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• The Week Ahead: Apple, Netflix and more

  Posted Jul 18 2008, 08:00 PM by Andrew Horowitz
  Filed under: Apple, Amazon, VMware, Netflix, Chipotle Mexican Grill, Andrew Horowitz, Earnings
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  We are the heart of earnings season and this week's lineup is massive. As I write this, I'm looking at over 25 pages of earnings estimates on hundreds of companies presenting results in one of the toughest quarters we've seen in decades. It appears that many of the companies that have already reported have been doing a fine job of beating lowered expectations and providing a nice balance to a market that has been under siege.

  This week will be no different in terms of volatility. But those companies which have been savvy enough to project estimates that they figure they can beat will have an easy time pleasing investors. Those that don't will pay a heavy price into the next cycle. Let's face it, it's a game. If played well it can provide wondrous rewards.

  Here are a few companies that you may want to pay attention to.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 14 comments) 46,649 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• Amazon opens new online movie store

  Posted Jul 17 2008, 10:50 AM by Kim Peterson
  Filed under: Apple, Amazon, Sony, Netflix, Kim Peterson
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  If you want to sell TV shows and movies online, you've got to keep it simple. Make it easy. Apple knows this. So does Netflix, which is expanding its subscription service online. But Amazon straight-out failed in this area with its clunky Unbox download service. So it went back to the drawing board and has a new effort out today.

  The new store, called Amazon Video on Demand, has 40,000 movies and TV shows and ups the ante in the online video business with two significant breakthroughs. First, Amazon has partnered with Sony Electronics to get the store directly into the TV -- Sony Bravia TVs, specifically. Second, Amazon holds the videos you buy on its end, and you can watch them by logging in to Amazon from different computers or devices.

  Amazon shares are up less than 1% to $72.13. Here are more details about the service, which Amazon chose to announce in today's New York Times.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 8 comments) 3,111 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• Netflix: By-mail business to peak in five years

  Posted May 29 2008, 11:38 AM by Kim Peterson
  Filed under: Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix
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  Netflix CEO Reed Hastings expects the DVD-by-mail business to peak in five years. That's the main reason the company is focusing on set-top boxes that stream video directly to the TV set. Investors tread carefully: Hastings' comments are more evidence that this is a company in the middle of a huge transition to a riskier, more competitive future.

  One growing threat to the company comes from Redbox, which offers $1 DVD rentals at kiosks in grocery stores and other locations and is a popular choice with this blog's commenters. Redbox is majority-owned by Coinstar and plans to file for an IPO soon. Netflix would be smart to partner with Redbox, offering customers another way to get movies between DVD mailings.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 12 comments) 6,402 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this

• Netflix holding strong against Blockbuster

  Posted Oct 23 2007, 09:46 AM by Kim Peterson
  Filed under: Amazon, Blockbuster, Netflix
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  I love rooting for Netflix. One reason is that in five years of being a customer, I've never had a bad experience. But the bigger reason is that Netflix has doggedly pursued its business model to become a worthy rival to BOB, also known as Big Old Blockbuster. After losing ground to BOB this year, Netflix has regained its momentum.
  

  The company surprised analysts last night with stronger-than-expected quarterly results and a 24% increase in subscribers, to 7 million. Its shares are up more than 9% today to above $25 as investors applaud the news.
  

  Netflix's outlook seemed bleak three months ago, when the company missed revenue targets and had its first drop in subscriber numbers. BOB, meanwhile, said its online subscribers rose by 600,000 to 3.6 million. Netflix's share price dropped below the $16 mark in July in response.

  Netflix has cut some subscription plans by $1 and reduced marketing costs to save money. A bit of a risky strategy, but one that seems to be paying off. Still, Netflix's position has always been volatile, and in the future the company faces increased competition from Amazon and others.   Read More...

  Discuss ( 118 comments) 49,074 Views Digg this | Email this | Link to this