Tag: 2023

Is Now the Right Time to Buy (Nintendo) NTDOY Stock Amidst the Leak?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Nintendo Co., Ltd.’s (NTDOY) Nintendo Switch has been around for more than seven years, and enthusiasts are beginning to get impatient about a successor. Initially rumored for a release in 2024, recent reports now suggest that the Nintendo Switch 2 is more likely to launch in the early months of 2025.

NTDOY has been secretive about its plans so far, but a recent significant leak suggests revealing a key detail about the new controllers for the rumored Switch 2, which will differ from the present design.

The major difference is that the upcoming controllers (which may be called Joy-Con) will utilize a magnetic system to attach to the console’s body, unlike the current design that relies on rails that the Joy-Con slides into. This magnetic attachment may be similar to the Lenovo Legion Go, in which the controllers need to move less to attach.

However, unlike the Legion Go, which has a mechanical lock, this appears to be distinct from that approach.

The leaked information comes from Spanish outlet Vandal, citing accessory vendors who got to touch the new console but did not see it. As per reports, these manufacturers were allowed to handle the console inside an opaque box that conceals its look, allowing them to get a feel for the hardware in general.

The shift to magnetic attachment raises significant concern about the compatibility of the current Joy-Con models with the new console, particularly in handheld mode. However, the report suggests the console will support the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. Further, it seems that Joy-Con would be supported in wireless mode, akin to how they can be used with a Nintendo Switch Lite.

Another noteworthy detail from the leak is that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be larger than the current Switch models but smaller than a Steam Deck. Earlier reports indicated an 8-inch LCD display is being built into the console, making a bigger size mandatory.

But, intriguingly, the Nintendo Switch 2 will be smaller than a Steam Deck, given that the latter has a 7-inch panel. That said, the larger trackpads on the sides of the screen and the thicker controller may contribute to Nintendo’s console being still smaller overall.

As per sources cited by Vandal, the hardware for the Nintendo Switch 2 is completed. However, the company is postponing its launch to coincide with a more captivating lineup of games. This strategy mirrors the success of the Nintendo Switch, which was highly influenced by a strong lineup of titles available in the first year, like Super Mario Odyssey, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Splatoon 2.

In addition to this information, earlier reports have indicated that the Switch 2 will use an Nvidia chip based on the Ampere architecture with support for DLSS. There are also speculations about the console's backward compatibility with the current generation.

The leaked details about the Nintendo Switch 2’s innovative features have fueled excitement and speculation about the console’s potential success in the market. The upcoming launch of Nintendo Switch’s successor is anticipated to be a key catalyst for NTDOY’s stock price.

Investors will likely closely monitor developments related to the new next-generative video game console, including its release date, pricing, and game lineup.

Now, let’s analyze other factors that could influence NTDOY’s performance in the near term:

Recent Developments

On March 10, 2024, NTDOY and Illumination announced a new animated film based on the world of Super Mario Bros. This animated film will be released on April 3, 2026, in the U.S. and additional markets globally, with select territories releasing throughout April.

The film will be produced by Chris Meledandri, Illumination’s Founder and CEO, and Shigeru Miyamoto, Representative Director and Fellow of NTDOY, directed by Aaron Horvath and Michael Jelenic, and written by Matthew Fogel. The film will be co-financed by Universal Pictures and Nintendo and distributed theatrically globally by Universal Pictures.

On November 8, 2023, NTDOY announced the development of a live-action film of The Legend of Zelda. The film will be produced by Nintendo and Arad Productions Inc. and directed by Wes Ball. It will be co-financed by Nintendo and Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., with over 50% financed by Nintendo.

By producing visual content of Nintendo IP by itself, NTDOY is opening up new avenues for global audiences to experience the entertainment world it has built via different means apart from its dedicated game consoles.

Gaming Console Industry Analysis

As per the market analysis, customers highly prefer home consoles due to their enhanced gaming experience. Favorable features of home consoles include online multiplayer gaming experience and cloud support, among others. Factors like rising disposable incomes and the availability of several gaming options boost the market growth.

Further, the integration of emerging technologies such as 3D and augmented reality & virtual reality (AR&VR) in gaming is expected to drive the industry’s expansion.

According to a Mordor Intelligence report, the global game console industry is expected to reach $80.98 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 7.2% during the forecast period (2024-2029). The market is moderately competitive, with dominant players such as Sony Group Corporation (SONY) and Microsoft Corporation (MSFT).

The gaming console industry’s bright growth prospects should bode well for NTDOY.

Robust Financial Performance and Upbeat 2024 Outlook

For the nine months that ended December 31, 2023, NTDOY reported net sales of ¥1.39 trillion ($8.83 billion), an increase of 7.7% year-over-year. The company sold 13.74 million Switch consoles for the nine-month period. Its operating profit grew 13.1% from the prior year’s period to ¥464.41 billion ($2.95 billion).

Furthermore, the gaming giant’s profit attributable to owners of parent came in at ¥408.04 billion ($2.59 billion), up 17.9% year-over-year. Its profit per share rose 18% from the previous year’s period to ¥350.48.

As of December 31, 2023, NTDOY’s total assets stood at ¥3.07 trillion ($19.51 billion), compared to ¥2.85 trillion ($18.11 billion) as of March 31, 2023. The company’s net assets were ¥2.48 trillion ($15.76 billion) versus ¥2.27 trillion ($14.43 billion) as of March 31, 2023.

After an outstanding financial performance, the Japanese video game company expects to sell 15.5 million of its Switch consoles in the fiscal year 2024, up from the prior forecast. NTDOY revised its net profit to ¥440 billion ($2.80 billion) for the full year, compared to its previous forecast of ¥420 billion ($2.67 billion).

Impressive Historical Growth

Over the past five years, NTDOY’s revenue and EBITDA grew at CAGRs of 7.3% and 17.8%, respectively. The company’s net income and EPS rose at respective CAGRs of 23.4% and 24.1% over the same timeframe. Its total assets improved at 11% CAGR over the same period.

Solid Profitability

NTDOY’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 56.78% is 15.5% higher than the 49.17% industry average. Likewise, the stock’s trailing-12-month EBIT margin and net income margin of 32.81% and 29.07% are considerably higher than the industry averages of 8.31% and 2.62%, respectively.

In addition, the stock’s trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 21.27%, 15%, and 16.1% are favorably compared to the respective industry averages of 2.94%, 3.39%, and 1.18%.

Bottom Line

NTDOY surpassed market expectations for profit and revenue in the last reported quarter and raised its full-year 2024 forecast for Switch console sales and profit. The Japanese video gaming company has managed to keep up the momentum for the Switch, driven by the release of the “Super Mario Bros. Movie” and the flagship Zelda game last year.

Investors and enthusiasts are now watching for an outright announcement of a successor to its Flagship console, Switch. Latest reports indicate that the Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to launch in the early months of 2025.

The company has maintained secrecy regarding its plans so far, but a recent significant leak from Spanish outlet Vandal revealed crucial hardware details about the purported Switch 2, which will likely be different from the current design.

The new controller will use a magnetic system to attach to the body of the console. Also, it will be larger than the present Switch models, albeit not as large as Steam Deck. Further, prior reports suggest that the Switch 2 will incorporate an Nvidia chip based on the Ampere architecture with DLSS support.

Additionally, there are speculations that the console may feature backward compatibility with the current generation.

The upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 presents a significant opportunity for investors. Investors should closely monitor developments related to this new console, such as release date, game lineup, and pricing.

Notably, NTDOY has a valuable portfolio of iconic gaming franchises, including Mario, Zelda, and Pokémon. Continued innovation, strategic partnerships, and expansion into mobile gaming are expected to drive the company’s growth and profitability.

Given these factors, it could be wise to invest in this stock for potential gains.

Which Beverage Stocks Could Face the Heat After Sugar Tax Impact?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Several sugar-sweetened drinks are packed with calories, which provide little to no nutritional value and can lead to chronic diseases, including obesity, heart disease, cancer, tooth decay, and type 2 diabetes. Further, higher consumption of sugary beverages has been associated with an increased risk of premature death.

According to a 2020 study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, even one serving daily of a sugary soft drink is linked with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease.

Reducing Consumption of Sugar-Sweetened Beverages

Nearly nine U.S. jurisdictions and over 50 countries have implemented some form of consumer tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, particularly by taxing distributors who then pass the cost along to consumers, said Author Scott Kaplan, an assistant professor of economics at the US Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland.

Some U.S. cities have enacted taxes on sugary drinks at checkout, typically at the rate of 1% to 2%, Kaplan added. Other cities tax those beverages by the ounce, which increases the overall price of the product.

“Maybe you spend $1 on a 12-ounce can of soda,” he said. “If it’s a 2 cent per ounce tax, that’s an additional 24 cents on your dollar.”

The analysis, published Friday in JAMA Health Forum, evaluated per-ounce tax plans by ZIP code in Boulder, Colorado; Oakland, California; Philadelphia; Seattle; and San Francisco. The study analyzed how consumers change their consumption in response to price changes.

According to this new analysis of restrictions implemented in five U.S. cities, increasing the price of sugar-sweetened sodas, coffees, teas, and energy, sports, and fruit drinks by an average of 31% lowered consumer purchases of those drinks by a third.

“For every 1% increase in price, we found a 1% decrease in purchases of these products,” Kaplan said. “The decrease in consumer purchases occurred almost immediately after the taxes were put in place and stayed that way over the next three years of the study.”

William Dermody, Vice President of Media and Public Affairs for the American Beverage Association, told CNN that such taxes are “unproductive” and hurt consumers, small business, and their employees.

“The beverage industry’s strategy of offering consumers more choices with less sugar, smaller portion sizes and clear calorie information is working – today nearly 60% of all beverages sold have zero sugar and the calories that people get from beverages has decreased to its lowest level in decades,” Dermody added.

4 Beverage Stocks Which Might Be Vulnerable in the Aftermath of Raised Sugary Drink Prices

The Coca-Cola Company (KO), a world-famous beverage company, could face the heat after the impact of the sugar tax. Evolving consumer preferences with an enhanced focus on health and wellness coupled with sustainability have pushed soda makers across the globe to de-emphasize diet branding as they sharpen their focus on zero-sugar offerings.

KO sells its products under the Coca-Cola, Diet Coke/Coca-Cola Light, Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta, Sprite, and other brands. The company is constantly transforming its portfolio, from reducing sugar in its drinks to bringing innovative new products to the market.

Consumers worldwide are also turning to sparkling water as the low-sugar, low-calorie substitute for soda and other sugary drinks. On October 26, 2023, KO announced that its 500 ml sparkling beverage bottles in Canada will be made with recycled plastic by early 2024. This marked the first time sparking drinks will be sold in bottles made from 100% recycled plastic across the country.

Coca-Cola paid a dividend of 46 cents ($0.46) to shareholders on December 15, 2023. The beverage company has raised its dividend for 61 consecutive years. Its annual dividend of $1.84 translates to a yield of 3.08% on the current share price. The company’s dividend payouts have increased at a 3.4% CAGR over the past five years.

KO’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 59.14% is 75.4% higher than the 33.72% industry average. Likewise, its 31.46% trailing-12-month EBITDA margin is 179.4% higher than the industry average of 11.26%. Also, the stock’s 23.92% trailing-12-month net income margin is significantly higher than the industry average of 4.90%.

For the third quarter that ended September 29, 2023, KO’s non-GAAP net operating revenues increased 7.8% year-over-year to $11.91 billion. Its non-GAAP gross profit grew 10.2% year-over-year to $7.20 billion. Its non-GAAP operating income rose 8.5% from the previous year’s quarter to $3.54 billion.

In addition, the beverage giant’s non-GAAP net income came in at $3.21 billion, or $0.74 per share, up 6.6% and 7.2% year-over-year, respectively.

“We delivered an overall solid quarter and are raising our full-year topline and bottom-line guidance in light of our year-to-date performance,” said James Quincey, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company.

As per the updated full-year 2023 guidance, KO expects to deliver non-GAAP revenue growth of 10%. The company’s non-GAAP EPS growth is expected to be 7% to 8%, versus $2.48 in 2022. It further anticipates generating a non-GAAP free cash flow of nearly $9.50 billion.

Analysts expect KO’s revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter (ended December 2023) to increase 4% and 7.6% year-over-year to $10.59 billion and $0.48, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Another beverage stock, PepsiCo, Inc. (PEP), might have to deal with the storm following the sugar tax impact. The company operates in seven segments: Frito-Lay North America; Quaker Foods North America; PepsiCo Beverages North America; Latin America; Europe; Africa, Middle East and South Asia; and Asia Pacific, Australia and New Zealand and China Region.

On November 14, PEP announced two new ambitious nutrition goals as part of PepsiCo Positive (pep+) – the company’s end-to-end strategic transformation – which aims at reducing sodium and purposefully delivering important sources of nutrition in the foods consumers are reaching for.

By 2030, PepsiCo aims for at least 75% of its global convenient food portfolio volume to meet or be below category sodium targets.

PEP’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin and EBIT margin of 54.03% and 14.59% are 60.2% and 73.1% higher than the industry averages of 33.72% and 8.43%, respectively. Also, the stock’s trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 6.86% is 41.2% higher than the industry average of 4.86%.

PEP pays a dividend of $5.06 per share annually, translating to a 3% yield on the prevailing price. Its four-year average dividend yield is 2.72%. The company’s dividend payouts have grown at a CAGR of 7.1% over the past three years. PepsiCo has raised dividends for 51 consecutive years.

PEP’s net revenue increased 6.7% year-over-year to $23.45 billion in the third quarter that ended September 9, 2023. Its non-GAAP gross profit grew 8.8% from the year-ago value to $12.77 billion. Its non-GAAP operating profit increased 12.1% year-over-year to $4.03 billion.

Further, the company’s non-GAAP attributable net income came in at $3.11 billion and $2.25 per share, indicating increases of 13.7% and 14.2% year-over-year, respectively.

Street expects PEP’s revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter (ended December 2023) to increase 1.5% and 3.1% year-over-year to $28.42 billion and $1.72, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is remarkable.

Third stock, Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST), known for its energy beverages and concentrates, could also be impacted by sugary drink taxes, which are resulting in a sharp drop in consumer sales.

On November 8, MNST’s Board of Directors authorized a new share repurchase program for the repurchase of up to an additional $500 million of the company’s outstanding common stock. As of November 7, nearly $282.8 million remained available for repurchase under the company’s previously authorized repurchase program.

MNST’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 52.58% is 55.9% higher than the 33.72% industry average. Its 28.81% trailing-12-month EBITDA margin is 155.8% higher than the industry average of 11.26%. Also, the stock’s 22.62% trailing-12-month net income margin is considerably higher than the industry average of 4.90%.

During the third quarter of 2023, the company continued the roll-out of its first flavored malt beverage alcohol product, The Beast Unleashed™, with the goal of being available in substantially all the U.S. by the end of 2023.  Further, Nasty Beast™, its new hard tea, will be launched initially in four flavors, in 12 oz. variety packs and 24 oz single-serve cans, early this year.

MNST’s net sales increased 14.3% year-over-year to $1.86 billion in the third quarter that ended September 30, 2023. Its gross profit was $983.76 million, up 18% from the prior year’s quarter. The company’s net income came in at $452.69 million, or $0.43 per common share, compared to $322.39 million, or $0.30 per common share, in the prior year’s period, respectively.

Analysts expect MNST’s revenue for the fourth quarter (ended December 2023) to grow 16.1% year-over-year to $1.76 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.39 for the same period indicates an improvement of 36.5% year-over-year.

Lastly, Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (KDP) could be vulnerable to the aftereffects of increased sugary beverage prices. From carbonated soft drinks to premium waters and everything in between, Keurig Dr Pepper provides a diverse portfolio of ready-to-drink beverages to satisfy every consumer’s need.

On December 7, KDP announced that its Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.215 per share, payable on January 19, 2024. The company’s annual dividend of $0.86 translates to a yield of 2.69% of the current share price.

Also, on October 26, KDP and Grupo PiSA announced that Keurig Dr Pepper will sell, distribute, and merchandise Electrolit®, a premium hydration beverage, across the U.S. as part of a long-term sales and distribution agreement.

The long-term partnership extends KDP’s portfolio into sports hydration, a key white space category for the company, and is designed to considerably expand Electrolit’s distribution and continue the brand’s accelerated growth.

KDP’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 53.50% is 58.6% higher than the 33.72% industry average. Likewise, the stock’s trailing-12-month EBITDA margin of 26.64% is 136.6% higher than the industry average of 11.26%. Furthermore, its 13.16% trailing-12-month net income margin is 168.8% higher than the industry average of 4.90%.

For the third quarter that ended September 30, 2023, KDP’s net sales increased 5.1% year-over-year to $3.81 billion. Its gross profit grew 11% year-over-year to $2.11 billion. Its income from operations rose 127.4% from the year-ago value to $896 million. Also, net income attributable to KDP and EPS came in at $518 million and $0.37, up 187.8% and 184.6% year-over-year, respectively.

As per its guidance for the full year 2023, KDP expects net sales growth of 5% to 6%. The company’s adjusted EPS growth is projected to be 6% to 7%.

Analysts expect KDP’s revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter (ended December 2023) to grow 3.1% and 8.6% year-over-year to $3.92 billion and $0.54, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.

Bottom Line

According to a recent study conducted by JAMA Health Forum, five U.S. cities that imposed taxes on sugary beverages saw prices rise and a drop in consumer sales by 33%.

With sugar-sweetened drinks considered known contributors to several health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease, taxes on those drinks are implemented to lower consumption. Reduced consumer sales because of these taxes could be pretty alarming for several beverage stocks, including KO, PEP, MNST, and KDP.

The beverage industry is not just about traditional drinks anymore. With a significant surge in health awareness among consumers and the global shift toward sustainability, companies are innovating their products to meet the new demands.

Beverage firms are consistently working toward reducing sugar content in their products or are introducing zero-sugar offerings to cater to health-conscious consumers. Also, the introduction of additional healthy ingredients by different industry players is gaining traction. For example, probiotic drinks, green teas, and beverages infused with minerals and vitamins.

Like any other industry, the beverage sector has its share of opportunities and challenges. As the industry evolves, companies that fail to innovate or adapt to changing consumer preferences risk losing market share.

Given these factors, it seems prudent to wait for a better entry point in beverage stocks KO, PEP, MNST, and KDP. While the industry-wide challenges could impact these stocks in the near term, they appear in good shape to thrive in the long run.