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Skydance Announces $6 Billion Savings Plan and HBO Max–Paramount+ Bundle

A three‑year cost program paired with a streaming bundle is intended to ease an $87 billion gross debt load while refocusing the merged company on profitable engagement.

Overview

  • Skydance detailed a plan to deliver $6 billion in cost savings over three years with about 30% expected in year one and itemized cuts including at least $2.2 billion from corporate overhead and real estate, $1 billion from marketing, and about $1.4 billion from technology.
  • The company said it will stop reporting quarterly subscriber totals and will launch a bundled HBO Max and Paramount+ offering early next year to shift emphasis from raw subscriber growth to profitability and viewer engagement.
  • Skydance disclosed roughly $87 billion in gross debt and about $10 billion in cash after completing the takeover, a leverage profile that heightens refinancing pressure and constrains spending flexibility.
  • Management warned that weak performance of the Warner Bros theatrical slate could reduce fourth‑quarter profit by up to $200 million, citing recent box‑office shortfalls as a near‑term financial risk.
  • The merger has already prompted executive reshuffles at DC Studios and signals likely job cuts and further integration moves, and the company said it will provide full‑year guidance for the combined business when it reports December‑quarter results.