Paramount Global (PARA) Stock Forecast & Price Target

Paramount Global has demonstrated robust financial growth across all its business segments, highlighted by a 17% year-over-year increase in licensing and other revenue, reaching $661 million. The Filmed Entertainment segment particularly excelled, with revenues surging 67% year-over-year to $1.1 billion, largely attributed to successful film releases, including "Sonic the Hedgehog 3." Additionally, the Direct to Consumer segment reported an 8% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by a significant rise in Paramount+ subscribers by 5.6 million, highlighting enhanced consumer engagement and reduced churn.

Paramount Global experienced significant financial challenges in 4Q24, characterized by a 6.7% decline in affiliate revenues totaling $1.869 billion, exacerbated by unfavorable contract renewals impacting future quarters. The company's overall revenue of $7.98 billion fell slightly short of consensus expectations, driven by weakened advertising revenues, which declined by 4% year-over-year, and further losses in the film segment. Additionally, there was a dramatic drop in cash from operations by 70% year-over-year, resulting in adjusted OIBDA losses and diminishing free cash flow, indicating substantial financial strain.