Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO) is one of the 10 Cheap Stocks with Huge Upside Potential. Texas Capital initiated coverage of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO) stock on January 22 with a Buy rating and a $11.5 price target. Analysts believe the company’s unique non-gaming offerings are a key factor in its growth story, with the Macau market gross gaming revenue closing in on 2019 levels. Advanced Micro (AMD) Hits All-Time High as AI Optimism Soars In contrast to Texa ...

Group 1 - Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO) has been downgraded by J.P. Morgan from Buy to Hold, with a price target reduced from $11 to $7.7 [1] - Bank of America Securities reiterated a Hold rating on the stock, lowering the price target from $9.5 to $7.9 [1][2] - Analysts at BofA express a cautious outlook on the Macau gaming sector, expecting gross gaming revenue to slow down in 2026 [2] Group 2 - J.P. Morgan analysts are also adopting a selective approach in the gaming sector, citing risks regarding consensus estimates for Melco Resorts [3] - Melco operates three casinos in Macau: City of Dreams, Studio City, and Altira Macau [3]

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] AI and Energy Demand - AI technologies, particularly large language models like ChatGPT, are extremely energy-intensive, with data centers consuming as much energy as small cities [2] - The increasing demand for AI is straining global power grids, leading to rising electricity prices and a need for utilities to expand capacity [2] Investment Opportunity - A specific company, largely overlooked by AI investors, is positioned to benefit from the anticipated surge in energy demand due to AI [3][6] - This company owns critical energy infrastructure assets and is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7][8] Financial Position - The company is noted for being debt-free and holding a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It also has a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities without high premiums [9] Market Perception - Wall Street is beginning to recognize this company as it benefits from various market trends without the inflated valuations seen in many energy and utility firms [8][10] - The company is trading at less than 7 times earnings, making it an attractive investment option in the AI and energy sectors [10] Future Outlook - The ongoing technological disruption driven by AI is expected to reshape traditional industries, with companies that adapt likely to thrive [11][12] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is anticipated to lead to rapid advancements and innovative ideas, reinforcing the potential for investment in this area [12][13] Strategic Context - The company is strategically positioned to capitalize on the AI infrastructure supercycle, the onshoring boom due to tariffs, and the surge in U.S. LNG exports [14]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article is that Macau is expected to remain a preferred travel destination for affluent mainland tourists, driven by a rich lineup of concert events, luxurious new hotel offerings, and new baccarat side bets [1] - The forecast for Macau's gaming revenue in the coming year is a year-on-year growth of 6%, with industry EBITDA projected to grow by 10% annually, maintaining an EBITDA margin of approximately 29% [1] Group 2 - Sands China is identified as the top pick in the industry, with expectations that it will become the largest market share winner by 2026, increasing its share by 1.6 percentage points to 25.1%. The target price has been raised from HKD 25.5 to HKD 26.5 [1] - Wynn Macau is also highlighted, with the expansion of the Chairman's Club in the VIP gaming area expected to open in the first quarter of next year, leading to a recovery in market share. Its target price has been increased from HKD 7.2 to HKD 8.05 [1] - Other preferred gaming stocks include Galaxy Entertainment, MGM China, Melco Resorts, and SJM Holdings, with target prices set at HKD 54, HKD 20, USD 13, and HKD 2.3 respectively [1] - Las Vegas Sands is maintained as the global gaming stock of choice, with its target price raised from USD 75.5 to USD 76.75 [1]

智通财经APP获悉，摩根大通发布研报称，澳门博彩业势头持续向好，总收入再创强劲佳绩。11月博彩 总收入同比增长14%，达211亿澳门元，恢复至疫情前水平的92%，为疫情以来最佳复苏状态。随著盈 利可见度提高及投资者基础扩大，该行认为未来数季其行业估值存显著上调空间。该行的投资排序为： 金沙中国(01928)及银河娱乐(00027)＞永利澳门(01128)及美高梅中国(02282)＞新濠博亚娱乐(MLCO.US) ＞澳博控股(00880)＞新濠国际发展(00200)。 小摩现预计，12月博彩总收入同比增15%以上，且仍有上调空间或出现20%以上的增长。该行认为，若 达成此目标，今年第四季澳门博彩总收入年增将达15-16%，季增5-6%，为六年来最佳季度，远超该行 及市场普遍预期的约12%同比增长。 该行表示，看好2026年澳门博彩股，尽管市场已有所预期，但12月博彩总收入的加速增长仍将提振短期 市场情绪，同时，金沙中国有望于2月将其每股派息翻倍，美高梅中国或将在3月提高派息比率，这将体 现运营商对盈利及现金流可持续增长的强大信心。该行预计，受惠于低基数效应，增长势头有望延续至 明年首季。 ...

Core Insights - Artificial intelligence (AI) is identified as the greatest investment opportunity of the current era, with a strong emphasis on the urgent need for energy to support its growth [1][2][3] - A specific company is highlighted as a key player in the AI energy sector, owning critical energy infrastructure assets that are essential for meeting the increasing energy demands of AI technologies [3][7][8] Investment Landscape - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a pressing concern regarding the energy supply needed to sustain this growth [2] - AI data centers consume vast amounts of energy, comparable to that of small cities, leading to rising electricity prices and strained power grids [2][3] - The company in focus is positioned to benefit from the surge in demand for electricity driven by AI, making it a potentially lucrative investment opportunity [3][6] Company Profile - The company is described as a "toll booth" operator in the AI energy boom, collecting fees from energy exports and benefiting from the onshoring trend due to tariffs [5][6] - It possesses significant nuclear energy infrastructure assets, which are crucial for America's future power strategy [7] - The company is noted for its ability to execute large-scale engineering, procurement, and construction projects across various energy sectors, including oil, gas, and renewables [7][8] Financial Position - The company is completely debt-free and has a substantial cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market capitalization [8] - It also holds a significant equity stake in another AI-related company, providing investors with indirect exposure to multiple growth opportunities without high premiums [9][10] Market Sentiment - There is a growing interest from hedge funds in this company, which is considered undervalued and off the radar compared to other AI and energy stocks [9][10] - The company is trading at less than seven times earnings, indicating a strong potential for upside in the context of its critical role in the AI and energy sectors [10][11]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the current market outlook, emphasizing that earnings are driving the market, with expectations for the S&P 500 to end the year around 7,000, supported by strong earnings growth [1][2]. Earnings Performance - Analysts are raising their 2026 earnings expectations, with Q1 and Q2 of 2025 showing better-than-expected results, moving from low to mid single-digit growth to low double-digit increases year-over-year [3]. - The Q3 earnings reporting season for the S&P 500 is projected to show a 14% increase, significantly higher than the initial expectation of 6.5%, indicating strong performance despite market volatility [4]. Investment Opportunities - The article presents a list of 13 cheap stocks under $10, selected based on a forward P/E ratio below 15 and the number of hedge fund holders, indicating strong hedge fund interest [6][7]. Company Highlights - **Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (NASDAQ:MLCO)**: - Stock Price: $9.07, Forward P/E: 15, Hedge Fund Holders: 18 - Reported Q3 2025 revenues of $1.31 billion, up 11% from $1.18 billion year-over-year, attributed to improved gaming and non-gaming operations [9][10]. - EBITDA for Macau properties increased by 21% year-over-year, with strong growth in the Philippines and Cyprus [11][12][13]. - **Lloyds Banking Group plc (NYSE:LYG)**: - Stock Price: $5.03, Forward P/E: 11.57, Hedge Fund Holders: 19 - Announced the launch of the UK's first agentic AI financial assistant, aimed at providing personalized financial guidance to 21 million mobile app customers [14][15]. - Analysts have raised the price target for Lloyds, with RBC Capital increasing it to 110 GBP and Kepler Capital setting it at 97 GBP, both maintaining positive ratings [16][17].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of in-depth research in the casino and gaming sector, highlighting the value of actionable insights for investors [1][2]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The casino and gaming sector is characterized by significant operational complexities and requires a nuanced understanding of management quality for effective investment strategies [2]. - The sector includes various segments such as traditional casinos, online betting, and entertainment industries, which are interconnected and influenced by broader economic trends [2]. Group 2: Expert Analysis - Howard Jay Klein, with 30 years of experience in major casino operations, leads a research group that provides actionable analysis and insights into gaming companies [2]. - The research group, The House Edge, offers a model portfolio that is reviewed monthly, providing buy-sell-hold recommendations based on the latest trends in the gaming industry [2].

Market Overview - US stock markets experienced a decline, with the Dow Jones down 1.21% to 46,987.10, the S&P 500 down 1.63% to 6,728.80, and the Nasdaq down 3.04% to 23,004.54[5][6] - The Hang Seng Index rose 1.29% to 26,241.83, while the National Enterprises Index increased by 1.08% to 9,267.56[5][3] Commodity and Currency Markets - New York crude oil fell 2.02% to $59.75 per barrel, while New York gold rose 0.33% to $4,009.80 per ounce[5][3] - The US Dollar Index decreased by 0.20% to 99.60, with the Euro rising 0.25% to 1.1566 and the Australian Dollar falling 0.79% to 0.6493[3][31] Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan's consumer confidence index dropped to 50.3, the lowest since June 2022, with inflation expectations slightly rising to 4.7%[8][24] - US companies announced 153,000 layoffs in October, a significant increase of over 1.8 times month-on-month, marking the largest October layoffs since 2003[8][24] Bond Market Insights - The US government shutdown continues, impacting market stability; the 2-year Treasury yield is at 3.591%, while the 10-year yield is at 4.116%[26] - Hong Kong plans to issue tokenized bonds, with previous issuances totaling HKD 6.8 billion since 2023, aiming to enhance its status as a financial hub[26] Investment Strategies - AI-themed funds are highlighted as a key strategy for capturing future trends, emphasizing the importance of technology innovation and ethical standards[21] - Investors are advised to remain cautious and await clearer market directions before making significant investment decisions[18]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of enabling Javascript and cookies in browsers to ensure proper functionality and access to content [1] Group 1 - The article emphasizes that users may face access issues if ad-blockers are enabled, suggesting the need to disable them for a better experience [1]