Credit: Shutterstock photoAs the current earnings season starts to wrap up, investors will note that some of the most interesting results this round came out of the gaming and casino industry. Thanks to continued domestic strength and improvements in Macau, casino stocks are finally rolling again.
In fact, the overall gaming industry currently sits in the top 16% of the Zacks Industry Rank, and according to our industry-based data , this group of stocks has returned an average of more than 15.9% year-to-date.
The impressive run from casino stocks comes on the back of a strong domestic economy and solid activity in key markets. A nice rebound from the Chinese gaming hotspot of Macau has really lifted companies with exposure in the region, and Las Vegas looks primed for even further development.
With casino stocks this hot right now, investors are not going to want to miss out. Luckily, we can use Zacks' proven stock-picking methods to find solid stocks in any industry. Check out these highly-ranked casino stocks today:
1. Wynn Resorts (WYNN)
This iconic gaming brand posted impressive first-quarter earnings a few weeks ago. Wynn reported earnings of $1.24 per share and revenues of $1.48 billion, surpassing our respective consensus estimates of $0.74 and $1.34 billion. The company's new Macau resort, the Wynn Palace, marked its second full quarter of operations, lifting total revenue figures 48% on a year-over-year basis.
Since the report, we have seen four positive estimate revisions for Wynn's current-quarter earnings, as well as six-positive revisions for its full-year and next-year earnings. The stock has an "A" grade for Momentum and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) ranking right now.
2. Melco Crown Entertainment (MLCO)
Melco Crown was another casino giant that really impressed this earnings season. The company, which gets the majority of its revenue from Macau, posted adjusted earnings of $0.24 per share, crushing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.08. Revenues of $1.28 billion also topped our consensus estimate and soared 15.7% year-over-year.
Positive estimate revisions have already started pouring in, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Melco Crown's full-year earnings is now seven cents higher than it was 60 days ago. Notably, this new figure calls for EPS growth of nearly 44% this year. The stock is now a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
3. Penn Gaming (PENN)
Penn Gaming is an operator of a number of casino and gambling properties in North America. In its recent earnings report, the company smashed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings by 200%. Total revenues of $776 million also surpassed our consensus estimate of $768 million. Penn Gaming has now surpassed our EPS expectations by an average of nearly 115% in each of the trailing four quarters.
The stock currently has an "A" grade for Value in our Style Scores system, which means it could be a good pick for value-minded investors. Also, a shocking six positive estimate revisions within the past 30 days has helped earn the stock a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). Over this timeframe, our consensus estimate for Penn's full-year earnings has gained six cents.
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Wynn Resorts, Limited (WYNN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Penn National Gaming, Inc. (PENN): Free Stock Analysis Report
Melco Crown Entertainment Limited (MLCO): Free Stock Analysis Report
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The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
