NETFLIX INC, 10-Q filed on 10/27/2011
Quarterly Report
Document And Entity Information
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
 
Document Type
10-Q 
Amendment Flag
FALSE 
Document Period End Date
Sep. 30, 2011 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2011 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Q3 
Entity Registrant Name
NETFLIX INC 
Entity Central Index Key
0001065280 
Current Fiscal Year End Date
--12-31 
Entity Filer Category
Large Accelerated Filer 
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding
52,504,091 
Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$ 821,839 
$ 553,219 
$ 2,329,002 
$ 1,566,703 
Cost of revenues:
 
 
 
 
Subscription
471,823 
292,406 
1,277,018 
817,353 
Fulfillment expenses
64,794 
52,063 
187,728 
149,212 
Total cost of revenues
536,617 
344,469 
1,464,746 
966,565 
Gross profit
285,222 
208,750 
864,256 
600,138 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Technology and development
69,480 
42,108 
178,250 
117,370 
Marketing
89,108 
81,238 
288,350 
230,990 
General and administrative
29,792 
15,903 
83,460 
46,590 
Total operating expenses
188,380 
139,249 
550,060 
394,950 
Operating income
96,842 
69,501 
314,196 
205,188 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(4,915)
(4,945)
(15,083)
(14,797)
Interest and other income
1,696 
853 
3,574 
2,746 
Income before income taxes
93,623 
65,409 
302,687 
193,137 
Provision for income taxes
31,163 
27,442 
111,780 
79,379 
Net income
$ 62,460 
$ 37,967 
$ 190,907 
$ 113,758 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
$ 1.19 
$ 0.73 
$ 3.63 
$ 2.17 
Diluted
$ 1.16 
$ 0.70 
$ 3.53 
$ 2.09 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
52,569 
52,142 
52,599 
52,510 
Diluted
53,870 
53,931 
54,008 
54,341 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 159,199 
$ 194,499 
Short-term investments
206,573 
155,888 
Current content library, net
705,398 
181,006 
Prepaid content
77,146 
62,217 
Other current assets
41,797 
43,621 
Total current assets
1,190,113 
637,231 
Content library, net
570,210 
180,973 
Property and equipment, net
143,993 
128,570 
Deferred tax assets
28,743 
17,467 
Other non-current assets
28,499 
17,826 
Total assets
1,961,558 
982,067 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
750,107 
222,824 
Accrued expenses
54,671 
36,489 
Current portion of lease financing obligations
2,259 
2,083 
Deferred revenue
160,929 
127,183 
Total current liabilities
967,966 
388,579 
Long-term debt
200,000 
200,000 
Lease financing obligations, excluding current portion
32,400 
34,123 
Other non-current liabilities
372,840 
69,201 
Total liabilities
1,573,206 
691,903 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; 52,504,091 and 52,781,949 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
53 
53 
Additional paid-in capital
 
51,622 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
588 
750 
Retained earnings
387,711 
237,739 
Total stockholders' equity
388,352 
290,164 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 1,961,558 
$ 982,067 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.001 
$ 0.001 
Common stock, shares authorized
160,000,000 
160,000,000 
Common stock, shares issued
52,504,091 
52,781,949 
Common stock, shares outstanding
52,504,091 
52,781,949 
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
$ 62,460 
$ 37,967 
$ 190,907 
$ 113,758 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to streaming content library
(539,285)
(115,149)
(1,344,187)
(231,781)
Change in streaming content liabilities
314,720 
58,638 
816,620 
88,197 
Amortization of streaming content library
187,446 
44,568 
417,849 
93,091 
Amortization of DVD content library
23,000 
32,578 
73,990 
111,490 
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles
11,913 
8,678 
31,921 
28,846 
Stock-based compensation expense
15,705 
7,296 
43,505 
19,726 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(11,761)
(16,093)
(45,283)
(34,699)
Other non-cash items
(1,745)
(1,754)
(3,472)
(7,814)
Deferred taxes
(5,281)
3,194 
(14,190)
(2,961)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid content
(17,335)
(25,485)
(14,928)
(32,581)
Other current assets
(8,578)
(3,374)
4,935 
(12,037)
Other accounts payable
(5,422)
(10,914)
4,948 
1,246 
Accrued expenses
20,920 
18,003 
61,531 
39,666 
Deferred revenue
13,992 
1,567 
33,746 
2,889 
Other non-current assets and liabilities
(11,218)
2,507 
(5,646)
2,648 
Net cash provided by operating activities
49,531 
42,227 
252,246 
179,684 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of DVD content library
(20,826)
(29,900)
(62,010)
(90,993)
Purchases of short-term investments
(7,673)
(15,379)
(100,536)
(73,169)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
37 
42,238 
31,508 
105,063 
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
1,805 
1,995 
18,440 
10,318 
Purchases of property and equipment
(14,080)
(7,342)
(39,026)
(19,406)
Other assets
(844)
2,782 
1,419 
10,289 
Net cash used in investing activities
(41,581)
(5,606)
(150,205)
(57,898)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Principal payments of lease financing obligations
(526)
(470)
(1,547)
(1,296)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
4,409 
10,927 
18,589 
33,954 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
11,761 
16,093 
45,283 
34,699 
Repurchases of common stock
(39,602)
(57,390)
(199,666)
(210,259)
Net cash used in financing activities
(23,958)
(30,840)
(137,341)
(142,902)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
(16,008)
5,781 
(35,300)
(21,116)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
175,207 
107,327 
194,499 
134,224 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 159,199 
$ 113,108 
$ 159,199 
$ 113,108 
Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies
Basis Of Presentation And Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

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, 2010 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 18, 2011. 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 methodology 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, 2010. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year.

The Company is organized into two operating segments: Domestic (the United States) and International. See Note 10 for further information about the Company's operating segments.

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, 2010.

Net Income Per Share
Net Income Per Share

2. Net Income Per Share

Basic net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock during the period. Diluted net income per share is computed using the weighted-average number of outstanding shares of common stock and, when dilutive, potential common shares outstanding during the period. Potential common shares consist of incremental shares issuable upon the assumed exercise of stock options, and for 2010, shares that were purchasable pursuant to the Company's employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP") using the treasury stock method. The Company's ESPP was suspended in 2011 and there were no offerings in 2011. The computation of net income per share is as follows:

 

     Three months ended      Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     September 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 62,460       $ 37,967       $ 190,907       $ 113,758   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,569         52,142         52,599         52,510   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.19       $ 0.73       $ 3.63       $ 2.17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 62,460       $ 37,967       $ 190,907       $ 113,758   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,569         52,142         52,599         52,510   

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,301         1,789         1,409         1,831   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares

     53,870         53,931         54,008         54,341   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.16       $ 0.70       $ 3.53       $ 2.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

 

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 as their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive. The number of options excluded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 were 188,609 and 75,823, respectively. The number of options excluded for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was immaterial.

Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement

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, our assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and are categorized using the fair value hierarchy:

 

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. Our procedures include controls to ensure that appropriate fair values are recorded such as comparing prices obtained from multiple independent sources. See Note 4 for further information regarding the fair value of the Company's 8.50% 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 September 30, 2011. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010. In addition, there were no material gross realized gains or losses in the three or nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010.

The estimated fair value of short-term investments by contractual maturity as of September 30, 2011 is as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 96,056   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     109,488   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,029   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 206,573   
  

 

 

 
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt

4. Long-term Debt

As of September 30, 2011, the Company had $200.0 million of long-term debt outstanding. The debt consists of $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of 8.50% senior notes due November 15, 2017 (the "Notes"). Interest on the 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.

The 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 September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, the Company was in compliance with these covenants.

Based on quoted market prices, the fair value of the Notes as of September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was approximately $216.5 million and $225.0 million, respectively.

Balance Sheet Components
Balance Sheet Components

5. Balance Sheet Components

Content Library, Net

Content library and accumulated amortization are as follows:

 

     As of  
     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content library, gross

   $ 1,629,096      $ 441,637   

DVD content library, gross

     604,139        627,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, gross

     2,233,235        1,069,029   

Less: accumulated amortization

     (957,627     (707,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

     1,275,608        361,979   

Less: Current content library, net

     705,398        181,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, net

   $ 570,210      $ 180,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation are as follows:

 

            As of  
            September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
            (in thousands)  

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 68,907      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,262        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3 years         36,012        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3 years         14,361        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         41,027        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

        4,095        16,882   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

        305,345        265,149   

Less: accumulated depreciation

        (161,352     (136,579
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

      $ 143,993      $ 128,570   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Accounts Payable and Other Non-Current Liabilities

Accounts payable consisted of the following:

 

     As of  
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content

   $ 653,591       $ 136,974   

Other

     96,516         85,850   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts payable

   $ 750,107       $ 222,824   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other non-current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

     As of  
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content

   $ 348,182       $ 48,179   

Other

     24,658         21,022   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other non-current liabilities

   $ 372,840       $ 69,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

The Company typically enters into multi-year licenses with studios and other distributors that may result in an increase in content library and a corresponding increase in accounts payable and other non-current liabilities. The payment terms for these license fees may extend over the term of the license agreement, which typically range from six months to five years. As of September 30, 2011, streaming content accounts payable and non-current streaming content liabilities increased $516.6 million and $300.0 million, respectively, as compared to December 31, 2010, due to the $1,344.2 million in additions to the streaming content library.

Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income

6. Other Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income was $62.2 million and $38.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income was $190.7 million and $114.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The difference between net income as reported and comprehensive income is unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax.

 

Stockholders' Equity
Stockholders' Equity

7. Stockholders' Equity

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 September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 182,000 shares at an average price of $218 per share for an aggregate amount of $39.6 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 899,847 shares at an average price of $222 per share for an aggregate amount of $199.7 million. As of September 30, 2011, $41.0 million of this authorization is remaining. 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.

Shares repurchased by the Company are accounted for when the transaction is settled. As of September 30, 2011, there were no unsettled share repurchases. Shares repurchased and retired are deducted from common stock for par value and from additional paid-in capital for the excess over par value. If additional paid- in capital has been exhausted, the excess over par value is deducted from retained earnings. Direct costs incurred to acquire the shares are included in the total cost of the shares. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011, $7.8 million and $40.9 million, respectively, were deducted from retained earnings related to share repurchases.

Stock-Based Compensation

A summary of the activity related to the Company's stock option plans during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 is as follows:

 

                                         
     Shares
Available
for Grant
    Options Outstanding      Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in Thousands)
 
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
       

Balances as of December 31, 2010

     2,038,502        2,892,130      $ 36.11                   

Granted

     (341,474     341,474        234.67                 

Exercised

     —          (621,989     29.88                 
    

 

 

   

 

 

                           

Balances as of September 30, 2011

     1,697,028        2,611,615        63.55         5.95       $ 176,151   
    

 

 

   

 

 

                           

Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2011

           2,611,615        63.55         5.95       $ 176,151   
            

 

 

                           

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 third quarter of 2011 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 September 30, 2011. 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 September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $32.2 million and $44.8 million, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $125.6 million and $100.7 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value stock option grants using the lattice-binomial model:

 

                 
     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2011
  September 30,
2010
  September 30,
2011
  September 30,
2010

Dividend yield

   0%   0%   0%   0%

Expected volatility

   52%   54%   51-52%   46-54%

Risk-free interest rate

   2.98%   2.97%   2.98-3.42%   2.97-3.67%

Suboptimal exercise factor

   2.26-3.63   2.00-2.40   2.17-3.63   1.78-2.40

In the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company used a suboptimal exercise factor ranging from 3.39 to 3.63 for executives and 2.17 to 2.26, respectively for non-executives, resulting in a calculated expected life of the option grants of eight years for executives and five years for non-executives. In the nine months ended September 30, 2010, the Company used a suboptimal exercise factor ranging from 2.15 to 2.40 for executives and 1.78 to 2.00 for non-executives, resulting in a calculated expected life of the option grants of five years for executives and four years for non-executives.

The weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted during the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $137.90 and $56.55 per share, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $127.41 and $40.96 per share, respectively.

 

The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value employee stock purchase rights for the offering period commencing in May 2010, using the Black Scholes option pricing model. There were no ESPP offerings in 2011, and the Company does not expect any future ESPP offerings.

 

         
     Nine Months
Ended  September
30, 2010
 

Dividend yield

     0

Expected volatility

     45

Risk-free interest rate

     0.24

Expected life (in years)

     0.5   

Cash received from the issuance of common stock for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $4.4 million and $10.9 million, respectively. Cash received from the issuance of common stock for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 was $18.6 million and $34.0 million, respectively.

The following table summarizes stock-based compensation expense, net of tax, related to stock option plans and employee stock purchases for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 which was allocated as follows:

 

                                 
     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expense

   $ 206      $ 323      $ 1,446      $ 806   

Technology and development

     7,522        2,694        19,819        6,939   

Marketing

     1,539        777        4,273        2,176   

General and administrative

     6,438        3,502        17,967        9,805   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     15,705        7,296        43,505        19,726   

Income tax benefit

     (5,228 )     (3,064 )     (16,066 )     (8,118 )
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation after income taxes

   $ 10,477      $ 4,232      $ 27,439      $ 11,608   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

8. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were 33.3% and 42.0%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the nine months ended September 30, 2011 and 2010 were 36.9% and 41.1%, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $20.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. During the nine months ended September 30, 2011, the Company had an increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $5.6 million. The gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized by the Company, will result in a reduction of approximately $21.0 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" in the consolidated balance sheet. Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options of $11.6 million and $16.1million, during the three month period ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital. Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options of $45.0 million and $34.6 million, during the nine month period ended September 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively, were recorded directly to additional paid-in capital.

The Company includes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the provision for income taxes. As of September 30, 2011, the total amount of gross interest and penalties accrued was $1.8 million, which is classified as "Other non-current liabilities" in the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company files U.S. federal and state 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 statute of limitations for years 1997 through 2007 expired in September 2011 which resulted in a discrete benefit of approximately $3.5 million in the three months ended September 30, 2011. 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, 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.

Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Streaming Content

The Company had $3,458.9 million and $1,123.4 million of obligations at September 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, 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 September 30, 2011 for these commitments is as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Less than one year

   $ 740.8   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     2,136.9   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     535.7   

Due after 5 years

     45.5   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $   
  

 

 

 

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 music 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. Additionally, pending litigation between certain PROs and other third parties could impact our negotiations. If the Company is unable to reach mutually acceptable terms with the PROs, the Company could become involved in similar litigation. The results of any negotiation or litigation may be materially different from management's estimates.

Litigation

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 March 29, 2010, Parallel Networks, LLC filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company and others in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, captioned Parallel Networks, LLC v. Abercrombie & Fitch Co., et. al , Civil Action No 6:10-cv-00111-LED. The complaint alleges that the Company infringed U.S. Patent No. 6,446,111 entitled "Method and Apparatus for Client-Server Communication Using a Limited Capability Client Over a Low-Speed Communication Link," issued on September 3, 2002. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest and fees, and seeks to permanently enjoin the Company from infringing the patent in the future. With respect to this matter, management has determined that a potential loss is not probable and accordingly, no amount has been accrued. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible as it is defined by the Financial Accounting Standard Board's Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 450 Contingencies; 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 September 25, 2009, Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc. filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Texas, captioned Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc. v. Amazon.com Inc., et. al, Civil Action No. 6:09-cv-422. The complaint alleges that the Company infringed U.S. Patents Nos. 5,649,131 entitled "Communications Protocol" issued on July 15, 1997; 5,623,656 entitled "Script Based Data Communication System and Method Utilizing State Memory" issued on April 22, 1997; and 5,404,507 entitled "Apparatus and Method for Finding Records in a Database by Formulating a Query Using Equivalent Terms Which Correspond to Terms in the Input Query," issued April 4, 1995. The complaint sought unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and fees, and sought to permanently enjoin the Company from infringing the patents in the future. On September 21, 2011, this case was dismissed with prejudice.

 

In January through April of 2009, a number of purported anti-trust class action suits were filed against the Company in various United States Federal Courts. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Walmart.com USA LLC (collectively, Wal-Mart) were also named as defendants in these suits. These cases have been consolidated in the Northern District of California and have been assigned the multidistrict litigation number MDL-2029. A number of substantially similar suits were filed in California State Courts, and have been consolidated in Santa Clara County. The plaintiffs, who are current or former Netflix customers, generally allege that Netflix and Wal-Mart entered into an agreement to divide the markets for sales and online rentals of DVDs in the United States, which resulted in higher Netflix subscription prices. A number of other cases have been filed in Federal and State courts by current or former subscribers to the online DVD rental service offered by Blockbuster Inc., alleging injury arising from similar facts. These cases have been related to MDL 2029 or, in the case of the California State cases, coordinated with the cases in Santa Clara County. The complaint(s) seeks unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and fees and other equitable relief. With respect to each of these matters, management has determined that a potential loss is not probable and accordingly, no amount has been accrued. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible as it is defined by ASC 450; 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 October 24, 2008, Media Queue, LLC filed a complaint for patent infringement against the Company in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Oklahoma, captioned Media Queue, LLC v. Netflix, Inc., et. al , Civil Action No. CIV 08-402-KEW. The complaint alleges that the Company infringed U.S. Patent No. 7,389,243 entitled "Notification System and Method for Media Queue" issued on June 17, 2008. The complaint seeks unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest and fees, and seeks to permanently enjoin the Company from infringing the patent in the future. On February 24, 2009, the case was transferred to the Northern District of California. On December 1, 2009, the Court granted the Company's motion for summary judgment of non-infringement. On February 10, 2010, plaintiff appealed the summary judgment ruling. With respect to this matter, management has determined that a potential loss is not probable and accordingly, no amount has been accrued. Management has determined a potential loss is reasonably possible as it is defined by ASC 450; 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.

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 guarantees.

Segment Information
Segment Information

10. Segment Information

In September 2010, the Company began international operations by offering an unlimited streaming plan without DVDs. At that time, the Company began segmenting operating results between Domestic and International. The Company presents the segment information 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 for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses. There are no internal revenue transactions between the Company's reporting segments. In addition, the Company does not identify or allocate its assets by reportable segment and all of the Company's long lived tangible assets are held in the United States.

The Domestic segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting of streaming content and DVD by mail. The Domestic segment operating income (loss) includes direct costs and allocations of "Cost of Revenues" and "Marketing" as well as all "Technology and Development" and "General and Administrative" costs, as these costs are incurred in the United States on the behalf of the consolidated entity.

The International segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of streaming content. The International segment contribution profit (loss) includes direct costs and allocations of "Cost of Revenues" and "Marketing." Because no amount of "Technology and Development or "General and Administrative" costs are included in the International segment, contribution profit (loss) is equal to the International segment operating income (loss.)

 

Information on reportable segments and reconciliation to consolidated net income is as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 
           (in thousands)        

Domestic

        

Streaming subscriptions

     21,448         

DVD subscriptions

     13,928         

Total unique subscribers at end of period

                  

Revenues

   $ 799,152      $ 553,219      $ 2,275,140      $ 1,566,703   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     579,720        423,013        1,655,828        1,194,861   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     219,432        130,206        619,312        371,842   

Other operating expenses

     99,272        58,011        261,710        163,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income

   $ 120,160      $ 72,195      $ 357,602      $ 207,882   

International

        

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     1,480             

Revenues

   $ 22,687      $ —        $ 53,862      $ —     

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     46,005        2,694       97,268        2,694   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ (23,318   $ (2,694 )     $ (43,406 )     $ (2,694 )

Consolidated

        

Total unique subscribers at end of period

                  

Revenues

   $ 821,839      $ 553,219      $ 2,329,002      $ 1,566,703   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     625,725        425,707        1,753,096        1,197,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     196,114        127,512        575,906        369,148   

Other operating expenses

     99,272        58,011        261,710        163,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 96,842      $ 69,501      $ 314,196      $ 205,188   

Other income (expense)

     (3,219     (4,092     (11,509 )       (12,051 )

Provision for income taxes

     31,163        27,442        111,780        79,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 62,460      $ 37,967      $ 190,907      $ 113,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Net Income Per Share (Tables)
Computation Of Net Income Per Share
     Three months ended      Nine months ended  
     September 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
     September 30,
2011
     September 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 62,460       $ 37,967       $ 190,907       $ 113,758   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,569         52,142         52,599         52,510   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.19       $ 0.73       $ 3.63       $ 2.17   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 62,460       $ 37,967       $ 190,907       $ 113,758   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,569         52,142         52,599         52,510   

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,301         1,789         1,409         1,831   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Weighted-average number of shares

     53,870         53,931         54,008         54,341   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.16       $ 0.70       $ 3.53       $ 2.09   
  

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

    

 

 

 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Tables)
     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 96,056   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     109,488   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,029   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 206,573   
  

 

 

 
Balance Sheet Components (Tables)
     As of  
     September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content library, gross

   $ 1,629,096      $ 441,637   

DVD content library, gross

     604,139        627,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, gross

     2,233,235        1,069,029   

Less: accumulated amortization

     (957,627     (707,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

     1,275,608        361,979   

Less: Current content library, net

     705,398        181,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, net

   $ 570,210      $ 180,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
            As of  
            September 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
            (in thousands)  

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 68,907      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,262        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3 years         36,012        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3 years         14,361        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         41,027        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

        4,095        16,882   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, gross

        305,345        265,149   

Less: accumulated depreciation

        (161,352     (136,579
     

 

 

   

 

 

 

Property and equipment, net

      $ 143,993      $ 128,570   
     

 

 

   

 

 

 
     As of  
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content

   $ 653,591       $ 136,974   

Other

     96,516         85,850   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Accounts payable

   $ 750,107       $ 222,824   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
     As of  
     September 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content

   $ 348,182       $ 48,179   

Other

     24,658         21,022   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 

Other non-current liabilities

   $ 372,840       $ 69,201   
  

 

 

    

 

 

 
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
 
 
Summary Of Activity Related To Stock Option Plans
 
Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model
 
Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Employee Stock Purchase Rights
 
Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense
 
                                         
     Shares
Available
for Grant
    Options Outstanding      Weighted-Average
Remaining
Contractual Term
(in Years)
     Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in Thousands)
 
     Number of
Shares
    Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
       

Balances as of December 31, 2010

     2,038,502        2,892,130      $ 36.11                   

Granted

     (341,474     341,474        234.67                 

Exercised

     —          (621,989     29.88                 
    

 

 

   

 

 

                           

Balances as of September 30, 2011

     1,697,028        2,611,615        63.55         5.95       $ 176,151   
    

 

 

   

 

 

                           

Vested and exercisable at September 30, 2011

           2,611,615        63.55         5.95       $ 176,151   
            

 

 

                           
                 
     Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
     September 30,
2011
  September 30,
2010
  September 30,
2011
  September 30,
2010

Dividend yield

   0%   0%   0%   0%

Expected volatility

   52%   54%   51-52%   46-54%

Risk-free interest rate

   2.98%   2.97%   2.98-3.42%   2.97-3.67%

Suboptimal exercise factor

   2.26-3.63   2.00-2.40   2.17-3.63   1.78-2.40
         
     Nine Months
Ended  September
30, 2010
 

Dividend yield

     0

Expected volatility

     45

Risk-free interest rate

     0.24

Expected life (in years)

     0.5   
                                 
     Three Months Ended September 30,     Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expense

   $ 206      $ 323      $ 1,446      $ 806   

Technology and development

     7,522        2,694        19,819        6,939   

Marketing

     1,539        777        4,273        2,176   

General and administrative

     6,438        3,502        17,967        9,805   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     15,705        7,296        43,505        19,726   

Income tax benefit

     (5,228 )     (3,064 )     (16,066 )     (8,118 )
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation after income taxes

   $ 10,477      $ 4,232      $ 27,439      $ 11,608   
    

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)
Expected Timing Of Payments For Commitments
     (in thousands)  

Less than one year

   $ 740.8   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     2,136.9   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     535.7   

Due after 5 years

     45.5   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $   
  

 

 

 
Segment Information (Tables)
Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income
     Three Months Ended     Nine Months Ended  
     September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
    September 30,
2011
    September 30,
2010
 
           (in thousands)        

Domestic

        

Streaming subscriptions

     21,448         

DVD subscriptions

     13,928         

Total unique subscribers at end of period

                  

Revenues

   $ 799,152      $ 553,219      $ 2,275,140      $ 1,566,703   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     579,720        423,013        1,655,828        1,194,861   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     219,432        130,206        619,312        371,842   

Other operating expenses

     99,272        58,011        261,710        163,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income

   $ 120,160      $ 72,195      $ 357,602      $ 207,882   

International

        

Total unique subscribers at end of period

     1,480             

Revenues

   $ 22,687      $ —        $ 53,862      $ —     

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     46,005        2,694       97,268        2,694   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

   $ (23,318   $ (2,694 )     $ (43,406 )     $ (2,694 )

Consolidated

        

Total unique subscribers at end of period

                  

Revenues

   $ 821,839      $ 553,219      $ 2,329,002      $ 1,566,703   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     625,725        425,707        1,753,096        1,197,555   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     196,114        127,512        575,906        369,148   

Other operating expenses

     99,272        58,011        261,710        163,960   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 96,842      $ 69,501      $ 314,196      $ 205,188   

Other income (expense)

     (3,219     (4,092     (11,509 )       (12,051 )

Provision for income taxes

     31,163        27,442        111,780        79,379   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 62,460      $ 37,967      $ 190,907      $ 113,758   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income Per Share (Narrative) (Details)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Net Income Per Share [Abstract]
 
 
Employee stock options excluded from calculation of diluted earnings per share
188,609 
75,823 
Net Income Per Share (Computation Of Net Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Net Income Per Share [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Net income
$ 62,460 
$ 37,967 
$ 190,907 
$ 113,758 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
52,569 
52,142 
52,599 
52,510 
Basic earnings per share
$ 1.19 
$ 0.73 
$ 3.63 
$ 2.17 
Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares
1,301 
1,789 
1,409 
1,831 
Weighted-average number of shares
53,870 
53,931 
54,008 
54,341 
Diluted earnings per share
$ 1.16 
$ 0.70 
$ 3.53 
$ 2.09 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities
$ 0 
$ 0 
$ 0 
$ 0 
Material gross realized gains or losses
$ 0 
$ 0 
$ 0 
$ 0 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Available-For-Sale Securities Reported At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Sep. 30, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Total Amortized Cost
$ 368,963 1
 
$ 353,748 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
1,542 1
 
1,542 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(171)1
 
(342)1
 
 
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
370,334 1
 
354,948 1
 
 
 
Less: Long-term restricted cash
(4,562)2
 
(4,561)3
 
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
365,772 
 
350,387 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
159,199 
175,207 
194,499 
113,108 
107,327 
134,224 
Level 1 Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
2,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 1 Securities [Member] |
Money Market Funds [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
6,532 2
 
4,914 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 2
 
 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 2
 
 3
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value, Money market funds
6,532 2
 
4,914 3
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
 
400 
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
116,569 1
 
109,745 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
743 1
 
1,043 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(171)1
 
(101)1
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
117,141 1
 
110,687 1
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Government And Agency Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
87,663 1
 
42,062 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
740 1
 
331 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 1
 
(101)1
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
88,403 1
 
42,292 1
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Asset And Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
970 1
 
2,881 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
59 1
 
168 1
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 1
 
(140)1
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
1,029 1
 
2,909 1
 
 
 
Cash [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
157,229 
 
194,146 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
 
 
 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value, Cash
$ 157,229 
 
$ 194,146 
 
 
 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Estimated Fair Value Of Short-Term Investments By Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement [Abstract]
 
 
Due within one year
$ 96,056 
 
Due after one year and through 5 years
109,488 
 
Due after 5 years and through 10 years
 
 
Due after 10 years
1,029 
 
Total short-term investments
$ 206,573 
$ 155,888 
Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
 
 
Long-term debt outstanding
$ 200,000,000 
$ 200,000,000 
Senior notes interest rate
8.50% 
 
Senior notes, maturity date
Nov. 15, 2017 
 
Senior notes, interest payment commencement date
May 15, 2010 
 
Senior notes, fair value
$ 216,500,000 
$ 225,000,000 
Balance Sheet Components (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
years
months
2010
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
 
License agreement, payment terms minimum (months)
 
 
 
 
License agreement, payment terms maximum (years)
 
 
 
 
Increase in streaming content accounts payable
 
 
$ 516,600,000 
 
 
Increase in non-current streaming content liabilities
 
 
 
 
300,000,000 
Additions to streaming content library
$ (539,285,000)
$ (115,149,000)
$ (1,344,187,000)
$ (231,781,000)
 
Balance Sheet Components (Content Library And Accumulated Amortization) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
Streaming content library, gross
$ 1,629,096 
$ 441,637 
DVD content library, gross
604,139 
627,392 
Content library, gross
2,233,235 
1,069,029 
Less: accumulated amortization
(957,627)
(707,050)
Total content library, net
1,275,608 
361,979 
Less: Current content library, net
705,398 
181,006 
Content library, net
$ 570,210 
$ 180,973 
Balance Sheet Components (Property And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
2011
Computer Equipment [Member]
2011
Operations And Other Equipment [Member]
2011
Software, Including Internal-Use Software [Member]
2011
Furniture And Fixtures [Member]
2011
Building [Member]
2011
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Computer equipment
$ 68,907 
$ 60,289 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and other equipment
100,262 
72,368 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software, including internal-use software
36,012 
26,961 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furniture and fixtures
14,361 
11,438 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Building
40,681 
40,681 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leasehold improvements
41,027 
36,530 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital work-in-progress
4,095 
16,882 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
305,345 
265,149 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
(161,352)
(136,579)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
$ 143,993 
$ 128,570 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, useful life
 
 
30 
 
Property and equipment useful life over life of lease
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Over life of lease 
Balance Sheet Components (Accounts Payable) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
Streaming content
$ 653,591 
$ 136,974 
Other
96,516 
85,850 
Accounts payable
$ 750,107 
$ 222,824 
Balance Sheet Components (Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Sep. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components [Abstract]
 
 
Streaming content
$ 348,182 
$ 48,179 
Other
24,658 
21,022 
Other non-current liabilities
$ 372,840 
$ 69,201 
Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$ 62.2 
$ 38.4 
$ 190.7 
$ 114.8 
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock repurchase plan, authorized amount
 
 
$ 300,000,000 
 
Repurchases of common stock, shares
182,000 
 
899,847 
 
Average price per share of common stock repurchased
$ 218 
 
$ 222 
 
Aggregate amount of common stock repurchased
39,600,000 
 
199,700,000 
 
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount
 
 
41,000,000 
 
Unsettled share repurchases
 
 
Acquisition costs related to share repurchase
7,800,000 
 
40,900,000 
 
Total intrinsic value of options exercised
32,200,000 
44,800,000 
125,600,000 
100,700,000 
Cash received from option exercised
4,400,000 
10,900,000 
18,600,000 
34,000,000 
Weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted per share
$ 137.90 
$ 56.55 
$ 127.41 
$ 40.96 
Cash received from the issuance of common stock
$ 4,409,000 
$ 10,927,000 
$ 18,589,000 
$ 33,954,000 
Executives [Member]
 
 
 
 
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum
 
 
$ 3.39 
$ 2.15 
Suboptimal exercise factor, maximum
 
 
$ 3.63 
$ 2.40 
Calculated expected life of the option grants (in years)
 
 
Non-Executives [Member]
 
 
 
 
Components of Stockholders' Equity [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum
 
 
$ 2.17 
$ 1.78 
Suboptimal exercise factor, maximum
 
 
$ 2.26 
$ 2 
Calculated expected life of the option grants (in years)
 
 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Activity Related To Stock Option Plans) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
years
months
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
 
Shares Available for Grant, Beginning Balances
2,038,502 
Shares Available for Grant, Granted
(341,474)
Shares Available for Grant, Exercised
 
Shares Available for Grant, Ending Balances
1,697,028 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Beginning Balances
2,892,130 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Granted
341,474 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Exercised
(621,989)
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Ending Balances
2,611,615 
Options Outstanding, Number of Shares, Vested and exercisable
2,611,615 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Beginning Balances
$ 36.11 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Granted
$ 234.67 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised
$ 29.88 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Ending Balances
$ 63.55 
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Vested and exercisable
$ 63.55 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Ending Balances (in Years)
5.95 
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Vested and exercisable (in Years)
5.95 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Ending Balances
$ 176,151 
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Vested and exercisable
$ 176,151 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model) (Details)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
52.00% 
54.00% 
0.00% 
 
Expected volatility, minimum
 
 
51.00% 
46.00% 
Expected volatility, maximum
 
 
52.00% 
54.00% 
Risk-free interest rate
2.98% 
2.97% 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate, minimum
 
 
2.98% 
2.97% 
Risk-free interest rate, maximum
 
 
3.42% 
3.67% 
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum
2.26 
2.17 
1.78 
Suboptimal exercise factor, maximum
3.63 
2.40 
3.63 
2.40 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Employee Stock Purchase Rights) (Details)
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
52.00% 
54.00% 
0.00% 
 
Risk-free interest rate
2.98% 
2.97% 
 
 
Employee Stock Purchase Rights [Member]
 
 
 
 
Subsidiary, Sale of Stock [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Dividend yield
 
 
 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
 
 
 
45.00% 
Risk-free interest rate
 
 
 
0.24% 
Expected life (in years)
 
 
 
0.5 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
$ 15,705 
$ 7,296 
$ 43,505 
$ 19,726 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
15,705 
7,296 
43,505 
19,726 
Income tax benefit
(5,228)
(3,064)
(16,066)
(8,118)
Total stock-based compensation after income taxes
10,477 
4,232 
27,439 
11,608 
Fulfillment Expense [Member]
 
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
206 
323 
1,446 
806 
Technology And Development [Member]
 
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
7,522 
2,694 
19,819 
6,939 
Marketing [Member]
 
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
1,539 
777 
4,273 
2,176 
General And Administrative [Member]
 
 
 
 
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Allocation of Recognized Period Costs [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense, net of tax
$ 6,438 
$ 3,502 
$ 17,967 
$ 9,805 
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rates
33.30% 
42.00% 
36.90% 
41.10% 
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
 
 
 
 
$ 20.7 
Increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits
 
 
5.6 
 
 
Reduction in provision for income taxes due to impact of effective tax rate
21.0 
 
21.0 
 
 
Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options
11.6 
16.1 
45.0 
34.6 
 
Gross interest and penalties accrued
1.8 
 
1.8 
 
 
Gross unrecognized tax benefit
$ 3.5 
 
 
 
 
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
 
 
Commitments related to streaming content license agreements
$ 3,458,900,000 
$ 1,123,400,000 
Streaming content included in other non-current liabilities
$ 348,182,000 
$ 48,179,000 
Commitments And Contingencies (Expected Timing Of Payments For Commitments) (Details) (USD $)
Sep. 30, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
 
Less than one year
$ 740,800 
Due after one year and through 3 years
2,136,900 
Due after 3 years and through 5 years
535,700 
Due after 5 years
45,500 
Total streaming content obligations
$ 3,458,900 
Segment Information (Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
25,269 
16,933 
 
 
Revenues
$ 821,839 
$ 553,219 
$ 2,329,002 
$ 1,566,703 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
625,725 
425,707 
1,753,096 
1,197,555 
Contribution profit
196,114 
127,512 
575,906 
369,148 
Other operating expenses
99,272 
58,011 
261,710 
163,960 
Operating income
96,842 
69,501 
314,196 
205,188 
Other income (expense)
(3,219)
(4,092)
(11,509)
(12,051)
Provision for income taxes
31,163 
27,442 
111,780 
79,379 
Net income
62,460 
37,967 
190,907 
113,758 
Domestic [Member]
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Streaming subscriptions
21,448 
 
 
 
DVD subscriptions
13,928 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
23,789 
16,800 
 
 
Revenues
799,152 
553,219 
2,275,140 
1,566,703 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
579,720 
423,013 
1,655,828 
1,194,861 
Contribution profit
219,432 
130,206 
619,312 
371,842 
Other operating expenses
99,272 
58,011 
261,710 
163,960 
Operating income
120,160 
72,195 
357,602 
207,882 
International [Member]
 
 
 
 
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
 
 
 
 
Total unique subscribers at end of period
1,480 
133 
 
 
Revenues
22,687 
 
53,862 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
46,005 
2,694 
97,268 
2,694 
Contribution profit
$ (23,318)
$ (2,694)
$ (43,406)
$ (2,694)