Netflix and audio powerhouse iHeartMedia have entered into a new partnership to bring 14 video podcasts exclusively to Netflix in early 2026, the companies announced Tuesday. This represents Netflix’s second major step into the podcast space, following its recent collaboration with Spotify.The new video podcast episodes will premiere on Netflix in the U.S. in early 2026, with plans to expand to additional markets.  As part of the agreement, Netflix will get a diverse range of shows spanning comedy, crime, ...

Core Insights - Netflix has entered into a significant partnership with iHeartMedia to exclusively host video versions of over a dozen popular podcasts, including "The Breakfast Club" and "My Favorite Murder," set to launch in early 2026 in the US [1][3] - This move is part of Netflix's broader strategy to diversify its content offerings beyond traditional TV series and movies, aiming to include various genres such as pop culture, true crime, sports, and comedy [3][6] - The deal with iHeartMedia complements Netflix's previous agreement with Spotify, indicating a strong push into the video podcasting space [3][4] Content Strategy - Netflix aims to have between 50 to 75 shows available at the launch of its video podcasts, with aspirations to expand that number to as many as 200 over time [5] - The partnership with iHeartMedia allows Netflix to provide exclusive video content that will not be available on platforms like YouTube, while iHeartMedia retains audio-only rights [2][6] - The inclusion of popular shows like "The Breakfast Club," which ranks as the 15th most listened to podcast, is expected to help Netflix establish itself as a regular destination for podcast viewers [6] Market Trends - A report from Edison Research indicates that over half (51%) of people in the US aged 12 and up have watched a video podcast, highlighting a growing trend in the consumption of video content [8] - The demand for video exclusivity from Netflix may pose challenges for some podcasters, as it could limit their ad revenue and audience reach on platforms like YouTube [7] - Netflix's exploration of partnerships with individual podcasters, such as Alex Cooper, suggests a targeted approach to curating content that appeals to diverse audiences [4]

Core Insights - Netflix is in early discussions with SiriusXM to secure exclusive rights to distribute the satellite radio company's top video podcasts, aiming to enhance its podcasting strategy and compete against platforms like YouTube [1][3][12] - The proposed deal is part of Netflix's broader initiative to expand its content ecosystem beyond traditional film and television, with a focus on video podcasts as a key engagement tool for subscribers [8][13] Company Strategies - Netflix has already made a significant move in podcasting by partnering with Spotify to stream a selection of its video podcasts, which will no longer be available on YouTube starting early next year [4][12] - The company is also exploring similar arrangements with iHeartMedia to gain exclusive streaming rights to popular podcasts, indicating an aggressive push into the podcasting space [5][12] Market Position - SiriusXM operates one of the largest podcast networks in the U.S., featuring popular titles that contribute to its leading audience reach [3][15] - YouTube currently dominates the video podcast market, having surpassed 1 billion monthly podcast viewers earlier this year, highlighting the competitive landscape Netflix is entering [12] Future Plans - Netflix plans to launch a video podcast hub in the first fiscal quarter of 2026 and is actively recruiting talent from top Hollywood agencies to enhance its podcast offerings [7][8] - Executives at Netflix view podcasts as a means to extend viewing time and cross-promote original productions, aligning with their content strategy [13]

Palantir - Palantir's shares have decreased by as much as 8% despite topping analysts' estimates for third-quarter sales and raising its annual revenue outlook, marking 21 consecutive quarters of revenue above estimates [1][2] - The company's stock has surged over 170% this year, closing at a record high, but its price-to-sales ratio stands at 85, the highest in the S&P 500 index, raising concerns about valuation sustainability [2] - Investors are seeking more guidance for the upcoming year, particularly for 2026, indicating a desire for clearer future expectations [3] Hertz - Hertz's stock has increased by 25% after swinging to a third-quarter profit, aided by lower depreciation costs and a strategy of replacing older cars with newer models [4] - The company reported a net income of $184 million, or $0.42 per share, compared to a loss of $1.33 billion, or $4.34 per share, in the previous year [5] Uber - Uber's earnings exceeded estimates, but the stock faced a decline due to a miss on third-quarter operating income and an adjusted earnings forecast that fell short of expectations [7] - The company experienced its strongest quarterly growth since late 2023, with total bookings growing by 21% to $49.7 billion for the quarter, surpassing estimates [8] iHeartMedia - iHeartMedia's shares rose by as much as 30% following reports that Netflix is in talks to license video podcasts distributed by iHeartMedia, positioning it in competition with YouTube [9]

Group 1 - Netflix is in discussions to license video podcasts from iHeartMedia, aiming for exclusivity which would prevent these podcasts from being uploaded to YouTube [1] - iHeartMedia's podcast portfolio includes popular shows such as "The Breakfast Club," "Las Culturistas," "Jay Shetty Podcast," and "Stuff You Should Know" [1] - This news follows a recent agreement between Netflix and Spotify to provide a selection of curated podcasts, which will also be removed from YouTube but remain available on Spotify [2] Group 2 - The video podcast deals are part of Netflix's strategy to enhance its competitive position against YouTube, which has over 1 billion monthly active podcast viewers [3]

Core Insights - Spotify's video podcasts are experiencing significant growth, with nearly 500,000 shows and over 390 million users streaming video podcasts, marking a 54% year-over-year increase [1][2] - The time users spend on video content has more than doubled year-over-year, driven largely by video podcasts, with an 80% increase in consumption since the launch of the Spotify Partner Program in January [3] User Engagement and Content Expansion - Spotify has expanded its video podcast catalog significantly, from 250,000 shows in June 2024 to nearly 500,000, reflecting increased investment in this format [2] - The platform allows user engagement through comments, Q&As, and polls, enhancing the social networking aspect of the app [2] Strategic Partnerships - A partnership with Netflix will begin distributing Spotify's video podcasts to a wider audience starting in 2026, with the aim of positioning Spotify as a distribution hub for creators [4] - Co-CEO Alex Norström emphasized the importance of helping creators reach audiences across multiple platforms, aligning with Spotify's creator-first philosophy [5] Advertising and Revenue Opportunities - Spotify has provided advertisers with programmatic access to its audio and video inventory, although it anticipates 2025 to be a transition year for its advertising business [7] - Co-CEO Gustav Söderström indicated that the dual presence of creators on both Spotify and Netflix could create additional revenue opportunities [5] Financial Performance - Spotify reported an 11% year-over-year increase in monthly active users, reaching 713 million, and revenue of €4.27 billion (~$4.9 billion), exceeding Wall Street expectations [8] - The company achieved a net profit of €899 million (~$1 billion) during the quarter, although stock prices fell due to mixed guidance for the fourth quarter [8]

Core Viewpoint - iHeartMedia's shares reached their highest level in over two years following reports of Netflix negotiating to license video podcasts from the company [1] Group 1 - iHeartMedia's stock performance indicates a positive market reaction to potential partnerships with major streaming platforms like Netflix [1] - The licensing of video podcasts could enhance iHeartMedia's revenue streams and expand its content distribution [1]

Group 1 - Netflix has retained Moelis & Co to explore a potential bid for Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming and studio business [1] - A source confirmed that Netflix is "looking into" the possibility of acquiring part of WBD, although Netflix declined to comment [2] - WBD has initiated a strategic review process due to "unsolicited interest" from multiple parties, confirming it is for sale [3] Group 2 - Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters previously dismissed speculation about a studio merger, emphasizing the importance of developing capabilities internally rather than through acquisitions [3] - Co-CEO Ted Sarandos reiterated that Netflix has no interest in owning legacy media networks, indicating a consistent strategy [4] - Netflix has recently entered the video podcasting space through a partnership with Spotify, reflecting its strategy to expand content offerings [4]

Company Investment - Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) announced a historic $13 billion investment over the next four years to enhance its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. [3] - This investment will support the production of five new vehicles and aims to increase overall production by 50% compared to current levels, along with introducing 19 refreshed products and updated powertrains by 2029 [3][4]. Specific Allocations - The investment includes $600 million to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant for Jeep production, $400 million to upgrade the Toledo Assembly Complex for Wrangler and Gladiator models, and additional funding for the Warren Truck plant to develop a new range-extended EV and ICE SUV [5]. - Further investment will be directed to Kokomo, Indiana, for the production of the GMET4 EVO engine [5]. Cost Mitigation - The U.S. investment is expected to mitigate approximately $1.74 billion in tariff costs associated with affected vehicles and components [5].

Company Investment - Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) announced a historic $13 billion investment over the next four years to enhance its manufacturing capabilities in the U.S. [3] - This investment will support the production of five new vehicles and aims to increase overall production by 50% compared to current levels, along with introducing 19 refreshed products and updated powertrains by 2029 [3][4]. Specific Allocations - The investment includes $600 million to reopen the Belvidere Assembly Plant for Jeep production, $400 million to upgrade the Toledo Assembly Complex for Wrangler and Gladiator models, and additional funding for the Warren Truck plant to develop a new range-extended EV and ICE SUV [5]. - There will also be investments in Kokomo, Indiana, to produce the GMET4 EVO engine, which will help mitigate approximately $1.74 billion in tariff costs on affected vehicles and components [5]. Market Reaction - Following the announcement, Stellantis shares saw a premarket increase of 0.4% after previously closing over 2.5% lower, with a peak increase of 5% noted in premarket trading [6].