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On Thursday, Stifel analysts revised their price target on shares of Light & Wonder (NASDAQ:LNW) to $93 from the previous $104, while maintaining a Hold rating on the stock. The adjustment followed a company call that provided an update on the ongoing Dragon Train litigation.
The call, which took place after the market closed on Thursday, addressed three additional complaints in Aristocrat’s second amended complaint, filed on March 14, 2025. Light & Wonder also disclosed that a third-party audit of games produced since the hiring of Emma Charles™ did not reveal any instances of ’contagion.’ However, separate complaints against Light & Wonder’s Jewel of the Dragon highlighted another instance of misappropriated trade secrets dating back to 2015.
Despite the findings, Light & Wonder’s management indicated that the financial impact of these developments is likely to be immaterial. Nonetheless, the uncertainty surrounding the contagion issue and potential financial penalties could continue to affect the stock’s performance until a resolution is reached.
Stifel’s analysis noted that while they have been awaiting an opportunity to adopt a more constructive stance on Light & Wonder, they advise caution at this time. The analysts cited the high risks associated with direct and indirect tariffs, the uncertainties stemming from the Dragon Train litigation, and the challenge of surpassing previous performance metrics.
In their closing remarks, Stifel reiterated their Hold rating and mentioned a potentially positive setup leading into Light & Wonder’s Investor Day scheduled for May 20, 2025. The new $93 price target reflects concerns over macroeconomic risks impacting the company.
In other recent news, Light & Wonder reported their fourth-quarter financial results for 2024, showcasing a notable earnings per share (EPS) of $1.42, which significantly surpassed the forecasted $0.94. Despite a slight revenue shortfall, with actual revenue at $797 million compared to an expected $805 million, the company confirmed its Adjusted EBITDA guidance for 2025 at $1.4 billion. This guidance is supported by strategic investments in key areas such as Gaming, SciPlay (NASDAQ:SCPL), and iGaming. Additionally, Light & Wonder is in the process of acquiring Grover Gaming, with the deal expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2025, further diversifying the company’s revenue streams.
Benchmark analyst Mike Hickey increased the price target for Light & Wonder to $130, maintaining a Buy rating, while Mizuho (NYSE:MFG) Securities raised the price target to $80 but kept an Underperform rating. Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon also raised the price target to $125, maintaining an Outperform rating. These adjustments follow the company’s reported fourth-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (AEBITDA) of $315 million, a year-over-year increase of 4%.
Despite ongoing litigation with Aristocrat, Light & Wonder reaffirmed its financial targets for 2025, projecting $1.4 billion in consolidated AEBITDA and an adjusted net profit after tax (NPATA) range of $565 million to $635 million. The company has ceased commercializing its Jewel of the Dragon game and is offering replacements to minimize customer disruption. Light & Wonder plans to share new strategic objectives at its upcoming 2025 Investor Day.
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