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 $341 million, with VIP hold adjustments bringing it to approximately$ 313 million [10] - 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 $3 million per day [10][11] - Available liquidity stood at$ 3.3 billion, with consolidated cash on hand of approximately $1.2 billion at the end of Q1 2025 [11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Mass drop in Macau grew each month during the quarter, reaching record highs at City of Dreams and Studio City, with market share increasing from 14.7% in Q4 2024 to 15.7% in Q1 2025 [5][6] - Studio City property EBITDA increased by 20% quarter-over-quarter, demonstrating the positive impact of recent renovations [7] - City of Dreams Mediterranean and Cyprus achieved a 10% year-over-year growth in property EBITDA for Q1 2025 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Property visitation in Macau grew by 30% year-on-year during the May Golden Week [5] - Golden Week visitation was up 40% year-over-year, indicating strong demand and recovery in the market [57] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on driving business momentum through high-quality product offerings and strategic marketing [8] - There is an ongoing strategic review of City of Dreams Manila, with potential buyers currently engaged in the process [22] - The company aims to balance capital allocation between share buybacks and debt reduction, with a focus on maximizing shareholder value [12][50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business momentum, citing strong performance in April and May, and the successful reopening of House of Dancing Water [5][29] - The management noted that the competitive environment in the Philippines has impacted performance, prompting adjustments in cost structure and marketing [8] - Chinese policy is viewed as a critical factor, with current policies supporting domestic consumption and travel, which are favorable for the company's operations [29] Other Important Information - The company has repurchased approximately$ 165 million in MLCO ADSs in 2025, taking advantage of low valuations in the equity markets [12] - Full-year CapEx guidance remains unchanged at $415 million, with the completion of Sri Lanka highlighted as a major project [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of London Legrand opening on City of Dreams - Management reported no significant impact on market share or business from the opening of London Legrand, with strong performance maintained [15][19] Question: Update on strategic review of City of Dreams Manila - The strategic review is ongoing, with potential buyers signing NDAs and working through questions [22] Question: Signs of weakness on the gaming floor - Management indicated no signs of weakness post-Golden Week, with continued strong performance observed [26][32] Question: CapEx guidance for the year - Full-year CapEx guidance remains at$ 415 million, with the completion of Sri Lanka noted as a key project [34] Question: Clarification on OpEx and its components - OpEx guidance excludes costs related to House of Dancing Water and residency concerts, with a target to reduce to $3 million per day [36][37] Question: Non-gaming spend insights during Golden Week - Retail performance varied, with Studio City performing better in the current environment compared to City of Dreams, which continues to face challenges in high-end luxury retail [59][60]