Company Performance - Sands China reported 2Q25 net revenue of US$1.8 billion, reflecting a 3% year-over-year increase and a 5% quarter-over-quarter increase, with luck-adjusted property EBITDA of $559 million, down 1% year-over-year but up 3% quarter-over-quarter, recovering to 73% of 2019 levels, which was lower than expectations due to the underperformance of Parisian [1] - The company has lowered its 2025E EPS forecast from US$0.20 to US$0.13, 2026E forecast from US$0.22 to US$0.16, and 2027E forecast from US$0.23 to US$0.19, while also reducing the target price from HK$25 to HK$22.6, maintaining a Buy rating with a 21% upside potential [1][3] Industry Insights - Macau's gross gaming revenue (GGR) grew 8% year-over-year in Q2, recovering to 83% of 2019 levels, with VIP GGR rising 23% year-over-year, reaching 47% of 2019 levels, and mass GGR increasing 4% year-over-year, up 16% compared to 2019, contributing 73% of total revenue [1] - The resilient gaming revenue in Q2 is attributed to constrained supply, a busy events calendar, and strong demand from VIP and premium mass segments [1] Operational Details - Sands China's mass GGR grew 1% year-over-year, with premium mass GGR flat year-over-year (49% of mass revenue, up 6% compared to 2019) and base mass up 2% year-over-year (93% of 2019 levels), while VIP rolling chip volume declined 22% year-over-year [1] - Hotel occupancy stood at 96%, with an average daily rate (ADR) of US$226 [1] Renovation Impact - The company implemented aggressive customer reinvestment programs since late April, which supported improved performance in May and June, with all 2,405 renovated rooms and suites at the Londoner opened by late April [2] - The Londoner's annualized EBITDA target is US$1.0 billion, with 2Q25 annualized EBITDA reaching $626 million [2]

Core Viewpoint - LVS's Q2 2025 financial results show a mixed recovery in Macau operations, with GGR at $1.72 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.3% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.5%, but still lagging behind industry recovery rates [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - LVS reported a Q2 2025 adjusted EBITDA of $566 million, up 1% year-on-year and 6% quarter-on-quarter, recovering to 74% of the level seen in Q2 2019 [2] - The adjusted EBITDA margin (EM) for LVS was 31.5%, compared to 36.1% in Q2 2019, indicating a lower recovery rate due to a higher proportion of low-spending tourists [2] - The company has adjusted revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 down to HKD 57.8 billion, HKD 62.2 billion, and HKD 65.3 billion respectively, alongside adjusted EBITDA forecasts of HKD 19.1 billion, HKD 21.1 billion, and HKD 22.8 billion [4] Group 2: Market Dynamics - Macau's GGR recovery is primarily driven by a strong influx of visitors, with June 2025 GGR reaching 88% of the level seen in 2019, marking a post-pandemic high [3] - The company is facing increased competition in the market, which has affected its ability to capitalize on the return of high-end customers [1][3] - The introduction of non-gaming activities, such as concerts and events, is aimed at attracting diverse customer segments, including high-net-worth individuals and families [2][3] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - The renovation of The Londoner is showing positive effects, with an EM of 31.9%, indicating strong appeal to visitors post-renovation [2] - The company plans to enhance customer incentives to improve performance, as management acknowledged a reliance on hotel hardware attractiveness [1] - Upcoming events, including the NBA China Games and various concerts, are expected to further boost visitor numbers and enhance the non-gaming revenue stream [2][3]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the gaming industry, specifically for Sands China, due to its resilient performance and aggressive reinvestment strategies [3][6]. Core Insights - In Q2 2025, Macau's gaming gross revenue increased by 8% year-on-year, recovering to 83% of 2019 levels. VIP gaming revenue rose by 23%, while mass market gaming revenue grew by 4% compared to 2019 [3][6]. - Sands China reported net revenue of $1.8 billion, a 3% year-on-year increase and a 5% quarter-on-quarter increase. The adjusted EBITDA was $559 million, down 1% year-on-year but up 3% quarter-on-quarter, recovering to 73% of 2019 levels [3][6]. - The company has implemented aggressive customer reinvestment projects since late April, which have positively impacted performance in May and June. The Londoner project, with 2,405 newly renovated hotel rooms, aims for an annualized EBITDA of $1 billion, achieving $630 million as of Q2 2025 [3][6]. Summary by Sections Overseas Social Services - Sands China's Q2 2025 performance shows resilience, driven by limited supply, concert events, and high-end customer demand. The company has seen improvements due to aggressive reinvestment strategies [3][6][7]. Overseas Pharmaceuticals - WuXi Biologics expects a revenue increase of approximately 16% year-on-year for 1H25, with a gross margin improvement of about 3.6%. The net profit is projected to grow by around 56% [10][11]. - WuXi AppTec anticipates a revenue increase of over 60% for 1H25, with adjusted net profit growth exceeding 67% [10][11]. Overseas Education - The report suggests focusing on vocational education companies, particularly China Oriental Education, due to a rebound in vocational training demand and operational adjustments expected to enhance profitability [19][20]. - The education index has seen a year-to-date increase of 15.56%, although it underperformed compared to the Hang Seng Index [17].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for the gaming industry, specifically for Sands China, due to its resilient performance and aggressive reinvestment strategies [6][3]. Core Insights - In Q2 2025, Macau's gaming gross revenue increased by 8% year-on-year, recovering to 83% of 2019 levels. VIP gaming revenue rose by 23%, while mass market gaming revenue grew by 4% compared to 2019 [6][3]. - Sands China reported net revenue of $1.8 billion, a 3% year-on-year increase and a 5% quarter-on-quarter increase. Adjusted EBITDA was $559 million, down 1% year-on-year but up 3% quarter-on-quarter, recovering to 73% of 2019 levels [6][3]. - The company has implemented aggressive customer reinvestment projects since late April, which have positively impacted performance in May and June. The Londoner project, with 2,405 newly renovated hotel rooms, aims for an annualized EBITDA of $1 billion, achieving $630 million as of Q2 2025 [6][3]. Summary by Sections 1. Overseas Social Services - Sands China's Q2 2025 performance reflects resilience in the gaming sector, driven by limited supply, concert events, and high-end customer demand [6][3]. - The report highlights key companies to watch, including Ctrip, Tongcheng Travel, MGM China, Galaxy Entertainment, and Sands China [7]. 2. Overseas Pharmaceuticals - WuXi Biologics expects a revenue growth of approximately 16% in H1 2025, with a gross margin increase of about 3.6% and a net profit growth of around 56% [10][11]. - WuXi AppTec anticipates revenue growth exceeding 60% in H1 2025, with adjusted net profit growth over 67% [10]. - The report emphasizes the importance of clinical trial advancements and partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector, particularly for companies like Kintor Pharmaceutical and BeiGene [12][14]. 3. Overseas Education - The education index rose by 1.4% in the week of July 18-24, underperforming the Hang Seng Index by 4.2 percentage points [16]. - The report suggests focusing on vocational education companies, particularly China Oriental Education, due to a rebound in training demand and operational adjustments [18][19]. - Key companies in the education sector include New Oriental, TAL Education, and Gaotu, with expectations of improved profitability and market share [18][19].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Sands China Ltd. is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of HKD 21.20 [1][10]. Core Views - The recovery of Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) for Sands China is lagging behind the industry average, with GGR at USD 1.72 billion, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 0.3% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6.5%, recovering to 81% of the levels seen in Q2 2019, compared to the industry average of 83% [1][4]. - The company is overly reliant on hotel hardware appeal, which has affected performance due to insufficient customer incentives [1][4]. - The management is optimistic about the refurbishment of The Londoner, which is expected to enhance business through improved customer incentive mechanisms [1][5]. - The parent company has increased its stake in Sands China to 73.4% and plans to gradually restore dividends to pre-pandemic levels, with a projected total dividend of HKD 0.50 in 2025 [1][10]. Summary by Sections Financial Performance - Sands China's adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 was USD 566 million, a year-on-year increase of 1% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6%, recovering to 74% of the levels seen in Q2 2019 [5]. - The company’s revenue forecast for 2025-2027 has been adjusted downwards to HKD 578 billion, HKD 622 billion, and HKD 653 billion respectively [10]. Market Dynamics - The recovery of VIP and mass market segments is below industry standards, with VIP gross revenue at USD 156 million, recovering to only 28% of 2019 levels, while mass market revenue is at USD 1.376 billion, recovering to 99% of 2019 levels [4][10]. - The company has seen strong visitor traffic to Macau, but increased market competition and insufficient customer incentives have hindered performance [4][6]. Non-Gaming Initiatives - Sands China is expanding its non-gaming offerings, including hosting concerts and events to attract diverse customer demographics, with notable performances scheduled for the second half of 2025 [5][32]. - The introduction of various entertainment events is expected to enhance customer engagement and drive GGR recovery [6][32].

Investment Rating - The investment rating for Sands China Ltd. is maintained as "Buy" with a target price of HKD 21.20 [1][10]. Core Views - Sands China's gross gaming revenue (GGR) recovery is lagging behind the industry average, with the company relying heavily on hotel hardware attractiveness, which has impacted performance. The management acknowledges insufficient customer incentives [6][7]. - The renovation of The Londoner is expected to enhance customer attraction and improve business performance in the second half of 2025 [8][9]. - The company is anticipated to resume dividends, with a total payout expected to reach HKD 0.50 in 2025, following a HKD 0.25 dividend in 2024 [6][10]. Financial Performance Summary - For the fiscal year 2024, the projected revenue is HKD 55,224 million, with a year-on-year growth of 19.33%. The net profit attributable to the parent company is expected to be HKD 8,340 million, reflecting a significant increase of 43.87% [5]. - The adjusted EBITDA for Q2 2025 is reported at USD 566 million, showing a year-on-year increase of 1% and a quarter-on-quarter increase of 6% [8]. - The company’s earnings per share (EPS) for 2025 is projected at HKD 0.90, with a return on equity (ROE) of 59.35% [5]. Market and Competitive Position - Sands China's GGR for Q2 2025 was USD 1.72 billion, a year-on-year increase of 0.3%, but below the industry average of 83% recovery to pre-pandemic levels [6][7]. - The company’s VIP revenue recovery is at 28% compared to 2019, significantly lower than the industry average of 47% [7]. - The company is positioned as a leading player in the Macau gaming sector, with expectations of valuation premium due to its market leadership [10].

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Sands China (1928) with a target price of HKD 25.31, representing a potential upside of 36.1% from the current stock price of HKD 18.60 [3][5]. Core Insights - The report highlights that the second quarter of 2025 showed a net income growth of 2.3% year-on-year and a 5.3% quarter-on-quarter increase, reaching USD 1.79 billion, which is 84% of the levels seen in 2019. The VIP segment saw a decline, while the mass market segment showed growth [6]. - The report anticipates that the company's EBITDA will reach USD 2.7 billion in the near term, with significant contributions expected from the Venetian Macao and Londoner properties [6]. - The report emphasizes the positive impact of increased foot traffic, new project launches, and popular non-gaming products on the overall performance of the industry [6]. Financial Summary - For the fiscal year ending December 31, 2023, Sands China reported revenues of USD 6.534 billion, with a projected increase to USD 7.436 billion by 2025, reflecting a growth rate of 8.4% [4][7]. - The EBITDA for 2023 was USD 2.225 billion, with expectations of reaching USD 2.354 billion in 2025, indicating a growth of 4.7% [4][7]. - The net profit for 2023 was USD 692 million, projected to increase to USD 1.063 billion by 2025, showing a significant growth of 51% [4][7]. Operational Performance - The adjusted EBITDA for the second quarter of 2025 was USD 566 million, recovering to 74% of the levels seen in 2019, with an EBITDA margin of 31.6% [6]. - The hotel occupancy rate was reported at 96.2%, with an average room rate of USD 226 [6]. - The report notes that the company has repurchased USD 179 million worth of shares, increasing its ownership stake to 73.4% [6].

Core Viewpoint - CICC maintains the adjusted EBITDA forecast for Sands China (01928) for 2025 and 2026, with a target price raised by 19% to HKD 23.80, reflecting a 29% upside potential from the current stock price [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Sands China reported 2Q25 net revenue of USD 1.797 billion, recovering to 84% of 2Q19 levels (up 2% year-on-year and 5% quarter-on-quarter) [2] - Adjusted property EBITDA for 2Q25 was USD 566 million, recovering to 74% of 2Q19 levels (up 1% year-on-year and 6% quarter-on-quarter), aligning with institutional expectations of USD 562 million [2] - The performance is attributed to more aggressive marketing rebate activities, improved VIP win rates, and increased market share from 22.4% in 1Q25 to 22.6% in 2Q25 due to the opening of Londoner [2] Group 2: Management Insights - Management disclosed a short-term EBITDA target of approximately USD 2.7 billion annually (USD 675 million quarterly), with contributions expected from Venetian and Londoner (USD 2 billion), Four Seasons (USD 400 million), Parisian (USD 200 million), and Sands Macao (USD 100 million) [3] - Management acknowledged previous conservatism in customer rebate reinvestment rates, which negatively impacted performance in Macau, but noted improvements in May and June 2025 following a shift in rebate strategy [3] - The new rebate strategy aims to increase rebate spending to drive traffic to Parisian and Sands Macao, while strong natural traffic is expected to support performance at Venetian and Londoner under limited rebate spending [3] - Management believes Macau has become a regional entertainment hub, hosting numerous global and regional events, which will continue to drive visitor traffic [3] - Continued high visitor numbers are supported by day-trip travelers, with mass market recovery at 93% of 2Q19 levels (up 10% quarter-on-quarter) and premium mass market recovery at 106% of 2Q19 levels (up 5% quarter-on-quarter) [3]

Investment Rating - The report does not explicitly state an investment rating for Sands China (1928 HK) Core Insights - In 25Q2, Sands China reported a net revenue of USD 1.79 billion, a year-on-year increase of 2.5%, while adjusted EBITDA reached USD 566 million, up 0.9% year-on-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 31.6% [10] - The overall gaming gross revenue (GGR) in Macau increased by 8.3% year-on-year and 6.0% quarter-on-quarter, reaching MOP 61.115 billion in 25Q2 [2] - The Londoner Macao showed impressive performance with a net revenue increase of 44.6% year-on-year, benefiting from the completion of its renovation [3] Summary by Sections Financial Performance - In 25Q2, Sands China achieved a net revenue of USD 1.79 billion, with contributions from gaming and non-gaming segments at USD 1.347 billion and USD 0.447 billion respectively, reflecting increases of 1.4% and 5.2% year-on-year [3] - The adjusted property EBITDA for the first half of 2025 was USD 1.101 billion, down 6.0% year-on-year, with a margin of 31.5% [10] Property Performance - The performance of various properties under Sands China varied significantly, with Venetian and Londoner showing contrasting results; Venetian's net revenue decreased by 3.4%, while Londoner's increased by 44.6% due to renovations [3] - The net revenue breakdown by property for 25Q2 was as follows: Venetian at USD 663 million, Londoner at USD 642 million, and Parisian at USD 194 million [3] Gaming Operations - Total betting volume for Sands China in 25Q2 was MOP 155.9 billion, a decline of 5.3% year-on-year, with VIP betting down 23% [4] - The gaming gross revenue reached USD 1.71 billion, a slight increase of 0.2% year-on-year, with VIP gaming revenue declining by 14.1% [4] Capital Expenditure - The total capital expenditure for Sands China in 25Q2 was USD 286 million, including USD 138 million for construction, development, and maintenance activities in Macau [6] Shareholder Returns - LVS purchased 87 million shares of Sands China at an average price of HKD 16.00, increasing its ownership stake to 73.4% as of July 23, 2025 [5]

Group 1: Market Trends - The paper sector continues its upward trend, with Nine Dragons Paper (02689.HK) leading the gains, rising over 9% after announcing a price increase of 30 CNY/ton for corrugated paper and recycled cardboard starting August 1, reflecting an optimized supply-demand structure in the industry [1] - The brokerage sector saw collective strength, with major Chinese brokerages like Dongfang Securities (03958.HK) and Zhongyuan Securities (01375.HK) rising over 6% and 5% respectively, indicating significant capital inflow into the sector [1] - Urban Beauty (02298.HK) surged 13% as its online GMV for 2024 is projected to reach 1.57 billion CNY, marking a 100% year-on-year increase, showcasing the effectiveness of its new retail transformation [1] Group 2: Company Performance - China Duty Free Group (01880.HK) soared 17% after Macquarie's report indicated a narrowing year-on-year revenue decline from 19.5% in Q4 2024 to 11% in Q1 2025, with a stable gross margin of 33% [1] - The gaming sector experienced a broad increase, with companies like 澳博控股 (00880.HK) and 银河娱乐 (00027.HK) rising over 3%, supported by UBS data showing Macau's average daily gaming revenue in July at 683 million MOP, a 14% year-on-year increase [2] - 雍禾医疗 (02279.HK) saw a 13% increase after forming a strategic partnership with Meituan Health to build a medical-grade hair health service system [2] Group 3: Real Estate and Financing - The Hong Kong real estate sector collectively strengthened, with Country Garden (02007.HK) leading with nearly a 10% rise, driven by improved financing conditions as indicated by the People's Bank of China's report showing a recovery in real estate loan growth [3] - Meilan Airport (0357.HK) rose 10% as CITIC Securities highlighted the significance of Hainan's trade opening, which is expected to benefit the local tourism industry [3] Group 4: Gold Sector Decline - The gold sector faced pressure, with companies like 潼关黄金 (00340.HK) and 大唐黄金 (08331.HK) dropping over 4%, attributed to a decline in spot gold prices below 3,380 USD/oz, driven by reduced safe-haven appeal due to easing trade tensions [4] Group 5: US Market Highlights - Futu Holdings (FUTU.US) rose 2.82% after announcing a long-term strategic partnership with Huaxia Fund to promote the integration of traditional finance and blockchain technology [5] - Japanese automotive stocks surged, with Toyota (TM.US) and Honda (HMC.US) rising over 13% following news of a trade agreement reducing tariffs on Japanese cars [6] - Nuclear power stocks in the US saw significant gains, with Oklo Inc (OKLO.US) rising 9.21%, reflecting a growing interest in nuclear energy [5]