Boyd Gaming (US:BYD)2025-04-25 16:58Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenues for the first quarter were nearly $1 billion, while EBITDA was $338 million, maintaining property-level margins of 40%, consistent with the prior year [6][8][26] - The company reported a tax pass-through amount for the Online segment of $130 million, compared to $116 million in the year-ago period [29] Performance by Business Segment - In the Las Vegas Locals segment, revenues were nearly even with the prior year, while EBITDA was down less than 4%, primarily due to competitive pressures at the Orleans [9][10] - Downtown Las Vegas achieved both revenue and EBITDA growth, with solid visitation from Hawaii and healthy pedestrian traffic along Fremont Street [11][12] - The Midwest & South segment saw growth in both revenues and EBITDA, with margins consistent with the prior year despite a 28% increase in weather-impacted days [13][14] - The Online segment grew EBITDA by nearly 14% year-over-year, driven by strong growth from Boyd Interactive and stable performance from market-access agreements [15] - The Managed & Other business continued to perform well, driven by growth and management fees from Sky River Casino [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer trends remained consistent with March, with no meaningful shift in consumer behavior or spending patterns observed in the second quarter [7][8] - Hawaiian visitation to the Downtown segment was temporarily impacted in the previous year due to higher airfares related to the Super Bowl, creating a favorable comparison for the current quarter [11][12] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is focused on enhancing competitiveness through property renovations and expansions, including a $750 million resort project in Norfolk, Virginia, scheduled for completion in late 2027 [22][24] - The company remains committed to returning capital to shareholders, having repurchased $328 million in stock and paid $15 million in dividends during the first quarter [25][33] - The company is cautious about M&A opportunities, emphasizing a disciplined approach to acquisitions [71][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate economic uncertainty, supported by the strongest balance sheet in its history [8][26] - The long-term fundamentals of the Southern Nevada economy remain strong, with consistent growth in local population, employment, and tourism [12] - Management acknowledged the potential impact of tariffs on capital projects but indicated that existing budgets would not need to change [62][66] Other Important Information - The company is undertaking several capital projects to strengthen its growth profile, including expansions at Ameristar St. Charles and the new Cadence Crossing Casino [20][21] - The company has identified capital projects that can be deferred if necessary, reflecting a proactive approach to managing potential risks [32][61] Q&A Session Summary Question: Plans for Paradise and other multi-level boats - Management has a prioritized list of development projects focused on those with the highest returns, with several older riverboats remaining for future upgrades [40][41] Question: Outlook for core and retail customers - Core customers continue to grow, while retail customers are performing consistently, with positive trends observed [46][47] Question: Buyback strategy and timing - The company aims to maintain a strong balance sheet while balancing capital allocation between investments and shareholder returns, with a cautious approach to buybacks in the current environment [54][56] Question: Impact of tariffs on capital projects - The company has evaluated capital projects for potential deferral and has taken steps to mitigate tariff impacts, ensuring that budgets remain intact [60][62] Question: Competitive landscape in the Locals market - The Locals market has seen slight shrinkage, but the company has outperformed the overall market, particularly excluding the Orleans [99][100] Question: Impact of Canadian travel and Hawaiian sports betting - Canadian travel represents less than one-tenth of 1% of the company's business, and management does not foresee significant impacts from potential sports betting in Hawaii [129][132]