What if you invested $1000 in NFLX on Jan 1, 2020?
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Historical Annual Returns
Over the past 20 years, Netflix, Inc. has delivered an average annual return of 46.4%. The stock peaked in 2013 with a massive +300.1% gain, while investors faced a downturn in 2025 (-89.4%). Overall, the stock finished in the green 15 times out of 20 years.
Avg Return
+46.4%
Win Rate
75%
15W - 5L
Best
+300.1%
2013
Worst
-89.4%
2025
Performance Consistency
About Netflix, Inc.
Visit Website ↗Netflix, Inc. is the world's leading entertainment services provider, having pioneered the shift from physical media to internet-based streaming. Originally founded as a DVD-by-mail service that challenged traditional video rental stores, Netflix transitioned to streaming in 2007, fundamentally altering how global audiences consume media. The company operates as a direct-to-consumer platform, licensing extensive libraries of third-party content while investing heavily in its own 'Netflix Originals' across various genres including series, feature films, documentaries, and mobile games. As of 2026, the company has expanded its revenue model to include a robust ad-supported tier and has increasingly moved into live event broadcasting, such as sports and live comedy, to maintain its dominance in a highly competitive 'streaming war' environment.
Key Business Segments
Streaming
The primary business segment which derives revenue from monthly membership fees for services consisting of streaming content to members. While previously reported as Domestic and International, the company now manages its streaming operations as a unified global platform with regional content hubs.
Advertising
A rapidly growing segment launched in 2022 that offers a lower-priced subscription tier supported by commercials. This segment focuses on building a proprietary ad-tech suite and securing upfront commitments from global brands.
Games
A value-add segment included in all subscription plans, offering a catalog of mobile games based on Netflix IP and original titles, aimed at increasing member engagement and retention.
Key Innovations
- ✓Subscription-based rental model with no late fees
- ✓Personalized recommendation engine (Cinematch algorithm)
- ✓Pioneering the 'Binge-Watching' model by releasing entire seasons at once
- ✓The 'Skip Intro' button for seamless viewing experiences
- ✓Proprietary Content Delivery Network (Open Connect)
- ✓Vertical integration through Netflix Studios for original content production
- ✓Introduction of interactive storytelling (e.g., 'Bandersnatch')
- ✓AI-driven automated thumbnail generation tailored to user preferences
Historical Milestones
Netflix founded by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph in Scotts Valley, California.
Launched the monthly subscription service, abandoning the pay-per-rental model.
Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the NASDAQ exchange.
Introduced 'Watch Now' streaming service, shifting the company's core focus from DVDs to digital delivery.
Released its first major original series, 'House of Cards,' marking the birth of Netflix Originals.
Expanded streaming services to 130 additional countries, becoming truly global.
Officially entered the gaming market with the launch of mobile games for subscribers.
Launched the first ad-supported subscription tier to diversify revenue streams.
Officially shut down the legacy DVD-by-mail service after 25 years of operation.
Surpassed 300 million global subscribers and secured major live sports broadcasting rights, including NFL Christmas Day games.