Netflix Q2 Earnings Beat on Squid Game Finale, 2025 Outlook Raised

Core Insights - Netflix reported Q2 2025 earnings of $7.19 per share, exceeding estimates by 1.7% and showing a 47.3% increase year-over-year [1][10] - Revenues reached $11.07 billion, a 16% year-over-year increase, driven by membership growth, higher subscription pricing, and increased ad revenues, although it slightly missed consensus estimates by 0.06% [1][10] Revenue and Membership Growth - All regions experienced double-digit revenue growth year-over-year, with UCAN revenue growth accelerating to 15% from 9% in Q1 2025 due to price changes [3] - Member growth surpassed company forecasts, although it occurred late in the quarter, limiting its impact on Q2 revenues [4] Content Performance - The second quarter featured successful content releases, including Squid Game S3 with 122 million views, making it Netflix's sixth biggest season ever [2][10] - Other notable series included Sirens (56M views), Ginny & Georgia S3 (53M views), and various international titles, showcasing a diverse content slate [5][8] Financial Metrics - Operating income totaled $3.8 billion, up 45% year-over-year, with an operating margin of 34%, compared to 27% in the previous year [12] - Marketing expenses increased by 10.7% to $713.3 million, while technology and development expenses rose by 15.9% to $824.7 million [11] Balance Sheet and Cash Flow - As of June 30, 2025, Netflix had $8.17 billion in cash and cash equivalents, with total debt at $14.5 billion [13] - Free cash flow was reported at $2.3 billion, down from $2.66 billion in the previous quarter [13] Guidance and Future Outlook - Netflix raised its full-year 2025 revenue forecast to $44.8-$45.2 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 15%-16% [16] - The company expects Q3 2025 revenues of $11.526 billion, driven by member growth, pricing, and advertising revenues, with an operating margin projected at 31% [18] Upcoming Content Slate - The second half of 2025 will feature major franchise returns, including the final season of Stranger Things and new series like Billionaires' Bunker and Black Rabbit [20][21] - Upcoming films include sequels and original productions, with notable titles from acclaimed directors and a diverse international lineup [22]