Breaking news

Netflix Nears $1,000 As Record-Breaking Quarter Cements Its Status As A Market Safe Haven

by News Editor

April 18, 2025

Netflix just posted the best quarter in its history—both in revenue and profit—sending shares surging and reinforcing its new role as a defensive stronghold in a volatile market.

Key Takeaways

Netflix’s Q1 earnings, released after Thursday’s closing bell, blew past Wall Street’s forecasts. The streaming giant posted earnings of $6.61 per share, translating to a net income of $2.9 billion, on revenue of $10.54 billion. Analysts were expecting $5.67 EPS and $10.5 billion in revenue, according to FactSet.

Follow THE FUTURE on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and Telegram

Looking ahead, Netflix projects $11 billion in revenue and $7.03 EPS for Q2—again, ahead of consensus estimates of $10.9 billion and $6.25, respectively.

The market reacted fast. Netflix stock ended the day up 1.2% at $973 and jumped another 3% in after-hours trading, approaching the $1,000 milestone.

A Recession-Proof Play?

While most tech names are reeling from recent market turbulence, Netflix is quietly thriving. Since April 2, the stock is up 4%, with a 9% gain on the year, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq have lost 6% and 7%, respectively, amid renewed trade tensions and recession fears under President Trump’s second term.

Analysts now see Netflix as a classic “recession stock”—a cheap, stay-at-home entertainment option that tends to hold up when consumers cut back elsewhere. “If a downturn hits, Netflix is likely to retain its subscriber base,” noted Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett. Bank of America echoed the sentiment, calling Netflix “a defensive pick in times of uncertainty” thanks to its subscription-driven model and cultural relevance.

Beating The FAANG Pack

Netflix’s year-to-date performance has not only outpaced the broader market but also crushed its tech peers. Meta is down 14%, Amazon 21%, Apple 21%, and Alphabet 19%. Even Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery have fallen 23% each. Only Spotify, with a 29% surge, has outshone Netflix so far in 2025.

What’s Next

All eyes now turn to Alphabet and Amazon, which are set to release their Q1 earnings next Thursday. After Netflix’s blockbuster quarter, expectations for the rest of the FAANG gang just got higher.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Call for Reform: Cyprus Faces New Challenges with Emerging Tobacco Products

by News Editor

May 31, 2025

In the face of a burgeoning variety of tobacco products, existing smoking laws in Cyprus are struggling to keep pace, as highlighted by Christos Minas, the president of the Cyprus National Addictions Authority (AAEK). On World No-Tobacco Day, there was a push for legislative reforms to comprehensively cover all tobacco forms, including non-nicotine alternatives.

Addressing Rising Trends with Effective Policies

Minas emphasized the surge in popularity of e-cigarettes and flavored products, particularly among the youth. The proposed legal updates aim to enhance enforcement efficiency against these emerging trends.

In collaboration with the World Health Organization’s (WHO) framework, the AAEK has established the first set of national guidelines for smoking cessation in Cyprus, crafting prevention and treatment strategies based on robust scientific evidence.

Educating Youth and Public Awareness Initiatives

Efforts are underway to raise awareness, with informative materials distributed to secondary schools across Cyprus. A public event in Nicosia highlighted the state’s ongoing commitment, providing carbon monoxide testing and expert advice on new tobacco products.

Recent data from the Cyprus general population survey 2023 indicates that 38% of smokers have used e-cigarettes recently, and the smoking initiation age remains at 18.

A Glimpse into Youth Smoking Patterns

According to the latest European school survey, 14% of Cypriot students aged 15-16 reported smoking traditional cigarettes last month. Although this rate is declining, Cyprus still ranks high in Europe for e-cigarette and hookah use among students.

The concern is global, with WHO reports showing over 37 million children aged 13-15 engage in tobacco use, driven by aggressive marketing in loosely regulated environments.

The urgency for reform is clear: before these trends solidify, proactive measures are necessary to protect future generations from potentially hazardous habits.