Analyst Upgrades: Activision Blizzard, Inc., Electronic Arts Inc., and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.

Analysts upwardly revised their ratings and price targets on Activision Blizzard, Inc. (ATVI), Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (TTWO)

Oct 14, 2016 at 9:06 AM

Analysts are weighing in on video game stocks Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ:ATVI), Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA), and Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO). Here's a quick roundup of today's bullish brokerage notes on ATVI, EA, and TTWO.

Oppenheimer started coverage on ATVI with an "outperform" rating, citing the company's edge in digital distribution. Speaking of outperformance, the stock has trekked a market-beating 11.5% higher year-to-date at $43.16, and late last month hit a record peak of $45.12. It's no wonder 11 of 15 analysts rate Activision Blizzard, Inc. a "buy" or better, compared to four "holds" and not a single "sell" opinion. Not to mention, ATVI's consensus 12-month price target of $48.04 stands at a healthy 11.3% premium to current levels.
EA saw its price target bumped to $94 from $88 at Oppenheimer, reflecting the stock's long-term strength. Earlier this month, in fact, the shares touched an all-time peak of $86.07, and settled yesterday at $81.76, up 19% in 2016. An unwinding of heavy skepticism could fuel further gains for Electronic Arts Inc., too. For instance, the stock's 10-day put/call volume ratio of 1.42 at the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX) registers just 10 percentage points from a 12-month high.

Last of all, TTWO was initiated at Oppenheimer with an "outperform" rating, citing company initiatives and positive industry trends. The stock has shot 21.6% higher year-to-date at $42.35, and late last month notched an all-time best of $46.78. Suffice it to say, short sellers could be scrambling for cover. A lofty 15.6% of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.'s float is sold short, which would take more than eight sessions to buy back, based on average daily volumes.

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