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Netflix posts narrow earnings beat, reports 325 million global subscribers
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Netflix said on Tuesday it had reached 325 million global paid subscribers, a new milestone for the streaming giant that last reported membership numbers a year ago.
The company reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that narrowly beat Wall Street estimates. Here’s how Netflix performed for the period ended Dec. 31, compared with estimates from analysts polled by LSEG:
- Earnings per share: 56 cents vs. 55 cents, estimated
- Revenue: $12.05 billion vs $11.97 billion, estimated
Net income for the fourth quarter was $2.42 billion, or 56 cents per share, up from $1.87 billion, or 43 cents per share, during the same period a year earlier.
Netflix said revenue during the period rose 18% year over year, driven by membership growth, higher subscription pricing and increased advertising revenue. In recent years Netflix has been focused on growing its ad-supported membership tier.
Netflix launched its ad-supported option in late 2022. On Tuesday, it said 2025 ad revenue grew by more than 2.5-times from 2024 to over $1.5 billion.
The company said it expects 2026 overall revenue to range between $50.7 billion and $51.7 billion, due to increases in membership and pricing, as well as “a projected rough doubling of ad revenue in 2026” compared to the prior year.
On Tuesday’s earnings call with investors, Netflix leaders noted what they described as heated competition among industry peers when it comes to gaining subscribers and growing profitability.
“Looking ahead to ’26 we’re focused on improving the core business, you know, and we do that by increasing the variety and quality of our series and films,” said co-CEO Ted Sarandos.
Still, Netflix’s stock was down more than 4% in after-market trading on Tuesday.
Netflix’s report drew comparisons to a Wall Street Journal report from April that outlined ambitious internal financial targets at the streamer. By those lofty standards, Netflix’s growth underwhelmed.
But co-CEO Greg Peters said Tuesday the internal targets were considered “long-term aspirations” and not to be confused with a forecast.
“Having said that, those goals were based on organic process,” Peters added, noting they didn’t take into account the impact of mergers and acquisitions.
WBD deal update
Netflix’s quarterly report comes against the backdrop of its proposed transaction of Warner Bros. Discovery’s streaming and film studio assets. The company announcement in December that it had agreed to acquire streamer HBO Max and the Warner Bros. film studio for $27.75 per WBD share, or an equity value of $72 billion.
Earlier on Tuesday Netflix amended its offer to be all-cash. The company said Tuesday it would pause share repurchases to fund the acquisition.
Netflix said in its letter to shareholders that it believes the transaction will “allow us to accelerate our business strategy.”
Netflix said Warner Bros.’ library, development and intellectual property will allow it to boost its content selection for members and that HBO Max will help to “offer more personalized and flexible subscription options.”
However, the proposed acquisition came as a shock to the market as the streaming giant has long stayed away from industry consolidation and mega deals. Since October, when Netflix was first rumored to be interested in the assets, the company’s stock has dropped nearly 30%.
And the potential acquisition has not been without its bumps. Soon after announcing the deal with Netflix, Paramount Skydance launched a hostile effort to buy all of WBD. Lawmakers and industry insiders have also raised questions about whether the Netflix deal could win necessary regulatory approval.
“We’re working really hard to close the acquisition of Warner Bros. Studios and HBO, which we see as a strategic accelerant,” Sarandos said on Tuesday’s call. “And we’re doing all this while we’re driving and sustaining healthy growth.”
Netflix has started the regulatory process, Sarandos said, adding he is confident the company will be able to secure regulatory approval “because this deal is pro-consumer, … pro-innovation, pro-worker.”
The company has repeatedly argued the combination would preserve jobs during a time of heavy layoffs across media. On Tuesday, Sarandos said the Warner Bros. assets would bring the addition of businesses that don’t already exist for Netflix.
“We’re going to need those teams, these folks that have extensive experience and expertise. We want them to stay on and run those business,” Sarandos said. “So we’re expanding content creation, not collapsing it in this transaction.”
Sarandos and Peters both discussed the high level of competition in the media industry, which they said spans various platforms — from traditional TV to social media platforms like YouTube.
Proving that Netflix is a small part of an expansive competitive landscape is likely to be key to Netflix’s argument to antitrust regulators, CNBC previously reported.
Restaurant group Various Eateries is poised for a significant expansion, announcing plans to rebrand as the Coppa Collective and venture into the pub sector. The company, known for its Coppa Club and Noci venues, confirmed the name change alongside a deal to acquire a portfolio of pubs with rooms from Grosvenor Pubs and Inns.
The acquisition of four initial sites is expected to be finalised on or around 23 March, with an additional agreement for a potential fifth location. The pubs joining the new collective are Wild Thyme & Honey in the Cotswolds, The Hare & Hounds in Berkshire, The Stag on the River in Surrey, and The Wellington Arms in Hampshire.
Furthermore, terms have been secured for the potential acquisition of The Queen’s Head, also situated in Surrey.
This venue is subject to an “asset of community value” process, meaning it can only be sold after the relevant statutory notification and moratorium period has expired, which could take up to six weeks.
The group, which was founded by Punch Pubs founder Hugh Osmond, will pay £11.25 million for the initial four pubs once the deal completes.
Various Eateries will create a third brand within its portfolio, called The Linwood Collection, after completing the deal.
The hospitality group currently runs 20 sites, including restaurant, club house and hotel venues.
The deal comes a month after the business said it was considering merger and acquisition opportunities in a bid to drive growth.
Mark Loughborough, chief executive of Various Eateries, said: “Linwood marks an important step in the evolution of the group.
“We are bringing into the business a small collection of premium pubs with rooms that have earned their reputations the right way, through great hospitality, careful attention to detail and a real sense of place.
“This is also a format we know well and rate highly in the current market.
“Premium pubs with rooms combine food and drink with accommodation and a broader, destination-led appeal.”
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The layoffs account for 3-4% of Flipkart’s workforce, which is higher than the company’s practice of letting go of 1-2% of employees in the lowest performance bracket every year.
Flipkart Layoffs 2026.
Flipkart Layoffs 2026: Flipkart, the Walmart-owned e-commerce giant, has reportedly asked around 400-500 employees to exit the company this year following its annual performance review process. According to a report by The Economic Times, the layoffs account for roughly 3-4% of Flipkart’s workforce, which is higher than the company’s usual practice of letting go of 1-2% of employees in the lowest performance bracket every year.
Why Has Flipkart Laid Off Employees?
Responding to queries, Flipkart said the move is part of its routine evaluation process. “Flipkart conducts regular performance reviews aligned with clearly defined expectations. As part of this process, a small percentage of employees may transition from the organisation. We are supporting affected employees with transition support,” the company said, according to Mint.
Layoffs Across Teams, Hiring Continues For Senior Roles
The job cuts have reportedly impacted employees across multiple departments and job levels. At the same time, the company continues to recruit senior executives as it prepares for a potential initial public offering (IPO).
According to a report by ANI, Flipkart has recently strengthened its leadership team with several senior appointments.
These include Somnath Das as vice-president (supply chain), Digbijay Mishra as vice-president (corporate communications), Vipin Kapooria as vice-president (business finance), Yogita Shanbhag as vice-president (human resources), and Amer Hussain as vice-president (supply chain for its grocery and quick-commerce businesses).
Flipkart Preparing For India IPO
In December 2025, Flipkart received approval from the National Company Law Tribunal to shift its legal domicile from Singapore to India, a key step ahead of a potential domestic listing.
The restructuring involved merging eight Singapore-based entities into Flipkart Internet Pvt Ltd, simplifying the group’s holding structure across businesses such as fashion, health and logistics.
Loss Widens Despite Revenue Growth
Financial data shows that Flipkart continues to expand its business, although losses have widened.
According to data from Tofler, Flipkart India reported a consolidated loss of Rs 5,189 crore in FY25, compared with Rs 4,248.3 crore in FY24.
However, revenue from operations rose 17.3% to Rs 82,787.3 crore, up from Rs 70,541.9 crore a year earlier.
Total expenses also increased 17.4% to Rs 88,121.4 crore, largely due to higher stock-in-trade purchases, which climbed to Rs 87,737.8 crore, compared with Rs 74,271.2 crore in the previous financial year.
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March 07, 2026, 14:51 IST
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Global businesses are feeling the impact of the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, as rising energy prices and disrupted trade routes create uncertainty across markets.
Oil and Energy Prices Surge
The conflict has triggered a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices. Brent crude prices have climbed close to $90 per barrel, raising concerns among businesses and policymakers about inflation and higher operating costs.
Industry leaders warn that prolonged price increases could affect nearly every sector of the global economy.
Higher fuel costs are already pushing up prices for transportation, manufacturing, and consumer goods.
Trade Routes Under Pressure
Shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about 20% of global oil supplies, have slowed significantly as tensions escalate.
Air travel routes across the Gulf have also been disrupted, creating delays for cargo shipments and international flights.
Industries Facing Supply Disruptions
Several industries are beginning to feel the effects:
Aluminium production has been disrupted as shipments through the Gulf face restrictions.
Helium supplies, crucial for semiconductor manufacturing, could also be affected.
Chemical and energy-intensive industries in Europe are already reducing production due to rising gas prices.
The Gulf region accounts for roughly 8% of global aluminium production, making any supply disruption a major concern for global manufacturing.
Businesses Prepare for Economic Impact
Major companies are now hedging energy costs and reviewing supply chains to manage the uncertainty.
Analysts warn that if oil prices reach $100 per barrel, global economic growth could slow significantly.
Some financial institutions estimate global growth could drop by 0.4 percentage points if the conflict persists.
Risk of Another Energy Crisis
Experts say the situation highlights how vulnerable global markets remain to geopolitical shocks.
Business leaders warn that energy volatility, supply chain disruption, and rising inflation could lead to a new global economic slowdown if the conflict continues for an extended period.
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