When it comes to the streaming industry, there might be no business that commands more attention among investors than Netflix (NFLX 0.73%). The innovator deserves credit for spearheading the changing media landscape to huge success. But did that huge success translate into successful returns for investors?
If you'd invested $100 in this streaming stock five years ago, here's how much you'd have today.
Image source: Netflix.
Netflix is not the lead role
In the past five years, the S&P 500 (^GSPC 1.52%) put up a total return of 91% (as of Feb. 11). That gain is well ahead of what Netflix achieved, which is a 45.1% return. This means that had you invested $100 in the company's shares, you would have just $145.87 today. This underperformance might come as a revelation to many investors.
By zooming out, though, we see a better image. The stock is up 830% in the past decade.
NASDAQ: NFLX
Key Data Points
The market's dissatisfaction is on full display
Netflix shares are trading 38.6% below their peak from June last year. The stock dropped after Q3 2025 earnings came in below expectations due to a tax dispute in Brazil.
Besides that, shares have been facing downward pressure following the announcement to acquire certain assets of Warner Bros. Discovery at an enterprise value of $82.7 billion. The market probably isn't pleased with the amount of debt Netflix will need to take on to complete the deal.
