Netflix's Expected Q4 Subscriber Bonanza Should Get Earnings Season Off To A Fast Start

Group 1: Netflix Earnings Report - The core question for Netflix's earnings report is not whether subscriber numbers will rise, but how high they can go, with expectations for a significant increase in Q4 driven by high-profile events and series premieres [1][4] - Wall Street analysts predict Netflix will add 8.2 million subscribers in Q4, reaching a total of 290.9 million, with some estimates revised upward to over 11.1 million net adds [4][5] - The company plans to shift its focus from reporting subscriber numbers to revenue, operating margin, and audience engagement metrics [4][5] Group 2: Advertising and Revenue Growth - Analysts believe Netflix's advertising business, established two years ago, will become a primary revenue driver by 2026, with a strong lead in the streaming market [6] - Questions during Netflix's earnings call will likely focus on price hikes, advertising growth, and strategies for live sports, including recent acquisitions of sports broadcasting rights [6] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Disney is adopting a similar streaming strategy, pushing customers towards cheaper, ad-supported options while also addressing password sharing [7] - Disney faces challenges from recent natural disasters impacting its operations, but analysts do not expect significant effects on attendance at Disneyland [8][9] - The failed joint streaming venture Venu Sports, involving Disney, Fox, and Warner Bros. Discovery, has incurred costs exceeding $50 million, adding financial strain to the companies involved [10][11]