Netflix quarterly results beat Wall Street targets, revenue outlook upbeat

Core Viewpoint - Netflix has exceeded Wall Street expectations for its quarterly results and provided a positive revenue outlook, indicating confidence despite economic uncertainties related to tariff plans [1][4]. Financial Performance - Netflix reported revenue of $10.54 billion for the first quarter, surpassing analysts' estimates of$10.52 billion [3]. - Diluted per-share earnings were $6.61, exceeding consensus estimates of$5.71 [3]. - The company projects revenue to rise to $11.04 billion for the second quarter, above the analyst consensus of$10.90 billion, driven by membership growth and higher pricing [4]. Subscriber Metrics - Netflix has over 300 million global subscribers and added a record 18.9 million subscribers in the fourth quarter of 2024 [6]. - The company did not disclose subscriber numbers this quarter, focusing instead on revenue and profit metrics, which analysts interpret as a sign of potentially slower subscriber growth ahead [6]. Leadership Changes - Co-founder Reed Hastings has transitioned from executive chairman to non-executive chair as part of the company's leadership evolution and succession planning [2]. Market Position and Consumer Behavior - Netflix's lower-priced, ad-supported tier, launched in late 2022, accounts for 55% of new sign-ups in available countries, indicating strong consumer interest [5]. - Analysts believe that Netflix is unlikely to experience significant subscriber churn due to its strong market position and popular content, although some cost-conscious subscribers may opt for cheaper tiers [5].