Netflix beats Q4 earnings estimates, reporting revenue of $3.29 billion and an additional 8 million subscribers. Jeff Reeves, analyst and executive editor at InvestorPlace.com, and Tuna Amobi, media and entertainment analyst at CFRA Research, join The Long and The Short to discuss future challenges facing Netflix.
Contrary to what Wall Street thought, Netflix isn't burning through a lot of cash. Reeves says this proves Netflix's decision to raise prices was worth it. However, he predicts that it may continue to raise prices to have that extra cash cushion. Disney's new streaming network could be a big challenge for Netflix. However, Amobi doesn't think Netflix needs to worry about Disney for a while. While there is no question that competition is coming, Amobi doesn't predict Netflix will lose market share anytime soon.
Plus, in 2017 the average streaming hours per membership grew by 9% year-over-year. Amobi and Reeves discuss the company's future marketing plan and how it will capitalize off international growth.
Nestlé has dismissed its CEO Laurent Freixe after an investigation into an undisclosed relationship with a direct subordinate. The company announced on Monday that the dismissal was effective immediately. An investigation found that Freixe violated Nestlé’s code of conduct. He had been CEO for a year. Philipp Navratil, a longtime Nestlé executive, will replace him. Chairman Paul Bulcke stated that the decision was necessary to uphold the company’s values and governance. Navratil began his career with Nestlé in 2001 and has held various roles, including CEO of Nestlé's Nespresso division since 2024.
Kraft Heinz is splitting into two companies a decade after they joined in a massive merger that created one of the biggest food companies on the planet. One of the companies will include brands such as Heinz, Philadelphia cream cheese and Kraft Mac & Cheese. The other will include brands like Oscar Mayer, Kraft Singles and Lunchables. When the company formed in 2015 it wanted to capitalize on its massive scale, but shifting tastes complicated those plans, with households seeking to introduce healthier options at the table. Kraft Heinz's net revenue has fallen every year since 2020.
