On Wednesday, Susquehanna Financial Group increased its stock price target for Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: NYSE:) shares from $51.00 to $59.00, while retaining a Positive rating on the stock. The adjustment comes in response to the anticipated positive effects of the recent stimulus measures introduced by China on September 23, 2024.
Las Vegas Sands, a prominent player in the gaming and resort industry, is expected to benefit from the renewed optimism surrounding the Macau gaming sector and its Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino in Singapore. The firm’s analysis points to the Chinese stimulus as a potential driver for increased gross gaming revenue (GGR) in Macau from 2025 onwards and highlights the significance of the MBS casino due to improving Chinese visitation to Singapore.
The firm also notes that investor sentiment may vary in the short term as the market assesses the impact of the Chinese economic measures. However, for Las Vegas Sands and other Macau-based operators, a GGR of approximately 22 billion MOP for October would be seen as a positive indicator, especially given that the first half of October’s GGR was estimated to be up 25% year-over-year.
Furthermore, the analysis underscores the importance of Chinese travelers to Singapore, who account for 22% of airport visitation and an estimated 30% of the city-state’s GGR. The expected increase in visitation from China in the fourth quarter of 2024 is projected to benefit Las Vegas Sands’ operations in Singapore.
In conclusion, Susquehanna anticipates an increase in valuation and conviction in the improving fundamental trends for Las Vegas Sands, driven by the aforementioned catalysts. The firm’s revised price target reflects this optimistic outlook for the company’s near-term performance and long-term growth prospects.
In other recent news, Las Vegas Sands Corp has seen significant attention from various analysts. JPMorgan increased the company’s stock price target to $60, maintaining an Overweight rating, due to optimism around Macau property renovations.
However, CFRA downgraded the company’s shares from Buy to Hold, adjusting the price target to $51 due to concerns regarding the company’s reliance on the Macao and Asia markets. Wells Fargo also anticipates a strong fourth quarter for the company.
Las Vegas Sands Corp’s second-quarter results did not meet expectations, primarily due to disruptions from renovations in Macau and Singapore. Despite this, Macquarie maintained an Outperform rating on the company, citing long-term benefits from the renovations. Stifel also maintained a Buy rating for Las Vegas Sands Corp despite concerns about the company’s operations in Macau.
Mizuho Securities increased the price target for Las Vegas Sands Corp to $52, maintaining an “Outperform” rating on the stock. The company reported a 24% increase in total gaming revenues in its Macau operations and is exploring new development opportunities in markets such as New York, Texas, and Thailand.
In other developments, Myriad Genetics (NASDAQ:) recently reported second-quarter revenues of $211.5 million, exceeding consensus expectations, and raised its 2024 guidance to an estimated $835-845 million. The company’s main product, the MyRisk hereditary cancer panel, is expected to account for approximately 44% of the company’s sales for 2023.
Myriad Genetics also secured a new patent for its molecular residual disease assay technology. These are the latest developments for both Las Vegas Sands Corp and Myriad Genetics.
InvestingPro Insights
Las Vegas Sands’ recent performance aligns with Susquehanna’s optimistic outlook. According to InvestingPro data, the company has shown impressive growth with a 68.48% increase in revenue over the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, reaching $11.43 billion. This growth is reflected in the stock’s strong performance, with a 26.55% price return over the past month and a 19.4% return over the last three months.
InvestingPro Tips highlight Las Vegas Sands’ financial strength, noting that its liquid assets exceed short-term obligations and it operates with a moderate level of debt. This financial stability positions the company well to capitalize on the anticipated benefits from China’s stimulus measures and increased visitation to Singapore.
The company’s impressive gross profit margins, as mentioned in the InvestingPro Tips, further support its ability to benefit from the expected increase in gross gaming revenue. With a gross profit margin of 76.91% for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, Las Vegas Sands demonstrates strong operational efficiency.
It is worth noting that InvestingPro offers 10 additional tips for Las Vegas Sands, providing investors with a comprehensive analysis of the company’s financial health and market position.
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