Spotify has entered 2018 with a bang. Yesterday, news broke that Spotify was being hit with a $1.6 billion lawsuit. Then today, AXIOS reported that Spotify had filed IPO documents with the SEC at the end of December. The two journalists who broke these stories join Cheddar to break down the news and what's in store for Spotify.
Dan Primack of AXIOS explains that the company is pursuing a direct listing. This creates a unique path for the tech company that is distinctly different from the traditional IPO path. Primack reports that Spotify is targeting a Q1 public offering, and based on their current timeline, he thinks it is possible.
Eriq Gardner is the senior editor at The Hollywood Reporter and he broke the $1.6 billion lawsuit story. He reports that Spotify was sued by Wixen Music Publishing Inc last week for allegedly using thousands of songs without a license and proper compensation. Some of the artists under Wixen Publishing include Tom Petty, Neil Young, and the Doors. Gardner was not surprised by the lawsuit. He says that many record labels are fans of the music streaming company because they have deals that could lead to billions of dollars if the company goes public. However, as current law stands, music publishers have not benefitted from the rise in popularity of Spotify. This is why he was not surprised by the lawsuit.
Cheddar News' Courtney Sturgeon reports live from the options trading floor to break down the busy earnings week ahead for big tech, and the launch of Cboe's 1-Day Volatility Index (VIX1D).
Haley Sacks, founder and CEO of Finance Is Cool, joined Cheddar News to provide tips on when hiring a financial planner is needed. "They will help you figure out exactly how to maximize your personal situation," she said. "They're going to think about your long-term plans, consider your goals and incorporate all of that into the structure that they create for you."
Scott Wren, senior global market strategist with Wells Fargo Investment Institute, joined Cheddar News to discuss Monday's market trading as earnings continue to trickle in and ahead of a Federal Reserve meeting next week.
The Walt Disney Co. will be laying off several thousand employees this week, a second round of cuts that’s part of a previously announced plan to eliminate 7,000 jobs this year.
