TD Cowen reiterates Buy on Take-Two stock, $211 target

On Thursday, TD Cowen analysts maintained a positive outlook on Take-Two Interactive (NASDAQ:TTWO), currently trading at $182.89 with a market capitalization of $32.14 billion, reiterating a Buy rating and a price target of $211.00. According to InvestingPro analysis, the stock is trading near its 52-week high of $192.14, suggesting strong market confidence despite current valuation metrics indicating the stock may be overvalued. The firm's stance is fueled by an optimistic view of the video game sector, anticipating 2025 to be a significant year for the industry, marked by the launches of GTA VI and Switch (NYSE:SWCH) 2. While they expect a slight decrease in Q4 console software sales year-over-year (y/y), forecasted at a low single-digit percentage, there is an anticipation of low to mid-single-digit percentage y/y growth in mobile.

Analysts at TD Cowen highlighted GTA V as the most substantial and evident catalyst within their coverage area, suggesting that if Take-Two Interactive capitalizes on the GTA live service opportunity, there could be a considerable upside to the current consensus on Wall Street. They believe that the company's pipeline, beyond GTA V, presents additional growth opportunities.

The Buy rating on Take-Two Interactive reflects the firm's confidence in the company's future performance, especially with the expected launch of GTA VI, which is seen as a major event for both the company and the gaming industry. While InvestingPro data shows the company isn't currently profitable, analysts forecast a return to profitability this fiscal year, with a projected EPS of $2.55. The company maintains a moderate debt level with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The analysts underscored the significance of the live service model in video games, where ongoing content updates and player engagement can lead to sustained revenue streams.

The forecasted dip in console software sales for the fourth quarter did not dampen the firm's enthusiasm for Take-Two's prospects. Instead, the expected growth in mobile gaming is seen as a compensatory factor and a sign of the industry's evolving landscape, where mobile gaming continues to gain traction and expand its market share.

In summary, TD Cowen's analysts are standing firm on their Buy rating for Take-Two Interactive, with a price target that suggests they see substantial room for the stock's growth. Their analysis is based on both the short-term catalyst of GTA V's live service potential and the longer-term industry outlook, with major launches on the horizon in 2025. The company has demonstrated strong momentum with a 23.91% return over the past six months. Discover more comprehensive insights and 12 additional key tips about Take-Two Interactive with a subscription to InvestingPro, including exclusive access to the detailed Pro Research Report covering what really matters for informed investment decisions.

In other recent news, Take-Two Interactive has seen a mix of positive and negative developments. On the positive side, numerous analyst firms, including Oppenheimer, Baird, and Stifel, have raised their price targets for Take-Two, citing factors such as a robust game lineup and strong franchise performance. These upgrades reflect confidence in the company's earnings potential and the anticipated impact of upcoming releases, notably the much-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI.

However, there are also concerns about Take-Two's performance. Bank of America highlighted potential risks related to the company's mobile guidance for fiscal year 2025, citing a quarter-over-quarter decline in in-app purchases. This concern suggests that the company's mobile segment may face challenges meeting its growth projections unless significant game launches occur.

Meanwhile, Take-Two's stock experienced a drop following Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:EA)' downward revision of its guidance, reflecting broader market concerns about the gaming industry. Investors are closely monitoring these developments as they could influence Take-Two's performance.

Recent developments also indicate that Take-Two is planning several major title launches in 2025, including Civilization VII, Borderlands 4, and Mafia: The Old Country. These launches, along with the company's ongoing efforts to adjust its strategies in response to industry trends, underscore its commitment to growth and investor confidence.

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