Takeaway: Headline Q2 GGR disappointed but the mix likely more favorable than expected. HE Mass Tracker suggests mass revs up 2-4%. LVS is the play

CALL TO ACTION

The Hedgeye Macau Mass Tracker suggests mass gaming revenue increased in the range of 2-4% YoY in Q2. Given the headline GGR disappointment of -9%, positive mass growth may come as a surprise to most. If the Tracker is right – the high R Square suggests it probably is – this would imply better margins in general for the Macau operators’ Q2. With a growing mass segment, LVS is the obvious play and it is our favorite, particularly over the long-term. Our only reservations pertain to the very near term – for whatever reason, the sell side has not reduced Q2 expectations despite the softer monthly GGR figures.

Positive mass revenue growth in Q2 would represent the first growth quarter since Q3 2014. Extrapolating estimated Q2 mass revenues portends consistent YoY growth for at least the next 3 quarters, and likely more assuming just some market growth from new properties. This is a very important inflection point for the market and particularly LVS. Importantly, within the mass segment, higher margin bass mass is likely outperforming. Not only is LVS the largest mass player in Macau, it maintains the most exposure to base mass.

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