Analyst Sparks More Netflix (NFLX) Takeover Talk

Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) shares rose sharply today after a new analyst covering the stock stirred up takeover talk for the DVD rental powerhouse.

According to Susquehanna Financial Group analyst Marianne Wolk, there are a number of potential big name bidders for the DVD subscription service. Wolk named Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) as the top potential acquirer, which has been a named rumored recently.

Other names that Wolk mentioned having an interest in Netflix include Blockbuster Ins. (NYSE: BBI), Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE: WMT), Google Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) and Liberty Media (NASDAQ: LSTBA).

Comcast, CBS and Sony were mentioned as possibly being interested in acquiring some of Netflix’s assets.

Wolf believes there is a 50 percent chance the Netflix will be acquired.

Susquehanna initiated coverage on Netflix today with a Positive rating and a $70 price target. The firm cited 95%+ customer retention for DVD its subscription service, among other things.

Shares of the company are down sharply from its 52-week high due to the market conditions and analysts downgrades creating a potential buying opportunity Wolk said.

In current market movement shares of Neflix are up 5.6 percent to $56.62 near the market close.