MGM Now a Story of Execution after Takeover Bid is Axed


Shares of MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) are down over 10% today after Barry Diller’s People Inc. (NASDAQ: PPLI) withdrew its $48.30 per share takeover offer for the company, causing trading volume to surge to more than triple the daily average.

MGM
MGM Grand on the Las Vegas Strip. With a takeover bid pulled, the MGM stock is now an execution play. (Image: MGM Resorts International)

Barry Diller, the largest MGM shareholder, cited complexities leading to the withdrawal of the offer to take the company private. Meanwhile, MGM’s board is eager to continue leading MGM Resorts independently. Analysts now view MGM as an execution story.

Jefferies analyst David Katz believes MGM has a strong portfolio but must show disciplined capital usage, demonstrate improvements in Las Vegas, digital gaming progress, and the monetization of non-core assets to attract investors.

“Successful execution against these priorities should help narrow the gap between MGM’s public valuation and its underlying asset value,” mentioned Katz.

Analysts rate MGM shares as a “hold” with a $45 price target.

MGM Stock Undervalued

Despite the drop following the withdrawn takeover offer, analysts view the current price as a buying opportunity, considering MGM deeply undervalued.

Using a similar acquisition price of $31 per share for Caesars Entertainment, Texas Capital analyst David Bain estimates MGM’s value to exceed its current trading range.

“MGM’s intrinsic value offers significant upside potential for long-term investors. MGM’s value could soar to $53 per share,” noted Bain.

Bain also highlights additional value from MGM Osaka and the potential for aggressive share repurchases.

Analyzing MGM Catalysts

Without the People takeover as a catalyst, MGM could see a boost from other factors, such as signs of recovery on the Las Vegas Strip. Analysts also mention a potential sale of MGM Springfield and the unlocking of BetMGM value as positive developments for the company.

Both analysts agree that the opening of MGM Osaka in 2030 could further elevate MGM’s stock.

Todd Shriber is a senior news reporter covering gaming financials, casino business, stocks, and mergers and acquisitions for Casino.org.

Todd’s financial market experience began at Bloomberg News before transitioning to trading at a hedge fund. He joined Casino.org in 2019 and now focuses on ETF analysis for various publications.

Todd’s work has been featured in Barron’s, CNBC.com, and The Wall Street Journal, among others. He currently resides in Las Vegas and enjoys golf, sports betting, and casino games.

Contact Todd at [email protected].



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