A new plot twist in the fight for Warner Brothers Discovery. Activist investor Ancora Holdings Group is urging the board of Warner to reject the offer by Netflix and reconsider a competing bid by Paramount Skydance. This comes after Paramount sweeten the terms of its hostile bid. Bloomberg's Michelle Davis reports on "Bloomberg Deals". -------- More on Bloomberg Television and Markets Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss any videos from Bloomberg Markets & Finance: https:// ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $20.3 million for Q3 fiscal 2026, with total revenues for the nine months reaching over $58 million [4][13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $2.6 million, contributing to a positive consolidated adjusted EBITDA of $1.6 million for the second quarter [13] - The company posted a net loss of $4.1 million or 37 cents per diluted share for Q3 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The audio division generated $18.6 million in revenue for Q3 and $52.2 million for the nine-month period, with an Adjusted EBITDA of $2.6 million for Q3 [5][13] - PodcastOne subsidiary achieved record revenue of $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million [13][14] - Slacker subsidiary reported Q3 revenue of $2.8 million with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1 million [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has over $125 million in net operating loss carryforwards, which represent significant long-term shareholder value and tax efficiencies [5][6] - Industry valuation dynamics are improving, with the company trading at 60% of revenues compared to the industry average of over 3x revenues [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding partnerships with major players like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla, aiming to launch three significant Fortune 500 partnerships [7][9] - A strategy is in place to convert over 1 million free and ad-supported subscribers into paid tiers, representing potential incremental revenue [7] - The company is also expanding its original IP, having sold its fourth television series to a major streaming platform [8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management highlighted that the company has emerged leaner and more disciplined after navigating various challenges, positioning itself for the next growth cycle [4][5] - The preliminary fiscal guidance for the upcoming year is set at $85 million to $95 million in revenues and $8 million to $10 million in Adjusted EBITDA [5][40] - Management expressed confidence in the company's undervaluation and the potential for significant growth driven by B2B partnerships and AI initiatives [11][12] Other Important Information - The company has streamlined its workforce from 350 to 88 members, resulting in a reduction of operating expenses by over 52% year-over-year [4] - The company is actively exploring M&A opportunities as the market stabilizes and valuations normalize [7][11] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the B2B business, can you elaborate on customization and options for customers? - Management stated that the company is uniquely positioned in the B2B space, leveraging AI for customization and offering competitive pricing [17][20] Question: What is the competitive landscape for content provision? - Management indicated that while some competition exists, the company's unique service offerings and flexibility provide a competitive advantage [29][31] Question: What is the potential for advertising revenue from Slacker's non-subscription customers? - Management noted that they are actively increasing advertising offerings and expect to convert free subscribers into paid subscriptions over time [24][26] Question: When will the 10-Qs be released? - The CFO confirmed that the 10-Qs for both LiveOne and PodcastOne would be released the following day [47] Question: How sustainable are current cost levels? - The CFO indicated that G&A and sales and marketing costs are expected to decrease further in the upcoming quarters [49][50] Question: What is the timing for revenue from the 30 million subscriber deal? - Management mentioned that revenue from this deal is expected to ramp up in the following year, with some initial revenue potentially coming in this quarter [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated revenue of $20.3 million for Q3 fiscal 2026, with a total of over $58 million in revenue for the nine months ending December 31, 2025 [4][14] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $2.6 million, contributing to a total of over $3.7 million for the audio division in the nine-month period [5][14] - The company posted a net loss of $4.1 million or 37 cents per diluted share for Q3 fiscal 2026 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The audio division generated $52.2 million in revenue over nine months, with Q3 revenue of $18.6 million [5][14] - PodcastOne subsidiary achieved record revenue of $15.9 million and adjusted EBITDA of $2.8 million in Q3 [14][15] - Slacker subsidiary reported Q3 revenue of $2.8 million with an adjusted EBITDA of negative $0.1 million [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is trading at 60% of revenues, while the industry is trading over 3x revenues, indicating a significant undervaluation [6] - The B2B pipeline has grown over 30% in the last 120 days, with over 100 active enterprise opportunities [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding partnerships with major players like Amazon, Apple, and Tesla, aiming to launch three significant Fortune 500 partnerships [7][8] - A strategic shift towards owning intellectual properties and original content is underway, with over 15 original projects in the pipeline [8][9] - The company is evolving its leadership structure to enhance focus on B2B partnerships and AI initiatives [11][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's position for transformational growth, citing a strong B2B pipeline and improving industry dynamics [15][40] - The company anticipates reaching profitability by the end of the fiscal year, leveraging over $125 million in net operating loss carryforwards for tax efficiencies [5][6] - Management highlighted the importance of AI in enhancing personalization and optimizing monetization, driving B2B demand [10][73] Other Important Information - The company has reduced operating expenses by over 52% year-over-year and streamlined its workforce from 350 to 88 employees [4][5] - A share repurchase program is being expanded, reflecting confidence in the company's undervaluation [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: On the B2B business, can you elaborate on customization and options for customers? - Management noted that the company is uniquely positioned in the B2B space, leveraging AI for customization and offering competitive pricing [18][20] Question: What is the competitive landscape for content provision? - Management indicated that while some competition exists, the company's unique service offerings and flexibility provide a significant advantage [31][32] Question: How is the advertising revenue for Slacker's non-subscription customers progressing? - Management highlighted a robust advertising business across audio platforms and noted a partnership with DAX to enhance advertising offerings [25][26] Question: What is the timing for the 30 million subscriber deal? - Management stated that the deal is signed and expected to ramp up in the following year, with some revenue potentially starting this quarter [59][61] Question: What is the expected impact of Tesla user conversions on revenue? - Management confirmed that the conversion from ad-supported to paid subscriptions is expected to contribute significantly to revenue growth [67][68]

Core Viewpoint - Institutional owners of Warner Bros. shares may consider selling their stakes as Paramount increases its competitive strategies in the market [1] Group 1: Company Analysis - Warner Bros. is facing potential challenges as institutional investors may be prompted to divest due to heightened competition from Paramount [1] - Paramount's strategic moves are perceived as aggressive, which could impact Warner Bros.' market position and investor confidence [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The competitive landscape in the entertainment industry is intensifying, with Paramount taking significant steps to enhance its market presence [1] - Institutional investors are closely monitoring these developments, indicating a shift in sentiment towards Warner Bros. amidst growing competition [1]

>> LIVE FROM BLOOMBERG’S WORLD HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY, WE ARE TRACKING THE KEY PLAYERS, THE MAJOR MOVES AND THE CAPITAL FLOWS SHAPING GLOBAL MARKETS. THIS IS "BLOOMBERG DEALS." DANI: WELCOME TO THE SECOND EVER EPISODE OF "BLOOMBERG DEALS." THE ONLY SHOW DEDICATED TO CORPORATE ACTION RESHAPING MARKETS. A LOT TO SNACK ON TODAY.A PLAN TO SPLIT INTO TWO, A SURPRISING REVERSAL JUST WEEKS AFTER BRINGING ON A NEW C. E. O.PARAMOUNT UPS THE PRESSURE FOR ITS HOSTILE BID FOR WARNER BROTHERS. AN ACTIVIST INVESTO ...

Core Viewpoint - Activist investor Ancora Holdings is urging Warner Bros. Discovery to negotiate with Paramount regarding a revised bid, threatening to vote against the proposed deal with Netflix if their request is not met [1][2]. Group 1: Ancora's Position - Ancora Holdings believes that Paramount's latest offer could be superior to the Netflix transaction, highlighting its stake in Warner Bros. Discovery is valued at approximately $200 million, representing less than 1% of the company's $69.4 billion market cap [2]. - Ancora expressed concerns about the uncertainty surrounding the equity value and debt allocation for the planned spinoff of Warner's cable channels, which is still set to occur under the Netflix agreement [3]. - The firm noted that the backing of Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and father of David Ellison, adds credibility to Paramount's bid, while also raising concerns about potential regulatory hurdles for Netflix [3]. Group 2: Regulatory and Political Context - Senators have questioned Netflix's Co-CEO Ted Sarandos regarding potential antitrust issues related to the Warner Bros. acquisition, with Sarandos stating that the combined entity would hold 20% of the U.S. television streaming market, below the 30% monopoly threshold [4]. - Ancora indicated that Paramount is perceived as the current administration's favored bidder, suggesting it may receive stronger political support, particularly due to the Ellison family's relationship with President Trump [5]. - Ancora's presentation emphasized that there remains a clear and actionable path for a favorable outcome for Warner shareholders, referring to Paramount's latest offer as an opportunity [6]. Group 3: Voting Intentions - Ancora has announced its intention to vote against the Netflix deal and may seek to elect new directors at the upcoming Warner Bros. shareholders meeting [7].

The battle for Warner Bros. intensified this week as Paramount CEO David Ellison—and a vocal investor—made new moves to thwart rival Netflix’s planned takeover of the storied Hollywood asset https://t.co/Kl5TwkRLpo ...

ANCORA, FOR MORE. JIM, IT IS GREAT TO HAVE YOU ON. WELCOME.>> YES. THANK YOU MORGAN, IT'S NICE SEEING YOU AGAIN. CONGRATS ON THE ON THE NEW SHOW.>> THANK YOU. SO THERE'S A LOT I WANT TO GET INTO ON THIS TOPIC WITH YOU. BUT FIRST, I'VE GOTTEN TO KNOW YOU OVER THE YEARS AND ANCORA, BECAUSE YOU HAVE LARGELY PLAYED IN THE INDUSTRIAL PART OF THE ECONOMY AND TAKEN ACTIVIST STAKES AND STANCES IN COMPANIES LIKE CSX AND NORFOLK SOUTHERN AND US STEEL AND C.H. ROBINSON. NOW YOU'RE SETTING YOUR SIGHTS ON MEDIA.WHY. >> ...

Economic Signals - Retail sales have shown signs of consumer fatigue, leading to increased focus on the upcoming nonfarm payrolls report [2] Corporate Developments - Paramount has increased its bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, while an activist investor is preparing to oppose Netflix's deal [2] - Ford reported its largest quarterly loss, attributed to EV-related writedowns, tariffs, and increased costs from fires at its aluminum supplier [2] Housing Legislation - A bipartisan housing package, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, has passed the House and aims to enhance housing supply and homeownership [3] - The Senate is expected to vote on a similar bill, the ROAD to Housing Act, with efforts needed to reconcile both bills before sending a unified measure to the President [3][4] - The Housing for the 21st Century Act includes 38 sections aimed at removing regulatory barriers, expanding local lending, and streamlining processes [4] Political Dynamics - The Trump administration is facing resistance regarding a proposed ban on large Wall Street investors from purchasing single-family homes, with many legislators favoring supply-side solutions for housing affordability [5] Market Updates - Blackstone has raised its stake in Anthropic during a recent funding round [7] - Tesla's sales executive has resigned, and xAI has lost another co-founder [7] - ByteDance has denied reports about an in-house AI chip project [7] Economic Indicators - There are indications of a consumer pullback, with Q4 GDP estimates being cut and household debt increasing [6] - Wealth manager stocks have declined following the launch of a new AI tool [6]

World shares were mixed in cautious trading on Wednesday ahead of an update on US employment that is expected to highlight a sluggish jobs market. Prices of gold, silver and oil advanced. Bitcoin was lower.Germany's DAX lost 0.5 per cent to 24,872.61, and the CAC 40 in Paris also shed 0.5 per cent, to 8,281.72. Britain's FTSE 100 edged 0.2 per cent higher. The future for the S&P 500 was up less than 0.1 per cent, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average gained 0.2 per cent. Markets in Japan were clos ...