** Citi hikes its price target $(PT)$ for shares of entertainment co EVT EVT.AX by 12% to A$18.15, reiterates 'buy' rating
** Brokerage notes box office strength given the success of recent film releases
** Hikes its net profit after-tax (NPAT) forecasts for fiscal 2025 and 2026 by 5% and 2%, respectively, on strengthened confidence towards the entertainment business in the 'near term'
** Sees a strong FY26 for co, citing strong performance of films launched in June and July, and a strong 'event pipeline' in 1H26 for its hotels segment
** 6 analysts rated 'buy' on avg, median PT is A$18.15, per LSEG-compiled data
** Shares of co up 40.2% YTD at A$15.86
(Reporting by Nichiket Sunil in Bengaluru)
((Nichiket.Sunil@thomsonreuters.com))