Netflix Expects Subscriber Growth to Slow

Despite the subscriber numbers beating forecasts for the most recent quarter, Morningstar analysts think the streaming firm is still overvalued 

Neil Macker 17 April, 2019 | 8:36AM
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Netflix (NFLX) started 2019 with stronger-than-expected subscriber growth as the firm continues to benefit from global expansion. Despite the subscriber numbers beating forecasts, revenue came in line with our projection. The free cash flow loss for the quarter hit $460 million, up sharply from a loss of $287 million a year ago. Management raised its 2019 free cash flow loss target to $3.5 billion, up from the previous target of $3 billion. We retain our narrow moat rating, which means the company has a slim competitive advantage, and fair value estimate of $135, against a current price of nearly $360.

Revenue of $4.5 billion is in line with our estimate and consensus. Netflix posted stronger-than-expected subscriber growth in the international segment – 7.9 million net adds versus guidance of 7.3 million – and in the US – 1.7 million net adds versus guidance of 1.6 million. Netflix continues to expand its streaming base, ending the quarter with more than 149 million global paid subscribers, up from 119 million a year ago. Despite strong growth in quarter, management provided very weak subscriber guidance for the second quarter of 0.3 million net adds in the US and 4.7 million internationally. We note the US guidance implies the firm will post its second-lowest net add quarter since the start of 2012. This guidance reinforces our belief that adding the marginal subscriber will become increasingly hard in the US for Netflix due in part to competition, particularly after Disney+ launches in November at $6.99 per month.

Streaming Revenue as Expected

Domestic streaming revenue of $2.1 billion was in line with our estimate and monthly revenue per paid US member came in at $11.64, up 4% year over year. For international streaming, revenue of $2.1 billion matched our estimate as monthly revenue per paid member came in at $9.10, down 5% year over year without foreign exchange adjustments.

One quarter into 2019, management has already backed off its previous assertion that 2019 free cash flow loss will be roughly in line with the 2018 loss of $3 billion. Management blamed the higher guidance of $3.5 billion to the new higher tax structure and real estate costs. Management continues to point to 2020 as an "inflection point" for the cash burn, but we expect stronger competition in 2020 and beyond for the firm as Disney, WarnerMedia, Apple, and NBCUniversal all plan to launch their respective SVOD services in late 2019 and 2020.

Disney has already fired off a warning shot with its low pricing for Disney+ and its willingness to lose money for at least the first four years. Disney also committed to making the new service the exclusive home of its future family-orientated films as well as the home for its library once its current deals expire. These launches imply that Netflix may need to keep its content spend elevated to stave off competition from companies with deep libraries and/or multiple sources of revenue.

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security NamePriceChange (%)Morningstar
Rating
Netflix Inc897.34 USD1.53Rating

About Author

Neil Macker  is a senior analyst, Morningstar Inc

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