Fubotv earnings beat by $0.10, revenue topped estimates
NEW YORK - Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) announced plans today to divide its operations into two independent publicly traded companies to enhance strategic focus and flexibility. The division, expected to be tax-free, will create a Streaming & Studios company and a Global Networks company, each aiming to maximize its potential in the evolving media landscape.
Streaming & Studios will comprise Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group, DC Studios, HBO, and HBO Max, along with their film and television libraries. Global Networks will include CNN, TNT Sports in the U.S., Discovery, and other international channels and digital products like Discovery+ and Bleacher Report.
David Zaslav will lead Streaming & Studios as President and CEO, while Gunnar Wiedenfels will take on the role of President and CEO of Global Networks, both retaining their current positions at Warner Bros. Discovery until the separation is complete. The move is designed to provide each entity with the ability to focus on its strengths and address its unique market opportunities.
The separation is anticipated to finalize by mid-2026, subject to approval by the Warner Bros. Discovery Board, tax opinions or a private letter ruling from the IRS, and market conditions. It aims to equip each company to be more agile and pursue operational and financial objectives with greater strategic flexibility.
J.P. Morgan and Evercore are acting as financial advisors, and Kirkland & Ellis LLP as legal counsel for Warner Bros. Discovery in this strategic move.
The announcement comes with Warner Bros. Discovery’s commitment to enhancing shareholder value and follows the commencement of tender offers and related consent solicitations to improve its debt portfolio, supported by a $17.5 billion bridge facility from J.P. Morgan.
The companies will have well-capitalized structures post-separation, with Global Networks planning to retain up to a 20% stake in Streaming & Studios, which it intends to monetize to benefit its balance sheet.
This news is based on a press release statement from Warner Bros. Discovery.
In other recent news, Warner Bros. Discovery reported its earnings for the first quarter of 2025, revealing an earnings per share of -$0.18, which missed the forecasted -$0.13. The company’s revenue also fell short of expectations, coming in at $8.98 billion compared to the anticipated $9.59 billion. Despite the earnings miss, the company gained over 5 million subscribers, indicating growth in its streaming platform. Raymond James adjusted the company’s financial outlook, reducing the price target from $13.00 to $12.00, while maintaining an Outperform rating. The firm’s analysts noted a stronger-than-expected adjusted EBITDA but a shortfall in revenue, particularly in the Studios division. Meanwhile, S&P Global Ratings downgraded Warner Bros. Discovery’s credit rating to ’BB+’ due to weakening credit metrics, with ongoing revenue and cash flow declines in its linear TV operations. In contrast, BofA Securities reiterated a Buy rating with a $14.00 price target, expressing confidence in the company’s unique assets despite underperformance since its merger. Additionally, Warner Bros. Discovery announced plans to rebrand its streaming platform, Max, as HBO Max this summer, aiming to enhance the service’s appeal by focusing on quality content.
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