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
= × =


The financial performance exhibits notable fluctuations over the analyzed period. Net operating profit after taxes (NOPAT) initially increased substantially from 3,693,653 thousand US dollars in 2020 to 6,078,640 thousand US dollars in 2021, indicating improved operational efficiency or profitability. However, it decreased in 2022 before gradually climbing again through 2023 and reaching a new high of 8,600,341 thousand US dollars in 2024.

Cost of capital shows a gradual upward trend. Starting at 16.46% in 2020, it slightly decreases in 2021 but then generally rises each year, culminating at 17.00% in 2024. This increase suggests a growing rate of required return by investors, which could impact investment decisions and valuation assessments.

Invested capital has consistently expanded throughout the periods, signaling increased asset base or capital employed in the business. The invested capital grew from 29,762,011 thousand US dollars in 2020 to 40,712,328 thousand US dollars by 2024, reflecting ongoing investments or acquisitions.

Economic profit figures reveal a volatile and challenging scenario. The company reported negative economic profit in 2020 amounting to -1,205,791 thousand US dollars, followed by a positive spike to 485,531 thousand US dollars in 2021. This was succeeded by negative results again in 2022 and 2023, though the deficit decreased in 2023. In 2024, economic profit turned positive, reaching 1,679,546 thousand US dollars, suggesting improved value creation after covering the cost of capital.

Summary of Trends:
1. NOPAT experienced significant fluctuations but ended on an upward trajectory.
2. Cost of capital increased steadily, potentially signaling heightened investment risk or market expectations.
3. Invested capital expanded continually, indicating growing resource commitment.
4. Economic profit exhibited considerable volatility before achieving positive value creation in the most recent year.

Overall, while the company faced periods of economic profit challenges, the most recent data suggests strengthening operational profitability and improved economic value generation despite a rising cost of capital and increasing capital investments.


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.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Trade Desk 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 financial data reveals fluctuations in key performance indicators over the five-year period.

Economic Profit
There is notable volatility in economic profit figures, with a significant loss of approximately -1.2 billion US$ in 2020, followed by a positive economic profit of approximately 485 million US$ in 2021. However, this profit shifts back to losses in 2022 and 2023, amounting to around -1.16 billion US$ and -883 million US$ respectively. In 2024, economic profit rebounds strongly to an estimated positive value of about 1.68 billion US$.
Invested Capital
Invested capital shows a consistent upward trend each year, starting from roughly 29.8 billion US$ in 2020 and increasing steadily to over 40.7 billion US$ by the end of 2024. This indicates ongoing investment and possibly expansion or capital accumulation activities.
Economic Spread Ratio
The economic spread ratio, which reflects the return over the cost of capital, mirrors the variability observed in economic profit. It starts at a negative -4.05% in 2020, improves to a positive 1.4% in 2021, but falls again into negative territory (-3.08% in 2022 and -2.33% in 2023). By 2024, it recovers significantly to a positive 4.13%, suggesting improved operational efficiency or profitability relative to capital cost.

Overall, the data illustrates a period of financial instability with alternating profit and loss years, alongside a steady increase in invested capital. The positive shift in 2024's economic profit and spread ratio may indicate successful strategic initiatives or improved market conditions contributing to enhanced economic value generation.


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.
Comcast Corp.
Meta Platforms Inc.
Trade Desk 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.


Adjusted Revenues
The adjusted revenues show a consistent upward trend over the five-year period. Starting at approximately $25.2 billion in 2020, revenues increased each year, reaching nearly $39.1 billion by the end of 2024. This represents substantial growth in top-line performance, with particularly strong increases observable between 2023 and 2024.
Economic Profit
The economic profit figures reflect significant volatility during the reviewed years. In 2020, economic profit was negative at about -$1.2 billion but turned to positive in 2021 with a value of approximately $485 million. However, the subsequent two years, 2022 and 2023, saw a return to negative economic profits, though the losses decreased in magnitude by 2023. In 2024, there was a marked improvement, with economic profit turning strongly positive at approximately $1.68 billion.
Economic Profit Margin
The economic profit margin similarly exhibits a fluctuating pattern that mirrors the economic profit values. It started negative at -4.79% in 2020, shifted into positive territory at 1.63% in 2021, then declined again during 2022 and 2023 to -3.68% and -2.6%, respectively. The margin climbs back into positive in 2024, reaching the highest point in the period at 4.3%. This indicates improved efficiency or profitability relative to adjusted revenues in the most recent year analyzed.
Summary of Financial Trends
The data indicates robust growth in adjusted revenues over the five years, suggesting strengthening market demand or successful business expansion. Despite this growth, profitability, as measured by economic profit and its margin, experienced fluctuations with negative values predominating outside of 2021 and 2024. The return to positive economic profit and margin in 2024 points to enhanced operational efficiency or cost management improvements. The variability in economic profit margins relative to steady revenue growth suggests that profitability pressures or cost structure dynamics impacted financial outcomes significantly during the period. Overall, the financial performance as of 2024 appears stronger with improved profitability alongside continued revenue growth.