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Netflix Reportedly Exploring Bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s Studio and Streaming Assets

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Netflix is reportedly considering a major acquisition that could reshape the entertainment landscape, as the streaming giant explores a bid for Warner Bros Discovery’s studio and streaming business. According to multiple sources, Netflix has hired investment bank Moelis & Co — the same firm that advised Skydance Media in its successful Paramount Global takeover — to evaluate a potential offer.

The move comes after Warner Bros Discovery opened its financial data room to prospective bidders, giving Netflix access to detailed financial records. While both Warner Bros Discovery and Moelis declined to comment, sources say Netflix is actively assessing whether acquiring the studio arm would enhance its content portfolio.

If successful, the acquisition would give Netflix control over iconic franchises like Harry Potter and DC Comics, as well as Warner Bros’ prolific TV studio, which already produces several Netflix hits including You and Maid. The addition of HBO and its premium dramas could further strengthen Netflix’s global dominance in streaming.

Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has previously stated that while the company typically focuses on building rather than buying, it remains open to acquisitions that expand its entertainment offerings. However, Sarandos clarified that Netflix has no interest in Warner Bros Discovery’s legacy cable networks such as CNN, TNT, or Food Network.

Warner Bros Discovery’s board is currently weighing several unsolicited offers, including one from Paramount Skydance, and is considering whether to proceed with a company split or a full sale.

Netflix Shares Drop 10% as Investors Worry Over Valuation and Growth Outlook

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Netflix shares fell more than 10% on Wednesday after the company’s fourth-quarter forecast failed to impress investors, despite a slate of blockbuster titles including the final season of Stranger Things. The decline reflects growing concern that the streaming giant’s valuation — now trading at nearly 40 times forward earnings — has become unsustainably high.

The company reported third-quarter revenue of $11.5 billion, in line with expectations, and forecast $11.96 billion for the next quarter. However, investors were left uneasy by the lack of subscriber metrics since Netflix stopped reporting them earlier this year. Analysts said the market is looking for stronger signals of growth to justify the company’s lofty market position after a 360% stock surge over the past three years.

Netflix’s advertising and gaming divisions, launched to diversify its income, have yet to become major revenue drivers. Still, the company recorded its strongest ad sales quarter ever, without disclosing figures. A $619 million tax-related charge in Brazil also dragged down profits.

Analysts at Wedbush called Netflix’s outlook “underwhelming,” while Evercore ISI suggested buying the dip, noting rival platforms Disney+ and HBO Max have raised prices — potentially giving Netflix room to do the same.

Netflix Shares Fall 5.6% After Brazilian Tax Dispute Hits Quarterly Earnings

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Netflix (NFLX.O) shares dropped 5.6% in after-hours trading on Tuesday after the streaming giant missed Wall Street’s third-quarter profit estimates due to an unexpected $619 million tax expense in Brazil. Despite record ad sales and a promising year-end outlook, the extra charge dragged down earnings and overshadowed otherwise steady revenue growth.

For the quarter ending in September, Netflix reported net income of $2.5 billion, or $5.87 per share, missing analyst forecasts of $3 billion and $6.97 per share, according to LSEG data. Revenue met expectations at $11.5 billion, while operating margin reached 28% — a figure that would have exceeded 31.5% without the one-off tax payment.

The setback comes as Netflix pursues growth beyond streaming through advertising and video games, competing with YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. Analysts said the tax issue weighed on investor sentiment, though the company’s fundamentals remain strong. “All things considered, this was another robust quarter, despite a blip due to an unforeseen expense,” said PP Foresight analyst Paolo Pescatore.

For the fourth quarter, Netflix projected revenue of $11.96 billion, slightly above Wall Street’s $11.90 billion forecast, and earnings per share of $5.45, one cent ahead of estimates.

Executives also addressed ongoing industry consolidation, saying Netflix would remain selective. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the company has “no interest in owning legacy media networks” but may consider acquiring intellectual property. Co-CEO Greg Peters added that competitors’ mergers would not affect Netflix’s competitive position.

The company said it delivered its strongest ad-sales quarter to date, though it did not disclose figures. Analysts believe subscription fees will continue to drive the bulk of Netflix’s growth. “Sustained revenue growth will predominantly come from subscriptions,” said eMarketer’s Ross Benes.

Netflix will end 2025 with a packed lineup, including the final season of “Stranger Things” and two live NFL games on Christmas Day. “We’re finishing the year with good momentum and an exciting Q4 slate,” the company said in its shareholder letter.