Netflix vs The Walt Disney Company

NFLX

Netflix, Inc. NASDAQ

$73.95 ▲ 4.29%
VS

DIS

The Walt Disney Company NYSE

$98.59 ▲ 0.55%
Last updated: (1m ago) • NFLX at $73.95, DIS at $98.59
CleaRank Financial AIData from TwelveData & CoinGecko
Reviewed by CleaRank editorial team. Data refreshed daily. Not financial advice.

Comparative Analysis

NFLX wins due to superior operational efficiency and aggressive growth metrics that dwarf DIS in the current market environment. While DIS offers a lower valuation multiple, NFLX’s ability to generate massive returns on equity and maintain high net profit margins makes it the clear choice for growth-oriented institutional portfolios. DIS remains trapped in a legacy transition phase, whereas NFLX has successfully scaled its streaming dominance into a high-margin cash machine. Investors should prioritize the structural profitability of NFLX over the value-trap characteristics currently exhibited by DIS. NFLX demonstrates a clear competitive advantage in its ability to monetize its user base effectively. Consequently, NFLX provides a more compelling risk-adjusted return profile for the remainder of 2026.

Key Differentiator

The decisive factor is the stark difference in Return on Equity (ROE) and net profit margins. NFLX’s 48.49% ROE demonstrates a superior ability to generate profit from shareholder capital compared to the 11.01% ROE of DIS. This operational superiority makes NFLX a far more attractive long-term compounder in the current economic climate.

Joint Outlook

The 6-12 month outlook for both stocks remains cautious as they navigate a challenging macro environment. NFLX is better positioned to weather economic headwinds due to its high profitability and dominant market position, likely leading to a faster recovery once market sentiment shifts. We expect NFLX to outperform DIS as it continues to leverage its scale to drive earnings growth. DIS will likely remain range-bound until it can demonstrate a clear path to improved profitability in its streaming segment. Investors should prepare for continued volatility and prioritize high-margin assets like NFLX over legacy-heavy firms like DIS.

Price Analysis Comparison

Valuation Metrics i

MetricNFLXDIS
P/E Ratio 23.62 15.69
Market Cap 298.55B 170.26B
Price/Sales 6.58 1.75
Price/Book 9.91 1.57
EV/EBITDA 23.13 11.35
Dividend Yield N/A N/A
NFLX trades at a P/E of 23.62, reflecting a premium valuation justified by its robust 16.2% revenue growth and exceptional capital efficiency. In contrast, DIS trades at a more conservative P/E of 15.69, which suggests the market is pricing in significant skepticism regarding its long-term growth trajectory and legacy business headwinds. While DIS appears cheaper on a surface level, the lack of comparable growth momentum makes the valuation discount look like a value trap. NFLX’s valuation is supported by its ability to consistently expand margins, whereas DIS is struggling to maintain its market share against pure-position streaming competitors. Institutional investors are clearly paying for the quality and scalability of NFLX’s business model over the stagnant valuation of DIS.

Profitability & Efficiency i

MetricNFLXDIS
Rev. Growth (Qtly) 16.20% 6.50%
Profit Margin 28.52% 11.54%
Return on Equity 48.49% 11.01%
Return on Assets 15.40% 4.45%
Debt/Equity 53.79 41.07
NFLX is a powerhouse of efficiency, boasting a net profit margin of 28.52% and an impressive return on equity of 48.49%. These figures highlight a highly optimized business model that generates significant value for shareholders. DIS, by comparison, struggles with a net profit margin of 11.54% and a modest ROE of 11.01%. The capital efficiency gap between the two is stark, with NFLX utilizing its assets far more effectively to drive bottom-line results. DIS remains burdened by the capital-intensive nature of its theme parks and legacy broadcast operations.

Earnings Reality Check i

NFLX

Analysis loading...

DIS

Analysis loading...

Technical Indicators

IndicatorNFLXDIS
RSI (14) 27.91 46.91
50-Day MA $86.02 $102.71
200-Day MA $97.04 $106.70
Both assets are currently facing significant technical resistance, trading well below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages. NFLX is currently testing its 52-week low at $70.86, with an RSI of 27.91 indicating oversold conditions that may invite a short-term mean reversion. DIS is also struggling, with its price of $98.59 sitting well below its 50-day SMA of $102.71, signaling a persistent downtrend. The MACD for both assets remains in negative territory, confirming that bearish momentum currently dominates the price action. Investors should monitor the $70 level for NFLX as a critical support floor, while DIS must reclaim the $100 psychological level to invalidate its current bearish structure.

AI Analyst Sentiment

NFLX

Sell
Technical Score: 35/100

DIS

Buy
Technical Score: 65/100
Institutional sentiment is currently cautious for both, as evidenced by the broad technical weakness and proximity to yearly lows. Smart money is likely waiting for a stabilization in the broader media sector before committing significant capital to either name. NFLX is seeing more interest from growth-focused funds due to its superior margins, while DIS is largely relegated to value-oriented portfolios that are currently underperforming. The lack of positive momentum suggests that institutional accumulation is not yet present at these price levels.
Note: While DIS shows stronger short-term technical momentum (Buy 65/100), the AI comparative analysis favors NFLX (Sell 35/100) based on its overall trend structure, fundamentals, and risk-adjusted outlook.

Risk Stratification i

MetricNFLXDIS
Beta (Volatility) i 1.49 1.39
Sharpe Ratio 0.28 -0.25
The primary risk for NFLX is subscriber saturation and the potential for increased content costs to erode its industry-leading margins. If growth slows unexpectedly, the current P/E premium could contract rapidly, leading to significant downside. For DIS, the risks are more structural, including the ongoing decline of linear television and the potential for theme park attendance to soften in a weaker consumer spending environment. DIS faces a difficult path in restructuring its debt-heavy balance sheet while simultaneously funding its streaming pivot. Both assets remain vulnerable to broader market volatility and shifts in consumer discretionary spending.

Comparative ProTips

  • Use the RSI oversold level of 27.91 in NFLX as a potential entry point for a mean-reversion trade, but maintain tight stops.
  • Monitor the 50-day SMA for both stocks; a close above this level is required to signal a change in trend.
  • Prioritize NFLX for growth portfolios, but keep DIS on a watchlist for potential turnaround position if margins begin to improve.

Monte Carlo Projection (10yr)

Actionable Trade Plans

Compare entry, exit, and risk management levels for both assets

Select Your Trade Bias
Risk Tolerance
Conservative 3% Aggressive
Portfolio Value
$
Position Size: $200 - $300 per asset
NFLX
Current: $73.95
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$70.25
Aggressive
$73.95
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$68.14
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$73.76
+10%
$77.27
+15%
$80.78
DIS
Current: $98.59
ENTRY ZONES
Conservative
$93.66
Aggressive
$98.59
RISK MANAGEMENT
STOP LOSS
$90.85
MAX LOSS
-3%
Volatility-Adjusted Stop Loss
Calculated based on volatility and technical support levels.
Profit Targets (Based on Conservative)
+5%
$98.34
+10%
$103.03
+15%
$107.71
ℹ️ Disclaimer
This comparison involves assets with varying risk profiles. The content is for educational purposes only. Identifying the stronger asset is based on relative strength (RS) and technical convergence. Past correlation does not guarantee future lockstep movement. Trading involves risk of loss.

Note: The AI favored NFLX based on current technical setup. This is valid for the specified timeframe only.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is NFLX a better value than DIS at current prices? +
While DIS has a lower P/E of 15.69 compared to NFLX's 23.62, NFLX offers significantly higher growth and profitability, making it a better value for growth-focused investors.
What is the primary technical concern for both stocks? +
Both stocks are trading below their 50-day and 200-day moving averages, indicating that they are in a confirmed downtrend with significant overhead resistance.
Does NFLX's RSI of 27.91 suggest a buy? +
An RSI of 27.91 indicates the stock is oversold, which may suggest a potential short-term bounce, but it is not a confirmation of a long-term trend reversal.
Why is DIS's ROE lower than NFLX's? +
DIS carries a more capital-intensive business model, including theme parks and legacy media, which naturally suppresses its return on equity compared to the lean, digital-first model of NFLX.
What should investors watch for in the next earnings report? +
Investors should monitor revenue growth rates for both, specifically looking for NFLX to maintain its double-digit growth and for DIS to show margin expansion in its streaming division.
Are these stocks currently in a bull market? +
No, both stocks are currently trading near their 52-week lows and below key moving averages, indicating a bearish market sentiment.
Which stock is more sensitive to consumer spending? +
DIS is more sensitive to consumer discretionary spending due to its reliance on theme parks and theatrical releases, whereas NFLX is more tied to recurring subscription revenue.