The Rising Tide of Netflix Stock: A Look at Analyst Forecasts

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By Ronald Tech

FAANG giant Netflix (NFLX) is the leading U.S. streaming service provider. Established in 1997, Netflix initially focused on DVD rentals and sales, eventually transitioning into the digital streaming realm. The platform offers a plethora of content, including original series, movies, documentaries, and even video games, delivered through a subscription-based model accessible on various devices. Spanning across more than 190 countries, Netflix boasts the largest subscriber base in the streaming industry, with nearly 260 million members – rendering it the 24th most visited website globally.

With Netflix shares surging by 24.4% year-to-date, outpacing the broader S&P 500 Index return of 10.8%, the stock currently trades a mere 4.5% below its 52-week peak.

Netflix recently unveiled its Q4 results, reporting a 12.5% year-over-year revenue growth to $8.83 billion, exceeding Wall Street’s projection of $8.72 billion. The revenue uptick was largely fueled by a remarkable surge in net subscribers, climbing by 13.1 million to reach 260.3 million, surpassing analysts’ 8.7 million estimate.

Despite a staggering 172% year-over-year hike in operating income to $1.5 billion – alongside an operating margin surge from 7% to 16.9%, surpassing the company’s forecast of 13%, earnings per share (EPS) fell short at $2.11 per share, missing both analyst estimates of $2.22 and Netflix’s own guidance of $2.15.

For the ongoing Q1 of fiscal year 2024, Netflix anticipates revenue to hit $9.24 billion with an EPS of $4.49, surpassing the Wall Street consensus of $4.10.

Analyzing Analyst Perspectives on Netflix

Among recent analyst actions, Evercore ISI lifted Netflix’s price target from $600 to $640, implying a potential 5.7% upside. The firm, upholding its “Outperform” rating, asserts that Netflix can further broaden its user base through tiered subscription offerings encompassing advertising and ad-free choices.

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Conversely, Wedbush removed Netflix from its “Best Ideas” roster while maintaining an “Outperform” rating, expressing skepticism about Netflix’s ability to impress investors in 2024 compared to the preceding year.

What’s the Verdict on NFLX Stock?

Currently, analysts hold a consensus “Moderate Buy” rating for Netflix, with a mean price target of $588.76 – slightly below the stock’s current valuation. Notably, Wedbush holds the most bullish outlook with a street-high price target of $725, representing a generous 19.7% premium.

Of the 40 analysts monitoring Netflix, 22 endorse a “Strong Buy,” 1 favors a “Moderate Buy,” 15 suggest a “Hold,” and 2 maintain a “Strong Sell” stance on the stock.