WSJ Tech News Briefing – Episode Summary

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Target Tests New Next-Day Delivery Models
Date: December 4, 2025
Host: Julie Chang, The Wall Street Journal

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a concise roundup of the latest technology business news for Thursday, December 4th, 2025. The main focus is Target’s experimentation with faster overnight delivery models amidst ongoing sales struggles. The episode also covers breaking updates on Warner Bros. Discovery’s media auction and the financial performance of cloud company Snowflake.

Key Discussion Points

1. Target’s Next-Day Delivery Model Testing

Target is piloting new overnight delivery models for online orders “[Target] is testing new models for overnight delivery of online orders.” (00:24, Julie Chang)
Strategic objectives:
- Cut shipping costs
- Accelerate the speed of deliveries
- Improve the in-store shopping experience
- Better compete with Walmart and Amazon
Backdrop of ongoing sales challenges:
- Target reported its 12th straight quarter of weak or falling sales last month
- Ongoing consumer complaints:
  - Messy stores
  - Out-of-stock merchandise
  - Less exciting product selection

2. Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sale Process Gets Messy

Multiple bidders are vying for parts or all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s media holdings, with a focus on regulatory hurdles.
Paramount takes a shot at Netflix:
- Sent a letter to Warner Discovery’s lawyers arguing, “…a sale to Netflix would likely not close due to regulatory challenges here and abroad.” (00:59, Julie Chang)
- Claims their own bid is less likely to face regulatory delays compared to Netflix or Comcast.
Deal status and timeline:
- Warner Discovery soliciting final bids, aiming to complete the auction by month’s end
- All three major suitors (Paramount, Netflix, Comcast) submitted improved offers earlier this week
- Netflix reported to have highest, primarily cash, bid

3. Snowflake’s Earnings and Strategic AI Partnership

Snowflake’s Financials:
- Q3 revenue rose by 29% (outpacing analyst estimates) but slowed from last quarter’s 32% growth
- Stock price dropped ~11% after earnings, reducing year-to-date gains to 52%
Analyst perspective:
- “Some analysts said the lumpy growth is likely a result of the company's consumption based pay as you go pricing model.” (01:46, Julie Chang)
Deal with Anthropic:
- Announced a $200 million agreement to integrate Anthropic’s advanced AI models onto Snowflake’s platform (01:57, Julie Chang)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Target’s Recovery Push:
“Target has struggled over the past three years as shoppers have complained about messy stores, out of stock merchandise and less exciting products.” (00:42, Julie Chang)
On Warner Bros. Discovery’s Sale Drama:
“Paramount took aim at Netflix's bid…saying a sale to Netflix would likely not close due to regulatory challenges here and abroad.” (00:59, Julie Chang)
On Snowflake’s Growth Pattern:
“Some analysts said the lumpy growth is likely a result of the company's consumption based pay as you go pricing model.” (01:46, Julie Chang)

Timestamps for Key Segments

Target’s Overnight Delivery Models: 00:16 – 00:54
Warner Bros. Discovery Auction Updates: 00:54 – 01:44
Snowflake Q3 Earnings & AI Deal with Anthropic: 01:44 – 02:19

Tone and Language

Julie Chang delivers the news with the Wall Street Journal’s signature clarity and brisk professionalism, summarizing key market moves and corporate headlines for an audience that values both detail and efficiency.

For additional news and deeper analysis, tune in to tomorrow’s episode of the Tech News Briefing.

Transcript

A (0:00)

With leading networking and connectivity, advanced cybersecurity and expert partnership. Comcast Business helps turn today's enterprises into engines of modern business Powering the engine of modern business powering possibilities. Restrictions apply.

B (0:16)

Here's your afternoon TNB Tech minute for Thursday, December 4th. I'm Julie Chang for the Wall Street Journal. We are exclusively reporting that Target is testing new models for overnight delivery of online orders. The move comes as it works to turn around a years long sales slump and is part of a push to cut shipping costs, speed up delivery and improve the in store shopping experience as Target seeks to better compete with rivals Walmart and Amazon. Target has struggled over the past three years as shoppers have complained about messy stores, out of stock merchandise and less exciting products. The retailer last month reported its 12th straight quarter of weak or falling sales. The fight for the future of Warner Bros. Discovery is getting messy Paramount took aim at Netflix's bid in a Monday letter to Warner Discovery's lawyers, saying a sale to Netflix would likely not close due to regulatory challenges here and abroad. Warner Discovery has been exploring a sale of all or some media holdings after receiving interest from multiple parties. Paramount has been arguing that it offers the cleanest regulatory path to closing compared to Netflix and Comcast. Warner Discovery is seeking another round of bids from suitors by the end of the day today and is aiming to conclude the auction by the end of the month. That's according to people familiar with the matter. All three suitors submitted improved offers Monday. A person familiar with the matter says Netflix has so far submitted the highest bid and it's primarily cash. Finally, shares of Snowflake declined after the cloud software company recorded slower revenue growth in its latest quarter, the company said. Third quarter revenue jumped 29%, topping analyst estimates, but slowing from 32% growth in the second quarter. Some analysts said the lumpy growth is likely a result of the company's consumption based pay as you go pricing model. Yesterday, Snowflake announced a $200 million deal with Anthropic to integrate its large AI models onto Snowflake's platform. Still, after reporting earnings, the Stock slipped around 11%, trimming its gains for the year to 52%. For a deeper dive into what's happening in tech, check out tomorrow's Tech News.

A (2:26)

Briefing podcast with leading networking and connectivity, advanced cybersecurity and expert partnership. Comcast business helps turn today's enterprises into engines of modern business Powering the engine of modern business powering possibilities Restrictions apply.