Netflix is poised to weather the ongoing strike in Hollywood as it prepares to release its quarterly results on Wednesday.
Analysts believe the streaming platform is in a favourable position due to its strong line-up of shows and its international production crew.
The strike, which has affected film and television writers as well as actors, has caused several U.S. studios to halt productions. Some of those participating in the strike are also picketing outside Netflix’s Los Angeles offices, a Reuters report stated.
However, Netflix is expected to maintain its momentum with the release of highly anticipated titles like ‘Heart of Stone,’ starring Gal Gadot, and ‘Too Hot to Handle, Season 5’.
The company’s international production capabilities are seen as a significant advantage, as much of its content originates from countries unaffected by the strike, according to analysts at SVB MoffettNathanson, Credit Suisse, and Insider Intelligence, the Reuters report added.
During the pandemic, Netflix demonstrated its ability to deliver compelling content from outside the United States, attracting subscribers with shows like the French mystery thriller ‘Lupin’ and the comedy ‘Call My Agent!,’ said SVB MoffettNathanson analyst Michael Nathanson.
Nathanson also noted that Netflix is not reliant on struggling sectors of the entertainment industry, such as theatrical and broadcast television.
In recent days, three brokerages have upgraded their ratings on Netflix’s stock, while five have raised their price targets.
Netflix’s efforts to combat password sharing and its introduction of a cheaper, ad-supported plan have also proven successful. As the company faces competition from platforms like Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, its crackdown on password sharing has resulted in a surge in user additions in the U.S., according to data from research firm Antenna.
Despite typically being a weaker quarter due to school holidays, Netflix is projected to have added a net 1.77 million subscribers, according to Refinitiv.
This is a significant improvement compared to the loss of nearly 1 mn subscribers in the same period last year.