NFLX-03.31.12-10Q-DOC
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
 
 
FORM 10-Q
 
(Mark One)
ý
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2012
OR

¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from                  to                 
Commission File Number: 000-49802
 
Netflix, Inc.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
 
Delaware
77-0467272
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)
100 Winchester Circle, Los Gatos, California 95032
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)
(408) 540-3700
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports) and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ý    No  ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ý    No   ¨  
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
 
Large accelerated filer
ý
 
Accelerated filer
¨
Non-accelerated filer
¨
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company
¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined by Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  ý
As of March 31, 2012, there were 55,515,631 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001, outstanding.



Table of Contents

Table of Contents
 
 
 
Page
 
Part I. Financial Information
 
Item 1.
Consolidated Financial Statements
 
 
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
Part II. Other Information
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 6.
 
 


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Table of Contents

NETFLIX, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except per share data)

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
Revenues
$
869,791

 
$
718,553

Cost of revenues:
 
 
 
Subscription
564,015

 
376,992

Fulfillment expenses
59,918

 
61,159

Total cost of revenues
623,933

 
438,151

Gross profit
245,858

 
280,402

Operating expenses:
 
 
 
Marketing
135,900

 
104,259

Technology and development
82,801

 
50,905

General and administrative
29,092

 
22,998

Total operating expenses
247,793

 
178,162

Operating income (loss)
(1,935
)
 
102,240

Other income (expense):
 
 
 
Interest expense
(4,974
)
 
(4,865
)
Interest and other income (expense)
(116
)
 
865

Income (loss) before income taxes
(7,025
)
 
98,240

Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(2,441
)
 
38,007

Net income (loss)
$
(4,584
)
 
$
60,233

Net income (loss) per share:
 
 
 
Basic
$
(0.08
)
 
$
1.14

Diluted
$
(0.08
)
 
$
1.11

Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
Basic
55,456

 
52,759

Diluted
55,456

 
54,246

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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NETFLIX, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
Net income (loss)
$
(4,584
)
 
$
60,233

Other comprehensive income (loss):
 
 
 
Foreign currency translation adjustments 
811

 

Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities
98

 
(262
)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before tax 
909

 
(262
)
Income tax benefit (expense) related to items of other comprehensive income 
(38
)
 
102

Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax
871

 
(160
)
Comprehensive income (loss)
$
(3,713
)
 
$
60,073
























See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.


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Table of Contents

NETFLIX, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share and par value data)

 
As of
   
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
Assets
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
395,992

 
$
508,053

Short-term investments
408,534

 
289,758

Current content library, net
1,155,443

 
919,709

Prepaid content
53,013

 
56,007

Other current assets
45,759

 
57,330

Total current assets
2,058,741

 
1,830,857

Non-current content library, net
1,226,274

 
1,046,934

Property and equipment, net
128,197

 
136,353

Other non-current assets
67,247

 
55,052

Total assets
$
3,480,459

 
$
3,069,196

Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Content liabilities
$
1,163,839

 
$
935,036

Accounts payable
83,119

 
86,992

Accrued expenses
49,106

 
54,231

Deferred revenue
150,602

 
148,796

Total current liabilities
1,446,666

 
1,225,055

Long-term debt
200,000

 
200,000

Long-term debt due to related party
200,000

 
200,000

Non-current content liabilities
908,188

 
739,628

Other non-current liabilities
62,203

 
61,703

Total liabilities
2,817,057

 
2,426,386

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)


 


Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011; 55,515,631 and 55,398,615 issued and outstanding at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively
55

 
55

Additional paid-in capital
243,424

 
219,119

Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
1,577

 
706

Retained earnings
418,346

 
422,930

Total stockholders’ equity
663,402

 
642,810

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
3,480,459

 
$
3,069,196

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.
 

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NETFLIX, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)
   
Three Months Ended
   
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(4,584
)
 
$
60,233

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Additions to streaming content library
(764,893
)
 
(192,307
)
Change in streaming content liabilities
397,553

 
84,048

Amortization of streaming content library
339,736

 
85,937

Amortization of DVD content library
20,046

 
26,990

Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles
11,331

 
9,826

Stock-based compensation expense
19,332

 
12,264

Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(3,755
)
 
(15,654
)
Other non-cash items
(1,519
)
 
(925
)
Deferred taxes
(10,843
)
 
(4,982
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Prepaid content
2,994

 
(12,380
)
Other current assets
11,741

 
9,498

Accounts payable
(1,756
)
 
15,232

Accrued expenses
1,783

 
20,293

Deferred revenue
1,806

 
15,862

Other non-current assets and liabilities
137

 
2,388

Net cash provided by operating activities
19,109

 
116,323

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Acquisitions of DVD content library
(13,528
)
 
(22,119
)
Purchases of short-term investments
(299,467
)
 
(52,266
)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
172,335

 
14,961

Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
8,275

 
650

Purchases of property and equipment
(4,766
)
 
(16,320
)
Other assets
1,334

 
1,419

Net cash used in investing activities
(135,817
)
 
(73,675
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock upon exercise of options
1,224

 
6,762

Financing costs
(388
)
 

Repurchases of common stock

 
(108,643
)
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
3,755

 
15,654

Principal payments of lease financing obligations
(559
)
 
(501
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
4,032

 
(86,728
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
615

 

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(112,061
)
 
(44,080
)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
508,053

 
194,499

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$
395,992

 
$
150,419

See accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements.

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Table of Contents

NETFLIX, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(unaudited)

1. Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
The accompanying consolidated interim financial statements of Netflix, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company”) have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S.”) and are consistent in all material respects with those applied in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 10, 2012. The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the amortization policy of the Company’s content library; the valuation of stock-based compensation; and the recognition and measurement of income tax assets and liabilities. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances. The actual results experienced by the Company may differ from management’s estimates.
The interim financial information is unaudited, but reflects all normal recurring adjustments that are, in the opinion of management, necessary to fairly present the information set forth herein. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.
The Company is organized into three operating segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD. Substantially all of the Company’s revenues are generated in the U.S., and substantially all of the Company’s long-lived tangible assets are held in the U.S. The Company’s revenues are derived from monthly subscription fees.
Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. These reclassifications did not impact total assets, total liabilities, stockholders’ equity, results of operations or cash flows.
There have been no material changes in the Company’s significant accounting policies as compared to the significant accounting policies described in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

2. Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted net income (loss) per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, potential outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Potential common shares consist of shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes and incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options. The computation of net income (loss) per share is as follows:


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Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
Basic earnings per share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(4,584
)
 
$
60,233

Shares used in computation:
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
55,456

 
52,759

Basic earnings per share
$
(0.08
)
 
$
1.14

 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per share:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
(4,584
)
 
$
60,233

Shares used in computation:
 
 
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
55,456

 
52,759

Employee stock options

 
1,487

Weighted-average number of shares
55,456

 
54,246

Diluted earnings per share
$
(0.08
)
 
$
1.11


For the three months ended March 31, 2012, 2.3 million shares issuable upon the assumed conversion of the Company's Senior Convertible Notes and 1.8 million incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options are not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

For the three months ended March 31, 2011, employee stock options with exercise prices greater than the average market price of the common stock during the period were excluded from the diluted calculation of earnings per share, as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options excluded for the three months ended March 31, 2011 was 26,864.

3. Short-Term Investments and Fair Value Measurement
The Company’s investment policy is consistent with the definition of available-for-sale securities. The Company does not buy and hold securities principally for the purpose of selling them in the near future. The Company’s policy is focused on the preservation of capital, liquidity and return. From time to time, the Company may sell certain securities but the objectives are generally not to generate profits on short-term differences in price. The following table summarizes, by major security type, the Company’s assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:
 
 
As of
 
March 31, 2012
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
Cash
$
394,726

 
$

 
$

 
$
394,726

Level 1 securities (1):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
6,134

 

 

 
6,134

Level 2 securities (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
104,998

 
769

 
(65
)
 
105,702

Government and agency securities
253,897

 
417

 
(147
)
 
254,167

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
48,452

 
228

 
(15
)
 
48,665

 
$
808,207

 
$
1,414

 
$
(227
)
 
$
809,394

Less: Long-term restricted cash (1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,868
)
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
804,526

 

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Table of Contents

 
As of
 
December 31, 2011
 
Amortized
Cost
 
Gross
Unrealized
Gains
 
Gross
Unrealized
Losses
 
Estimated
Fair Value
 
(in thousands)
Cash
$
388,941

 
$

 
$

 
$
388,941

Level 1 securities (2):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Money market funds
123,608

 

 

 
123,608

Level 2 securities (3):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate debt securities
112,264

 
603

 
(214
)
 
112,653

Government and agency securities
175,464

 
694

 
(56
)
 
176,102

Asset and mortgage-backed securities
941

 
62

 

 
1,003

 
$
801,218

 
$
1,359

 
$
(270
)
 
$
802,307

Less: Long-term restricted cash (2)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(4,496
)
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
797,811

(1)
Includes $1.2 million classified in cash and cash equivalents and $4.9 million classified in other non-current assets.
(2)
Includes $119.1 million classified in cash and cash equivalents and $4.5 million classified in other current assets and non-current assets.
(3)
Included in short-term investments.

Fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available-for-sale portfolio and cash equivalents is based on its assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation of such instrument at the measurement date. The fair value of available-for-sale securities and cash equivalents included in the Level 1 category is based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market. The fair value of available-for-sale securities included in the Level 2 category is based on observable inputs, such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly. These values were obtained from an independent pricing service and were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and may incorporate available trade, bid and other market information and price quotes from well-established independent pricing vendors and broker-dealers. The Company's procedures include controls to ensure that appropriate fair values are recorded, such as comparing prices obtained from multiple independent sources. See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding the fair value of the Company’s Senior Convertible Notes and Senior Notes.

Because the Company does not intend to sell the investments that are in an unrealized loss position and it is not likely that the Company will be required to sell any investments before recovery of their amortized cost basis, the Company does not consider those investments with an unrealized loss to be other-than-temporarily impaired at March 31, 2012. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011. In addition, there were no material gross realized gains or losses in the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011.
The estimated fair value of short-term investments by contractual maturity as of March 31, 2012 is as follows:
 
 
(in thousands)
Due within one year
$
48,650

Due after one year and through 5 years
329,494

Due after 5 years and through 10 years
10,191

Due after 10 years
20,199

Total short-term investments
$
408,534


4. Balance Sheet Components
Content Library
Content library consisted of the following:
 

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As of
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Streaming
 
DVD
 
Total
 
Streaming
 
DVD
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Total content library, gross
$
3,166,320

 
$
580,507

 
$
3,746,827

 
$
2,552,284

 
$
599,155

 
$
3,151,439

Accumulated amortization
(821,149
)
 
(543,961
)
 
(1,365,110
)
 
(632,270
)
 
(552,526
)
 
(1,184,796
)
Total content library, net
2,345,171

 
36,546

 
2,381,717

 
1,920,014

 
46,629

 
1,966,643

Current content library, net
1,155,443

 

 
1,155,443

 
919,709

 

 
919,709

Non-current content library, net
$
1,189,728

 
$
36,546

 
$
1,226,274

 
$
1,000,305

 
$
46,629

 
$
1,046,934


Content Liabilities
Content liabilities consisted of the following:
 
 
As of
 
March 31, 2012
 
December 31, 2011
 
Streaming
 
DVD 
 
Total
 
Streaming
 
DVD
 
Total
 
(in thousands)
Content liabilities
$
1,144,789

 
$
19,050

 
$
1,163,839

 
$
915,796

 
$
19,240

 
$
935,036

Non-current content liabilities
908,188

 

 
908,188

 
739,628

 

 
739,628

Total content liabilities
$
2,052,977

 
$
19,050

 
$
2,072,027

 
$
1,655,424

 
$
19,240

 
$
1,674,664


The Company typically enters into multi-year licenses with studios and other distributors that may result in an increase in the content library and a corresponding increase in current and non-current content liabilities. The payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which typically ranges from six months to five years. As of March 31, 2012, total content liabilities increased $397.4 million, over December 31, 2011, as compared to an increase in total content library, net, of $415.1 million.
Property and Equipment, Net
Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation consisted of the following:

 
 
 
As of
 
 
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
 
 
(in thousands)
Computer equipment
 
3 years
$
65,771

 
$
67,090

Operations and other equipment
 
5 years
100,307

 
100,306

Software, including internal-use software
 
3 years
36,313

 
35,356

Furniture and fixtures
 
3 years
17,509

 
17,310

Buildings
 
30 years
40,681

 
40,681

Leasehold improvements
 
Over life of lease
45,237

 
44,473

Capital work-in-progress
 
 
466

 
822

Property and equipment, gross
 
 
306,284

 
306,038

Less: Accumulated depreciation
 
 
(178,087
)
 
(169,685
)
Property and equipment, net
 
 
$
128,197

 
$
136,353



5. Long-term Debt
Senior Convertible Notes

As of March 31, 2012, the Company had outstanding $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of zero coupon senior convertible notes due on December 1, 2018 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes were issued in a private placement offering to TCV VII, L.P., TCV VII(A), L.P. and TCV Member Fund, L.P. A general partner of these funds also serves on the Company’s board of directors, and as such,

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the issuance of the notes was considered a related party transaction. At any time following May 28, 2012, the Company may elect to cause the conversion of the Convertible Notes into shares of the Company’s common stock when specified conditions are satisfied, including that the daily volume weighted average price of the Company’s common stock is equal or greater than $111.54 for at least 50 trading days during a 65 trading day period prior to the conversion date. The Convertible Notes include, among other terms and conditions, limitations on the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends or to repurchase shares of its common stock, subject to specified exceptions. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Based on quoted market prices of the Company’s publicly traded debt, the fair value of the Convertible Notes as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was approximately $218.0 million and $206.5 million, respectively.
Senior Notes
As of March 31, 2012, the Company also had outstanding $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.50% senior notes due November 15, 2017 (the “8.50% Notes”). Interest on the 8.50% Notes is payable semi-annually at a rate of 8.50% per annum on May 15 and November 15 of each year.
The 8.50% Notes include, among other terms and conditions, limitations on the Company’s ability to create, incur, assume or be liable for indebtedness (other than specified types of permitted indebtedness); dispose of assets outside the ordinary course (subject to specified exceptions); acquire, merge or consolidate with or into another person or entity (other than specified types of permitted acquisitions); create, incur or allow any lien on any of its property or assign any right to receive income (except for specified permitted liens); make investments (other than specified types of investments); or pay dividends, make distributions, or purchase or redeem the Company’s equity interests (each subject to specified exceptions). At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.
Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the 8.50% Notes as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was approximately $218.0 million and $206.5 million, respectively.

6. Stockholders’ Equity
Stock Option Plan
In June 2011, the Company adopted the 2011 Stock Plan. The 2011 Stock Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and for the grant of non-statutory stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units to employees, directors and consultants. As of March 31, 2012, 5.5 million shares were reserved for future grants under the 2011 Stock Plan.
In February 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Stock Plan, which was amended and restated in May 2006. The 2002 Stock Plan provides for the grant of incentive stock options to employees and for the grant of non-statutory stock options and stock purchase rights to employees, directors and consultants. In the first quarter of 2012, 1.2 million shares reserved for future grants under the 2002 Stock Plan expired.
A summary of the activity related to the Company’s stock option plans during the three months ended March 31, 2012 is as follows:
 
 
 
 
Options Outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
Shares
Available
for Grant
 
Number of
Shares
 
Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in Years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in Thousands)
Balances as of December 31, 2011
7,013,508

 
2,957,754

 
$
66.59

 
 
 
 
Granted
(347,367
)
 
347,367

 
97.75

 
 
 
 
Exercised

 
(117,016
)
 
10.47

 
 
 
 
Canceled
48

 
(48
)
 
35.95

 
 
 
 
Expired
(1,160,721
)
 

 

 
 
 
 
Balances as of March 31, 2012
5,505,468

 
3,188,057

 
72.04

 
6.61
 
$
183,361

Vested and exercisable at March 31, 2012
 
 
3,188,057

 
72.04

 
6.61
 
$
183,361


The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pretax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the first quarter of 2012 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on March 31, 2012. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company’s common stock. Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $11.7 million and $44.1 million, respectively.

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Cash received from option exercises for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $1.2 million and $6.8 million, respectively.
Stock Option Expense

Vested stock options granted before June 30, 2004 can be exercised up to three months following termination of employment. Vested stock options granted after June 30, 2004 and before January 1, 2007 can be exercised up to one year following termination of employment. Vested stock options granted after January 2007 will remain exercisable for the full ten year contractual term regardless of employment status. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value stock option grants using the lattice-binomial model:

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
Dividend yield
%
 
%
Expected volatility
65
%
 
52
%
Risk-free interest rate
1.97
%
 
3.42
%
Suboptimal exercise factor
2.26 - 3.65

 
2.17 – 3.39


The Company bifurcates its option grants into two employee groupings (executive and non-executive) based on exercise behavior and considers several factors in determining the estimate of expected term for each group, including the historical option exercise behavior, the terms and vesting periods of the options granted.

The weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 was $55.65 and $109.21 per share, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense, net of tax, related to stock option plans which was allocated as follows:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
(in thousands)
Fulfillment expenses
$
67

 
$
560

Marketing
1,404

 
1,249

Technology and development
10,600

 
5,292

General and administrative
7,261

 
5,163

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
19,332

 
12,264

Income tax benefit
(6,708
)
 
(4,744
)
Stock-based compensation after income taxes
$
12,624

 
$
7,520


Stock Repurchases

Under the Company’s current stock repurchase plan, announced on June 11, 2010, the Company is authorized to repurchase up to $300.0 million of its common stock through the end of 2012. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company did not repurchase stock. As of March 31, 2012, $41.0 million of this authorization remained. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased is at management’s discretion and will depend on various factors including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, debt covenant requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions.

7. Income Taxes

The effective tax (benefit) rates for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 were (34.7)% and 38.7%, respectively. As of December 31, 2011, the Company had $28.1 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the Company had an increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $1.4 million. The gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized by the Company, will result in a reduction of approximately $23.3 million to the provision for income taxes thereby favorably impacting the Company’s effective tax rate. The Company’s unrecognized tax benefits are classified as “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the "Provision (benefit) for income taxes" on the Consolidated Statements of Operations. As of March 31, 2012, the total amount of gross interest and penalties accrued was $2.6 million, and is classified as “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Deferred tax assets include $9.8 million and $10.0 million classified as “Other current assets” and $39.3 million and $28.3 million classified as “Other non-current assets” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. In evaluating its ability to realize the net deferred tax assets, the Company considered all available positive and negative evidence, including its past operating results and the forecast of future market growth, forecasted earnings, future taxable income, and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, it was considered more likely than not that substantially all deferred tax assets would be realized, and no significant valuation allowance was recorded.
Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options of $3.7 million and $15.1 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively, were recorded directly to "Additional paid-in capital" on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

The Company files U.S. federal, state and foreign tax returns. The Company is currently under examination by the IRS for the years 2008 and 2009, and the year 2010 remains subject to examination by the IRS.  The Company is currently under examination by the state of California for the years 2006 and 2007. The years 1997 through 2005, as well as 2008 through 2010, remain subject to examination by the state of California.
Given the potential outcome of the current examinations, as well as the impact of the current examination on the potential expiration of the statute of limitations, it is reasonably possible that the balance of unrecognized tax benefits could significantly change within the next twelve months. However, at this time, an estimate of the range of reasonably possible adjustments to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits cannot be made.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Streaming Content
The Company had $3.68 billion and $3.91 billion of obligations at March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively, including agreements to acquire and license streaming content that represent long-term liabilities or that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets because they do not meet content library asset recognition criteria. The license agreements do not meet content library asset recognition criteria because either the fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title or it is known but the title is not yet available for streaming to subscribers. For those agreements with variable terms, the Company does not estimate what the total obligation may be beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. For those agreements that include renewal provisions that are solely at the option of the content provider, the Company includes the commitments associated with the renewal period to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified.

The expected timing of payments as of March 31, 2012 for these obligations is as follows:
 
 
(in thousands)
Less than one year
$
729,628

Due after one year and through 3 years
2,374,734

Due after 3 years and through 5 years
505,553

Due after 5 years
74,155

Total streaming content obligations
$
3,684,070

The Company has entered into certain license agreements that include an unspecified or a maximum number of titles that the Company may or may not receive in the future and/or that include pricing contingent upon certain variables, such as theatrical exhibition receipts for the title. As of the reporting date, it is unknown whether the Company will receive access to these titles or what the ultimate price per title will be. Accordingly, such amounts are not reflected in the commitments described above. However such amounts are expected to be significant and the expected timing of payments could range from less than one year to more than five years.
In addition to the streaming content obligations above, the Company has licenses with certain performing rights organizations (“PRO”), and is currently involved in negotiations with other PROs, that hold certain rights to musical compositions used in connection with streaming content. For the latter, the Company accrues for estimated royalties that are due to PROs and adjusts these accruals based on any changes in estimates. While the Company anticipates finalizing these negotiations, the outcome of these negotiations is uncertain. The results of any negotiation may be materially different from management’s estimates.
Litigation

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From time to time, in the normal course of its operations, the Company is a party to litigation matters and claims, including claims relating to employee relations, business practices and patent infringement. Litigation can be expensive and disruptive to normal business operations. Moreover, the results of complex legal proceedings are difficult to predict and the Company’s view of these matters may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold. The Company expenses legal fees as incurred. The Company records a provision for contingent losses when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. An unfavorable outcome to any legal matter, if material, could have an adverse effect on the Company’s operations or its financial position, liquidity or results of operations.
On January 13, 2012, the first of three purported shareholder class action lawsuits was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. Two additional purported shareholder class action lawsuits were filed in the same court on January 27, 2012 and February 29, 2012, respectively, alleging substantially similar claims. Two of the three purported shareholder class action lawsuits have since been consolidated, and the Company anticipates consolidation of the third as well as the selection of a lead plaintiff. The purported class action lawsuits allege, among other things, that the Company issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the Company’s business practices and its contracts with content providers, which led to artificially inflated stock prices. The purported class action lawsuits also allege violations of the federal securities laws, and seek unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable.
On November 23, 2011, the first of five purported shareholder derivative suits was filed in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County, against the Company and certain of its officers and directors. Four additional purported shareholder derivative suits have subsequently been filed: one on February 9, 2012 in the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara County; and three in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California on February 13, 2012, February 24, 2012 and April 2, 2012. The purported shareholder derivative lawsuits allege, among other things, that the Company’s officers and directors breached their fiduciary duties, wasted valuable corporate assets, and were unjustly enriched as a result of causing the Company to buy back stock at artificially inflated prices to the detriment of the Company and its shareholders. Additionally, certain of the purported shareholder derivative lawsuits contain allegations similar to those set forth in the purported shareholder class action suits regarding false and misleading statements surrounding the Company’s business practices and its contracts with content providers. The purported shareholder derivative lawsuits seek unspecified compensatory damages and other relief. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible however, based on its current knowledge, management does not believe that the amount of such possible loss or a range of potential loss is reasonably estimable.
The Company is involved in other litigation matters not listed above but does not consider the matters to be material either individually or in the aggregate at this time. The Company’s view of the matters not listed may change in the future as the litigation and events related thereto unfold.

Indemnification
In the ordinary course of business, the Company has entered into contractual arrangements under which it has agreed to provide indemnification of varying scope and terms to business partners and other parties with respect to certain matters, including, but not limited to, losses arising out of the Company’s breach of such agreements and out of intellectual property infringement claims made by third parties. In these circumstances, payment may be conditional on the other party making a claim pursuant to the procedures specified in the particular contract.
The Company’s obligations under these agreements may be limited in terms of time or amount, and in some instances, the Company may have recourse against third-parties for certain payments. In addition, the Company has entered into indemnification agreements with its directors and certain of its officers that will require it, among other things, to indemnify them against certain liabilities that may arise by reason of their status or service as directors or officers. The terms of such obligations vary.
It is not possible to make a reasonable estimate of the maximum potential amount of future payments under these or similar agreements due to the conditional nature of the Company’s obligations and the unique facts and circumstances involved in each particular agreement. No amount has been accrued in the accompanying financial statements with respect to these indemnification obligations.

9. Segment Information
Effective in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company has three operating segments: Domestic streaming, International streaming and Domestic DVD. Segment information is presented along the same lines that the Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews the operating results in assessing performance and allocating resources. The Company’s chief operating decision maker reviews revenue and contribution profit (loss) for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit (loss) is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses. There are no internal revenue transactions between the Company’s reporting segments. The Company's chief operating decision maker does not review an allocation of assets by reportable segment. The Domestic and International streaming segments derive revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of streaming content. The Domestic DVD segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of DVDs-by-mail.

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Between the fourth quarter of 2010 and the third quarter of 2011, the Company had two operating segments: Domestic and International. During this time, the Company’s domestic streaming service and DVDs-by-mail operations were combined. Subscribers in the U.S. were able to receive both streaming services and DVDs under a single hybrid plan. Accordingly, revenues were generated and marketing expenses were incurred in connection with the subscription offerings as a whole. Therefore, it is impracticable to allocate revenues or marketing expenses or present discrete segment information for the Domestic streaming and Domestic DVD segments for periods prior to the fourth quarter of 2011.
In the third quarter of 2011, the Company made certain changes to its domestic pricing and plan structure which require subscribers who wish to receive both streaming services and DVDs-by-mail to have two separate subscription plans. Following this change, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2011, the Company was able to generate discrete financial information for its Domestic streaming and Domestic DVD operations and began reporting this information to the chief operating decision maker for review.
 The following table represents segment information for the first quarter of 2012:
 
 
As of/Three Months ended March 31, 2012
 
Domestic
Streaming
 
International
Streaming
 
Domestic
DVD
 
Consolidated
 
(in thousands)
Total subscriptions at end of period
23,410

 
3,065

 
10,089

 

Revenues
$
506,665

 
$
43,425

 
$
319,701

 
$
869,791

Cost of revenues and marketing expense
440,157

 
146,108

 
173,568

 
759,833

Contribution profit (loss)
$
66,508

 
$
(102,683
)
 
$
146,133

 
$
109,958

Other operating expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 
111,893

Operating loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1,935
)
Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
 
 
(5,090
)
Benefit for income taxes
 
 
 
 
 
 
(2,441
)
Net loss
 
 
 
 
 
 
$
(4,584
)
The following tables represent the Company’s segment information for the first quarter ended March 31, 2011 based on the Company’s segment reporting prior to the fourth quarter of 2011:
 
 
As of/Three Months ended March 31, 2011
 
Domestic
 
International
 
Consolidated
 
(in thousands)
Total unique subscribers at end of period (1)
22,797

 
803

 
23,600

Revenues
$
706,274

 
$
12,279

 
$
718,553

Cost of revenues and marketing expense
519,389

 
23,021

 
542,410

Contribution profit (loss)
$
186,885

 
$
(10,742
)
 
$
176,143

Other operating expenses
 
 
 
 
73,903

Operating income
 
 
 
 
102,240

Other income (expense)
 
 
 
 
(4,000
)
Provision for income taxes
 
 
 
 
38,007

Net income
 
 
 
 
$
60,233


(1) For purposes of determining the number of unique subscribers, domestic subscribers who have elected both a DVD and a streaming subscription plan are considered a single unique subscriber.

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Item 2.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to statements regarding: our core strategy, net subscriber additions, contribution margins, both domestically and internationally, international expansion, DVD and streaming subscriber trends, consolidated revenues, profitability, content payments and expense, free cash flow, deferred tax assets, stock repurchases and future contractual obligations. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those included in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on February 10, 2012, in particular the risk factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Part I, Item IA.

We assume no obligation to revise or publicly release any revision to any forward-looking statements contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, unless required by law.

Overview

We are the world’s leading Internet subscription service for enjoying TV shows and movies. Our subscribers can instantly watch as many TV shows and movies as they want, streamed over the Internet to their TVs, computers and mobile devices. Additionally, in the U.S., our subscribers can receive standard definition DVDs, and their high definition successor, Blu-ray discs (collectively referred to as “DVD”), delivered quickly to their homes.

Our core strategy is to grow our streaming subscription business domestically and globally. We are continuously improving the customer experience, with a focus on expanding our streaming content, enhancing our user interface and extending our streaming service to even more Internet-connected devices, while staying within the parameters of our consolidated net income (loss) and operating segment contribution profit (loss) targets. Contribution profit (loss) is defined as revenue less cost of revenues and marketing expenses.

We are a pioneer in the Internet delivery of TV shows and movies, launching our streaming service in 2007. Since this launch, we have developed an ecosystem of Internet-connected devices and have licensed increasing amounts of content that enable consumers to enjoy TV shows and movies directly on their TV’s, computers and mobile devices. As a result of these efforts, we have experienced growing consumer acceptance of and interest in the delivery of TV shows and movies directly over the Internet. We believe that the DVD portion of our domestic service will be a fading differentiator to our streaming success. Historically, our acquisition of new subscriptions has been seasonal with the first and fourth quarters representing our strongest net subscription additions and our second quarter representing the lowest net subscription additions in a calendar year.

Prior to July 2011, in the U.S., our streaming and DVDs-by-mail operations were combined and subscribers could receive both streaming content and DVDs under a single “hybrid” plan. In July 2011, we introduced DVD only plans and separated the combined plans, making it necessary for subscribers who wish to receive both streaming services and DVDs-by-mail to have two separate subscription plans. This resulted in a price increase for our members who were taking a hybrid plan. We made a subsequent announcement during the third quarter of 2011 concerning the rebranding of our DVDs-by-mail service and the separation of the DVDs-by-mail and streaming websites. The consumer reaction to the price change, and to a lesser degree, the branding announcement, was very negative leading to significant customer cancellations. We subsequently retracted our plans to rebrand our DVDs-by-mail service and separate the DVDs-by-mail and streaming websites.

In September 2010, we began international operations by offering our streaming service in Canada. In September 2011, we expanded our streaming service to Latin America and the Caribbean. In January 2012, we launched our streaming service in the United Kingdom ("U.K.") and Ireland. We anticipate significant contribution losses in the International streaming segment in 2012. In April 2012, we announced that we anticipated expanding our International operations to another market in the fourth quarter of 2012.
 
As a result of the changes to our pricing and plan structure, we no longer offer a single subscription plan including both DVDs-by-mail and streaming in the U.S. Domestic subscribers who wish to receive DVDs-by-mail and watch streaming content must elect both a DVDs-by-mail subscription plan and a streaming subscription plan. Accordingly, beginning with the third quarter of 2011, management views the number of paid subscriptions as the key driver of revenues. The following metrics reflect these changes.


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As of /Three Months Ended,
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
March 31,
2011
 
(in thousands)
Domestic streaming:
 
 
 
 
 
Net additions
1,739

 
223

 
 
Paid subscriptions at end of period
22,022

 
20,153

 
 
Total subscriptions at end of period
23,410

 
21,671

 
 
International streaming:
 
 
 
 
 
Net additions
1,207

 
378

 
294

Paid subscriptions at end of period
2,409

 
1,447

 
674

Total subscriptions at end of period
3,065

 
1,858

 
803

Domestic DVD:
 
 
 
 
 
Net losses
(1,076
)
 
(2,763
)
 
 
Paid subscriptions at end of period
9,958

 
11,039

 
 
Total subscriptions at end of period
10,089

 
11,165

 
 
Total domestic:
 
 
 
 
 
Net unique subscriber additions during period (1)
1,679

 
606

 
3,296

Total domestic unique subscribers at end of period (1)
26,074

 
24,395

 
22,797

Consolidated:
 
 
 
 
 
Net unique subscriber additions during period (1)
2,886

 
984

 
3,590

Paid unique subscribers at end of period (1)
27,083

 
24,305

 
22,079

Total unique subscribers at end of period (1)
29,139

 
26,253

 
23,600


(1)
For purposes of determining the number of unique subscribers, domestic subscribers who have elected both a DVD and a streaming subscription plan are considered a single unique subscriber.
The following represents our consolidated performance highlights:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except per share data)
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$
869,791

 
$
875,575

 
$
718,553

 
(0.7
)%
 
21.0
 %
Operating income (loss)
(1,935
)
 
61,872

 
102,240

 
(103.1
)%
 
(101.9
)%
Net income (loss)
(4,584
)
 
35,219

 
60,233

 
(113.0
)%
 
(107.6
)%
Net income (loss) per share—diluted
(0.08
)
 
0.64

 
1.11

 
(112.5
)%
 
(107.2
)%
Free cash flow (2)
2,149

 
33,921

 
79,303

 
(93.7
)%
 
(97.3
)%
(2)
See “Liquidity and Capital Resources” for a definition of “free cash flow” and a reconciliation of “net cash provided by operating activities” to “free cash flow.”
Domestic streaming subscriptions increased 8% from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012. Net subscription additions are expected to be seasonally low in the second quarter of 2012, increasing in the third and fourth quarters. Our contribution margin for the Domestic streaming segment was 13.1% for the first quarter of 2012, up from 10.9% in the fourth quarter of 2011, and we expect further contribution margin expansion.
International streaming subscriptions increased 65% from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012 and account for 12% of total streaming subscriptions at the end of the first quarter. In the first quarter of 2012, our International streaming segment reported a contribution loss of $102.7 million. The $42.9 million increase in the contribution loss as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 is primarily due to our expansion to the U.K. and Ireland in January 2012. We expect a continued contribution loss in our International streaming segment as we launch additional international markets, the next of which is planned for the fourth quarter of 2012.
DVD subscriptions decreased 10% from December 31, 2011 to March 31, 2012, due to cancellations during the quarter. We expect

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continued decreases in the number of DVD subscriptions which will offset the growth in domestic and consolidated revenues expected from streaming subscription increases. Domestic DVD contribution margins are expected to be relatively flat in coming quarters.
Consolidated revenues for the first quarter of 2012 were flat as compared to the fourth quarter of 2011 and consolidated net income (loss) decreased by 113.0% to a consolidated net loss of $4.6 million. We expect consolidated revenues to increase at a modest pace sequentially in future quarters driven by the growth in global streaming subscriptions and partially offset by a decline in domestic DVD. We believe that the consolidated net loss will decline in the second quarter of 2012 and we may be at or near consolidated net income. Future investments in new international markets, such as that which we have planned to launch in the fourth quarter of 2012, may result in future consolidated net losses.
Free cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011 to $2.1 million. Free cash flow was $6.7 million higher than the net loss of $4.6 million, primarily due to non-cash expenses related to stock-based compensation, depreciation expense associated with our property and equipment, and accrued interest expense for our 8.50% Notes, partially offset by differences between the cash payments for taxes and the benefit for income tax and the excess streaming and DVD content payments over expense. The excess streaming and DVD content payments over expense will continue to fluctuate over time based on new content licenses domestically and internationally and in particular may increase as a result of higher up-front cash requirements for original content. We expect that free cash flow in future periods will be negatively impacted by investments in new international markets and the cash requirements for original content and that we may use cash in 2012.

Results of Operations
The following table sets forth, for the periods presented, the line items on our Consolidated Statements of Operations as a percentage of total revenues. The information contained in the table below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements, notes to the consolidated financial statements and the entirety of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
March 31,
2011
Revenues
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
 
100.0
 %
Cost of revenues:
 
 
 
 
 
Subscription
64.8
 %
 
58.6
 %
 
52.5
 %
Fulfillment expenses
6.9
 %
 
7.1
 %
 
8.5
 %
Total cost of revenues
71.7
 %
 
65.7
 %
 
61.0
 %
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
 
Marketing
15.6
 %
 
13.1
 %
 
14.5
 %
Technology and development
9.5
 %
 
9.2
 %
 
7.1
 %
General and administrative
3.4
 %
 
3.9
 %
 
3.2
 %
Legal settlement
 %
 
1.0
 %
 
 %
Total operating expenses
28.5
 %
 
27.2
 %
 
24.8
 %
Operating income (loss)
(0.2
)%
 
7.1
 %
 
14.2
 %
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(0.6
)%
 
(0.6
)%
 
(0.7
)%
Interest and other income (expense)
 %
 
 %
 
0.2
 %
Income (loss) before income taxes
(0.8
)%
 
6.5
 %
 
13.7
 %
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
(0.3
)%
 
2.5
 %
 
5.3
 %
Net income (loss)
(0.5
)%
 
4.0
 %
 
8.4
 %
 
Revenues
We derive our revenues from monthly subscription fees and recognize subscription revenues ratably over each subscriber’s monthly subscription period. We currently generate substantially all of our revenues in the U.S.
In the Domestic streaming segment, we derive revenues from services consisting solely of streaming content offered through a subscription plan priced at $7.99 per month. In the Domestic DVD segment, we derive revenues from our DVDs-by-mail subscription services. The price per plan for DVDs-by-mail varies from $7.99 to $43.99 per month based on the number of DVDs that a subscriber may have out at any given point. Customers electing access to high definition Blu-ray discs in addition to standard definition DVDs pay a surcharge ranging

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from $2 to $4 per month for our most popular plans.
In July 2011, in the U.S., we introduced DVD only plans and separated DVDs-by-mail and streaming making it necessary for subscribers who opt to receive both DVDs-by-mail and streaming to have two separate subscription plans. As subscribers were able to receive both streaming and DVDs-by-mail under a single hybrid plan prior to the fourth quarter of 2011, it is impracticable to allocate revenues to the Domestic streaming and Domestic DVD segments prior to the fourth quarter of 2011.
In the International streaming segment, we derive revenues from services consisting solely of streaming content offered through a subscription plan priced at approximately the equivalent of USD7.99 per month. In September 2010, we began international operations in Canada. We expanded to Latin America and the Caribbean in September 2011 and the U.K. and Ireland in January 2012.

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 (1)
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenues
$
869,791

 
$
718,553

 
21.0
%
Domestic
826,366

 
706,274

 
17.0
%
International
43,425

 
12,279

 
253.7
%
(1) Presented using the Company's segment reporting prior to the fourth quarter of 2011.
The $151.2 million increase in our consolidated revenues was due to the $120.1 million increase in domestic revenues and a $31.1 million increase in international revenues. Domestic revenues increased 17.0% as a result of the 20.8% growth in the domestic average number of unique paying subscribers driven by new streaming subscriptions. This increase was offset in part by a 3.2% decline in domestic average monthly revenue per unique paying subscriber, resulting from the popularity of the streaming subscription and a decline in the percentage of unique paying subscribers electing both a streaming and a DVD subscription. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, 87.8% of our new gross domestic unique subscribers chose only a streaming subscription compared to 54.4% in the three months ended March 31, 2011. As of March 31, 2012, only 28.5% of our domestic unique subscribers had both a streaming and DVD subscription compared to 81.4% as of March 31, 2011.
International revenues increased by $31.1 million primarily due to our launch in Latin America and the Caribbean in September 2011 and our launch in the U.K. and Ireland in January 2012.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Revenues
$
869,791

 
$
875,575

 
(0.7
)%
Domestic streaming
506,665

 
476,334

 
6.4
 %
International streaming
43,425

 
28,988

 
49.8
 %
 Domestic DVD
319,701

 
370,253

 
(13.7
)%
The $5.8 million decrease in our consolidated revenues was primarily a result of the 15.5% decrease in the number of average paying DVD subscriptions offset by a 58.3% increase in the average number of paying international subscriptions coupled with a 3.7% increase in the average number of paying domestic streaming subscriptions.
We expect the streaming subscription plans offered both domestically and internationally to continue to grow as a percentage of our total paid subscriber base. We expect that as a result of the increase in streaming subscription plans both domestically and internationally partially offset by declines in DVD subscriptions, consolidated revenues will increase at a modest pace sequentially in future quarters.

Cost of Revenues

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Cost of revenues consists of cost of subscription revenues and fulfillment expenses.

Cost of subscription revenues consists of expenses related to the acquisition and licensing of content, as well as content delivery costs related to providing streaming content and shipping DVDs to subscribers. Costs related to free-trial periods are allocated to marketing expenses.

Content acquisition and licensing expenses consist primarily of amortization of streaming content licenses, which may or may not be recognized in the streaming content library, amortization of DVD content library and revenue sharing expenses. We obtain content through streaming content license agreements, DVD direct purchases and DVD revenue sharing agreements with studios, distributors and other suppliers. Content agreements are made in the ordinary course of business and our business is not substantially dependent on any particular agreement.

Content delivery expenses consist of the postage costs to mail DVDs to and from our paying subscribers, the packaging and label costs for the mailers and all costs associated with delivering streaming content over the Internet. We utilize third-party content delivery networks to help us efficiently stream content in high volume to our subscribers over the Internet.

Fulfillment expenses represent those expenses incurred in content processing including operating and staffing our shipping centers as well as receiving, encoding, inspecting and warehousing our content library. Fulfillment expenses also include operating and staffing our customer service centers and credit card fees.

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Total cost of revenues
$
623,933

 
$
438,151

 
42.4
%
As a percentage of revenues
71.7
%
 
61.0
%
 
 

The $185.8 million increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the following factors:
Content acquisition and licensing expenses increased by $234.6 million. This increase was primarily attributable to continued investments in existing and new streaming content available for viewing to our domestic subscribers. The increase is also partially attributable to an increase in streaming content titles available in our International locations.
Content delivery expenses decreased $47.5 million primarily due to a 41.8% decrease in the number of DVDs mailed for paid subscriptions. The decrease in DVD delivery expenses was partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our use of third-party delivery networks resulting from an increase in the total number of hours of streaming content viewed by our subscribers.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Total cost of revenues
$
623,933

 
$
575,155

 
8.5
%
As a percentage of revenues
71.7
%
 
65.7
%
 
 

The $48.8 million increase in cost of revenues was primarily due to the following factors:
 
Content acquisition and licensing expenses increased by $55.2 million. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in streaming content titles available in our International locations. The increase is also partially attributed to continued investments in existing and new streaming content available for viewing to our domestic subscribers.
Content delivery expenses decreased $3.8 million primarily due to a 6.0% decrease in the number of DVDs mailed for paid subscriptions. The decrease in the number of DVDs mailed was driven by a 15.5% decline in the number of average paying DVD subscriptions offset by an 11.2% increase in monthly DVD rentals per average paying DVD subscriber. The decrease in DVD delivery expenses was partially offset by an increase in costs associated with our use of third-party delivery networks resulting from

20

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an increase in the total number of hours of streaming content viewed by our subscribers.

Marketing
Marketing expenses consist primarily of advertising expenses and also include payments made to our affiliates and consumer electronics partners and payroll related expenses. Advertising expenses include promotional activities such as television and online advertising as well as allocated costs of revenues relating to free trial periods. Payments to our affiliates and consumer electronics partners may be in the form of a fixed-fee or may be a revenue sharing payment.

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Marketing
$
135,900

 
$
104,259

 
30.3
%
As a percentage of revenues
15.6
%
 
14.5
%
 
 
 
The $31.6 million increase in marketing expenses was primarily due to a $35.3 million increase in marketing program spending primarily in television and online advertising due to our launch in Latin America and the Caribbean and in the U.K. and Ireland. These increases were partially offset by a decrease in direct mail marketing.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Marketing
$
135,900

 
$
114,288

 
18.9
%
As a percentage of revenues
15.6
%
 
13.1
%
 
 
 
The $21.6 million increase in marketing expenses was primarily due to a $19.5 million increase in marketing program spending primarily in online advertising due to our launch in the U.K. and Ireland in January 2012.

Technology and Development
Technology and development expenses consist of payroll and related costs incurred in making improvements to our service offering, including testing, maintaining and modifying our user interface, our recommendation and merchandising technology, as well as, telecommunications systems and infrastructure and other internal-use software systems. Technology and development expenses also include costs associated with computer hardware and software.

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Technology and development
$
82,801

 
$
50,905

 
62.7
%
As a percentage of revenues
9.5
%
 
7.1
%
 
 

The $31.9 million increase in technology and development expenses was primarily the result of a $26.2 million increase in personnel-related costs, including a $5.3 million increase in stock-based compensation. This increase in personnel-related costs is due to a 58% growth in average headcount supporting continued improvements in our streaming service and our international expansion.

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Table of Contents

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Technology and development
$
82,801

 
$
80,783

 
2.5
%
As a percentage of revenues
9.5
%
 
9.2
%
 
 

Technology and development expenses were relatively flat as compared to the prior period.

General and Administrative
General and administrative expenses consist of payroll and related expenses for executive and administrative personnel, as well as recruiting, professional fees and other general corporate expenses. General and administrative expenses also include the gain on disposal of DVDs.

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
General and administrative
$
29,092

 
$
22,998

 
26.5
%
As a percentage of revenues
3.4
%
 
3.2
%
 
 

The $6.1 million increase in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to an increase in personnel-related costs of $9.7 million resulting from a 28% increase in average headcount. This increase was partially offset by a $3.6 million decrease in other miscellaneous expenses primarily related to the use of outside and professional services, taxes and insurance.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
General and administrative
$
29,092

 
$
34,477

 
(15.6
)%
As a percentage of revenues
3.4
%
 
3.9
%
 
 

The $5.4 million decrease in general and administrative expenses was primarily attributable to a decrease in miscellaneous expenses related to the use of outside and professional services, taxes and insurance.

Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes

Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
(2,441
)
 
$
38,007

 
(106.4
)%
Effective tax rate
(34.7
)%
 
38.7
%
 
 


Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011


22

Table of Contents

 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
$
(2,441
)
 
$
21,616

 
(111.3
)%
Effective tax rate
(34.7
)%
 
38.0
%
 
 

Our effective tax (benefit) for the first quarter of 2012 was (34.7)% and differed from the federal statutory rate due primarily to state taxes and the California R&D tax credit. The expiration of the Federal R&D tax credit on December 31, 2011 resulted in a decrease in our tax benefit for the three months ended March 31, 2012.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reported periods. The SEC has defined a company’s critical accounting policies as the ones that are most important to the portrayal of a company’s financial condition and results of operations, and which require a company to make its most difficult and subjective judgments. Based on this definition, we have identified the critical accounting policies and judgments addressed below. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

Content Accounting
We obtain content through streaming content license agreements, DVD direct purchases and DVD revenue sharing agreements with studios, distributors and other suppliers.
We obtain content distribution rights in order to stream TV shows and movies to subscribers’ TVs, computers and mobile devices. Streaming content is generally licensed for a fixed-fee for the term of the license agreement which may have multiple windows of availability. The license agreement may or may not be recognized in content library.
 
When the streaming license fee is known or reasonably determinable for a specific title and the specific title is first available for streaming to subscribers, the title is recognized on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Current content library” for the portion available for streaming within one year and as “Non-current content library” for the remaining portion. New titles recognized in the content library are classified in the line item “Additions to streaming content library” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. We amortize the content library on a straight-line basis over each title’s contractual window of availability, which typically ranges from six months to five years. The streaming content library is reported at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated net realizable value. No material write down from unamortized cost to a lower net realizable value was recorded in any of the periods presented. The amortization is classified in “Cost of revenues—Subscription” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item “Amortization of streaming content library” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Costs related to sub-titles, dubbing, and closed captioning are capitalized in “Current content library” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and amortized over the window of availability. Payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which typically ranges from six months to five years. For the titles recognized in content library, the license fees due but not paid are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Content liabilities” for the amounts due within one year and as “Non-current content liabilities” for the amounts due beyond one year. Changes in these liabilities are classified in the line item “Change in streaming content liabilities” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. We record the streaming content library assets and their related liability on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at the gross amount of the liability. Payments for the titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library but in prepaid content. Minimum commitments for the titles not yet available for streaming are not yet recognized in the content library and are included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
When the streaming license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title, the title does not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library. Titles do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library because the underlying license agreement does not specify the number of titles or the license fee per title or the windows of availability per title, so that the license fee is not known or reasonably determinable for a specific title. Typical payment terms for these agreements, which can range from three to five years, require us to make equal fixed payments at the beginning of each quarter of the license term. To the extent that cumulative payments exceed cumulative amortization, prepaid content is recorded on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. We amortize the license fees on a straight-line basis over the term of each license agreement. The amortization is classified in “Cost of revenues—Subscription” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item “Net income (loss)” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Changes in prepaid content are classified within net cash provided by operating activities in the line item “Prepaid content” on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. Commitments for licenses that do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library are included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.

23

Table of Contents

We acquire DVD content for the purpose of renting such content to our subscribers and earning subscription rental revenues, and, as such, we consider our direct purchase DVD library to be a productive asset. Accordingly, we classify our DVD library in “Non-current content library” on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The acquisition of DVD content library, net of changes in related liabilities, is classified in the line item “Acquisitions of DVD content library” within cash used in investing activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows because the DVD content library is considered a productive asset. Other companies in the in-home entertainment video industry classify these cash flows as operating activities. We amortize our direct purchase DVDs, less estimated salvage value, on a “sum-of-the-months” accelerated basis over their estimated useful lives. The useful life of the new release DVDs and back-catalog DVDs is estimated to be one year and three years, respectively. The amortization of the DVD content library is classified in “Cost of revenues—Subscription” on the Consolidated Statement of Operations and in the line item “Amortization of DVD content library” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
We also obtain DVD and streaming content through revenue sharing agreements with studios and distributors. Revenue sharing obligations incurred based on utilization are classified in “Cost of revenues—Subscription” on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and in the line item “Net income (loss)” within net cash provided by operating activities on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. The terms of some revenue sharing agreements obligate us to make a low initial payment for certain titles, representing a minimum contractual obligation under the agreement. The low initial payment is in exchange for a commitment to share a percentage of our subscription revenues or to pay a fee, based on utilization, for a defined period of time. The initial payment may be in the form of an upfront non-refundable payment which is classified in content library or in the form of a prepayment of future revenue sharing obligations which is classified as prepaid content.
Stock-Based Compensation
Stock-based compensation expense at the grant date is based on the total number of options granted and an estimate of the fair value of the awards expected to vest and is recognized as expense ratably over the requisite service period, which is the vesting period.
We calculate the fair value of new stock-based compensation awards under our stock option plans using a lattice-binomial model. This model requires the input of highly subjective assumptions, including price volatility of the underlying stock. Changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of options granted and our results of operations could be impacted.
 
Expected Volatility:  Our computation of expected volatility is based on a blend of historical volatility of our common stock and implied volatility of tradable forward call options to purchase shares of our common stock. Our decision to incorporate implied volatility was based on our assessment that implied volatility of publicly traded options in our common stock is more reflective of market conditions and, therefore, can reasonably be expected to be a better indicator of expected volatility than historical volatility of our common stock. We include the historical volatility in our computation due to low trade volume of our tradable forward call options in certain periods thereby precluding sole reliance on implied volatility. An increase of 10% in our computation of expected volatility would increase the total stock-based compensation expense by approximately $0.7 million.
Suboptimal Exercise Factor:  Our computation of the suboptimal exercise factor is based on historical option exercise behavior and the terms and vesting periods of the options granted and is determined for both executives and non-executives. An increase in the suboptimal exercise factor of 10% would increase the total stock-based compensation expense by approximately $0.8 million.
Income Taxes
We record a provision for income taxes for the anticipated tax consequences of our reported results of operations using the asset and liability method. Deferred income taxes are recognized by applying enacted statutory tax rates to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, as well as net operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. The measurement of deferred tax assets is reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance for any tax benefits for which future realization is uncertain.
Although we believe our assumptions, judgments and estimates are reasonable, changes in tax laws or our interpretation of tax laws and the resolution of any tax audits could significantly impact the amounts provided for income taxes in our consolidated financial statements.
In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets, in full or in part, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including our past operating results, and our forecast of future earnings, future taxable income and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. The assumptions utilized in determining future taxable income require significant judgment and are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. Actual operating results in future years could differ from our current assumptions, judgments and estimates. However, we believe that it is more likely than not that substantially all deferred tax assets recorded on our balance sheet will ultimately be realized. In the event we were to determine that we would not be able to realize all or part of our net deferred tax assets in the future, an adjustment to the deferred tax assets would be charged to earnings in the period in which we make such determination.

24

Table of Contents

We did not recognize certain tax benefits from uncertain tax positions within the provision for income taxes. We may recognize a tax benefit only if it is more likely than not the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such positions are then measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon settlement. At March 31, 2012, our estimated gross unrecognized tax benefits were $29.5 million of which $23.3 million, if recognized, would favorably impact our future earnings. Due to uncertainties in any tax audit outcome, our estimates of the ultimate settlement of our unrecognized tax positions may change and the actual tax benefits may differ significantly from the estimates. See Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements for further information regarding income taxes.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary source of liquidity has been cash generated from operations. Additionally, in November 2011, we issued $200.0 million of Senior Convertible Notes and raised an additional $200.0 million through a public offering of common stock. The Senior Convertible Notes consist of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount due on December 1, 2018 and do not bear interest. In November 2009, we issued $200.0 million of our 8.50% senior notes due November 15, 2017 (the “8.50% Notes”). Interest on the 8.50% Notes is payable semi-annually at a rate of 8.50% per annum on May 15 and November 15 of each year, commencing on May 15, 2010. (See Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements.)
Our primary uses of cash include the acquisition and licensing of content, content delivery expenses, marketing, payroll related expenses, and capital expenditures related to information technology and automation equipment. We expect to continue to make significant investments to license streaming content both domestically and internationally. These investments could impact our liquidity and in particular our operating cash flows.
As a result of our increased investments in new International markets and in original content we may have negative operating cash flows and/or use of cash in 2012. Although we currently anticipate that our available funds will be sufficient to meet our cash needs for the foreseeable future, we may be required or choose to obtain additional financing. Our ability to obtain additional financing will depend on, among other things, our development efforts, business plans, operating performance, current and projected compliance with our debt covenants, and the condition of the capital markets at the time we seek financing. We may not be able to obtain such financing on terms acceptable to us or at all. If we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity, equity-linked or debt securities, those securities may have rights, preferences or privileges senior to the rights of our common stock, and our stockholders may experience dilution.
On June 11, 2010, we announced that our Board of Directors authorized a stock repurchase program allowing us to repurchase $300.0 million of our common stock through the end of 2012. As of March 31, 2012, $41.0 million of this authorization remained. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased is in the discretion of management and will depend on various factors, including price, corporate and regulatory requirements, debt covenant requirements, alternative investment opportunities and other market conditions. We do not expect to make further stock repurchases for the foreseeable future.
Cash Flow
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q1’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Net cash provided by operating activities
19,109

 
116,323

 
(83.6
)%
Net cash used in investing activities
(135,817
)
 
(73,675
)
 
84.3
 %
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
4,032

 
(86,728
)
 
104.6
 %
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $97.2 million, primarily due to increased payments for content acquisition and licensing other than DVD library of $234.2 million or 99.3%, partially offset by an increase in subscription revenues of $151.2 million or 21.0%. Operating cash flows were further impacted by increases in payroll expenses and payments for advertising and affiliates transactions.

Cash used in investing activities increased $62.1 million, primarily due to an $82.2 million increase in the purchases, net of proceeds from sales and maturities, of short-term investments. These increases were partially offset by an $11.6 million decrease in the purchase of property and equipment due to a decrease in purchases of automation equipment for our various shipping centers and an $8.6 million decrease in the acquisitions of DVD content library.


25

Table of Contents

Cash provided by financing activities for the first quarter of 2012 was $4.0 million related primarily to a $3.8 million excess tax benefit on stock options. In the first quarter of 2011, cash used in financing activities was $86.7 million which consisted primarily of stock repurchases of $108.6 million offset partially by the excess tax benefit and proceeds from issuance of stock options.
Three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Change
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
Q1’12 vs.
Q4’11
 
(in thousands, except percentages)
Net cash provided by operating activities
19,109

 
65,466

 
(70.8
)%
Net cash used in investing activities
(135,817
)
 
(115,609
)
 
17.5
 %
Net cash provided by financing activities
4,032

 
398,997

 
(99.0
)%
Cash provided by operating activities decreased $46.4 million, primarily due to increased payments for content acquisition and licensing other than DVD library of $57.3 million or 13.9%. Operating cash flows were further impacted by increases in payroll expenses and payments for advertising and affiliates transactions.
Cash used in investing activities increased $20.2 million primarily due to a $34.8 million increase in the purchases, net of proceeds from sales and maturities, of short-term investments. These increases were partially offset by a $9.6 million decrease in the acquisitions of DVD content library and a $5.9 million decrease in the purchase of property and equipment.
 
Cash provided by financing activities decreased by $395.0 million primarily due to $198.1 million of proceeds from the issuance of debt, net of issuance costs, and $199.9 million of proceeds from public offering of common stock, net of issuance costs, that occurred in the three months ended December 31, 2011.
Free Cash Flow
We define free cash flow as cash provided by operating and investing activities excluding the non-operational cash flows from purchases, maturities and sales of short-term investments. We believe free cash flow is an important liquidity metric because it measures, during a given period, the amount of cash generated that is available to repay debt obligations, make investments, repurchase our stock, and for certain other activities. Free cash flow is considered a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered in isolation of, or as a substitute for, net income (loss), operating income (loss), cash flow from operating activities, or any other measure of financial performance or liquidity presented in accordance with GAAP.
In comparing free cash flow to net income (loss), the major recurring differences are excess content payments over expenses, stock-based compensation expense, deferred revenue, taxes and semi-annual interest payments on the 8.50% Notes. Our receivables from customers settle quickly and deferred revenue is a source of cash flow. For streaming content, we typically enter into multi-year licenses with studios and other distributors that may result in an increase in content library and a corresponding increase in liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreements, which typically range from six months to five years. License fee obligations with payment terms that are due beyond one year are classified on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Non-current content liabilities.” Minimum commitments for licenses and known titles that do not meet the criteria for asset recognition in the content library are included in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements.
The following tables reconcile net cash provided by operating activities, a GAAP financial measure, to free cash flow, a non-GAAP financial measure.
 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
March 31,
2011
 
(in thousands)
Non-GAAP free cash flow reconciliation:
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
19,109

 
$
116,323

Acquisitions of DVD content library
(13,528
)
 
(22,119
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(4,766
)
 
(16,320
)
Other assets
1,334

 
1,419

Non-GAAP free cash flow
$
2,149

 
$
79,303


26

Table of Contents


 Free cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended March 31, 2011 decreased $77.2 million primarily due to a decrease of $57.7 million in net income as adjusted for non-cash stock based compensation, a decrease of $14.1 million in the cash flow from deferred revenue and an increase of $18.6 million in excess tax payments over tax provision (benefit). This was partially offset by a decrease in both the excess content payments over content expenses and excess property and equipment payments over depreciation expense. Payments for content increased $225.6 million while content expenses increased $234.6 million.

 
Three Months Ended
 
March 31,
2012
 
December 31,
2011
 
(in thousands)
Non-GAAP free cash flow reconciliation:
 
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities
$
19,109

 
$
65,466

Acquisitions of DVD content library
(13,528
)
 
(23,144
)
Purchases of property and equipment
(4,766
)
 
(10,656
)
Other assets
1,334

 
2,255

Non-GAAP free cash flow
$
2,149

 
$
33,921


Free cash flow for the three months ended March 31, 2012 as compared to the three months ended December 31, 2011 decreased $31.8 million primarily due to a decrease of $38.5 million in net income as adjusted for non-cash stock based compensation coupled with an increase of $7.3 million in excess tax payments over tax provision (benefit). This was partially offset by an increase in the cash flow from deferred revenue of $13.9 million. Payments for content increased $47.7 million while content expenses increased $55.2 million.

Effect of Exchange Rates

Revenues, as well as certain expenses, primarily content licensing and marketing, incurred in the International streaming segment, are denominated in the local currency. During the three months ended March 31, 2012, the losses on foreign exchange transactions was $1.4 million and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents was $0.6 million. During the three months ended March 31, 2011, the gains or losses on foreign exchange transactions and the effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents were immaterial.

Contractual Obligations

For the purposes of this table, contractual obligations for purchases of goods or services are defined as agreements that are enforceable and legally binding and that specify all significant terms, including: fixed or minimum quantities to be purchased; fixed, minimum or variable price provisions; and the approximate timing of the transaction. The expected timing of payment of the obligations discussed above is estimated based on information available to us as of March 31, 2012. Timing of payments and actual amounts paid may be different depending on the time of receipt of goods or services or changes to agreed-upon amounts for some obligations. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at March 31, 2012:

 
Payments due by Period
Contractual obligations (in thousands):
Total
 
Less than
1 year (3)
 
1-3 years
 
3-5 years
 
More than
5 years
Streaming content obligations (1)
$
3,684,070

 
$
729,628

 
$
2,374,734

 
$
505,553

 
$
74,155

8.50% Notes
302,000

 
17,000

 
34,000

 
34,000

 
217,000

Senior Convertible Notes
200,000

 

 

 

 
200,000

Operating lease obligations
56,142

 
17,660

 
24,867

 
12,254

 
1,361

Lease financing obligations (2)
18,224

 
4,000

 
5,886

 
5,886

 
2,452

Other purchase obligations
267,748

 
165,849

 
100,768

 
1,131

 

Total
$
4,528,184


$
934,137

 
$
2,540,255

 
$
558,824

 
$
494,968



27

Table of Contents

(1)
Streaming content obligations include agreements to acquire and license streaming content that represent long-term liabilities or that are not reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. For those agreements with variable terms, we do not estimate what the total obligation may be beyond any minimum quantities and/or pricing as of the reporting date. For those agreements that include renewal provisions that are solely at the option of the content provider, we include the commitments associated with the renewal period to the extent such commitments are fixed or a minimum amount is specified. For these reasons, the amounts presented in the table may not provide a reliable indicator of our expected future cash outflows.

We have entered into certain streaming content license agreements that include an unspecified or a maximum number of titles that we may or may not receive in the future and/or that include pricing contingent upon certain variables, such as theatrical exhibition receipts for the title. As of the reporting date, it is unknown whether we will receive access to these titles or what the ultimate price per title will be. Accordingly such amounts are not reflected in the above contractual obligations table. However, such amounts are expected to be significant and the expected timing of payments for these commitments could range from less than one year to more than five years.

(2)
Represents the lease financing obligations for our Los Gatos, California headquarters.

(3)
For purposes of this table, less than one year does not include liabilities which are reflected on the Consolidated Balance Sheets as current liabilities. Content liabilities for instance include $1,144.8 million in streaming content obligations not reflected in the above table.
As of March 31, 2012, we had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $29.5 million and an additional $2.6 million for gross interest and penalties classified as “Other non-current liabilities” on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. At this time, we are not able to make a reasonably reliable estimate of the timing of payments in individual years due to uncertainties in the timing of tax audit outcomes; therefore, such amounts are not included in the above contractual obligation table.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

As part of our ongoing business, we do not engage in transactions that generate relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities. Accordingly, our operating results, financial condition and cash flows are not subject to off-balance sheet risks.

Indemnification

The information set forth under Note 8 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements under the caption “Indemnification” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 3.
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For financial market risks related to changes in interest rates, reference is made to Item 7A “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” contained in Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011. Our exposure to market risk has not changed significantly since December 31, 2011.

Item 4.
Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q were effective in providing reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent

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limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within Netflix have been detected.
 
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting
There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended March 31, 2012 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.
Legal Proceedings
The information set forth under Note 8 in the notes to the consolidated financial statements under the caption “Litigation” is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 1A.
Risk Factors
There have been no material changes from the risk factors as previously disclosed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Item 6.
Exhibits
(a) Exhibits:
 
ExhibitNumber
 
Exhibit Description
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Filed
Herewith
 
 
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
10-Q
 
000-49802
 
3.1
 
August 2, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
3.1
 
March 20, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.3
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
10-Q
 
000-49802
 
3.3
 
August 2, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    4.1
 
Form of Common Stock Certificate
 
S-1/A
 
333-83878
 
4.1
 
April 16, 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    4.2
 
Indenture, dated November 6, 2009, among Netflix, Inc., the guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, relating to the 8.50% Senior Notes due 2017.
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
4.1
 
November 9, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    4.3
 
Indenture, dated November 28, 2011, among Netflix, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, relating to the Zero Coupon Senior Convertible Notes due 2018.
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
4.1
 
November 28, 2011
 
 
    4.4
 
Registration Rights Agreement dated November 28, 2011, by and among Netflix, Inc., TCV VII, L.P., TCV VII(A), L.P. and TCV Member Fund, L.P.
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
10.1
 
November 28, 2011
 
 
  10.1†
 
Form of Indemnification Agreement entered into by the registrant with each of its executive officers and directors
 
S-1/A
 
333-83878
 
10.1
 
March 20, 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.2†
 
2002 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
Def 14A
 
000-49802
 
A
 
April 8, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.3†
 
Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Plan
 
S-1/A
 
333-83878
 
10.3
 
May 16, 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.4†
 
Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Plan
 
Def 14A
 
000-49802
 
A
 
March 31, 2006
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.5
 
Amended and Restated Stockholders’ Rights Agreement
 
S-1
 
333-83878
 
10.5
 
March 6, 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.6†
 
2011 Stock Plan
 
Def 14A
 
000-49802
 
A
 
April 20, 2011
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.8†
 
Description of Director Equity Compensation Plan
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
99.1
 
June 16, 2010
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.9†
 
Description of Director Equity Compensation Plan
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
10.1
 
December 28, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  10.10†
 
Amended and Restated Executive Severance and Retention Incentive Plan
 
10-Q
 
000-49802
 
10.10
 
May 7, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  31.1
 
Certification of Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  31.2
 
Certification of Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  32.1*
 
Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
101
 
The following financial information from Netflix, Inc.’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2012 filed with the SEC on April 27, 2012, formatted in XBRL includes: (i) Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 (iii) Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 and (v) the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
X
 

*
These certifications are not deemed filed by the SEC and are not to be incorporated by reference in any filing we make under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, irrespective of any general incorporation language in any filings.
Indicates a management contract or compensatory plan.

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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
NETFLIX, INC.
Dated: April 27, 2012
By:
/s/    REED HASTINGS        
 
 
Reed Hastings
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal executive officer)
 
 
 
Dated: April 27, 2012
By:
/s/    DAVID WELLS        
 
 
David Wells
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial and accounting officer)


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EXHIBIT INDEX
 
Exhibit
Number
 
Exhibit Description
 
Incorporated by Reference
 
Filed
Herewith
 
 
 
 
Form
 
File No.
 
Exhibit
 
Filing Date
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.1
 
Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
10-Q
 
000-49802
 
3.1
 
August 2, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.2
 
Amended and Restated Bylaws
 
8-K
 
000-49802
 
3.1
 
March 20, 2009
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    3.3
 
Certificate of Amendment to the Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation
 
10-Q
 
000-49802
 
3.3
 
August 2, 2004
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    4.1