How to Buy Netflix (NFLX) Stock

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Contributor, Benzinga
October 20, 2023

Though Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) started as a simple mail-order DVD service, it went on to revolutionize the television, film, and online media industries. In the years since its launch, Netflix has allowed consumers to ditch cable and video stores by offering its own original content as well as a wide range of popular movies and television shows. This guide will explore how you can buy Netflix stock along with the pros and cons.

Netflix at a Glance

Netflix, founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings, became the world’s first online DVD rental service in 1998. As time passed, Netflix built its reputation by allowing consumers to subscribe and enjoy unlimited rentals without due dates, shipping, and handling fees or late fees.

What began as a convenient alternative to traditional video rental stores soon became much more as Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007, which allowed the company to continue to grow as DVD sales declined.

History of Netflix

Since Netflix became publicly traded in 2002, it has given long-time stockholders significant gains. Thanks to Netflix’s commitment to adapting to new technology and consumer trends, its original share price of $15 has ballooned to an incredible $367.68.

Netflix’s stock price experienced significant losses in 2011 due to the announcement that it would be increasing its DVD subscription pricing, but it only took the company a few years to regain consumer trust and get its stock prices to rise again. If you had invested at Netflix’s opening share price, you would be left with $24.50 for every d

Netflix at a Glance

Netflix, founded in 1997 by Reed Hastings, became the world's first online DVD rental service in 1998. As time passed, Netflix built its reputation by allowing consumers to subscribe and enjoy unlimited rentals without due dates, shipping and handling fees, or late fees.

What began as a convenient alternative to traditional video rental stores soon became much more as Netflix launched its streaming service in 2007. The company's streaming services allowed the company to continue to grow as DVD sales declined. Now, the company produces its own content while partnering with other studios to maximize their offerings.

The History of Netflix

Since Netflix became publicly traded in 2002, it has given long-time stockholders significant gains. Thanks to Netflix's commitment to adapting to new technology and consumer trends, its original share price of $15 has ballooned to over $400 per share.

Netflix's stock price experienced significant losses in 2011 due to the announcement that it would be increasing its DVD subscription pricing, but it only took the company a few years to regain consumer trust and get its stock prices to rise again. Shares also lost significant value in 2022 upon concerns of slowing growth, but Netflix reversed course in 2023 and rewarded long-term shareholders.

Why Purchase Netflix Stock?

Buying Netflix stock gives you exposure to a profitable streaming company. Each investment has pros and cons. Here's what you should keep in mind before accumulating NFLX shares.

Pros of Purchasing Netflix Stock:

  • Netflix has plans to continue to expand its streaming service in international markets in order to sustain its growth rate.
  • Between 2012 and 2016, Netflix's subscriber count nearly tripled, which suggests that the streaming pioneer has only increased in popularity.
  • Netflix continues to expand its library of original content, which helps retain subscribers while keeping content costs down.

Cons of Purchasing Netflix Stock:

  • While Netflix has dominated the streaming market for years, competitors such as Hulu and Amazon are gathering more and more customers.
  • Netflix will have to rely more heavily on its original content as licensing third-party content becomes increasingly expensive.
  • Disney announced that it would be pulling its content from Netflix with plans to launch its own streaming service. If other companies follow in Disney's footsteps, Netflix could be in trouble.

How to Purchase NFLX

If you're interested in purchasing NFLX due to its continued growth and promise, it is a fairly simple process. Netflix stock is available to purchase through almost any brokerage firm. To add NFLX to your portfolio, just follow these simple steps:

  • Open a brokerage account. You can decide whether you want a personal broker or if you would like to control your own account through a service such as E-Trade. Opening an account is very simple, and most brokerage firms offer support to help you get signed up and purchase NFLX.
  • Determine the size of your investment. You should discuss with your broker how many shares of NFLX you want to purchase based on the current price per share and how much money you are willing to invest.
  • Lastly, place your order. Follow the instructions provided by your broker to purchase the number of shares you previously determined that you want to buy.

Best Online Stock Brokers

Investors can choose from many stock brokers. These are some of the top picks.

Future Outlook for Netflix Stock

Due to its proven commitment to consumer growth and international expansion, Netflix remains a promising investment option. Thanks to the popularity of its original content, Netflix doesn't appear to be very much at risk of being stomped out by its competitors. Still, you should keep an eye out for the possibility of more companies choosing to pull their content from Netflix in favor of their own streaming services. Netflix has increased its prices recently, and consumers should assess how it impacts subscriber growth and retention moving forward. Early signs suggest the streaming giant is effectively managing the price hikes. Making changes in response to password sharing has been a boon for the company.

Investing in Netflix Stock

Making smart investment choices requires extensive thought, research and risk assessment. However, you don't need to be a professional financial analyst in order to see gains from your investments.

As competition increases and Netflix valuations continue to set exceedingly high expectations, the company will have a lot to prove in the coming years. The growth stock rebounded in 2023 and has the potential to generate more gains in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q

Should you buy Netflix stock?

A

Netflix benefits from pricing power and is a profitable streaming company. The stock has pros and cons that investors should consider before adding it to their portfolios.

Q

How much was Netflix stock in 2008?

A

Netflix traded at close to $4 per share in 2008. The company demonstrates how a long-term approach can reward investors.

Q

What was Netflix stock's all-time high?

A

Netflix reached $691.69 on November 17, 2021. Shares have not reached that level ever since.