Netflix and Warner Bros. Executives Defend $82.7 Billion Merger
During a Senate hearing, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Warner Bros. Discovery Chief Revenue and Strategy Officer Bruce Campbell defended their proposed $82.7 billion merger, addressing concerns about its impact on jobs and consumer prices. Sarandos pledged to maintain a 45-day theatrical window for Warner Bros. films and stated that Netflix would increase its production spending to $26 billion this year, primarily in the U.S. Both executives asserted that the merger would strengthen the American entertainment industry and would not lead to layoffs or price hikes.
Walmart becomes first retailer to reach $1 trillion valuation
Walmart has surpassed a market value of $1 trillion, becoming the first traditional retailer to achieve this milestone and joining a select group primarily composed of technology companies. The Arkansas-based retailer's stock has increased by approximately 28% over the past year, significantly outpacing the S&P 500 index's 15% gain, driven by its robust e-commerce growth and investments in automation and artificial intelligence.
Disney Appoints Josh D'Amaro as New CEO
The Walt Disney Company has appointed parks chief Josh D'Amaro as its new CEO, effective March 18, 2026, succeeding Bob Iger, who has led the company for over two decades. D'Amaro, a 28-year Disney veteran, will oversee a vast entertainment empire that includes Disney's theme parks, studios, and streaming platforms, while Dana Walden has been named President and Chief Creative Officer. This leadership transition occurs amid a recovery in Disney's UK streaming business and follows Iger's extended tenure, during which he guided the company through significant challenges.
Nvidia's H200 AI Chip Sales to China Stalled
Nvidia's sales of its H200 AI chips to China remain stalled nearly two months after U.S. President Donald Trump approved exports, pending a national security review by the U.S. State Department. Chinese customers are refraining from placing orders until the licensing situation is clarified, as the State Department advocates for stricter conditions to prevent potential misuse of the technology. Despite the Commerce Department easing some export restrictions in January, the final licensing process is still under scrutiny.
Bitcoin Plummets 40% Amid Market Selloff Pressures
Bitcoin has fallen 40% from its 2025 peak of $126,000, now trading between $75,000 and $77,000, as the cryptocurrency market faces significant selloff pressures. Over $2.5 billion in long positions were liquidated within 24 hours, exacerbating the decline amid high interest rates, a strong U.S. dollar, and geopolitical tensions. Additionally, a $1.7 billion weekly outflow from digital asset investment products, including $1.32 billion from Bitcoin alone, reflects a broader cooling in market sentiment.
Texas Instruments nears $7 billion deal for Silicon Labs
Texas Instruments is in advanced negotiations to acquire chip designer Silicon Labs for approximately $7 billion, a deal that could be finalized within days. This acquisition would significantly enhance Texas Instruments' semiconductor capabilities, as Silicon Labs specializes in wireless chips for the Internet of Things market. Following the news, Silicon Labs' stock surged by 28%, while Texas Instruments experienced a slight dip of about 1% in after-hours trading.
Siemens Energy invests $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing expansion
Siemens Energy announced a $1 billion investment to expand its U.S. manufacturing capabilities for electrical-grid equipment and gas turbines, responding to rising electricity demand. The investment will involve expansions in Alabama, Texas, New York, and Florida, as well as the reopening of a gas turbine plant in North Carolina and the construction of a new switchgear facility in Mississippi, creating over 1,500 jobs. This move aligns with a broader surge in U.S. power sector demand, driven by electrification and the growth of data centers.
Pfizer shares dip amid obesity drug trial concerns
Pfizer's shares fell by 3.5% to $25.74 following the release of trial data for its obesity drug PF-3944, which raised concerns about potential side effects, with 10% of participants dropping out due to adverse reactions. The company, which acquired Metsera for $10 billion, reported fourth-quarter earnings that exceeded Wall Street estimates, with sales reaching $17.56 billion, driven by demand for its blood thinner, Eliquis. Meanwhile, Novo Nordisk's shares dropped 18% after it issued a disappointing sales forecast for 2026, indicating intensified competition in the weight-loss market.
PayPal CEO Alex Chriss Steps Down Amid Poor Earnings
PayPal announced the departure of CEO Alex Chriss, effective March 1, and appointed former board chair Enrique Lores as his successor amid disappointing financial results. The company reported fourth-quarter earnings per share of $1.23 and full-year revenue of $33.2 billion, both falling short of analyst expectations, leading to a 17% drop in shares. Newly appointed board chair David Dorman noted that the pace of change within the company was not meeting expectations, prompting the leadership change.
Super Micro Computer Raises Revenue Forecast to $40 Billion
Super Micro Computer Inc. raised its annual revenue forecast to at least $40 billion for fiscal year 2026, up from $36 billion, citing strong demand for its AI-optimized servers. The San Jose-based company reported second-quarter revenue of $12.68 billion, exceeding analyst expectations, and anticipates third-quarter revenue of approximately $12.3 billion, also above estimates. Shares rose over 5% in extended trading following the announcement.
