Shares of Netflix (NFLX) soared on Wednesday, climbing as much as 14.9% after the streaming giant unveiled a stellar fourth-quarter performance.

For the fourth quarter, Netflix added nearly 19 million new paid users, the highest quarterly gain in its history. This was more than double Wall Street's estimate of 9.2 million, pushing Netflix's total membership past 300 million. The subscriber growth contributed to a 16% year-over-year revenue increase, reaching $10.2 billion. Operating margins expanded by 530 basis points to 22.2%, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) rose 102% to $4.27, surpassing analysts’ expectations of $4.20.
Optimistic Outlook for 2025
The robust performance has set the stage for an optimistic 2025. Netflix raised its revenue guidance to $44 billion at the midpoint, alongside a 29% operating margin, up from previous forecasts of $43.5 billion and 28%, respectively. The company attributed its momentum to several strategic initiatives, including a strong content slate, the expansion of its ad-supported tier, and an increased focus on live event programming.
Netflix’s ad-supported plan was a major driver of growth, accounting for 55% of fourth-quarter sign-ups in markets where it was available. Engagement levels on the ad-supported tier mirrored those of ad-free plans, and Netflix doubled its ad revenue in 2024. The company expects to repeat this feat in 2025, aided by the rollout of its proprietary ad stack in April, beginning with the U.S.
Event-Driven Content and Price Hikes Bolster Revenue
Live events also played a pivotal role in the company’s success. High-profile programming like the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson boxing match, which attracted over 108 million global viewers, and Christmas Day NFL games, which averaged 30 million viewers, highlighted Netflix's ability to deliver event-driven content. Executives emphasized their strategy of focusing on “can’t-miss” live events rather than acquiring costly full-season sports rights.
In tandem with its strong results, Netflix announced price increases for its U.S. and Canadian streaming plans. The ad-supported tier now costs $7.99, up from $6.99, while the Standard plan increased to $17.99, and the Premium plan rose to $24.99. Analysts praised the move, citing limited subscriber pushback and the potential for significant revenue growth.
A Strong Finish to 2024 and Bright Prospects Ahead
Netflix ended 2024 with an 83% stock gain, outperforming the S&P 500 and solidifying its status as a market leader. With a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 36, analysts argue the stock is attractively valued given its consistent outperformance. As the company heads into 2025, its innovative strategies, robust content pipeline, and growing revenue streams position it as a dominant force in the entertainment industry.
Netflix’s proven ability to adapt and deliver value to both subscribers and shareholders underscores its enduring appeal in an increasingly competitive streaming landscape.
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