Why This DraftKings Analyst Sees 'Tactical Opportunity' In Sports Betting Ahead Of NFL Season

Sports betting and iGaming stocks could be in focus ahead of the National Football League (NFL). One analyst is upgrading a leader in the space and raising the price targets on three stocks.

The DraftKings Analyst: Roth Capital analyst Edward Engel upgrades shares of DraftKings Inc. (NASDAQ: DKNG) from Neutral to Buy and raises the price target from $18 to $25.

Engel also has a Neutral rating on Penn Entertainment (NASDAQ: PENN) and raises the price target from $36 to $40.

Engel has a Buy rating on Rush Street Interactive (NYSE: RSI) and raises the price target from $10 to $11.

Related Link: DraftKings Q2 Earnings Highlights: Revenue Beat, Company Raises Guidance, Optimistic On More State Sports Betting Launches

The Analyst Takeaways: Engel points to online sports betting and iGaming stocks historically outperforming in the time period of mid-summer to the start of the NFL season.

“We see a tactical opportunity to own U.S. iGaming stocks ahead of NFL season and upgrade DKNG to buy,” Engel said.

There's a narrative of profitability coming with marketing spending and promotional activities lowering going forward, Engel explained.

“During 2Q results, FanDuel, Caesars and PENN each demonstrated accelerated paths to profitability," he said. "We see investors owning the group as certain operators prove that profitability in this industry is at least achievable.”

Engel highlights DraftKings guiding for second half fiscal year revenue to increase 82% year-over-year compared to 45% growth in the first half, thanks to the NFL season.

“Meanwhile, unfavorable hold rates in 2H21 offer easier comps and could help accelerate growth further.”

A focus on margins is highlighted by Engel, with some investors choosing to focus on this metric instead of years of focus on the total addressable market size of online sports betting and iGaming.

“We believe iGaming stocks are discounted enough to rerate higher even if 20% to 25% margins seem achievable.”

DKNG Price Action: DraftKings stock is down 1% to $20.36 on Wednesday.