Bring in show music, please. >> This is SquawkPod and I'm CNBC producer Cameron Costa. On today's episode, first the biggest headlines.Open AI is nearing a $100 billion fund raise. Mark Zuckerberg took the stand in a social media addiction trial in California. and Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, arrested.Plus, the big media deal on the table. What's to become of Warner Brothers Discovery, Netflix, and Paramount with legendary media investor Mario Gabelli. Netflix, according to him, might ...

Core Viewpoint - Imerys has decided to freeze its lithium production project in the UK to concentrate on a more advanced lithium venture in France, indicating a strategic shift in its operational focus [1]. Company Summary - The UK lithium project in Cornwall aimed to produce over 20,000 metric tons annually of lithium carbonate, potentially meeting the lithium demand for around 500,000 electric vehicles [1]. - The project is now placed on care and maintenance, with active development suspended due to the challenges of managing two large-scale projects simultaneously in different countries [1]. - Imerys has received a commitment from the French state to invest 50 million euros (approximately $59 million) for a minority stake in the Emili project in central France, which targets an output of 34,000 tons of lithium hydroxide per year starting in 2030 [1]. - The CEO of Imerys, Alessandro Dazza, acknowledged the strategic value of the UK project, despite the decision to pause its development, following the completion of a scoping study [1].

Core Insights - Founder-led companies have a significant impact on the global economy, despite representing less than 5% of the S&P 500, accounting for nearly 15% of its total market capitalization [3][5] - These organizations often reflect the personal values and long-term aspirations of their founders, which can anchor sustainable growth [2][4] - Research indicates that founder-led companies tend to outperform those led by non-founders, with a Harvard Business Review study showing a 12% market-adjusted return over three years compared to a negative 26% for non-founder-led firms [5] Company Highlights - **NVIDIA Corporation**: - Market capitalization of approximately $4.58 trillion, recognized as a leader in visual computing and GPUs [7] - Focused on artificial intelligence technologies, with significant growth in sectors like gaming, healthcare, and automotive [8] - Data center division is a major growth driver, benefiting from increasing global demand for cloud infrastructure [9] - **Palantir Technologies**: - Market capitalization of about $322.7 billion, specializing in advanced software platforms for the intelligence community [11] - Differentiates itself in the AI market by delivering scalable, production-ready solutions [12] - Strong alignment with U.S. defense priorities enhances its position as a trusted partner in national security [13] - **Salesforce**: - Market capitalization of about $179 billion, leading in the CRM market and focusing on AI and data collaboration [15] - Maintained the 1 CRM provider status for 11 consecutive years, demonstrating the strength of its cloud-based solutions [16] - Expanding generative AI offerings and pursuing acquisitions to strengthen its market position [17]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix has significant cash reserves and the potential to increase its bid for Warner Bros Discovery in response to a competing offer from Paramount Skydance [1] Group 1: Company Offers - Netflix has made a bid of $27.75 per share, totaling approximately $82.7 billion for Warner Bros' studio and streaming businesses [1] - Paramount Skydance has countered with a bid of $108.4 billion for the entire company, which includes Discovery Global and its assets like CNN and HGTV [1] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The competition between Netflix and Paramount Skydance is intense, particularly over Warner Bros' valuable content library, which features franchises such as "Harry Potter," "Game of Thrones," and DC Comics [1] - Warner Bros is proceeding with a shareholder vote on Netflix's offer scheduled for March 20, while allowing Paramount a week to present a more attractive bid [1]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix has shown strong operational performance in Q4 2025, surpassing earnings estimates and achieving significant subscriber growth, despite facing challenges such as foreign exchange fluctuations and acquisition costs [2][3][4]. Financial Performance - Q4 2025 earnings were reported at 56 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.82% and reflecting a 30.2% increase year-over-year [2]. - Revenues for the quarter reached $12.05 billion, an 18% year-over-year increase, driven by membership growth, higher subscription pricing, and increased advertising revenues [2][3]. - Operating income was $2.96 billion, up 30% year-over-year, with an operating margin of 24.5%, slightly above forecasts [4]. Subscriber Growth - Netflix crossed the milestone of 325 million paid memberships during Q4 2025, contributing to a global audience nearing one billion [3][7]. - The second half of 2025 saw members watching 96 billion hours of content, a 2% increase year-over-year, driven by original programming [7]. Content Performance - The final season of "Stranger Things" generated 120 million views, significantly boosting engagement [8]. - Other successful releases included "Nobody Wants This S2" (31 million views) and "Emily in Paris S5" (41 million views) [9]. Advertising Revenue - Advertising revenues grew more than 2.5 times compared to 2024, exceeding $1.5 billion in 2025 [15]. - Netflix is enhancing its advertising technology capabilities, including testing AI tools for custom ad creation [16]. Acquisition Strategy - Netflix announced plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for an all-cash transaction valued at $27.75 per share, with an increased bridge facility commitment of $42.2 billion to support the acquisition [20][21]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance Netflix's content library and provide more personalized subscription options [22]. Financial Outlook - For Q1 2026, Netflix expects revenues of $12.16 billion, indicating a 15.3% year-over-year growth [24]. - Full-year 2026 revenue is projected between $50.7 billion and $51.7 billion, representing 12% to 14% growth [25]. - The company anticipates generating free cash flow of approximately $11 billion in 2026 [27]. Market Sentiment - Estimates for Netflix have trended downward recently, with a consensus estimate shift of -5.04% [28]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating an expectation of in-line returns in the coming months [30].

So guys, uh this is SH and today we're going to talk about vivid realities as you guys already know that. So I just want to start up by like how many of you guys want to design your reality in a way that you have the perfect life, the business that you want, the work that you want, the career that you want, the relationships that you want and all these things. Yes, just raise your hands.All right, perfect. I love that. Now, you see, uh I am 22 years old right now and right now at this stage of my life, you ...

Fans of the Netflix animated film KPop Demon Hunters are in for “a long wait” for the sequel, according to creator Maggie Kang https://t.co/RjIxow12Hi ...

Key Takeaways Netflix guides for 12-14% 2026 revenue growth and a 31.5% operating margin target.NFLX expects ad revenues to double to $3B, with free cash flow near $6B in 2026.Comcast saw EBITDA fall 10% as Peacock losses widened to $552M in Q4.Netflix (NFLX) and Comcast (CMCSA) are two prominent American media companies competing for audience share in an evolving entertainment landscape. Netflix is a pure-play streaming giant with more than 300 million paid members globally, while Comcast spans broadband, ...

"YouTube Is Winning the Streaming Wars,†reads a recent headline from Barron's. ...

It drives me crazy that nobody else thinks about risk in this way. People look at my life and they're like, "Well, you're crazy. You're such a risk taker." Well, at least I'm taking the risks that I'm choosing because think of all the people that like go out partying every weekend and they get buzzed and they drive home. And even sedendary people who are like, "Well, I don't take risk. I stay home and I play video games." No, you're at a much higher risk of heart disease.Like, they're taking all kinds of ri ...