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Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by throwaway_1928 on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @12:34AM (#31419256)
> Given Netflix's compensation structure (all cash) this is irrelevant

Netflix's market valuation is extremely relevant. The only reason we are discussing Netflix on this thread is that layoffs there have begun.

Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by AlchemistCamp on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @03:14AM (#31420047)
Market value fluctuations aren't the same thing as profit or even revenue. A company doesn't suddenly lose money and have to lay people off due to others trading its stock for less money. And they don't get rich when the stock price goes up, either. Unless they sell more shares in a secondary public offering or similar, their cash flows stay the same.

The effect is much more subtle and it has more of an impact on companies where equity is a big part of employee compensation.

Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by throwaway_1928 on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @10:07AM (#31422954)
Market value and revenue/profit are not the same thing but they are very related.

Netflix's market value falling 72% means the market has a negative view of Netflix's foreseeable ability to sustain or grow revenues and profits.

You are right in that it is possible that Netflix has the market fooled and in reality is growing its revenues and profits and cash flows at an even greater rate than expected and it is all just one big misunderstanding.

If that is the case, Netflix can always choose to 'go private', where it no longer sees a need for public market funding and believes that savvy private investors combined with its revenues and cash flows can fund its operations and growth.

But as a public company, its stock price and market value also signify access to capital. The less capital Netflix has access to, the less it can invest in its existing and growth operations, like the 100s of shows it creates every year.

With access to less capital, Netflix will keep on fewer of its 'dream team athlete' workers, even with their all cash and no stock compensation, which is why we are starting to see layoffs.

Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by AlchemistCamp on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @10:11AM (#31423004)
Stock prices are mostly tied to reality in the long run, but barely at all in the short run.
Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by throwaway_1928 on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @10:20AM (#31423114)
That is true, but "Markets can stay irrational longer than you can stay solvent".

If their stock price keeps tanking, layoffs are inevitable. This is sadly true for much of the economy if it goes into recession.

Re:Netflix lays off about 150 employees by lumost on Wednesday May 18, 2022 @10:06AM (#31422940)
Variable stock compensation for engineers does have the benefit that it fluctuates with investor perceptions of company performance. In theory investors may not care about compensation in a flat/growth stock, but seeing a 10% decline in personnel expenses on a stock down 25% is definitely appealing to investors.