(Sharecast News) - Analysts at Berenberg raised their target price on 'buy' rated games developer Codemasters from 290.0p to 380.0p on Thursday, stating that its acquisition of Slightly Mad Studios was more than "slightly" accretive.
Berenberg said the acquisition had "all the hallmarks of an intelligent deal".
The German bank pointed out that the transaction would not only be accretive to its 2021 earnings per share estimates by 32%, it would also improved Codemasters' strategic positioning, further diversify its revenue streams and provide additional resources for growth.
"Investors should be taking note," stated Berenberg.
On the back of its now higher estimates, Berenberg said Codemasters shares were left trades on a price-to-earnings multiple of only 12x, which was more than 40% below that of its global peers.
"Codemasters' enhanced positioning could ultimately lead to interest from potential acquirers should this discount fail to narrow," said the analysts.
Berenberg said the group was now "an apex predator" within racing games, with lower revenue concentration, better growth opportunities and exposure to all categories of the genre.
"Simply put, Codemasters is an undervalued asset. Buy."
14 Dec 2020 08:09
Codemasters agrees £945m sale to Electronic Arts
(Sharecast News) - Codemasters Group has agreed to be bought for about £945m by Electronic Arts (EA) of the US in a deal that eclipses a previously agreed bid from Take-Two Interactive.
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