On Friday, Bernstein SocGen Group maintained a positive outlook on Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) shares, reiterating an Outperform rating and a $1,200.00 price target. Trading near its 52-week high at $1,043.69 and currently showing signs of being overvalued according to InvestingPro Fair Value metrics, Netflix has demonstrated strong pricing power. The firm's analysis highlighted the recent price increase for Netflix's standard tier in the United States, which now costs 40% more than it did in the first quarter of 2020. This change represents approximately a 7% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in pricing, while user consumption has stayed relatively stable.
According to the firm, the critical question for Netflix is whether it can continue to raise prices, especially as the average revenue per membership (ARM) has been flat recently, affected by currency exchange rates and the introduction of an ad-supported tier. With current revenue of $39 billion and impressive growth of 15.65% over the last twelve months, Netflix has shown strong financial execution, earning a perfect Piotroski Score of 9 according to InvestingPro analysis. Without the U.S. price hikes, ARM would have seen negative growth. However, the firm suggests that average revenue per user (ARPU) could be a driver for future profit increases, amplified by subscriber growth.
The firm's stance is that consistently raising prices without enhancing utility may not be viable long-term. To support continued price increases, Netflix is expected to broaden its total addressable market (TAM) and boost user engagement. The streaming giant's exploration into live events and sports broadcasting, as well as potential expansions into other content areas like Formula 1 racing and podcasting, is seen as aligning with its strategy to increase TAM and engagement.
These strategic moves are viewed by Bernstein SocGen Group as a sustainable way for Netflix to justify future price hikes. The firm's commentary indicates a belief in Netflix's ability to evolve its content offerings to maintain its position as a value leader in the streaming industry.
In other recent news, Netflix continues to make strategic moves in the streaming industry, with Bernstein analysts maintaining their Outperform rating on the stock and a price target of $1,200. The firm highlighted Netflix's exploration into video podcasting and recent ventures into live events and sports as growth strategies. In contrast, Phillip Securities downgraded Netflix's stock rating to Reduce, despite raising the price target to $870, citing the recent uptick in the company's share price.
Loop Capital Markets also adjusted its price target for Netflix, increasing it to $1,000 and retaining a Hold rating on the stock. This followed a report highlighting Netflix's exceptional fourth-quarter performance, which saw nearly 19 million new subscribers join the service.
Netflix has announced the third and final season of its popular series, 'Squid Game', set to premiere on June 27. The second season was a massive hit, becoming the third most-watched season on Netflix with a record-breaking 68 million views in its premiere week.
In other developments, the United Kingdom (TADAWUL:4280) is considering changes to the BBC license fee, potentially affecting households using streaming services such as Netflix. This is part of a broader plan to update the funding model for the public-service broadcaster. These are the recent developments in the streaming industry.
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