Netflix Q1 results: Unprecedented growth, 10.3 million subs, improving testing for cracked discs
We're not saying it's all good news for Netflix, but even someone with our limited financial knowledge can tell that this quote from CEO Reed Hastings in its Q1 results means things are going pretty well: "We added more net subscribers than in any previous quarter in our history and grew year-over-year GAAP EPS by 76 percent." We don't have to know what GAAP EPS is (earnings reported according to generally accepted accounting principals, and in our Wikipedia-based financial opinion we're concerned this may not truly reflect the earnings of the company until we can evaluate the operating cash flow per share - but this isn't that kind of blog) to recognize the company has a hit on its hands with Watch Instantly, even while its biggest competition is struggling. After busting through 10 million subscribers in February, the company is up to 10,310,000, adding 920,000 to its ranks in Q1 alone. Other news from the earnings call: Streaming only subscriptions are still being "considered" but not planned right now, the company is rolling out a new machine to test discs for scratches and cracks, and the company's biggest threat, just like we discussed on the podcast, is the spread of rental kiosks. You can check the reports for the rest of the details but if, like us, you're more interested in finding out when more HD and surround audio are coming to the streaming service, you'll be disappointed, because they're not in there.
[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage, via Hacking Netflix]
[Image courtesy of TooMuchNick / WireImage, via Hacking Netflix]
























Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
oudabashian @ Apr 24th 2009 7:41PM
This picture never gets old.
Eric @ Apr 24th 2009 11:01PM
Diddy is perplexed by the appearance of a $1 bill. He looks as if he is scared he just contracted the plague by touching commoner money. I love it.
Digital @ Apr 24th 2009 11:07PM
No, puff is wondering why there is a dollar bill in his money clip.
Wes @ Apr 27th 2009 1:14AM
I don't think he's perplexed by the $1.00 bill itself. He looks quite stoned like he's been doing drugs and how has the munchies.
"Oh god, I'm so hungry. I need to get a hot dog. How much does a hot dog cost?" *pauses while starring at the bill* then though pattern resumes "Is $1.00 enough?"
NorthCranky @ Apr 25th 2009 12:12AM
I'm not expecting 5.1 surround to hit netflix for a long while. But who knows maybe it'll be in the next stream upgrade.
mntwister @ Apr 25th 2009 2:56AM
Could it be that some of this money has come from the huge price increase to rent Blu-ray discs? Hmmmmmm......plus you will notice it does not say how many people left Netflix. I have been following quite a few threads and lots of people left because of the rather large Blu-ray rental increase.
THizzle7XU @ Apr 25th 2009 12:06PM
They've had unprecedented growth, but you think they are poo-pooing over a few people on message boards who make a stink over the new prices and claim they are leaving? Really?
All these people act like a few bucks a month is going to break their budget. If that's really the case, then I think you have bigger problems to worry about than watching movies, like getting a a better job or a job period.
Spiza @ Apr 25th 2009 9:38AM
This story reminded me to take my account from on hold to canceled.
mntwister @ Apr 25th 2009 1:19PM
Thizzle7xu: you said "All these people act like a few bucks a month is going to break their budget. If that's really the case, then I think you have bigger problems to worry about than watching movies, like getting a a better job or a job period."
Since Engadhethd doesn't let people respond to responses of their posts, I'll put mine here. I think there were more people that left over the Blu-ray price increase than a few members on this board. While you may not be feeling the economic crunch, after they raised prices a dollar and then another 4 dollars, that comes to 5.00 for the smaller plan (in addition to the 17.95). There are people that have lost their jobs and can hardly afford food and their mortgage payments or rent, and an extra $5 or $7 isn't "nothing" anymore as you seem to indicate. You really think at this point and time that people can just go and get another job?
I think your post was rather insulting to those who have been struck by bad economic conditions. And some can't find better jobs and some of those that have been fired can't find any job at all. Luckily I have been OK so far, but I changed my membership from 5 at a time to 2 at a time to even out the Blu-ray increase, they also don't mention how many people downgraded their subscriptions and I would bet that number is high. So while they added 920,000 subscribers, it doesn't feel like that much money in the cash register when people are downgrading. Personally I know of 9 people who downgraded out of 13 people that I know with Netflix subscriptions.
So yes, while they reported increases in subscribers, they failed to mention how many people left or downgraded and while they added 920,000 in the first quarter, I would bet that there was a pretty decent number that cancelled cancelled or downgraded. Still, the numbers are good for Netflix, I never argued that. My point was...how many people cancelled and downgraded, which is never part of their report to the public of course. When they release their profits, it will be easier to tell when comparing that against added subscribers. I'd be willing to bet the profit margin is not what it normally would be by adding 920,000 subscribers without the recent price increase because of downgrades and cancellations.
tkAshur @ Apr 25th 2009 2:07PM
Here here. I was only on the 3 disc plan, and the increase is still too much. My business is hurting worse than ever, and those 5 to 7 dollars is about what I need to feed my family. As sad as it sounds, it is a difference. I've learned to just be happy with 2 discs and no blu ray, as opposed to most people I like most of the content on streaming. Its even been getting better since I subscribed back in november when the NXBE dropped on 360s, most people just need to quit expecting high calibur movies to appear and go back and see shows they wouldn't normally have given a chance. I'm not partial to british television, but Doctor Who has been a saving grace of entertainment, and I can't believe how many movies i've passed up that were so good!
THizzle7XU @ Apr 26th 2009 11:52AM
Hey chief, they do let you respond to your own posts. Way to figure out the Internet.
And tkAshur, you are what I'm talking about. If you are struggling to feed your family, why are you still getting DVD period? Get your priorities straight. God forbid you make a personal sacrifice to take care of your family. If those 5 to 7 dollars is what you "NEED to feed" your family, then image having an extra $16 when you cancel your entire subscription!
Of course, people will still be stupid, run up their credit cards with things they don't need, and then piss and moan when the card company is calling them for their money back. Then they will stop making payments and people (like myself) who actually can plan a budget, know when to buy things, and aren't thousands in bad debt will have to pick up their slack.
Damn the responsible!
THizzle7XU @ Apr 26th 2009 11:58AM
"There are people that have lost their jobs and can hardly afford food and their mortgage payments or rent, and an extra $5 or $7 isn't "nothing" anymore as you seem to indicate. You really think at this point and time that people can just go and get another job?"
People like you: WOW, slightly more expensive DVDs or food and shelter? Let me think about that one. Well, DVDs I guess. But I'm gonna bitch up a storm about it on message boards (using my expensive Internet connection btw).
I guess Natural Selection still rings true.