10-QPeriod: Q1 FY2012

NETFLIX INC Quarterly Report for Q1 Ended Mar 31, 2012

Filed April 27, 2012For Securities:NFLX

Summary

Netflix reported its first quarterly results of 2012 with a consolidated net loss of $4.6 million, a significant shift from the previous year's profit, although revenues saw a 21.0% year-over-year increase to $869.8 million. This loss was largely driven by aggressive international expansion and increased content acquisition costs, which overshadowed the strong growth in domestic streaming subscribers. The company is actively transitioning its business model, with streaming now being the primary growth driver, while the DVD subscriber base continues its decline. Despite the net loss, the company highlighted robust subscriber growth in its domestic streaming segment, adding 1.7 million net subscribers in Q1 2012. International streaming also showed substantial growth, with a 65% increase in subscribers, though it continues to be a significant contributor to losses due to expansion efforts. Management is focused on improving the domestic streaming contribution margin and anticipates modest sequential revenue growth, driven by continued streaming subscriber increases, while expecting the consolidated net loss to narrow in the second quarter. Investors should note the substantial commitments for future content licensing and the company's potential need for additional financing.

Financial Statements
Beta
Revenue$869.79M
Cost of Revenue$623.93M
Gross Profit$245.86M
R&D Expenses$82.80M
Operating Expenses$247.79M
Operating Income-$1.94M
Interest Expense$4.97M
Net Income-$4.58M
EPS (Basic)$-0.00
EPS (Diluted)$-0.00
Shares Outstanding (Basic)3.88B
Shares Outstanding (Diluted)3.88B

Key Highlights

  • 1Reported a consolidated net loss of $4.6 million in Q1 2012, a stark contrast to the profit in Q1 2011, largely due to international expansion costs and content investments.
  • 2Consolidated revenues increased by 21.0% year-over-year to $869.8 million, driven by subscriber growth.
  • 3Domestic streaming subscriptions saw strong net additions of 1,739,000, contributing to a domestic streaming contribution margin of 13.1%.
  • 4International streaming subscribers grew by 65% sequentially to 3.1 million, but the segment reported a contribution loss of $102.7 million due to expansion efforts.
  • 5Domestic DVD subscriptions continued their decline, with a net loss of 1,076,000 subscribers during the quarter.
  • 6Free cash flow significantly decreased by 97.3% year-over-year to $2.1 million, reflecting increased investments in content and international markets.
  • 7The company faces substantial future streaming content obligations totaling over $3.6 billion.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary driver of revenue growth for Netflix is its streaming subscription service, both domestically and internationally. While the DVD-by-mail service is still generating revenue, its subscriber base is in decline, and the company is strategically focused on expanding its global streaming operations.

Netflix reported a net loss in Q1 2012 primarily due to significant investments in international expansion, particularly the recent launches in the UK and Ireland, and increased spending on content acquisition and licensing for its streaming service. These costs outweighed the revenue generated during this period.

Free cash flow has significantly decreased in Q1 2012 compared to prior periods. Management expects future free cash flow to be negatively impacted by ongoing investments in new international markets and the cash requirements for original content. The company anticipates it may use cash in 2012.

Netflix is making substantial investments in licensing streaming content, both domestically and internationally. The company has significant future streaming content obligations totaling over $3.6 billion, payable over the next several years. These investments are crucial for growing the streaming business but also represent a major use of cash.