Blowout volumes in Singapore lead to strong hold adjustd Q1 for LVS. While low hold typically drives higher volumes, the numbers were still impressive

"In Macao, we delivered record financial results, with outstanding growth and strong operating momentum reflected in every segment of our business. We welcomed a record fourteen million visits to our Cotai Strip properties during the quarter, and delivered a record $630.2 million of adjusted property EBITDA from our Macao property portfolio. We remain confident that our market-leading Cotai Strip properties, The Venetian Macao, Four Seasons Hotel Macao and Plaza Casino, and Sands Cotai Central, with their unrivaled hotel inventory of nearly 9,000 rooms and suites, including the world's largest Sheraton, Conrad and Holiday Inn, and 28 million square feet of interconnected Integrated Resort capacity, will meaningfully enhance the appeal of Macao and the Cotai Strip to business and leisure travelers and provide an outstanding platform for growth in the years ahead.

"We also delivered strong financial results in Singapore, with meaningful growth in gaming and non-gaming revenues contributing to a record financial performance. Rolling Chip volume increased 42.2% to reach a property record $18.21 billion, while Hold-Adjusted Adjusted Property EBITDA increased 15.7% to reach a record $451.1 million.

"The prudent management of our cash flow, including the ability to both invest in future growth and to increase the return of capital to our shareholders, remains a cornerstone of our strategy. The company paid a recurring quarterly dividend of $0.35 per common share during the quarter, an increase of 40% compared to the first quarter of 2012."

-LVS CEO Sheldon Adelson

CONF CALL NOTES

  • Will continue to lead in mass revenues and EBITDA in Macau
  • Mass/slot businesses did well at SCC
  • MBS:  $18.2 rolling VIP volume - a new record
  • Parisian Macau (Site 3): now under construction; still target opening in late 2015
  • Submitted plans to Macau govt of a 2MM sq ft tropical garden mall just south of SCC - targeting specifically for the mass market
  • Madrid - still number of steps left in development process
  • Will increase dividend at LVS and Sands China in the future
  • Will also consider special dividend and a stock repurchase program

Q & A 

  • Singapore
    • Slot volume has been weak, driven by locals market which hasn't recovered
    • Table side is growing because of programs in place to build customer database.
    • Adding 20 hires by the end of 2013
    • Why 4 quarters of low hold? Customers keep winning. Not concerned about this.  Sees 2.8% average for the year.
    • Demographics: Mainland Chinese (70%) and Singaporeans; growth in customers in non-rolling segment; VIP customers are very concentrated.
    • 1st writeoff of reserve balance ($11MM)
  • Macau
    • SCC:  weak on mass tables (super premium, premium mass), relative to the Venetian; but confident that SCC will reach $1.0 BN in EBITDA
      • Putting in additional ~80 tables (underperforming ones); will take 10-12 months
    • Parisian:  less capex than previous forecast;  piling will start in June. Look for late 2015 opening
    • VIP visitation/spending trends:  govt noise hasn't impacted this segment; spend per visit seems to be higher
    • Sees Mass/ETG as the growth opportunity
    • Super premium/premium mass segments are very competitive
    • Venetian slot renovation disruption: not material
  • Japan - lots of noise; November looks like the most likely time to pass legislation; if legislation passes in November, it's a 1-2 year selection progress.  Says Genting/LVS are the top 2 candidates.
  • Cage drop: 25% of total drop; Mass hold consistent in the aggregate across properties
  • Auditor change:  no disagreements, no reportable events, will select new auditor in next 30 days

NOTES FROM 1Q RELEASE

  • Venetian Macau
    • VIP hold: 3.57%
    • VIP RC volume: -15.4% YoY to $11.67 BN
    • Mass hold: 32.1%
    • Mass Drop: +20.6% YoY to $1.33 BN
  • Sands Cotai Central
    • VIP hold: 3.09%
    • VIP RC volume: $13.62 BN
    • Mass hold: 21.6%
    • Mass Drop: $1.035 BN
  • Four Seasons
    • VIP hold: 2.21%
    • VIP RC volume: $9.48 BN
    • Mass hold: 48.6%
    • Mass Drop: +4.3% to $110.5 MM
  • Sands Macau
    • VIP hold: 2.76%
    • VIP RC volume: $6.379 BN
    • Mass hold:  21.1%
    • Mass Drop:  $763.2MM
  • Marina Bay Sands
    • VIP hold: 2.51%
    • VIP RC volume: $18.207 BN
    • Mass hold: 23.2%
    • Mass Drop:  $1.195 BN
  • Las Vegas
    • Table hold: 27.6%
    • Table drop: -16.8% to $506.4 MM
    • Slot hold: 8.8%
    • Slot handle:  +2.3% to $495.1 MM
  • Sands Bethlehem
    • Table hold: 
    • Table drop: +21.4% to $244.7 MM
    • Slot hold: 7.1%
    • Slot handle: flat at $1.03 BN
  • Unrestricted cash: $2.38 BN
  • Total debt: $9.83 BN
  • Capex: $197.2 MM (Macau construction and development $128.7 MM, $36.1 MM MBS, $31.4 MM Las Vegas, $1.0 MM Sands Bethlehem)