Netflix misses Q3 earnings targets amid Brazil tax dispute

The Netflix logo is seen on their office in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, U.S. July 16, 2018.
Reuters

Netflix (NFLX) missed Wall Street third-quarter earnings targets due to an unexpected expense from a dispute with Brazilian tax authorities, though it offered a slightly stronger-than-expected forecast for the rest of the year.

Shares fell 4% to $1,186.82 in after-hours trading on Tuesday.

Q3 Performance

The streaming service posted net income of $2.5 billion and diluted earnings-per-share (EPS) of $5.87 for July through September. Analysts had expected $3.0 billion in net income and $6.97 EPS. The quarter saw the animated movie “K-Pop Demon Hunters” become the most-watched film in Netflix history.

Netflix said its operating margin for Q3 was 28%, down from the 31.5% guidance, primarily due to a $619 million Brazilian tax expense. The company added that the dispute is not expected to materially impact future results.

Looking Ahead

For Q4, Netflix forecast revenue of $11.96 billion, slightly above Wall Street’s projection of $11.90 billion, and projected EPS of $5.45, a penny ahead of analysts’ expectations.

Upcoming highlights for the company include the final season of “Stranger Things” in November and December and two live NFL games on Christmas.

Growth Strategy

Netflix continues to seek growth through advertising and video games, areas that so far contribute minimally to revenue. The company has more than 300 million customers worldwide and faces stiff competition from YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and others.

Earlier this year, Netflix stopped reporting subscriber numbers, urging investors to focus on revenue and profitability.

“We’re finishing the year with good momentum and have an exciting Q4 slate,” Netflix said in its shareholder letter.

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