Sachem Head Boosts Warner Bros. Discovery Stake Amid Netflix Deal and Paramount Bid

Activist investor Sachem Head Capital Management significantly increased its investment in Warner Bros. Discovery during the fourth quarter, drawing fresh attention to the media and entertainment company’s high-profile strategic moves. According to a recent Securities and Exchange Commission filing, the hedge fund more than doubled its holdings to nearly 8 million shares by year-end, making Warner Bros. Discovery one of its top 10 U.S. stock positions.

The increased stake comes at a pivotal time for Warner Bros. Discovery, which recently agreed to sell its streaming and studios business to Netflix. The transaction has reshaped the competitive landscape in the media sector and sparked strong reactions from investors and rivals alike. With a market value of approximately $70 billion, Warner Bros. Discovery remains a key player in global entertainment, streaming, and content production.

Meanwhile, Paramount Skydance is intensifying efforts to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery after its hostile takeover bid was rejected last month. Paramount has continued to apply pressure, urging the company’s leadership to reconsider discussions in case its offer becomes more attractive than Netflix’s proposal. The situation has raised the possibility of a boardroom battle, with Paramount suggesting it could attempt to replace certain directors. It even floated the idea that a senior executive from Pentwater Capital Management, one of Warner Bros. Discovery’s largest shareholders, could serve as a compelling board candidate.

In addition to expanding its Warner Bros. Discovery position, Sachem Head disclosed new investments in EchoStar, acquiring 5.2 million shares. The hedge fund also initiated positions in Carvana and Live Nation Entertainment, signaling broader interest in telecommunications, online retail, and live entertainment stocks.

Although regulatory filings are backward-looking, they remain closely watched by market participants seeking insights into hedge fund strategies, trending stocks, and potential takeover targets within the U.S. equity market.