** Shares of casino operator Las Vegas Sands Corp LVS.N up 2.7% at $51.22, premarket
** Brokerage Jefferies raises the stock to "buy" from "hold"; raises PT to $69 from $60
** Jefferies expects co's strategic upgrades and strong balance sheet to contribute to strong performance in the coming years
** LVS' focus on upgrades in Macau and Singapore to benefit 2025-26 estimates, while also using its sector-leading B/S (balance sheet) to repurchase more shares than past - brokerage
** 15 of 20 brokerages rate the stock "buy" or "higher", 5 "hold"; with a median PT of $60, according to data compiled by LSEG
** Stock was up 4.4% in 2024
(Reporting by Rupali Chaudhary in Bengaluru)
((Rupali.Chaudhary@thomsonreuters.com))