Latest news with #SquidGameSeason2
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why the Netflix Stock (NFLX) Rally Isn't Done Yet
Netflix (NFLX) has soared almost 80% over the past year, recently topping $1,200 per share, prompting concerns that the stock may be overextended. Critics point to its sharp rally, driven by strong subscriber growth and bold strategic pivots, as a sign of potential overvaluation. Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter But this momentum may be more than just a temporary surge. With growing strength in AI, live content, and multiple revenue streams, Netflix appears well-positioned for sustained growth. While a near-term pullback is possible given its valuation, a drop below $1,000 is unlikely. I'm strongly bullish on the cord-cutting stock that consistently disproves the naysayers. One of Netflix's most significant successes lately is the progress made in AI-powered recommendations. You're firing up Netflix and are likely to land on a show that feels like it was made for you, a great stride given that this was one aspect the company was struggling with in the past. That's the magic of Netflix's AI-driven recommendation engine, which drove 80% of content consumption last year, with subscribers averaging two hours of watch time daily. AI refines these Netflix algorithms, analyzing viewing patterns to serve up hits like Squid Game Season 2, which smashed records with 68 million views in its first week. This is great for customer satisfaction and should translate to higher retention. This is evident in churn rates holding steady despite price hikes. By personalizing content at scale, Netflix ensures subscribers stay, while, along with new cohorts coming in by the quarter, its membership and ad revenues both increase. AI is also playing a key role in driving investor enthusiasm for Netflix, as it's already transforming how content is developed and produced. From analyzing scripts for audience appeal to optimizing shooting schedules and streamlining post-production, AI allows Netflix to cut costs without compromising quality. A recent example is Carry-On, the holiday thriller that garnered 42 million views in its first week—AI helped refine its pacing to maximize viewer engagement. At the MoffettNathanson Media Conference, Netflix management emphasized how these efficiencies enable the company to deliver a wide-ranging content slate—from Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein to Happy Gilmore 2—without inflating budgets. As Netflix plans to invest $18 billion in content in 2025, its ability to stretch production dollars through AI gives it a competitive edge. While other streamers continue to grapple with platform scalability, Netflix's proven ability to deliver high-quality originals efficiently reinforces its position as a leader in the space. Then you have Netflix's ad-supported tier, launched in 2022, which has been a runaway success, reaching 94 million monthly active users by early 2025, up from 40 million the year prior. AI is the secret sauce here, crafting ads that feel less like interruptions and more like part of the experience. You're pausing Stranger Things and seeing an advertisement for a retro diner that matches the show's vibe. AI's targeting makes that happen. We could also see Netflix rolling out AI-generated ads by next year, hyper-targeting viewers with cinematic precision. Management projects this tier could double ad revenue this year. With 45% of new sign-ups in ad-tier markets opting for this plan, Netflix is tapping a goldmine that rivals can't match. The risk here is overloading viewers with ads, which could spark backlash. However, I trust management's execution skills in this regard. Despite the excitement around Netflix's AI-driven efficiencies, the stock now trades at over 47x this year's consensus EPS estimate—an elevated valuation, even for a category leader with double-digit growth. Bears argue that a correction is overdue, and there's merit to that view. I agree that Netflix could experience a healthy pullback. However, investors waiting for a significant drop—particularly below $1,000 per share—may be waiting in vain. With consistent top-line growth and AI poised to drive long-term margin expansion, Netflix is well-positioned to sustain 20%+ annual EPS growth for the foreseeable future. Coupled with its consumer-staple-like attributes—namely, highly predictable cash flows—the company is likely to continue commanding a premium valuation. For long-term investors, Netflix remains a high-quality name that the market will be willing to pay up for. Wall Street remains highly bullish on Netflix, with a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy and nine Hold ratings over the past three months, and notably, no Sell ratings. However, the average 12-month price target of $1,239.76 suggests a modest 2.2% upside from current levels. In my view, this reflects a continued underappreciation of Netflix's earnings growth potential, particularly as AI-driven efficiencies and strong content performance support long-term margin expansion. In April, Netflix reported earnings per share of $6.61, highlighting the company's current business strength with over $40 billion in revenue, more than 300 million paid households, and an audience of over 700 million individuals. Looking ahead, analysts expect NFLX to report EPS of $7.03 at its next meeting on July 17. Netflix's impressive share price rally reflects growing investor confidence in its ability to harness AI to boost revenue and reduce costs. From AI-enhanced user engagement and efficient content production to the rapid growth of its ad-supported tier, Netflix is increasingly viewed as the undisputed leader in the streaming space, with the potential for even greater dominance ahead. While the stock's valuation is undeniably elevated, the company's strong earnings trajectory suggests that a significant pullback is unlikely in the near term. Disclaimer & DisclosureReport an Issue Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Insider
5 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Why the Netflix Stock (NFLX) Rally Isn't Done Yet
Netflix (NFLX) has soared almost 80% over the past year, recently topping $1,200 per share, prompting concerns that the stock may be overextended. Critics point to its sharp rally, driven by strong subscriber growth and bold strategic pivots, as a sign of potential overvaluation. Confident Investing Starts Here: But this momentum may be more than just a temporary surge. With growing strength in AI, live content, and multiple revenue streams, Netflix appears well-positioned for sustained growth. While a near-term pullback is possible given its valuation, a drop below $1,000 is unlikely. I'm strongly bullish on the cord-cutting stock that consistently disproves the naysayers. AI-Powered Recommendations: Keeping You Hooked Longer One of Netflix's most significant successes lately is the progress made in AI-powered recommendations. You're firing up Netflix and are likely to land on a show that feels like it was made for you, a great stride given that this was one aspect the company was struggling with in the past. That's the magic of Netflix's AI-driven recommendation engine, which drove 80% of content consumption last year, with subscribers averaging two hours of watch time daily. AI refines these Netflix algorithms, analyzing viewing patterns to serve up hits like Squid Game Season 2, which smashed records with 68 million views in its first week. This is great for customer satisfaction and should translate to higher retention. This is evident in churn rates holding steady despite price hikes. By personalizing content at scale, Netflix ensures subscribers stay, while, along with new cohorts coming in by the quarter, its membership and ad revenues both increase. AI Empowerment Begins to Deliver AI is also playing a key role in driving investor enthusiasm for Netflix, as it's already transforming how content is developed and produced. From analyzing scripts for audience appeal to optimizing shooting schedules and streamlining post-production, AI allows Netflix to cut costs without compromising quality. A recent example is Carry-On, the holiday thriller that garnered 42 million views in its first week—AI helped refine its pacing to maximize viewer engagement. At the MoffettNathanson Media Conference, Netflix management emphasized how these efficiencies enable the company to deliver a wide-ranging content slate—from Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein to Happy Gilmore 2 —without inflating budgets. As Netflix plans to invest $18 billion in content in 2025, its ability to stretch production dollars through AI gives it a competitive edge. While other streamers continue to grapple with platform scalability, Netflix's proven ability to deliver high-quality originals efficiently reinforces its position as a leader in the space. AI-Driven Ads Haul in Big Bucks Then you have Netflix's ad-supported tier, launched in 2022, which has been a runaway success, reaching 94 million monthly active users by early 2025, up from 40 million the year prior. AI is the secret sauce here, crafting ads that feel less like interruptions and more like part of the experience. You're pausing Stranger Things and seeing an advertisement for a retro diner that matches the show's vibe. AI's targeting makes that happen. We could also see Netflix rolling out AI-generated ads by next year, hyper-targeting viewers with cinematic precision. Management projects this tier could double ad revenue this year. With 45% of new sign-ups in ad-tier markets opting for this plan, Netflix is tapping a goldmine that rivals can't match. The risk here is overloading viewers with ads, which could spark backlash. However, I trust management's execution skills in this regard. Stretched Valuation Justified by Stability Despite the excitement around Netflix's AI-driven efficiencies, the stock now trades at over 47x this year's consensus EPS estimate—an elevated valuation, even for a category leader with double-digit growth. Bears argue that a correction is overdue, and there's merit to that view. I agree that Netflix could experience a healthy pullback. However, investors waiting for a significant drop—particularly below $1,000 per share—may be waiting in vain. With consistent top-line growth and AI poised to drive long-term margin expansion, Netflix is well-positioned to sustain 20%+ annual EPS growth for the foreseeable future. Coupled with its consumer-staple-like attributes—namely, highly predictable cash flows—the company is likely to continue commanding a premium valuation. For long-term investors, Netflix remains a high-quality name that the market will be willing to pay up for. Is NFLX Stock Expected to Rise? Wall Street remains highly bullish on Netflix, with a Strong Buy consensus based on 29 Buy and nine Hold ratings over the past three months, and notably, no Sell ratings. However, the average 12-month price target of $1,239.76 suggests a modest 2.2% upside from current levels. In my view, this reflects a continued underappreciation of Netflix's earnings growth potential, particularly as AI-driven efficiencies and strong content performance support long-term margin expansion. Netflix's Hopes Aren't Fading Anytime Soon Netflix's impressive share price rally reflects growing investor confidence in its ability to harness AI to boost revenue and reduce costs. From AI-enhanced user engagement and efficient content production to the rapid growth of its ad-supported tier, Netflix is increasingly viewed as the undisputed leader in the streaming space, with the potential for even greater dominance ahead. While the stock's valuation is undeniably elevated, the company's strong earnings trajectory suggests that a significant pullback is unlikely in the near term.
The Citizen
04-06-2025
- Business
- The Citizen
Netflix confirms ‘Squid Game' season finale date
Picking up where Season 2 left off, the final season trailer teases even more high-stakes games and emotional confrontations. Netflix has revealed the release date for the highly anticipated final season premiere of Squid Game. Squid Game centres on a secret contest where 456 players, all of whom are in deep financial hardship, risk their lives to play a series of deadly children's games for the chance to win millions in cash prizes. The final season of the South Korean global hit series will return on 27 June 2025. NOW READ: The real-life violence that inspired 'Squid Game' 'Squid Game' teases more high-stakes games Netflix has also dropped the final season trailer, giving fans a sneak peek of what to expect this season. Picking up right where Season 2 left off, the trailer teases more high-stakes games, emotional confrontations, and the return of some fan-favourite characters. Since its debut in 2021, Squid Game has become a worldwide hit, winning awards and breaking streaming records. In February this year, the show lost one of its cast members, veteran actress Lee Joo-sil. She passed away at the age of 80 after collapsing at her home in Uijeongbu, South Korea, and going into cardiac arrest. According to Korea JoongAng Daily, she had been diagnosed with stomach cancer just three months before her death. Lee was also a breast cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer in her fifties. Her passing came only a few weeks after the premiere of Squid Game Season 2. In the second season of the hit Netflix series, she played Park Mal-soon — the mother of Wi Ha-joon's detective character and stepmother to Lee Byung-hun's Front Man. NOW READ: Q&A with Tirelo and Mpumelelo Mseleku: Parenthood, engagement rumours and 'Izingane Zes'thembu' S3
Yahoo
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Squid Game Season 3 Trailer Highlights Final Games in Netflix Show
Netflix has officially released the first Season 3 trailer, highlighting the final season of the Netflix series and some of the games found within it. The trailer highlights Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) as he returns to the games following the shocking ending of Season 2. With The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun) back in control of the games, Gi-hun must persist with trying to end the games. Squid Game Season 3 is set to premiere on June 27, 2025, on Netflix. Check out the Squid Game Season 3 trailer below (watch other trailers): 'The third and final season of Squid Game follows Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) after losing his best friend in the game and being driven to utter despair by The Front Man (Lee Byung-hun), who was hiding his true identity to infiltrate the game,' reads the official synopsis for Squid Game Season 3. 'Gi-hun persists with his goal to put an end to the game, while the Front Man continues onto his next move and the surviving players' choices will lead to graver consequences with each round. The world eagerly awaits to see the grand finale written and directed by Director Hwang Dong-hyuk, who has vowed to bring the epic story to its deserved closure. Can we hope for humanity in the cruelest of realities?' The cast of Squid Game includes Gong Yoo, Yim Si-wan, Kang Ha-neul, Park Gyu-young, Lee Jin-uk, Park Sung-hoon, Yang Dong-geun, Kang Ae-sim, Lee David, Choi Seung-hyun, Roh Jae-won, Jo Yu-ri, and Won Ji-an. Hwang Dong-hyuk serves as the writer, director, and executive producer for the new season of the series. He said of Squid Game Season 2 when speaking to Tudum in 2022, 'There's definitely a lot of pressure on how to make [Season 2] even better. I know that a lot of the different fans and audiences have enjoyed the series very much, but, really, we're focusing on how to make it even more joyful to the global audience.' The first season of Squid Game was released in September 2021. It quickly became one of Netflix's most-watched series of all time and then went on to win a number of different awards, including the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (Lee Jung-jae), Outstanding Directing for a Drama Series (Hwang Dong-hyuk), and more. The post Squid Game Season 3 Trailer Highlights Final Games in Netflix Show appeared first on - Movie Trailers, TV & Streaming News, and More.
Yahoo
16-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Report: Korean titles make up 17pc of top Netflix non-English content, second-highest globally
KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 — South Korean content has become the second-most watched on Netflix worldwide, according to a new report released by Ampere Analysis. The London-based research company said Korean content accounted for between 8 and 9 per cent of total viewing hours on the platform. Only US productions ranked higher, making up 56 to 59 per cent of global viewing hours, Yonhap reported. Squid Game Season 2, Love Next Door and Culinary Class Wars were the most-watched Korean titles, while older hits like Queen of Tears, Squid Game Season 1 and Crash Landing on You remained popular with international audiences. Ampere attributed the strong performance to Netflix's continued investment in Korean productions and strategic licensing deals. 'More than half of Korean titles in Netflix's top 100 were Netflix originals,' the firm said, adding that most of the remaining titles were licensed, primarily from CJ ENM. Of the 500 most popular non-English titles on Netflix, 85 — or 17 per cent — were Korean. The report said Netflix's planned investment of US$2.5 billion (RM11 billion) in Korean content by 2028 is expected to maintain the current momentum. Recent performance data supports this projection. For the week ending Sunday, six Korean series were listed in Netflix's top 10 non-English shows. These included Karma at No. 2, When Life Gives You Tangerines at No. 3, Kian's Bizarre B&B at No. 6, Weak Hero: Class 1 at No. 7, Friendly Rivalry at No. 9 and Resident Playbook at No. 10.
