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    Caesars Entertainment Inc (CZR)

    Q3 2024 Earnings Summary

    Reported on Feb 7, 2025 (After Market Close)
    Pre-Earnings Price$45.28Last close (Oct 29, 2024)
    Post-Earnings Price$42.79Open (Oct 30, 2024)
    Price Change
    $-2.49(-5.50%)
    MetricYoY ChangeReason

    Total Revenue

    -4%

    The year-over-year decline was driven primarily by lower gaming volumes in both Las Vegas and Regional segments, coupled with increased competition in certain markets and construction disruptions that impacted operations. These challenges outweighed the strong growth in Caesars Digital, which posted a double-digit revenue increase.

    Las Vegas

    -5%

    The drop reflects softer gaming volumes, partially due to the anniversary of large conventions and group events in the prior year, as well as some ongoing roadwork disruptions on the Strip. Despite high hotel occupancy, the net decrease was influenced by lower table games drop and slot handle, as well as heightened labor costs and promotional expenses.

    Regional

    -8%

    Regional properties faced increased local competition, inclement weather in certain markets, and construction-related disruptions that reduced foot traffic. A shift in customer mix, with fewer unrated (casual) players, also weighed on gaming revenues, while last year’s performance included impacts from a national tournament that did not recur this year.

    Caesars Digital

    +41%

    The digital segment’s strong growth stemmed from improved sports betting hold, higher iGaming volume, and new product enhancements that boosted player engagement. The company also benefited from more efficient promotional spending, leveraging past learnings to refine marketing strategies. Together, these factors led to record net revenues for Caesars Digital.

    Managed & Branded

    -31%

    This segment’s revenues and margins were heavily affected by the decline in reimbursement-related income and lower management fees driven by reduced property-level results. Since these agreements reimburse payroll and other operating costs, any drop in volumes or increased costs in the managed properties directly impacts the segment's profitability.

    Hotel

    -7%

    While occupancy remained relatively strong, fewer large group events compared to the prior year, property renovations, and rising labor costs contributed to the decrease. Additionally, the Rio divestiture in late 2023 reduced total available rooms in Las Vegas, slightly lowering segment-wide performance.

    Other

    -15%

    The “Other” category declined mainly due to lower costs of goods sold and reductions in certain entertainment-related expenses that were elevated in the prior year. At the same time, fewer foreign currency or investment valuation gains helped keep “Other” lower in 2024 than in the comparable period.

    Operating Income (EBIT)

    -11%

    EBIT fell year-over-year because of impairment charges recognized in underperforming regional properties, higher operating costs, and a slight dip in total revenues. Although Caesars Digital provided a positive contribution, it wasn’t sufficient to fully offset the impact of increased competition, lower volume in Las Vegas, and construction-related expenses throughout the portfolio.

    Net Income

    -109%

    The swing from a positive net income in the prior year to a small loss this year was influenced by the absence of a one-time $940 million tax benefit recorded in the prior period, impairment charges in the Regional segment, and higher interest expenses. While operational metrics were solid in certain segments, these non-operational factors drove net income below last year’s levels.

    MetricPeriodPrevious GuidanceCurrent GuidanceChange

    Las Vegas Group & Convention

    FY 2025

    mid-single-digit growth

    expected to be stronger in 2025 vs 2024

    no change

    CapEx

    FY 2025

    expected to decrease by approximately $200M

    expected to decline significantly to $650M

    no change

    Las Vegas Segment

    Q4 2024

    no prior guidance

    expected to see improved performance; cash room revenue up slightly

    no prior guidance

    Sports Betting

    Q4 2024

    no prior guidance

    expects a strong Q4 2024

    no prior guidance

    Sports Betting

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    continued growth

    no prior guidance

    Debt Reduction

    FY 2024

    no prior guidance

    expects total debt to be reduced by 25% since the Caesars acquisition

    no prior guidance

    Free Cash Flow

    FY 2025

    no prior guidance

    expected to increase dramatically

    no prior guidance

    MetricPeriodGuidanceActualPerformance
    Regional Segment
    Q3 2024
    Expected to fall short of 2023 levels
    1,446M vs. 1,565M in Q3 2023
    Met
    Digital Segment
    Q3 2024
    Revenue growth is expected to start in Q3 2024 and accelerate
    303M vs. 215M in Q3 2023
    Met
    TopicPrevious MentionsCurrent PeriodTrend

    Continued emphasis on digital/iGaming growth

    Consistent emphasis on growing digital/iGaming across Q2, Q1, and Q4 2023 with improving holds, higher parlay mixes, and strong EBITDA targets.

    Sports betting net revenue up 36%, iGaming up 83%. Higher hold percentages, focus on parlay and structural improvements. Achieved $52M in digital EBITDA.

    Consistently mentioned; sentiment remains positive, focusing on profitability.

    Las Vegas segment dynamics

    Previously focused on record convention paces, some table softness, and cost pressures. Q2 2024 highlighted cost management; Q1 and Q4 2023 discussed table volatility and union-driven expense growth.

    Strong group/convention bookings. Table game softness from high-end play timing shifts; costs steady year-over-year.

    Recurring topic; stable non-gaming performance and ongoing watch on table play volatility.

    Regional markets facing new competition and openings

    Prior calls noted construction disruptions in New Orleans and Danville’s strong temporary facility performance. Expected EBITDA lift from permanent openings.

    New competition in multiple markets. Caesars New Orleans renovation reopened late Oct; Danville temporary strong, permanent expected by Dec.

    Consistent theme; sentiment is positive about long-term EBITDA gains once disruptions subside.

    Shifting focus on free cash flow, debt reduction, and buybacks

    Q2: Reduced term loan with FCF, open to share buybacks. Q1/Q4: Eyeing leverage reduction first, then buybacks if stock is undervalued.

    Emphasized debt reduction as priority. Repurchased $140M shares, $500M authorized but not on a fixed schedule.

    Consistently mentioned; remains a core financial strategy tied to leverage targets.

    Rising labor and inflation costs requiring revenue growth

    Q2: Maintained strong margins vs. rising labor costs. Q1: A 5% revenue lift needed to keep margins. Q4: Mid-single-digit expense growth, offset by higher demand.

    No specific mention in Q3.

    Topic absent in Q3; previously highlighted as a margin driver needing higher revenues.

    Emergence of volatility in high-end play, slot vs. table mix

    Q2: Minimal mention of high-end volatility. Q1: Low table hold impacted results. Q4: Historically low hold in November, shift toward slot-heavy mix in iGaming.

    Volatility from a few large players shifting trips; digital shifting increasingly to slots (higher hold).

    Recurring mention; volatility continues, with a strategic push toward higher-hold slot play.

    Long-term impact of expanding digital segments & new properties

    Q2/Q1/Q4 calls all projected strong returns from digital and new properties like Danville and New Orleans, supporting EBITDA and FCF expansion.

    Digital EBITDA ($126M TTM) seen as driver of future growth; Danville permanent opening and Caesars New Orleans expected to boost profits.

    Consistent theme; expansions forecast stronger profitability and free cash flow over the long run.

    1. Digital EBITDA Outlook
      Q: How will the $500 million digital EBITDA split between iCasino and sports betting?
      A: The expectation is that the $500 million annual digital EBITDA will be split roughly 50-50 between iCasino and sports betting. iGaming moves the needle more on a per-state basis, so additional iGaming states would be more impactful than new sports betting states. The company was late to iCasino but is catching up by building apps and brands and rolling them out in markets where peers have operated for years.

    2. 2025 Free Cash Flow
      Q: What are the parameters for 2025 free cash flow including Pompano proceeds?
      A: Caesars received around $40 million from Pompano in the quarter and expects similar future distributions as the project develops. For 2025, rent expenses are expected to be around $1.35 billion, cash CapEx between $600 million to $650 million, cash interest expense between $650 million to $750 million, and cash taxes will be roughly 15% to 20% of free cash flow.

    3. Non-core Asset Sales
      Q: Are upcoming non-core asset sales smaller than recent ones?
      A: No, the upcoming asset sales are not necessarily smaller but are more complex with longer timelines. Expected asset values are between $275 million to $500 million, similar to the Promenade sale at $275 million and the World Series sale at $500 million.

    4. Regional Gaming Outlook
      Q: Is regional gaming expected to grow next year amid competition?
      A: The regional gaming outlook for next year is expected to be down slightly to flat, with more headwinds than tailwinds due to new competition like the Ports Creek property in Chicago opening on November 11. The company plans to actively compete in impacted markets like Indiana, Chicago, Mississippi, and Iowa, which could influence the outcome.

    5. Danville Expansion Impact
      Q: How will Danville expansion affect margins and EBITDA?
      A: The permanent Danville property will have margins in the mid-30% range, lower than the 60% EBITDA margins of the temporary facility. While margins will decrease, revenue will increase significantly with almost double the gaming positions. Approximately 67% to 70% of total EBITDA was already generated by the temporary property, so the permanent facility will provide a meaningful boost to the regional segment.

    6. Las Vegas Outlook
      Q: Any changes in Las Vegas promotional environment to note?
      A: The Las Vegas market has been remarkably stable with high 90s% occupancy rates and no significant changes in the promotional environment. Group business continues to grow, and the company doesn't foresee major changes at this time.

    7. October Sports Betting Results
      Q: How did October sports betting perform compared to expectations?
      A: October faced challenges due to adverse sports outcomes. Two weekends ago was the worst combination of sports betting outcomes since starting the business, affecting hold despite a higher parlay percentage. While October results won't meet expectations, it doesn't impact the long-term structural story.

    8. Digital Product Enhancements
      Q: What are the key digital functionalities being developed?
      A: The company is rolling out a shared wallet feature, currently in 9 states, aiming for full transition by mid-next year. Efforts to improve the parlay mix have led to an all-time high, enhancing the hold percentage. Some product gaps remain, particularly live same-game parlays in non-main markets, but progress is being made to close the gap with market leaders.

    9. iGaming Hold Improvement
      Q: Is the higher iGaming hold sustainable?
      A: The improvement in iGaming hold is due to a shift toward more slots versus tables, initiated by the launch of Caesars Palace online. Slots offer higher, more predictable hold than the more volatile table games, and this trend is expected to continue.

    10. Asset Sale Inquiries
      Q: Is demand returning for asset sales along the Strip?
      A: Yes, there's been a significant increase in inbound inquiries about asset sales over the past 90 days, especially after the first Fed move. While Caesars currently has no active processes for selling any casinos, they acknowledge the heightened interest and remain open to transactions if they make economic sense.