Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw joins to discuss Netflix's shift from transparency in reporting subscriber data, questioning its impact on the streaming industry. Matt predicts the future of primetime TV amidst Netflix's changes.
Netflix's focus on financial metrics over subscriber growth alters its perception as a growth tech stock.
Competitors may struggle to shift from subscriber growth to profitability metrics due to Netflix's move to hide subscriber numbers.
Deep dives
Netflix's shift to focus on profitability over subscriber numbers
Netflix announced strong earnings, generating $2.3 billion and adding $9.3 million subscribers, partly due to password sharing crackdown. Despite this, the stock dropped 8% as Netflix revealed plans to stop reporting quarterly subscriber data and average revenue per user. This shift signals the company's focus on financial metrics over subscriber growth, altering its perception as a growth tech stock.
Implications of Netflix's transparency change on competitors
Netflix's move to hide subscriber numbers raises questions on how competitors will respond in earnings reporting. Other streaming services, heavily reliant on subscriber growth stats, might face challenges if forced to shift focus to profitability metrics. The shift prompted by Netflix could impact how industry players like Disney and Warner Bros Discovery report their financials and compete in the streaming market.
Predictions on Netflix delving into sports content and advertising
Netflix's potential shift towards sports content, hinted by softening attitudes and engagement strategies, could lead to strategic partnerships like with the NBA for live sports content. The company's interest in beefing up ad-supported tiers and live programming hints at a broader advertising strategy. By leveraging sports events and live programming, Netflix aims to engage audiences and boost ad revenue, potentially reshaping the streaming landscape.
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Netflix’s pivot away from reporting subscriber growth and average revenue per user every quarter. The two question why Netflix is doing this and how this step back from transparency will affect other streaming services and the greater streaming landscape. Matt finishes the show with a prediction about primetime television.
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