The wind of change is blowing in the television and content delivery space. Netflix has done it again, increasing its share prices by nearly 14% to end at $65.28 at the close of trading. This was surely helped by the release of its first quarter report that showed steady progress in subscriber acquisition. Other news included not so stellar profit figures and the possibility of a stock split.
The company hosted a Q&A session after the report was made public. Its CEO Reed Hastings sounded triumphant as he emphasized the growth of Internet TV. He did not show concern about the moves of his competitors, saying instead that more players mean a greater attraction for the audience to try this new wave.
As for the secret to the increase in subscribers, Hastings said that they merely continued to employ their winning formula: great content, enhanced streaming services, and better user interface. These have always been the pillars of the company and have proved their worth.
He was asked in the session about previous predictions regarding his company's subscription numbers. They had a goal of hitting between 60 to 90 million in the past. Hasting said that the figures are on track and reaching the goal for the US market will be a great achievement. The stock price is soaring to new heights as well.
Market analysts are betting on Netflix to keep rising and blow everyone out of the water. Various firms have voiced their predictions including FBR & Co. Barton Crockett sees the share prices going from a target of $400 to an impressive $900 after a survey showed that Netflix subscribers are extremely satisfied with the service and actually prefer it to their regular TV. This represents 40% of the households in the US. The shares are now tagged with the Outperform rating, up from the previous Market Perform label.
For Crockett, there is nowhere to go but up and the 90 million goal may be reached sooner than most people predict. Netflix may soon have to set a new target.
Netflix Q1 2015 Earnings Interview