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.