http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2013/04/1dsc01749.jpg Netflix has reported its financial results for the first quarter of 2013, and in that period it’s added over three million customers worldwide. Domestically it added 2.03 million customers alone, pushing its total number over 30 million (including trial users) in the US. That means it’s passed HBO in paying subscribers for the first time ever, while notching $32 million in profits on $1 billion in revenue for the quarter. Internationally there were over a million new sign-ups, and it’s planning to launch in a new European market during the second half of this year, which we should hear more about on its earnings call in July.
Another major note is that as it expands its suite of original content, it’s shifting focus away from some of existing “bulk, nonexclusive” licensing deals and will let a major one from Viacom expire in May. specifically referenced is content from Nickelodeon, MTV and BET, although it’s negotiating for access to particular shows. Also changing is its package of streaming plans, as CEO Reed Hastings mentioned an $11.99 per month plan is incoming that will allow subscribers to stream as many four videos simultaneously, up from two. The company is also continuing to test the personalized profiles we got a peek at during CES, and expects to roll them out “in the coming months.”
Another item previewed in the letter is a new streaming platform coming to various devices around the holidays that will focus on small size and quick startup speed, “aiming to match the time required for a linear channel change.” One of the big questions as it’s started to roll out original content is how customers will react and while it’s still not giving any specific viewership stats, Netflix did provide some new details. According to Reed, fewer than 8,000 people created a free account just to watch House of Cards and then quit. The just-released Hemlock Grove is reportedly doing well with young adults, and notched more viewers in its first weekend than *HoC *did. Check out the full letter for more stats and details, we’ll give it a read through and see what other numbers jump out in a moment.
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Source: Netflix Q1 Investors letter (PDF)