Melco Resorts & Entertainment(MLCO) - 2025 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group-wide adjusted property EBITDA for Q1 2025 was approximately $341 million, while adjusted for VIP hold, it was approximately$ 313 million [9] - Operating expenses (OpEx) were reduced to $3.1 million per day in Q1 2025, down from$ 3.2 million in Q4 2024, with a target to exit Q2 2025 at $3 million per day [10][12] - Available liquidity stood at$ 3.3 billion, with consolidated cash on hand of approximately $1.2 billion as of the end of Q1 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mass drop in Macau grew each month during the quarter, reaching record highs at both City of Dreams and Studio City, with market share increasing from 14.7% in Q4 2024 to 15.7% in Q1 2025 [4][5] - Studio City property EBITDA increased by 20% quarter-over-quarter, demonstrating the positive impact of recent renovations [6] - City of Dreams Mediterranean and Cypress achieved a 10% year-over-year growth in property EBITDA for Q1 2025 [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property visitation in Macau grew by 30% year-over-year during the May Golden Week [4] - Golden Week visitation was up 40% year-over-year, indicating strong demand and market recovery [55] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining high-quality product offerings and strategic marketing to drive business momentum [6] - There is an ongoing strategic review of City of Dreams Manila, with potential buyers currently engaged in the process [22] - The company aims to balance capital allocation between share buybacks and debt reduction, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value [12][48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business momentum, citing strong performance in Macau and a stable market share despite new competition [4][18] - The company noted that the competitive environment in the Philippines has impacted performance, prompting adjustments in cost structure and marketing programs [7] - Management highlighted the importance of Chinese policy in supporting domestic consumption and travel, which is crucial for future growth [29] Other Important Information - The House of Dancing Water show was relaunched successfully, expected to drive additional visitation to City of Dreams [5] - The company has repurchased approximately$ 165 million in MLCO ADSs in 2025, taking advantage of low valuations in the equity markets [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of London Legrand opening on competition - Management reported no significant impact on market share or business from the opening of London Legrand, maintaining strong performance in Q1 [15][19] Question: Update on City of Dreams Manila strategic review - The strategic review is ongoing, with potential buyers signing NDAs and working through questions [22] Question: Signs of weakness on the gaming floor - Management indicated no signs of weakness post-Golden Week, with continued strong performance observed [27][32] Question: CapEx guidance for the year - Full year CapEx guidance remains unchanged at $415 million, with the completion of Sri Lanka highlighted as a major project [33] Question: OpEx expectations for Q2 - OpEx guidance for Q2 is expected to be around$ 3 million per day, excluding costs related to House of Dancing Water and residency concerts [36][37] Question: Non-gaming spend insights during Golden Week - Retail and F&B activity was strong during Golden Week, although high-end luxury retail continues to face challenges [57][58]