Stock Analysis on Net

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)

$24.99

Economic Value Added (EVA)

Microsoft Excel

EVA is registered trademark of Stern Stewart.

Economic value added or economic profit is the difference between revenues and costs,where costs include not only expenses, but also cost of capital.

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Economic Profit

Netflix Inc., economic profit calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)1
Cost of capital2
Invested capital3
 
Economic profit4

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 NOPAT. See details »

2 Cost of capital. See details »

3 Invested capital. See details »

4 2024 Calculation
Economic profit = NOPAT – Cost of capital × Invested capital
= × =


Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)
The NOPAT shows a fluctuating trend over the five-year period. It increased significantly from approximately 3.7 billion USD in 2020 to over 6 billion USD in 2021. This was followed by a decline to roughly 5 billion USD in 2022, a slight recovery in 2023 to about 5.4 billion USD, and then a substantial increase in 2024, reaching over 8.6 billion USD.
Cost of capital
The cost of capital demonstrates a gradual upward trend, starting at 16.39% in 2020 and increasing steadily each year to reach 16.93% in 2024. This indicates a modest rise in the company’s required return on invested capital over the period.
Invested capital
Invested capital shows consistent growth throughout the five years, increasing from approximately 29.8 billion USD in 2020 to over 40.7 billion USD in 2024. The growth rate appears steady, with the largest increments occurring between 2020-2021 and 2023-2024.
Economic profit
Economic profit exhibits significant volatility. The company reported a negative economic profit in 2020 of about -1.18 billion USD, turning positive in 2021 at around 509 million USD. However, it reverted sharply to negative figures in 2022 and 2023 (-1.14 billion USD and -856 million USD respectively). By 2024, economic profit recovered strongly, reaching approximately 1.71 billion USD. This pattern reflects challenges in generating returns above the cost of capital in most years, with profitability improving substantially only in the latest period.

Net Operating Profit after Taxes (NOPAT)

Netflix Inc., NOPAT calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Net income
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)1
Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue2
Increase (decrease) in equity equivalents3
Interest expense
Interest expense, operating lease liability4
Adjusted interest expense
Tax benefit of interest expense5
Adjusted interest expense, after taxes6
Interest income
Investment income, before taxes
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income7
Investment income, after taxes8
Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT)

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Elimination of deferred tax expense. See details »

2 Addition of increase (decrease) in deferred revenue.

3 Addition of increase (decrease) in equity equivalents to net income.

4 2024 Calculation
Interest expense on capitalized operating leases = Operating lease liability × Discount rate
= × =

5 2024 Calculation
Tax benefit of interest expense = Adjusted interest expense × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

6 Addition of after taxes interest expense to net income.

7 2024 Calculation
Tax expense (benefit) of investment income = Investment income, before tax × Statutory income tax rate
= × 21.00% =

8 Elimination of after taxes investment income.


Net Income
The net income displayed a significant overall growth trend over the analyzed period. Starting at approximately 2.76 billion US dollars in 2020, it nearly doubled by 2021 reaching around 5.12 billion. A slight decline occurred in 2022 to about 4.49 billion, followed by a recovery in 2023 to roughly 5.41 billion. The most notable increase was observed in 2024, with net income rising sharply to approximately 8.71 billion, representing substantial profitability expansion toward the end of the period.
Net Operating Profit After Taxes (NOPAT)
NOPAT also exhibited a strong upward trend, beginning at roughly 3.69 billion US dollars in 2020. It increased markedly to about 6.08 billion in 2021 before experiencing a decrease in 2022 to around 4.99 billion. The figure rebounded slightly in 2023, reaching approximately 5.44 billion, and then surged considerably in 2024 to approximately 8.60 billion. This pattern reflects similar movements to net income, indicating consistent operational profitability progression, with a particularly strong performance in the final year.
Summary of Trends
Both net income and NOPAT show parallel trends with peaks in 2021, followed by declines in 2022 and subsequent recoveries. The data reflects a strong recovery and growth phase culminating in significant financial improvement in 2024. The increases in 2024 imply enhanced efficiency in core operations and improved bottom-line results. Minor fluctuations in the middle years suggest potential operational or market challenges that were ultimately overcome.

Cash Operating Taxes

Netflix Inc., cash operating taxes calculation

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
12 months ended: Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Provision for income taxes
Less: Deferred income tax expense (benefit)
Add: Tax savings from interest expense
Less: Tax imposed on investment income
Cash operating taxes

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).


The financial data reveals a consistent upward trend in both the provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024.

Provision for Income Taxes
This figure increased steadily each year, starting at 437,954 thousand US dollars in 2020 and rising to 1,254,026 thousand US dollars in 2024. The growth suggests a rising taxable income base or changes in tax liabilities, with the most significant increase occurring between 2023 and 2024.
Cash Operating Taxes
Cash operating taxes also exhibited a persistent increase year over year, moving from 545,709 thousand US dollars in 2020 to 1,952,319 thousand US dollars in 2024. The increase was particularly sharp in the later years, indicating higher cash outflows related to taxation, which may impact liquidity considerations.

The concurrent rises in both provision for income taxes and cash operating taxes indicate growing tax obligations generally aligned with operational or profitability expansion. The substantial increases in the 2023 to 2024 period could warrant further analysis regarding tax planning, cash flow management, and potential impacts on net income and operational financing.


Invested Capital

Netflix Inc., invested capital calculation (financing approach)

US$ in thousands

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Short-term debt
Long-term debt
Operating lease liability1
Total reported debt & leases
Stockholders’ equity
Net deferred tax (assets) liabilities2
Deferred revenue3
Equity equivalents4
Accumulated other comprehensive (income) loss, net of tax5
Adjusted stockholders’ equity
Capital work-in-progress6
Short-term investments7
Invested capital

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Addition of capitalized operating leases.

2 Elimination of deferred taxes from assets and liabilities. See details »

3 Addition of deferred revenue.

4 Addition of equity equivalents to stockholders’ equity.

5 Removal of accumulated other comprehensive income.

6 Subtraction of capital work-in-progress.

7 Subtraction of short-term investments.


The financial data reveals several noteworthy trends related to the capital structure and equity position over the five-year period analyzed.

Total reported debt & leases
This liability category shows a general decline from 2020 to 2022, decreasing from approximately 18.51 billion USD to 16.93 billion USD. Following this reduction, the figure remains relatively stable in 2023 before experiencing an increase in 2024, reaching nearly 18.00 billion USD. The initial reduction could indicate active debt management or repayment, while the subsequent rise suggests renewed borrowing or lease obligations arising during the latest year.
Stockholders’ equity
Stockholders’ equity demonstrates a consistent and substantial increase throughout the period. Starting from approximately 11.07 billion USD in 2020, the equity nearly doubles by the end of 2022, reaching over 20.78 billion USD. It remains stable in 2023 and then attains a new peak in 2024, exceeding 24.74 billion USD. This upward trend indicates strong retained earnings growth, equity issuances, or other comprehensive income components that strengthen the company's net asset position.
Invested capital
Invested capital, representing the total capital deployed in business operations, follows an upward trajectory across all five periods. Beginning at roughly 29.76 billion USD in 2020, it increases steadily to over 40.71 billion USD by 2024. The growth in invested capital aligns with the rise in equity, supported by generally stable debt levels, implying ongoing investment in operational assets or acquisitions expanding the company's capital base.
Summary
Overall, the company exhibits a strengthening financial position characterized by rising equity and invested capital. While debt levels declined initially, a slight increase in the most recent year suggests a potential strategic shift or operational financing need. The equity surge significantly outpaces debt growth, indicative of robust internal capital generation or equity financing, thus potentially improving solvency and financial flexibility over time.

Cost of Capital

Netflix Inc., cost of capital calculations

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Senior Notes3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Senior Notes. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Senior Notes3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Senior Notes. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Senior Notes3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Senior Notes. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Senior Notes3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Senior Notes. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »

Capital (fair value)1 Weights Cost of capital
Equity2 ÷ = × =
Senior Notes3 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Operating lease liability4 ÷ = × × (1 – 21.00%) =
Total:

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 US$ in thousands

2 Equity. See details »

3 Senior Notes. See details »

4 Operating lease liability. See details »


Economic Spread Ratio

Netflix Inc., economic spread ratio calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Economic profit1
Invested capital2
Performance Ratio
Economic spread ratio3
Benchmarks
Economic Spread Ratio, Competitors4
Alphabet Inc.
Charter Communications Inc.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Walt Disney Co.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 Invested capital. See details »

3 2024 Calculation
Economic spread ratio = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Invested capital
= 100 × ÷ =

4 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The analysis of the provided financial data reveals notable fluctuations in the company's economic profit and associated metrics over the five-year period. The company's invested capital has shown a generally upward trend, indicating ongoing investments or asset growth.

Economic Profit
The economic profit experienced significant volatility throughout the period. Initially, there was a substantial economic loss of approximately -1.18 billion USD at the end of 2020. This turned into a positive economic profit of around 509 million USD by the end of 2021, demonstrating a considerable improvement. However, this positive momentum was not sustained, as economic profit declined sharply into negative territory again in 2022 and 2023, with losses of approximately -1.14 billion USD and -856 million USD, respectively. By the end of 2024, economic profit rebounded strongly to a positive level exceeding 1.7 billion USD, marking the highest point in the observed timeframe.
Invested Capital
Invested capital consistently increased, rising from about 29.8 billion USD at the end of 2020 to over 40.7 billion USD by the end of 2024. This steady growth suggests continuous capital deployment, potentially aimed at expansion or strengthening operational capabilities.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio mirrored the pattern seen in economic profit with fluctuations between negative and positive values. The ratio started at -3.98% in 2020, indicating a negative return on invested capital relative to its cost. It then improved to a positive 1.46% in 2021, signifying value creation. The ratio declined again to negative figures in 2022 (-3.01%) and 2023 (-2.26%), before recovering to a positive and relatively strong 4.2% in 2024. This volatility underscores challenges in consistently generating returns above the cost of capital until the most recent period.

In summary, while invested capital has progressively increased, the company has faced challenges in consistently producing positive economic profit and economic spreads throughout most of the period. The rebound in 2024 reflects a potentially significant improvement in value generation and operational efficiency, warranting further examination into the factors contributing to this positive turnaround.


Economic Profit Margin

Netflix Inc., economic profit margin calculation, comparison to benchmarks

Microsoft Excel
Dec 31, 2024 Dec 31, 2023 Dec 31, 2022 Dec 31, 2021 Dec 31, 2020
Selected Financial Data (US$ in thousands)
Economic profit1
 
Revenues
Add: Increase (decrease) in deferred revenue
Adjusted revenues
Performance Ratio
Economic profit margin2
Benchmarks
Economic Profit Margin, Competitors3
Alphabet Inc.
Charter Communications Inc.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Walt Disney Co.

Based on: 10-K (reporting date: 2024-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2023-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2022-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2021-12-31), 10-K (reporting date: 2020-12-31).

1 Economic profit. See details »

2 2024 Calculation
Economic profit margin = 100 × Economic profit ÷ Adjusted revenues
= 100 × ÷ =

3 Click competitor name to see calculations.


The financial data over the five-year period reveals notable fluctuations and general trends in economic profit, adjusted revenues, and economic profit margin.

Economic Profit
Economic profit exhibits a highly volatile pattern. Starting with a negative value of -1,184,711 thousand US$ in 2020, it shifts significantly to a positive 509,448 thousand US$ in 2021. However, this positive performance is not sustained, as the figure again declines into negative territory in 2022 and 2023, recording -1,138,153 thousand US$ and -855,545 thousand US$ respectively. A marked recovery occurs in 2024 with economic profit rising to 1,709,597 thousand US$.
Adjusted Revenues
Revenues show a consistent upward trajectory throughout the entire period. Beginning at approximately 25.2 billion US$ in 2020, revenues increase year-over-year, reaching nearly 39.1 billion US$ by the end of 2024. This steady revenue growth suggests expanding business activity or customer base despite fluctuations in profitability.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin mirrors the volatility of economic profit. Initially negative at -4.7% in 2020, it improves to a positive 1.71% in 2021, indicating enhanced profitability. Yet, subsequent years see a decline back into negative margins of -3.59% in 2022 and -2.52% in 2023. The margin recovers strongly in 2024 to a positive rate of 4.37%, reflecting improved economic returns relative to revenue.

Overall, the data indicates a company experiencing pronounced fluctuations in economic profitability despite a consistent and robust increase in revenues. The rebound in economic profit and profit margin in the final year suggests operational or market improvements that have enabled a return to positive economic value creation after several challenging years.