Ever since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the start of the economic reopening, leisure stocks have been a bright spot in the rebound. And one segment of them, gaming, has been a leader in that growth. The growth comes from two directions, from both interest in land-based casinos as vacation destinations and from online gaming. The latter is proving itself as an enduringly popular entertainment, and more and more states are legalizing various forms, including online sports betting, online
Quietly, Everi Holdings (NYSE:EVRI) stock is one of this year’s best-performing gaming equities. Even with a 50.11 percent 2021 gain, the slot manufacturer and Fintech purveyor offers much more upside, according to one analyst.
The Hard Rock Casino in Gary, Indiana. The venue is a client of Everi, a stock that’s on fire. (Image:
Daily Advent)
In a recent note to clients, B. Riley’s David Bain not only reiterates a “buy” rating on Everi, he lifts his second-quarter earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) forecast on the name, while boosting his price target to $33. That implies upside of more than 59 percent from the May 28 close. The stock settled just 2.49 percent below its all-time high last Friday and surged 10.21 percent last week.
After soaring more than 23 percent this week, Century Casinos (NASDAQ:CNTY) is up 106 percent year-to-date. That easily makes it one of the best-performing gaming equities.
Cripple Creek, Colo., home to a Century Casinos venue. An analyst sees more upside ahead for the stock. (Image: Pinterest)
Those just now discovering the regional casino operator can take heart, because analysts see more upside coming for the shares. In fact, it was analyst commentary that sparked some of the stock’s surge this week, as B. Riley’s David Bain initiated coverage of the gaming equity with a “buy” rating and an $18 price target. That implies appreciation potential of about 38 percent from the April 30 close.