The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights: Netflix, AMC Networks, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Apple and Google

For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 12, 2011 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Netflix Inc. ( NFLX - Analyst Report), AMC Networks Inc. ( AMCX - Snapshot Report), DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. ( DWA - Snapshot Report), Apple Inc. ( AAPL - Analyst Report) and Google Inc. ( GOOG - Analyst Report).

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Here are highlights from Tuesday’s Analyst Blog:

Netflix Decides Against Splitting

In a complete turnaround of Netflix Inc.’s ( NFLX - Analyst Report) earlier decision, the company has now scrapped its plan of separating its streaming and mail-order DVD businesses. Therefore, both the segments will continue to operate under the Netflix banner.

Last month, Netflix had announced that the company was in the process of splitting its business into two separate entities. Netflix was to separate its DVD-by-mail business into a wholly owned subsidiary, which would have been called Qwikster, while the streaming-only business would have retained the “Netflix” brand. (For details please read: Netflix Splits Business )

Now, customers won’t have to search for separate websites for the availability of the films, be it online or DVD.

Though Netflix’s management admitted that separation of the business was a wrong decision, it still stood by the decision of increasing the subscription price by 60%. The price rise has already backfired as the company is estimated to lose 1.0 million subscribers in the third quarter, which ends on September 30, 2011. However, in the present scenario where content additions are the prime factor to stay competitive, the price rise is one of the ways for financing the licensing agreements.

Since July, the company has been under tremendous pressure due to the Starz licensing debacle and then the price hike. The earlier decision to split the company also acted as a serious headwind. Investors and customers were flustered and the share prices have dropped nearly 60%, subsequently plunging toward its 52-week low.

However, the company also reaffirmed that the future of the company was in the online streaming business. Thus, to emphasize on the fact and to retain its subscriber base, Netflix has been signing in new partners for content additions through license agreements.

Recent agreements with AMC Networks Inc. ( AMCX - Snapshot Report), DreamWorks Animation SKG Inc. ( DWA - Snapshot Report) and Discovery Communications should be beneficial for the company in the long run in gaining subscriptions.

Content additions will enable Netflix to reduce its dependence on cable TV operators and provide it with the necessary competitive edge over its peers in the emerging market of online video streaming. Moreover, strategic partnerships will also be beneficial, helping it to expand its geographical footprint.

However, intensifying competition from large players such as Apple Inc. ( AAPL - Analyst Report) and Google Inc. ( GOOG - Analyst Report) in the online streaming market is a headwind, as it will further push up license fees and also affect subscriber additions.

We maintain our Neutral recommendation on Netflix over the long term (6-12 months). Currently, Netflix has a Zacks #3 Rank, which implies a Hold rating on a short-term basis.

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Read the full analyst report on NFLX

Read the full analyst report on AMCX

Read the full analyst report on DWA

Read the full analyst report on AAPL

Read the full analyst report on GOOG