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'KPop' helps lift Netflix revenue 17%
The Economic Timesยท 2025-10-22 05:31
Core Insights - "KPop Demon Hunters" is the most-watched film in Netflix's history with 325 million views and was the first Netflix movie to top the box office chart during its limited theatrical release [1] - Netflix's third-quarter revenue rose to $11.5 billion, with net income totaling $2.5 billion, reflecting an increase from $2.36 billion in the same quarter of 2024 [4] - The company is on track to double its sales by 2025, despite a drop in overall operating margin from an expected 31% to 28% due to a dispute with Brazilian tax authorities [3][4] Revenue and Viewership - The third-quarter slate helped Netflix achieve a record share of television time in the U.S. and Britain, with significant viewership for events like the live super middleweight bout between Terence Crawford and Canelo Alvarez, attracting over 41 million viewers globally [2] - The success of "KPop Demon Hunters" has led to high demand for its soundtrack and character costumes, and the company has announced a deal with Mattel and Hasbro for related merchandise starting in 2026 [1] Strategic Shifts - Netflix is diversifying its entertainment offerings, including a podcast deal with Spotify and a new gaming strategy aimed at encouraging group play [7] - The company is pivoting its content strategy to include more live sports, YouTubers, creators, and podcasters to enhance viewer engagement and grow its advertising business [10] Competitive Landscape - Netflix faces competition from Paramount Pictures, which is attracting talent with substantial budgets and theatrical releases, as well as from YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, which are expanding their offerings [5][6] - Analysts express concerns that Netflix's focus on non-core business strategies, such as podcasting and gaming, may dilute its core content quality, potentially impacting its leading status in the streaming market [8][9]