Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is facing growing online backlash over rising subscription prices and cancellation calls, even as the streaming giant reportedly benefits from a nearly $3 billion breakup windfall tied to its failed Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) deal.
Reddit Users Vent Over Rising Prices And Value Concerns
Across Reddit communities, users have been voicing frustration over repeated price increases, ad-supported tiers and shifting content value.
“After years of loyalty, I’m out and finally cancelled,” one user wrote in a widely shared post on r/cordcutters. “The content isn’t even that good. It’s getting out of control.”
Another user added, “Subscribe when you want to watch something, and unsub as soon as you don’t.”
On another thread, r/netflix, one user wrote, “about time to say no thank you,” while another user argued that if Netflix had acquired Warner Bros., it would have likely led to a stock price increase.
They pointed out that Netflix’s $82 billion offer shows it has strong financial capacity and noted that Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) even paid Netflix a reported $2.8 billion breakup fee. The user then questioned the justification for raising prices again.
X Users Also Raise Concerns About Netflix Price Hike
On X, users also shared their concerns. One person said they dislike how Netflix rolls out small price hikes multiple times a year, making it seem minor even though the costs add up over time.
Another user tagged @netflix and asked what exactly customers are getting in return for yet another price hike in the past few months.
They acknowledged the addition of podcasts and a few live sports events, but said the value feels increasingly excessive and not worth it.
Netflix did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s request for comments.
Italy Court Ruling Adds To Global Scrutiny
Netflix is also facing regulatory pressure abroad. A Rome court earlier this month ruled that past price increases imposed on Italian subscribers were unlawful, ordering refunds.
In a statement, Netflix said it intends to appeal the ruling, arguing that its pricing practices are in full compliance with Italian law.
Streaming Giant Heads Into Earnings Amid Mixed Signals
The debate arrives just ahead of Netflix’s quarterly earnings report.Â
Analysts expect Netflix to post first-quarter revenue of $12.17 billion, compared with $10.54 billion in the same period last year, according to Benzinga Pro data.
The company has surpassed revenue estimates in nine of the past 10 quarters, including the most recent fourth quarter.
For earnings, analysts project Netflix will report 76 cents per share for the first quarter, up from 66 cents per share a year earlier.
Price Action: Netflix closed at $107.71, up 1.35% on Wednesday and was trading slightly lower in Thursday’s pre-market at $107.62, down 0.084%.
NFLX ranks in the 93rd percentile for Growth on Benzinga Edge, indicating weak long-term performance despite gains across short- and medium-term trends.
Disclaimer:Â This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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