Shares of Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) soared Thursday after it was revealed Tilman Fertitta boosted his stake in the casino operator to 9.9%.
In midday trading, Wynn was higher almost 9% on volume that was more than double the daily average after a regulatory document indicated the Golden Nugget boss increased his investment in the gaming outfit.
A Schedule 13G filing released late Wednesday by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says Fertitta now owns 10.9 million shares of Wynn, or 9.9% of the shares outstanding in the Las Vegas-base company. Thatâs a significant increase to the 6.91 million shares, or 6.1% of the operatorâs shares outstanding, Fertitta acquired two years ago.
Fertitta Could Turn Into Activist Wynn Investor
When Fertitta, who also owns the NBAâs Houston Rockets, took his initial position in Wynn two years ago, it was as a passive investor and heâs remained that way over that time. Still, there was talk at the time that he could eventually turn into an activist, pushing for some form of change at Wynn. That chatter resurfaced today.
Itâs likely not going to be passive for long,â said CNBCâs David Faber on air. âThe high likelihood here is it becomes a D.â
The 13G filing indicates a passive stake while a 13D is the regulatory form required of activist investors. To this point, Fertitta hasnât said publicly that heâs eyeing an activist role with Wynn nor has he mentioned what type of change he could push for at the gaming company should he decide to shed the passive label. Some activists push for board seats, though itâs not clear if thatâs in the cards for Fertitta. Currently, heâs not a member of Wynnâs board of directors.
Takeover Talk Could Be Reignited
Soon after it was revealed that Fertitta took his initial position in Wynn, rumors surfaced that the Golden Nugget owner could attempt a takeover of the Encore operator. Much of that talk stemmed from Fertittaâs well-documented, long-running desire to own a casino hotel on the Las Vegas Strip â something he currently does not possess.
Those rumors quickly fizzled as Fertitta appeared content to not rock the Wynn and enjoy his status as the second-largest non-institutional investor in the stock behind only Elaine Wynn. A takeover of Wynn would not be impossible, though itâs not clear if the company is a willing seller. Based on its current market capitalization of $9.34 billion, any suitor would likely need to offer roughly $11.5 billion (or more) to get Wynn to the bargaining table.
It is clear that Fertittaâs Wynn investment has been a winner. Based on the original 13G being filed in October 2022, that implies he built the stake in the third quarter of 2022 â a period in which the stock didnât trade above $70. Today, itâs flirting with $94.
The post Tilman Fertitta Ups Wynn Resorts Stake to Nearly 10% appeared first on Casino.org.
