Warner Bros. Discovery management's proactive approach and ability to generate value in tough conditions will benefit shareholders long-term. Read more on WBD stock.

Warner Bros Discovery posted a surprise second-quarter profit on Thursday, as the international rollout of HBO Max sent subscriber numbers climbing and blockbuster hits like “A Minecraft Movie” dominated the U.

Streaming also lifted the quarter, with the platform adding 3.4 million net global subscribers—beating expectations—and posting an adjusted core profit of $293 million, reversing a $107 million loss a year ago. Advertising revenue in streaming rose 17.5 percent, thanks in part to growth in ad-lite subscriptions.