Netflix opens sharply lower despite strong earnings

Netflix shares opened sharply lower this morning, gapping down toward a key technical support level near $83.50, despite posting record quarterly results and issuing upbeat forward guidance. The stock has been under pressure for several weeks, sliding nearly 35% from its November highs, as investors weigh strong fundamentals against macro uncertainty and the looming impact of its Warner Bros. acquisition.

Earnings recap: A strong print meets a cautious tape

Netflix reported Q4 2025 revenue of $12.05B, up 18% year over year, and net income of $2.4B, translating to EPS of $0.56 — slightly above expectations. Operating margin expanded to 25%, driven by ad growth and pricing strength, while ad revenue surged 2.5x to over $1.5B for the full year.

Full-year results were equally impressive:

• FY25 revenue: $45.2B (+16% YoY).
• Operating margin: 29.5% (+3 pts).
• Free Cash Flow: $9.5B, well above forecasts.

By most metrics, Netflix delivered another textbook beat — but investors aren’t cheering.

Forward guidance: Solid, but tempered by acquisition costs

For 2026, Netflix guided to $50.7–$51.7B in revenue (+12–14% YoY) and a 31.5% operating margin, excluding roughly $275M in Warner Bros.-related costs. The company expects ad revenue to double again and projects $11B in free cash flow for the year.

However, while growth remains robust, the margin expansion pace is moderating as Netflix reinvests in content, live events, and gaming. The market may also be adjusting to the short-term pause in share buybacks and the $40B+ bridge facility tied to the Warner Bros. all-cash transaction.

Simply put, Netflix’s fundamentals remain strong — but investors appear uneasy about execution risk and capital allocation during this pivotal merger phase.

Technical view: Sitting at critical support

As of this morning, shares are hovering around $83.50, the same level that marked the May 2025 breakout base. The stock has been in a persistent downtrend since late summer, breaking through key support zones around $100 and $90.

On the 4-hour chart, volume spiked at the open as traders defended the $83–$84 zone — a sign of potential short-term stabilization. This area represents the last major accumulation level before a deeper retracement toward $75.

The setup: Bounce or breakdown?

Given the fundamental strength and forward revenue visibility, a near-term technical bounce from this support level looks likely — especially if buyers step in following the earnings overreaction. But the broader trend remains fragile.

If $83 fails to hold on closing basis, technical models point to a potential breakdown toward $78–$80, where long-term moving averages converge. Conversely, a sustained rebound above $90 could reset sentiment and confirm a bottom.

Bottom line

Netflix’s Q4 print was strong, and its guidance signals continued profitable growth. Yet, with investor focus shifting to acquisition financing, margin headwinds, and valuation compression, sentiment has turned defensive.

The next few sessions will be key: either buyers defend this support — signaling confidence in Netflix’s growth story — or a clean break lower could open the door for deeper technical weakness before the merger timeline gains clarity.