by In what can be described as its best-ever holiday season results, Netflix has gained 13.1 million new subscribers worldwide during the fourth quarter of 2023. This marks the streaming giant’s third-consecutive quarter of accelerating subscriber growth, capping off a successful year for the company.
Netflix’s ability to attract new subscribers comes as a surprise, considering the recent price hikes and efforts to crack down on viewers freeloading on the service. However, the streaming platform seems to have found a winning formula that includes a diverse lineup of popular TV shows and movies to justify the higher subscription prices.
To further entice subscribers, Netflix announced a $10 billion deal with WWE’s Raw, a popular wrestling program that will be available on the streaming service starting next year. This addition will complement the already impressive collection of content, which includes award-winning shows like “Beef” and critically acclaimed films like “Maestro.”
The Q4 results have exceeded analyst projections and demonstrate Netflix’s ability to continue attracting users in a competitive market. With the addition of 13.1 million new subscribers, Netflix now boasts over 260 million global subscribers, a significant increase of nearly 30 million over the past year.
The company’s success can be attributed to several strategic moves, including the introduction of a low-priced streaming plan that includes commercials. This marked the first time Netflix incorporated advertising into its service, providing a more affordable option for viewers. Additionally, Netflix implemented measures to prevent viewers from using stolen passwords to access the platform for free.
While tightening its programming budget, Netflix also raised the price of its top-tier streaming plan by 10% to increase profitability. These efforts paid off, as the company reported earnings of $937.8 million, or $2.11 per share, in Q4. This is a significant improvement from the same period in the previous year, where earnings were $55.3 million, or 12 cents per share. Revenue also saw a 13% increase, reaching $8.83 billion.
Netflix’s impressive performance has garnered the attention of Wall Street, with its stock price rising by 65% in 2023. This success stands in contrast to other media giants like Walt Disney Co. and Warner Bros. Discovery, who have struggled to generate profits from their own streaming services.
Analysts believe that Netflix’s strong positioning in terms of technology platform, programming, and global distribution gives it a competitive edge in the streaming and cable-TV landscape.
With its continuing subscriber growth and an exciting lineup of content, Netflix is poised to maintain its dominance in the streaming industry and pave the way for future success.
