Netflix Scores With Price Cuts

Netflix's revenue for the period rose 15% from last year to $294 million, beating Wall Street's expectation of $286.5 million and the company's forecast of $284 million to $289 million.

For the fourth quarter, it now expects to earn anywhere from $6 million, or 9 cents a share, to $11 million, or 16 cents a share. Analysts on Wall Street were forecasting fourth-quarter earnings of 4 cents a share.

Previously, Netflix predicted fourth-quarter results ranging from a loss of $1 million to a profit of $4 million.

It also raised its revenue forecast for the quarter to a range from $297 million to $302 million, up from its previous range of $277 million to $287 million.

McCarthy said his prediction that annual earnings would decline next year now seems too pessimistic. Now, he sees 2008 earnings flat to slightly higher than 2007 levels.

Netflix's third-quarter performance was boosted by a 24% year-over-year increase in subscribers, giving it more than 7 million customers. That marked a 4% improvement over the second quarter, when the company posted its first-ever sequential drop in subscribers.

Netflix's churn rate, which measures customers opting out of its service, was down to 4.2% from last year's 4.6%.

Netflix now expects to end the year with 7.3 million to 7.5 million subscribers, up from its previous projection of 6.8 million to 7.3 million.

Hastings said Netflix is continuing to invest in an online video service that allows subscribers to view some movies and TV shows instantly on the Internet with no DVD. He said it's too early to offer investors guidance on the financial model for a hybrid DVD rental and online viewing service.

"The online video opportunity will emerge slowly," said Hastings.

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