Here's what you need to know about the Tabcorp demerger

The Tabcorp demerger has happened today. Here's what's going on…

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Key points
  • Tabcorp has completed its demerger on Tuesday
  • The company's lotteries and Keno businesses are now listed separately as The Lotteries Corporation
  • Although the Tabcorp share price has crashed lower, shareholders are still big winners from today's session

The Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) share price is catching the eye of investors on Tuesday.

In afternoon trade, the gaming giant's shares are down 81% to $1.03.

Man with hands in the middle of two items with money bags on them.

Image source: Getty Images

What's going on with the Tabcorp share price?

The collapse in the Tabcorp share price has been driven by the demerger of the company's Lotteries and Keno businesses this morning.

These businesses have been spun off and listed separately as The Lottery Corporation Limited (ASX: TLC).

The good news is that while the Tabcorp share price has crashed today, value has actually been created for shareholders.

Prior to the demerger, Tabcorp had a market capitalisation of approximately $11.9 billion. This is based on 2,225,771,703 shares on issue and a share price of $5.34.

Today, eligible shareholders have been given one share in The Lottery Corporation for every Tabcorp share they owned. This means there are now 2,225,771,703 shares on issue for both Tabcorp and The Lottery Corporation.

So, with the Tabcorp share price currently trading at $1.03, it has a market capitalisation of ~$2.3 billion. Whereas The Lottery Corporation share price is fetching $4.63, giving it a market capitalisation of ~$10.3 billion.

This gives us a combined market capitalisation of $12.6 billion, which is $700 million or 5.9% greater than what Tabcorp was valued at pre-demerger.

Why did the Tabcorp demerger happen?

Management decided to push ahead with the Tabcorp demerger on the belief that it would maximise value for shareholders (so far so good!).

It notes that it will create two significant businesses with focused leadership teams and allow each business to adopt a more focused operating profile and capital structure that is more aligned to its core operations.

In addition, management highlighted that the demerger allows shareholders to retain full upside potential from various growth opportunities which may arise for both businesses. It also creates access to new and different investor categories with different investment preferences and ESG criteria.

How have the businesses been carved up?

The Lottery Corporation is the new home of Tabcorp's Lotteries and Keno businesses. It is an omni-channel business with a portfolio of high profile, recognised brands and games, strong digital growth and a retail footprint across ~7,000 retail outlets/venues.

In FY 2021, these businesses generated 55% or $611 million of Tabcorp's EBITDA.

New Tabcorp has been left with its wager and media and gaming services businesses, which generated revenue of $2,493 million and EBITDA of $464 million in FY 2021.

Management notes that it will be a leader in omni-channel wagering, racing and sports broadcasting, and gaming services solutions. It believes the business is well positioned for organic growth and potential upside from possible changes in the wagering and gaming industry.

Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia's parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

More on Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

ASX share investor holding up hand in stop motion
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Takeovers Panel declines to proceed on Accent Group takeover disclosure

The Accent Group share price is in focus as the Takeovers Panel declines to act after Accent updated its takeover…

Read more »

Three people in a corporate office pour over a tablet, ready to invest.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Accent Group issues update on Frasers takeover bid and business outlook

Accent Group issues a supplementary statement on the Frasers bid, reiterating its recommendation to reject the offer and detailing growth…

Read more »

A woman with a magnifying glass adjusts her glasses as she holds the glass to her computer screen and peers closely at it.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Is the Coles share price good value or expensive?

Defensive demand can support a premium valuation. The harder question is how much premium is reasonable.

Read more »

A man dressed in a business suit freefalls from a rocky cliff with a grey sky background.
Broker Notes

Down 84%, why Bapcor shares may have further to fall

A leading analyst expects that Bapcor’s beaten down shares could continue to struggle in 2026. But why?

Read more »

A female Woolworths customer leans on her shopping trolley as she rests her chin in her hand thinking about what to buy for dinner while also wondering why the Woolworths share price isn't doing as well as Coles recently
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Up 30%, are Woolworths shares still a buy?

The business appears to be regaining momentum, although investors are now being asked to pay considerably more for the recovery.

Read more »

Young couple having pizza on lunch break at workplace.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Domino's Pizza Enterprises FY26 results: Balance sheet write-downs overshadow free cash flow increase

The pizza chain operator expects to report balance sheet write-downs of approximately $259m.

Read more »

Man with down syndrome working in supermarket.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

How much could the Woolworths share price rise in the next year?

Can the major supermarket business deliver great returns?

Read more »

A happy youngster holds a giant bag of carrots at a supermarket fruit and vegie section, indicating savings made by buying in bulk.
Consumer Staples & Discretionary Shares

Consumer staples and discretionary shares are rallying: These stocks could be top buys

Is this the start of a long-term rise?

Read more »