Netflix, the world’s leading premium video-streaming platform, has once again outperformed expectations in the fourth quarter of 2023. The company’s Q4 revenue surpassed Wall Street forecasts, and it added a record-breaking 13.1 million subscribers during the period. Despite a slight shortfall in net income, the company’s overall performance has been impressive, with shares surging in after-hours trading.
A Stellar Quarter
Netflix’s Q4 revenue grew by 12% year over year, reaching $8.83 billion. This growth was higher than the company’s previous forecast, driven by favorable foreign exchange rates and stronger than anticipated membership growth. The company’s net income for the quarter was $938 million, or $2.11 per share, falling slightly short of Wall Street’s expected earnings per share of $2.22 on revenue of $8.71 billion.
The company’s subscriber base also saw significant growth, with Netflix adding 13.1 million subscribers in Q4 2023, a new record for the company. This growth was well above the average analyst expectation of 8.8 million net new subscribers for the year-end quarter. By the end of 2023, Netflix boasted a total of 260.28 million members globally.
Looking Ahead
Despite the impressive performance, Netflix acknowledges the streaming landscape remains highly competitive. Traditional entertainment companies’ franchise strength and programming expertise, along with heavy investment from big tech players like YouTube, Amazon, and Apple, pose significant challenges. However, Netflix remains confident in its ability to execute well and drive continuous improvement.
The company is also focusing on improving profits and has increased its 2024 full-year operating margin forecast to 24%, up from a range of 22% to 23%. This increase is attributed to the weakening of the U.S. dollar and a stronger-than-forecast fourth-quarter performance.
FAQ
What was Netflix’s Q4 2023 revenue?
Netflix’s Q4 2023 revenue was $8.83 billion, a 12% increase year over year.
How many new subscribers did Netflix add in Q4 2023?
Netflix added 13.1 million new subscribers in Q4 2023.
What was Netflix’s net income in Q4 2023?
Netflix’s net income in Q4 2023 was $938 million, or $2.11 per share.
What is the operating margin forecast for Netflix in 2024?
Netflix has increased its 2024 full-year operating margin forecast to 24%.
Glossary
Revenue: The total amount of money a company generates from its business activities before expenses are deducted.
Net Income: The profit of a company after all expenses and taxes have been deducted from revenue.
Operating Margin: A profitability measure that shows what proportion of a company’s revenue is left over after paying for variable costs of production.
Subscriber Base: The total number of active subscribers or customers who are currently paying for a service.
Earnings Per Share (EPS): The portion of a company’s profit allocated to each outstanding share of common stock, serving as an indicator of a company’s profitability.
Wall Street Forecasts: Predictions made by financial analysts about a company’s future earnings, revenue, and business activities.
After-Hours Trading: Stock trading that happens after the regular trading hours of the stock exchange.
Foreign Exchange Rates: The value of one country’s currency in relation to another’s. Changes in these rates can impact multinational companies’ revenues and profits.
