10-QPeriod: Q2 FY2015

NETFLIX INC Quarterly Report for Q2 Ended Jun 30, 2015

Filed July 17, 2015For Securities:NFLX

Summary

Netflix's second-quarter 2015 report shows robust global membership growth, up 31% year-over-year to over 65 million. This expansion fueled a 23% increase in consolidated revenues, reaching $1.64 billion. However, the company experienced a significant 42% decrease in operating income and a 63% drop in net income compared to the prior year. This decline is attributed to increased investments in content and international expansion, alongside higher interest expenses related to new debt issuance. The domestic streaming segment continues to be a strong performer, with revenues up 22% and contribution profit soaring by 50%, driven by membership growth and price adjustments. Conversely, the international segment, while showing impressive revenue growth of 48%, incurred a significantly larger contribution loss (up 502%) due to aggressive investment in new markets and content, compounded by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates. The legacy DVD business continued its decline, with revenues down 16%. Investors should monitor the company's strategy of prioritizing global streaming growth, which necessitates substantial upfront investment in content and international markets, impacting near-term profitability.

Financial Statements
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Key Highlights

  • 1Global streaming memberships surged 31% year-over-year to 65.55 million as of June 30, 2015.
  • 2Consolidated revenues grew 23% to $1.64 billion for the quarter ended June 30, 2015.
  • 3Operating income decreased by 42% to $74.8 million, and net income fell 63% to $26.3 million, reflecting increased investment costs.
  • 4Domestic streaming segment contribution profit increased by 50% to $339.8 million, with contribution margin improving to 33%.
  • 5International streaming segment revenue increased by 48%, but contribution loss widened significantly to $91.9 million due to expansion costs and foreign currency impacts.
  • 6Total streaming content obligations, a key indicator of future content spending, stood at $10.1 billion, with substantial amounts due in the next 1-3 years.
  • 7Free cash flow turned negative for the quarter, reaching $(229.3) million, a significant decline from $16.3 million in the prior year, primarily due to increased content payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Netflix's revenue growth is primarily driven by the expansion of its global streaming memberships. The company reported a 31% year-over-year increase in global streaming memberships, which directly translates into higher subscription revenues.

The significant decrease in net income is primarily due to increased investments in content acquisition and licensing, especially original content, and the costs associated with international expansion. Additionally, higher interest expenses related to new debt issued in February 2015 also contributed to the decline in profitability.

The international expansion is a key growth strategy but is currently a drag on profitability. While international revenues are growing rapidly (48% year-over-year), the contribution loss has widened substantially due to significant investments in content and marketing for new markets, further impacted by unfavorable foreign currency exchange rates.

The $10.1 billion in streaming content obligations represents future commitments to license and produce content. This indicates Netflix's aggressive strategy to invest heavily in its content library to attract and retain subscribers globally. A significant portion of these obligations are due within the next 1-3 years, highlighting the substantial cash outflow expected for content in the near to medium term.