MGM Resorts Stock Gains On Probable Starboard Value Stake

 | Jan 10, 2019 09:14PM ET

Per media report, activist hedge fund Starboard Value has built a position in the MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) . Following the news, the company’s shares gained 1.4% on Jan 10.

People familiar with the matter said that in the last few months Starboard Value has built a small position in the company. However, the exact value of the position has been kept under wraps. It is to be seen what type of changes the activist hedge fund is looking for.

MGM 2020 Plan to Drive Growth

Recently, the company announced the MGM 2020 plan, which will not only focus on cost-saving initiatives but also on improving efficiencies. The company also implemented a similar plan in 2015, which was very successful. MGM Resorts has shown impressive growth since the announcement of its Profit Growth Plan in 2015.

The company expects annualized adjusted EBITDA of $300 million, which consists of $200 million by the end of 2020 and another $100 million by the end of 2021. MGM Resorts stated that $200 million of annualized cost savings will be driven by labor savings, sourcing and revenue optimization. MGM Resorts’ CEO James Murren said that labor-cost savings have not been taken by shareholders’ pressure.