Netflix, Inc.'s (NASDAQ: NFLX) crackdown on password-sharing likely boosted subscribers by about 6 million in the third quarter. The streaming giant could hike prices when it reports earnings on Wednesday, analysts say.
The only profitable prominent streamer, Netflix did not jump on the price hike bandwagon like Walt Disney Co (NYSE: DIS) and opted for the password-sharing crackdown to tap over 100 million viewers.
Netflix now resembles a utility in many markets chasing growth after reaching maturity, Reuters cites analysts at Bernstein.
Previous reports suggested Netflix could hike prices after the end of the Hollywood actors' strike. Five months after calling a strike, the Writers Guild of America (WGA) approved a new contract with significant studios last week.
After a slow start for the ad plan launched last year, analysts expect Netflix to raise the prices of its ad-free options, as per Reuters.
So far, analysts said most viewers subscribing to Netflix after the password crackdown have opted for the ad-free plans.
Its standard plan with ads costs $6.99 a month, while the ad-free plans start at $15.49.
According to Insider Intelligence analyst Ross Benes, Netflix will likely double its ad-supported viewership next year. He expects Netflix to show more ads to users over time, catching up with rivals.
The ad tier will likely bring in some $188.1 million in revenue in the third quarter ended September, with subscriber additions of 2.8 million, according to Visible Alpha.
Overall, Wall Street expects the streamer to post its most robust quarterly subscriber additions this year, according to LSEG.
Price Action: NFLX shares traded higher by 1.10% at $359.58 on the last check Monday.