Wanting again over the previous decade and past, I do not suppose there are numerous people on the market who would deny simply how spectacular Tesla‘s success has been. This revolutionary enterprise, led by polarizing CEO Elon Musk, disrupted the worldwide auto business with its electrical automobiles (EVs).
Whereas the EV inventory trades 32% under its peak (as of June 10), that is nonetheless a acquire of 1,810% previously 10 years. That long-term efficiency made it one of many world’s largest tech corporations, which is why Financial institution of America analyst Michael Hartnett gave it a spot within the “Magnificent Seven” when he launched the thought of the group in 2023. Nonetheless, I believe it is time to swap the EV maker out of this unofficial grouping and exchange it with the more-deserving Netflix (NFLX -0.35%).

Picture supply: Getty Photos.
Tesla’s struggles are laborious to disregard
Over time, Tesla shareholders grew used to seeing the corporate register jaw-dropping gross sales development. The image is not so rosy anymore, although. Its automotive income declined 20% yr over yr in Q1. In 2024, it reported its first-ever year-over-year drop in deliveries. And the corporate’s profitability has continued to slip as increased rates of interest and a extra aggressive setting have put downward strain on demand for its automobiles.
Musk’s push within the political area would possibly at first have been considered positively by some buyers, as he was positioning himself to have extra affect in Washington, D.C., which may have benefited Tesla from a regulatory perspective. However each his time in President Donald Trump’s inside circle and his newer exit from politics, in addition to his extremely public spat with Trump, have been big distractions which have actually broken Tesla’s model as a substitute.
It is secure to say that an organization that was as soon as within the quick lane is now caught in visitors. Tesla can have a whole lot of work to do with a purpose to get again to its prior glory.
Netflix simply retains successful
Whereas Tesla faces a battle to get itself again on observe, Netflix continues to flourish. The streaming inventory is up 1,200% within the final decade. The corporate added 41 million web new prospects in 2024, bringing its complete to almost 302 million at yr’s finish. Whereas Netflix selected to cease publicly reporting the variety of subscribers it has beginning this yr, it did improve income by 12.5% yr over yr within the first quarter.
It’d look like this streaming platform has saturated its market. Nonetheless, co-CEO Greg Peters believes there are nonetheless “a whole lot of thousands and thousands of parents to enroll.” By persevering with to give attention to creating compelling content material choices everywhere in the world, Netflix is able to maintain its growth going. Wall Road’s consensus analyst estimates are for its income to rise at a compound annual charge of 12.3% between 2024 and 2027.
The streaming business, just like the automotive market, is extraordinarily aggressive. Netflix co-founder and former CEO Reed Hastings beforehand mentioned that he counts sleep among the many firm’s key opponents. I do not consider this was a stretch. Netflix goes up towards all the opposite actions customers can do when it is time to wind down and chill out.
However to be extra particular, individuals have an nearly limitless variety of viewing choices at their fingertips at present. Netflix is within the lead, although. Knowledge from Nielsen reveals that Netflix commanded 7.5% of video viewing time within the U.S. in April, solely behind YouTube, which is not essentially an apples-to-apples comparability because of the latter largely that includes user-generated content material.
With its large subscriber base, and trailing 12-month income of $40 billion, Netflix has the monetary energy to spend so much on content material and advertising. And it is nonetheless in a position to herald billions in free money stream every year.
It is necessary to focus on that the “Magnificent Seven” is just not an official index just like the S&P 500 is. Nonetheless, with every passing quarter, Netflix continues to make the case that it deserves to be talked about with the tech giants in that group. Given the streaming pioneer’s ongoing success, it belongs in that unique membership as a substitute of Tesla.
Neil Patel has no place in any of the shares talked about. The Motley Idiot has positions in and recommends Netflix and Tesla. The Motley Idiot has a disclosure coverage.