Netflix stock gains on revenue strength, but upside limited—Goldman Sachs

Published 22/01/2025, 11:54
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On Wednesday, Goldman Sachs adjusted its outlook on Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) stock raising the price target to $960 from the previous $850 while maintaining a Neutral stance on the company. Currently trading at $869.68, Netflix has delivered an impressive 79% return over the past year.

The revision follows Netflix's impressive fourth-quarter earnings in 2024, which surpassed expectations in terms of revenue and operating income. The streaming giant also provided optimistic guidance for the fiscal year 2025, which exceeded both Goldman Sachs and general market predictions.

Netflix's consistent messaging into 2025 has been underlined by guidance that supports the company's narrative of strong revenue growth, subscriber expansion driven by advertising, and increasing operating margins. With revenue growing at 14.8% and an InvestingPro Financial Health score of "GREAT," the company demonstrates robust operational performance.

Moreover, Netflix has expressed a firm commitment to returning free cash flow to its shareholders through buybacks. Goldman Sachs analysts see these strategic moves potentially positioning Netflix as a company with sustained double-digit revenue growth and margin expansion in the years to come.

The analyst's commentary highlighted the solid Q4 performance and the forward-looking statements from the company that suggest a robust business model. The initiatives taken by Netflix are expected to aid in its growth trajectory, reinforcing its status as a revenue growth compounder with potential for margin improvement. According to InvestingPro, the stock currently trades at a P/E ratio of 48, with analysts projecting continued profitability this year.

Despite the promising outlook, Goldman Sachs remains cautious, citing a balanced risk/reward scenario at the current share price levels. This cautious optimism is reflected in the decision to retain the Neutral rating on Netflix stock. The price target increase to $960 is a result of revised forward forecasts that take into account the recent earnings report and management's commentary.

For a deeper understanding of Netflix's valuation and growth prospects, InvestingPro subscribers can access comprehensive analysis including 16 additional ProTips and detailed financial metrics in the Pro Research Report.

In other recent news, Netflix has been the subject of numerous financial firm adjustments following its impressive earnings report. Bernstein SocGen Group raised the company's price target to $975, while BofA increased its target to $1,175, both citing Netflix's consistent subscriber growth across all markets. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) also raised its price target to $1,150, highlighting the company's potential for long-term earnings due to its ability to fund business investments.

Netflix ended the year with a 16% year-over-year revenue growth and a significant margin improvement, while adding more than 40 million subscribers in 2024. The company's decision to broadcast NFL games and the expansion of its advertising-supported tier were strategic moves that contributed to these positive outcomes.

Deutsche Bank (ETR:DBKGn), Jefferies, and Citi also raised their price targets for Netflix, expressing confidence in the company's long-term earnings potential and subscriber growth trajectory. Barclays (LON:BARC) upgraded Netflix's stock citing the company's execution quality. These recent developments reflect Netflix's ongoing momentum in the entertainment industry.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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