It's never too late to fall in love with Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX).

JPMorgan Chase initiated coverage of the DVD and flick-streaming specialist this morning, when it issued a favorable "overweight" rating and a $53 price target for the end of next year.

The analyst's finish line is just 22% higher than where the stock is today. That may not be a very sexy return over the next 16 months, but it's certainly not chump change.

Netflix has earned its accolades. It has grown through the recession, something that many couch potato subscription-based services including TiVo (NASDAQ:TIVO) and DISH Network (NASDAQ:DISH) cannot claim.

It also continues to differentiate itself from Blockbuster (NYSE:BBI) and other conventional DVD-rental chains through its unlimited streaming service to active subscribers.

Even if many Netflix subscribers are perfectly happy to stick to DVDs, the Web-based content is an attractive retention tool. It may also be a compelling recruiting tool, as Netflix is teaming up with Time Warner (NYSE:TWX) to offer The Wizard of Oz to non-subscribers for free on Oct. 3. The 24-hour stunt is promoting a special edition Blu-ray release to commemorate the Hollywood classic's 70th anniversary.

Just as Google's (NASDAQ:GOOG) YouTube screened Ghostbusters for free this summer, consumers are being educated on the merits of Web-based streams for more than just funny clips of sneezing pandas and Kanye West outbursts.

JPMorgan may be fashionably late with its coverage, but Netflix seems to have enough ammo to keep the party going.

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