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Originally posted by: LegendKiller
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Originally posted by: wyvrn
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Originally posted by: LegendKiller
This is a non-issue.
BLockbuster is losing about 10% of it's revenue to Netflix and others, annually. They have lost about 1.8 billion in last 3 years and only eeked out a 2.5% profit margin last year. Netflix is twice as profitable and has a share price 5x as high as BBL. Not to mention Netflix has a market cap that's higher than BBL.
BBL is a falling company. It's only deploying BR in 25% of its stores and about 20% of those will also carry HD-DVD. Additionally, they are still renting online. The B&M business model is failing and this is a good indication of that, so big deal?</end quote></div>
Most of the rental market is still in B&M, and that is a fact. BB is the only provider with B&M and online presence. They are going to eat up Netflix's market share with their new online program that gives twice as many movies as Netflix does at the same price point. Not only that, but they returned to profitability last year while their online program is still in the red until they get 2 million subscribers. They are headed back in the right direction. I worked their last year and I can speak to this intelligently. Just thought I'd set the record straight

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I could give a rats ass if you worked there. I work at an investment bank and earn a living analyzing companies based upon credit worthiness and their ability to act as a going concern. As far as BBI is concerned, they lost almost 2bn in the last 3 years and barely eeked out a profit last year. Their quarterly results so far indicate that this trend will continue. They are closing many stores in an attempt to regain profitability, but are losing about 300m in revenue annually.
Their financial position is OK, since they have a relatively small amount of debt and their cashflows are decent.
Whether or not they can return to significant profitability remains to be seen. The fact of the matter is that Netflix is growing at about 50% annually and look like they'll keep going. Even if BBI increases the amount of movies rented, that doesn't me an Netflix can't. (What happens if somebody comes out with 5 minute abs??? You invent 4 minute abs!).
The B&M model will be around for a long time, but it isn't nearly as profitable as online distribution, BBI and Hollywood Video prove this. Netflix has 1/5th the revenue and the same profit as BBI. Estimates put BBI at 4.7bn in rev, Netflix at 1.5bn. If that trend continues BBI won't be #1 for long.</end quote></div>
You are an arrogant ass. But since I couldn't care less, on to the real argument.
BB has an online business, tool. And they offer more for the money. And they have better name recognition and better deals with distributors than Netflix. How is Netflix going to change that? Have you even compared at the offerings of late, or have you decided in your infinite financial wisdom to go ahead and write BB off?
We all think that VOD is going to end the debate, but the Internet is not nearly mature enough. Neither are there enough people that want it badly enough to make it profitable. Look at current 'on demand' services, you will realize most people still rent movies the old fashioned way. The business models to support VOD still need a LOT of work. So for now, BB and Netflix have plenty of time to navigate the online waters.
Netflix has more current online subscribers, but overall BB has a bigger national base of renters. They are converting B&M renters into their online/B&M plans. Netflix cannot compete with this because they don't have stores, and are likely not stupid enough to buy a struggling franchise like Hollywood videos. Do you honestly think that Neftlix is just so much darn smarter that they are going to knock out BB, when BB has a better buy for the money and a bigger consumer base from which to build?