Wrapping up Q4 earnings, we look at the numbers and key takeaways for the casino operator stocks, including Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ:CZR) and its peers.
Casino operators enjoy limited competition because gambling is a highly regulated industry. These companies can also enjoy healthy margins and profits. Have you ever heard the phrase ‘the house always wins’? Regulation cuts both ways, however, and casinos may face stroke-of-the-pen risk that suddenly limits what they can or can't do and where they can do it. Furthermore, digitization is changing the game, pun intended. Whether it’s online poker or sports betting on your smartphone, innovation is forcing these players to adapt to changing consumer preferences, such as being able to wager anywhere on demand.
The 9 casino operator stocks we track reported a mixed Q4. As a group, revenues beat analysts’ consensus estimates by 0.9%.
Amidst this news, share prices of the companies have had a rough stretch. On average, they are down 5.3% since the latest earnings results.
Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ:CZR)
Formerly Eldorado Resorts, Caesars Entertainment (NASDAQ:CZR) is a global gaming and hospitality company operating numerous casinos, hotels, and resort properties.
Caesars Entertainment reported revenues of $2.80 billion, flat year on year. This print fell short of analysts’ expectations by 1.1%, but it was still a very strong quarter for the company with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.
Tom Reeg, Chief Executive Officer of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., commented, “Fourth quarter operating results reflect stable conditions in Las Vegas with continued high occupancy and strong ADRs; and competitive pressures regionally offset partially by the openings in New Orleans and Danville late in the quarter. Caesars Digital was negatively impacted by sports betting customer friendly outcomes in both October and December offset by over 60% growth in iGaming net revenues. As we look ahead to 2025, the brick and mortar operating environment remains stable and we are expecting another year of strong net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA growth in our Digital segment. When combined with lower capex and cash interest expense, 2025 is expected deliver significant free cash flow which we expect will be used to further reduce leverage.”
The stock is down 22% since reporting and currently trades at $27.20.
Is now the time to buy Caesars Entertainment? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Best Q4: Monarch (NASDAQ:MCRI)
Established in 1993, Monarch (NASDAQ:MCRI) operates luxury casinos and resorts, offering high-end gaming, dining, and hospitality experiences.
Monarch reported revenues of $134.5 million, up 4.9% year on year, outperforming analysts’ expectations by 4.4%. The business had a very strong quarter with a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates and an impressive beat of analysts’ adjusted operating income estimates.
Monarch scored the biggest analyst estimates beat among its peers. However, the results were likely priced into the stock as it’s traded sideways since reporting. Shares currently sit at $85.09.
Is now the time to buy Monarch? Access our full analysis of the earnings results here, it’s free.
Weakest Q4: Bally's (NYSE:BALY)
Headquartered in Providence, Rhode Island, Bally's Corporation (NYSE:BALY) is a diversified global casino-entertainment company that owns and manages casinos, resorts, and online gaming platforms.
Bally's reported revenues of $580.4 million, down 5.1% year on year, falling short of analysts’ expectations by 1.9%. It was a disappointing quarter as it posted a significant miss of analysts’ adjusted operating income and EPS estimates.
Interestingly, the stock is up 40.2% since the results and currently trades at $18.24.
Read our full analysis of Bally’s results here.
MGM Resorts (NYSE:MGM)
Operating several properties on the Las Vegas Strip, MGM Resorts (NYSE:MGM) is a global hospitality and entertainment company known for its resorts and casinos.
MGM Resorts reported revenues of $4.35 billion, flat year on year. This print surpassed analysts’ expectations by 1.3%. Aside from that, it was a satisfactory quarter as it also recorded a solid beat of analysts’ EPS estimates.
The stock is down 10.1% since reporting and currently trades at $30.88.
Read our full, actionable report on MGM Resorts here, it’s free.
PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ:PENN)
Established in 1982, PENN Entertainment (NASDAQ:PENN) is a diversified American operator of casinos, sports betting, and entertainment venues.
PENN Entertainment reported revenues of $1.67 billion, up 19.6% year on year. This number was in line with analysts’ expectations. Aside from that, it was a softer quarter as it recorded a significant miss of analysts’ EBITDA and EPS estimates.
PENN Entertainment pulled off the fastest revenue growth among its peers. The stock is down 20.3% since reporting and currently trades at $16.27.
Read our full, actionable report on PENN Entertainment here, it’s free.
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