Paramount Skydance has boosted its bid for Warner Bros Discovery by offering shareholders extra cash if the deal drags beyond 2026 and agreeing to cover Netflix’s breakup fee if Warner Bros walks away.
The move is the latest in Paramount’s ongoing battle with Netflix for the Hollywood studio’s prized film and TV assets.
The new incentives include a 25-cent-per-share “ticking fee,” worth about $650 million per quarter from early 2027 until the deal closes.
According to CNA, Paramount has not increased its $30-per-share offer, totaling $108.4 billion including debt, but pledged to fund the $2.8 billion termination fee Warner Bros would owe Netflix if their $82.7 billion merger collapses.
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Both Netflix and Paramount covet Warner Bros for its blockbuster franchises, including “Game of Thrones,” “Harry Potter,” and DC Comics superheroes like Batman and Superman.
Paramount, which owns CBS, would also acquire Warner Bros’ television networks, including CNN and TNT, which are expected to spin off into a separately traded company, Discovery Global.
Paramount CEO David Ellison said, “We are making meaningful enhancements – backing this offer with billions of dollars, providing shareholders with certainty in value, a clear regulatory path, and protection against market volatility.”
The company has also raised Ellison’s personal guarantee to $43.3 billion and secured $54 billion in debt financing from Bank of America, Citigroup, and Apollo.
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Paramount’s Desperate Warner Bros Bid $650M Quarterly “Bribes” to Kill the Deal?
Paramount is throwing everything to block Warner Bros from merging with them. They now promise $650 million every quarter to WB shareholders if the deal doesn’t close by end of 2026.
Despite the sweetened offer, analysts say Paramount may struggle to win over Warner Bros shareholders.
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Ross Benes, senior analyst at Emarketer, called the move “throwing spaghetti at the wall and hoping something sticks,” noting that Paramount’s best chance may come from regulatory hurdles blocking Netflix.
Activist investor Ancora Holdings, which owns roughly $200 million in Warner Bros shares, has expressed opposition to the Netflix deal and could push for Paramount if the board fails to secure a better offer, Reutersreported.
Warner Bros said its board will review the updated offer but maintains support for Netflix’s merger.
Paramount has also addressed other concerns by offering to backstop Warner Bros’ planned debt exchange and certifying compliance with US antitrust regulators.
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It is in talks with regulators in the US, EU, and UK and has secured foreign investment approval in Germany.
Netflix’s $82.7 billion all-cash offer remains in place. Gaining Warner Bros’ assets could give Netflix cultural and streaming power, with nearly half a billion subscribers worldwide. A Warner Bros shareholder vote on the Netflix deal is expected by April.
GXO Logistics, Inc. (GXO) Q4 2025 Earnings Call February 11, 2026 8:30 AM EST
Company Participants
Patrick Kelleher – Chief Executive Officer Baris Oran Kristine Kubacki – Chief Strategy Officer
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Conference Call Participants
Stephanie Benjamin Moore – Jefferies LLC, Research Division Ryan Deveikis – Wells Fargo Securities, LLC, Research Division Madison Pasterchick – Morgan Stanley, Research Division Scott Schneeberger – Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Research Division Richa Talwar – Deutsche Bank AG, Research Division Patrick Creuset – Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., Research Division Uday Khanapurkar – TD Cowen, Research Division Jeffrey Kauffman – Vertical Research Partners, LLC David Zazula – Barclays Bank PLC, Research Division Kevin Gainey – Thompson, Davis & Company, Inc., Research Division
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Presentation
Operator
Welcome to the GXO Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. My name is Darryl, and I’ll be your operator for today’s call. [Operator Instructions]. Please note that this conference is being recorded.
Before the call begins, let me read a brief statement on behalf of the company regarding forward-looking statements, the use of non-GAAP financial measures and the company’s guidance. During this call, the company will be making certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which, by their nature, involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that can cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. A discussion of factors that can cause actual results to differ materially is contained in the company’s SEC filings. The forward-looking statements in the company’s earnings release or made on this call are made only as of today, and the company has no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by law.
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The company also may refer to certain non-GAAP financial measures as defined under applicable SEC rules during this call. Reconciliations of such non-GAAP financial
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock has the details from New Jersey on ‘Mornings with Maria.’
California’s fuel market is entering another period of strain as refinery capacity continues to shrink in the nation’s largest gasoline market. The planned closure of Valero’s Benicia refinery, one of the state’s remaining major facilities, is expected to tighten supply in a system that already operates with little margin for disruption.
FOX Business’ Jeff Flock joined Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria” to report on how the pending refinery shutdown is fueling concerns about higher gas prices, job losses and increased volatility across California’s fuel market.
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Rep. Jason Smith, R-Mo., joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to discuss President Donald Trump’s economic agenda, falling gas prices, tax refunds and the upcoming midterm elections.
That tightening supply has already translated into higher prices and growing uncertainty for drivers, according to California lawmakers, who warn the situation is no longer theoretical.
“California is truly at a breaking point. Refineries are closing, supply is diminishing, and my constituents are paying more at the pump every single day,” Republican state Sen. Suzette Martinez Valladares said.
Valero’s Benicia Refinery in California in operation. (Paul Morris/Bloomberg / Getty Images)
The Benicia facility, located in Northern California, has played a significant role in supplying gasoline to a state that consumes more fuel than any other except Texas. Its closure follows a wave of refinery exits that has steadily reduced California’s ability to produce its own gasoline, leaving the state increasingly dependent on a small number of remaining plants and imported fuel that must meet its unique regulatory standards.
With fewer refineries operating, even routine maintenance or unexpected outages can quickly ripple through prices at the pump.
FOX Business’ Stuart Varney analyzes a scathing New York Times op-ed of Gov. Gavin Newsom, examining the exodus of over one million residents, the state’s dead-last affordability ranking and the strategic liability he poses to his party.
State lawmakers have increasingly pointed to energy policy as a central factor behind the tightening market. Critics argue that years of regulations and penalties have discouraged long-term investment in refining infrastructure, accelerating closures and amplifying price swings for consumers. Supporters of the policies counter that refinery shutdowns align with the state’s broader environmental and climate goals.
“This is happening right now, and the longer we wait to address this issue, the more instability and volatility we’ll see here in California,” Valladares said.
Justin Verlander, the three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, is returning to the Detroit Tigers on a one-year, $13 million contract for the 2026 season, the team announced Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026. The deal includes a $2 million signing bonus and performance incentives that could push the total value above $15 million, reuniting the 43-year-old right-hander with the franchise where he spent 13 dominant seasons and won his first Cy Young Award.
The move marks a sentimental homecoming for Verlander, who began his career with the Tigers in 2005, became the face of the franchise during their 2011–2014 playoff runs, and pitched the team’s most recent no-hitter (2011) before being traded to the Houston Astros in August 2017. After winning two World Series titles with Houston (2017, 2022) and earning his third Cy Young in 2019, Verlander expressed a desire to finish his career where it started.
“I always said if I had the chance to come back to Detroit, I’d jump at it,” Verlander said in a statement released by the Tigers. “This city, this organization, these fans — they mean everything to me. I’m not here just to collect a paycheck. I’m here to compete, to mentor the young pitchers, and to help this team win again. Detroit gave me everything; now I want to give something back.”
The Tigers, coming off a surprising 88-74 season in 2025 that saw them reach the American League Wild Card round, view Verlander as both a veteran ace and a cultural force. Manager A.J. Hinch, who managed Verlander in Houston, called the signing “a full-circle moment.”
“Justin’s work ethic, his preparation, his competitiveness — those are the standards we want in our clubhouse,” Hinch said. “Beyond the innings he’ll eat and the games he’ll win, he’s going to make everyone around him better. This is a huge get for us.”
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Verlander, who turns 44 in February 2026, is coming off a strong 2025 campaign with the Astros, where he went 11-6 with a 3.41 ERA in 26 starts despite missing time with a shoulder strain. He struck out 148 batters in 152⅓ innings and showed his fastball still touched 95 mph late in the season. The move to Detroit allows him to pitch closer to his Michigan home, where he and wife Kate Upton maintain a residence.
Financially, the one-year deal represents a significant pay cut from his previous $43.3 million average annual value with Houston, but it includes escalators tied to innings pitched (up to $1 million for 160+ innings) and playoff appearances. The Tigers also hold a $15 million mutual option for 2027, with a $3 million buyout.
A Storied Detroit Legacy
Verlander debuted with the Tigers in 2005 and quickly became the ace of a rotation that included Jeremy Bonderman and Nate Robertson. He won the AL Rookie of the Year in 2006 (shared with Daisuke Matsuzaka) and anchored Detroit’s 2006 and 2011 American League pennant winners. His 2011 season — 24-5, 2.40 ERA, 250 strikeouts — earned him the AL MVP and Cy Young, one of only two pitchers since 1986 to win both in the same year (the other being Roger Clemens in 1986).
In 13 seasons with Detroit, Verlander compiled a 203-141 record, 3.44 ERA, 2,373 strikeouts, and three no-hitters (2007, 2011, 2011 postseason). He remains the Tigers’ all-time leader in strikeouts and is second in wins and innings pitched. The 2011 no-hitter against Toronto remains one of the most electrifying moments in Comerica Park history.
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After the 2017 trade to Houston, Verlander won World Series titles in 2017 and 2022, earned his third Cy Young in 2019, and surpassed 3,000 career strikeouts in 2022. He has 262 career wins and 3,342 strikeouts as of the end of 2025, ranking him 24th and 14th all-time, respectively. He is virtually assured of first-ballot Hall of Fame induction once eligible.
Impact on the Tigers’ 2026 Outlook
The signing bolsters a rotation that already includes Tarik Skubal (2024 AL Cy Young winner), Reese Olson, Jack Flaherty, and rookie Jackson Jobe. Verlander is expected to slot in as the No. 2 starter behind Skubal, providing veteran stability and postseason experience.
General manager Scott Harris called the move “transformative on and off the field.”
“Justin is one of the greatest pitchers of his generation,” Harris said. “He’s going to mentor our young arms, stabilize our rotation, and give us a chance to win every fifth day. But beyond the numbers, he’s going to bring a winning culture and a championship mentality back to this clubhouse.”
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The Tigers, who have not won a playoff series since 2013, are viewed as a rising contender in the AL Central. Adding Verlander gives them a proven October arm and a symbolic boost for a fan base hungry for sustained success.
Emotional Homecoming
Verlander’s return has already sparked a wave of nostalgia in Detroit. Social media flooded with throwback photos of his 2011 no-hitter, his 2006 ALCS Game 5 gem, and his emotional 2017 trade press conference. Comerica Park plans to honor him with a pregame ceremony on Opening Day (March 27, 2026, vs. Chicago White Sox) and is expected to retire his No. 35 jersey after retirement.
For a player who once said “I bleed Old English D,” the chance to finish where he started is deeply meaningful.
“I never got to say goodbye the way I wanted,” Verlander said. “This is my chance to do it right — to pitch in front of the fans who supported me from day one, to compete for a city that’s always had my back. Detroit is home. Always has been.”
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As spring training approaches, the Tigers’ rotation suddenly looks formidable, and the city of Detroit has one of its own back — this time, perhaps for one final, unforgettable run.
Shares of auto component major Samvardhana Motherson International (SAMIL) rose as much as 5.4% to their day’s high of Rs 136 on the BSE after the company’s net profit rose 21% to Rs 1,061 crore in the third quarter of financial year 2026. In the same quarter last year, profit was Rs 879 crore.
The company’s revenue from operations came in at Rs 31,409 crore, marking an increase of 14% from Rs 27,666 crore posted in the same quarter of the previous financial year. Improvement in PAT was supported by lower finance costs and higher contribution from JVs and associates. Revenue growth was led by the impact of the Atsumitec acquisition, organic growth, commodities and favourable FX, the company said.
EBITDA for the quarter under review came in at Rs 3,042 crore, higher by 9.5% from Rs 2,776 crore in the same quarter last year. Margins increased to 10% from 9.7%, SAMIL’s investor presentation showed. “Operational improvements supported by realisation of benefits of Transformative Measures in MPP division,” it added.
What should investors do?
Motilal Oswal has reiterated a Buy rating on Samvardhana Motherson with a revised target price of Rs 148, after raising its earnings estimates by 6% for FY26 and 1% for FY27 following a better-than-expected Q3 performance despite challenging global macro conditions. The brokerage highlighted management’s next five-year revenue aspiration of USD 108 billion and expects the company to continue outperforming global automobile sales, supported by premiumisation trends, the ongoing EV transition, a strong order backlog across auto and non-auto segments and successful integration of recent acquisitions.
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While ongoing tariff issues could cause some near-term slowdown in key geographies, Motilal Oswal believes the company is relatively well positioned due to its proximity to customers and ability to realign supply chains. It added that potential industry consolidation could benefit larger players like Samvardhana Motherson over the long term and maintained its Buy stance based on a valuation of 24x December 27E EPS. Also read: Risk-on trade back? Smallcap stocks rally up to 28% in 2026, but market breadth stays weak Nomura has also maintained a Buy rating on Samvardhana Motherson and raised its target price to Rs 140 from Rs 127, citing expectations of a recovery in passenger vehicle demand along with ramp-up in greenfield plants, aerospace and consumer electronics businesses and the integration of two acquisitions. The brokerage expects these factors to support revenue growth of 21% and 11% in FY27 and FY28, respectively. It also highlighted that operating leverage and ongoing cost rationalisation initiatives are likely to sustain margin improvement going forward. Additionally, Nomura noted that any potential new acquisitions could act as a key upside trigger in the company’s journey towards achieving USD 108 billion in revenue by FY30 from USD 25.7 billion in FY25. Offering a contrarian view, Citi has maintained a Sell rating on Samvardhana Motherson with a target price of Rs 95, despite a Q3 earnings beat driven by strong performance in the Wiring Harness and Modules businesses and improving margins. The brokerage cautioned that global demand risks remain elevated and flagged concerns around the profitability of emerging businesses and recent acquisitions. Citi said valuations have been rolled forward but sees limited upside potential from current levels.
(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)
The 20 projects have a combined capacity to generate 530 megawatts of clean energy
10:29, 11 Feb 2026Updated 10:40, 11 Feb 2026
A wind turbine.(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
The largest ever number of renewable energy projects in Wales to be awarded guaranteed prices for energy generated through a UK Government auction has been confirmed. The 20 projects, with a capacity to produce more than 530 megawatts of green electricity and which range from solar to tidal and onshore wind, can now move to the delivery stage.
They have received contract for difference (CfD) awards in the latest auction (allocation round 7) from the Westminster government. They consist of five onshore wind, 12 solar and three tidal energy projects. A CfD is a contractual guarantee for the price of the electricity generated to ensure commercial viability. If market prices rise there is a claw back mechanism for the government. Wales secured 99.65% of all the tidal funding available.
First Minister Eluned Morgan said: “I am delighted these projects have been successful in the latest auction round. As well as meeting vital targets to reduce carbon, onshore wind and tidal energy bring major economic benefits and high-quality jobs to Wales. The Welsh Government is committed to ensuring Wales is at the forefront of the green energy revolution.”
Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning Rebecca Evans said: “We know how important clarity and certainty are for developers, which is why we are working hard to speed up the planning process for major infrastructure projects. Our new legislation and our investment in capacity building is already making a difference.”
The onshore wind farm projects receiving CfDs include Bute Energy’s 94 megawatt Twyn Hywel Energy Park in Caerphilly. It will consist of 14 wind turbines, which at capacity could power 84,000 homes. Work is expected to start in the spring. Its is the largest onshore wind farm on capacity awarded a CfD in the latest round.
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Martin Chown, interim chief executive of Bute Energy, said: “Securing a contract for Twyn Hywel Energy Park is a landmark moment for Bute Energy and our first project to enter the auction.
Onshore wind is one of the UK’s cheapest sources of renewable power and offers exceptional value for billpayers. Wales’ improved performance in this auction shows the depth of appetite from developers, investors and governments to realise the nation’s energy potential.
“With a strong partnership between industry and the Welsh Government, energy security can go hand-in-hand with transformational investment in jobs, local businesses and community benefits across Wales.”
On the onshore wind farms securing CfDs Jessica Hooper, director of RenewableUK Cymru, said: “This result is a much needed, and very welcome, breakthrough for onshore wind in Wales, and a clear sign that the sector is ready to move again after years of stalled progress.
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“However, this must be the start of a sustained recovery. Wales is still constrained by limited grid capacity, particularly in mid-Wales, and a planning system that has suffered historically from under investment and understaffing. These barriers make it difficult to catch up and deliver a steady pipeline of projects eligible for UK auctions.”
The tidal schemes in the auction include a further award of 10MW to HydroWing Tidal Energy Projects – part of Inyanga Marine Energy Group – for its Ynni’r Lleuad scheme at Morlais off the coast of Anglesey.
The additional capacity builds on the 20MW already awarded to HydroWing through earlier rounds of CfD and under development. It represents a major step forward in the industrialisation of tidal energy in Anglesey.
The phase three project is scheduled for delivery in 2030 and will make it the largest tidal energy project in the world.
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The first HydroWing device is scheduled for deployment at Morlais in 2027 as part of phase one.
Richard Parkinson, chief executive of Inyanga Marine Energy Group, said: “This latest award allows us to focus on economies of scale and drive momentum towards delivering clean and stable power to the grid in Anglesey at an industrial scale.
“The award enables us to drive costs down while unlocking the investment necessary to make this project a reality. Our team is working extremely hard with our supply chain and investment partners as we ramp up manufacturing and move towards delivery.”
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said: “Wales is at the forefront of the clean energy revolution and today’s results have delivered a record-breaking number of new solar and onshore wind projects for Wales.
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“This follows the recent announcement of a contract for Awel y Môr fixed offshore wind farm in North Wales, and Erebus floating offshore wind farm off the coast of Pembrokeshire and shows that renewable energy is delivering good well-paid jobs in every part of Wales, helping to grow our economy and drive down household bills.”
Currently, the most popular professions in the USA, and indeed worldwide, are dominated by fields such as doctors, programmers, data scientists, engineers, and service sector staff. Recognizing this, students strive to gain in-depth knowledge in these high-demand areas while still in high school. US high schools have developed advanced educational programs that allow international students to study disciplines of interest at a level comparable to that of university.
Every child dreams of a bright future working in a prestigious company with a high salary. This dream can become a reality if students proactively analyze the labor market to identify in-demand professions that align with their interests and abilities. In the USA and around the world, there is currently a shortage of IT specialists due to the rapidly expanding IT sector and the emergence of new specialties.
“We understand the importance of effective preparation for enrollment in top universities to secure popular professions that guarantee market demand. That’s why we work closely with US high schools to provide our clients with comprehensive information about educational programs and prospects after graduation,” said Nick Vorotny, co-founder of Smapse Education agency.
For instance, North Broward Preparatory School has developed an interdisciplinary STEAM program in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to ensure graduates’ competitiveness in admission to the world’s best universities and successful career building. NBPS students participate in practical classes at MIT in subjects such as programming, engineering, robotics, and design, while NBPS teachers attend training seminars alongside leading researchers. The school’s FabLab provides students with the opportunity to create prototypes using cutting-edge tools like 3D printers, laser cutters, and vinyl cutters. With 117 Apple-certified teachers and 17 Google-certified teachers, NBPS offers students access to the latest technologies for individualized instruction, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge for in-demand professions.
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Similarly, Leman Manhattan Preparatory School acknowledges the global demand for IT specialists across various industries such as banking, telecommunications, finance, and e-commerce. The school offers specialized programs in computer graphics, digital video, and other technological disciplines. State-of-the-art equipment, including laptops, multimedia projectors, and interactive whiteboards, further enhance the school’s commitment to providing high-tech education.
To meet the demands of the international job market, it is crucial to carefully explore the programs and opportunities offered by US high schools. Without professional guidance, navigating these options can be challenging.
“Our team of experienced experts provides consultancy and assistance services to students and parents worldwide. With our support, they successfully enroll in US high schools. Our team consists of experts with deep knowledge of educational systems, visa regulations, language requirements, and cultural nuances of various countries,” added the spokesperson.
Secondary education plays a significant role in shaping future careers. Schools that adapt their educational programs to meet the requirements of the labor market provide students with comprehensive and effective preparation. Modern equipment, tailored courses, and in-depth study of relevant disciplines contribute to the academic readiness of students. The wide array of popular professions available offers ample opportunities for prestigious higher education and successful career paths for graduates.
