Netflix prepares to release its earnings report, with attention on maintaining subscriber growth amidst challenges posed by password sharing crackdowns. Analysts scrutinize the streaming giant’s strategies, including the adoption of ad-supported tiers and expansion into sports entertainment.
17 April 2024 – As Netflix prepares to report its earnings on Thursday, attention is drawn to its strategy for sustaining subscriber growth following two consecutive quarters of significant increases, driven partly by a global crackdown on password sharing. While the streaming giant is expected to add 5 million subscribers in the first quarter, analysts anticipate a slowdown compared to the robust growth witnessed in the latter half of 2023, prompting scrutiny on its initiatives such as an ad-supported tier and foray into sports entertainment.
- Subscriptions in the March Quarter: Analysts project Netflix to add 5 million subscribers in the first quarter, with attention on original content performance and the impact of the password-sharing crackdown.
- Future of Password-Sharing Crackdown: The effectiveness of Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing will be under scrutiny, with questions on its sustainability in key markets like the United States.
- Ad-Supported Tier Adoption: Netflix’s ad-supported tier, now boasting 23 million monthly subscribers, is expected to witness further growth, particularly after recent price increases for its commercial-free plans.
- Content Spending Strategy: With a projected $17 billion investment in content this year, Netflix’s approach to content spending amidst increased competition and the acquisition of former exclusive content from competitors will be analyzed.
- Focus on Sports Entertainment: Investors await updates on Netflix’s foray into sports entertainment following its deal with World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), signaling a shift towards entertainment-focused sports content to enhance viewer engagement. – ref: Reuters
