>> LIVE FROM BLOOMBERG'S WORLD HEADQUARTERS IN NEW YORK CITY, WE ARE TRACKING THE KEY PLAYERS, MAJOR MOVES AND THE CAPITAL FLOWS SHAPING GLOBAL MARKETS. THIS IS "BLOOMBERG DEALS." DANI: WELCOME TO YET ANOTHER EPISODE OF "BLOOMBERG DEALS," THE ONLY SHOW DEDICATED TO THE CORPORATE ACTION SHAPING MARKETS. YOU HEARD IT FIRST -- FROM OUR "BLOOMBERG DEALS" TEAM.WARNER BROS. AGREES TO REOPEN NEGOTIATIONS WITH PARAMOUNT. IT STARTS THE CLOCK AGAIN FOR WHAT HAS BEEN A THRILLER.MSG UNVEILS ANOTHER POSSIBLE CHANGE. THI ...

Core Insights - Cinemark is expected to benefit from a strong lineup of films in 2026, with wide releases anticipated to reach pre-pandemic levels [1] Financial Performance - Over the past three years, Cinemark generated nearly $1.8 billion in adjusted EBITDA and over $1.3 billion in operating cash flow, extinguishing more than $700 million of COVID-related debt and returning $315 million to shareholders [2] - In 2025, Cinemark reported worldwide revenue of $3.1 billion, with adjusted EBITDA of $578 million and an 18.6% adjusted EBITDA margin, attributed to market share expansion and cost management [3][4] Market Position and Strategy - Cinemark continues to gain market share, with its U.S. Movie Club membership up over 50% compared to 2019, and is expanding alternative programming, which accounts for over 10% of box office revenue [5][15] - The company is ramping capital expenditures to approximately $250 million in 2026 to fund new builds and premium formats, with premium screens already representing about 15% of box office [6][10] Operational Developments - Cinemark has reactivated its real estate efforts post-pandemic, with new sites opened and planned in various locations, including El Paso and Greenville [9] - The company expects stronger box office and attendance in 2026, which will support operating leverage and margin expansion [12] Pricing and Concessions - Domestic average ticket prices have seen a 4% compound annual growth rate over the past three years, with expectations for modest increases in 2026 [14] - Domestic per capita spending on concessions increased by 5% year-over-year in 2025, driven by pricing, incidence, and product mix [13] Alternative Content and AI Utilization - Alternative programming has exceeded 10% of Cinemark's box office for multiple years, with proceeds from such content in 2025 more than double those of 2019 [17] - The company is leveraging AI for various operational efficiencies, including pricing optimization and guest services [19] Industry Engagement - Cinemark is actively engaged in discussions regarding theatrical windows and a potential acquisition of Warner Bros., focusing on maintaining film output and exclusive theatrical windows [20]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Cinemark achieved a post-pandemic high in worldwide revenue of $3.1 billion in 2025, with adjusted EBITDA of $578 million and an adjusted EBITDA margin of 18.6% [4][5] - The company generated nearly $1.8 billion of adjusted EBITDA over the past three years, with over $1.3 billion in operating cash flow [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Concession revenues and per caps reached all-time highs, with domestic per caps up 5% year-over-year, driven by strategic pricing actions, higher incidence rates, and a shift in product mix [29][30] - Premium formats, including XD screens, represent about 15% of overall box office, with plans to expand the number of theaters featuring multiple XD screens [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International attendance fell in 2025, but there is optimism for 2026 with a stronger film slate expected to resonate better with Latin audiences [39][40] - The company noted that attendance in regions like Argentina has recovered exceptionally well, nearing pre-pandemic levels despite economic challenges [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Cinemark is focused on expanding market share, optimizing operations, and enhancing guest experiences through strategic initiatives [6] - The company plans to continue investing in capital expenditures, with over $500 million reinvested for future growth and $315 million returned to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks [5][6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the upcoming film slate for 2026, anticipating a robust lineup that could reach pre-pandemic levels [6][7] - The company is optimistic about sustaining consumer enthusiasm for cinematic experiences and creating incremental value for stakeholders [6][7] Other Important Information - The company has extinguished over $700 million of COVID-related debt and is focused on maintaining a strong balance sheet [5] - Management highlighted the importance of alternative content, which has grown to represent over 10% of box office revenue, indicating a successful strategy in diversifying offerings [83] Q&A Session Summary Question: How many theaters have two XD screens and plans for expansion? - Approximately 10% of the domestic circuit has two XD screens, with plans to roll out additional screens in the coming years [9][10] Question: What factors contributed to the softer film slate in 2025? - The softness was attributed to a mixed bag of film performances and the absence of a major blockbuster, rather than structural issues [17][19] Question: What is the outlook for operating leverage and margins in 2026? - A stronger box office and higher attendance are expected to support margin expansion, with various factors influencing overall margins [21][22] Question: What strategies drove success in concession revenue growth? - Key drivers included strategic pricing, higher incidence rates, and a shift in product mix, with expectations for continued growth in 2026 [29][30] Question: What is the company's approach to new builds and market expansion? - New builds are primarily focused on under-penetrated markets, with ongoing opportunities for enhancing existing theaters [58][59] Question: How does the company view the competitive landscape moving into 2026? - Competition is expected to grow, but the company is confident in its ability to maintain and potentially increase market share through various initiatives [101][102]

Paramount said it was prepared to engage in discussions, but stopped short of mentioning a $31 a share bid. ...

Core Viewpoint - Paramount Skydance Corp.'s CEO David Ellison is attempting to disrupt Warner Bros.' agreement with Netflix by making a revised offer for Warner Bros. [1][2] Group 1: Paramount's Offer - Warner Bros. has agreed to reopen negotiations with Paramount after receiving a revised proposal that includes an increase in the bid to at least $31 per share [2] - Paramount's latest proposal includes covering a $2.8 billion fee owed to Netflix if Warner Bros. terminates its agreement and backing a Warner Bros. debt refinancing [13] - Paramount's bid of $77.9 billion aims to acquire the entirety of Warner Bros., including its cable-TV channels, which are planned to be spun off under the Netflix deal [5] Group 2: Warner Bros. and Netflix's Position - Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav emphasized the focus on maximizing value for shareholders, recommending a vote in favor of the binding agreement with Netflix for $72 billion [4][5] - Netflix's co-CEO Ted Sarandos stated that the company allowed Warner Bros. to reopen talks due to confusion created by Paramount's actions [6][7] - Netflix maintains that it has the only signed agreement with Warner Bros. and views its deal as the most certain path to delivering value to shareholders [12] Group 3: Market Reactions and Shareholder Support - Warner Bros. shares rose by 2.7% to close at $28.75, while Paramount's shares increased by 4.9% to $10.83 [4] - Some investors, including Ancora Holdings Group and Pentwater Capital Management, have urged Warner Bros. to reconsider Paramount's offer, although only 42.3 million shares were tendered to Paramount, representing less than 2% of outstanding shares [15]

Core Viewpoint - Paramount Skydance Corp.'s CEO David Ellison is attempting to make a final offer for Warner Bros., which could disrupt Warner's existing agreement with Netflix Inc. [1] Group 1: Paramount's Bid - Warner Bros. has agreed to reopen negotiations with Paramount after receiving a revised proposal that improved some terms [2] - Paramount plans to increase its bid to at least $31 per share if Warner's board engages in discussions [2] - This marks the first increase in Paramount's proposed bid since Warner Bros. agreed to sell the majority of its business to Netflix for $27.75 per share in December [3] Group 2: Warner Bros. and Netflix Agreement - Warner Bros. has a binding agreement to sell its studios and HBO Max streaming service to Netflix for $72 billion, with a shareholder vote scheduled for March 20 [7] - Warner Bros. CEO David Zaslav emphasized the focus on maximizing value for WBD shareholders [6] Group 3: Market Reactions - Warner Bros. shares rose by 2.7% to close at $28.75, while Paramount shares increased by 4.9% to $10.83 [6] - Netflix's stock remained relatively unchanged at $77 [6] Group 4: Negotiation Dynamics - Netflix has allowed Warner Bros. seven days to discuss Paramount's latest proposal, indicating a competitive atmosphere [4][8] - Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos noted that the reopening of talks was prompted by Paramount's aggressive approach, which he described as creating confusion [8]

Investors start to see past Trump and ask which takeover offer is really better. ...

Yeah. >> Why does it make sense to give your competitor Paramount Sky Dance a week to negotiate with Warner Brothers if you already have a deal with them. >> Well, best if we start with where we're at, which is we have the only signed deal with Warner Brothers to acquire Warner Brothers Studios and Warner Brothers Television Studios and HBO.That is a signed deal that we have. um Peace Sky Paramount have been making a ton of noise, you know, flooding the zone with confusion for for shareholders. Uh so they d ...

Warner Bros. boss David Zaslav should keep being greedy on his shareholders' behalf, writes @hughes_chris (via @opinion) https://t.co/XuwG5TGn0f ...

Warner said it had restarted negotiations after Paramount signaled it would be willing to raise its offer to $31 a share. ...