As of the close on Friday, $S&P/ASX 200(XJO.AU)$ closed at 8,434.70 on Friday, up 0.89% in the past 5 days.
1. $Light & Wonder Inc(LNW.AU)$ +10.41%
The company reported a 10% year-over-year increase in consolidated revenue. AEBITDA grew by 11%, and NPATA rose by 24%. These results exceeded analyst expectations and demonstrated robust financial health.
Following the earnings report, several analysts raised their price targets for LNW. For instance, Mizuho increased its target from $76 to $80, and Stifel Nicolaus raised its target from $90 to $104. These upgrades reflect confidence in the company's growth prospects.
Light & Wonder announced the acquisition of Grover Gaming's charitable gaming business for $850 million. This strategic move is expected to enhance the company's recurring revenue base and strengthen its position in regulated markets, contributing to long-term growth.
2. $WISETECH GLOBAL LTD(WTC.AU)$ +7.10%
WiseTech has announced a binding agreement to acquire U.S.-based e2open for US$3.30 per share in cash, valuing the deal at an enterprise value of approximately US$2.1 billion. The move marks a significant step in WiseTech’s strategy to become the operating system for global logistics.
WTC share price has risen 24% in thirty days and soared 383% over five years. So it's fair to assume the market has a higher opinion of the business than it did five years ago. That's not necessarily surprising considering the five-year track record of earnings growth.
WiseTech has a TSR of 388% for the last 5 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.
3.$Unibail Rodamco Westfield(URW.AU)$ +6.65%
Jefferies upgraded URW from "Hold" to "Buy," raising the price target from €73 to €92, citing improved market momentum and potential strategic shifts in the U.S. market.
The company announced the sale of a 25% stake in the Centrum Černý Most shopping center in Prague for CZK 3.5 billion, aligning with its strategy to streamline operations and reduce debt.
URW reported a 5.8% year-over-year increase in Net Rental Income, alongside a 40% dividend hike to €3.50 per share, signaling financial resilience and commitment to shareholder returns.
4. $Block Inc(XYZ.AU)$ +6.64%
Block has announced the integration of Bitcoin payments via Square, signalling a major leap in digital currency adoption.
Following recent earnings, analysts from BNP Paribas Exane and Mizuho issued bullish ratings on Block, citing strong performance in Square Payments and Cash App. Price targets were set at $72 and $71, respectively, reflecting confidence in Block's growth prospects.
5. $TECHNOLOGY ONE LTD(TNE.AU)$ +6.52%
Technology One is posting promising earnings but the good news doesn’t stop there. Its statutory profit actually understates its earnings potential! And the EPS is up 69% annually, over the last three years.
Morgans was impressed with this enterprise software company's half year results. It notes that its profit before tax (PBT) was comfortably ahead of its forecasts.While this has led to the broker boosting its forecasts slightly and valuation materially, it isn't enough for an upgrade. It has retained its hold rating with a $36.85 price target.
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