I wouldn't be surprised if we are talking about an offer from Harrah's on Monday. The real question is, who can get the most synergies out of Mirage's business? I still believe MGM is the best match. |
It's a very exciting deal that's good for Mirage's shareholders. This will change the face of the gaming industry. |
MGM is very deliberate. They are not going to do a deal that isn't immediately accretive to earnings per share. Harrah's, on the other hand, has done deals that aren't accretive. |
Right now, I think Hilton has clearly put a wrench in the process by offering $70 per share. |
The gaming commission would look long and hard. We think it would be hard to get licensed. |
The hotel business is on fire. I mean, you look at every major city, and the Four Seasons continues to widen its gap over Ritz-Carlton and other premium brands that are out there. But the reality is, you know, the stock is trading at a huge valuation multiple, over 20 times cash flow. |
They believe in their heart of hearts that their comprehensive plan is going to do more than Hilton's $70 per share. |
They don't have the ability to get the synergies out of this that MGM does, particularly at the high end. |
We believe management continues to explore strategic alternatives, including potential acquisitions and joint venture opportunities, and as a result, we expect WMS to participate in the consolidation of the equipment industry over the next 12 months. |
We definitely expected more consolidation in the industry, although it is always hard to imagine a deal of this magnitude. Mirage's management has underperformed and the stock has languished recently, making it a great opportunity for MGM Grand. But this will have to be a friendly deal if it has a shot of working. |
We're all looking at Disney's numbers and particularly what they said about weakness in the current quarter and it's got the investment community spooked about a decline in demand overall. |