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Frontier Developments PLC (GB:FDEV)
LSE:FDEV

Frontier Developments (FDEV) AI Stock Analysis

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GB:FDEV

Frontier Developments

(LSE:FDEV)

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Outperform 74 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:74Outperform
Price Target:
471.00p
▼(-2.69% Downside)
The score is driven primarily by improving financial performance and cash-flow strength alongside a solid balance sheet, with a strong uptrend in the stock price providing additional support. Valuation also contributes positively due to the low P/E, while the main offsetting risk is the significant decline in gross margin.
Positive Factors
Cash Generation
Frontier converts earnings into cash efficiently, with operating cash flow well above net income and near-1x FCF-to-income conversion. Durable cash conversion supports ongoing game development, live-ops funding, and reduces reliance on external financing over the next several quarters.
Balance Sheet Strength
Low leverage and a high equity base provide financial flexibility and resilience. A conservative balance sheet lets Frontier fund sequels, invest in live-service content, or absorb uneven game cycles without jeopardizing operations or needing frequent capital raises.
Recurring Monetisation Model
Frontier’s business relies on base-game sales plus post-launch monetisation (DLC, expansions, in-game purchases) and publishing revenue. This model extends revenue life per title, increases lifetime value, and supports predictable multi-year cash flows when live-ops perform as planned.
Negative Factors
Gross Margin Compression
A large decline in gross margin signals rising direct costs or lower-priced revenue mix. If structural, this compresses operating leverage and limits the impact of future revenue growth on profits, raising the bar for sustaining prior profitability levels over months.
Weak Top-line Growth
Modest revenue growth after prior declines suggests limited organic expansion or reliance on a few titles. Slower top-line momentum constrains scale benefits from fixed-cost absorption and puts more pressure on margins and investment choices over a multi-quarter horizon.
Concentration / Hit-driven Risk
Reliance on a small portfolio of premium and live-service titles makes revenue and cash volatile if new content underperforms. Over 2–6 months, a late or weak DLC/expansion cadence or an underwhelming launch can materially affect recurring revenues and margin recovery.

Frontier Developments (FDEV) vs. iShares MSCI United Kingdom ETF (EWC)

Frontier Developments Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionFrontier Developments plc develops and publishes video games for personal computers and videogame consoles in the United Kingdom. The company develops games across various platforms using its cross-platform technology, Cobra. It also publishes games developed by selected partner studios under its Frontier Foundry games label. The company was incorporated in 1994 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
How the Company Makes MoneyFrontier Developments generates revenue through multiple streams, including game sales, downloadable content (DLC), and microtransactions. The majority of its income comes from sales of its games on various platforms, including PC and consoles. Additionally, the company monetizes its titles through the release of DLC, which enhances the gaming experience and encourages further purchases from existing players. Microtransactions also contribute to revenue, particularly in games that offer cosmetic items or additional content. Frontier has established partnerships with major gaming platforms and publishers, which help in distributing its games and expanding its reach in the market. Furthermore, the company benefits from a loyal fan base that supports its ongoing development efforts, further solidifying its financial performance.

Frontier Developments Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Financials show improving profitability and strong cash generation. Net margin turned positive to 18.09% and EBIT/EBITDA margins improved, while cash conversion is strong (operating cash flow to net income 2.83; free cash flow to net income 0.99). Balance sheet is stable with low leverage (debt-to-equity 0.20) and a high equity ratio (72.81%), though the sharp gross margin decline (68.69% to 44.05%) is a key risk.
Income Statement
65
Positive
Frontier Developments has shown a mixed performance in its income statement. The company experienced a slight revenue growth of 1.93% in the latest year, recovering from previous declines. Gross profit margin decreased significantly from 68.69% to 44.05%, indicating increased cost pressures. However, the net profit margin improved to 18.09% from a negative position, reflecting better cost management and profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins also improved, suggesting operational efficiency gains.
Balance Sheet
70
Positive
The balance sheet of Frontier Developments is relatively stable. The debt-to-equity ratio decreased to 0.20, indicating a conservative leverage position. Return on equity improved to 17.22%, showing effective use of equity to generate profits. The equity ratio stands at 72.81%, reflecting a strong equity base relative to total assets, which enhances financial stability.
Cash Flow
75
Positive
Cash flow metrics indicate a positive trend for Frontier Developments. Free cash flow growth was 2.90%, and the operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust at 2.83, suggesting strong cash generation relative to earnings. The free cash flow to net income ratio of 0.99 indicates efficient conversion of earnings into cash.
BreakdownTTMMay 2024May 2023May 2022May 2021May 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue102.94M90.60M89.27M104.58M114.03M90.69M
Gross Profit45.02M39.91M61.32M67.34M73.61M63.15M
EBITDA40.78M36.89M9.88M14.86M33.73M38.08M
Net Income20.00M16.39M-21.47M-20.91M9.63M21.56M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets136.59M130.69M117.39M141.01M169.58M161.52M
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments40.11M42.50M29.52M28.31M38.70M42.42M
Total Debt18.56M19.47M21.28M19.28M20.74M22.16M
Total Liabilities42.42M35.53M40.56M45.04M51.21M48.37M
Stockholders Equity94.17M95.16M76.82M95.97M118.37M113.15M
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow50.13M41.97M31.50M4.49M2.41M6.08M
Operating Cash Flow50.40M42.31M32.46M47.88M41.16M38.95M
Investing Cash Flow-24.68M-26.71M-28.70M-52.31M-38.69M-32.83M
Financing Cash Flow-12.85M-2.64M-2.51M-6.02M-6.17M-9.47M

Frontier Developments Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Negative
Last Price484.00
Price Trends
50DMA
471.46
Negative
100DMA
482.11
Negative
200DMA
402.71
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
-13.87
Positive
RSI
33.81
Neutral
STOCH
9.03
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For GB:FDEV, the sentiment is Negative. The current price of 484 is above the 20-day moving average (MA) of 463.15, above the 50-day MA of 471.46, and above the 200-day MA of 402.71, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of -13.87 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 33.81 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 9.03 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Negative sentiment for GB:FDEV.

Frontier Developments Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (60)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
74
Outperform
£93.06M11.7624.79%21.27%21.93%
74
Outperform
£152.06M8.0219.06%1.49%
68
Neutral
£429.37M19.688.06%1.12%-6.90%
62
Neutral
£121.25M-12.26-8.33%-10.51%-63.78%
60
Neutral
$48.67B4.58-11.27%4.14%2.83%-41.78%
50
Neutral
£29.00M-3.32-22.74%-20.54%86.22%
43
Neutral
£1.59M-1.50-169.50%-54.59%
* Communication Services Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
GB:FDEV
Frontier Developments
420.50
217.00
106.63%
GB:GMR
Gaming Realms
32.70
-6.30
-16.15%
GB:GFIN
Gfinity
0.03
-0.07
-71.15%
GB:EVPL
everplay Group
298.00
57.75
24.04%
GB:TBLD
tinyBuild Inc.
7.38
1.38
22.92%
GB:DEVO
Devolver Digital, Inc.
25.50
1.50
6.25%

Frontier Developments Corporate Events

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board Changes
Frontier Developments Awards Performance-Linked Share Options to Executive Directors
Positive
Feb 11, 2026

Frontier Developments plc, the AIM-listed Cambridge-based video game developer and publisher, has awarded 185,000 share options to three executive directors under its existing Long Term Incentive Plan. The options, granted at the nominal exercise price of 0.5p per ordinary share, are scheduled to vest in 2029 subject to performance conditions.

Half of the awards depend on achieving threshold targets for revenue, profit and shareholder returns over a three-year period, with the remainder tied to stretch targets on the same metrics. The grants materially increase long-term equity incentives for CEO Jo Cooke, President and Founder David Braben and CFO Alex Bevis, signalling an effort to align top management more closely with shareholder value creation and Frontier’s financial performance trajectory.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FDEV) stock is a Buy with a £502.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Frontier Developments stock, see the GB:FDEV Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
Frontier Developments Upgrades Outlook After Strong H1 Driven by Jurassic World Evolution 3
Positive
Jan 14, 2026

Frontier Developments reported a strong first half for the 2026 financial year, with revenue up 26% to £59.6m and adjusted operating profit rising 76% to £9.7m, driven primarily by the successful launch of Jurassic World Evolution 3 and robust performance across its CMS portfolio. CMS titles accounted for 90% of H1 revenue, with Jurassic World Evolution 3 achieving record-breaking December sales and award nominations, while Planet Zoo became the company’s highest-grossing individual game and Planet Coaster continued to outperform expectations, underpinning a pipeline that includes a Planet Zoo sequel in FY27 and an unannounced CMS title in FY28. The strength of trading, including Frontier’s second-highest December revenue ever, prompted an upgrade to full-year guidance to around £100m in revenue and £11m in adjusted operating profit, reinforcing the company’s turnaround to sustainable growth. The period also marked a planned leadership transition, with former CMO Jo Cooke taking over as CEO from Jonny Watts, who remains on the board to ensure continuity as Frontier doubles down on its CMS-focused strategy and content roadmap.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FDEV) stock is a Buy with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Frontier Developments stock, see the GB:FDEV Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
Frontier Developments Lifts Guidance After Strong H1 on Jurassic World Evolution 3 Success
Positive
Jan 14, 2026

Frontier Developments reported a strong first half for FY26, with revenue up 26% year-on-year to £59.6m and adjusted operating profit rising 76% to £9.7m, driven primarily by highly successful launch sales of Jurassic World Evolution 3 and robust performance across its creative management simulation portfolio. The company’s CMS titles contributed 90% of total revenue, with Planet Zoo becoming its highest-grossing game to date and setting the stage for a planned sequel in FY27, while Elite Dangerous also delivered over 50% revenue growth. Strong trading in December, including record Christmas Day sales for Jurassic World Evolution 3, prompted management to upgrade full-year guidance to around £100m in revenue and £11m in adjusted operating profit, underlining a return to consistent profitability. Alongside the financial momentum, Frontier announced a smooth leadership transition as former CMO Jo Cooke took over as CEO from Jonny Watts on 1 January 2026, with Watts remaining on the board to support the handover, and confirmed progress on an unannounced CMS title for FY28 and another unannounced game from its Canadian studio for FY27, reinforcing its pipeline and long-term CMS-focused strategy.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FDEV) stock is a Buy with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Frontier Developments stock, see the GB:FDEV Stock Forecast page.

Executive/Board Changes
Frontier Developments Confirms Jo Cooke as New CEO in Planned Leadership Transition
Positive
Jan 2, 2026

Frontier Developments has appointed Johanna (Jo) Mair Cooke as Chief Executive Officer, with her formal joining of the board effective 1 January 2026, following an earlier announcement in December. Outgoing CEO Jonny Watts will remain on the board until 31 May 2026 to ensure an orderly leadership transition, while Cooke has been granted 25,000 share options under the company’s long-term incentive plan, due to vest in August 2028 without performance conditions, underscoring a planned and stable succession at the top of the UK-listed games developer.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FDEV) stock is a Buy with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Frontier Developments stock, see the GB:FDEV Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyExecutive/Board ChangesFinancial Disclosures
Frontier Developments Announces CEO Transition and Strong Interim Results
Positive
Dec 16, 2025

Frontier Developments plc announced a leadership change as CEO Jonny Watts plans to step down for personal reasons, after successfully leading a strategic shift back to the company’s core strength in creative management simulation games. Jo Cooke, currently Chief Marketing Officer, will succeed Watts as CEO, effective January 2026, bringing extensive industry experience to continue driving the company’s growth. The company also announced its interim financial results will be published in January 2026, with expectations of strong performance from its portfolio, including the recently launched Jurassic World Evolution 3.

The most recent analyst rating on (GB:FDEV) stock is a Buy with a £586.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Frontier Developments stock, see the GB:FDEV Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Jan 16, 2026