EU to upgrade electricity grid and launch ‘energy highways’ initiative
The European Union will strengthen its power grid and launch a new initiative targeting eight key energy bottlenecks across the bloc, according to the...
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.
AnewZ has learned that India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s application for full membership in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, while Pakistan’s recent decision to consider diplomatic relations with Armenia has been coordinated with Baku as part of Azerbaijan’s peace agenda.
A day of mourning has been declared in Portugal to pay respect to victims who lost their lives in the Lisbon Funicular crash which happened on Wednesday evening.
A Polish Air Force pilot was killed on Thursday when an F-16 fighter jet crashed during a training flight ahead of the 2025 Radom International Air Show.
At least eight people have died and more than 90 others were injured following a catastrophic gas tanker explosion on a major highway in Mexico City’s Iztapalapa district on Wednesday, authorities confirmed.
Google said on Tuesday it would make £5 billion pounds ($6.80 billion) in new investments into Britain ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's state visit to the country, which is expected to feature a flurry of business deals and partnerships.
The founding family of Italiana Petroli is close to finalising the sale of the oil refiner to the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), in a deal that would give the Azerbaijani group control of one of Italy’s largest petrol station networks, three sources have said.
India's retail inflation (INCPIY=ECI) rose to 2.07% in August as food prices edged up, although it remained within the central bank's tolerance range for the tenth consecutive month.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said Wednesday that it now believes “some data has been affected” after a cyberattack forced the company to shut down operations last Tuesday. Staff have been instructed to work from home since the incident.
Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison has overtaken Tesla Chief Elon Musk as the world’s richest person after a surge in the company’s stock lifted his net worth to $393 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.
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