Paramount Skydance 10-Q 2026-06-30
Filed 2026-08-04. 7 sections, 345K characters. Original on sec.gov · Markdown · JSON
Cover and table of contents
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2026
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the transition period from ____________ to ____________
Commission File Number 001-42791
Paramount Skydance Corporation
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 99-3917985 | |||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |||
| 1515 Broadway | New York, | New York | 10036 | |
| (Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip Code) |
(212) 258-6000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
| Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value | PSKY | The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such
files). Yes ☒ No ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting
company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and
“emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ |
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ |
| Emerging growth company | ☐ |
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for
complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐ No ☒
Number of shares of common stock outstanding at July 31, 2026:
Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share—31,500,087
Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share— 1,090,445,692
PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements.
PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
| Successor | Predecessor | Successor | Predecessor | ||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||
| Revenues | $6,913 | $6,849 | $14,260 | $14,041 | |||||||||||||
| Costs and expenses: | |||||||||||||||||
| Operating | 4,443 | 4,624 | 9,298 | 9,585 | |||||||||||||
| Selling, general and administrative | 1,443 | 1,401 | 2,854 | 2,944 | |||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 364 | 87 | 726 | 175 | |||||||||||||
| Impairment charges | — | 157 | — | 157 | |||||||||||||
| Restructuring and transaction-related items | 188 | 181 | 291 | 266 | |||||||||||||
| Total costs and expenses | 6,438 | 6,450 | 13,169 | 13,127 | |||||||||||||
| Gain on dispositions | — | — | — | 35 | |||||||||||||
| Operating income | 475 | 399 | 1,091 | 949 | |||||||||||||
| Interest expense | (255) | (214) | (493) | (431) | |||||||||||||
| Interest income | 29 | 32 | 67 | 70 | |||||||||||||
| Other items, net | (34) | (39) | (58) | (76) | |||||||||||||
| Earnings before income taxes and equity in loss of investee companies | 215 | 178 | 607 | 512 | |||||||||||||
| Provision for income taxes | (120) | (50) | (275) | (150) | |||||||||||||
| Equity in loss of investee companies, net of tax | (54) | (67) | (116) | (140) | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings (Parent and noncontrolling interests) | 41 | 61 | 216 | 222 | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests | — | (4) | (7) | (13) | |||||||||||||
| Net earnings attributable to Parent | $41 | $57 | $209 | $209 | |||||||||||||
| Basic net earnings per common share attributable to Parent | $.04 | $.08 | $.19 | $.31 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted net earnings per common share attributable to Parent | $.04 | $.08 | $.19 | $.31 | |||||||||||||
| Weighted average number of common shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||
| Basic | 1,117 | 675 | 1,113 | 673 | |||||||||||||
| Diluted | 1,120 | 680 | 1,119 | 679 | |||||||||||||
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited; in millions)
| Successor | Predecessor | Successor | Predecessor | ||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended June 30, | Three Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | Six Months Ended June 30, | ||||||||||||||||
| 2026 | 2025 | 2026 | 2025 | ||||||||||||||||
| Net earnings (Parent and noncontrolling interests) | $41 | $61 | $216 | $222 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | |||||||||||||||||||
| Cumulative translation adjustments | 27 | 84 | (23) | 152 | |||||||||||||||
| Cash flow hedges | 8 | 8 | (28) | 14 | |||||||||||||||
| Decrease to net actuarial loss and prior service costs | — | 11 | — | 21 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax (Parent and noncontrolling interests) | 35 | 103 | (51) | 187 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income | 76 | 164 | 165 | 409 | |||||||||||||||
| Less: Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 1 | 5 | 8 | 15 | |||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to Parent | $75 | $159 | $157 | $394 |
See notes to consolidated financial statements.
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PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(Unaudited; in millions, except per share amounts)
| At | At | ||||||
| June 30, 2026 | December 31, 2025 | ||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||
| Current Assets: | |||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $1,627 | $3,274 | |||||
| Receivables, net | 6,178 | 6,615 | |||||
| Programming and other inventory | 1,655 | 1,461 | |||||
| Prepaid expenses and other current assets | 1,560 | 1,970 | |||||
| Total current assets | 11,020 | 13,320 | |||||
| Property and equipment, net | 2,216 | 2,195 | |||||
| Programming and other inventory | 15,641 | 15,028 | |||||
| Goodwill | 2,034 | 1,600 | |||||
| Intangible assets, net | 5,649 | 6,238 | |||||
| Operating lease assets | 1,033 | 1,126 | |||||
| Deferred income tax assets, net | 1,347 | 1,282 | |||||
| Advance consideration for WBD acquisition | 2,800 | — | |||||
| Other assets | 2,671 | 2,553 | |||||
| Total Assets | $44,411 | $43,342 | |||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||
| Current Liabilities: | |||||||
| Accounts payable | $511 | $906 | |||||
| Accrued expenses | 2,158 | 2,077 | |||||
| Participants’ share and royalties payable | 2,606 | 2,646 | |||||
| Accrued programming and production costs | 1,801 | 1,832 | |||||
| Deferred revenues | 1,486 | 1,355 | |||||
| Debt | 665 | 433 | |||||
| Other current liabilities | 1,373 | 1,350 | |||||
| Total current liabilities | 10,600 | 10,599 | |||||
| Long-term debt | 14,491 | 13,225 | |||||
| Participants’ share and royalties payable | 1,437 | 1,361 | |||||
| Pension and postretirement benefit obligations | 1,169 | 1,185 | |||||
| Deferred income tax liabilities, net | 68 | 85 | |||||
| Operating lease liabilities | 1,046 | 1,150 | |||||
| Programming obligations | 581 | 400 | |||||
| Other liabilities | 2,209 | 2,450 | |||||
| Commitments and contingencies (Note 14) | |||||||
| Parent stockholders’ equity: | |||||||
| Class A Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 55 shares authorized; 32 (2026 and 2025) shares issued | — | — | |||||
| Class B Common Stock, par value $.001 per share; 7,000 (2026) and 5,500 (2025) shares authorized; 1,089 (2026) and 1,076 (2025) shares issued | 1 | 1 | |||||
| Additional paid-in |
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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Results of Operations and Financial Condition.
| | (Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts) |
Management’s discussion and analysis of the results of operations and financial condition of Paramount Skydance
Corporation should be read in conjunction with the more detailed financial statements and notes thereto included in
our Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 13, 2026, which was filed in order to
recast the financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025
to reflect our new segment presentation. References to “Paramount,” the “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to
Paramount Skydance Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
Warner Bros. Discovery Merger—On February 27, 2026, Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (“WBD”)
announced a definitive merger agreement (the “WBD Merger Agreement”) under which Paramount will acquire
WBD (the “WBD Merger”). The closing of the WBD Merger is subject to customary closing conditions, including
regulatory clearances. The anticipated closing of the WBD Merger has been delayed as a result of a lawsuit, with
the parties agreeing to postpone closing until the earlier of five days following the court’s ruling or June 1, 2027.
The completion of the WBD Merger remains subject to regulatory clearance in certain jurisdictions. Recent
approvals include the European Commission in July 2026 under both the EU Merger Regulation and EU Foreign
Subsidies Regulation following a Phase 1 review.
Under the terms of the WBD Merger Agreement, Paramount will pay $31.00 per WBD share to acquire all
outstanding shares of WBD, which at the time of the WBD Merger Agreement represented an equity value of
$80.9 billion, and will assume WBD’s net debt. At March 31, 2026, WBD’s debt (excluding finance leases) was
comprised of $17.7 billion of senior notes and $15.0 billion of borrowings from a bridge facility. Furthermore, if
the WBD Merger closes, Paramount will pay WBD stockholders a per share “ticking fee” of $0.00277778 for each
day after September 30, 2026 that the WBD Merger has not closed, up to a maximum of $0.25 per WBD share per
90 calendar day period (the “Ticking Consideration”). No Ticking Consideration is payable if the WBD Merger
Agreement is terminated pursuant to its terms. The WBD Merger Agreement has a termination date of March 4,
2027, subject to one automatic extension to June 4, 2027. Also, under the terms of the WBD Merger Agreement, in
the first quarter of 2026, Paramount paid a termination fee of $2.8 billion to Netflix, Inc. (“Netflix”) on behalf of
WBD in connection with the termination of a prior merger agreement between Netflix and WBD. This payment
was initially funded with cash on hand and a $2.15 billion borrowing from our credit facility (see Capital
Structure) and, in accordance with the Subscription Agreements described below, entered into by the Ellison
Parties (as defined below), such amount will ultimately be funded by the $46.7 billion to be received from the
Ellison Parties.
If the WBD Merger Agreement is terminated because the WBD Merger cannot close due to a failure to obtain
antitrust or regulatory approval, or because a court order prevents the WBD Merger from closing on antitrust
grounds, Paramount will owe WBD a $7.0 billion Regulatory Termination Fee (as defined in the WBD Merger
Agreement). In accordance with the Subscription Agreements, this termination fee and the previously paid $2.8
billion Netflix termination fee described above would be funded by the Ellison Parties in exchange for shares of
Paramount Skydance Corporation Class B Common Stock (as defined below) at $16.02 per share.
WBD will owe Paramount a $3.0 billion termination fee under certain circumstances, including if WBD terminates
the WBD Merger Agreement to enter into a definitive agreement for an alternative acquisition proposal.
Concurrent with the execution of the WBD Merger Agreement (i) The Lawrence J. Ellison Revocable Trust, u/a/d
1/22/88, as amended (the “Trust”), and Lawrence J. Ellison (together with the Trust, the “Ellison Parties”) and (ii)
RedBird Capital Partners Fund IV (Master), L.P. (“RedBird” and, together with the Trust, the “Equity Investors”)
entered into subscription agreements (collectively, the “Subscription Agreements”) providing for a private
placement investment in Class B common stock of Paramount Skydance Corporation (“Paramount Skydance
Corporation Class B Common Stock”), for an aggregate amount of up to $46.7 billion (subject to increase if the
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Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Results of Operations and Financial Condition (Continued)
(Tabular dollars in millions, except per share amounts)
Ticking Consideration or certain other additional amounts as defined in the WBD Merger Agreement are required)
from the Trust and $250 million from RedBird pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreements.
In April 2026, we announced that the Equity Investors had determined, as permitted under the Subscription
Agreements, to assign their subscription rights thereunder (such assignments, the “Equity Syndication” and the
assignees, the “Equity Syndication Parties”) to the Equity Syndication Parties. The Equity Syndication Parties are
composed of affiliates of the Ellison Parties and RedBird, as well as the following institutional investors: The
Public Investment Fund, L’Imad 1st SPV 2 Exempt RSC LTD (an investment vehicle of L’Imad Holding, an Abu
Dhabi sovereign wealth fund), QIA TMT Holding LLC (an investment vehicle of the Qatar Investment Authority),
and LionTree Investment Fund, L.P. The aggregate allocations under the Equity Syndication total to the full
amount of the commitments under the Subscription Agreements. At closing of the WBD Merger, Paramount will
issue to each Equity Syndication Party a number of newly issued nonvoting shares of Paramount Skydance
Corporation Class B Common Stock (or securities convertible into shares) equal to its allocated amount divided by
the Syndication Purchase Price, defined as the 20-trading-day daily volume-weighted average price of Paramount
Skydance Corporation Class B Common Stock determined as of the third business day prior to the closing of the
WBD Merger, subject to a ceiling of $16.02 per share and a floor of $12.00 per share. The Equity Syndication does
not relieve the Equity Investors of their contractual commitments made to the Company. To the extent that any
Equity Syndication Party does not perform under its syndication assignment, the obligation of the Equity Investors
to fund the related amount of the commitments would continue to be required under the Subscription Agreements.
Following the closing, the Ellison Family (as defined below) and RedBird will remain the sole holders of
Paramount Class A Common Stock, representing 100% of the voting shares of Paramount. For the purpose of
determining the controlling ownership of Paramount, the Ellison family is comprised of Lawrence J. Ellison and
David Ellison (the “Ellison Family”). David Ellison is the son of Lawrence J. Ellison, and Lawrence J. Ellison and
David Ellison are accordingly considered immediate family members.
We have also secured commitments for debt financing totaling $54 billion, which include a $49 billion 364-day
senior secured bridge loan facility, which we plan, subject to market conditions and other timing considerations, to
reduce or replace with permanent financing (which may include issuance of debt securities) on or prior to the
closing of the WBD Merger and, in connection with a credit agreement entered into in April 2026 (the “Pro Rata
Credit Agreement”), $2.50 billion three-year senior secured term A loans and $2.50 billion five-year senior secured
term A loans. The term A loans will be made in a single borrowing on the closing date of the WBD Merger. The
Pro Rata Credit A
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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
See Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures.
Our principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of the end of the period
covered by this report, our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) or 15d-15(e) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) were effective, based on the evaluation of these controls and
procedures required by Rule 13a-15(b) or 15d-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during our last fiscal quarter that has materially
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
| Item 1. Legal Proceedings. |
The information set forth in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Item 1 of Part I of this
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q under the caption “Legal Matters” is incorporated by reference herein.
Item 1A. Risk Factors.
In addition to the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025
(filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 25, 2026), the following risks relating to the
WBD Merger could adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations before and after the
completion of the WBD Merger.
Risks Relating to the WBD Merger
The proposed WBD Merger may cause disruption in our and WBD’s business and commercial relationships.
The proposed WBD Merger could cause disruptions to our business or commercial relationships, or those of WBD,
which could have an adverse impact on our and WBD’s business, financial condition or results of operations.
Parties with which we or WBD have business relationships may experience uncertainty as to the future of such
relationships and may delay or defer certain business decisions, seek alternative relationships with third parties or
seek to alter their present business relationships with us. Parties with whom we or WBD otherwise may have
sought to establish business relationships may seek alternative relationships with third parties. We have
experienced, and may continue to experience, negative publicity relating to the WBD Merger, which could have an
adverse effect on our or WBD’s ongoing operations including, but not limited to, retaining and attracting
employees and creative talent, maintaining our relationships with existing customers and obtaining potential new
customers. We compete with other content creators for creative talent, including producers, directors, actors and
writers and if we fail to retain or attract new key employees or creative talent, our business, financial condition or
results of operations could be adversely affected.
The pursuit of the WBD Merger and the preparation for the integration of WBD may place a significant burden on
our management and internal resources. The diversion of management’s attention away from day-to-day business
concerns and any difficulties encountered in the transition and integration process could adversely affect our
business, financial condition or results of operations.
Failure to consummate the WBD Merger could negatively impact our business, financial condition, results of
operations and stock price.
The WBD Merger cannot be consummated until conditions to Closing (as defined in the WBD Merger Agreement)
are satisfied or, if permissible under applicable law, waived. The WBD Merger is subject to numerous Closing
conditions, including the receipt of required regulatory approvals and the absence of any orders enjoining the
consummation of the WBD Merger. See “—The WBD Merger is subject to a number of Closing conditions and, if
these conditions are not satisfied, the WBD Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and
the WBD Merger may not be consummated. In addition, the parties have the right to terminate the WBD Merger
Agreement under certain circumstances, in which case the WBD Merger would not be consummated.”
There can be no assurance that the conditions to completion of the WBD Merger, including the receipt of required
regulatory approvals, will be satisfied or waived on a timely basis or at all. Further, there can be no assurance that
governmental authorities will not impose conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions and that such conditions,
terms, obligations or restrictions will not have the effect of delaying or preventing consummation of the WBD
Merger. For example, in July 2026, twelve states (California, Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Massachusetts,
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Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon and Washington) filed an antitrust action in the
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against Paramount and WBD relating to the WBD
Merger, seeking to block the WBD Merger, among other relief. On July 24, 2026, we entered into a stipulation
agreeing that the WBD Merger will not close, and we will not take any steps to integrate the operations of
Paramount with those of WBD, until the earlier of five days following the court’s ruling or June 1, 2027.
If in connection with any of the above or otherwise, WBD or Paramount is required to divest assets or businesses
or to agree to other conditions, obligations or restrictions on the conduct of its business, there can be no assurance
that we or WBD will be able to negotiate such divestitures or other measures expeditiously or on favorable terms
or that the governmental authorities will approve the terms of such divestitures or other measures. In addition, we
can provide no assurance that these conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions will not result in the abandonment
of the WBD Merger. If the conditions to completion of the WBD Merger are not satisfied or waived, we may be
unable to complete the WBD Merger in the time frame or manner currently anticipated or at all.
If the WBD Merger is not completed by September 30, 2026, we have agreed in the WBD Merger Agreement to
pay as merger consideration to WBD stockholders an additional amount in cash equal to $0.00277778 multiplied
by the number of calendar days elapsed after September 30, 2026, to and including the closing date (which, for the
avoidance of doubt, will not exceed $0.25 per 90 calendar day period). The anticipated closing of the WBD Merger
has been delayed as a result of the lawsuit described above, with the parties agreeing to postpone closing until the
earlier of five days following the court’s ruling or June 1, 2027.
Additionally, if the WBD Merger is not completed, our ongoing business may be adversely affected and we will be
subject to several risks or consequences, including:
- if the WBD Merger Agreement is terminated under certain circumstances, including where required regulatory
approvals have not been obtained or because a court order prevents the WBD Merger from closing on antitrust
grounds, we may be required to pay WBD a $7.0 billion Regulatory Termination Fee (as defined in the WBD
Merger Agreement), the payment of which would likely require us to issue additional equity pursuant to the
Subscription Agreements, with corresponding dilution to our existing stockholders;
- we will be required to pay certain costs relating to the WBD Merger, whether or not the WBD Merger is
consummated, such as significant fees and expenses relating to financial advisory, legal, accounting,
consulting or other advisory fees or expenses, employee-benefit or related expenses, regulatory filings or filing
and printing fees, none of which we would be able to recover;
- matters relating to the WBD Merger may require substantial commitments of time and resources by our
management or the expenditure of significant funds in the form of fees and expenses, which could otherwise
have been devoted to day-to-day operations or other opportunities that may have been beneficial to us;
- the commitments we have obtained to finance the WBD Merger, including a senior secured bridge term loan
facility, may require us to pay certain fees and expenses in connection with such commitments, and such fees
and expenses could be substantial;
- the ratings agencies could downgrade, or take other negative actions with respect to, our credit ratings or
ratings outlook, which could adversely affect our ability to obtain cost-effective financing;
- the price of our Class B Common Stock could decline significantly, including to the extent the current market
price reflects an assumption that the WBD Merger will be consummated;
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- we would not realize the benefits expected from the WBD Merger, which could place us at a disadvantage in
competing with technology companies and others for content, creative talent and distribution;
- we would continue to operate on a standalone basis, without the cost savings, synergies and other benefits
expected from the WBD Merger, and as a result we may face greater challenges in executing our strategic and
financial plans, and be required to implement additional cost-reduction measures, including further reductions
in content and other spending, in order to achieve those plans; and
- declines in our linear television revenues are expected to persist, and the growth of our streaming business on a
standalone basis may be insufficient to offset them. See the risk factors included in our Annual Report on Form
10-K referred to above under “Risks Relating to Our Business and Industry.”
In addition, if the WBD Merger is not consummated, we may experience negative reactions from the financial
markets or from our employees, commercial partners, clients or customers. We could also be subject to litigation,
including litigation related to failure to consummate the WBD Merger or to enforce our obligations under the
WBD Merger Agreement. If the WBD Merger is not consummated, the risks described above may materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations or stock price. For a description of the
circumstances under which the Regulatory Termination Fee is payable, see the WBD Merger Agreement.
Paramount and WBD must obtain certain regulatory approvals in order to consummate the WBD Merger; if
such approvals are not obtained or are obtained with conditions or if the WBD Merger is enjoined in connection
with legal or regulatory proceedings, the WBD Merger may be prevented or delayed or the anticipated benefits
of the WBD Merger could be reduced.
The Closing is conditioned upon, among other things, the clearance or approval by various regulatory authorities in
the United States and other jurisdictions and the absence of any orders enjoining the consummation of the WBD
Merger. As a condition to granting the necessary approvals or clearances, regulatory authorities may impose
conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions or require divestitures or place restrictions on our business after
consummation of the WBD Merger. If any such divestitures negatively impact our credit profile and credit ratings
as compared to the combined business if we did not have to undertake such divestitures, we may not be able to
obtain financing on as favorable terms as we otherwise anticipated, or at all. Any such requirements or restrictions
sought by regulatory authorities could negatively affect our business, financial condition or results of operations
following consummation of the WBD Merger. Any such requirements or restrictions may prevent or delay
consummation of the WBD Merger or may reduce the anticipated benefits of the WBD Merger, which could also
have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
The WBD Merger is subject to a number of Closing conditions and, if these conditions are not satisfied, the
WBD Merger Agreement may be terminated in accordance with its terms and the WBD Merger may not be
consummated. In addition, the parties have the right to terminate the WBD Merger Agreement under certain
circumstances, in which case the WBD Merger would not be consummated.
The WBD Merger is subject to a number of Closing conditions and, if these conditions are not satisfied or waived
(to the extent permitted by law), the WBD Merger may not be consummated. These conditions include: (i) the
expiration of certain mandatory waiting periods or receipt of certain other clearances or affirmative approvals of
certain governmental bodies, agencies or authorities and (ii) the absence of any law or order, issued by a court or
governmental entity of competent jurisdiction, restraining, enjoining, prohibiting or preventing the consummation
of the WBD Merger. Each of WBD’s and Paramount’s obligations to consummate the WBD Merger is also subject
to certain other conditions, including, among others, the compliance with pre-closing covenants by and the
accuracy of the representations and warranties of WBD (on the part of Paramount), on the one hand, and
Paramount and Merger Sub (as defined in the WBD Merger Agreement) (on the part of WBD), on the other hand
(in each case, subject to certain qualifications). Paramount’s obligation to consummate the WBD Merger is also
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subject to (x) the absence of certain changes that have had, or would reasonably be expected to have, a material
adverse effect with respect to the Streaming and Studios segments of WBD and (y) WBD not having completed the
separation of its Streaming and Studios business from its Global Linear Networks business nor having declared or
made any dividend to WBD’s stockholders to effectuate such separation. These Closing conditions may not be
fulfilled and, accordingly, the WBD Merger may not be consummated.
Additionally, the WBD Merger Agreement may be terminated by either Paramount or WBD (i) by mutual written
consent, (ii) if any governmental entity of competent jurisdiction issues, enacts, enforces or enters any order
permanently enjoining or prohibiting the consummation of the WBD Merger, and such order becomes final and
non-appealable, or (iii) subject to certain limitations, if the Effective Time (as defined in the WBD Merger
Agreement) has not occurred on or before 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on March 4, 2027 (the “End Date”), subject to
one automatic extension to June 4, 2027 if on such date all of the closing conditions, except those related to
regulatory approvals and governmental orders, have been satisfied or waived. In addition, (x) the WBD Merger
Agreement may be terminated by Paramount due to certain breaches by WBD of its representations, warranties and
covenants contained in the WBD Merger Agreement, subject to certain cure rights and (y) the WBD Merger
Agreement may be terminated by WBD due to certain breaches by Paramount of its representations, warranties and
covenants contained in the WBD Merger Agreement, subject to certain cure rights.
Litigation relating to the WBD Merger could prevent or further delay the Closing and/or result in the payment
of damages following the Closing.
In connection with the WBD Merger, we and WBD are subject to litigation and related proceedings, including
proceedings seeking to block or enjoin the WBD Merger or seeking monetary damages, and we may become
subject to additional litigation, demand letters, claims, enforcement actions or other proceedings relating to the
WBD Merger. See Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements appearing in Item 1 of Part I of this Quarterly
Report on Form 10-Q under the caption “Legal Matters—Litigation Relating to the WBD Merger,” and Part II,
Item 1, “Legal Proceedings,” for additional information regarding certain pending WBD Merger litigation and
related proceedings.
The outcome of litigation and other proceedings is uncertain, and these matters, and any additional litigation,
demand letters, claims, enforcement actions or other proceedings relating to the WBD Merger, could prevent or
delay the Closing, result in substantial costs to WBD and Paramount, result in the payment of damages following
the Closing, or otherwise adversely affect our business, financial condition or results of operations.
In addition, governmental authorities have initiated, and could initiate additional, actions challenging the WBD
Merger, which could further delay or prevent the Closing, result in burdensome conditions, terms, obligations or
restrictions, or otherwise adversely affect the post-close entity. The anticipated closing of the WBD Merger has
been delayed as a result of the lawsuit described above, with the parties agreeing to postpone closing until the
earlier of five days following the court’s ruling or June 1, 2027.
Although we expect the WBD Merger will result in synergies and other benefits, those synergies and benefits
may not be realized or may not be realized within the expected time frame. WBD’s business may not be
integrated successfully, or such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected.
Operating costs, customer loss and business disruption, including difficulties in maintaining relationships with
employees, customers, suppliers or vendors, may be greater than expected following the WBD Merger. Revenues
following the WBD Merger may be lower than expected.
Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the WBD Merger will depend, to a large extent, on our ability to
integrate WBD’s business in a manner that facilitates growth opportunities or achieves the potential synergies, cost
savings or revenue growth opportunities identified by Paramount without adversely affecting current revenues or
investments in future growth. If we were required to divest certain businesses or assets, it may reduce our ability to
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fully recognize such synergies. Even if we are able to integrate WBD successfully, the anticipated benefits of the
WBD Merger, including the expected synergies, may not be realized fully or at all or may take longer to realize
than expected.
The acquisition of another public company and integration of its business with our business is complex, costly and
time-consuming and may divert significant management attention or resources towards integration planning at the
expense of Paramount’s and WBD’s ordinary course business practices and operations. Paramount and WBD have
been operated as standalone businesses, and they will continue to be operated as such until the consummation of
the WBD Merger. Upon consummation of the WBD Merger, our management may face significant challenges in
integrating the technologies, organizations, systems, procedures, policies and operations, as well as addressing the
different business cultures at Paramount and WBD, managing the increased scale and scope of the combined
businesses, identifying and eliminating duplicative programs, and retaining key personnel. The post-closing
integration process could take longer than anticipated and could result in the loss of key employees, the disruption
of each company’s ongoing businesses, tax costs or inefficiencies, or inconsistencies in standards, controls,
information technology systems, procedures and policies, any of which could adversely affect our ability to
maintain relationships with customers, employees or other third parties. The overall combination of Paramount’s
and WBD’s businesses may also result in material unanticipated expenses, liabilities, competitive disadvantages,
and loss of customer, creative talent and other business relationships. Failure to efficiently and effectively integrate
the two businesses and to realize the anticipated benefits of the WBD Merger could adversely affect our business,
financial condition or results of operations. We have entered into a stipulation agreeing that the WBD Merger will
not close, and we will not take any steps to integrate the operations of Paramount with those of WBD, until the
earlier of five days following the court’s ruling or June 1, 2027.
The difficulties of combining the operations of Paramount and WBD include, among others:
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the diversion of management attention to integration matters;
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difficulties in integrating operations and systems, including administrative, human resources and information
technology infrastructure, financial reporting and internal control systems and intellectual property and
communications systems;
- challenges in conforming standards, controls, procedures and accounting and other policies, business cultures
and compensation structures between the two companies;
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difficulties in integrating employees and attracting and retaining key personnel, including talent;
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challenges in retaining existing, and obtaining new customers, viewers, subscribers, suppliers, distributors,
licensors, lessors, employees, business associates, advertisers, creative talent and others;
- difficulties in achieving anticipated cost savings, synergies, accretion targets, business opportunities, financing
plans and growth prospects from the combination;
- difficulties in managing the expanded operations of a significantly larger and more complex combined
company;
- the costs of servicing the increased indebtedness and interest expense of the combined company resulting from
the WBD Merger and the related financing transactions;
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challenges in continuing to develop valuable and widely-accepted content and technologies;
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contingent liabilities that are larger than expected; and
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- potential unknown liabilities, adverse consequences and unforeseen increased expenses associated with the
WBD Merger.
Many of these factors are outside of the control of Paramount and WBD, and any one of them could result in lower
revenues, higher costs and diversion of management time and energy, which could materially and adversely impact
our business, financial condition or results of operations. In addition, even if the operations of WBD’s business are
integrated successfully with Paramount, the full benefits of the WBD Merger may not be realized, including,
among others, the synergies, cost savings or sales or growth opportunities that are expected. These benefits may
not be achieved within the anticipated time frame or at all. Further, additional unanticipated costs may be incurred
in the integration of WBD’s business and the financing of the transactions. All of these factors could cause dilution
to the earnings per share of Paramount, decrease or delay the projected accretive effect of the WBD Merger, and
negatively impact the price of our Class B Common Stock following the WBD Merger. As a result, no assurances
can be provided that acquisition of WBD will result in the realization of the full benefits expected from the WBD
Merger within the anticipated time frames or at all.
We have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial direct and indirect costs as a result of the WBD
Merger.
We have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial expenses in connection with and as a result of completing
the WBD Merger, including financial advisory, legal, accounting, consulting and other advisory fees and expenses,
employee-benefit and related expenses, regulatory filings, financing fees and filing and printing fees. In addition,
over a period of time following the Closing, we expect to incur substantial expenses in connection with integrating
and coordinating WBD’s business, operations, policies and procedures. A portion of the transaction costs related to
the WBD Merger will be incurred regardless of whether the WBD Merger is completed. While we have assumed
that a certain level of transaction expenses will be incurred, factors beyond our control could affect the total
amount or the timing of these expenses. Many of the expenses that will be incurred are, by their nature, difficult to
estimate accurately. These expenses may exceed the costs historically borne by us. These costs could adversely
affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. We expect that these expenses will increase, the
longer it takes to complete the WBD Merger.
We are incurring substantial indebtedness in connection with the WBD Merger, and the degree to which we will
be leveraged following the completion of the WBD Merger may materially and adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We are incurring substantial indebtedness in connection with the WBD Merger. As of June 30, 2026, as adjusted
for the WBD Merger, including assuming (i) an estimated $17.7 billion of outstanding senior notes of WBD as of
March 31, 2026, are assumed in connection with the WBD Merger, (ii) borrowing the full amount of the $49.0
billion 364-day senior secured bridge term loan facility (or any other permanent financing incurred to reduce or
replace such facility), including to refinance the WBD Term Loans, (iii) the two term A loans each for $2.5 billion
to be funded at Closing, with maturities of three and five years, respectively, (iv) that our existing revolving credit
facility is paid down at Closing and (v) that the new $5.0 billion five-year senior secured revolving credit facility
remains undrawn, we would have had approximately $86.3 billion of total debt (excluding debt issuance costs and
capital lease obligations).
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the debt incurred pursuant to the
WBD Merger, as well as any future debt that we may incur, will depend on our ability to generate cash in the
future from operations or financings. Our ability to generate cash is subject to general economic, financial,
competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control. We may not generate sufficient
cash flow from our operations or that future borrowings will be available to us in an amount sufficient to service
our debt and meet our business needs, such as funding working capital or the expansion of our operations.
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If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund debt service obligations or we are not able to repay
or refinance our debt as it becomes due, we may be forced to take certain actions, including reducing spending on
content and programming, reducing future financing for working capital, capital expenditures and general
corporate purposes, reducing or delaying investments, reducing, suspending or eliminating our dividend, disposing
of material assets or operations, seeking additional debt or equity capital, restructuring or refinancing our
indebtedness or dedicating an unsustainable level of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal and
interest on our indebtedness. The lenders or bondholders that hold our debt could also accelerate amounts due in
the event that we default, which could potentially trigger a default or acceleration of the maturity of our other debt.
The level and quality of the combined company’s earnings, operations, business and management, among other
things, will impact the determination of the combined company’s credit ratings. A decrease in the ratings assigned
to the combined company or any series of its debt by the ratings agencies may negatively impact the combined
company’s access to the debt capital markets and increase the combined company’s cost of borrowing. There can
be no assurance that the combined company will be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms or at all, or be
able to generate sufficient cash flow to reduce leverage in the time frame expected or at all. In addition, there can
be no assurance that the combined company will be able to maintain the current creditworthiness or prospective
credit ratings of Paramount or WBD, particularly given recent negative ratings actions or credit watches taken in
light of the WBD Merger, and any further actual or anticipated changes or downgrades in such credit ratings may
have a negative impact on the liquidity, capital position or access to capital markets of the combined company.
In addition, our leverage could put us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that are less
leveraged. These competitors could have greater financial flexibility to pursue strategic acquisitions and secure
additional financing for their operations. Our leverage could also impede our ability to withstand downturns in our
industry or the economy in general.
Despite our expected level of indebtedness, we may still incur substantially more indebtedness. This could
exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness.
We may incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The terms of the agreements governing the
indebtedness we will incur in connection with the WBD Merger may limit, but not prohibit, us from incurring
additional indebtedness. If new indebtedness is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face
could increase. Any additional indebtedness could have the effect of, among other things, reducing our flexibility
to respond to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, the amount of cash required to pay interest
on any additional indebtedness levels will increase the demand on our cash resources and reduce funds available
for capital expenditures, share repurchases and dividends, and other activities and may create competitive
disadvantages for us relative to other companies with lower debt levels.
Our existing stockholders will have a reduced ownership and economic interest in Paramount after the WBD
Merger. The PIPE Transaction and the issuance of the Warrants may cause dilution to the earnings per share
of Paramount, which may negatively affect the market price of our Class B Common Stock.
Following Closing, it is anticipated that the Equity Syndication Parties (excluding affiliates of the Ellison Parties
and RedBird) will receive approximately 40% to 43% of the outstanding shares of our Class B Common Stock as a
result of the PIPE Transaction (as defined in the WBD Merger Agreement). The shares of Class B Common Stock
issued in the PIPE Transaction will represent, in the aggregate, 73% to 78% of the shares of our Class B Common
Stock outstanding after giving effect to the PIPE Transaction and assuming no Ticking Consideration is payable.
Consequently, our existing stockholders will have a reduced ownership and economic interest following the
consummation of the WBD Merger and the PIPE Transaction. Additionally, the Subscription Agreement with the
Ellison Parties would result in the issuance of additional shares of Class B Common Stock in the amount required
to finance any such Ticking Consideration. Assuming payment of the maximum Ticking Consideration that would
be payable through the extended End Date of June 4, 2027 pursuant to the WBD Merger Agreement, the shares of
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Class B Common Stock issued in the PIPE Transaction will represent, in the aggregate, 74% to 79%, of the shares
of our Class B Common Stock outstanding after giving effect to the PIPE Transaction.
A change in the concentration of the ownership of our Class B Common Stock as a result of the WBD Merger may
affect the public float and trading volume in our Class B Common Stock. Our Class B Common Stock may be less
liquid as a result of a reduced public float than the shares of companies with broader public ownership, which
could have the effect of increasing volatility and adversely affecting the trading price of our Class B Common
Stock.
The issuance of shares of our Class B Common Stock as part of the PIPE Transaction and the shares of Class B
Common Stock issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants could have the effect of depressing the market price of
our Class B Common Stock. Furthermore, if we raise additional equity capital following the Closing, including in
order to achieve our deleveraging goals with respect to the substantial indebtedness we will incur in connection
with the WBD Merger, any such equity financings would result in additional dilution to holders of our common
stock. In addition, we could encounter other transaction-related costs or effects, such as the failure to realize all of
the benefits anticipated in the WBD Merger, which could cause dilution to earnings per share or decrease or delay
the expected accretive effect of the WBD Merger and cause a decrease in the market price of our Class B Common
Stock. We may also be required to pay the $7.0 billion Regulatory Termination Fee pursuant to the terms of the
WBD Merger Agreement, which is expected to be financed through the issuance of additional shares of Class B
Common Stock pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Agreements. If this occurs, it would result in dilution to
our existing stockholders even if the WBD Merger is not consummated.
| Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds. |
Company Purchases of Equity Securities
None.
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Item 6. Exhibits.
| Exhibit No. | Description of Document | |
| (3) | Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws | |
| (a) | Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Paramount Skydance Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Paramount Skydance Corporation filed April 7, 2026) (File No. 001-42791). | |
| (10) | Material Contracts | |
| (a) | Pro Rata Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2026, by and among the parties listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Paramount Skydance Corporation filed April 9, 2026) (File No. 001-42791). | |
| (b) | Amendment No. 7 to the Revolving Credit Agreement, dated as of April 7, 2026, by and among the parties listed therein (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Paramount Skydance Corporation filed April 9, 2026) (File No. 001-42791). | |
| (c) | Separation Agreement, dated as of April 8, 2026, by and among Paramount Skydance Corporation, Paramount Global and Jeffrey Shell (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Current Report on Form 8-K of Paramount Skydance Corporation filed April 9, 2026) (File No. 001-42791). | |
| (31) | Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certifications | |
| (a) | Certification of the principal executive officer of Paramount Skydance Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). | |
| (b) | Certification of the principal financial officer of Paramount Skydance Corporation pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a), or 15d-14(a), as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). | |
| (32) | Section 1350 Certifications | |
| (a) | Certification of the principal executive officer of Paramount Skydance Corporation furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). | |
| (b) | Certification of the principal financial officer of Paramount Skydance Corporation furnished pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (furnished herewith). | |
| (101) | Interactive Data File | |
| 101. INS XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document. | ||
| 101. SCH Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema. | ||
| 101. CAL Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase. | ||
| 101. DEF Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase. | ||
| 101. LAB Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase. | ||
| 101. PRE Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase. | ||
| (104) | Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101). |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to
be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
| PARAMOUNT SKYDANCE CORPORATION (Registrant) | |
| Date: August 4, 2026 | /s/ Dennis Cinelli |
| Dennis Cinelli Chief Financial Officer | |
| Date: August 4, 2026 | /s/ Katherine Gill-Charest |
| Katherine Gill-Charest Executive Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer |