The streaming giant can thrive, even if Paramount Skydance buys Warner Bros. Discovery.On Dec. 5, Netflix (NFLX +1.18%) shocked investors with plans to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for an enterprise value of $82.7 billion, with $72 billion in cash and stock.The deal would boost Netflix's content library with several well-known television and film titles and franchises, including HBO and HBO Max programming. It would also bolster Netflix's original content creation capabilities.But investors reacted negati ...

Listen to this post:Log in to listenWarner Bros. started with distribution. Just after the turn of the century, Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner bought a second-hand projector and started showing short films in Ohio and Pennsylvania mining towns; in 1907 they bought their first permanent theater in New Castle, Pennsylvania. Around the same time the brothers also began distributing films to other theaters, and in 1908 began producing their own movies in California. In 1923 the brothers formally incorporat ...

“KPop Demon Hunters” has been nominated for The film’s hit song “Golden,” sung by the fictional girl group HUNTR/X, is in the running for Best Song. Other nominees in the category include “Drive” (from “F1”), “I Lied to You” (“Sinners”), “Clothed by the Sun” (“The Testament of Ann Lee”), “Train Dreams” (“Train Dreams”), and “The Girl in the Bubble” (“Wicked: For Good”). “KPop Demon Hunters,” which recently won Best Animated Film at the New York Film Critics Circle Awards, will be hoping to add more awards ...

Why You Can’t Buy ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Toys This ChristmasKPop Demon Hunters is far and away Netflix’s most popular movie of all time. It’s still #5 in Netflix’s top 10 movie list when it came out in early June. There hasn’t been anything quite like this in recent memory, Netflix-based or otherwise, and so, no doubt, you may have some kids asking for KPop Demon Hunters toys for Christmas. https://t.co/WcsXuF2zAX ...

Core Insights - The Nasdaq Composite is experiencing a bull market that has lasted over three years, driven by potential interest rate cuts, rising corporate profits, and the adoption of AI [2][3] - Historical data indicates that bull markets lasting over three years tend to continue gaining ground, with an average duration of eight years [3] - The resurgence of stock splits is attracting investor interest, as they are often preceded by strong business performance [4] Company Analysis: Netflix - Netflix has seen a stock price increase of 26% in 2025 and 862% over the past decade, prompting a 10-for-1 stock split [5][6] - The company is expected to double its ad revenue in 2025, with the third quarter marking its best ad sales quarter ever, reaching over 190 million viewers [8] - Netflix's animated movie "KPop Demon Hunters" has become its most popular film, contributing to subscriber growth [9] - In Q3, Netflix reported revenue of $11.5 billion, a 17% year-over-year increase, with EPS rising 27% [10] - The stock is currently priced at 35 times next year's expected sales, reflecting its strong track record [11] Company Analysis: Interactive Brokers - Interactive Brokers has gained 45% in 2025 and 512% over the past decade, leading to a 4-for-1 stock split [12] - The company reported a 32% year-over-year increase in customer brokerage accounts, reaching 4.13 million, and a 40% increase in customer equity to $758 billion [14] - In Q3, Interactive Brokers generated $1.6 billion in revenue, a 21% year-over-year growth, with EPS climbing 40% [15] - The stock is valued at 31 times trailing-12-month earnings, indicating a reasonable valuation given its strong fundamentals [16]

Core Viewpoint - Netflix's recent 10-for-1 stock split did not lead to a significant increase in stock price, declining by 0.8% on the split day, but this reaction is not a cause for concern as the company remains a strong buy opportunity [1][6]. Group 1: Stock Split Dynamics - Stock splits do not change the overall value of a company but make shares more accessible, which can have practical and psychological benefits for investors [2]. - Historical data shows that stock splits often lead to positive reactions in the sessions following the announcement rather than on the day they take effect, as seen with Netflix's 2.8% increase after the announcement [3][5]. - Market conditions at the time of the split can heavily influence stock performance, as evidenced by the broader market declines on the day of Netflix's split [5]. Group 2: Company Performance and Strategy - Netflix aims to reach a $1 trillion market cap by 2030, indicating managerial confidence in future growth [3]. - The company has a loyal international subscriber base that generates predictable cash flow, which is strategically allocated to content production and operational expenses [8]. - Netflix excels in creating diverse content that appeals to various interests, exemplified by the success of "KPop Demon Hunters," which has extended its value beyond just subscriber engagement [9]. Group 3: Investment Outlook - Despite the stock's recent performance, Netflix is considered an excellent investment choice, particularly for those looking to diversify into high-growth stocks outside of major tech themes [10].

Core Insights - Netflix is expanding its business model by adopting merchandising and live events, similar to established companies like Disney and Warner Bros [2][12] - The company has recently signed significant licensing deals with toy manufacturers such as Jazwares, Hasbro, and Mattel to create products based on popular series like "Stranger Things" and "KPop Demon Hunters" [3][14] - Netflix House, an immersive experience center, has opened in Philadelphia, with plans for additional locations in Dallas and Las Vegas, enhancing fan engagement [3][4] Licensing and Partnerships - Netflix's first master licensing deal was with Jazwares for "Stranger Things," which includes a range of products like figures and costumes [3] - The company has also partnered with Hasbro and Mattel for toys based on "KPop Demon Hunters," indicating a strategic move into consumer products [3] - Previous strategies involved working with licensees for merchandise, but Netflix is now taking a more active role in product development [7] Live Events and Fan Engagement - Since 2020, Netflix has launched over 40 live experiences in 300 cities, including themed events for "Bridgerton" and "Stranger Things" [10][11] - These events serve to maintain fan engagement during content hiatuses, with merchandise and experiences acting as a bridge until new releases [12][13] - The strategy mirrors Disney's long-standing approach of using intellectual property to enhance fan interaction through various channels [13] Merchandise Strategy - Netflix's merchandise includes a diverse range of products tailored to different series, such as "Bridgerton" tea sets and "Stranger Things" themed fashion items [14][15] - The company aims to balance commercial opportunities with products that resonate with fans, enhancing the storytelling experience [15] - This approach is seen as a way to keep fans engaged and connected to the content while waiting for new releases [12][15]

Why BAFTA rejected the KPop Demon HuntersUnder Netflix formally appealed under this clause, arguing that the film’s At least 10 commercial screenings in the UKAcross at least seven days in aggregateThe committee concluded that the film’s release pattern did not constitute a qualifying run.What screenings KPop Demon Hunters actually haveNetflix initially released the film in 264 UK cinemas on Aug. 23 and 24, followed by a second wave of 528 theaters during Halloween weekend. Both were considered limited, eve ...

Core Insights - The stock split of Netflix is a cosmetic change that reflects the company's strong performance and growth, making shares more accessible to a wider range of investors [1][10][12] Financial Performance - Netflix reported a US$619 million tax charge due to a Brazilian Supreme Court ruling, impacting margins from 31.5% to 28% [3] - Free cash flow (FCF) for the first nine months of 2025 increased by 37% year-on-year to US$7.6 billion, with expectations of reaching around US$9 billion for the full year [4][11] Content Strategy - Netflix's market share in TV viewing has grown by 15% in the US and 22% in the UK since late 2022, with successful series like "Wednesday Season 2" and "Happy Gilmore 2" [5] - The animated film "KPop Demon Hunters" achieved 325 million views, becoming Netflix's most popular film, contributing to new revenue streams [6] - Licensing deals with companies like Mattel and Hasbro, along with merchandise and live experiences, are enhancing Netflix's franchise value [7] Growth Initiatives - The ad-supported tier is experiencing rapid growth, with US upfront commitments more than doubling in Q3 2025, and ad revenue expected to more than double in 2025 [8] - Netflix is leveraging Generative AI to improve productivity, including applications in content discovery and ad optimization, which could enhance margins in the future [9] Market Position - The upcoming stock split on November 17 will lower the share price from approximately US$1,238 to under US$124, but the company's valuation remains strong due to its diversified revenue streams and robust cash flow [10][11]

Election Results - Democrats achieved significant victories in key races across New York, New Jersey, and Virginia, with self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani projected to become the next mayor of New York City, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo [2][4] - In New Jersey, Democrat Mikie Sherrill is projected to become the next governor, marking a critical moment for the GOP, which had made inroads in the state in 2024 [3] - Abigail Spanberger is projected to become the first female governor of Virginia, alongside Democratic nominee Jay Jones winning the attorney general race, despite not being the favorite [4] Corporate Earnings - McDonald's reported third-quarter revenue of $7.08 billion, a 3% increase year-over-year, but slightly below analysts' expectations of $7.1 billion [5] - Despite missing expectations, McDonald's shares rose approximately 1%, with same-store sales growing 3.6% globally and 2.4% in the U.S., indicating sustainable growth in a challenging environment [6] Layoffs and Employment Trends - A wave of layoffs is affecting major corporations, including IBM, Amazon, and Meta, raising concerns about the impact of AI on employment [7][8] - Job openings have reached their lowest level in over four years, with Indeed's Job Posting Index falling to 101.9 in October, the lowest since February 2021 [9] K-Pop Industry Impact - Netflix's "KPop Demon Hunters" has generated $10 billion for the K-pop music industry, significantly boosting shares of major K-pop companies like HYBE and JYP Entertainment, which have seen double-digit gains this year [11] - The film's popularity may also lead to increased consumption of Korean cosmetics and foods, with potential political ramifications in China [12]