Netflix Reports Strong Q1 Earnings and 13% Revenue Jump

Netflix started 2025 with a bang, posting first-quarter revenue of $10.54 billion—up nearly 13% year over year and slightly above Wall Street’s forecast of $10.52 billion. Net income rose to $2.89 billion, or $6.61 per share, well ahead of the $5.71 per share analysts had expected and up from $5.28 per share a year ago.

The company’s recent price hikes helped fuel the growth. In January, Netflix raised its standard plan to $17.99, its ad-supported plan to $7.99, and its premium option to $24.99. Higher-than-expected advertising and subscription revenue helped push earnings past estimates.

This was also the first quarter Netflix withheld subscriber numbers—a signal of its pivot to revenue and profitability as its core metrics. Despite a jittery economic backdrop shaped by tariff talk and election-year uncertainty, Netflix reiterated its full-year revenue forecast of $43.5 billion to $44.5 billion, saying its business outlook remains intact.

While traditional media stocks have struggled, Netflix gained about 2% in after-hours trading. The company continues to talk up its resilience, pointing out that entertainment spending tends to hold steady even when consumer confidence dips.

What Does This Mean for Me?

Advertising is central to Netflix’s 2025 strategy. The company launched its proprietary ad tech platform in early April in the U.S., with global rollout plans underway. Management expects this platform to drive better targeting, measurement, and innovative ad formats over time, key tools as it monetizes beyond subscriber growth. As other streaming firms chase profitability, Netflix appears to be pulling ahead.