Benzinga·2025-11-19 16:40Core Insights - SJM Holdings Ltd. is undergoing a significant restructuring, shedding most of its satellite casinos to focus on core assets, which has negatively impacted its quarterly earnings [1][2][6] - Despite a resurgence in Macao's overall gaming industry, SJM's performance has lagged behind its competitors, with a notable decline in gaming revenue and net profit [3][4][5] Financial Performance - In October, Macao's gaming revenue reached a record of 24.09 billion patacas ($3.01 billion), a nearly 16% increase year-on-year, contrasting with SJM's gaming revenue decline of 4.7% to HK$7.14 billion ($919 million) [3][4] - SJM's adjusted EBITDA fell 15% year-on-year to HK$881 million, although it increased by 28% compared to the previous quarter [4] - The company's net profit plummeted 91% to HK$9 million from HK$101 million a year earlier, with a loss of HK$173 million for the first nine months [5] Restructuring Impact - The restructuring is driven by new gaming regulations in Macao, requiring operators to manage satellite casinos directly or terminate profit-sharing agreements [6][7] - SJM's revenue from satellite casinos dropped 14.6% in the third quarter, while its market share for gaming revenue fell to 11.8% from 13.9% a year earlier [8] Key Properties Performance - The flagship Grand Lisboa property experienced a decline in gaming revenue to HK$1.91 billion from HK$1.94 billion year-on-year, with adjusted property EBITDA down 13.6% to HK$471 million [10] - The newer Grand Lisboa Palace saw an 11% increase in gaming revenue, but its adjusted property EBITDA fell 32.7% to HK$111 million, with hotel occupancy dropping to 94.9% from 98.9% [11] Financial Leverage and Market Position - SJM's financial position is concerning, holding only HK$3.4 billion in cash against HK$27.3 billion in debt, making it the most leveraged among Macao's casino operators [12] - Following the earnings report, SJM shares fell 8.05% to HK$2.74, with a year-to-date gain of just 1.86%, significantly trailing the sector average of 31.3% [13] Strategic Outlook - The company plans to revitalize its core properties by reallocating gaming resources from satellite casinos to its flagship Hotel Lisboa [14] - Competitors are diversifying their offerings, which may put SJM at a disadvantage as it loses its satellite casino network [15]