EdR Stock Price, News & Analysis

Light & Wonder, Inc. (NASDAQ: LNW) completed the sale of its Sports Betting Business, OpenBet, to Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) for approximately $800 million. This transaction resolves the company’s strategic plan initiated in June 2021 to streamline operations and enhance financial flexibility. As a result, Light & Wonder is positioned to achieve a targeted net debt leverage ratio of 2.5x to 3.5x and increase shareholder returns through a robust capital return strategy, backed by a double-digit growth profile and strong cash flow.

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) has completed its acquisition of OpenBet from Light & Wonder (NASDAQ: LNW) for approximately $800 million, comprising $750 million in cash and shares. This strategic move aims to enhance Endeavor’s presence in the sports betting industry, merging OpenBet's technology and expertise with Endeavor's IMG ARENA. The merger will create a new segment, Sports Data & Technology, starting January 2023, and is expected to generate significant value for customers and fans.

Endeavor (NYSE: EDR) has appointed Richard Weitz and Christian Muirhead as co-chairmen of its WME talent agency, succeeding Lloyd Braun, who will step down at the end of 2022. Mark Shapiro, President of Endeavor, praised Braun for navigating WME through the pandemic and achieving a record financial year. Weitz, with a 25-year history at WME, and Muirhead, who has been with the company for 18 years, are expected to lead WME into its next phase, leveraging Endeavor's expansive network.

Endeavor Group Holdings (NYSE: EDR) announced CFO Jason Lublin will participate in a virtual fireside chat at the Bank of America Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference on September 8, 2022, at 2:50 p.m. PT. CEO Ari Emanuel will also join a fireside chat at the Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference on September 12, 2022, at 11:30 a.m. PT. Links to both sessions and replays will be available on Endeavor's investor relations website.

Endeavor is a global leader in sports and entertainment, encompassing WME, IMG, and UFC.

Endeavor's IMG has acquired a majority stake in Barrett-Jackson, a leader in collector car auctions and events. This partnership aims to leverage IMG's global expertise to enhance Barrett-Jackson's offerings and accelerate its growth in the collector car market. Barrett-Jackson conducts high-profile auctions attracting over 300,000 attendees annually, with annual sales surpassing 3,600 cars. CEO Craig Jackson expressed excitement for new opportunities to optimize fan experiences. The acquisition aligns with rising demand for collector cars and innovative automotive events.

Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) reported Q2 2022 revenue of $1.313 billion with a net income of $42.2 million and Adjusted EBITDA of $306.4 million. The company raised its full-year EBITDA guidance to between $1.130 billion and $1.170 billion, reflecting strong growth across all segments. Notable increases in revenue were seen in Owned Sports Properties (+28%) and Events, Experiences & Rights (+19%). Endeavor plans to repay $250 million in debt by Q3 2022, aided by a $400 million reduction in OpenBet purchase price and funds from the sale of Diamond Baseball Holdings.

Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) announced the sale of its Professional Development League (PDL) business, Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), to Silver Lake, a tech investment firm. DBH has acquired 10 Minor League Clubs, enhancing local baseball management and operations. The transaction is expected to close in Q4 2022, pending regulatory approvals. Executives Pat Battle and Peter Freund will continue to lead DBH under Silver Lake's ownership, which aims to grow the PDL business further.

Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: EDR) will release its second quarter 2022 results on August 11, 2022, after market hours. A live teleconference to discuss these results will be held at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET. The earnings release and call will be available on Endeavor’s Investor Relations site. Investors are encouraged to submit questions beforehand. Endeavor is a leading global sports and entertainment company, home to notable agencies and organizations like WME and UFC.

Light & Wonder has amended its purchase agreement with Endeavor Group Holdings for the sale of its OpenBet sports betting business. The revised deal is set to yield approximately $750 million in cash and $50 million in Endeavor stock, summing up to gross proceeds of $800 million and net after-tax proceeds of about $700 million. This transaction simplifies the closing process, enabling Light & Wonder to strengthen its balance sheet and target a net debt leverage ratio of 2.5x to 3.5x while generating an estimated $5.6 billion in total net proceeds from divestitures.