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This is Why Analysts are Bullish on Netflix Ahead of Earnings

Analysts are bullish on Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) ahead of its upcoming earnings report. Citi, for example, just reiterated a buy rating, expecting first-quarter 2026 revenue and EBIT to come in slightly above consensus, driven largely by favorable foreign exchange tailwinds. Citi also anticipates that Netflix will raise its full-year 2026 guidance, supported by recent price increases and reduced M&A expenses.

In addition, Wall Street forecast first-quarter earnings of 76 cents per share, which would be about 15% year-over-year growth, driven by an increase in advertising revenue. The Street expects that revenue to account for 6% of total revenue for 2026, as compared to 3% for 2025, coupled with strong subscriber growth. 

Price Hikes and Subscriber Growth Boost Netflix ARPU Outlook

Netflix has also raised subscription prices for the second time in less than two years. And while some churn is expected as a result of those price increases, the company—which now has about 325 million subscribers—appears confident that the additional revenue will more than offset any cancellations.

Plus, according to analysts at TD Cowen, the latest U.S. price increases represent an average hike of 11% across its offerings. These changes are expected to lift Netflix’s average revenue per user (ARPU) in the U.S. and Canada by about 6% year over year in 2026.

However, Netflix isn’t the only stock that analysts are bullish on ahead of earnings.

Nike Earnings Preview: Turnaround Efforts Face Key Test

Nike (NYSE: NKE), which hasn’t had a great start to the year, is also on deck for earnings. After starting the year at around $62, NKE is now down to $52 and sinking on weak sales, falling margins, and strong competition. And unfortunately, that’s expected to show up in earnings early next week, with Wall Street looking for EPS ranging from about 29 cents per share on revenue of around $11.2 billion. That would be a year-over-year (YOY) decline for EPS, with relatively flat YOY revenue growth.

We’ll also be paying close attention to guidance. Analysts expect Nike to post EPS of $2.37 for fiscal year 2027 on revenue of about $48.6 billion, which would be a YOY jump. We’ll also pay close attention to how the current turnaround plan is progressing to date.

Last trading at $52.07, Nike now sits at double-bottom support dating back to April 2025. If it breaks through that, Nike could test lows last seen in 2017.

Airline Industry Tailwinds and Risks Ahead of DAL Earnings

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will post earnings before the market opens on April 8. At the moment, analysts are looking for a diluted EPS of 69 cents a share, up 50% year over year. For the current year, analysts expect DAL to report EPS of $6.85, up 17.7% from $5.82 in fiscal 2025.

The good news for Delta is that it’s well-protected from rising energy costs. Plus, analysts at Citi are bullish with a 30-day catalyst watch on Delta with a “Buy” rating. They note that Delta’s Trainer Refinery, a 185,000-barrel-per-day petroleum facility in Trainer, Pennsylvania, owned through Delta’s Monroe Energy subsidiary, covers 75% of the airline’s fuel. 

The firm added that Delta also has the highest pre-tax profit margin in the airline industry, “which serves as a buffer to EPS sensitivity and generates high-teens percentage of revenue from its Atlantic routes—second only to United,” as also noted by Seeking Alpha.

As the Iran war drives up jet fuel costs and passenger fares, and potentially reduces demand for international travel, Delta could be easily negatively impacted by the chaos. However, the company isn’t greatly sensitive to oil price moves, and a good deal of negativity was priced in when the stock dropped from about $76.18 to a low of about $55.28 a share. 

Better yet, while investors wait for the eventual recovery in the DAL stock, they can collect its dividends. Most recently, Delta declared a dividend of $0.1875, which was payable on March 19 to shareholders of record as of Feb. 26.

What It All Means for Investors This Earnings Season

As Netflix, Nike, and Delta Air Lines head into earnings, analysts are signaling a mix of opportunity and caution across sectors. Netflix appears best positioned for upside, supported by advertising growth, pricing power, and favorable macro tailwinds.

Meanwhile, Nike faces a pivotal test as it works through a challenging turnaround, and Delta offers a more balanced outlook with strong earnings growth tempered by macro uncertainty. For investors, the key takeaway is clear: earnings season isn’t just about results—it’s about guidance, execution, and which companies can sustain momentum in an increasingly complex economic environment.


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