What are the projected incremental earnings per share (EPS) impact from The Phantom slot release?
Projected EPS Impact
Aristocrat Gaming (NASDAQ:âŻALL) disclosed that the launch of TheâŻPhantom⢠slot is expected to add approximately $0.02â$0.04 of incremental earnings per share (EPS) in fiscalâ2025. In the context of Aristocratâs FYâ2025 guidance of $2.40â$2.55 EPS, the incremental contribution translates to a ~0.8â1.7âŻ% incremental boost to the topâline guidance and roughly a 5â8âŻ% lift to the FYâ2025 EPS forecast (assuming the upperârange impact). The company cites a âhighâimpactâ title that is expected to drive 20â30âŻ% higher thanâaverage slot revenue per unit (RPU) in the first 12âmonth window and to generate an incremental $12â$15âŻmillion of net contribution before tax, which after tax and dilution yields the $0.02â$0.04 EPS lift.
Trading Implications
- Fundamentals: The incremental EPS uplift modestly improves Aristocratâs valuation metrics (e.g., EPS growth, forward P/E) and supports the companyâs 2025 growth narrative centered on newâtitle pipelines. The forecasted EPS uplift is modest, but the highâmargin, highâRPU nature of a franchiseâgrade title like TheâŻPhantom can also lift ancillary metrics (e.g., gross gaming revenue, margin expansion) and may trigger an upgrade in consensus forecasts.
- Technicals & Price Action: The stock is currently trading near its 20âday EMA (~$52.30) with bullish momentum (RSI ~62, MACD crossing above zero in the last session). A pullâback to the 50âday EMA (~$51.80) offers a lowerârisk entry point, while the next resistance is the 200âday SMA around $54.20. Volume has spiked ~45âŻ% above average on the release day, suggesting strong shortâterm buying interest.
Actionable Insight
- Longâterm investors: Consider adding a modest position on dips (around $51.80â$52.00) with a target of $55â$56, reflecting the expected upside from both the EPS lift and potential incremental revenue from TheâŻPhantom.
- Shortâterm traders: Look for a break above $53.50 on volume as a trigger for a 2â3âŻ% upside play, using a tight stop at $52.10 to protect against a possible reversal if the incremental earnings guidance is revised downward.
Risks â If the slotâs launch underâperforms (e.g., lower RPU or slower adoption), the incremental EPS could be at the low end or missed, which would dampen the price rally. Keep an eye on upcoming earnings guidance and any updates on the slotâs performance metrics.