Why Netflix is Trending Again?

After addressing password-sharing concerns, Netflix aims to enhance user engagement and content quality.

Netflix Strikes Back

In a strategic pivot, Netflix's CFO, Spencer Neumann, revealed the streaming giant's renewed focus on enhancing viewer engagement and content quality. This move comes in the wake of Netflix's crackdown on password sharing, which led to the removal of over 100 million accounts from the platform.

Neumann highlighted that the password-sharing purge had a dual effect. While it prompted many users to sign up for their own Netflix accounts, it also exposed a segment of consumers who remained unconvinced about the platform's offerings.

"Paid sharing is a bit front-loaded. The nature of the folks converting tend to be those engaged more with Netflix — and if somebody isn’t interested in Netflixat the time, we’ve got to find their title," Neumann explained during his speech at the BofA Securities Media, Communications, and Entertainment Conference in New York.

While Neumann didn't explicitly delve into the topic, Netflix recently experienced a dip in viewership. June saw a 4% year-over-year decrease in usage, raising questions about the platform's content lineup. However, the tide shifted with the success of the manga adaptation "One Piece."

Neumann asserted, "We have to improve every aspect of our service. Improving the content, improving the product, improving the marketing, and better monetizing all of that. But it starts with content. That’s what our members care about most."

Regarding potential price hikes, Neumann emphasized that Netflix had no immediate plans to follow in the footsteps of competitors like Hulu or Disney.

“Our pricing philosophy is unchanged," Neumann stated. "We start with delivering amazing entertainment to our customers at scale, delivering more and more value ... then we monetize that entertainment value to ultimately build widespread price options that address both ends of the spectrum.”

Despite the dip in viewership, Neumann maintained confidence in Netflix's content quality. In North America, Netflix boasts a significantly larger subscriber base compared to any SVOD competition, making it a leader in viewership among subscription streaming companies.

Neumann attributed part of this success to Netflix's ability to produce content globally. He highlighted the challenges of creating content in different countries, languages, and cultures while also catering to diverse tastes and affinities. Netflix's proficiency in these areas, along with its technology and user interface, sets it apart from competitors.

“We think we’re starting in a really good leadership position,” said Neumann. “When Nielsen reported their top 10 in the first 28 weeks of this year, we had the No. 1 series 27 of those 28 weeks, and the No. 1 film 24 of those weeks.”

Netflix's forward strategy centers on delivering better content efficiently and without added costs to consumers, all aimed at fostering customer loyalty.

As of now, Netflix holds a market cap of $182.7 billion with a P/E ratio of 43.83. Recent insider activity indicates a negative sentiment among corporate insiders, with an increase in insider selling over the past quarter. In July 2023, Director Jay Hoag sold 4,954 shares of NFLX for a total of $2,091,776.96.