Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE:FLUT) ranks among the best sin stocks to buy in 2026. Benchmark reaffirmed its Buy rating on Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE:FLUT) but reduced its price target to $285 from $310 on December 1. Benchmark believes that Flutter’s medium-term profitability will be significantly impacted by the substantial gaming tax increases announced in the UK Budget, which are scheduled to start next year. According to the latest budget, online gaming tax will rise from 21% to 40% by 2026, ...

Core Insights - Meridianbet has signed a content distribution agreement with BETER to enhance its sportsbook offerings with exclusive esports and table tennis tournaments [1][2] - The partnership allows Meridianbet to integrate BETER's fast-betting content across 18 licensed jurisdictions, expanding its reach in Europe, Africa, and South America [2][7] Group 1: Partnership and Content Integration - The agreement includes BETER's ESportsBattle series and Setka Cup tournaments, which will be available on Meridianbet's platform [2] - BETER provides 24/7 live streaming and real-time data for approximately 700,000 events annually, with operator margins averaging over 7.5% [3][4] - The integration supports an omni-channel distribution strategy, allowing access to the same content across retail, desktop, and mobile platforms [5] Group 2: Market Positioning and Differentiation - BETER's exclusive tournament model offers differentiated content that is not available from competitors relying on third-party data feeds [6] - Meridianbet's operations span established European markets and emerging Latin American territories, enabling it to leverage diverse player demographics [7] - The fast-betting content aligns with Meridianbet's strategy to engage younger players who prefer rapid-action betting experiences [8]

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment PLC, a major player in the global sports betting and gaming industry, has received a "Buy" rating from Benchmark despite a price target adjustment from $310 to $285, indicating continued investor confidence in the company's future growth [1][2][6]. Group 1: Stock Performance - As of December 1, 2025, Flutter's stock price was $208.81, reflecting a 4.45% increase on that day [5][6]. - The stock has fluctuated between $202.01 and $210.49 on the same day, with a yearly high of $313.69 and a low of $189.33 [5]. - Flutter Entertainment has a market capitalization of approximately $36.7 billion and a trading volume of 1,593,432 shares [5]. Group 2: Institutional Investor Activity - Boston Partners increased its investment in Flutter by 15% during the second quarter, now holding 5,011 shares valued at $1.43 million, indicating a positive outlook from institutional investors [2]. - Bank of New York Mellon Corp significantly increased its stake in Flutter by 120.1%, now owning 454,660 shares valued at approximately $129.92 million, suggesting strong confidence in the company's growth potential [3]. - Jefferies Financial Group Inc. also raised its holdings in Flutter by 5.4%, now possessing 18,163 shares worth around $3.99 million, further supporting the notion of optimism among institutional investors [4].

Flutter Entertainment (NYSE:FLUT) is one of the best upside stocks to buy now. On November 28, Citi analyst Ben Shelley lowered the firm’s price target on Flutter Entertainment to $320 from $340 with a Buy rating on the shares. This sentiment was announced as Citi stated that the uncertainty surrounding a potential UK tax increase acted as a significant overhang on Flutter’s equity for almost 4 months. Although the actual UK tax hike is more substantial than initially anticipated, Shelley believes that thi ...

Group 1: Company Performance - Flutter Entertainment reported Q3 2025 earnings of $1.64 per share, exceeding Wall Street estimates by $1.14 [2] - The company generated revenue of $3.79 billion, which is $12.75 million above guidance and represents a year-over-year growth of 16.84% [2] - US revenue increased by 9% year-over-year, driven by a 44% growth in iGaming, despite a 5% decline in sportsbook revenue [3] Group 2: Market Position and Analyst Insights - HSBC upgraded Flutter Entertainment to Buy from Hold, citing a buying opportunity after a recent price decline, with a new price target of $228 [1] - The firm believes that the perceived risks in the US and UK gaming markets are overstated and already reflected in the current share price [1] - Flutter maintains its position as the number one online operator in both the US sportsbook and iGaming markets, achieving a 47% NGR market share in September [3]

Core Insights - Flutter Entertainment is a significant player in the global sports betting and gaming industry, with quarterly earnings set to be released on November 12, 2025, and analysts predicting an EPS of $0.38 and revenue of approximately $2.87 billion [1][2] Financial Performance Expectations - There is an expectation of a decline in earnings for the third quarter, despite increased revenue, indicating that Flutter may not have the optimal mix of factors to exceed earnings expectations [2] - The stock's performance will depend on whether actual results meet or deviate from these estimates, with a positive earnings surprise potentially boosting the stock price, while a miss could lead to a decline [2] Valuation Metrics - Flutter has a high price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 122.82, suggesting that investors are willing to pay a premium for its earnings [3] - The price-to-sales ratio is 2.72, and the enterprise value to sales ratio is 3.20, reflecting the company's valuation relative to its sales [3] Cash Flow and Debt Analysis - The enterprise value to operating cash flow ratio is 31.97, indicating how many times the operating cash flow can cover the enterprise value [4] - The earnings yield is 0.81%, representing the percentage of each dollar invested that was earned by the company [4] - Flutter's debt-to-equity ratio is 1.03, indicating slightly more debt than equity, while the current ratio of 0.95 suggests slightly less current assets than current liabilities [4]

Core Insights - Banijay Group has signed a binding agreement to acquire a majority stake in Tipico Group, combining it with Betclic to create a leading European entity in sports betting and online gaming [1][2][3] - The combined entity is projected to generate €6.4 billion in revenue and €1.4 billion in adjusted EBITDA in 2024, effectively doubling Banijay Gaming's revenue and cash flow [1][8][13] - The transaction aims to achieve approximately €100 million in annual synergies in the medium term, focusing on topline growth and operational efficiencies [1][15][12] Company Overview - Banijay Group is a global entertainment leader, with a mission to provide engaging and innovative entertainment experiences, including content production, live experiences, and online sports betting [23] - Betclic, founded in 2005, is a leader in online sports betting and gaming across several European countries, generating approximately €1.4 billion in revenues in 2024 [24] - Tipico, established in 2004, is the leading sports betting and online gaming provider in Germany and Austria, with revenues of €1.3 billion in 2024 [25][7] Strategic Fit - The acquisition combines two local champions with complementary strengths: Betclic's digital expertise and Tipico's omnichannel capabilities, enhancing Banijay Gaming's market reach and customer experience [9][10] - The combined group will operate in fully regulated markets, maintaining high standards of player protection and responsible gaming [7][9] - The transaction is expected to create a balanced geographic footprint across regulated and fast-growing markets, enabling long-term growth [9][12] Financial Structure - The transaction will be financed through a package of approximately €3 billion, including the refinancing of Tipico's existing debt, with post-transaction leverage expected at 3.5x [4][18] - Banijay Group aims to increase its ownership stake in the combined entity to a minimum of 72% through call options on shares held by CVC and Tipico managers [17][18] - The enterprise values for Betclic and Tipico are set at €4.8 billion and €4.6 billion, respectively, reflecting the strategic importance of this merger [15][17] Future Leadership - Following the transaction, Nicolas Béraud, CEO of Betclic, will become Chairman of Banijay Gaming, while Lov Group Invest will continue as President [11][2] - The founders of both Betclic and Tipico will remain long-term shareholders, demonstrating their commitment to the future growth of Banijay Gaming [16][11]

Core Viewpoint - Flutter Entertainment plc is recognized for its strong profitability outlook and is included in the list of stocks expected to double in value over the next five years [1]. Financial Performance - Flutter Entertainment is valued at $49 billion and reported a robust second-quarter 2025 performance, achieving a 15.63% year-over-year revenue growth to $14.89 billion and an EBITDA of $2.2 billion [3]. - The company's diversified portfolio and strong margins support sustained revenue and earnings growth, instilling confidence in both current performance and future upside potential [4]. Market Position and Strategy - JMP Securities reaffirmed its Market Outperform rating on Flutter with a price objective of $345, highlighting the company's solid fundamentals and resilience against competitive pressures [2]. - Flutter is expanding its FanDuel operations in the United States while enhancing its international presence in markets such as Italy and Brazil [2]. - Innovations like the "Your Way" parlay mix and entry into prediction markets, along with strategic acquisitions, further bolster Flutter's long-term growth trajectory [3]. Brand Portfolio - Flutter operates a diverse range of brands including FanDuel, PokerStars, Paddy Power, Sportsbet, Betfair, and TVG, positioning itself as a significant player in the sports betting and gaming industry across multiple regions including the U.S., UK, Ireland, and Australia [4].

Core Viewpoint - Growth stocks are regaining popularity among investors due to decreased market volatility and optimism surrounding artificial intelligence and economic conditions, with the S&P 500 recovering all losses from previous trade tariff shocks [2][3] Group 1: Market Trends - The Cboe Volatility Index has decreased from a peak of 60 in April to 17, indicating market stabilization [2] - U.S. small-cap equities have slightly outperformed European counterparts, with the S&P 500 increasing by 7% in the last quarter [3] - Weekly inflows into U.S. stock funds reached approximately $58 billion, marking a year-to-date high and reflecting strong investor demand [3] Group 2: Investment Methodology - The evaluation of companies for potential doubling in value over the next five years is based on current-year EPS growth, five-year EPS growth, and hedge fund sentiment [5] - Hedge fund sentiment is gauged using Q2 2025 13F filings from over 900 hedge funds, focusing on companies with significant earnings growth and growing institutional interest [5] Group 3: Featured Stocks Flutter Entertainment plc (NYSE:FLUT) - Flutter has 87 hedge fund holders, with an EPS growth this year of 3,498.60% and expected 5-year EPS growth of 154.77% [7] - The company reported a strong Q2 2025 performance with 15.63% year-over-year revenue growth to $14.89 billion and EBITDA of $2.2 billion [10] - Flutter is expanding its operations in the U.S. and strengthening its international positions, supported by innovations and strategic acquisitions [9][11] Carvana Co. (NYSE:CVNA) - Carvana has 91 hedge fund holders, with an EPS growth this year of 216.91% and expected 5-year EPS growth of 51.40% [12] - The company raised its price target to $425, citing strong fundamentals and market share expansion despite facing challenges [13] - Carvana operates an online marketplace for buying and selling used automobiles, offering various services including financing and logistics [14] EQT Corporation (NYSE:EQT) - EQT has 96 hedge fund holders, with an EPS growth this year of 609.89% and expected 5-year EPS growth of 51.40% [15] - The company announced the sale of GlobalConnect, expected to be valued at approximately €8 billion, reinforcing its growth potential [16] - EQT produces and transmits natural gas and liquids in the Appalachian Basin, benefiting from favorable pricing conditions and strong financial health [17]

Core Viewpoint - BetMGM LLC, a leading sports betting and iGaming operator, will release its business update for Q2 2025 on July 29, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for the same day [1] Group 1: Company Overview - BetMGM is a market-leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, formed through a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain plc [2] - BetMGM has exclusive access to MGM Resorts' U.S. land-based and online sports betting, major tournament poker, and online gaming businesses [2] - The company was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in New Jersey [2] Group 2: MGM Resorts International - MGM Resorts International is a global gaming and entertainment company with a portfolio of 31 unique hotel and gaming destinations [3] - The company operates best-in-class hotels and casinos, offering a wide range of entertainment and dining options [3] - MGM Resorts is pursuing targeted expansion in Asia, specifically through an integrated resort development in Japan [3] Group 3: Entain plc - Entain plc is one of the world's largest sports betting and gaming groups, operating both online and in the retail sector [4] - The group owns a comprehensive portfolio of established brands across sports and gaming [4] - Entain provides the technology and capabilities that power BetMGM, along with exclusive games developed in-house [5]