Netflix vs. Disney: Which Streaming Giant Has an Edge Right Now?

Core Insights - The streaming industry is experiencing intensified competition between Netflix and The Walt Disney Company, with Netflix leading in subscriber numbers and Disney leveraging its diversified entertainment assets [1][2] Netflix (NFLX) Analysis - Netflix reported a 17% revenue growth in Q3 2025, with a notable 21% increase in the Asia-Pacific region, projecting full-year revenues of $45.1 billion for a 16% growth [3][4] - The company has added approximately 50 million new subscribers following its password-sharing crackdown, and its ad-supported tier is gaining traction, accounting for over half of new sign-ups [4][6] - The consensus estimate for 2026 earnings is $3.21 per share, indicating a year-over-year growth of 26.93% [5] - Challenges include heavy reliance on content spending, limited revenue diversification, and a projected operating margin of 29% for 2025, down from 30% due to a Brazilian tax issue [6] Disney (DIS) Analysis - Disney's fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results showed a Direct-to-Consumer operating income of $352 million, contributing to a full-year streaming operating income of $1.3 billion, a significant turnaround from previous losses [7][9] - Disney+ added 3.8 million subscribers, bringing total subscriptions to 196 million, with a target of double-digit adjusted earnings growth for fiscal 2026 and 2027 [9] - The Experiences segment achieved a record operating income of $10 billion, with strong demand in parks despite competition [10] - Disney plans to spend $24 billion on content and $9 billion on capital expenditures in fiscal 2026, alongside a 50% increase in its annual dividend to $1.50 per share [10] Valuation and Performance Comparison - Over the past three months, Netflix shares have decreased by 26.6%, while Disney shares have increased by 5.1% [12] - Netflix trades at a forward P/E ratio of 27.66x, while Disney trades at a more attractive 17x, indicating a significant discount and potential for upside as streaming profitability improves [15][16] Conclusion - Disney is positioned as a superior investment opportunity due to its attractive valuation, diversified revenue streams, and improving streaming profitability, while Netflix's premium valuation presents limited upside amid competitive pressures [19]