Netflix når rekordfortjeneste midt i 2025-tariffer og strømmeomveltninger

Netflix just scored its best quarter ever, and it’s not slowing down

You’d think a year kicked off with economic tension, new tariffs, and fears of a streaming slump might hit Netflix where it hurts. Nope. The company just laughed in the face of the chaos and posted record-breaking profits for Q1 2025.

According to Bloomberg, Netflix’s first-quarter earnings came in at $6.61 per share, a 25% increase, with $10.5 billion in sales, right on target. That’s huge. Even more impressive? They did it without telling us how many new subscribers they gained or lost. The company’s basically saying, “Stop looking at subs, look at the money.”

“We’re paying close attention to consumer sentiment and where the broader economy is moving,” co-CEO Greg Peters said. “Based on what we’re seeing, there is nothing significant to note.”

And he’s not bluffing. Operating income jumped 27% to $3.3 billion, beating the expected $3B. Operating margins were 31.7%, way above the 28.4% Netflix forecasted earlier. Meanwhile, the stock popped 5.2% in after-hours trading, climbing over the $1,000 mark. Not bad for a company that used to torch cash like it was coal in a steam engine.

The Netflix Strategy Shift: No More Subscriber Obsession

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: Netflix isn’t reporting subscriber numbers anymore. That’s a bold move. For years, subs were the primary metric Wall Street and fans used to measure Netflix’s performance. But now, the company wants to be judged on actual business metrics—profit, revenue, margins—like a “real” tech company.

And honestly, it checks out. They’re not the scrappy disruptor anymore. Netflix is a global media titan with over 700 million viewers and content in dozens of languages.

“Entertainment has been resilient during past recessions,” Peters said, highlighting how Netflix has added lower-priced plans for budget-conscious users.

It’s not just about growth anymore. It’s about maximizing value from the users they already have—through price hikes, ad-supported plans, and killer content. Even with a price bump in the US (their biggest market), they’re holding strong.

About Those 2025 Tariffs…

In case you missed it: President Donald Trump reintroduced tariffs in early 2025 as part of his "America First, Again" campaign. The new wave mostly targets tech imports, streaming hardware, and international licensing, sparking volatility in media and tech stocks.

You’d expect that to ding Netflix, which relies on global production and foreign licensing deals. But so far? Nada.

“We have seen no impact on our business from President Donald Trump’s tariffs or the market volatility that has followed.”

Netflix's massive international presence actually helped cushion them. They’re doubling down on local-language content, with major pushes in Mexico, the UK, and India. Films like Counterattack from Mexico are topping international charts. Meanwhile, hits like Adolescence from the UK are carrying global momentum.

The short version: Netflix isn't just surviving the new economic climate. They're thriving in it.

Best Netflix Shows of All Time (by Popularity Score)

You can’t talk about Netflix’s rise without talking about its shows. From prestige dramas to international smashes, these are the top fan-favorite Netflix originals of all time:

From Stranger Things to Squid Game, these shows didn’t just pull in viewers—they shaped Netflix's brand. They're the reason the platform has cultural power across multiple continents.

Image: The Netflix Vine Studios building in Los Angeles, California | Kyle Grillot | Bloomberg

Netflix's Q2

Looking ahead, Netflix expects Q2 sales to hit $11 billion (up 15%) and earnings to jump 44% to $7.03 a share. That’s based on their upcoming slate, which includes:

• New seasons of fan favorites like Stranger Things
• Fresh international films like Counterattack
• Live sports content, including the continued rollout of WWE Raw
• And yes, more price increases in Europe, like in France

Plus, they’re upgrading their ad tech infrastructure, trying to milk those ad-supported plans for even more value. With fewer people subscribing but more sticking around and paying extra, this might be the playbook going forward.

Also worth noting: Reed Hastings, Netflix co-founder and longtime CEO, is stepping away from his role as executive chairman and transitioning to non-executive chairman. Meanwhile, Tim Haley, one of Netflix’s earliest board members, is also stepping down after nearly 30 years.

That’s a major passing of the torch, symbolizing a full transformation from disruptor startup to global juggernaut.

Netflix Isn’t Just Surviving—It’s Dominating

In a year that’s been messy for entertainment—between studio layoffs, box office bombs, and tech regulation—you’d be forgiven for expecting Netflix to take a hit. But instead, they’ve pulled off something almost no one else in entertainment has: profitable growth without relying on subscriber hype.

They’re rewriting the streaming rulebook in real time. More ads, fewer metrics, smarter content choices, and a razor-sharp focus on profit over everything.

So yeah, Netflix profits aren't just “up”—they’re the new standard. Other streamers should be paying attention.

What’s your current Netflix must-watch? Or are you one of those people clinging to their shared password until the very end?