Paramount Global (NASDAQ: PARA) stock surged after reports of Barry Diller exploring a takeover bid, with IAC in discussions and nondisclosure agreements signed with National Amusements. Various potential acquirers, like Edgar Bronfman Jr. and Steven Paul, have emerged post the collapse of the Skydance deal. Paramount is also in talks with Warner Bros Discovery and Barry Diller's IAC for a possible merger, while facing financial struggles and analyst pessimism despite call-heavy options trading. The stock performance of PARA has been on a downward trend, with ongoing talks of asset sales and debt repayment strategies being explored.