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Carl Icahn brings two directors to Caesars' board. What could be next as the activist aims to build value
CZRCaesars Entertainment(CZR) CNBC·2025-03-22 12:55

Company Overview - Caesars Entertainment operates through several segments including Las Vegas, Regional, Caesars Digital, and Managed and Branded properties, offering a range of gaming, entertainment, and hospitality services [1] - The company has properties under the Caesars, Harrah's, Horseshoe, and Eldorado brand names [1] Recent Developments - Carl Icahn and Caesars reached an agreement to expand the board to 12 directors, appointing Jesse Lynn and Ted Papapostolou as new directors [2][5] - Icahn has a history with Caesars, advocating for a strategic review and supporting the merger with Eldorado in 2020 [3][4] Financial Performance - Caesars' revenue increased from 9.6billionin2021to9.6 billion in 2021 to 11.2 billion, with operating income rising from 1.7billionto1.7 billion to 2.3 billion [4] - Despite revenue growth, Caesars' stock price has declined below pre-merger levels, indicating market challenges [4] Digital Business Insights - Caesars Digital generated 1.16billioninrevenuein2024,accountingfor10.31.16 billion in revenue in 2024, accounting for 10.3% of total revenue, with a 19.5% growth from the previous year [5] - Digital's EBITDAR surged 207.9% from 2023 to 2024, with projections for another 160.9% increase in 2025 [5] - The digital segment is growing significantly compared to the stagnation in the brick-and-mortar segments, which saw revenue declines [5] Strategic Considerations - A potential spin-off of Caesars Digital could unlock significant value, with estimates suggesting a standalone valuation of 4.6 billion to $7.6 billion [5] - The separation would allow investors to choose between a stable legacy casino business and a high-growth digital business [5] - Icahn's involvement is seen as a positive influence, with expectations that he will work creatively to maximize shareholder value [7][8]