The pursuit of Mandalay Resort Group
Alliance had been expecting earnings of $1.04 a share for 2004. Today, that target was lowered to $0.96 to $1 a share. The reasons cited include lower yields on certain recurring revenue games, regulator delays in Nevada and New York, potential order delays, and a significant increase in research and development costs. That's quite a list.
Yet, bad as it sounds, earnings should still come in higher than last year's $0.92. That's hardly a bust, and the 2005 news is no kiss of death from Lady Luck, either. Earnings are expected to be $1.20 to $1.30 a share -- at minimum, a 20% increase, assuming the company comes in at the high end of earnings this year.
For those with chips (money, not semiconductors) to put down, the stock sells for a paltry 14 times forward earnings. International Game Technology
Alliance may have disappointed, but with 23.5% operating margins and a 31.8% return on equity, its fundamentals still appear decent relative to nearest competitor WMS Industries
Casinos offer flashing lights and names you can drop at cocktail parties (though you might want to keep that stake in The Donald's troubled Trump Hotels
Talk to Gamblin' Fools or Card & Board Games aficionados on our lively discussion boards.
Fool contributor W.D. Crotty does not own any of the stocks mentioned.