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Feb 17, 2026
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SHORT
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"Paramount had, to the market's mind, undervalued the legacy networks and... given them a set an essential valuation of of, near zero." If sophisticated industry insiders (Paramount bankers) are valuing traditional cable and network assets at zero during M&A due diligence, the broader market is likely overvaluing pure-play legacy media stocks that lack robust streaming growth. This serves as a bearish signal for the entire legacy media sector, suggesting terminal decline is being priced in by acquirers. Legacy assets may still generate significant short-term cash flow despite low terminal value. |
Bloomberg Markets
Warner Bros. Reopens Talks With Rival Paramou...
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Feb 17, 2026
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WATCH
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"Paramount would be willing to go up at a minimum to 31 a share... they want to buy the entire thing." This establishes a hard price floor and a takeover premium for Warner Bros. Discovery. The existence of a bidding war (vs. Netflix) typically forces the final clearing price higher. The stock is "in play" with a defined upside target ($31), making it a potential arbitrage opportunity. Regulatory antitrust blocking the deal; deal talks falling through after the 7-day waiver. |
Bloomberg Markets
Warner Bros. Reopens Talks With Rival Paramou...
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Feb 17, 2026
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AVOID
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"The president himself had expressed skepticism on Netflix and specifically zeroing in on CNN." Even if Netflix has the capital to bid, the political cost and regulatory friction of acquiring a major news asset (CNN) creates a "poison pill" effect. The deal is unlikely to pass antitrust hurdles without massive concessions, making the bid a distraction. Regulatory headwinds make the acquisition path unlikely to succeed, limiting the upside of this specific catalyst. Netflix could win the bid by making significant divestitures (e.g., selling CNN immediately). |
Bloomberg Markets
Warner Bros. Reopens Talks With Rival Paramou...
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