Okay, so Netflix, right? Everyone’s watching, everyone’s waiting. Thursday after hours, they’re dropping their big numbers. Gives me stress just thinking about it! Analysts—whomever they are—are all buzzing about this potential blockbuster. They’re saying EPS is going to hit $7.08 and revenue’s looking at an eye-watering $11.066 billion. I mean, how do they even get these exact numbers, right? They must have crystal balls or something. Anyway, this would mean earnings are up 45% from last year, and revenue’s up, what, 15.8%? That’s massive.
Quick flashback, they crushed it first quarter too. All because they hiked prices in January. Smart move? Maybe. Or maybe people just love their binge-watching regardless. Who am I to judge?
So, stock talk: Netflix shares are rocketing—you can’t make this up—up nearly 42% since the year began. Comparing that with the S&P 500’s humble 6% rise—I mean, those S&P folks must be sulking in a corner. Last six months count? About 50% up for Netflix. The S&P? Oh, just 5%. Not that anyone’s comparing or anything.
Anyway—a quick dive into what the bigwigs on Wall Street think. They’re mostly nodding like enthusiastic bobbleheads. Out of 49, 34 are all “strong buy” or just “buy”, leaving the rest hanging with a “hold.” Reassuring? Debatable.
Wedbush Securities has Alicia Reese waving a flag with “Outperform” and a target price of $1,400. She’s buzzing about Netflix and its capabilities—ads, live events, content, the whole shebang. It’s like she sees Netflix ruling the world. Revenue surging via price hikes? Count her in.
Bank of America’s Jessica Reif Ehrlich is betting on it too, marking her target at $1,490. She’s like, “Netflix rules streaming, trends are fab, tariffs? Pfft.” Growth looks golden to her.
BMO Capital’s Brian Pitz, with his $1,425 aim, seems thrilled about Squid Game 3 wrecking records, FX dynamics—honestly, this corporate stuff sometimes goes right past me—he sees “AI tailwinds” and just goes for it. Feels like Netflix is hitting all the right notes for him.
Jefferies’ James Heaney has the same $1,400 target. He’s cautious because, duh, stocks hit highs and then things get shaky. But he’s all for Netflix nailing the US price hikes and content spikes. Mid-teens growth, he says. Bold, right?
Now, Evercore ISI’s Mark Mahaney is calling Netflix nearly risk-free for the quarter. He’s kind of relaxed about their numbers being spot on—revenue and income vibes are looking good to him.
Meanwhile, over at Loop Capital, Alan Gould’s got a hold stance, setting a $1,150 target and talking valuation woes. While he’s for Netflix as a concept, he sees more volatility. Comparing it to Costco? Bold choice.
And there you have it. Netflix is like that kid in school who’s both top of the class and head of the drama club. Always something interesting, always a cliffhanger. Does any of this actually translate to us average streamers? Maybe. But mostly, it’s just a wild ride watching the numbers roll in. Who knew data could be so dramatic?