Netflix shares jumped 14% in the trading period after the close, buoyed in part by the streaming giant’s expectations that it will capture 4.5 million customers in the fourth quarter..
Netflix stock has taken a hit this year as customer losses piled up. However, the company has now reassured Wall Street that there is still more growth, as it prepares to launch a new on-demand streaming service with ads.
Investors’ favorite stock fell nearly 60% this year before the company’s earnings report revealed a slowdown in growth.
Reed Hastings, co-CEO, says the company needs to continue to build momentum by focusing on content, marketing, and a low-price plan with ads.
From July to September, Netflix attracted 2.4 million new subscribers worldwide, more than double the 1.07 million forecast of analysts polled by Refinitiv.
During the quarter, Netflix released the final episodes of the popular science fiction film Stranger Things as well as the Dahmer serial killer series – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, becoming one of the most-watched Netflix series of all time.
Netflix currently has 223.1 million subscribers worldwide.
Netflix has been trying to boost membership growth since the first half of the year, when its subscriber base fell by 1.2 million due to tough global economic conditions and increased competition via online video.
Netflix’s quarterly letter to shareholders states that rival media companies are losing money from streaming in an effort to attract customers.
“Our competitors are investing heavily to attract subscribers and engage, but building a large and successful broadcast business is difficult,” the letter read.
Netflix estimated that competitors would end 2022 with combined operating losses of “over $10 billion,” compared to Netflix’s annual operating profit of $5 billion to $6 billion.
According to Netflix forecasts, the company expects to add 4.5 million new customers by the end of 2022, which is slightly higher than Wall Street’s forecast of 4.2 million.
Due to the strength of the US dollar, revenue in the fourth quarter is expected to decline slightly, from $7.9 billion to $7.8 billion.
Competitors, including The Walt Disney Co., run several companies such as television networks and theme parks, to offset broadcast losses.
According to Netflix, the rise in the dollar is the reason for the decline in revenue in the fourth quarter.
in early november, Netflix will offer an ad-supported streaming plan of $7 To attract consumers looking for an economical entertainment experience.