Netflix Earnings Loom: Are You Still Watching?

The Q3 earnings season is now in full swing following the release of the big banks’ results, with the reporting docket remaining stacked for weeks. Results so far have been positive, with an above-average number of companies exceeding expectations.Below is a chart illustrating Q3 earnings expectations, actual results from recent periods, and expectations for upcoming periods. As we can see, Q3 earnings are expected to grow +6.5% on +6.4% higher revenues, continuing the growth trajectory of recent quarters nicely.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchOn the docket this week is beloved Netflix NFLX, a company that has entirely changed its respective industry. NFLX shares have been big-time performers this year, outperforming on the back of consistently strong quarterly results that have revealed increasing demand for its lower-priced ad-supported tiers.  Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWhat can investors expect from the titan? Let’s take a closer look at a few key metrics.Netflix Has Ads Now? Netflix’s ad-supported membership tiers were a big surprise to consumers initially, given its popularity for being ad-free, but the implementation has led to great results. A big crackdown on password sharing has also unlocked growth as it captures revenue from those sharing accounts.  Ad-supported tiers reached 94 million monthly active users as of September, up from 70 million last November and clearly reflecting a very healthy level of consumer demand for lower-priced alternatives. Importantly, these ad-supported tiers provide a higher-margin revenue stream.The margins picture for the company has already been improving nicely, as we can see below. Please note that the chart below tracks values on a trailing twelve-month basis.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIt’s critical to note that strong ad sales in its latest period were a contributing factor to its current fiscal year guidance upgrade, further underpinning the momentum within the ad-supported tiers.Ad revenue will likely be the metric taking the biggest focus, but its recent foray into live sports can’t be ignored either. Expect Netflix to spend considerable time on both topics, but the real growth driver behind the maturing company remains advertising.EPS and revenue expectations have largely remained stable over recent months, with Netflix expected to see 27% EPS growth on 17% higher sales. Management expects the coming Q3 results to be driven by growth in members, pricing, and advertising revenue.Bottom LineEntertainment titan Netflix NFLX is on the reporting docket this week, reflecting one of the most highly-watched releases. Commentary will likely center around its ad-supported tiers and its foray into live sports, both of which have opened further avenues of growth as the company continues to mature.#1 Semiconductor Stock to Buy (Not NVDA)The incredible demand for data is fueling the market's next digital gold rush. As data centers continue to be built and constantly upgraded, the companies that provide the hardware for these behemoths will become the NVIDIAs of tomorrow.One under-the-radar chipmaker is uniquely positioned to take advantage of the next growth stage of this market. It specializes in semiconductor products that titans like NVIDIA don't build. It's just beginning to enter the spotlight, which is exactly where you want to be.See This Stock Now for Free >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com).Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks