Meet the Newest Stock-Split Stock in the S&P 500. It's Soared 80,730% Since Its IPO, and It's a Buy Heading into 2026, According to Wall Street.

Core Viewpoint - Netflix has successfully completed a 10-for-1 forward stock split, indicating strong business performance and stock price growth, with an impressive 80,730% increase since its IPO in 2002 [1][9]. Company Performance - In Q3, Netflix reported a revenue increase of 17% year-over-year to $11.5 billion, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising 27% to $6.87 [6]. - The company anticipates continued growth, projecting Q4 revenue of $11.96 billion and EPS of $5.45, reflecting a 28% increase [6]. Acquisition Plans - Netflix announced plans to acquire certain assets from Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $82.7 billion, which includes Warner Bros. film and television studios and HBO streaming services [9]. - The acquisition has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards but is pending regulatory approval [9]. Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - Despite concerns regarding the acquisition's price and integration risks, 67% of Wall Street analysts maintain a buy or strong buy rating for Netflix, with an average price target of $129, suggesting a potential upside of 34% [13]. - Netflix's stock is currently trading at a premium of 39 times earnings, which is lower than its average multiple of 45 over the past three years, making it more attractive [14]. Historical Context and Industry Trends - Netflix has transitioned from a DVD-by-mail service to a leading streaming platform, capitalizing on the decline of traditional broadcast and cable television [5]. - The company has a wealth of viewer data and a sophisticated recommendation algorithm, which will be leveraged to maximize the value from the Warner Bros. acquisition [12].