Netflix Beats Q1 Expectations But Stock Falls 8% on Weak Q2 Guidance

Gate News message, April 17 — Netflix reported better-than-expected first-quarter results yesterday (April 16), but the company's weaker-than-anticipated second-quarter guidance triggered an 8% decline in the stock during after-hours trading.

First-quarter revenue reached $12.25 billion, up 16.2% year-over-year and exceeding the market consensus of $12.17 billion. Operating profit grew 18.2% to $3.957 billion, while adjusted earnings per share came in at $1.23, significantly above the expected $0.76.

However, Netflix's second-quarter outlook disappointed investors. The company guided Q2 revenue to $12.57 billion, below Wall Street's forecast of $12.64 billion. Adjusted EPS guidance was set at $0.78, falling short of the $0.84 consensus estimate. Operating profit guidance of $4.11 billion also missed expectations.

Greg Peters, Netflix's co-CEO, stated during the earnings call that "we still have plenty of time and plenty to do" as the year is still early, emphasizing "very good progress" in the first quarter building on strong 2025 growth. Meanwhile, co-founder and Chairman Reed Hastings is set to step down in June, after which he will focus on philanthropic endeavors.