Posted on: July 22, 2022, 04:06h.
Last updated on: July 22, 2022, 04:31h.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) reported second-quarter earnings earlier this week, with the casino operator posting increasing losses. But signs of recovery in Singapore have analysts optimistic about the long-term case for the beleaguered shares.
In a new note to clients, Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon reiterates an “outperform” rating on Las Vegas Sands, noting the long-term case for the stock remains sound. He has a 12-month price target of $45 on the Venetian Macau operator, implying upside of 15.3% from the July 22 close.
We remain believers in the long-term LVS story, given our view that the company is best positioned in Macau to grow share and stomach any concession renewal requirements,” writes Beynon. “Currently, we see Macau as a coiled spring with significant pent-up demand waiting to be unleashed.”
Among US-based companies that aren’t a manufacturer of semiconductors, only a handful depend on China for a larger percentages of revenue than does Sands. Among gaming operators, only Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) derives a bigger chunk of its top line from China than does Sands.
Singapore Sands’ Salvation
Macau casinos are slated to reopen Saturday following a nearly two-week closure because of a surge in coronavirus cases. Analysts widely expect recovery in the world’s largest gaming center to start at some point next year. They anticipate the special administrative region’s (SAR) gaming industry not beginning to look like its pre-pandemic self until 2024.
That’s confirmation that Macau concessionaires need geographic diversity. Although it operates five venues in the SAR, LVS also runs Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. That integrated resort is a source of strength for Sands, and by some estimates, represents roughly half the company’s market capitalization.
“However, LVS’ 2Q results highlight that Singapore, despite air capacity being at
Marina Bay Sands is one of just two gaming venues in the city-state. The other is Genting Singapore’s Resorts World Sentosa. The pair enjoy long-term duopoly protection from the local government.
Las Vegas Sands Expansion Opportunities
Currently, the Sands portfolio consists entirely of the five Macau venues and Marina Bay Sands. The operator has no US footprint following the sale of its Las Vegas assets. Macquarie’s Beynon believes the company is selectively evaluating expansion opportunities in other locations.
“LVS remains well-positioned for organic growth, but remains focused on home-grown greenfield opportunities in Asia or selective markets in the US, including New York,” concludes the analyst.
In the US, Sands has also been tied to gaming expansion efforts in Florida and Texas. In Asia, there’s speculation the operator is in talks to eventually bring an integrated resort to Thailand. But the company hasn’t publicly commented on that matter.