Core Insights - Netflix reported solid earnings with Q4 revenue exceeding $12 billion, an 18% increase year-over-year, and earnings per share of $0.56, slightly above Wall Street projections. However, the stock dropped due to management's forecast of slower revenue growth for 2026, projecting a growth rate of 12-14% compared to 16% in 2025 [2][3][10] Financial Performance - Q4 revenue was over $12 billion, up 18% from the previous year [2] - Earnings per share stood at $0.56, slightly above expectations [2] - The company reached approximately 325 million global paid memberships, adding 23 million subscribers in 2025 [2][3] Growth Outlook - Management anticipates a revenue growth rate of 12-14% for 2026, a decrease from 16% in 2025 [2][7] - The ad business is growing significantly, with ad sales expected to double in 2026 from $1.5 billion in 2025 [6][7] - The company is transitioning into a more mature phase, focusing on sustaining its business rather than hypergrowth [3][4] Strategic Moves - Netflix amended its bid for Warner Brothers Discovery to an all-cash offer of $27.75 per share, valuing the deal at approximately $72 billion, or $83 billion including debt [9][10] - The acquisition aims to secure a vast content library, enhancing Netflix's competitive position in the streaming market [10][15] - The all-cash structure is designed to provide immediate value to Warner Brothers shareholders and reduce stock price volatility [10] Debt and Financing - Netflix's debt is projected to increase from $34 billion to $42 billion to finance the acquisition, raising concerns about financial flexibility [10][11] - The company had $15.8 billion in debt at the end of 2020, which has been decreasing as it used debt to acquire content [11] - Management believes they can handle the increased debt and maintain cash flow, indicating confidence in long-term financial stability [11][12] Market Position - Netflix is recognized as the leader in streaming, but faces increased competition from platforms like YouTube, which is gaining market share [4][6] - The company is adapting to a more mature business model, focusing on content acquisition and strategic investments rather than rapid growth [3][4] - The acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery is seen as a critical move to bolster Netflix's content offerings and market power [15]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters criticized Paramount Skydance's $108 billion hostile bid for Warner Bros. Discovery, deeming it unrealistic without financial backing from Oracle's Larry Ellison [1][2]. Group 1: Bid Analysis - Paramount's proposal is heavily reliant on debt and external support, making it riskier compared to Netflix's all-cash offer of $82.7 billion for Warner Bros.' film and television studios [3]. - Peters described the additional leverage required for Paramount's bid as "pretty crazy" [4]. Group 2: Shareholder Support - Paramount has approached Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders directly after the board rejected its bid, but has only secured about 7% of shares, which is insufficient for control [4]. Group 3: Industry Impact - A potential merger between Netflix and Warner Bros. would significantly alter Hollywood, combining major franchises like "Game of Thrones" and "Harry Potter" with Netflix's popular series [5]. - Concerns have been raised among filmmakers, unions, and theater owners regarding Netflix's influence on theatrical releases [5]. Group 4: Regulatory Considerations - Netflix has committed to honoring Warner Bros.' typical 45-day theatrical window, addressing concerns about undermining cinemas [6]. - Regulatory scrutiny from U.S. and European authorities is anticipated for both Netflix's and Paramount's bids [6]. Group 5: Competitive Landscape - Peters emphasized that Netflix competes with a wide array of players, including YouTube, Amazon, and Apple, noting that Netflix accounts for less than 10% of TV viewing hours in most markets [7].

​If you thought 2025 couldn’t get any crazier, the streaming world had one more surprise up its sleeve before the year ended. Netflix, already the largest streaming platform with over 325 million subscribers, took a bold step by acquiring Warner Bros.’ film and television studios, as well as HBO, HBO Max, and other assets. The deal, announced in early December, will bring together some of the most legendary franchises, such as Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC Comics properties, among others, all und ...

With an overhang of the WBD deal, it appears that Netflix cannot miss on any front, or else its shares will get whacked. Anticipating muted results after the market hours from the streamer, the company's share price nosedived by more than 5% in the pre-market and by almost a further percent in the normal trading hours. However, the results were not as bad as feared, as Netflix reported a beat on both the revenue and earnings front. Yet, the stock may open lower the next day as guidance for Q1 2026 for reven ...

Group 1 - Netflix has amended its merger agreement to an all-cash offer for Warner Bros., which includes its film and television studios, extensive content library, and major franchises like Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and DC Comics superheroes [1] - The revised all-cash agreement aims to expedite the timeline for a stockholder vote and provide greater financial certainty, according to Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos [1] Group 2 - The acquisition of Warner Bros. is expected to enhance Netflix's selection of movies and shows, providing subscribers with a broader and higher-quality content offering [2] - With the addition of HBO Max, Netflix plans to offer more personalized and flexible subscription options to its users [2]

By Zaheer Kachwala Jan 21 (Reuters) - Netflix's co-CEOs found themselves in an unusual position after the company's latest earnings report: on the backfoot. The streaming pioneer's decision to plunk down nearly $83 billion on Warner Bros' assets marks a significant departure from ​the company's long-standing mantra: build, don't buy. Investors still aren't buying it. Shares were already under pressure even before Netflix made an ‌offer for Warner Bros Discovery's studio and streaming assets. The stoc ...

The battle to acquire Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) studio is heating up, with streaming giant Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) switching to an all-cash offer.This comes after Paramount Skydance Corp. (NYSE:PSKY) escalated its battle with Warner Bros Discovery by filing a lawsuit.Prediction Markets Think Netflix Will WinData from Kalshi, a federally authorized betting platform, shows that nearly $790000 has been bet on the contract "Who will successfully take over Warner Brothers?"The odds of Netflix acquiri ...

Core Insights - Netflix narrowly exceeded Wall Street's revenue estimates for the holiday quarter, reporting revenue of $12.1 billion, surpassing forecasts of $11.97 billion [2][6] - The company forecasts annual revenue for 2026 to be between $50.7 billion and $51.7 billion, with expectations for ad revenue to roughly double [10] - Netflix's subscriber base has surpassed 325 million globally, with a notable increase in monthly viewership by 10% in December, attributed to the final season of "Stranger Things" [3][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted per-share earnings for the fourth quarter were reported at 56 cents, slightly above estimates of 55 cents per share [8] - The company has secured commitments for a $59 billion bridge loan to support its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, increasing the commitment by $8.2 billion for an all-cash offer of $27.75 per share [4][8] Strategic Moves - Netflix is pursuing a $82.7 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and other entertainment assets to enhance its content library and fend off competition [4][7] - The amended merger agreement aims to expedite the timeline for a stockholder vote and provide greater financial certainty [5]

Core Insights - Netflix reported record revenue of $12 billion and earnings per share of $0.56 for Q4 2025, slightly exceeding Wall Street estimates [1] - The company's first-quarter guidance of $0.76 per share fell short of analysts' expectations of $0.81 per share, leading to a decline in stock price [2] - Netflix's subscriber count increased to over 325 million, up from 300 million at the end of 2024, indicating growth in its user base [6] Financial Performance - Q4 2025 revenue was $12 billion, surpassing the expected figure of just under $12 billion [1] - Earnings per share for Q4 were reported at $0.56, slightly above the anticipated $0.55 [1] - First-quarter revenue projection is $12.15 billion with an operating margin of 32.1% [2] Market Position - Netflix's cancellation rate is the lowest among paid streaming services in the US, at less than 2% [7] - The company's viewership share on US TVs reached a record 9% in December, up from 8.3% in November, outperforming competitors like Disney [8] - Netflix is competing with YouTube for viewership time, with YouTube holding nearly 13% of the market [8] Strategic Moves - Netflix is pursuing the acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery's studio and HBO assets, enhancing its content library with popular franchises like "Harry Potter" and "Game of Thrones" [10] - The company has made an all-cash bid to strengthen its position against rival suitor Paramount Skydance [6] - Netflix is diversifying its content offerings by adding video podcasts and investing in sports programming, including NFL games [9]

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) has decided to switch to an all-cash offer for the acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) studio and streaming businesses. This decision was made without increasing the $82.7 billion price, effectively countering rival Paramount’s (NYSE:PSKY) efforts.Netflix’s new all-cash offer for Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming businesses has received unanimous approval from the latter’s board. Both Netflix and Paramount are eyeing Warner Bros for its renowned film and t ...