Melco Resorts & Entertainment(US:MLCO)2025-02-28 16:27Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group-wide adjusted property EBITDA for Q4 2024 was approximately $295 million, with an adjusted EBITDA of approximately $312 million, reflecting a 5% increase from Q3 2024 [15][16] - The daily operating expenses (OpEx) in Macau during Q4 2024 increased to $3.2 million, but are expected to decline to approximately $3.1 million in Q1 2025 and further to $3.0 million by the end of Q2 2025 [16][17] - The liquidity position remains strong with available liquidity at $3.3 billion and consolidated cash on hand of approximately $1.3 billion [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market share in Macau grew to approximately 15.6% in December 2024, with property visitation exceeding pre-pandemic levels for the first time since reopening [6][7] - City of Dreams, Manila continued to show solid performance with growth in EBITDA and market share quarter-to-quarter [12] - The casino fit-out in Sri Lanka is progressing well, on track to open in Q3 2025 [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total gross gaming revenue (GGR) excluding junkets outpaced both 2024 and 2019 during the Chinese New Year period, with property visitation up 17% compared to the previous year [7][8] - A single day during the Chinese New Year period ranked among the top 10 all-time highs for mass drop and GGR days [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on increasing visibility and accessibility to attract and retain high-quality customers, with renovations planned for various properties [10][11] - The asset-light strategy is being explored, particularly in relation to City of Dreams, Manila, to enhance financial flexibility and support long-term growth initiatives [13][14] - The company is committed to investing in properties in Macau while also exploring capital-light investment opportunities in new markets [44][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the start of 2025, noting strong performance in January and continued momentum into February [30][31] - The management highlighted that the business has spread throughout the month, which is seen as a healthy development for customer experience [31] - The return of the House of Dancing Water in May 2025 is expected to further drive visitation and revenue growth [8][48] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased a total of 132 million American Depositary Shares (ADSs) since the third quarter results [20][21] - Corporate expenses in Q4 2024 were $25 million, primarily due to the payment of trademark license fees [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: GGR growth prospects for this year and implications on Studio City - Management noted that while GGR has been choppy, January was strong, and February has shown improved performance compared to the previous year [29][30] Question: Insight into capital allocation strategy with potential proceeds from asset disposition - The primary objective remains paying down debt, but management is also considering capital-light investment opportunities and share buybacks due to undervalued shares [41][45] Question: OpEx comments and sustainability of decline - Management indicated that the decline in OpEx is expected to be sustainable, with efforts to rationalize expenses while maintaining service quality [55][60] Question: Detailed CapEx guidance for different parts of the business - For 2025, total CapEx is anticipated to be about $415 million, with $290 million allocated for Macau, including $70 million for Studio City [50][52] Question: Changes in trademark license fees and their implications - The trademark license fees are now reflected in corporate expenses, instituted at a lower percentage of revenue compared to competitors [82] Question: Future market share and quarterly run rate expectations - Management indicated that with current momentum, a quarterly run rate of around $300 million could be achievable [84]