This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Netflix (NFLX, Financials) said it has paid over $135 billion for films and television programmes over the past 10 years, a reminder of how tied content is to its worldwide development strategy.The company said the spending had helped drive more than $325 billion in global economic output and create more than 425,000 production jobs.With more than 325 million paid users, Netflix is among the largest streaming platforms in the world. With its original shows and films, it has helped define worldwide entertainment patterns, from at-home viewing to international hits.Global content is a big element of the story. Non-English titles now make for more than a third of all viewing, up from less than 10% a decade ago, Netflix claimed. Shows like Squid Game and Money Heist helped show that local stories can span the world.The report shows the magnitude of Netflix and the problem for investors. The corporation will need to continue spending on content that helps with subscriber engagement while looking for fresh growth in gaming, live events and advertising.The next question is can those newer enterprises add growth as streaming matures.