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

We check what the streaming giant reported today.

| More on:

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.

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

Image source: Getty Images

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 ASX Share Market News

Two businessmen shake hands behind a window.
Mergers & Acquisitions

Reliance shares surge to a 52-week high on $4.1 billion takeover deal

Reliance shares are back in focus after another takeover development.

Read more »

A distressed young woman reads bad news on her smartphone while standing in a modern indoor setting.
52-Week Lows

Down 40%: Why I'd buy this ASX 200 share before sentiment improves

I look at why the latest AI developments have not changed my positive view of this ASX share.

Read more »

A woman holds a soldering tool as she sits in front of a computer screen while working on the manufacturing of technology equipment in a laboratory environment.
Broker Notes

Netwealth shares could be set to rise 60% in the next 12 months – Expert

This could be a value play after key acquisition.

Read more »

Contented looking man leans back in his chair at his desk and smiles.
ASX Share Market News

5 things to watch on the ASX 200 on Wednesday

Will the market rebound from yesterday's weakness? Let's find out.

Read more »

I young woman takes a bite out of a burrito n the street outside a Mexican fast-food establishment.
Broker Notes

Up 67%! Is it too late to buy the rally in Guzman Y Gomez shares now?

A leading expert delivers his verdict on the surging Guzman Y Gomez share price.

Read more »

Time to sell written on a clock.
Broker Notes

Sell alert! Why this expert is calling time on Woolworths and CBA shares

A leading expert believes investors would do well to exit their Woolworths and CBA share holdings. But why?

Read more »

Smiling couple sitting on a couch with laptops fist pump each other.
ASX Share Market News

Brokers tip these 3 ASX shares to climb between 50% and 122% in the next 12 months

These ASX shares look significantly undervalued.

Read more »

3 children standing on podiums wearing Olympic medals.
Share Gainers

Here are the top 10 ASX 200 shares today

Investors were back to hitting the sell button this Tuesday.

Read more »