DraftKings shares surge following beat and raise, but analysts still cautious

DraftKings (NASDAQ:) shares jumped more than 18% at the open on Friday after reporting first quarter earnings and revenue above analyst consensus expectations.

The sports betting company a narrower-than-expected loss of $0.51 per share, compared to the analyst estimate of a loss of $0.85 per share. Revenue for the quarter came rose 84% YoY to $770 million versus the consensus estimate of $694.81M.

The company’s strong revenue performance was driven primarily by its efficient acquisition of new customers, product innovation driving higher hold percentage, decreased promotional intensity in more mature states, and continued healthy customer retention.

“DraftKings’ first quarter performance – 84% year-over-year revenue growth and share gains underpinned by a relentless focus on operational efficiency – demonstrates that this is a company positioned for sustained success,” said Jason Robins, DraftKings’ Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder.

The company also raised its fiscal year 2023 revenue guidance to a range of $3.135 billion to $3.235B from the range of $2.85B to $3.05B.

At the time of writing, DKNG shares are trading at $25.13.

However, Roth MKM analysts maintained a Sell rating on the stock.

“DKNG beat 1Q forecasts and lifted 2023 guidance. 1Q EBITDA loss of $222M was materially better than the $270M guided on 3/8, with $15M related to favorable luck,” the analysts wrote. “2023 revenue guidance was also lifted by 8% and EBITDA loss guidance reduced by $85M to $315M ($15M related to luck). Heading into results, we believe investors were expecting some degree of a beat/ raise. Today’s beat/raise also seems more driven by better revenue rather than incremental cost efficiencies.”

Morgan Stanley analysts maintained an Overweight rating and a $23 price target on DKNG shares. They said, “DKNG is proving out its path to profitability, which we expect to serve as a continued catalyst for a re-rating.”

Deutsche Bank kept a Hold rating and a $15 price target on DKNG shares. Deutsche analysts stated: “While quarterly beats, relative to guidance, are healthy, in that they build management credibility, outside of trading dynamics over the short term, we don’t see a meaningful read-through as to what the results mean over the medium to longer term, given the wide range of outcomes and parameters around valuation.”