Breaking news

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.

Municorn Rockets To The Top Of Deloitte’s Fast 50 Tech Rankings In Cyprus

Emerging from Cyprus, Municorn has secured the pinnacle position in Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 Middle East and Cyprus rankings. With a jaw-dropping revenue growth of 20,164% over four years, Municorn’s success showcases Cyprus’s growing influence in the tech and innovation realm.

The fourth edition of the Fast 50 programme recorded an astonishing record of over 200 applications from the region, demonstrating a maturing start-up ecosystem.

The roster recognizes firms for four-year revenue growth, spotlighting tech leaders catalyzing industry transformation. This year’s list displayed an average growth of 8,823%, with 29 companies achieving growth rates exceeding 1,000%.

Sector Dominance: Fintech and Software

Reflecting sector trends, fintech and software led the way with 22% and 31% representation, respectively. Cyprus joined Saudi Arabia and the UAE in driving regional tech growth, accounting for 16% of ranked companies.

In particular, Deloitte’s Fast 50 programme Leader, Kyriacos Charalambides, lauded the companies for using transformative tech to resolve global issues. “These entrepreneurs are pioneering industry-shifting innovations,” he remarked.

Diversity in Leadership

This year, women-led ventures increased to 18% from last year’s 15%, as Deloitte spotlighted thriving female-fronted companies. Newly introduced categories like Kiyadat celebrate local talent, highlighting trends in the tech sector.

The ESG-focused Impact category evaluated nominees on real-world impact and excellence, reflecting a commitment to sustainable practices.

With Fast 50 Connect events planned, winners can expect to network with investors, fostering further growth opportunities in May.

Stelios Kyriakides, Partner at Deloitte Cyprus, emphasized the region’s evolving fintech landscape, where tech is reshaping financial services, setting new standards.

Strategic Importance of Cyprus

This recognition not only spotlights rapid growth but also reinforces Cyprus’s strategic role in pushing the Middle East towards a tech-fueled future.

The Future Forbes Realty Global Properties

Become a Speaker

Become a Speaker

Become a Partner

Subscribe for our weekly newsletter