As shares of Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX | NFLX Price Prediction) have fallen more than 6% this week, retail investor sentiment on platforms like Reddit and X has shifted noticeably. The stock now trades at ~$76.88, down 26% over the past year and 18% year-to-date. On a pre-split basis, Netflix has tumbled from around $1,323 in June 2025 to an equivalent of $769 today, representing a massive 42% decline. The drop follows mounting uncertainty around its $82.7 billion proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD), which has multiple hurdles to clear before any kind of approval will come through.
Reddit Turns Cautious After Warner Bros. Deal Uncertainty
Mentions of Netflix on Reddit’s r/stocks surged in recent weeks, with users questioning the stock’s steep decline. The most active thread, “What has happened to NFLX stock?” on r/stocks, accumulated 283 upvotes and 309 comments as investors debated the company’s trajectory. As of mid-February, social sentiment has cooled to neutral (42 score) after peaking at very bullish levels (78-82) in late January around the company’s most recent earnings release.

What has happened to NFLX stock?
by u/[deleted] in stocks
Several concerns are driving the cautious tone:
- The Warner Bros. Discovery acquisition faces regulatory scrutiny and uncertain timing, with the deal now expected to close after WBD separates its Global Networks division in Q3 2026
- Netflix management flagged higher spending plans for 2026, focused on content and product development, pressuring near-term margins
- Competition from Paramount’s rival bid for Warner Bros. assets adds deal completion risk
Analysts See 55% Upside Despite Near-Term Headwinds
Despite the decline, 34 Wall Street analysts maintain a consensus Buy rating with an average price target of $119, implying 55% upside. Bullish cases point to 26.5% projected EPS growth in 2026 and the company’s expansion into live sports, podcasts, and experiences. Warner Bros. Discovery, trading at $28.12 with a 1.8x price-to-sales ratio, could unlock value if the deal closes. For investors monitoring the situation, some retail investors remain bullish, with contrarian positioning on a Netflix recovery throughout the decline.