ZACKS·2026-02-19 00:06Core Insights - Netflix and Roku are both significant players in the streaming industry, but they serve different roles, with Netflix as a content creator and Roku as a platform for accessing content [2][3]. Group 1: Company Overview - Netflix's stock has decreased by 30% to under $80 per share since a 10-1 stock split in November, aimed at making shares more affordable for employees [1]. - Roku's shares are currently priced around $90, which is more than Netflix but over 20% lower than its 52-week high of $116 [1]. Group 2: Financial Performance - Netflix's annual sales are projected to exceed $50 billion this year, with a 13% increase expected from $45.18 billion in 2025, and a further 12% increase to $57.22 billion in FY27 [4]. - Roku's annual sales are forecasted to grow by 16% in FY26 and another 13% in FY27, reaching $6.22 billion [8]. Group 3: Strategic Moves - Netflix has launched ad-supported subscription plans in nearly 200 countries, boasting over 200 million international subscribers, and is looking to expand further by potentially acquiring Warner Bros. Discovery [5]. - Roku's growth strategy includes advertising partnerships, notably with Amazon, and it controls about 50% of the streaming operating systems market [8]. Group 4: Earnings Projections - Netflix's earnings per share (EPS) are expected to grow by 20% in the foreseeable future, with projections nearing $4.00, although recent revisions for FY26 and FY27 EPS have been modestly lower [9][10]. - Roku's EPS is projected to increase significantly, with FY26 estimates at $2.03, a 244% increase from $0.59 last year, and FY27 EPS expected to rise to $3.20 [14]. Group 5: Valuation and Market Position - Long-term investors may find Netflix attractive at a forward earnings multiple of 24X, compared to Roku's 43X, although Roku's positive EPS revisions suggest short-term upside potential [15]. - Roku currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), while Netflix has a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [16].