Video-Streaming: Netflix wächst langsamer - Aktie fällt

Netflix reported its weakest quarterly growth in years during the recent quarter, causing its shares to fall. The streaming giant aims to keep users engaged with more time spent watching its films and series. Co-CEO Ted Sarandos said during a conference call with analysts, "We want to be the entertainment service you can't live without."

Revenue grew by 12% year-over-year to $12.9 billion (11.5 billion euros), which was the lowest increase in three years but met analysts' expectations. Net profit rose by about 44% to $3.66 billion. Doubts about user activity persist, as Netflix is still the clear leader in video streaming. However, the business is growing slower than hoped, according to Sarandos.

There have been repeated reports of dwindling user activity among Netflix viewers in recent months. Recent award shows had Netflix titles largely empty, with no similar content to establish themselves in the zeitgeist. Last week, Netflix announced it had laid off around six percent of its workforce, around 1,000 employees, including the head of programming Bela Bajaria, who was responsible for making sure Netflix has something for every possible audience worldwide.

Film chief Dan Lin also left shortly after. Bajaria's role is now being taken by Peter Rice, who has made a career in traditional studios like Disney. There are speculations Netflix may use Rice to initially release more films in cinemas, something Sarandos has always dismissed as a distraction from the core business. Netflix's share price has fallen more than 40 percent since last year. After announcing the numbers, it briefly dropped 5 percent in after-hours trading.