Boyd Gaming (US:BYD)2025-02-06 23:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In 2024, the company generated over $3.9 billion in revenues, setting a full-year record, and achieved EBITDAR of nearly $1.4 billion with property-level operating margins exceeding 40% [6][22] - The fourth quarter revenues surpassed $1 billion for the first time, with EBITDAR increasing to nearly $380 million [7][22] - The online segment generated $108 million in EBITDAR for the full year, including $32 million in non-recurring market access fees [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Las Vegas Local segment delivered strong year-over-year performance, with operating margins exceeding 50% [9] - The Downtown Las Vegas segment showed consistent customer trends with growth in play from core customers and stable retail customer play [10] - The online segment contributed significantly to company-wide growth, with expectations to generate approximately $80 million to $85 million in 2025 [27][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Southern Nevada's economy remains strong, with employment growth for 45 consecutive months and average weekly wages increasing nearly 6% [11] - Total visitation to Las Vegas grew more than 2% over the prior year, reaching nearly 42 million visitors in 2024 [11] - Airport traffic exceeded 58 million passengers last year, with airline capacity expected to increase by another 3% [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strategic growth investments, including ongoing renovations and expansions at various properties [16][20] - A significant $750 million resort development project in Norfolk, Virginia, is set to begin shortly, diversifying the company's portfolio [20][21] - The company plans to maintain a balanced approach to capital allocation, returning capital to shareholders while investing in growth opportunities [22][31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term strength of the Southern Nevada economy as they enter 2025 [12] - The company expects stability to return to the Orleans and Gold Coast properties in the second half of 2025 [32] - Management noted that while there are expense pressures, they are moderating, and they can manage margins effectively [42][44] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $686 million in stock in 2024, with a commitment to continue repurchasing $100 million per quarter in 2025 [21][31] - The company celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, reflecting on its growth from a single property to one of the largest gaming companies in the U.S. [23][24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on core vs. retail customers for 2025 - Management expects core customers to continue growing, while retail customers outside Las Vegas have been stable, with potential for positive growth in the future [35][36] Question: Flow-through and margin expectations for 2025 - Management anticipates expense pressures to moderate and expects to manage margins effectively, with property-level margins consistently above 40% [41][44] Question: Impact of legislative changes on business - Management indicated that any reduction in taxes on tips or overtime pay could support business growth, but specific financial impacts are uncertain [92] Question: Capital allocation strategy regarding M&A - The company prefers to purchase HoldCo over OpCo but remains flexible with leverage for the right acquisition, maintaining a disciplined approach to M&A [78][80] Question: Performance of the Treasure Chest property - The company reported that Q4 performance from Treasure Chest was better than Q3, indicating strong ongoing performance [106]