NETFLIX INC, 10-Q filed on 7/27/2011
Quarterly Report
Document And Entity Information
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information
 
Document Type
10-Q 
Amendment Flag
FALSE 
Document Period End Date
Jun. 30, 2011 
Document Fiscal Year Focus
2011 
Document Fiscal Period Focus
Q2 
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
52,536,246 
Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Consolidated Statements Of Operations
 
 
 
 
Revenues
$ 788,610 
$ 519,819 
$ 1,507,163 
$ 1,013,484 
Cost of revenues:
 
 
 
 
Subscription
428,203 
265,387 
805,195 
524,947 
Fulfillment expenses
61,775 
49,547 
122,934 
97,149 
Total cost of revenues
489,978 
314,934 
928,129 
622,096 
Gross profit
298,632 
204,885 
579,034 
391,388 
Operating expenses:
 
 
 
 
Technology and development
57,865 
37,863 
108,770 
75,262 
Marketing
94,983 
74,533 
199,242 
149,752 
General and administrative
30,670 
15,147 
53,668 
30,687 
Total operating expenses
183,518 
127,543 
361,680 
255,701 
Operating income
115,114 
77,342 
217,354 
135,687 
Other income (expense):
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
(5,303)
(4,893)
(10,168)
(9,852)
Interest and other income
1,013 
921 
1,878 
1,893 
Income before income taxes
110,824 
73,370 
209,064 
127,728 
Provision for income taxes
42,610 
29,851 
80,617 
51,937 
Net income
$ 68,214 
$ 43,519 
$ 128,447 
$ 75,791 
Net income per share:
 
 
 
 
Basic
$ 1.30 
$ 0.83 
$ 2.44 
$ 1.44 
Diluted
$ 1.26 
$ 0.80 
$ 2.37 
$ 1.39 
Weighted average common shares outstanding:
 
 
 
 
Basic
52,470 
52,486 
52,614 
52,697 
Diluted
53,909 
54,324 
54,077 
54,548 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)
In Thousands
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Current assets:
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 175,207 
$ 194,499 
Short-term investments
201,200 
155,888 
Current content library, net
499,434 
181,006 
Prepaid content
59,811 
62,217 
Other current assets
33,792 
47,357 
Total current assets
969,444 
640,967 
Content library, net
425,246 
180,973 
Property and equipment, net
136,948 
128,570 
Deferred tax assets
25,883 
17,467 
Other non-current assets
13,172 
14,090 
Total assets
1,570,693 
982,067 
Current liabilities:
 
 
Accounts payable
533,436 
222,824 
Accrued expenses
44,137 
36,489 
Current portion of lease financing obligations
2,199 
2,083 
Deferred revenue
146,937 
127,183 
Total current liabilities
726,709 
388,579 
Long-term debt
200,000 
200,000 
Lease financing obligations, excluding current portion
32,986 
34,123 
Other non-current liabilities
276,964 
69,201 
Total liabilities
1,236,659 
691,903 
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 
 
Stockholders' equity:
 
 
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 160,000,000 shares authorized at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010; 52,536,246 and 52,781,949 issued and outstanding at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively
53 
53 
Additional paid-in capital
 
51,622 
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net
884 
750 
Retained earnings
333,097 
237,739 
Total stockholders' equity
334,034 
290,164 
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity
$ 1,570,693 
$ 982,067 
Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
Common stock, par value
$ 0.001 
$ 0.001 
Common stock, shares authorized
160,000,000 
160,000,000 
Common stock, shares issued
52,536,246 
52,781,949 
Common stock, shares outstanding
52,536,246 
52,781,949 
Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)
In Thousands
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Net income
$ 68,214 
$ 43,519 
$ 128,447 
$ 75,791 
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
 
Additions to streaming content library
(612,595)
(66,157)
(804,902)
(116,632)
Change in streaming content liabilities
419,832 
18,308 
501,900 
29,559 
Amortization of streaming content library
144,466 
29,844 
230,403 
48,523 
Amortization of DVD content library
24,000 
35,299 
50,990 
78,912 
Depreciation and amortization of property, equipment and intangibles
10,182 
9,309 
20,008 
20,168 
Stock-based compensation expense
15,536 
6,928 
27,800 
12,430 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
(17,868)
(11,182)
(33,522)
(18,606)
Other non-cash items
(802)
(2,900)
(1,727)
(6,060)
Deferred taxes
(3,927)
(3,394)
(8,909)
(6,155)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 
Prepaid content
14,787 
(2,133)
2,407 
(7,096)
Other current assets
4,660 
(9,211)
13,744 
(8,663)
Other accounts payable
(4,465)
1,472 
10,370 
12,160 
Accrued expenses
17,941 
7,917 
40,611 
21,663 
Deferred revenue
3,892 
1,310 
19,754 
1,322 
Other non-current assets and liabilities
2,539 
1,323 
5,341 
141 
Net cash provided by operating activities
86,392 
60,252 
202,715 
137,457 
Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
 
Acquisition of DVD content library
(19,065)
(24,191)
(41,184)
(61,093)
Purchases of short-term investments
(40,597)
(21,795)
(92,863)
(57,790)
Proceeds from sale of short-term investments
16,510 
32,055 
31,471 
62,825 
Proceeds from maturities of short-term investments
15,985 
4,310 
16,635 
8,323 
Purchases of property and equipment
(8,626)
(5,671)
(24,946)
(12,064)
Other assets
844 
3,825 
2,263 
7,507 
Net cash used in investing activities
(34,949)
(11,467)
(108,624)
(52,292)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
 
Principal payments of lease financing obligations
(520)
(465)
(1,021)
(826)
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
7,418 
13,109 
14,180 
23,027 
Excess tax benefits from stock-based compensation
17,868 
11,182 
33,522 
18,606 
Repurchases of common stock
(51,421)
(45,145)
(160,064)
(152,869)
Net cash used in financing activities
(26,655)
(21,319)
(113,383)
(112,062)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
24,788 
27,466 
(19,292)
(26,897)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
150,419 
79,861 
194,499 
134,224 
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
$ 175,207 
$ 107,327 
$ 175,207 
$ 107,327 
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. 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 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") on February 18, 2011. 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 computation of net income per share is as follows:

 

     Three months ended      Six months ended  
     June 30,
2011
     June 30,
2010
     June 30,
2011
     June 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands, except per share data)  

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 68,214       $ 43,519       $ 128,447       $ 75,791   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,470         52,486         52,614         52,697   
                                   

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.30       $ 0.83       $ 2.44       $ 1.44   
                                   

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 68,214       $ 43,519       $ 128,447       $ 75,791   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,470         52,486         52,614         52,697   

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,439         1,838         1,463         1,851   
                                   

Weighted-average number of shares

     53,909         54,324         54,077         54,548   
                                   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.26       $ 0.80       $ 2.37       $ 1.39   
                                   

 

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 is immaterial for all periods presented.

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 June 30, 2011. There were no material other-than-temporary impairments or credit losses related to available-for-sale securities in the three or six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010. In addition, there were no material gross realized gains or losses in the three or six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010.

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

 

     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 72,158   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     127,978   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,064   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 201,200   
  

 

 

 
Long-Term Debt
Long-Term Debt

4. Long-term Debt

As of June 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 our equity interests (each subject to specified exceptions). At June 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 June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010 was approximately $224.5 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  
     June 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Streaming content library, gross

   $ 1,150,331      $ 441,637   

DVD content library, gross

     608,977        627,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, gross

     1,759,308        1,069,029   

Less: accumulated amortization

     (834,628     (707,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

     924,680        361,979   

Less: Current content library, net

     499,434        181,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, net

   $ 425,246      $ 180,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and equipment and accumulated depreciation are as follows:

 

            As of  
            June 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     

 

(in thousands)

 

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 63,153      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,259        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3 years         29,474        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3 years         13,189        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         39,438        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

        1,947        16,882   
                   

Property and equipment, gross

        288,141        265,149   

Less: accumulated depreciation

        (151,193 )     (136,579 )
                   

Property and equipment, net

      $ 136,948      $ 128,570   
                   

Accounts Payable and Other Non-Current Liabilities

Accounts payable consisted of the following:

 

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

Streaming content

   $ 435,751       $ 136,974   

Other

     97,685         85,850   
                 

Accounts payable

   $ 533,436       $ 222,824   
                 

Other non-current liabilities consisted of the following:

 

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

Streaming content

   $ 251,302       $ 48,179   

Other

     25,662         21,022   
                 

Other non-current liabilities

   $ 276,964       $ 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 June 30, 2011, streaming content accounts payable and non-current streaming content liabilities increased $298.8 million and $203.1 million, respectively, as compared to December 31, 2010, due to the $804.9 million in additions to streaming content library.

Other Comprehensive Income
Other Comprehensive Income

6. Other Comprehensive Income

Comprehensive income was $68.5 million and $43.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. Comprehensive income was $128.6 million and $76.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010, respectively. The primary 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 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 June 30, 2011, the Company repurchased 216,000 shares at an average price of $238 per share for an aggregate amount of $51.4 million. As of June 30, 2011, $80.6 million of this authorization is remaining. The timing and actual number of shares repurchased 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 June 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 six months ended June 30, 2011, $10.2 million and $33.1 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 six months ended June 30, 2011 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, 2010

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

Granted

     (227,578 )     227,578        225.01         

Exercised

     —          (472,144 )     30.03         
                        

Balances as of June 30, 2011

     1,810,924        2,647,564        53.43         5.90       $ 554,194   
                        

Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2011

       2,647,564        53.43         5.90       $ 554,194   
                  

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 second 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 June 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 June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $49.3 million and $33.1 million, respectively. Total intrinsic value of options exercised for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $93.4 million and $55.9 million, respectively.

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

 

     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
     June 30,
2011
   June 30,
2010
   June 30,
2011
   June 30,
2010

Dividend yield

   0%    0%    0%    0%

Expected volatility

   51%    52%    51%-52%    46%-52%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.35%    3.67%    3.35%-3.42%    3.67%

Suboptimal exercise factor

   2.22-3.54    1.97-2.30    2.17-3.54    1.78-2.30

In the first and second quarters of 2011, the Company used a suboptimal exercise factor of 3.39 and 3.54, respectively, for executives and 2.17 and 2.22, 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 first and second quarters of 2010, the Company used a suboptimal exercise factor of 2.15 and 2.30, respectively, for executives and 1.78 and 1.97, respectively, 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 June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $134.77 and $45.08 per share, respectively. The weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted during the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $122.16 and $35.24 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.

 

     Three Months
Ended June 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 June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $7.4 million and $13.1 million, respectively. Cash received from the issuance of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 was $14.2 million and $23.0 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 six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 which was allocated as follows:

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
    June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expense

   $ 679      $ 307      $ 1,240      $ 483   

Technology and development

     7,005        2,376        12,297        4,245   

Marketing

     1,485        756        2,734        1,399   

General and administrative

     6,367        3,489        11,529        6,303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     15,536        6,928        27,800        12,430   

Income tax benefit

     (5,973     (2,820     (10,720     (5,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes

   $ 9,563      $ 4,108      $ 17,080      $ 7,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Income Taxes
Income Taxes

8. Income Taxes

The effective tax rates for the three months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 38.4% and 40.7%, respectively. The effective tax rates for the six months ended June 30, 2011 and 2010 were 38.6% and 40.7%, respectively. As of December 31, 2010, the Company had $20.7 million of gross unrecognized tax benefits. During the six months ended June 30, 2011, the Company had an increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $4.7 million. The gross unrecognized tax benefits, if recognized by the Company, will result in a reduction of approximately $20.8 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 $18.3 million and $11.2 million, during the three month period ended June 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 $33.4 million and $18.6 million, during the six month period ended June 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 June 30, 2011, the total amount of gross interest and penalties accrued was $2.2 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. The years 1997 through 2007 (which represent approximately $3.2 million of the gross unrecognized tax benefit) remain subject to examination by the IRS but the statute of limitations for these years expires in 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 and 2009, 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 examinations 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.

Commitments And Contingencies
Commitments And Contingencies

9. Commitments and Contingencies

Streaming Content

The Company had $2,185.5 million and $1,075.2 million of commitments at June 30, 2011 and December 31, 2010, respectively, related to streaming content license agreements that 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. The Company also has $251.3 million of streaming content obligations which are included in other non-current liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

The expected timing of payments as of June 30, 2011 for these commitments is as follows:

 

     (in thousands)  

Less than one year

   $ 624,545   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     1,363,510   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     440,239  

Due after 5 years

     8,467   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $ 2,436,761   
  

 

 

 

 

The Company also 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 domestic 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. However such amounts, which are not included in the commitments described above, are expected to be significant.

The Company has a license with a certain performing rights organization ("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 seeks unspecified compensatory and enhanced damages, interest, costs and fees, and seeks to permanently enjoin the Company from infringing the patents 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 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.

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 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.

 

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 in Canada. At that time, the Company began segmenting operating results into two segments: 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, contribution profit and operating income (loss) information for each of the reportable segments. Contribution profit is defined as revenues less cost of revenues and marketing expenses.

The Domestic segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting of streaming content and DVD by mail. The International segment derives revenue from monthly subscription services consisting solely of streaming content.

The International segment operating income (loss) includes direct costs and allocations of "Cost of Revenues" which includes streaming content, streaming delivery and fulfillment costs, as well as direct expenses related to "Marketing", "Technology and Development" and "General and Administrative" operations in the Company's International locations. The vast majority of the Company's costs for "Technology and Development" and "General and Administrative" are incurred in the United States and are included in the Company's Domestic segment. 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.

 

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

 

     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
    June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Domestic

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     1,331        424        1,331        424   

Paid subscribers at end of period

     23,263        14,577        23,263        14,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     24,594        15,001        24,594        15,001   

Revenues

   $ 769,714      $ 519,819      $ 1,475,988      $ 1,013,484   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     556,719        389,467        1,076,108        771,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     212,995        130,352        399,880        241,636   

Other operating expenses

     87,871        53,010        161,774        105,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (loss)

   $ 125,124      $ 77,342      $ 238,106      $ 135,687   

International

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     110        —          110        —     

Paid subscribers at end of period

     857        —          857        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     967        —          967        —     

Revenues

   $ 18,896      $ —        $ 31,175      $ —     

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     28,242        —          51,263        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

     (9,346     —          (20,088     —     

Other operating expenses

     664        —          664        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (loss)

   $ (10,010   $ —        $ (20,752   $ —     

Consolidated

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     1,441        424        1,441        424   

Paid subscribers at end of period

     24,120        14,577        24,120        14,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     25,561        15,001        25,561        15,001   

Revenues

   $ 788,610      $ 519,819      $ 1,507,163      $ 1,013,484   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     584,961        389,467        1,127,371        771,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     203,649        130,352        379,792        241,636   

Other operating expenses

     88,535        53,010        162,438        105,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 115,114      $ 77,342      $ 217,354      $ 135,687   

Other income (expense)

     (4,290     (3,972     (8,290     (7,959

Provision for income taxes

     42,610        29,851        80,617        51,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 68,214      $ 43,519      $ 128,447      $ 75,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

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

Basic earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 68,214       $ 43,519       $ 128,447       $ 75,791   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,470         52,486         52,614         52,697   
                                   

Basic earnings per share

   $ 1.30       $ 0.83       $ 2.44       $ 1.44   
                                   

Diluted earnings per share:

           

Net income

   $ 68,214       $ 43,519       $ 128,447       $ 75,791   

Shares used in computation:

           

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

     52,470         52,486         52,614         52,697   

Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares

     1,439         1,838         1,463         1,851   
                                   

Weighted-average number of shares

     53,909         54,324         54,077         54,548   
                                   

Diluted earnings per share

   $ 1.26       $ 0.80       $ 2.37       $ 1.39   
                                   
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Tables)
     (in thousands)  

Due within one year

   $ 72,158   

Due after one year and through 5 years

     127,978   

Due after 5 years and through 10 years

     —     

Due after 10 years

     1,064   
  

 

 

 

Total short-term investments

   $ 201,200   
  

 

 

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

Streaming content library, gross

   $ 1,150,331      $ 441,637   

DVD content library, gross

     608,977        627,392   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, gross

     1,759,308        1,069,029   

Less: accumulated amortization

     (834,628     (707,050
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total content library, net

     924,680        361,979   

Less: Current content library, net

     499,434        181,006   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Content library, net

   $ 425,246      $ 180,973   
  

 

 

   

 

 

 
            As of  
            June 30,
2011
    December 31,
2010
 
     

 

(in thousands)

 

Computer equipment

     3 years       $ 63,153      $ 60,289   

Operations and other equipment

     5 years         100,259        72,368   

Software, including internal-use software

     3 years         29,474        26,961   

Furniture and fixtures

     3 years         13,189        11,438   

Building

     30 years         40,681        40,681   

Leasehold improvements

     Over life of lease         39,438        36,530   

Capital work-in-progress

        1,947        16,882   
                   

Property and equipment, gross

        288,141        265,149   

Less: accumulated depreciation

        (151,193 )     (136,579 )
                   

Property and equipment, net

      $ 136,948      $ 128,570   
                   
     As of  
     June 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)   

Streaming content

   $ 435,751       $ 136,974   

Other

     97,685         85,850   
                 

Accounts payable

   $ 533,436       $ 222,824   
                 
     As of  
     June 30,
2011
     December 31,
2010
 
     (in thousands)   

Streaming content

   $ 251,302       $ 48,179   

Other

     25,662         21,022   
                 

Other non-current liabilities

   $ 276,964       $ 69,201   
                 
Stockholders' Equity (Tables)
           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, 2010

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

Granted

     (227,578 )     227,578        225.01         

Exercised

     —          (472,144 )     30.03         
                        

Balances as of June 30, 2011

     1,810,924        2,647,564        53.43         5.90       $ 554,194   
                        

Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2011

       2,647,564        53.43         5.90       $ 554,194   
                  
     Three Months Ended    Six Months Ended
     June 30,
2011
   June 30,
2010
   June 30,
2011
   June 30,
2010

Dividend yield

   0%    0%    0%    0%

Expected volatility

   51%    52%    51%-52%    46%-52%

Risk-free interest rate

   3.35%    3.67%    3.35%-3.42%    3.67%

Suboptimal exercise factor

   2.22-3.54    1.97-2.30    2.17-3.54    1.78-2.30
     Three Months
Ended June 30,
2010
 

Dividend yield

     0

Expected volatility

     45

Risk-free interest rate

     0.24

Expected life (in years)

     0.5   
     Three Months Ended     Six Months Ended  
     June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
    June 30,
2011
    June 30,
2010
 
     (in thousands)  

Fulfillment expense

   $ 679      $ 307      $ 1,240      $ 483   

Technology and development

     7,005        2,376        12,297        4,245   

Marketing

     1,485        756        2,734        1,399   

General and administrative

     6,367        3,489        11,529        6,303   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes

     15,536        6,928        27,800        12,430   

Income tax benefit

     (5,973     (2,820     (10,720     (5,054
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes

   $ 9,563      $ 4,108      $ 17,080      $ 7,376   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

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

Less than one year

   $ 624,545   

Due after one year and through 3 years

     1,363,510   

Due after 3 years and through 5 years

     440,239  

Due after 5 years

     8,467   
  

 

 

 

Total streaming content obligations

   $ 2,436,761   
  

 

 

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

Domestic

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     1,331        424        1,331        424   

Paid subscribers at end of period

     23,263        14,577        23,263        14,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     24,594        15,001        24,594        15,001   

Revenues

   $ 769,714      $ 519,819      $ 1,475,988      $ 1,013,484   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     556,719        389,467        1,076,108        771,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     212,995        130,352        399,880        241,636   

Other operating expenses

     87,871        53,010        161,774        105,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (loss)

   $ 125,124      $ 77,342      $ 238,106      $ 135,687   

International

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     110        —          110        —     

Paid subscribers at end of period

     857        —          857        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     967        —          967        —     

Revenues

   $ 18,896      $ —        $ 31,175      $ —     

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     28,242        —          51,263        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit (loss)

     (9,346     —          (20,088     —     

Other operating expenses

     664        —          664        —     
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Segment operating income (loss)

   $ (10,010   $ —        $ (20,752   $ —     

Consolidated

        

Free subscribers at end of period

     1,441        424        1,441        424   

Paid subscribers at end of period

     24,120        14,577        24,120        14,577   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total subscribers at end of period

     25,561        15,001        25,561        15,001   

Revenues

   $ 788,610      $ 519,819      $ 1,507,163      $ 1,013,484   

Cost of revenues and marketing expenses

     584,961        389,467        1,127,371        771,848   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contribution profit

     203,649        130,352        379,792        241,636   

Other operating expenses

     88,535        53,010        162,438        105,949   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Operating income

   $ 115,114      $ 77,342      $ 217,354      $ 135,687   

Other income (expense)

     (4,290     (3,972     (8,290     (7,959

Provision for income taxes

     42,610        29,851        80,617        51,937   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income

   $ 68,214      $ 43,519      $ 128,447      $ 75,791   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 
Net Income Per Share (Computation Of Earnings Per Share) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, except Per Share data
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Net Income Per Share
 
 
 
 
Net income
$ 68,214 
$ 43,519 
$ 128,447 
$ 75,791 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
52,470 
52,486 
52,614 
52,697 
Basic earnings per share
$ 1.30 
$ 0.83 
$ 2.44 
$ 1.44 
Employee stock options and employee stock purchase plan shares
1,439 
1,838 
1,463 
1,851 
Weighted-average number of shares
53,909 
54,324 
54,077 
54,548 
Diluted earnings per share
$ 1.26 
$ 0.80 
$ 2.37 
$ 1.39 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement
 
 
 
 
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
Jun. 30, 2011
Mar. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Jun. 30, 2010
Mar. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Amortized Cost, Cash
$ 167,990 
 
$ 194,146 
 
 
 
Total Amortized Cost
379,385 
 
353,748 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
1,619 
 
1,542 
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(35)
 
(342)
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value, Cash
167,990 
 
194,146 
 
 
 
Total Estimated Fair Value
380,969 
 
354,948 
 
 
 
Less: Long-term restricted cash
(4,562)1
 
(4,561)2
 
 
 
Total cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments
376,407 
 
350,387 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
175,207 
150,419 
194,499 
107,327 
79,861 
134,224 
Level 1 Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost, Money market funds
11,779 1
 
4,914 2
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value, Money market funds
11,779 1
 
4,914 2
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
7,200 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
400 
 
 
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
110,910 3
 
109,745 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
909 3
 
1,043 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(34)3
 
(101)3
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
111,785 3
 
110,687 3
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Government And Agency Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
87,699 3
 
42,062 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
653 3
 
331 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
(1)3
 
(101)3
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
88,351 3
 
42,292 3
 
 
 
Level 2 Securities [Member] |
Asset And Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Amortized Cost
1,007 3
 
2,881 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Gains
57 3
 
168 3
 
 
 
Gross Unrealized Losses
 
 
(140)3
 
 
 
Estimated Fair Value
$ 1,064 3
 
$ 2,909 3
 
 
 
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement (Estimated Fair Value Of Short-Term Investments By Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Short-Term Investments And Fair Value Measurement
 
 
Due within one year
$ 72,158 
 
Due after one year and through 5 years
127,978 
 
Due after 5 years and through 10 years
 
 
Due after 10 years
1,064 
 
Total short-term investments
$ 201,200 
$ 155,888 
Long-Term Debt (Details) (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Long-Term Debt
 
 
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
$ 224,500,000 
$ 225,000,000 
Balance Sheet Components (Content Library And Accumulated Amortization) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components
 
 
Streaming content library, gross
$ 1,150,331 
$ 441,637 
DVD content library, gross
608,977 
627,392 
Content library, gross
1,759,308 
1,069,029 
Less: accumulated amortization
(834,628)
(707,050)
Total content library, net
924,680 
361,979 
Less: Current content library, net
499,434 
181,006 
Content library, net
$ 425,246 
$ 180,973 
Balance Sheet Components (Property And Equipment And Accumulated Depreciation) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
Jun. 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]
Computer equipment
$ 63,153 
$ 60,289 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operations and other equipment
100,259 
72,368 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Software, including internal-use software
29,474 
26,961 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Furniture and fixtures
13,189 
11,438 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Building
40,681 
40,681 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Leasehold improvements
39,438 
36,530 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Capital work-in-progress
1,947 
16,882 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, gross
288,141 
265,149 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Less: accumulated depreciation
(151,193)
(136,579)
 
 
 
 
 
 
Property and equipment, net
$ 136,948 
$ 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
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components
 
 
Streaming content
$ 435,751 
$ 136,974 
Other
97,685 
85,850 
Accounts payable
$ 533,436 
$ 222,824 
Balance Sheet Components (Other Non-Current Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Jun. 30, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components
 
 
Streaming content
$ 251,302 
$ 48,179 
Other
25,662 
21,022 
Other non-current liabilities
$ 276,964 
$ 69,201 
Balance Sheet Components (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
years
months
2010
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Balance Sheet Components
 
 
 
 
 
License agreement, payment terms minimum (months)
 
 
 
 
License agreement, payment terms maximum (years)
 
 
 
 
Increase in streaming content accounts payable and non-current liabilities
 
 
$ 298,800,000 
 
$ 203,100,000 
Additions to streaming content library
$ (612,595,000)
$ (66,157,000)
$ (804,902,000)
$ (116,632,000)
 
Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)
In Millions
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Other Comprehensive Income
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive income
$ 68.5 
$ 43.8 
$ 128.6 
$ 76.3 
Stockholders' Equity (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2011
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2010
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2010
2011
2010
Stock repurchase plan, authorized amount
300 
 
 
 
 
 
Repurchases of common stock, shares
216,000 
 
 
 
 
 
Average price per share of common stock repurchased
238 
 
 
 
 
 
Aggregate amount of common stock repurchased
51.4 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock repurchase program, remaining authorized repurchase amount
 
 
 
 
80.6 
 
Unsettled share repurchases
 
 
 
 
Acquisition costs related to share repurchase
10.2 
 
 
 
33.1 
 
Total intrinsic value of options exercised
49.3 
 
33.1 
 
93.4 
55.9 
Cash received from option exercised
7.4 
 
13.1 
 
14.2 
23.0 
Weighted-average fair value of employee stock options granted per share
134.77 
 
45.08 
 
122.16 
35.24 
Executives [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
3.54 
3.39 
2.30 
2.15 
 
 
Calculated expected life of the option grants (in years)
 
 
 
 
Non-Executives [Member]
 
 
 
 
 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor
2.22 
2.17 
1.97 
1.78 
 
 
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
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
years
months
Stockholders' Equity
 
Shares available for grant, beginning balances
2,038,502 
Shares available for grant, granted
(227,578)
Shares available for grant, exercised
 
Shares available for grant, ending balances
1,810,924 
Options outstanding, number of shares, beginning balances
2,892,130 
Options outstanding, number of shares, granted
227,578 
Options outstanding, number of shares, exercised
(472,144)
Options outstanding, number of shares, ending balances
2,647,564 
Options outstanding, number of shares, vested and exercisable
2,647,564 
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, beginning balances
$ 36.11 
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, granted
$ 225.01 
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, exercised
$ 30.03 
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, ending balances
$ 53.43 
Options outstanding, weighted-average exercise price, vested and exercisable
$ 53.43 
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, ending balances (in years)
5.90 
Weighted-average remaining contractual term, vested and exercisable (in years)
5.90 
Aggregate intrinsic value, ending balances
$ 554,194 
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and exercisable
$ 554,194 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Stock Option Grants Using Lattice-Binomial Model) (Details)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Stockholders' Equity
 
 
 
 
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
51.00% 
52.00% 
 
 
Expected volatility, minimum
 
 
51.00% 
46.00% 
Expected volatility, maximum
 
 
52.00% 
52.00% 
Risk-free interest rate
3.35% 
3.67% 
 
3.67% 
Risk-free interest rate, minimum
 
 
3.35% 
 
Risk-free interest rate, maximum
 
 
3.42% 
 
Suboptimal exercise factor, minimum
2.22 
1.97 
2.17 
1.78 
Suboptimal exersize factor, maximum
3.54 
2.30 
3.54 
2.30 
Stockholders' Equity (Summary Of Assumptions Used To Value Employee Stock Purchase Rights) (Details)
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Dividend yield
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
0.00% 
Expected volatility
51.00% 
52.00% 
 
 
Risk-free interest rate
3.35% 
3.67% 
 
3.67% 
Employee Stock Purchase Rights [Member]
 
 
 
 
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
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$ 15,536 
$ 6,928 
$ 27,800 
$ 12,430 
Income tax benefit
(5,973)
(2,820)
(10,720)
(5,054)
Total stock-based compensation expense after income taxes
9,563 
4,108 
17,080 
7,376 
Fulfillment Expense [Member]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
679 
307 
1,240 
483 
Technology And Development Expense [Member]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
7,005 
2,376 
12,297 
4,245 
Marketing Expense [Member]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
1,485 
756 
2,734 
1,399 
General And Administrative Expense [Member]
 
 
 
 
Stock-based compensation expense before income taxes
$ 6,367 
$ 3,489 
$ 11,529 
$ 6,303 
Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes
 
 
 
 
 
Effective tax rates
38.40% 
40.70% 
38.60% 
40.70% 
 
Unrecognized tax benefits
 
 
 
 
$ 20.7 
Increase in gross unrecognized tax benefits
 
 
4.7 
 
 
Reduction in provision for income taxes due to impact of effective tax rate
20.8 
 
20.8 
 
 
Income tax benefits attributable to the exercise of employee stock options
18.3 
11.2 
33.4 
18.6 
 
Gross interest and penalties accrued
2.2 
 
2.2 
 
 
Gross unrecognized tax benefit
 
 
$ 3.2 
 
 
Commitments And Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2010
Commitments And Contingencies
 
 
Commitments related to streaming content license agreements
$ 2,185,500,000 
$ 1,075,200,000 
Streaming content included in other non-current liabilities
$ 251,302,000 
$ 48,179,000 
Commitments And Contingencies (Expected Timing Of Payments For Commitments) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands
Jun. 30, 2011
Commitments And Contingencies
 
Less than one year
$ 624,545 
Due after one year and through 3 years
1,363,510 
Due after 3 years and through 5 years
440,239 
Due after 5 years
8,467 
Total streaming content obligations
$ 2,436,761 
Segment Information (Information On Reportable Segments And Reconciliation To Consolidated Net Income) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30,
2011
2010
2011
2010
Free subscribers at end of period
1,441,000 
424,000 
1,441,000 
424,000 
Paid subscribers at end of period
24,120,000 
14,577,000 
24,120,000 
14,577,000 
Total subscribers at end of period
25,561,000 
15,001,000 
25,561,000 
15,001,000 
Revenues
$ 788,610 
$ 519,819 
$ 1,507,163 
$ 1,013,484 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
584,961 
389,467 
1,127,371 
771,848 
Contribution profit
203,649 
130,352 
379,792 
241,636 
Other operating expenses
88,535 
53,010 
162,438 
105,949 
Operating income
115,114 
77,342 
217,354 
135,687 
Other income
(4,290)
(3,972)
(8,290)
(7,959)
Provision for income taxes
42,610 
29,851 
80,617 
51,937 
Net income
68,214 
43,519 
128,447 
75,791 
Domestic [Member]
 
 
 
 
Free subscribers at end of period
1,331,000 
424,000 
1,331,000 
424,000 
Paid subscribers at end of period
23,263,000 
14,577,000 
23,263,000 
14,577,000 
Total subscribers at end of period
24,594,000 
15,001,000 
24,594,000 
15,001,000 
Revenues
769,714 
519,819 
1,475,988 
1,013,484 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
556,719 
389,467 
1,076,108 
771,848 
Contribution profit
212,995 
130,352 
399,880 
241,636 
Other operating expenses
87,871 
53,010 
161,774 
105,949 
Operating income
125,124 
77,342 
238,106 
135,687 
International [Member]
 
 
 
 
Free subscribers at end of period
110,000 
 
110,000 
 
Paid subscribers at end of period
857,000 
 
857,000 
 
Total subscribers at end of period
967,000 
 
967,000 
 
Revenues
18,896 
 
31,175 
 
Cost of revenues and marketing expenses
28,242 
 
51,263 
 
Contribution profit
(9,346)
 
(20,088)
 
Other operating expenses
664 
 
664 
 
Operating income
$ (10,010)
 
$ (20,752)