Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) felt the full wrath of the market after reporting disappointing third-quarter financial results that fell short of analysts’ expectations. The stock fell by as much as 6% resulting in more than $13 billion in market value going down the drain.
Netflix Q3 Results
While the company was expected to post stellar results owing to people being forced to stay at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that was not the case. The streaming giant says it added 2.2 million new subscribers in the quarter, short of 3.3 million projected by the market. The addition also fell short of the company’s guidance that hinted at the addition of 2.5 million new subscribers.
In addition, Netflix's third-quarter profit fell short of expectations coming in at $1.74 a share against an estimate of $2.13 a share. On the other hand, revenue slightly topped estimates coming in at $6.4 billion against an expected $6.38 billion.
In defense of the disappointing Q3 results, Netflix emphasized the need to have a long-term view given that the subscriber growth miss is merely noise more than anything. According to the vice president of finances, Spencer Wang, the focus should not be on 90 days.
Investors pushed the stock lower, with analysts reiterating that the streaming giant could pressure the reopening of the economy. The reopening of the economy should see people spending little time at home, resulting in a subscription base contraction.
Netflix Tailwind
Surging competition in the industry is another major tailwind that should continue to take a toll on Netflix's core business going forward. Disney Plus and Comcast’s Peacock’s are some of the fastest-growing streaming services likely to eat into Netflix market share going forward.
Netflix was one of the few companies that benefited from the COVID-19 pandemic affecting people's lives. Forced lockdowns resulted in people working from home and spending more time at home, which led to a spike in subscriptions.