Paramount Global | PARA | Long at $11.00 (Jan '26 Call Options)Paramount Global NASDAQ:PARA may be gearing up for a price move to reach my historical simple moving average (white and green lines). It appears to be consolidating in the $9-$11 range, but the company is on shaky grounds. Currently, their debt is not well covered by operating cash flow, the dividend of 1.82% is not well covered by earnings, and there has been some insider selling lately. But earnings and cashflow are expected to grow in the future. So, it's a tossup in terms of fundamentals if the future actually plays out. Thus, while I have no desire to hold shares given the risks, the chart is enticing. January 2026 call options (strike of $12.50) are $0.90 each and that may be enough time for this to either move up or implode. The personal risk is small, but the reward could be generous.
Target #1 - $12.50 (January 16, 2026 call options, priced at $0.90 each)
Paramountgloban
Paramount Global Set to End Negotiations With Skydance MediaParamount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ) will end its exclusive talks with Skydance Media without reaching a deal, according to the New York Times. A special committee of Paramount's board evaluated the company's options, but some shareholders were critical of the deal.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management have expressed interest in acquiring Paramount ( NASDAQ:PARA ) for $26 billion in an all-cash offer. Shares of the media giant Plummets 7% in extended trading.
Paramount Global's Leadership Shake-Up Amidst Merger TalksParamount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ), home to iconic brands like CBS, MTV, and Paramount Pictures, recently made headlines with the abrupt departure of CEO Bob Bakish and the announcement of a new leadership structure. Bakish's exit comes amidst speculation surrounding the company's potential merger with Skydance Media and strategic disagreements with Paramount's controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone.
CEO Shake-Up:
Bob Bakish, who led Paramount since 2019, was replaced by a trio of seasoned executives forming an "Office of the CEO," including George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy, and Brian Robbins. Bakish's departure marks a significant development, signaling a shift in leadership dynamics and strategic direction within the company.
Merger Talks and Strategic Disputes:
Bakish's exit coincides with Paramount's potential merger with Skydance Media, a move that could reshape the media landscape. However, reports suggest that Bakish clashed with Shari Redstone over strategic initiatives, including the Skydance merger and the potential sale of Showtime. Redstone's push for aggressive strategic moves, coupled with Bakish's reservations, highlights the tension between management and controlling shareholders in navigating Paramount's future.
Financial Implications and Shareholder Concerns:
Bakish's departure comes with a hefty golden parachute of approximately $50 million, raising eyebrows among shareholders. Amidst merger talks and strategic uncertainties, large common shareholders, including Mario Gabelli's Gamco Investors, have expressed concerns over the dilution of common shareholders' interests and the company's overall direction. Paramount's declining market value post-Viacom-CBS merger underscores the urgency for strategic clarity and effective leadership.
Streaming Strategy and Content Monetization:
Paramount's pivot towards streaming, epitomized by the launch of Paramount+ and the acquisition of Pluto TV, reflects the industry's evolving landscape. Bakish's supporters credit him for the company's strides in streaming and maintaining CBS's industry position. However, challenges persist in monetizing content and competing in the crowded streaming market amidst mounting losses in Paramount's legacy TV business.
Sony & Apollo Join Forces in a Bid to Acquire Paramount GlobalSony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management are currently in talks to explore the possibility of submitting a joint bid to acquire Paramount Global. This information was obtained from an anonymous source who is familiar with the matter. The two companies have not yet approached Paramount ( NASDAQ:PARA ), which is currently in exclusive negotiations with Skydance Media, an independent studio headed by David Ellison. Despite this, some investors have encouraged Paramount to consider alternative options.
If the competing bid comes to fruition, it would involve cash payments for all outstanding Paramount shares ( NASDAQ:PARA ), and result in the company becoming privately owned. The source revealed that Sony would own a majority stake in the joint venture and would operate the media company, along with its library of films and television shows, such as "Star Trek," "Mission: Impossible," "Indiana Jones," and SpongeBob SquarePants. Sony Pictures Entertainment Chairman, Tony Vinciquerra, a seasoned media executive with significant experience in the film and television industry, would likely be tasked with running the studio, leveraging Sony's marketing and distribution expertise.
Due to restrictions on foreign ownership of broadcast stations, the source stated that Apollo would likely assume control of the CBS broadcast network and its local television stations. Sony's parent corporation is based in Tokyo, Japan.
The New York Times initially reported the ongoing discussions between Sony and Apollo. Both Sony and Paramount have declined to comment on the matter, and Apollo could not be reached for comment.
Previously, Apollo had made an offer of $26 billion to acquire Paramount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ), whose enterprise value at the end of 2023 was estimated to be around $22.5 billion. However, a special committee of Paramount's board elected to continue with its advanced deal talks with Skydance, rather than pursuing a deal "that might not actually come to fruition," according to two people with knowledge of the board's actions.
The committee is currently assessing the feasibility of acquiring the smaller independent studio in a stock deal worth around $4 billion to $5 billion. Skydance is also reportedly in negotiations to acquire National Amusements, a company that holds the Redstone family's controlling interest in Paramount. However, this transaction is contingent upon a Skydance-Paramount merger.
Technical Outlook
Paramount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ) shares quickly responded to the development besieging it surging by 8.3% from a weekly low of $10.03. The stock has a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 54.24.
Moreover, traders need to be cautious as the stock is trading below the 200 and 100-day Moving Averages (MA) igniting a concern about its bullish trend. The question is will it keep surging? or test a new support level eventually.
Paramount Stock Spikes 15% Amidst Merger Talks With SkydanceParamount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ), the media conglomerate housing iconic assets such as Paramount Pictures, CBS network, and a slew of cable networks, finds itself at a crossroads. Recent developments hint at a potential sale, raising questions about the future of one of the entertainment industry's behemoths. Behind the scenes, the late Sumner Redstone's legacy looms large, influencing decisions and negotiations. Let's delve into the intricacies of this evolving narrative.
Redstone's Legacy:
Sumner Redstone, the visionary media mogul, built Paramount into a powerhouse, shaping the landscape of entertainment for decades. Now, his daughter Shari Redstone stands at the helm, steering the company through turbulent waters. Her preference for maintaining the integrity of Paramount's assets in any potential sale echoes her father's commitment to preserving his legacy. Redstone's influence transcends mere financial considerations; it's about safeguarding a heritage built on creativity and innovation.
The Potential Sale:
Speculation swirls around Apollo Global's interest in acquiring Paramount Global in its entirety. This development follows advanced talks between National Amusements Inc. (NAI) and Skydance, indicating a significant shift in the company's trajectory. Paramount Global's diverse portfolio, encompassing film studios, television networks, and streaming services, presents an enticing opportunity for prospective buyers. However, amidst the negotiations, the uncertainty surrounding the company's future looms large, posing challenges in deal-making and strategic planning.
Impact on Paramount's Operations:
The ongoing discussions surrounding Paramount's sale cast a shadow over its day-to-day operations. The looming prospect of new ownership introduces a level of ambiguity, complicating efforts to forge partnerships and secure talent. Creative minds within the industry may hesitate to commit to projects amidst the backdrop of impending change. Moreover, the uncertainty could potentially impact employee morale and productivity, underscoring the need for swift resolution.
The Legacy at Stake:
Beyond financial metrics and market dynamics, the sale of Paramount Global ( NASDAQ:PARA ) carries profound implications for the Redstone legacy. For Shari Redstone, preserving her father's vision is paramount, transcending the bottom line. Any decision regarding the company's future must honor its rich heritage while embracing opportunities for growth and innovation. As negotiations unfold, stakeholders are keenly observing how Redstone navigates the delicate balance between legacy preservation and corporate strategy.
Paramount Shares Jump After Reports of Takeover InterestParamount Global shares surged Today following reports from Deadline and Puck News that Skydance and Redbird Capital were exploring potentially taking over the media giant.
Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, has been open to making big deals, especially as the company weathers the storms of declining revenue and streaming losses.
Paramount shares were up more than 12%. The company has a market cap of about $10.5 billion and is up more than 1% for the year, lagging the S&P 500′s 19% gains.
PARA Trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA), indicating a bullish trend.
The earnings per share (EPS) of Paramount Global is expected to decline by 37.50% in the current quarter (Dec 2023) and increase by 333.30% in the next quarter (Mar 2024). The EPS for the current year (2023) is estimated to be $0.7, which is a 59.10% decrease from the previous year (2022). The EPS for the next year (2024) is projected to be $1.29, which is an 84.30% increase from the current year.
The revenue of Paramount Global is expected to decrease by 3.10% in the current quarter (Dec 2023) and increase by 9.00% in the next quarter (Mar 2024). The revenue for the current year (2023) is estimated to be $29.92 billion, which is a 0.80% decrease from the previous year (2022). The revenue for the next year (2024) is forecasted to be $31.36 billion, which is a 4.80% increase from the current year
Paramount Jumps on Report to Bundle Streaming Service With AppleParamount Global (PARA) - shares jumped Today 1st December following a report that suggested the group is in early-stage talks to bundle its content with Apple (AAPL) .
Paramount and Apple are looking to create a streaming bundle that will be priced at a discount to rivals such as Netflix (NFLX) - by combining content from Paramount+ and Apple TV+ into a single offering. The Journal reported similar plans from Netflix and Comcast (CMCSA).
Streaming services are looking to win over new customers who have weathered sharp price increases across all major streaming hubs over the past 12 months.
Paramount Global shares were marked 3% higher in early Friday trading to change hands at $14.80 each while Apple edged 0.1% lower to $189.78 each. Netflix, meanwhile, slipped 0.2% to $473.00 each.
Paramount Q3 results had lagged estimates
Paramount cautioned investors last month that a slump in ad sales and intensifying competition would clip its current-quarter earnings. It posted weaker-than-expected third-quarter profit of 39 cents a share on revenue of $6.92 billion.
Ad sales, Paramount said, were down 4% from a year earlier to $363 million, leading to a 5% decline in revenue for its TV Media division, the group's largest.
Paramount, which changed its name from ViacomCBS earlier this year, owns the Paramount CBS, Showtime, MTV and Comedy Central brands and hopes to have at least 100 million streaming subscribers by the end of 2024.
Third-quarter subscription revenue was up 59% from a year earlier to $863 million, paced by growth in its Paramount+ streaming offering, which includes NFL games and soccer matches from the UEFA Champions League.
Price Momentum
PARAA is trading in the middle of its 52-week range and below its 200-day simple moving average.
What does this mean?
Investors are still evaluating the share price, but the stock still appears to have some downward momentum. This is a neutral sign for the stock's future value.