Paramount Concedes to Theaters for Skydance Deal While Zoom Bets on AI: This Week's Outliers

Most of the market's attention this week has been fixed on the mega-caps, but I'm told that several companies in niche sectors or undergoing major transitions are quietly making significant moves. This is shaping up to be one of the most interesting restructurings for these outliers in early 2026.

Paramount Global (PARA.US)

Paramount's stock has underperformed the broader market recently, but the company is aggressively pushing forward with its USD 8.4 billion merger with Skydance. According to people familiar with the matter, Paramount has offered theater operators a three-year agreement guaranteeing at least 30 film releases annually and a 45-day exclusive theatrical window. This move is designed to ease antitrust concerns and push the deal over the finish line later this year, when David Ellison is set to take over as CEO of the combined entity with a mandate to revitalize its streaming assets.

Zoom Video Communications (ZM.US)

Zoom has seen a recent rebound in its share price. In its fiscal Q1 2027, total revenue reached USD 1.239 billion, up 5.5% year-over-year and beating estimates, driven by a 7.2% increase in enterprise revenue to USD 755.7 million. I'm told founder Eric Yuan is increasingly positioning the company as an AI-first modern work system, with its AI Companion paid users skyrocketing by 184%. The board also authorized a USD 1 billion stock buyback, signaling confidence ahead of the next earnings call.

ChargePoint Holdings (CHPT.US)

Although ChargePoint was recently added to the Russell 2000 index, the EV charging provider has lagged behind the broader sector this year. For Q1 fiscal 2027, it reported USD 101.8 million in revenue. It did show some progress on margins, with non-GAAP gross margin ticking up to 32% and net loss narrowing to USD 43.2 million. However, data suggests charging demand is outpacing infrastructure deployment. I'm told that while charging sessions jumped 34% in 2025, new port growth was only 16%, presenting a scaling challenge the company must address soon.

Ingredion (INGR.US)

The global ingredients provider continues to show resilience. Ingredion posted Q2 2026 revenue of USD 1.85 billion. While its Texture & Healthful Solutions segment saw a 7% volume bump, margins were squeezed by tapioca input costs surging over 40%. More importantly, management confirmed they are moving forward with an all-cash acquisition of Tate & Lyle. Internal projections suggest the deal will generate USD 130 million in operational synergies by 2030.

Also

• Upbound Group (UPB.US): The lease-to-own retailer generated USD 1.2 billion in Q1 revenue. The integration of its newly acquired financial wellness app Brigit remains a key focus for management this quarter.
• Krystal Biotech (KRYS.US): The biotech firm secured UK regulatory approval for VYJUVEK, making it the first gene therapy approved for a rare skin condition in the region and helping the stock gain ground this year.
• Relay Therapeutics (RLAY.US): The company licensed the global rights for its oncology drug to Elevar Therapeutics, securing up to USD 75 million in upfront and milestone payments to fund its ongoing pipeline.
• Veradermics (MANE.US): Shares have bounced back recently on the heels of clinical progress for its oral hair loss treatment, though the company faces a steep commercialization curve.
• VS Media (VSME.US): The digital creator network recently announced a pivot into AI-driven smart living, attempting to reverse the revenue declines seen in fiscal 2025.
• FT Vest Gold Strategy Target Income ETF (IGLD.US): Amid macro uncertainty, this gold-focused covered call ETF has provided steady monthly distributions, acting as a yield alternative for cautious investors.

This article does not constitute investment advice.