Carl Icahn's Blockbuster Bet

(TheStreet) -- Carl Icahn made a big bet when, as reports claim, he invested in one-third of Blockbuster's (BLOKA) debt. But what exactly does Icahn hope to gain from the once video giant gone bankrupt?

The big bet is that Blockbuster will be able to emerge from bankruptcy with nearly no debt and a significantly smaller store base, a more profitable company. And if Blockbuster can stay afloat and keep shuttering locations every year to drive cash flow, Icahn could make out nicely, Wedbush analyst Michael Pachter says.

The hope for Blockbuster is that by closing some locations, it will direct traffic to other stores. This will lower the company's operating expenses since Blockbuster won't have rent expenses, payroll or utilities for those locales.

And while, for the most part, creditors are not interested in running a company well -- just getting their money back -- Icahn has a genuine interest in seeing Blockbuster live.

Reports claim Icahn purchased $100 million in debt. If this is true, and Blockbuster continues to shutter stores and turns a profit, Icahn could potentially walk away with $150 million or more, Pachter estimates.

In recent weeks, it also appears that Icahn may have snatched up debt from another movie firm, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Icahn may use his clout here to give Blockbuster an edge over Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) or Coinstar's (NASDAQ: CSTR) Redbox when it comes to receiving content from the studio, says Jeffrey Rogers, president and chief operating officer of Integra Realty Resources.

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