Netflix Buys Warner Bros. for $83B, Meta Tightens Budgets, and Salesforce Delivers a Strong Quarter

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Dear Money Master,

This week revealed a labor market losing momentum, with private payrolls unexpectedly falling by 32,000 jobs and total announced layoffs for 2025 surging to 1.17 million, the highest level since 2020. The slowdown, driven by corporate restructuring, tariffs, and the rapid adoption of AI, highlights rising pressure on employers as economic uncertainty deepens.

At the same time, major shifts unfolded across the tech landscape. Netflix will take over the iconic Warner Bros for $83 billion, Meta faced dual challenges: internal discussions around up to 30% Metaverse budget cuts and a new EU antitrust investigation into WhatsApp’s AI data-access policy. Yet innovation continued to advance, with Singapore’s Horizon Quantum deploying the country’s first commercial quantum computer, marking a major milestone for Asia’s rapidly emerging quantum sector.

Corporate earnings added further contrast. Salesforce beat EPS expectations, boosted by strong investment gains, though revenue narrowly missed forecasts. Dollar General delivered a standout quarter with higher sales, increased customer traffic, and nearly 44% growth in net income. Meanwhile, Deere warned that 2026 may mark the bottom of the large agriculture cycle, despite posting stronger-than-expected quarterly revenue and earnings. Finally, Nike initiated a leadership overhaul, eliminating both its CTO and CCO roles in a sweeping restructuring move.🌍💼

📰 Your Daily Financial Digest - December 5th, 2025

🌍 Economics, Finance, & Retail:

1. Private Payrolls Unexpectedly Drop by 32,000 in November 📉

   Small businesses absorbed most of the cuts, sharply reversing October’s revised 47,000-job increase. Economists had expected a gain of 40,000, highlighting growing weakness in the labor market. Read More

2. U.S. Layoff Announcements Hit 1.17 Million in 2025 ⚠️

   Despite a slight slowdown in November, corporate job-cut plans remain the highest since 2020, driven by restructuring, AI adoption, and tariff pressures. November alone added 71,321 planned layoffs. Read More

3. Nike Eliminates CTO and CCO Roles in Leadership Shake-Up 👟

   The restructuring removes two major executive posts, leading to the departures of CTO Muge Dogan and CCO Craig Williams, as Nike overhauls its senior leadership structure. Read More

💻 Technology:

1. Netflix Scoops Up Warner Bros. Assets in $82.7B Megadeal 🎬

   Netflix will take over the iconic Warner Bros. film studio and HBO Max, valuing the transaction at $27.75 per WBD share. The acquisition gives Netflix ownership of top franchises while Discovery Global is spun off, reshaping cable, streaming, and Hollywood power dynamics. Read More

2. Horizon Quantum Deploys Singapore First Commercial Quantum Computer

   The startup’s fully operational system integrates components from leading quantum suppliers as it prepares for a future U.S. listing. This marks a major milestone for Singapore’s tech sector. Read More

3. Meta Weighs 30% Cuts to Metaverse Budget 🥽

   Executives are considering substantial reductions as the company reassesses its long-term metaverse ambitions, signaling a potential strategic shift. Read More

4. EU Opens Antitrust Investigation Into Meta’s WhatsApp AI Policy ⚖️

   Regulators are examining whether Meta’s new rules granting AI providers access to WhatsApp data violate European competition laws. Read More

💹Earnings:

1. Salesforce Tops EPS Estimates but Misses Slightly on Revenue 💼

   Adjusted EPS beat expectations at $3.25, while revenue came in essentially in line at $10.26B. Net income jumped sharply thanks to gains from strategic investments. Read More

2. Deere Warns of Tough 2026 Despite Strong Q4 Results 🚜

   Revenue rose 11% to $12.39B and EPS hit $3.93, but the company forecast only $4.00–$4.75B in 2026 net income, well below analyst expectations due to tariffs and agriculture-sector pressure. Read More

3. Dollar General Lifts Guidance After Strong Q3 Sales Growth 🏪

   Net sales reached $10.6B, same-store sales rose 2.5%, and net income surged 43.8%. The retailer also reaffirmed plans for over 4,800 real estate projects in 2025. Read More

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To your financial empowerment, The Money Masters Team

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