WSJ Tech News Briefing

Episode: TNB Tech Minute: Netflix Reports Higher Revenue and Profit
Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Julie Chang

Episode Overview

In this concise Tech Minute, Julie Chang highlights major tech industry developments. The focus is on Netflix’s robust third-quarter earnings, Coinbase’s strategic acquisition, and an investment into clean energy technology by X Energy. The roundup provides keen insights into current tech trends, market movements, and business strategies shaping the tech landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Netflix Earnings Report

• Strong Revenue Growth:

  • Netflix reported a 17% increase in revenue (to $11.5 billion) for the third quarter of 2025.
  • Growth attributed to subscription increases, price hikes, and a surge in ad revenue.
  • The company noted its best-ever quarter for ad sales and expects to more than double ad revenue this year.

• Profit & Market Reaction:

  • Net income rose nearly 8% to $2.5 billion, but fell short of the expected $3 billion.
  • Shares are up nearly 40% since early 2025, signaling investor optimism.

  “Netflix has reported higher revenue and profit for the third quarter... Its revenue rose 17% to 11.5 billion dollars, driven by subscription growth, price increases and higher ad revenue.”
  — Julie Chang, 00:35

2. Coinbase Acquires Echo

• Acquisition Details:

  • Coinbase, America’s largest crypto exchange, is acquiring Echo for approx. $375 million.
  • Echo enables crypto companies to raise capital through blockchain.

• Strategic Motives:

  • The acquisition is designed to expand investment opportunities and services for early-stage companies on Coinbase's platform.
  • Echo deal marks Coinbase’s eighth acquisition this year.

• Market Context:

  • Coinbase’s market value is about $90 billion; its shares have also risen by about 40% this year.
  • The company is reportedly “capitalizing on President Trump’s crypto-friendly regime.”

  “Coinbase hopes the deal will give its customers access to more investment opportunities and allow it to offer more services to early stage companies.”
  — Julie Chang, 01:09

3. X Energy Receives Clean Tech Investment

• Investment News:

  • X Energy, specializing in cooling equipment for data centers, secures funding from Decarbonization Partners (a collaboration between BlackRock and Temasek).
  • Financial terms undisclosed.

• Expansion Plans:

  • X Energy aims to develop new products and construct new factories, including a major new facility in Arizona.

  “X Energy said it plans to use the fresh capital to create new products and build new factories, including a new facility in Arizona.”
  — Julie Chang, 01:50

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the Power of Tech in Uncertainty
  (Sponsored segment by SAP, not core news but contains an insightful quote on adapting to change):

  “Technology is the greatest tool in your tool set to help you create that capability to train that muscle in your enterprise to adapt fast to change in the environment.”
  — Sebastian Steinhauser, SAP, 02:18

Timestamps for Major Segments

• 00:35 | Netflix surpasses Q3 revenue and profit expectations, with ad revenue doubling.
• 01:09 | Coinbase acquires Echo for $375M, boosting options for crypto investment.
• 01:50 | X Energy gets investment to expand green tech manufacturing.
• 02:18 | (Sponsored content) SAP’s Sebastian Steinhauser on leveraging tech for business agility.

Overall Tone & Style

Julie Chang delivers the news in a brisk, factual, Wall Street Journal style, balancing expert insight with clarity and precision. The episode is succinct, yet covers market impacts and strategic motivations behind each story, making it accessible to both industry insiders and the general audience.

For listeners seeking a fast yet thorough rundown of top tech business news, this episode efficiently covers the sector’s most significant developments from Netflix, Coinbase, and the clean-tech space.