Paramount stock experienced a significant boost, closing more than 15% higher on Friday, marking its best day since March 2020. The surge in stock value followed another double-digit gain the previous day. With a week-to-date increase of 28.6%, Paramount is on track for its best week since April 2020. Despite these recent gains, however, the stock is still down approximately 18% year-to-date, setting it up for its seventh consecutive negative year. This persistent downturn presents a challenge for the media giant, as it grapples with turning its fortunes around.
Paramount released its third quarter earnings report after the market closed on Thursday, revealing higher profit and revenue compared to the same period last year. Notably, the company’s streaming business, which includes platforms like Paramount+ and Pluto TV, reported a staggering 38% growth in revenue and narrower losses. Paramount+ alone managed to accrue a total of 63 million subscribers. The positive trends highlighted in the report were well-received by Wall Street analysts. Bernstein Research analysts commended the company’s strong performance in the third quarter, suggesting that if these trends persist, Paramount could expect further earnings growth. Meanwhile, Moffett Nathanson Research analysts expressed cautious optimism about the company, recognizing the improved efficiency and leaner operation demonstrated by Paramount+.
Paramount’s recent surge can be attributed, at least in part, to the successful sale of book publisher Simon & Schuster for $1.62 billion earlier in the week. This move by Paramount’s controlling shareholder, Shari Redstone, signals their openness to potential mergers or selling the entire company, given the right conditions and price. However, prevailing market conditions have complicated the possibilities for a transformative transaction in the foreseeable future.
While Paramount’s latest earnings report showcased positive growth in various areas, the company also experienced some setbacks in the TV sector. Advertising revenue dipped by 14%, affecting its TV assets that include popular brands like MTV, Nickelodeon, CBS, and Showtime. Additionally, licensing and other revenue decreased by 7%. On a brighter note, company executives expressed optimism during the earnings call, emphasizing their belief in Paramount’s ability to rebound with the upcoming slate of content. Notably, Paramount stated that it will not follow in the footsteps of Netflix by cracking down on streaming password-sharing.
Paramount’s stock saw a 10% increase on Thursday, bolstered by a rally in the media sector, triggered by Roku’s strong third quarter earnings report. The surge in Roku users expands the reach of streaming services such as Paramount+, further boosting the company’s prospects. This positive momentum was not exclusive to Paramount, as other media stocks, including Roku and Disney, also experienced significant gains. Looking ahead, Warner Bros Discovery, which reports earnings next week, is also expected to perform well.
Paramount’s recent Q3 earnings report showcased promising growth, particularly in its streaming business. While the stock has seen a significant surge, it still faces challenges in its TV assets and overall stock performance for the year. However, with the successful sale of Simon & Schuster and the current positive momentum in the media industry, there is hope that Paramount can turn the tide and pave the way for a more prosperous future.