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Netflix Reports Record Subscriber Growth And Price Increase

Netflix shares surged by 14.3% in early trading on Wednesday after the streaming giant announced impressive subscriber growth during the holiday quarter. The company revealed it added a record 18.9 million subscribers in the fourth quarter, pushing its total global customer base to nearly 302 million, well ahead of its Hollywood competitors.

Key Highlights

  • Record Growth: Netflix attracted 18.9 million new subscribers, surpassing its rivals in the entertainment industry.
  • Price Hike: To capitalize on its growing subscriber base, Netflix is raising prices in the United States, Canada, Portugal, and Argentina to cover the increasing costs of content production.
    • The ad-supported service in the U.S. will now cost $7.99 per month (up from $6.99), while the premium plan will increase by 9%, to $24.99.
  • Market Response: Investors reacted positively, driving Netflix shares up about 13% in after-hours trading. The company’s market value soared by nearly $50 billion, with shares increasing by more than 77% over the past year, far outpacing the S&P 500’s 24% gain.


“Netflix is solidifying its leadership position and literally outpacing its competitors in the streaming market,” said Paolo Pescatore, analyst at PP Foresight. “The company is now demonstrating its strength by adjusting prices, thanks to a wider and more diverse content lineup compared to competitors.”

Looking Ahead

  • Content Success: Netflix’s programming exceeded expectations, with the second season of the dystopian thriller Squid Game set to become one of its most-watched original series.
  • Live Events: The company’s investment in live events is paying off. The boxing match between Jake Paul and Mike Tyson in November saw 65 million streams, while two National Football League games on Christmas Day, one featuring Beyoncé at halftime, attracted an average of 30 million viewers each, ranking among the most-watched in NFL history.

Netflix’s bold move to raise prices and its continued content success suggest the company is firmly positioned to maintain its dominance in the streaming industry.

Cyprus Residential Market Surpasses €2.5 Billion In 2025 With Apartments Leading the Way

Market Overview

In 2025, Cyprus’ newly built residential property market achieved a remarkable milestone, exceeding €2.5 billion. Data from Landbank Analytics indicates robust activity countrywide, with newly filed contracts reaching 7,819, including off-plan developments. This solid performance underscores the market’s resilience and dynamism across all districts.

Transaction Breakdown

The apartment sector clearly dominated the market, constituting 81.6% of transactions with 6,382 deals valued at €1.77 billion. In contrast, house sales represented a smaller segment, encompassing 1,437 transactions and generating €737.9 million. The record-high transaction was noted in Limassol, where an apartment sold for approximately €15.2 million, while the priciest house fetched roughly €6.2 million.

Regional Analysis

Nicosia: The capital recorded steady domestic demand with 2,171 new residential transactions. Apartments accounted for 1,836 deals generating €349.6 million, compared to 335 house transactions worth €105.5 million, anchoring Nicosia as a core market with average values of €190,000 for apartments and €315,000 for houses.

Limassol: As the island’s principal investment center, Limassol led overall activity with 2,207 transactions. Apartments dominated with 1,936 sales generating €824.1 million, while 271 house transactions added €157.9 million. The district enjoyed premium pricing, with apartments averaging over €425,000 and houses around €583,000.

Larnaca: This district maintained robust activity with a total of 2,020 transactions. The apartment segment realized 1,770 transactions worth €353 million, and houses contributed 250 deals valued at €96.3 million. Average prices hovered near €200,000 for apartments and €385,000 for houses, positioning Larnaca within the mid-market bracket.

Paphos: With a more balanced mix, Paphos completed 1,078 transactions. Ranking second in overall value at €503.2 million, the district saw house sales generate €287.8 million and apartments €215.4 million. Consequently, Paphos achieved the highest average house price at approximately €710,000 and an apartment average of €320,000, emphasizing its premium housing profile.

Famagusta: Distinguished by lower transaction volumes, Famagusta was the sole district where house sales outnumbered apartment deals. Out of 343 transactions, 176 involved houses (yielding €90.4 million) and 167 were apartments (at €32.4 million). The segment’s average prices were about €194,000 for apartments and over €513,000 for houses, signaling its focus on holiday residences and coastal developments.

Sector Insights and Forward View

Commenting on the report, Landbank Group CEO Andreas Christophorides remarked that the analysis demonstrates an ecosystem where apartments are the cornerstone of the real estate market. He emphasized, “The apartment sector is not merely a trend; it is the engine powering the country’s real estate market.” Christophorides also highlighted the diverse regional dynamics: Limassol leads in apartment pricing, Paphos commands premium house prices, Nicosia remains pivotal to domestic demand, Larnaca sustains competitive activity, and Famagusta caters to holiday home buyers.

In a market characterized by these varied profiles, informed monitoring of regional and sector-specific dynamics is crucial for investors aiming to make targeted and strategic decisions.

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