ZACKS·2026-01-20 00:56Core Viewpoint - Investors are closely monitoring Netflix as it prepares to report its Q4 results, with the stock experiencing a 6% decline in early 2026, amid broader market weakness and profit-taking following a 10-1 stock split [1][2]. Group 1: Q4 Expectations - Netflix's Q4 sales are projected to increase by 17% year over year to $11.97 billion, with EPS expected to rise by 28% to $0.55 [3]. - For fiscal 2025, total sales are anticipated to grow by 15% to $45.1 billion, and annual earnings are expected to spike by 28% to $2.53 per share [3]. Group 2: Warner Bros Acquisition - Netflix has announced an agreement to acquire Warner Bros' studios and streaming businesses for $82.7 billion, which could add approximately 95-100 million subscribers, bringing Netflix's total to over 370 million [4]. - The acquisition would enhance Netflix's competitive position against Disney and Amazon, both of which have over 200 million subscribers [4]. - Netflix is considering an all-cash offer to strengthen its bid after Warner Bros rejected competing offers from Paramount and Comcast [5]. Group 3: Financial Metrics - The acquisition of Warner Bros is expected to contribute over $30 billion in annual revenue to Netflix, which has a return on invested capital (ROIC) exceeding 25%, significantly higher than the industry average of 12% [9]. - Netflix's stock is currently trading at a forward earnings multiple of 27X, which, while a premium to the industry average of 11X, is closer to the S&P 500's average of 23X [11]. Group 4: Market Sentiment - There is a growing interest in buying Netflix stock ahead of its Q4 report, with the stock currently rated as a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), but a potential buy rating could emerge if the Q4 results are strong [12].