live Massive crowds attend Ali Khamenei funeral procession in week-long farewell
Massive crowds are gathering in the streets of Tehran on Monday for the funeral procession of Iran's slain former supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, as ...
Netflix added 18.9M subscribers, reaching 302M. Squid Game S2 and an NFL game with Beyoncé boosted growth. Revenue rose 16% to $10.2B, with ad-supported plans driving sign-ups. Stock surged 13%, adding $50B in value.
Netflix has once again underscored its dominance in the streaming industry, reporting a record-breaking increase in subscribers during the holiday quarter. The platform added 18.9 million users, bringing its global subscriber base to an impressive 302 million, far outstripping its competitors in the sector.
The company’s success has been attributed to a compelling blend of high-quality programming, live events, and popular returning series. Notable highlights from the fourth quarter include the second season of the hit dystopian thriller Squid Game, which is on track to become one of Netflix’s most-viewed original series, and a Christmas Day NFL game featuring a halftime performance by Beyoncé that attracted an average of 30 million global viewers.
In line with its robust growth, Netflix has implemented price adjustments in key markets such as the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina. Its ad-supported plan in the U.S. now costs $7.99 per month, up from $6.99, while the premium plan has risen to $24.99. These changes come as the company increases its investment in diverse programming, including live-streamed events and major sports rights such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 and 2031.
Netflix's Co-CEO, Greg Peters, highlighted the platform’s success in the advertising sector, noting that ad-supported subscriptions accounted for 55% of new sign-ups in markets where the option is available. Advertising revenue doubled in 2023, and the company expects similar growth in 2024. Analysts project ad revenue could reach $2 billion this year, driven by advancements in advertising technology and the popularity of live events.
The company's fourth-quarter financial results surpassed expectations, with per-share earnings of $4.27, exceeding the forecasted $4.20. Revenue rose by 16% year-on-year to $10.2 billion, while annual operating income exceeded $10 billion for the first time. Investors responded positively, with Netflix’s stock surging by 13% in after-hours trading, adding nearly $50 billion to its market value.
Netflix also announced plans to discontinue reporting subscriber additions, shifting focus to other performance indicators such as revenue and profitability. Revised guidance projects revenue of $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion in 2025, reflecting stronger business fundamentals.
In a further move to reward investors, Netflix's board approved an additional $15 billion for share repurchases, bringing the total authorisation to $17.1 billion. This strategic decision underscores the company's confidence in its growth trajectory and market leadership.
As Netflix continues to expand its programming slate, including the return of fan-favourite series such as Stranger Things and Wednesday, its focus on high-quality content and strategic pricing adjustments positions it firmly at the forefront of the streaming market.
The death toll from Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes has risen to 3,342, according to the country's information ministry, as rescue teams continue searching affected areas and survivors face an uncertain recovery.
Mexico's national football team has returned luxury Rolex watches gifted by American content creator Stevewilldoit after concerns that they could conflict with FIFA's ethics rules.
Governments are tightening restrictions on teenagers’ use of social media amid growing concerns over mental health, online safety and platform design, but questions remain over enforcement and whether bans can meaningfully change behaviour.
President Donald Trump said Iran is keen to reach a deal with the United States, claiming Washington had paused engagement to allow funeral ceremonies for late Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Thousands of mourners gathered in Tehran on Sunday as Iran held funeral prayers for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and four members of his family on the second day of mass processions. Three of Khamenei's sons attended the ceremony, while his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, made no public appearance.
European carmakers have urged the European Union to make sure new “Made in EU” rules do not put existing investments in Türkiye and Morocco at risk.
Microsoft is expected to announce a new round of job cuts as early as next week as the technology giant looks to reduce costs, according to reports.
A Swedish court has ordered Alphabet-owned Google to pay about $1.5 billion in antitrust damages to price comparison platform PriceRunner, in one of Europe's largest competition-related awards against a major technology company.
U.S. President Donald Trump earned more than $1bn from cryptocurrency-related business ventures last year, according to his mandatory 2025 financial disclosure.
Rocket Lab has agreed to acquire Iridium Communications in an $8 billion deal, giving the space company a global satellite communications network and accelerating its expansion beyond launch services. The acquisition marks a major step in its ambition to become a fully integrated space business.
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