BofA upgrades Entain stock to buy, cuts price target to £8.00

Published 17/01/2025, 10:48
BofA upgrades Entain stock to buy, cuts price target to £8.00

On Friday, BofA Securities analyst upgraded Entain PLC (ENT:LN) (OTC: GMVHF) stock, a prominent player in the sports betting and gaming industry, from Neutral to Buy. The new price target set for the company is £8.00, a decrease from the previous £8.70. The adjustment comes after a significant decline in Entain's share price, which dropped more than 20% over the past month due to a combination of factors.

The downgrade in Entain's share price reflects concerns stemming from a substantial fine in Australia, less favorable sports betting results in the United States during the fourth quarter of 2024, and a general devaluation of UK equities. However, BofA Securities sees several reasons for the upgrade to Buy status.

These include a notable improvement in the company's US market share during the last quarter of 2024, the recent appointment of an experienced new CEO, and an attractive valuation, with shares trading at just 7 times the estimated core P/E for 2025.

BofA Securities has also increased its 2025 earnings per share (EPS) estimate for Entain by 23%. This optimistic revision is based on two main factors: a 5% increase in projected revenue for BetMGM and an improved online margin within the UK market. Despite the positive outlook on earnings, the price objective has been lowered to 800 pence from 870 pence.

This change reflects the recent shifts in UK interest rates and the lower visibility surrounding potential increases in gaming taxes. Nonetheless, BofA Securities believes that there is still a 30% upside potential for Entain shares.

The analyst highlighted the company's resilience and potential for growth despite the recent challenges. With the strategic changes and market position improvements, Entain is poised for a recovery according to BofA Securities' analysis. The firm's outlook is set against the backdrop of a dynamic and evolving betting and gaming landscape.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

Latest comments

Risk Disclosure: Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers
© 2007-2025 - Fusion Media Limited. All Rights Reserved.