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Netflix Q1 2025 · Earnings

Netflix (NFLX) delivered a standout performance in Q1 2025, marking a strong start to the year with robust growth across key financial and operational metrics. Revenue climbed to $10.54 billion, representing a 13% year-over-year increase (16% on a constant currency basis), driven by both membership growth and pricing improvements. This top-line momentum was complemented by notable gains in profitability: operating income surged 27% to $3.35 billion, while net income rose 24% to $2.89 billion. Operating margin expanded to 31.7%, up from 28.1% a year ago, reflecting strong cost discipline amid increased content amortization.

Regionally, all markets contributed to revenue growth, with Asia-Pacific (APAC) and Latin America (LATAM) leading on a constant currency basis, posting gains of +26% and +27%, respectively. The United States and Canada (UCAN) remained Netflix’s largest market with $4.62 billion in revenue, growing 9% year-over-year. Meanwhile, Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA) delivered $3.41 billion, up 15% year-over-year.

Netflix’s ad-supported tier continues to scale, bolstered by the rollout of its proprietary Netflix Ads Suite and new programmatic capabilities. Advertising revenue came in slightly ahead of forecasts, although it remains a small part of the overall business. On the content front, the company highlighted several global hits, including “Adolescence,” now its third most popular English-language series ever, and the action film “Back in Action,” which became its sixth most popular English-language film.

Strategically, Netflix is deepening its push into live programming, with the successful launch of WWE RAW and more live sports to come. The company has also shifted away from reporting subscriber numbers quarterly, instead emphasizing revenue and operating margin as more meaningful metrics of long-term performance. Semiannual engagement reports will supplement this new focus.

Looking ahead, Netflix provided an upbeat Q2 2025 outlook, projecting $11.04 billion in revenue (+15% YoY) and an operating margin of 33%. For the full year, it expects $43.5–$44.5 billion in revenue, a 29% operating margin, and around $8 billion in free cash flow. Management anticipates continued membership growth, higher pricing, and an approximate doubling of ad revenue, with FX headwinds modestly tempering results.

The company remains committed to disciplined content investment—set to rise from $17 billion to $18 billion this year, still below revenue growth—and continues to prioritize shareholder returns, repurchasing 3.7 million shares for $3.5 billion in Q1. With $7.2 billion in cash and $15.1 billion in gross debt, Netflix retains significant financial flexibility.

Leadership transitions also marked the quarter, with Reed Hastings moving into a non-executive chairman role and Tim Haley stepping down from the board. Netflix reiterated its commitment to expanding local content and production infrastructure, particularly in markets like the UK.

In summary, Netflix exceeded expectations in Q1 2025, delivering strong financial results and laying the groundwork for further growth through content, advertising, and live experiences. The company remains well-positioned to capitalize on evolving consumer behaviors and global streaming demand.

April 17, 2025
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