The week ahead is a major one for Netflix stock as the internet television network broadcasts two NFL football games and releases the second season of its biggest global hit series, "Squid Game."
The streaming video leader is airing two NFL games on Christmas Day: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens vs. Houston Texans. The Houston game will feature a halftime performance by music superstar Beyoncé.
The NFL games on Wednesday will be another test for Netflix's live programming. The streaming service suffered some embarrassing technical glitches during its Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match on Nov. 15. Still, that event was a massive hit, drawing 108 million live viewers globally.
Netflix is using live event programming to boost its nascent advertising business.
On Thursday, Netflix will release season two of its twisted action series "Squid Game." The first season of the Korean-language thriller was a global phenomenon upon its debut in September 2021.
To promote the return of "Squid Game," Netflix launched a huge marketing campaign with numerous product tie-ins and cross-promotions. Netflix has partnered with Crocs, Domino's, Doritos, Duolingo, Google, Johnnie Walker, Samsung, WhatsApp, Xbox and more.
The "Squid Game" series will conclude in 2025 with season three.
Year to date, Netflix stock has risen 86.7% as many analysts declared it the winner in the streaming video market.
On the stock market today, Netflix stock rose 0.8% to close at 909.05.
Netflix Stock Gets Price-Target Hike
On Thursday, UBS analyst John Hodulik reiterated his buy rating on Netflix stock and raised his price target to 1,040 from 825.
"We believe Christmas Day programming (two favorable NFL matchups plus 'Squid Games 2') will jump-start growth in '25, a year featuring new content from several key franchises including 'Stranger Things,' 'Squid Games' and 'Wednesday' among others along with weekly WWE content," Hodulik said in a client note.
The media industry shift to streaming is working in Netflix's favor and competitors are struggling to respond, he said.
Elsewhere on Wall Street, BofA Securities on Thursday named Netflix stock one of its top picks for 2025. It has a price target of 1,000 for Netflix shares.
Netflix stock is on two IBD lists: IBD 50 and Big Cap 20.
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