Nasdaq 100: Netflix Beats Q2 Earnings, Falls on Weak Guidance – Tech Stocks Waver

Netflix Q2 Earnings Beat Expectations, but Stock Falls on Revenue Outlook

Netflix reported strong second-quarter earnings, beating analyst expectations on key metrics. However, the streaming giant’s stock fell in after-hours trading due to a softer revenue outlook for the third quarter.

At 20:39 GMT, Netflix, Inc. is trading $631.01, down $12.03 or -1.87%.

Earnings and Revenue Surpass Estimates

Netflix posted earnings per share of $4.88, surpassing the expected $4.74. Revenue reached $9.56 billion, a 16.8% increase year-over-year, slightly above the anticipated $9.53 billion. The company’s performance was driven by growth in average paid memberships and the success of its ad-supported tier.

Subscriber Growth Continues to Impress

The streaming leader added 8.05 million new subscribers in Q2, significantly exceeding expectations of 4.7 million. This brings Netflix’s total global paid memberships to 278 million, a 16.5% increase from the previous year. The company’s password-sharing crackdown and expansion of its ad-supported tier have contributed to this growth.

Ad-Supported Tier Gains Momentum

Netflix reported a 34% quarter-on-quarter increase in ad-supported memberships. The company aims to achieve critical ad subscriber scale in its ad countries by 2025, setting the stage for further growth in 2026 and beyond. To boost the ad tier, Netflix plans to phase out its basic plan membership in the US and France.

Revenue Forecast Misses Mark

Despite strong Q2 results, Netflix’s Q3 revenue forecast of $9.73 billion fell short of the $9.83 billion analysts expected. This outlook, coupled with the company’s decision to stop reporting subscriber figures and average revenue per member starting next year, has raised concerns about long-term growth sustainability.

Market Reaction and Future Outlook

Netflix shares dropped up to 6% in after-hours trading following the earnings release. However, the company raised its full-year 2024 revenue growth projection to 14-15%, up from the previous 13-15% range. Operating margins are expected to reach 26% for the full year, an increase from the earlier 25% forecast.

Market Forecast

The market’s reaction to Netflix’s earnings report suggests a bearish short-term outlook. While the company’s Q2 performance was strong, concerns about future revenue growth and the decision to withhold key metrics have created uncertainty. Traders should monitor Netflix’s ability to maintain subscriber growth and successfully monetize its ad-supported tier in the coming quarters. The stock may face downward pressure in the near term as the market digests these mixed signals.