Wynn Resorts Stock Takes a Nosedive, Macau Numbers Fail to Meet Expectations

Posted on: July 4, 2018, 01:00h. 

Last updated on: July 4, 2018, 11:22h.

Cort Smith Read More
Expertise: Sports Betting, Sports.

It’s been a nervous start to the summer for investors in Wynn Resorts after forecasted revenues fell short for the second-straight month.

Wynn Resorts
Revenue forecasts in Macau disappointed for the second-straight month pushing share prices for Wynn resorts and their competition lower. (Source: Macau Business)

Most industry analysts expected gaming revenue to jump from between 17 and 21 percent in the month of June. Instead, year-over-year profits for the month hit a high of $2.78 billion, an increase of just 12.5 percent, well short of analyst expectations.

That marks two straight months that profits have fallen short of expectations, although the enclave city still managed to post a 23rd consecutive month of growth.

The company’s stocks are sliding as a consequence. Share prices in Wynn Resorts dipped to $154.14 per share on the news this week, a drop of 7.89 percent. If you’re wondering why, look no further than the fact that Wynn derives about 50 percent of its revenue from their Macau casino business.

Temporary, or a Trend?

Despite the disappointing June showing, industry analysts say it’s not time to hit the panic button just yet. A number of experts speculate that the opening of the World Cup may have played a factor in keeping casino crowds low in June.

It’s also worth pointing out that June 2017 was a tough month to live up to when comparing year-over-year revenue, as it marked the second-most profitable month of that calendar year.

“Keep in mind that Macau has bad weeks all the time, and one bad week doesn’t make a trend,” Gaming Securities Asia analyst Grant Govertsen told the Las Vegas Review Journal.

While some analysts believe the pending completion of the Hong Kong to Macau bridge could provide a boost to gaming numbers, not everyone is convinced. Governsten maintains that the bridge will create “no discernible impact” on revenues – gaming or otherwise – for the former Portuguese enclave.

The 34-mile, $15 billion bridge will cut travel time between Macau and Hong Kong to just 40 minutes and is expected to be open later this year.

Sagging Competition

June was difficult for one of the new kids on the block as well. MGM Resorts, which opened a second casino in Macau earlier this year suffered a three percent drop in its stock price,down to $71.27 per share. Its new property has failed to bring in the big crowds so far, according to the Las Vegas Review Journal.

“We’re not seeing the market-growing benefit from the most recent supply, as it needs to be finished before it can begin ramping properly,” Govertsen said.

Las Vegas Sands, which also makes some 50 percent of its profit via Macau, wasn’t immune either. Its shares were down 6.67 percent to $71.27 this week.

In the big picture, however, it may just be a bump in the road. Gaming analysts have predicted that revenues in the “Las Vegas of Asia” could hit $53 billion by 2022.