Buy or Sell Netflix Stock?

We believe there is not much to fear in NFLX stock given its overall strong operating performance and financial condition. This is aligned with the stock’s high valuation, because of which we think it is fairly priced.

Below is our assessment:

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Let’s get into details of each of the assessed factors, but before that, for quick background: With $342 Bil in market cap, Netflix provides TV series, documentaries, feature films, and mobile games across multiple genres and languages to over 222 million paid members in 190 countries worldwide.

[1] Valuation Looks High

This table highlights how NFLX is valued vs broader market. For more details see: NFLX Valuation Ratios

[2] Growth Is Strong

• Netflix has seen its top line grow at an average rate of 12.7% over the last 3 years
• Its revenues have grown 16% from $39 Bil to $45 Bil in the last 12 months
• Also, its quarterly revenues grew 17.6% to $12 Bil in the most recent quarter from $10 Bil a year ago.

This table highlights how NFLX is growing vs broader market. For more details see: NFLX Revenue Comparison

[3] Profitability Appears Strong

• NFLX last 12-month operating income was $13 Bil representing operating margin of 29.5%
• With cash flow margin of 22.5%, it generated nearly $10 Bil in operating cash flow over this period
• For the same period, NFLX generated nearly $11 Bil in net income, suggesting net margin of about 24.3%

This table highlights how NFLX profitability vs broader market. For more details see: NFLX Operating Income Comparison

[4] Financial Stability Looks Very Strong

• NFLX Debt was $14 Bil at the end of the most recent quarter, while its current market cap is $342 Bil. This implies Debt-to-Equity Ratio of 4.2%
• NFLX Cash (including cash equivalents) makes up $9.1 Bil of $56 Bil in total Assets. This yields a Cash-to-Assets Ratio of 16.3%

[5] Downturn Resilience Is Moderate

NFLX saw an impact slightly better than the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns. We assess this based on both (a) how much the stock fell and, (b) how quickly it recovered.

2022 Inflation Shock

• NFLX stock fell 75.9% from a high of $69.17 on 17 November 2021 to $16.64 on 11 May 2022 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 25.4% for the S&P 500.
• However, the stock fully recovered to its pre-Crisis peak by 20 August 2024
• Since then, the stock increased to a high of $133.91 on 30 June 2025 , and currently trades at $80.87

2020 Covid Pandemic

• NFLX stock fell 22.9% from a high of $38.78 on 18 February 2020 to $29.88 on 16 March 2020 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 33.9% for the S&P 500.
• However, the stock fully recovered to its pre-Crisis peak by 13 April 2020

2008 Global Financial Crisis

• NFLX stock fell 55.9% from a high of $0.58 on 17 April 2008 to $0.26 on 27 October 2008 vs. a peak-to-trough decline of 56.8% for the S&P 500.
• However, the stock fully recovered to its pre-Crisis peak by 17 March 2009

But the risk is not limited to major market crashes. Stocks fall even when markets are good – think events like earnings, business updates, outlook changes. Read NFLX Dip Buyer Analyses to see how the stock has recovered from sharp dips in the past.

The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, with a collection of 30 stocks, has a track record of comfortably outperforming its benchmark that includes all 3 – the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 indices. Why is that? As a group, HQ Portfolio stocks provided better returns with less risk versus the benchmark index; less of a roller-coaster ride, as evident in HQ Portfolio performance metrics.