Warner Bros. Discovery Partners With Charter CommunicationsWarner Bros. Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:WBD ) and Charter Communications Inc. ( NASDAQ:CHTR ) have unveiled a groundbreaking, multi-year distribution partnership that is set to reshape the future of video. This strategic alliance promises to revolutionize how content is delivered to customers, integrating linear video and direct-to-consumer streaming services. With this early renewal, the two giants are positioning themselves to deliver more value and flexibility in video bundles, catering to evolving viewer preferences and potentially driving significant growth.
A Strategic Partnership for the Future
The newly announced partnership between Warner Bros. Discovery and Charter Communications is a strategic move that seeks to align with changing consumer habits, particularly the growing demand for streaming services. This partnership expands the distribution of Warner Bros. Discovery's Max (Ad Lite) service, which includes HBO, Discovery+, and other premium content, to Spectrum’s millions of Select customers at no extra cost. This addition, valued at nearly $60 per month, is expected to significantly enhance Spectrum’s bundle proposition, which already includes popular streaming platforms like Disney+, ESPN+, Paramount+, and AMC+.
David Zaslav, President and CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, emphasized the value of their linear content and the significant investments in premium programming, sports, and news. This agreement not only extends Spectrum's carriage of Warner Bros. Discovery's linear network portfolio, including TNT, CNN, Food Network, HGTV, and more, but also positions Max as a preferred partner for marketing and selling direct-to-consumer (DTC) apps and bundles to broadband subscribers.
Charter’s President and CEO, Chris Winfrey, highlighted the evolution of the linear and broadband video distribution model, noting that this partnership supports Spectrum’s efforts to provide flexible packages that cater to a variety of customer needs. Spectrum’s DTC distribution plan, set to fully roll out in 2025, is expected to boost the reach of Warner Bros. Discovery's premium content across its vast customer base.
The partnership comes as a timely boost for Warner Bros. Discovery, which has faced challenges with its traditional TV business due to ongoing cord-cutting and a slow recovery in the advertising market. Despite these challenges, this strategic agreement reflects the company’s adaptability and commitment to leveraging new opportunities in the streaming space.
Technical Outlook
Technically, Warner Bros. Discovery's stock ( NASDAQ:WBD ) has seen a substantial increase, rising 8.43% as of the latest trading session. This uptick is significant, especially considering the stock has been in a prolonged downtrend for much of the year. The recent gains have been driven by investor optimism surrounding the new partnership, which is seen as a pivotal move that could enhance Warner Bros. Discovery's market position.
Currently, WBD’s stock holds a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 44.28, indicating that the stock is in neutral territory but poised for further growth as buying momentum builds. The RSI value, nearing the 50 mark, suggests that the stock is transitioning out of oversold conditions, potentially signaling the beginning of a new upward trend. If the stock continues to gain traction, it could break key resistance levels, further bolstering investor confidence.
The early renewal of the multi-year deal with Charter Communications has already had a positive impact on the stock’s performance. Warner Bros. Discovery's ability to secure distribution for Max and Discovery+ without additional cost to customers enhances its competitive edge against rivals. Moreover, the broader inclusion of these streaming services in Spectrum’s bundle could attract new subscribers, increase viewer engagement, and ultimately contribute to revenue growth.
The Road Ahead: Will Warner Bros. Discovery Sustain Its Momentum?
The partnership with Charter Communications represents a significant step forward for Warner Bros. Discovery as it navigates the evolving media landscape. By integrating traditional linear TV with cutting-edge streaming services, the company is not only adapting to current market trends but also setting a new standard for value and flexibility in video content distribution.
From a technical perspective, the recent positive movement in WBD stock reflects growing market confidence in the company's strategic direction. With a strong lineup of content, innovative partnerships, and a focus on consumer-friendly bundle offerings, Warner Bros. Discovery is well-positioned to capitalize on future opportunities.
However, challenges remain, particularly in the highly competitive streaming market where rivals like Disney, Netflix, and Paramount are also vying for market share. Warner Bros. Discovery will need to continue innovating and expanding its content offerings to maintain its momentum.
Overall, the early renewal agreement with Charter Communications has provided a much-needed boost to Warner Bros. Discovery’s outlook, both fundamentally and technically. Investors will be closely watching how this partnership evolves and its impact on Warner Bros. Discovery's bottom line in the coming quarters. If the company can successfully leverage this agreement to drive growth, it could mark a turning point for WBD, setting the stage for a brighter future in the ever-evolving world of media and entertainment.
WBD
Warner Bros. Discovery Stock Dips 12% on $10 Bln Quarterly LossKey Takeaways:
- Warner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) shares plunged sharply after announcing a staggering $10 billion loss for Q2.
- The loss was largely driven by a $9.1 billion write-down in the value of its cable networks, such as CNN and TNT, as they struggle against the rise of streaming giants like Netflix.
- Revenue missed analysts' expectations, falling to $9.71 billion from $10.36 billion a year earlier.
Warner Bros. Discovery's stock took a nosedive, losing over 10% in value after the entertainment conglomerate reported a nearly $10 billion loss for the second quarter. This development has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the growing challenges faced by traditional media companies in an increasingly digital landscape.
A Massive Write-Down and Revenue Misses
The heart of the issue lies in a substantial $9.1 billion non-cash goodwill impairment charge tied to the company's cable networks. This write-down reflects the diminishing value of legacy television channels like CNN and TNT, which have been struggling to maintain relevance in an era dominated by streaming services. As Netflix and other platforms continue to capture viewers' attention, traditional cable networks are facing an existential crisis.
Warner Bros. Discovery's Q2 performance also disappointed on the revenue front, generating $9.71 billion, down from $10.36 billion in the same period last year. Analysts had hoped for a more modest decline, with predictions hovering around $10.17 billion. The company's widening loss, up from $1.24 billion a year ago to $9.99 billion, underscores the gravity of its current predicament.
Cord-Cutting and Competitive Pressure
The decline of cable networks isn't unique to Warner Bros. Discovery. The entire industry is grappling with the rapid pace of cord-cutting, as more consumers ditch traditional cable subscriptions in favor of streaming alternatives. Disney, for example, recently reported a 7% year-over-year decline in revenue from its linear TV networks, despite profitable streaming ventures like Disney+.
The challenges for Warner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) extend beyond just declining viewership. The company's TNT Sports division recently lost a high-profile bidding war for an 11-year NBA media rights deal, which could further strain its revenue streams moving forward.
A Company in Transition
Warner Bros. Discovery was born out of the 2022 merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, a move that was supposed to create a powerhouse in the media landscape. However, two years into its existence, the company finds itself in the throes of a difficult transition. CEO David Zaslav acknowledged the hurdles in an earnings call, emphasizing that while there have been notable progress points, the company is still grappling with "tough challenges."
One of the major issues is the difference between the market capitalization and book value of the company, which triggered the massive write-down. This discrepancy underscores the market's skepticism about the future value of traditional media assets in a world increasingly dominated by digital content.
Looking Ahead
With its stock down nearly 40% this year, Warner Bros. Discovery is at a crossroads. The company must find a way to navigate the shifting media landscape, where streaming reigns supreme and legacy media faces mounting pressure. The Q2 results serve as a stark reminder that the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, but they also present an opportunity for the company to innovate and adapt.
Technical Outlook
Since the onset of the first quarter of 2022, Warner Bros Discovery stock (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:WBD ) has exhibited a consistent pattern of descending wedge formations, subsequently followed by a phase of consolidation. The daily price chart reveals a Relative Strength Index (RSI) of 32.99, indicative of an oversold market position. Notably, Warner Bros Discovery stock (NASDAQ: NASDAQ:WBD ) has maintained a prolonged oversold status, leading to a substantial 40% decline in its valuation since the commencement of this year.
For now, investors are left to wonder whether Warner Bros. Discovery can successfully reinvent itself or if it will continue to struggle in the face of relentless competition from streaming giants. As the company continues its long-term transition, the future remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the media industry is changing, and Warner Bros. Discovery must change with it.
Despite Growth in Streaming, Warner Bros. Misses Q1 EstimatesWarner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) reported first-quarter results that missed analyst expectations on both the top and bottom lines, despite strength in its streaming unit. The company's stock fell nearly 4% in premarket trading. The company, which owns streaming service Max, a portfolio of cable TV networks including TNT and Discovery, and a film studio, said revenue fell 7% to $9.96 billion compared to the same quarter last year. The net loss attributable to the company was $966 million, or 40 cents per share, an improvement from the year-ago quarter when it reported a loss of $1.07 billion, or 44 cents per share.
The company said total adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization were down roughly 20% during the first quarter to $2.1 billion, noting its "Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League" video game generated significantly lower revenues. Streaming growth was strong, with 2 million direct-to-consumer streaming subscribers added during the quarter, bringing its total to 99.6 million. Advertising revenue for streaming proved to be a bright spot, increasing 70%, boosted by higher engagement on Max in the U.S. due in part to subscriber growth in the streaming service’s ad-lite tier and the launch of sports on the app.
The earnings release follows an announcement this week that Warner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) would bundle its streaming services with those of Disney, tying together Max, Disney+, and Hulu, and offer it to consumers this summer, a callback to the traditional pay-TV package. Pricing has yet to be disclosed, but it will be offered at a discount. This marks the first time two media giants are joining forces to offer a streaming bundle as the push to make streaming profitable continues.
On the sports front, CEO David Zaslav said that media rights negotiations with the NBA are still ongoing, and he is “hopeful to reach an agreement that makes sense for both sides.” NBCUniversal recently made an offer to once again own the rights, and Warner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) began offering NBA games on Max last fall.
TV networks revenue was down 8% to $5.13 billion, with advertising revenue down 11%. While the ad market has been soft for some time now, recent quarterly earnings show there has been improvement for digital and streaming while traditional TV lags behind. Warner Bros. Discovery’s studio segment revenue was down 12% to $2.82 billion compared to the same quarter last year, weighed down by the lackluster release of the latest iteration of “Suicide Squad” and the lingering effects of the Hollywood writers and actors strikes last year.
Warner Bros. Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) has been working to reduce its debt load, which now stands at $43.2 billion, stemming from the merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery in 2022.
Warner Bros Discovery Faces Setbacks Amid Streaming SuccessWarner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) emerges as a significant player, amalgamating the powerhouse entities of WarnerMedia and Discovery. However, recent quarterly results have painted a complex picture of triumphs and challenges for the conglomerate, sending ripples through the industry.
Bigger-than-Expected Loss Amid Studio Struggles
The latest quarterly report from Warner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) has revealed a bigger-than-expected loss. This loss, attributed to a weak advertising market and the repercussions of Hollywood strikes on content production, has investors on edge. The conglomerate's studio business revenue plummeted by 17%, highlighting the struggle to replicate the success of blockbuster hits amidst production disruptions.
Pinning Hopes on Future Releases
Despite the setbacks, Warner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) remains resilient, pinning its hopes on upcoming releases such as the highly anticipated second installment of the sci-fi epic "Dune." Delays stemming from the Hollywood strikes have underscored the challenges faced by the conglomerate, yet optimism persists for a resurgence with strategic releases in the pipeline.
Streaming Surges Amidst Industry Shifts
While the studio business grapples with challenges, Warner Bros Discovery's ( NASDAQ:WBD ) streaming division stands as a beacon of success. With an impressive 97.7 million global customers and a notable shift from losses to profits over the years, the streaming arm exemplifies resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving consumer preferences.
Exploring Strategic Partnerships
In a bid to capture younger audiences and diversify its offerings, Warner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) has embarked on strategic partnerships. The joint venture with Walt Disney and Fox to launch a sports streaming service reflects a proactive approach to staying ahead in a competitive market. Additionally, discussions with Paramount's parent company, National Amusements, signal potential consolidation efforts amidst industry buzz.
Looking Ahead
As Warner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) navigates the landscape of media and entertainment, its resilience and strategic vision remain at the forefront. Despite quarterly setbacks, the conglomerate's streaming division continues to thrive, showcasing adaptability and potential for future growth. With upcoming releases and strategic partnerships on the horizon, Warner Bros Discovery ( NASDAQ:WBD ) is poised to weather challenges and emerge stronger in the dynamic realm of entertainment.
Warner Bros Discovery's ( NASDAQ:WBD ) recent quarterly results underscore the dichotomy of challenges and successes in the ever-evolving media landscape. While setbacks in the studio business cast a shadow, the streaming division's resilience and strategic initiatives offer a glimmer of hope for investors and industry observers alike. As the conglomerate navigates uncertainties and explores new opportunities, its ability to innovate and adapt will be crucial in shaping its future trajectory amidst a rapidly transforming entertainment landscape.
Warner Bros Strong Bullish RallyWBD has seen a strong rally in the past week, gaining over 30% and reaching the fourth spot in terms of market capitalization. The stock has benefited from the growing interest in the WBD ecosystem, which hosts several popular streaming services, such as HBO Max, Discovery+, and Peacock. The stock has also received positive attention from institutional investors, as CoinShares reported that WBD saw $262 million in capital inflows in the week ending November 5, 2023, the highest among all media stocks.
Warner Bros is likely to cross above the upper boundary of the channel, as the price is showing bullish momentum and is supported by the 9-day and 21-day moving averages. The stock could rally towards the next resistance levels at $46.84 and $50.00, where it may face some selling pressure. However, if the buyers fail to sustain the price above the moving averages, the stock could drop towards the lower boundary of the channel, where it may find some buying interest.
S&P 500 Index Sees Substantial Options Trading Acts occurring Warner Bros Discovery Inc traded an impressive 265,486 contracts, equivalent to approximately 26.5 million underlying shares. This figure represents a whopping 140.1% of its average daily trading volume over the past month. The $11 strike put option, expiring on October 13, 2023, was particularly noteworthy with a high volume of 150,113 contracts.
As a prominent player in the Entertainment industry, Warner Bros Discovery Inc operates with a moderate level of debt, as per InvestingPro Tips. The company's stock price movements are quite volatile, which is reflected in its P/E Ratio of -3.88 and the adjusted P/E ratio for LTM2023.Q2 of -6.81, according to InvestingPro data. Despite not being profitable over the last twelve months, analysts predict the company will be profitable this year, a promising outlook for potential investors.
WBD, too attractive to be missed! UPSIDE prospect. HUGE!This past few days, WBD is registering impressive numbers volume-wise. It is now amassing huge net buy positions on the weekly data ascertaining trending shift to the upside.
Higher lows on the weekly histogram and pricing has been created -- conveying the current levels as as the new price base for the series of coming ascend.
Volume has increased exponentially -- doubling its average numbers from 23M to 47M, a 100% increase in net buying activity.
Pricewise, the stock is sitting at a very discounted level of 78.6 FIB. Certainly a bargain buy.
Another key note: WEEKLY DESCENDING TRENDLINE has been broken. A bubble up volume (bottom indicator) has appeared for the first time in more than 8 weeks. HUGE HINT.
Spotted at 13.0
TAYOR
Safeguard capital always.
NFLX is rising from supportNFLX on the 2H chart is rising with the shortest EMA rounding up . Price is now above the
POC line of the volume profile showing buying pressure has extinguished bearish momentum.
The RSI indicator shows RSI to have trended down into oversold territory. Fundamentally,
NFLX revenues have increased with the household password crackdown. Traders and investors
have noted that. I see NFLX as setup for a long entry. I will determine the best entry on
a lower time frame either 5 or 15 minutes. I see targets as 485 and 560 based on horizontal
resistances on the 4H and daily charts and so a good potential reward compared with the
risk of a stop loss at 416 set below the POC.
Profitable streaming business but debt still weighs Headline here is WarnerBrothersDiscovery’s streaming unit swung from a $654M loss to a $50M profit for Q123. Aside from Netflix, none of the streamers are profitable – so profit in WBD’s streaming unit is a “big win” for the company and proof of CEO Zaslav’s drive to reduce debt and increase cashflow. Analysts were forecasting a streaming loss of ~$70M-90M. The company reported a quarterly loss of $1.07B, though its worth noting that $1.81B of that was pre-tax amortization — i.e. the company deliberately harvesting tax losses for the quarter. Adj. EBITDA grew 10% YoY to $2.6B.
We’re mostly happy with this result, though we note free cash flow sat at negative $930M due to interest payments on the company’s outstanding debt. It underscores the company’s mission to keep writing-down debt, which Zaslav has continued to do — the company wrote-down ~$5B worth of debt — total leverage still sits at 5x, and we would like to see this move down to 4x but warn that leverage is likely to remain elevated as the interest portion of WBD’s debt continues to weigh with the current interest rate environment.
We continue to see WBD as a debt offering with an equity stub (much like private equity) – right now WBD has been “leveraged up” — as that debt continues to be paid down the company will spit out more free cash flow — we expect negative earnings for the remainder of the year. See upside as +$15.00 and downside of $8.00. Read more here: research.blackbull.com
WBD | Wave Analysis | Downtrend breakout | Inv. Head & ShouldersWBD : Wave projection - weekly price action and chart pattern analysis
> The downtrend channel 5 motive wave breakout with a possible valid inverted head * shoulders pattern formation
> A potential ABC correction uptrend pattern - a typical wave b bull flag pattern for right shoulder pattern targeting at 0.618 - 0.786 fibonacci retracement of wave a.
> If successfully breakout neckline - TP wave c at 1.618 extension of wave a near MA200w zone +100%
> SL @ IHS position -20% downside
> Indicator : RSI week bullish divergence
Always trade with affordable risk and respect your stoploss
Good Luck
WBD Warner Bros Discovery Options Ahead of EarningsAnalyzing the options chain of WBD Warner Bros Discovery prior to the earnings report this week,
I would consider purchasing the 15usd strike price Calls with
an expiration date of 2024-1-19,
for a premium of approximately $2.00.
If these options prove to be profitable prior to the earnings release, I would sell at least half of them.
Looking forward to read your opinion about it.
WBD hit some resistance and is ready for a breakout.Look at this chart of WBD on the Daily TF.
On the right side of the chart you will see a purple box which marks a pivot point.
Off of that pivot point, there is a Yellow resistance line, where price action was chopping along for some time.
The price action then started creating lower highs and lower lows creating a downward sloping megaphone pattern.
When you see this type of a pattern on towards the lows of the charts this becomes a bullish indicator.
Where you see the yellow line meet with the top of the megaphone pattern is a circle where you can expect resistance.
The resistance is due to the pivot point as well as the top of the megaphone.
If WBD were to hit the target within a couple of days then it would still be valid for a couple day pull back.
Now, if price action chops along the top of the blue line for 6 to 7 days the we can expect a breakout with a potential upside to the $17.00 range.
What do you think will happen?
Let me know in the comments.
Cheers,