I have written enough about Wynn Resorts (WYNN) in recent years that much more in the way of commentary is likely unnecessary. Investors are once again getting a unique buying opportunity with the shares down a stunning 30 percent on very little news:
Even if they wind up selling their under-construction Boston property prior to opening, the haircut for shareholders would likely be less than $5 per share (a 20% gain on the $2.5B cost is just $500M). Although Macau revenue growth is slowing, the August figures are still well into the double digits.
Other leading gaming related stocks are also selling off and warrant special attention. Two notable ones are lottery and slot machine giant International Game Technology (IGT) and video game behemoth Electronic Arts (EA).
IGT is a global leader and despite low single digit revenue growth (most markets are mature), the business is minimally cyclical and the company’s valuation seems extremely reasonable at 10 times 2019 earnings estimates and a dividend yield north of 4 percent.
EA has been riding the coattails of a transition from packaged software sales to cloud-based digital sales, and the higher gross margins such a distribution model affords. A recent profit warning, due in large part to a delay in the upcoming release Battlefield 5, has helped the stock fall about 25% from its highs. While not dirt cheap (low 20’s multiple to earnings), continued revenue growth, margin expansion (digital sales still represent less than 70% of the total, which could reach 90% over time), and a stellar balance sheet should be accretive to shareholder value over the intermediate term.
No matter your investing style, and despite the market near all-time highs, there are plenty of gaming investments worthy of consideration right now.
