Core Viewpoint - Citi's report indicates that the operating leverage of the Macau gaming sector should have significantly improved in Q4 2022, if not for additional operational expenses related to the NBA China Games and the 15th National Games, as well as costs associated with the closure of satellite casinos by SJM Holdings [1] Group 1: Industry Performance - The gaming sector's gross gaming revenue is expected to increase by 15% year-on-year, leading to an estimated EBITDA growth of 13% to $2.246 billion for the quarter [1] - The industry EBITDA margin is projected to rise by half a percentage point year-on-year to 27.5% [1] Group 2: Company-Specific Insights - Galaxy Entertainment (00027) and MGM China (02282) are likely to show the most significant quarter-on-quarter improvement in market share, while Sands China (01928) is also expected to see a quarter-on-quarter increase [1] - SJM Holdings is anticipated to experience the largest market share loss in the quarter, primarily due to the closure of its satellite casinos [1] - Wynn Macau's market share is expected to remain stable quarter-on-quarter [1] Group 3: EBITDA Projections - Among the six gaming operators, Galaxy Entertainment is expected to see the largest EBITDA improvement, with a year-on-year increase of 31% to HKD 4.239 billion, benefiting from concert events and favorable VIP win rates [1] - Sands China's EBITDA is projected to grow by 8% year-on-year to $616 million, which is about 5% lower than market expectations, mainly due to additional operational expenses from the NBA China Games in October and the National Games in November [1]

Core Viewpoint - Citi's report indicates that the profitability preview for Macau gaming stocks in Q4 last year shows that operational leverage in the industry should have significantly improved, excluding additional operational expenses related to the NBA China Games and the 15th National Games, as well as costs associated with the closure of satellite casinos by SJM Holdings (00880) [1] Group 1: Industry Performance - The industry’s EBITDA is expected to increase by 13% year-on-year to $2.246 billion, supported by a 15% year-on-year rise in gross gaming revenue [1] - The EBITDA margin for the industry is projected to rise by half a percentage point year-on-year to 27.5% [1] Group 2: Company-Specific Insights - Galaxy Entertainment (00027) and MGM China (02282) are likely to see the largest quarter-on-quarter improvement in market share among operators [1] - Sands China (01928) is also expected to see a quarter-on-quarter increase in market share, while SJM is anticipated to experience the largest market share loss due to the closure of satellite casinos [1] - Wynn Macau's market share is expected to remain stable quarter-on-quarter [1] Group 3: EBITDA Projections - Among the six gaming operators, Galaxy Entertainment is expected to show the most significant EBITDA improvement, with a year-on-year increase of 31% to HKD 4.239 billion, benefiting from concert events and favorable VIP win rates [1] - Sands China’s EBITDA is projected to grow by 8% year-on-year to $616 million, which is about 5% lower than market expectations, primarily due to additional operational expenses from the NBA China Games in October and the National Games in November last year [1]

Core Viewpoint - Citigroup has placed Wynn Macau on a 30-day watchlist for upward catalysts, anticipating a potential outperformance in the stock price ahead of the company's earnings announcement next month [1] Group 1: Financial Performance Expectations - The market expects Macau gaming operators to see a year-on-year EBITDA growth of approximately 7% for the third quarter, while Citigroup projects Wynn's EBITDA to increase by 17% during the same period [1] - This anticipated strong performance is expected to translate into positive stock price momentum for Wynn [1] Group 2: Investment Rating and Target Price - Citigroup currently rates Wynn as a "Buy," highlighting the company's increasing investment in the high-end mass market segment [1] - Despite a continuous decline in market share for Wynn this year, it is believed that the completion of the Chairman's Club VIP gaming area expansion in the first quarter of next year will improve the situation [1] - The target price for Wynn is set at HKD 7.2, corresponding to an estimated enterprise value to EBITDA (EV/EBITDA) multiple of approximately 7.3 times for 2026 [1]