth and engagement, particularly in the competitive streaming landscape [16][18] Other Important Information - The company has increased its run rate efficiency target from $2 billion to at least $3 billion, reflecting a commitment to operational efficiency [8][9] - Paramount is focusing on integrating its three streaming services into one unified platform to improve user experience and operational efficiency [41][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk more about your confidence for Paramount+ to gain global scale? - Management highlighted a strong quarter for the D2C business, with a 24% revenue growth and a focus on increasing content investment to drive engagement and subscriber growth [16][18] Question: How much investment do you plan to put into Paramount Skydance over the next several years? - Management indicated plans for significant investment in content, with an additional $1.5 billion earmarked for programming across various categories [23][80] Question: What is your updated view on your portfolio of networks regarding advertising and cord-cutting trends? - Management noted the stark differences between broadcast and cable, with a focus on leveraging CBS's strength in broadcast while addressing the decline in cable [30][34] Question: How do you see the relationship between technology and entertainment driving growth? - Management emphasized the goal of becoming the most technologically capable media company, with initiatives underway to unify streaming services and improve operational efficiency [39][41] Question: How should we think of the long-term profitability of the DTC business? - Management projected that the DTC segment will be profitable next year and increasingly so in 2026, with a focus on improving working capital and cash tax rates [71][76]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue guidance of $30 billion for 2026, driven by strong growth in direct-to-consumer (D2C) revenue and global profitability, with adjusted EBITDA expected to be $3.5 billion [7] - The run rate efficiency target has been increased from $2 billion to at least $3 billion [7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The D2C segment achieved a total of 79 million subscribers, adding 1.4 million new subscribers in Q3, with revenue growth of 24% [9][14] - The company plans to grow theatrical output to at least 15 movies per year starting in 2026, indicating a significant increase in film production [8][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Paramount+ has achieved the largest U.S. subscription growth among major streamers, excluding bundles, and ranks as one of the top three preferred content sources among streaming services [9] - The company is focusing on international markets, particularly leveraging Pluto as a low ARPU asset to scale DTC business [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform Paramount into a global home for world-class storytelling, focusing on scaling its D2C business, investing in growth areas, and driving enterprise-wide efficiency [4][5] - Key priorities include investing in creative storytelling, scaling the D2C business globally, and enhancing operational efficiency to generate long-term free cash flow [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to achieve its strategic goals and emphasized the importance of high-quality storytelling and technology as core competencies [10][49] - The management highlighted the need for significant investments in content and technology to drive subscriber growth and engagement [16][39] Other Important Information - The company is pursuing high-impact partnerships and expanding its creative talent roster, including collaborations with notable creators and franchises [8][9] - The integration of technology across platforms is a priority, with plans to unify multiple streaming services into one platform to enhance user experience and operational efficiency [36][37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in Paramount+ gaining global scale and content spend - Management highlighted a strong quarter for the D2C business, with a focus on increasing content investment to drive engagement and subscriber growth [14][16] Question: Investment plans for Paramount Skydance and studio turnaround - Management confirmed plans for significant investment in content, with a goal to increase film output and leverage creative partnerships for growth [21][24] Question: Updated view on TV media segment and advertising trends - Management noted the distinct trends between broadcast and cable, emphasizing the importance of CBS as a cornerstone asset while addressing the decline in cable [28][30] Question: Interrelation of tech and entertainment and revenue growth tools - Management discussed initiatives to improve technology capabilities, including unifying streaming services and enhancing ad tech to drive revenue growth [36][40] Question: M&A philosophy and balance sheet goals - Management stated a focus on building rather than acquiring, with a disciplined approach to M&A that aligns with long-term value creation [49][50] Question: UFC strategy and return on investment - Management expressed excitement about the UFC partnership, highlighting its potential to drive subscriber growth and engagement across platforms [56][58] Question: Long-term profitability of the DTC business - Management indicated that the DTC segment will be profitable next year, with a focus on improving working capital and cash tax rates to enhance free cash flow [67][71]

Content Strategy & Revenue Growth - Paramount 需要通过更多院线和剧集内容来填充其服务，特别是 Paramount+ [2] - Paramount 旨在加速内容制作，并通过将 UFC 纳入 Paramount+ 来差异化内容，无需按次付费 [3] - Paramount 计划明年将超过 15 亿美元再投资于其 DTC 资产，如 UFC 和 Paramount+ 原创内容 [4] - David Ellison 认为，公司需要增加内容，并在制作和发行方面保持灵活性，拥抱新的发行方式 [5][6] Potential Acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery - Paramount 收购 Warner Brothers Discovery 将不会面临反垄断问题，因为 Paramount 是较小的工作室 [8] - 由于有线电视网络业务持续下滑，将 Warner Brothers Turner Networks 与 Paramount 的有线电视网络合并也不会有问题 [9] - 从战略和监管角度来看，Paramount 可能在收购 Warner Brothers Discovery 方面具有优势 [10] - Larry Ellison 可能会利用其 Oracle 股份为收购 Warner Brothers 的交易提供资金 [11] Industry Consolidation & Cost Savings - 行业整合的关键在于内容规模能否奏效 [4] - Paramount 计划将成本节约重新投资到业务中，包括 DTC 资产 [4] - Paramount 正在进行裁员，以实现协同效应，并将成本节约用于更多内容和新的发行模式 [3][6] Market Performance - Paramount 股价上涨约 24% [12]

Group 1 - Paramount has recently laid off 1,000 employees, with approximately 600 opting for severance packages as the company mandates a return to office starting January [1] - The company anticipates an additional 1,600 staff reductions following the sale of Televisión Federal in Argentina and Chilevision in Chile, expected to be completed in Q1 2026 [2] - About 25% of Paramount's senior vice presidents and above were affected by the initial workforce reduction, aimed at streamlining decision-making and enhancing organizational agility [3] Group 2 - Paramount expects to achieve $3 billion in cost savings, an increase from the initial forecast of $2 billion [4] - The company is reorganizing into three business units: Studios, DTC, and TV Media, to streamline operations and improve decision-making [5] - Targeted one-time investments of approximately $800 million are estimated for 2026, with an additional $400 to $500 million for 2027, to support growth alongside cost-cutting measures [6] Group 3 - Paramount plans to make incremental programming investments exceeding $1.5 billion in 2026, focusing on DTC investments, Paramount+ Originals, and film slate expansion [7]

Core Insights - Paramount Global and Skydance expect to achieve $1 billion more in merger savings than previously forecasted, highlighting CEO David Ellison's strategic ambitions for the company [1] Group 1: Financial Performance and Strategy - Paramount's third-quarter earnings report marks the first since the merger closed in early August, indicating a significant milestone for the company [2] - The company has been heavily investing in streaming and content, particularly in live sports rights, while offsetting costs through cuts in other business areas [2] - A new round of layoffs affecting approximately 1,600 employees has been announced, linked to asset divestitures in Argentina and Chile [2] Group 2: Future Plans - Paramount plans to increase prices for its flagship streaming service, Paramount+, in the first quarter of next year, aiming to enhance its content offerings and improve platform technology [3]

Group 1 - Paramount is set to report its earnings results, with analysts expecting a revenue growth of 5.5% year on year to $7.10 billion, a recovery from a 5.6% decline in the same quarter last year [2] - Last quarter, Paramount reported revenues of $6.85 billion, which was flat year on year, but exceeded analysts' adjusted operating income and EBITDA estimates [1][3] - Analysts have generally reconfirmed their estimates for Paramount over the last 30 days, indicating confidence in the company's performance heading into earnings [3] Group 2 - In comparison to peers, FOX reported a year-on-year revenue growth of 4.9%, while AMC Networks experienced a revenue decline of 6.3%, with FOX's stock rising 6.3% post-results [4] - Paramount's stock has decreased by 11% over the past month, while the average analyst price target is $14.17, compared to the current share price of $15.13 [5]

Core Viewpoint - AMC Entertainment is focused on the potential impact of studio consolidation on the number of theatrical releases, which is crucial for its business model [1][4]. Group 1: Studio Commitments - Paramount, under new ownership, aims to increase its theatrical releases from seven movies a year to more than double that count [2]. - Warner Bros. is also looking to increase its movie output, which is currently projected at 11 movies in 2025, with plans to boost this number in 2026 and beyond [3]. Group 2: Industry Dynamics - AMC is closely monitoring the situation regarding Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD), which is exploring offers for the company or its individual businesses, with interest from major players like Amazon MGM, Comcast, and Netflix [4][5]. - The potential merger of Hollywood studios typically does not lead to an increase in output, but with Paramount's rising output, the future slate with WBD remains uncertain [6].

Group 1: Apple - CEO Tim Cook expects the Chinese market to recover growth in the upcoming fiscal quarter, driven by iPhone sales, with overall sales projected to increase by 10% to 12% year-over-year [2][4] - Apple reported total net sales of $102.466 billion for Q4, up from $94.93 billion year-over-year, with net profit of $27.466 billion compared to $14.736 billion in the same period last year [5] Group 2: Meta - Meta issued $30 billion in corporate bonds, the largest issuance of the year, with record subscription orders reaching $125 billion [6] Group 3: Nvidia - Nvidia has invested in 59 AI startups this year, surpassing the total number of investments made last year, and plans to invest up to $1 billion in the AI startup Poolside, potentially quadrupling its valuation [7] Group 4: OpenAI - OpenAI is preparing for an IPO that could value the company at up to $1 trillion, with a minimum fundraising target of $60 billion, and is expected to submit its application as early as the second half of 2026 [8] Group 5: Microsoft - Microsoft plans to increase its AI computing power by over 80% this year due to high demand for its cloud and AI services, and aims to double the size of its data centers in the next two years [9][10] Group 6: Amazon - Amazon reported total net sales of $180.169 billion for Q3, up from $158.877 billion year-over-year, with net profit of $21.187 billion compared to $15.328 billion in the same period last year [12] Group 7: Netflix - Netflix announced a 10-for-1 stock split, effective November 17, to make its stock more accessible for employees participating in stock option plans [13] Group 8: Paramount - Paramount is laying off approximately 2,000 employees to address internal redundancies and adapt to changing priorities [14] Group 9: Vodafone - Vodafone plans to acquire German cloud computing company Skaylink for €175 million (approximately $204.09 million) to expand its service offerings [15] Group 10: Iliad - CK Hutchison is considering a potential merger of its Italian telecom unit Wind Tre with Iliad's Italian operations, with Iliad's business independently valued at over €3 billion [16] Group 11: Super Micro - Super Micro Computer, Inc. has established Super Micro Federal LLC to accelerate its expansion into the U.S. federal market, focusing on high-performance AI-ready solutions [17] Group 12: CSP Capital Expenditure - Global cloud service providers are expected to increase capital expenditures to $520 billion in 2026, driven by the rapid expansion of AI server demand, with a projected 61% year-over-year increase in 2025 [18]