Booking The Territory: 4 Reasons Why BTIG Sees More Upside For WWE

Loading...
Loading...

Shares of World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc. WWE have more than tripled in value over the past year the case for even more upside can be justified, according to BTIG.

The Analyst

BTIG's Brandon Ross maintains a Buy rating on World Wrestling Entertainment with a price target lifted from $75 to $92.

The Thesis

Investors have multiple reasons to remain confident the surge in WWE's stock can sustain itself, Ross said in a note.

Brand Image

WWE's brand image has notably improved among not only consumers but industry peers, partners and advertisers. With the support of its partner NBCUniversal, the entertainment company has been able to convince "top shelf advertisers" it's now a quality destination to advertise on. The company can now count on additional support from its new broadcast partner Twenty-First Century Fox Inc FOXA, which is likely to heavily promote WWE during its Sunday and Thursday night sports programs.

Loading...
Loading...

Spending

Some investors are concerned with how much WWE is going to reinvest in its business after its recent contract renewal, the analyst said. The company is likely looking to invest in data and technology and create localized content and a $50 million estimate is likely aggressive. If the company realizes even a small return on its investment, it would warrant a higher stock multiple.

Dividends, Buybacks

WWE should generate "significant" free cash flow in 2020, which is the first full year of its new TV deals, Ross said. Specifically, the company could realize $380 million in free cash flow which would represent a 6 percent yield. This will likely support a "robust" capital return program of around $150 million in annual dividends and $300 million in annual share buybacks.

Global Expansion

WWE's international prospects remain encouraging as the company should be able to reach new agreements in three of its top seven markets over the next few months, the analyst said. While it may difficult to quantify the outcome of every market, WWE will likely take full advantage of the "exploding" global market for original content.

Price Action

Shares of WWE were trading near the $76 level early Friday morning. The stock is up about 140 percent in 2018.

Related Links:

KeyBanc: WWE's Stock Has 'More Room' For Long-Term Growth

Wall Street Bets Big On World Wrestling Entertainment's Future

Image credit: Miguel Discart, Flickr

Loading...
Loading...
date
ticker
name
Price Target
Upside/Downside
Recommendation
Firm
Posted In: Analyst ColorPrice TargetTop StoriesAnalyst RatingsBrandon RossbtigMonday Night RawNBC UniversalnbcuniversalSmackdown Livetv
Benzinga simplifies the market for smarter investing

Trade confidently with insights and alerts from analyst ratings, free reports and breaking news that affects the stocks you care about.

Join Now: Free!

Loading...