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Should Investors Buy the Spike in Netflix Stock After Q1 Earnings?
ZACKS· 2025-04-21 21:30
Core Viewpoint - Netflix has demonstrated strong Q1 earnings, surpassing expectations and showing significant year-over-year growth, which has positively impacted its stock performance amid broader market challenges [1][2][3]. Group 1: Q1 Results - Netflix's Q1 earnings reached $2.89 billion or $6.61 per share, exceeding EPS expectations of $5.69 by 16% and increasing 25% from $5.28 per share a year ago [2]. - Q1 sales rose over 12% to $10.54 billion, slightly missing the Zacks Consensus by 0.04% [2]. - The favorable results were attributed to successful subscription plans and advertising revenue, with Netflix shifting focus from subscriber data to revenue growth [3]. Group 2: Future Guidance - For Q2, Netflix expects sales of $11 billion, above Zacks estimates of $10.96 billion, indicating a 14% growth [4]. - Q2 EPS is projected at $7.03, surpassing the current Zacks Consensus of $6.22 per share, reflecting a 27% growth [4]. - Full-year revenue is projected between $43.5 billion and $44.5 billion, aligning with Zacks projections of $44.4 billion, indicating a 14% growth [5]. Group 3: Market Performance - Year-to-date, Netflix stock is up 11%, outperforming the S&P 500's 10% decline and the Nasdaq's 18% drop [9]. - Over the last two years, Netflix shares have increased by 200%, significantly outperforming the broader index's returns of approximately 30% [9]. Group 4: Valuation Metrics - Netflix shares are trading around $1000, with a forward earnings multiple of 39.7X, which is a premium compared to the benchmark's 20.3X and Disney's 15.5X [11]. - This valuation is a discount to Netflix's five-year high of 88.5X forward earnings and is closer to the median of 37.3X during this period [11]. Group 5: Analyst Sentiment - Currently, Netflix holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), but there is potential for a buy rating due to favorable Q1 results and guidance [13]. - Earnings estimate revisions may increase in the coming weeks, indicating potential short-term upside and helping to level Netflix's P/E valuation [13].
Still Time to Buy Coca-Cola Stock as a Defensive Hedge?
ZACKS· 2025-04-07 20:25
Core Insights - The consumer staples sector, particularly Coca-Cola, is seen as a hedge against market volatility during economic downturns [1] - Coca-Cola's stock has performed well amid market turmoil, reaching a 52-week peak of $73 and gaining 9% this year, contrasting with declines in the S&P 500 and PepsiCo [2] Brand Recognition & Institutional Ownership - Coca-Cola is one of the most recognized brands globally, with 70% of its shares owned by institutional investors, which helps mitigate panic selling [3] Economic Resilience - Coca-Cola's focus on its flagship beverage products allows it to better navigate economic fluctuations compared to Pepsi's diversified snack portfolio [4] Dividend Reliability - Coca-Cola has a current annual dividend yield of 2.92% and has increased its dividend for 64 consecutive years, outperforming Pepsi's 53 years [5][6] Growth Projections - Coca-Cola is expected to achieve 2% sales growth in fiscal 2025 and 5% growth in FY26, with projected annual earnings increasing by 3% this year and 8% in FY26 to $3.20 per share [8] Valuation Comparison - Coca-Cola's stock trades at a forward earnings multiple of 23.6X, above the industry average of 19.1X and Pepsi's 17.7X, but below its decade-high of 28.5X [9] Investment Outlook - Coca-Cola stock holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), recognized as a reliable defensive investment despite its premium valuation compared to peers [12]