Seaport Global downgrades Paramount stock to Sell ahead of Skydance merger

Published 28/07/2025, 14:58
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Investing.com - Seaport Global Securities downgraded Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) from Neutral to Sell on Monday, setting a price target of $11.00 ahead of the company’s upcoming merger with Skydance. The stock, currently trading at $12.91, has shown strong momentum with a 25.83% year-to-date return, though InvestingPro analysis suggests the shares remain undervalued relative to their Fair Value.

The downgrade comes as Paramount approaches its August 7 merger closing date, after which the company will trade under the new ticker PSKY, replacing the current PARA symbol for Class B shares. Seaport Global also established a $17 price target for Paramount’s Class A shares (PARAA). According to InvestingPro data, analyst targets for the stock currently range from $8.50 to $20.00, reflecting mixed sentiment about the company’s future.

Seaport Global cited concerns that Paramount shares could surrender some of their deal-related gains post-tender, despite the potential short-term upside from the tender offer allowing up to 50% of PARA shares to be exchanged for $15 per share.

The research firm also expressed uncertainty about Paramount’s strategy following the merger, noting the elimination of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert," contentious negotiations over "South Park," and the departure of two of the three co-CEOs, including the heads of Studios and Cable Networks.

Seaport Global analysts reduced their advertising and filmed entertainment estimates for Paramount, particularly for periods beyond the third quarter of 2025, and suggested the post-merger company might become "a consolidator rather than a target" in the media landscape.

In other recent news, Paramount Global has received approval from the Federal Communications Commission for its merger with Skydance Media, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the $8 billion deal. This approval followed necessary changes and a nominal fine paid by Paramount, effectively concluding a corporate saga that had drawn considerable media attention. Benchmark has reiterated its Buy rating on Paramount stock, maintaining a $16.00 price target after the Skydance deal’s approval. Additionally, Paramount has extended its partnership with "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone in a deal valued at over $1.25 billion, securing the rights for 50 new episodes and the show’s entire library for Paramount+. This agreement positions Paramount+ as the exclusive U.S. streaming platform for "South Park" content. Furthermore, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Paramount paid $16 million in a settlement related to a lawsuit over a televised interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris. These developments highlight Paramount’s strategic moves in both mergers and content partnerships.

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