If you're still getting used to Netflix's most recent price hike, don't get too comfortable, as the streaming service's fees could be raised by the end of the year.

While Netflix itself has not indicated a possible price increase, analysts at UBS Securities (as reported by Variety) have suggested that Netflix will raise the prices of its streaming plans in 2024 in order to "accelerate revenue and profit growth." In a research paper released this week, UBS's John Hodulik said, "We expect a price increase this year."

The analyst predicts that another price hike would increase Netflix's total revenue from 7% in 2023 to around 15% in 2024. While this jump will undoubtedly please shareholders, it makes for less pleasant reading for the average Netflix viewer, who will see their monthly bill increase.

The last Netflix price increase will still be relatively fresh in many subscribers' memories: in October 2023, Netflix raised its basic plan from $9.99 to $11.99 per month. The premium plan was also raised, to $22.99 per month. This price increase represents a 15% increase from the previous $19.99.

Similar price increases were seen in the UK, with Basic increasing from £6.99 to £7.99 per month and Premium increasing by £2 from £15.99 to £17.99 per month. In addition, in the last quarter of 2023, Netflix prices were raised in additional regions, including France and Australia.

It is important to emphasize that, for now, any new Netflix price increase is purely speculative, but if I were a betting man, I would say that since Netflix has shown that it did not experience a significant backlash against the previous price increase in late 2023, the odds of a further price increase I would say it looks relatively strong.

On the company's most recent investor conference call, Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters claimed that the most recent price increase "went well" and that the results were "better than our projections." This may indicate that Netflix is bullish about future price increases.

During the same conference call, Peters also commented on Netflix's password-sharing crackdown, which took effect last summer. The streaming executive claimed that the company considered this a "form of substitute price increase" and therefore "almost put the price increase on hold."

Peters also noted that now that the password-sharing crackdown has been rolled out and the company is "completely satisfied" with its results, Netflix will resume its "standard approach to price increases." This certainly suggests that new price increases are being considered, but so far Netflix has not confirmed any price increases.

Netflix continues to be one of the best streaming services around, offering a vast library of TV shows and must-see movies worth watching. It is also the streaming service that is best at capturing cultural zeitgeist and creating content that gets people talking on social media.

Many households view a Netflix subscription as an essential utility, and while many subscribers would accept another price increase, everyone has a breaking point, and if Netflix continues to raise prices, there is always the possibility that it will eventually reach a tipping point.

Also, the company's series of moves to cancel well-received shows and focus on areas that are unlikely to become popular (*cough* games *cough*) has tarnished Netflix's reputation in recent years. Yes, the crackdown on password sharing was unpopular. But as I can personally attest, it has been effective and Netflix is now reaping the benefits.

For Netflix to maintain its dominant position in the streaming wars, it will need to carefully balance price increases with the delivery of quality content that excites subscribers. So far, the balance seems to be well struck, but it is a difficult tightrope to walk, and further price increases may be too much for some.

Just don't be surprised if streamers attempt to combine future price increases with new seasons of their most popular shows. Perhaps the new price increase will be in advance of "Stranger Things 5." .......