Pakistan’s PM Shehbaz Sharif to attend Victory Day events in Azerbaijan
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will visit Azerbaijan on Thursday and Friday to mark the fifth anniversary of Victory Day and strengthen bilateral ties....
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 Champions League match between Qarabağ FK and Chelsea ended 2–2 at the Tofig Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, Azerbaijan on Wednesday (5 November).
A French court has postponed the trial of a suspect linked to the Louvre jewellery heist in a separate case, citing heavy media scrutiny and concerns about the fairness of the proceedings.
A 35-year-old man drove his car into pedestrians and cyclists on France’s Oléron island on Wednesday, injuring at least nine people in an attack that has drawn attention from national leaders.
More than 10,000 supporters of Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic rallied in Belgrade on Wednesday to show their backing for the populist leader’s policies, following a year of anti-government demonstrations.
Dutch smartphone maker Fairphone is entering the U.S. market, betting on growing demand for repairable and sustainable devices as right-to-repair legislation gains traction, according to Reuters.
Despite promises of recovery from the new government, Germany’s economy continues to stagnate, with no signs of renewed momentum. According to the latest report from the German Chamber of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), the country still lacks the drive needed for a genuine economic rebound.
Türkiye’s benchmark BIST 100 index ended Thursday up 0.94%, closing at 11,073.27 points. Opening the day at 11,029.29, the index gained 102.9 points compared with the previous close.
Dutch smartphone maker Fairphone is entering the U.S. market, betting on growing demand for repairable and sustainable devices as right-to-repair legislation gains traction, according to Reuters.
Premier Li Qiang said on Wednesday that China's economy will exceed 170 trillion yuan ($23.87 trillion) by 2030, presenting a big market opportunity for the world as trade restrictions rise globally.
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday said that last week's Hurricane Melissa, the strongest-ever storm to hit its shores, caused damage to homes and key infrastructure roughly equivalent to 28% to 32% of last year's gross domestic product.
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