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FANTINI’S FINANCE: Business As Usual
Sun, May 13, 2012
At the end of the first quarter earnings reports, there was no drama on any of the calls and most gaming companies performed as expected. Now is that good news?
Vol. 10 • No. 19 • May 14, 2012 - Print This Issue
FANTINI'S FINANCE Archive
FANTINI’S FINANCE: The ‘Wow’ Factor
Sat, Apr 28, 2012
Earnings reports from gaming companies have been impressive during this period. From Penn National and Boyd to IGT and LVS, gaming companies have been hitting it out of the ballpark.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Words Have Meaning
Sun, Apr 22, 2012
The optimism surrounding the stock prices of gaming companies can evaporate quickly if casino executives say the wrong thing or what they say is interpreted incorrectly. Regional markets are very bullish but often confusing.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: They’re Multinationals Now
Fri, Apr 13, 2012
The three largest gaming companies are in lock step on their expansion plans. For Asia to the U.S., the best potential markets can expect participation from the Big Three: Wynn Resorts, Las Vegas Sands and Genting.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Eating Our Own
Sat, Mar 31, 2012
The opening of three large casinos over the next couple of months on the East Coast will stretch thin the regional market. And it’s not even over after that. Just how deep is the eastern market?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Asian Plays
Sun, Mar 25, 2012
If Macau is where the action is in the gaming world, are investors limited to the big casino operators there? No, there are several options with service and VIP operators companies that are publicly traded on reputable stock exchanges.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Open Sesame
Sun, Feb 26, 2012
New properties are debuting in the U.S. on a monthly basis in 2012. Next up is Revel in Atlantic City and Maryland Live! between Washington and Baltimore. What does it mean to the companies and the casino business?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Making the Call
Sat, Feb 11, 2012
The fourth-quarter investor conference calls have been typical—Asia, Las Vegas, replacement cycle, yada yada—but there have been a few standouts, Bally, Multimedia Games and Ameristar.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Paying a Dividend
Sat, Feb 04, 2012
In the past, most gaming companies did not pay dividends to shareholders because they claimed to be plowing the profits back into growth for the company. Today, that has changed and many of gaming’s most popular companies are now rewarding shareholders with dividends.
FANTINI’S FINANCE : Pennsylvania 6-5000
Sun, Jan 29, 2012
No, it’s not a phone number but it could be the revenues of one of the state’s casinos. The reports of the state’s casinos exceeding the Atlantic City revenues are misleading and may even be bogus.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Expansion Plans
Sat, Jan 21, 2012
With a new drive for gaming legalization in many U.S. states, the motivations remain the same but the logic may differ. How will that impact the success of new casinos?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Supply Side Economics
Sun, Jan 08, 2012
For several years, investors have shied away from the slot manufacturers. The replacement cycle, server-based gaming and service windows have promised increased sales, but have not fully delivered. But hope springs eternal.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Goodbye and Good Riddance
Sat, Dec 24, 2011
Gaming stocks had a miserable year in 2011, with only three stocks showing an increase for the year. Why did that happen? And what does it mean for 2012? Depends on your strategies.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fueling the Problem
Sat, Nov 19, 2011
What happens when gas prices go up? Customers stay closer to home and don’t go as often to casinos, compounding the problems casinos face during this economic dive.
Big Turnaround?
Sun, Nov 06, 2011
You might not know it from the doom-and-gloom headlines, but there is light at the end of the tunnel for the gaming industry. Increasing gaming revenues coupled with higher room rates and upgraded growth prospects look good for gaming worldwide.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Money From Manufacturers
Sun, Oct 30, 2011
Slot makers have been buffeted and shaken during the economic downturn. Casinos were not buying and slots machines were not being replaced. But with new technology and new jurisdictions, things have changed.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Art of the Call
Sun, Oct 23, 2011
Investor quarterly reports and the conference calls that accompany them are usually boring and mundane. But there are several “personalities” who make it worthwhile to listen in and learn.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: The Inside Story
Sat, Oct 01, 2011
How can you tell whether executives at gaming organizations have faith in the strategies and operations they implement at their companies? Check out who’s buying shares and you might get a very good hint.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Gloom & Doom
Sun, Sep 25, 2011
The disparity between the sensational headlines predicting economic disaster and actual business performance, which is generally improving, should make investors nervous. So what’s going on?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Growing Old
Sun, Sep 18, 2011
How will the gaming industry create growth going forward? Can we count on traditional methods like gaming expansion or the replacement slot market? Or will it be something new?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Fresh Start
Sat, Sep 03, 2011
Back from holiday, ready to tackle the real world, gaming stocks are exhibiting the same uncertainty that surrounds the overall economy. What do you do?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: A Healthy Dose of Reality
Sat, Aug 27, 2011
With the stock market going crazy the past several weeks, volatility breeds confusion. Let’s take a look at what is really happening so we can make rational, sensible decisions.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Managing Growth
Sun, Aug 21, 2011
For the first time in a while, casino companies and gaming manufacturers are talking about growth, not cost cutting. Here’s a few things we’ve learned from recent earnings calls.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Mr. Mo Moves to IGT
Fri, Jul 29, 2011
IGT is regaining momentum as ship share decline slows and confidence returns to gaming’s largest slot manufacturer.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Big Macau Numbers
Sun, Jul 17, 2011
Third quarter financial reports have emphasized the huge revenues being produced in Macau and brings up the question of how long can they be sustained.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Global Gaming Giant
Sat, Jul 02, 2011
Genting moves out of Malaysia and seeks to make a serious impact on the gaming industry in the United States with casino plans in Florida and New York.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: High Water. Low Profits.
Sun, Jun 26, 2011
Flooding in the middle part of America depressed revenues in May. But is it weather related or is it a more endemic problem that signals more difficulties for the regional gaming industry. Let’s find out!
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Political Animals
Sat, Jun 04, 2011
Politics is an important factor in many businesses, but nothing like it is in the gaming business. Savvy investors need to understand how the decisions made by politicians and public officials can impact their financial stakes.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Asian Action
Sun, May 29, 2011
Any forward thinking gaming company must consider Asia. The hottest growth region in gaming, Asian players continue to dominate the market, and operators and suppliers need to have a presence there.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Where Are We Headed?
Sat, Apr 30, 2011
Earnings season always bring some indicators about where the industry is going, halfway through, confusion reigns. But maybe there’s some light peeking through the clouds.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Regional Returns
Fri, Apr 22, 2011
The Mid-America and mid-cap gaming companies are on a roll. Improved results, expansion and better margins may make these companies one of the best buys in the industry.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: WMS Hits a Rough Patch
Sun, Apr 17, 2011
A weak first quarter and warnings about future earnings have sunk the price of WMS shares, creating speculation about other slot companies and the future of that supplier sector.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Counting Your Chickens
Sat, Apr 02, 2011
As state legislatures meet, discussions about legalizing or expanding gaming take on a heightened urgency. Too many times, however, the talk is just that and nothing happens. Reign in your enthusiasm.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Time to Buy LV Sands?
Sat, Mar 26, 2011
Questions about the company’s actions in light of the firing of Sands China CEO Steve Jacobs last year have impacted the share price. Is it low enough to buy now?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Uneasy Recovery
Fri, Mar 11, 2011
While things are looking better across the gaming world, a deeper look reveals that problems still remain and some new issues that may detour any recovery loom ahead.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Sat, Mar 05, 2011
There recently has been a series of good news and bad news situations for gaming investors. We’ll break down what it means and how to use your money most wisely.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Atlantic City’s Message to Gaming
Fri, Feb 18, 2011
The changes going on in Atlantic City are demonstrating how a depressed market, combined with a supportive government can make a difference in developing a new image and direction.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Doing the Simple Things
Sat, Feb 12, 2011
Glamorous growth strategies that open new properties every year or expand into new jurisdictions are nice, but when you get right down to it, a casino company must operate efficiently to create value for the shareholders.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Slot Shake Up
Fri, Feb 04, 2011
The once-understandable world of slot manufacturers is now a collection of impressive technology companies that provide state-of-the-art products and services to casino owners.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Selling Gaming as Entertainment
Sun, Jan 30, 2011
Arguments that convenience gambling can produce millions in tax revenue miss the point. Descriptions of gaming as entertainment centers, infrastructure improvers and job creators make a better and more logical case.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Housing: Hiccup Or Double Dip?
Sat, Jan 22, 2011
Casino stock prices take time to cool off after a long run of positive news boosted the value. But the fear of a renewed recession still leaves some wondering what’s next.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Counterintuitive Investing
Sun, Jan 09, 2011
Asia was the main generator of profits for casino investors in 2010 Where will the emphasis be for 2011?
FANTINI’S FINANCE: A Look Ahead
Fri, Dec 24, 2010
While 2010 wasn’t as bad as 2009-09, it still wasn’t a banner year by any estimation. Will 2011 be any better? There are several reasons to think it will be; by a good measure.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Thoughts for the End of the Year
Fri, Dec 17, 2010
Preparing for the new year, here are some issues that are becoming clear as we end the difficult year of 2010.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Two Little Words
Fri, Dec 10, 2010
Globalization and the internet are the two most powerful forces in gaming today, linking the industry in every corner of the world.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Weighing the News
Sun, Dec 05, 2010
Positives and negatives still describe the U.S. economy, but when it comes to gaming, the positives are starting to outweigh the negatives.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Final Thoughts From G2E
Sat, Nov 27, 2010
The trade show is often an indicator of what the industry will look like in the next year. Let’s hope that’s true for 2011.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Tenor of the Times
Fri, Nov 12, 2010
The bells and whistles at G2E are always the important part, but the one thing attendees bring home with them is the atmosphere and how the industry is faring.
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Investor Election
Sun, Nov 07, 2010
What do the results of last week’s mid-term elections in the U.S. mean to investors? In general, there’s money to be made!
FANTINI’S FINANCE: Sounding the All Clear?
Fri, Oct 29, 2010
It may be too early to declare the war is over, but recent revenue reports have at least indicated that the bottom has been reached.