Why did the Netflix share price lift despite losing 970,000 subscribers?

We check what the streaming giant reported today.

| More on:
A couple stares at the tv in shock, with the man holding the remote up ready to press a button.

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points

  • Netflix shares leapt 7.85% in after hours trade in the US
  • The company reported a net income of more than $1.4 billion 
  • Subscriber numbers were lower, however, it was a better result than expected 

The Netflix Inc (NASDAQ: NFLX) share price soared in the US after the company released quarterly results showing net income of more than $1.4 billion.

Netflix shares jumped 7.85% to $217.46 on the NASDAQ during after-hours trade. In Tuesday's trading, Netflix shares climbed 5.61%. For perspective, the NASDAQ leapt 2.93% on Tuesday.

Let's take a look at what Netflix reported today.

Netflix reports quarterly results

Highlights of the Netflix Q2, 22 results include:

  • Total revenue of $7.97 billion
  • Revenue jumped 1.3% on the previous quarter and 8.55% compared to Q2, 21
  • Loss of 970,000 global streaming paid memberships
  • Total of 220.67 million global streaming paid memberships
  • Operating margin of 19.8%
  • Net income of $1.441 billion, up 6.5% compared to Q2,21
  • Diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.20, up from $2.97 per share in Q2,21

What else did Netflix report

Despite the loss of subscribers, Netflix said membership was "better than expected". The company said it is in a position of strength.

Average revenue per membership (ARM) increased 7% year on year, excluding the impact of foreign exchange.

Revenue in the Asia Pacific region jumped 23% compared to the previous year, excluding foreign exchange, and is now almost as big as the company's Latin America business.

Europe, the Middle East, and Africa revenue also climbed 13% year on year, while Latin America revenue rose 19% and US Canada revenue gained 10%.

Netflix added 1.1 million subscribers in the Asia Pacific region in the quarter, up from one million in the previous corresponding year.

The best Netflix movie in quarter two was Hustle, featuring Adam Sandler. This attracted 186 million hours of viewing. This was followed by Senior Year, starring Rebel Wilson, with 161 million viewing hours.

Netflix is also investing in animated features and building on non-English programming. Netflix said:

While we always have room to improve, we're very pleased with how far we've come in providing so much satisfaction and enjoyment to our members.

What's ahead?

Netflix wants to accelerate revenue growth and improve monetisation. The company is planning to add a new lower-priced plan with advertising in early 2023. This will be in addition to existing plans that are free of ads.

Netflix plans to roll this plan out in markets where advertising spend is high. Commenting on this initiative, the company said:

Our global ARM [average revenue per membership] has grown at a 5% compound annual rate from 2013 to 2021, so it makes sense now to give consumers a choice for a lower priced option with advertisements, if they desire it.

Netflix is also working on plans to monetise up to 100 million homes that are not paying for Netflix, despite using the services. Netflix added:

We know this will be a change for our members. As such, we have launched two different approaches in Latin America to learn more.

Our goal is to find an easy-to-use paid sharing offering that we believe works for our members and our business that we can roll out in 2023.

Share price snapshot

The Netflix share price has dived 62% in the past year, while it has lost 66% year to date.

However, in the past month, Netflix shares have soared nearly 18%. For perspective, the NASDAQ has dropped nearly 12% in the past year.

Motley Fool contributor Monica O'Shea has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has positions in and has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool Australia has recommended Netflix. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Share Market News

A male investor wearing a white shirt and blue suit jacket sits at his desk looking at his laptop with his hands to his chin, waiting in anticipation.
Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Monday

A soft start to the week is expected for Aussie investors.

Read more »

Broker written in white with a man drawing a yellow underline.
Broker Notes

Top brokers name 3 ASX shares to buy next week

Brokers gave buy ratings to these ASX shares last week. Why are they bullish?

Read more »

Man holding Australian dollar notes, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

Want to build up passive income? These 2 ASX dividend shares are a buy!

These stocks are giving investors exciting payouts every year.

Read more »

Man on a ladder drawing an increasing line on a chalk board symbolising a rising share price.
Growth Shares

2 ASX shares to buy and hold for the next decade

These businesses have a lot of growth potential ahead…

Read more »

Three satisfied miners with their arms crossed looking at the camera proudly
Materials Shares

ASX 200 materials sector outperforms as mining shares continue their ascent

Plenty of ASX 200 mining shares hit multi-year highs last week amid continually rising commodity values.

Read more »

A group of people push and shove through the doors of a store, trying to beat the crowd.
Broker Notes

2 ASX shares highly recommended to buy: Experts

Are these two stocks the best buys on the ASX?

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
Broker Notes

These ASX 200 shares could rise 20% to 55%

Brokers have good things to say about these shares.

Read more »

Australian dollar notes in the pocket of a man's jeans, symbolising dividends.
Dividend Investing

I'd buy 5,883 shares of this ASX stock to aim for $1,000 of annual passive income

I’d pick this stock for its strong dividend record.

Read more »