Susquehanna Upgrades Caesars Entertainment on Improving Risk-Reward Profile

Core Viewpoint - Caesars Entertainment has been upgraded to Positive from Neutral by Susquehanna, with a new price target set at $31.00, up from $25.00, indicating a favorable risk-reward setup and expected earnings revisions trending higher [1][2] Group 1: Earnings and Valuation - The upgrade reflects a favorable risk-reward setup, with anticipated earnings revisions likely to trend higher [2] - Caesars' regional portfolio, accounting for approximately 40% of its valuation, is seen as a near-term positive due to normalizing promotional reinvestment and potential consumer tailwinds from tax refunds and easing inflation expected in March and April [2] Group 2: Operational Insights - Las Vegas operations, which represent about 45% of the company's value, are expected to improve sequentially from the third-quarter 2025 trough levels, driven by seasonal factors such as an increased mix of group and convention business in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026 [3] - Broader consumer demand trends are anticipated to become clearer by the second quarter of 2026 [3] Group 3: Online Business and Competitive Position - A more stable outlook for Caesars' online business is highlighted, particularly driven by iCasino operations [4] - Despite acknowledging strategic gaps compared to more premium competitors, Caesars is noted as one of the lowest-cost operators in the sector, with a high financial leverage of 5.2x net leverage excluding capitalized rent [4] - Even modest improvements in operating trends could lead to a significant positive stock reaction [4]