Warner Bros. Discovery reports a $148 million loss as sale process heats up

Core Viewpoint - Warner Bros. Discovery reported a $148 million loss in the third quarter, contrasting sharply with a profit of $135 million in the same period last year, as the company navigates potential acquisition interest amid a challenging market environment [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company's revenue for the third quarter was $9.05 billion, reflecting a 6% decline from the previous year [2]. - Warner Bros. Discovery experienced a loss of 6 cents per share, compared to earnings of 5 cents per share in the prior year [2]. Strategic Moves - CEO David Zaslav emphasized the company's underlying strengths during the earnings call, while refraining from providing specifics about the ongoing sale process [3]. - The company is moving forward with plans to split into two separate entities by next spring, while also considering offers for the entire company or its parts [4]. Acquisition Interest - Paramount has made three offers for Warner Bros. Discovery, including a $58 billion bid in cash and stock, which would value Warner stockholders at $23.50 per share [5]. - Despite the offers, Warner Bros. Discovery's board unanimously rejected Paramount's bids and opened the auction to other potential bidders, indicating a belief that the company is worth more than the current offers [6]. Market Outlook - Zaslav expressed optimism about the company's business prospects, highlighting the success of its film offerings and the global reach of HBO Max [7][8].