The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights:Activision Blizzard, Take-Two Interactive Software, International Game Technology and Perfect World
CHICAGO, Dec. 8, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the Activision Blizzard, Inc. (Nasdaq:ATVI-Free Report), Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (Nasdaq:TTWO-Free Report), International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT-Free Report) and Perfect World Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:PWRD-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Friday's Analyst Blog:
Video Game Stock Roundup
Over the last five trading sessions, Video Game stocks mostly witnessed a mixed trend. While companies like Activision Blizzard, Inc.'s (Nasdaq:ATVI-Free Report) stock prices gained momentum upon incredible game reviews, Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s (Nasdaq:TTWO-Free Report) hit game Grand Theft Auto V landed in controversy due to its content.
Further, long-pending merger agreements between GTECH S.p.A. and International Game Technology (NYSE:IGT-Free Report) remained in the spotlight.
Top Stories Over the Last Week
1. Take-Two Interactive Software Inc.'s Grand Theft Auto V recently faced criticism for its mature content in Australia despite gaining worldwide popularity. Reportedly, over 40,000 people in Australia have slammed the game's R-rated content deeming it unsuitable for teenage video game players. (Read more: Take-Two's Grand Theft Auto V Sparks Debate in Australia)
2. Italian gaming company and the world's largest operator of lotteries, GTECH S.p.A. has recently announced its decision to go ahead with its merger plans with International Game Technology. In July this year, GTECH announced its plan to expand in the international market with the acquisition of IGT for $6.4 billion.
3. Perfect World Co., Ltd. (Nasdaq:PWRD-Free Report) shares fell nearly 7% on Dec 3 and continue to trend downward following the announcement of its third Quarter 2014 earnings results, wherein its net income dropped almost 50% from the year-ago quarter. The company also reported operating loss as against profit in the previous quarter and the year ago quarter, which we believe triggered downfall.
Notably, the online game developer and operator has seen 1 negative revision over one month and its current year earnings consensus moved lower over the last 30 days. (Read More: Perfect World Crumbles: Stock Falls by 6.6%).
4. Activision Blizzard, Inc. shares remained buoyant this week upon receiving Call of Duty Online reviews in China. The company plans to launch a free-to-play online version of the hit video game Call of Duty in the country in the first quarter of 2015. Hence, the current positive review (9.5 out of 10 user rating) makes Call of Duty Online one of the most anticipated upcoming games in China.
5. International Game Technology paid $14 million to a lucky winner, who won the Megabucks video slot jackpot at Rampart Casino in Las Vegas. The latest jackpot amount solidifies the company's Megabucks video slot as one of the most successful slot title boasting a payout history of over $1 billion since its inception in 1987.
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
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