Netflix Fought Cable, and Won

Streaming video has reached a huge milestone. Along with its first-quarter earnings report, Netflix announced it had 29.17 million U.S. subscribers at the end of the quarter, more than cable-TV giant HBO. The company also saw its earnings spike 18% over the past few months, and its stock has taken a sizable jump after the news.

So how did Netflix overtake Time Warner's HBO, when just two years ago the company had enraged its subscribers over spiking prices and the Qwikster debacle? Fool contributor Caroline Bennett takes a closer look at Netflix's latest earnings report, and analyzes whether the company's success is because of its push for original programming, or something else.

While Netflix's first-mover status is often viewed as a competitive advantage, the opportunities in streaming media have brought some new, deep-pocketed rivals looking for their piece of a growing pie. Can Netflix fend off its burgeoning competition, and will its international growth aspirations really pay off? These are must-know issues for investors, which is why The Motley Fool has released a premium report on Netflix. Inside, you'll learn about the key opportunities and risks facing the company, as well as reasons to buy or sell the stock. The report includes a full year of updates to cover critical new developments, so make sure to click here and claim a copy today.

The article Netflix Fought Cable, and Won originally appeared on Fool.com.

Fool contributor Caroline Bennett has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Netflix. The Motley Fool owns shares of Netflix. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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