Squawk Pod

David Faber, a CNBC reporter known for his expertise in deal reporting, breaks down the Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, discussing intricate transaction details and regulatory implications. He highlights the sizable breakup fees in play and the strategic value of Warner's IP for Netflix. Meanwhile, entertainment journalist Matt Belloni, a founding partner at Puck, shares insider reactions from Hollywood, revealing the concerns creatives have about diminished opportunities and the legacy of Warner. They delve into antitrust risks and the future landscape of entertainment.

Docusign's share prices dipped despite an optimistic outlook. Hewlett Packard Enterprise fell short of revenue expectations, causing concern among investors. On a brighter note, Ulta Beauty saw shares rise after elevating its full-year revenue forecast, reflecting strong consumer interest in beauty products. In corporate leadership news, Apple is undergoing significant transitions, while Costco welcomed Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo to its board amid a tariff-related lawsuit.

Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA commissioner and CNBC contributor, shares his insights on vaccine regulation, emphasizing the challenges faced during the Trump administration. He highlights the importance of robust FDA processes and expresses concerns over public health implications. The discussion also touches on highlights from the DealBook Summit, including takes from Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu and Palantir's Alex Karp, who critiques modern politics, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives on pressing issues.

Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and crypto advocate, shares his bullish insights on Bitcoin's rebound and Solana's future in the digital asset landscape. Mark Rober, a former NASA engineer and YouTube sensation, discusses his exciting collaboration with Elmo on Sesame Street and shares his innovative Crunch Labs projects. Together, they explore the intersection of technology, education, and entertainment, highlighting the potential impact of creative science education for young learners.

Marvell is soaring after strong earnings and the $3.3 billion acquisition of Celestial AI. However, Okta's stock took a dip despite beating expectations. In political news, the Trump administration plans to propose rolling back fuel efficiency standards. Saudi Arabia's public investment fund is poised to take control of over 90% of Electronic Arts. Meanwhile, the search for the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 is set to resume, marking a significant step after more than a decade of uncertainty.

In this discussion, Brad Gerstner, Founder and CEO of Altimeter Capital and child investment account advocate, explores the $6.5 billion gift from Michael and Susan Dell to fund the Invest America initiative. He shares insights on financial literacy and ownership for kids. Meanwhile, Max Shapira, Executive Chairman of Heaven Hill, delves into the bourbon industry's evolution and how his distillery has adapted to changing consumer tastes and post-COVID habits. The conversation touches on marketing strategies and the impacts of tariffs on the industry.

Economist Mohamed El-Erian and Locavore founder Caroline Weaver join to discuss the nuances of local shopping during the holiday season. Caroline shares insights on the challenges faced by small businesses, including pricing pressures from tariffs and inventory struggles. Mohamed provides a macroeconomic perspective, analyzing the Federal Reserve’s direction and the impact of AI on market fundamentals. Together, they highlight the importance of supporting local economies against a backdrop of larger economic trends.

President Trump has made a choice for the next Federal Reserve chair, sparking speculation without revealing the name. Meanwhile, Disney's 'Zootopia 2' smashes records, raking in over $550 million globally. A data breach at South Korea's Coupang has compromised information from millions of customers, raising security concerns. On a different note, UnitedHealth Group plans to divest its final South American business for a staggering $1 billion. Stay tuned for these fast-paced insights into the market!

Courtney Reagan, CNBC's senior retail reporter, provides live insights from a New Jersey mall, highlighting the changing dynamics of Black Friday shopping. Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify, reveals real-time data showing skincare and activewear leading sales trends. Jay Marine, head of Prime Video U.S., discusses Amazon’s integration of live sports with shopping on Black Friday. Together, they delve into consumer behavior shifts and the significance of omnichannel approaches during the holiday rush.

Trading on futures and options faced a halt due to a data center issue at CME. The SEC is investigating Jefferies over its ties to a bankrupt auto parts maker. Alibaba has launched AI smart glasses in China, integrating them with popular apps. Meanwhile, Apple is challenging India's new antitrust penalty law, which could result in hefty fines. In entertainment news, 'Zootopia 2' achieved a record-breaking opening day in China for a Hollywood animated film, raking in $81 million globally.