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Here's Why Investors Should Retain Las Vegas Sands Stock for Now
LVSLVSC(LVS) ZACKS·2024-11-29 13:45

Core Viewpoint - Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) is experiencing significant growth driven by a recovery in Macau, strategic investments in Singapore, and strong capital return initiatives, despite uncertainties in China [1][9]. Group 1: Growth Drivers - The Macao market is showing robust growth, with total gaming revenues increasing by 13% year-over-year to approximately 6.9billioninQ32024,andmassgamingrevenuesrisingby146.9 billion in Q3 2024, and mass gaming revenues rising by 14% to about 6.1 billion [3]. - LVS is optimistic about its growth in Singapore, where Marina Bay Sands generated 406millioninEBITDAinQ32024,withfurtherearningspotentialasrollingplaynormalizes[4].Thecompanyisfocusedoninvestinginscalable,highqualityassetsthatyieldsuperiorreturns,positioningitselftocapturealargershareofhighvaluetourismandleisurespending[5].Group2:CapitalReturnsLVSiscommittedtorewardingshareholders,havingrepurchasedsharesworth406 million in EBITDA in Q3 2024, with further earnings potential as rolling play normalizes [4]. - The company is focused on investing in scalable, high-quality assets that yield superior returns, positioning itself to capture a larger share of high-value tourism and leisure spending [5]. Group 2: Capital Returns - LVS is committed to rewarding shareholders, having repurchased shares worth 450 million in Q3 2024 and increased its buyback authorization to 2billion[6].Thecompanyannouncedanincreaseinitsannualdividendto2 billion [6]. - The company announced an increase in its annual dividend to 1 per share for 2025, reflecting confidence in its growth trajectory [6]. Group 3: Concerns - A significant portion of LVS' revenues comes from Macau, which is susceptible to external risks, with uneven recovery in gaming revenues and economic uncertainties in China potentially delaying full recovery [7]. - The rise of online gambling poses a threat to traditional casino operations, as markets like New Jersey and Pennsylvania show that online revenues can rival land-based gaming revenues [8]. Group 4: Conclusion - LVS is well-positioned for continued growth, supported by the recovery in Macau, developments in Singapore, and a strong commitment to shareholder value, despite facing uncertainties in China [9].