Q3 2024 Summary
Published Feb 7, 2025, 7:58 PM UTCMetric | YoY Change | Reason |
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Total Revenue | +5% | The increase to $4.18B comes from continued recovery in core operations, particularly in Macau after eased travel restrictions, and stable performance in Las Vegas; elevated prior-year volumes in Regional Operations were offset by the recent asset disposition. |
MGM China Revenue | +14% | MGM China’s $929M in revenue reflects stronger visitation and gaming demand in Macau compared to prior-year pandemic-impacted levels, with travel restrictions removed and main-floor gaming volumes normalizing. |
Corporate & Other Revenue | +30% | Growth to $169M was primarily driven by higher digital gaming contributions, including the continued integration of LeoVegas acquired in 2022, which did not factor into the full prior-year baseline. |
Cost of Goods Sold | -49% | The drop to $2.30B reflects reduced operating expenses tied to deconsolidated properties, cost optimization measures, and a shift in expense categorization since the prior year; these factors more than offset increased costs in Macau and certain Las Vegas operations. |
Operating Income (EBIT) | -15% | Lower EBIT of $315M results partly from the loss of prior-year one-time gains and higher rent expenses, which outweighed improved revenue contributions from both the Las Vegas Strip and the rebound in Macau. |
Net Income | +15% | Rising to $244M, net income benefited from improved Macau gaming performance, stable U.S. consumer demand, and favorable tax impacts on Macau profits, partially tempered by increased rent and interest expenses compared to the prior year. |
EPS – Basic | +27% | Basic EPS of $0.62 was driven by higher net income and a continued reduction in outstanding shares due to share repurchase programs, magnifying per-share earnings growth relative to the prior year. |
Metric | Period | Previous Guidance | Current Guidance | Change |
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Las Vegas Cash Rates | FY 2025 | no prior guidance | Expects overall cash rates in Las Vegas to grow | no prior guidance |
EBITDA Growth | FY 2025 | no prior guidance | Targets $200 million in cost savings; expects improvement | no prior guidance |
BetMGM Strategy | FY 2025 | no prior guidance | Continued investment; expansion into new markets | no prior guidance |
F1 Event Impact | Q4 2024 | no prior guidance | Expects a $30 million EBITDA headwind year-over-year | no prior guidance |
Marriott Partnership | FY 2025 | no prior guidance | 2,500 room nights/day; pacing 20% above expectations | no prior guidance |
Metric | Period | Guidance | Actual | Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|
Share Repurchases | Q3 2024 | Continued use of excess cash for share repurchases | -$322.727 million | Met |
Topic | Previous Mentions | Current Period | Trend |
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Las Vegas performance and margins | Consistent mid-30% margin levels in previous quarters; year-over-year top-line and bottom-line growth; stable or increasing occupancy and ADR. | Slightly impacted by high-end table game timing but still aiming for mid-30s EBITDAR margins. Executives remain optimistic about strong ADR and slot handle growth. | Consistently mentioned across periods with continued focus on Las Vegas as a growth driver. Margins remain in the mid-30% range, with short-term fluctuations but long-term optimism. |
Macau trends | Previously noted strong recovery, often exceeding pre-pandemic levels, but with minor fluctuations in market share. Emphasis on mass and premium mass outperformance. | Market share declined for the second straight quarter, stabilizing in the mid-teen level expected over time; premium mass remained resilient. | Slight shift in sentiment from surpassing pre-pandemic levels to addressing slight market share loss, while still optimistic about long-term recovery and premium mass. |
Regional market performance and margins | Historically stable with 30%+ margins; managing labor costs and promotions to maintain profitability. | Stable results with 3% revenue growth; slight year-over-year expenses due to specific operational issues. | Consistently mentioned with a focus on maintaining margins despite minor pressures. The company remains optimistic in its ability to keep margins stable. |
Labor cost impacts on profitability | Noted as a headwind in earlier calls, but partially offset by reducing FTEs and negotiating multi-year labor deals. Margins remained stable in most segments. | No specific mention in Q3 2024 [—]. | No mention in Q3 2024. Previously addressed as a margin pressure but manageable through cost controls. |
F1 event’s financial headwind | Cited as $30 million impact in Q2 2024. The first F1 event delivered positive contributions in Q4 2023, but geographic differences in activation led MGM to refine pricing and programming. | Expect a $30 million YoY EBITDA headwind due to softer room rates vs. the inaugural event and capitalized costs shifting to expense. | Consistently mentioned recently as a one-time headwind but still strategically important for Las Vegas revenue. The financial effect is smaller compared to the overall quarterly performance. |
Japan expansion | Discussed through Q1 2024 as a long-term project not expected to generate returns by 2028. Financing was arranged, and ~60% hedged against currency fluctuations. | No mention in Q3 2024 [—]. | No longer mentioned after Q1 2024. Remains a future growth project, but returns are beyond 2028. |
$200 million margin improvement initiative | Not mentioned previously. | Introduced as an initiative to extract $200 million from the bottom line and identify additional revenue sources for margin enhancement. | Newly emerged in Q3 2024, aiming to boost margins through cost reviews and added revenue opportunities. |
Digital expansion to UK, Netherlands, Brazil | Discussed in Q2 2024 with early Netherlands and UK success and mentions of South America interest; Q1 2024 highlighted Netherlands soft launch and UK presence; Brazil specifically not mentioned until Q3. | Emphasized global expansion with launches in the UK, Netherlands, and soon Brazil (Q1 2025). Partnership with Grupo Globo for ** Brazil** on an equity basis. | Newly emerged in detail for Q3 2024 with a clear Brazil entry plan. Continues broader digital strategy first mentioned in Q2 and Q1 2024. |
BetMGM underperformance concerns in sports betting | Highlighted concerns in Q2 2024 due to market share loss and an investment year approach. Similar issues were acknowledged in Q1 and Q4 2023, with product enhancements and single wallet solutions planned. | No direct mention of underperformance; focus on 20% GGR growth and product enhancements. Profitability improved, with parlay enhancements. | Shift in emphasis from underperformance to improved metrics and product enhancements. BetMGM’s positive results in Q3 2024 indicate progress. |
Macau sentiment shift | Previously exceeding pre-pandemic levels in Q1/Q4 2023. Market share fluctuations noted, but the general tone was very positive on Macau recovery. | Acknowledged a two-quarter drop in market share, stabilizing mid-teens. Still bullish on premium mass resilience. | Sentiment shifted from “exceeding pre-COVID benchmarks” to “managing slight share declines.” Confidence remains due to long-term premium mass growth. |
BetMGM sentiment shift | Concerns over market share and product gaps in prior calls, but recognized potential for long-term digital growth. | Focus on broad digital expansion globally; Q3 2024 highlighted new features and stronger iGaming-sports balance. | Moved from performance concerns to emphasizing new product features and international expansion. MGM sees BetMGM as a key digital growth driver. |
Potential future impact | Historically, these were recurring themes, with digital expansions gradually ramping, margin stability targeted at 30-35% in core markets, and labor costs managed via multi-year deals. | Digital growth (BetMGM + international), margin improvement (the $200M initiative), and careful labor cost management are seen as major profit drivers going forward. | These strategic pillars are expected to shape long-term profitability. The $200M program, global iGaming expansions, and continued labor discipline should significantly impact the company’s future margins and cash flow. |
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BetMGM Strategy and Investment
Q: How is BetMGM's strategy evolving, and how are you allocating resources between OSB and iGaming?
A: BetMGM views 2024 as an investment year, with new products driving a 20% increase in top-line GGR. Both sports betting and iGaming are performing equally well, even seeing double-digit growth in mature markets like New Jersey. They are focusing on growing revenue and currently investing to capitalize on these gains. -
Impact of Baccarat Revenue Swings
Q: How should we consider the baccarat headwind from last year's strong hold in Q4?
A: Last year's Q4 benefited by about $70 million due to exceptional baccarat performance. This will pose a headwind in the upcoming quarter, but they anticipate offsets from a healthy group environment and strong hotel pricing. -
Macau Market Share and Margins
Q: You've lost some share in Macau; what are your expectations amid competition and stimulus impacts?
A: They expect market share to stabilize around mid-teens and are confident in delivering this target. Upcoming projects completing in the second half of next year are expected to boost revenue and margins. Stimulus measures are unfolding, and they anticipate long-term benefits, especially in the premium mass segment. -
Operating Expenses Outlook
Q: Were there unique items affecting operating expenses this quarter, and any considerations for next year?
A: Yes, unusual items included a $20 million increase in collection expenses in Las Vegas and $15 million in the regions due to specific operational issues. No significant operating expense increases are expected next year, with FTE counts flat to down 1% year-over-year. -
Capital Allocation and M&A Strategy
Q: Are you still interested in owning all of BetMGM, and how does this affect capital allocation?
A: The relationship with Entain remains strong, and while they appreciate their position, they did not provide specifics on acquiring the remaining stake. Capital allocation decisions between potential acquisitions and share repurchases were not detailed. -
Las Vegas Table Game Softness
Q: What's causing the softness in Las Vegas table game volume, and what are margin expectations?
A: The decline is attributed to the timing of high-end baccarat customers, leading to an $80 million swing. Margins are expected to remain in the mid-30s on an EBITDAR basis, with fundamentals still strong and no indications of ongoing softness. -
Formula 1 Impact on Earnings
Q: Are you still expecting a $30 million EBITDA headwind from F1?
A: Yes, they anticipate the same impact due to decreased hotel rates compared to last year's initial bookings and increased expenses related to event preparations. -
Marriott Partnership Benefits
Q: How is the Marriott partnership progressing, and what's the impact on metrics?
A: The partnership is exceeding expectations, pacing 20% above projections with 2,500 room nights per day. It brings in new group business and is expected to drive higher ADRs and occupancy, particularly with upcoming property rebrandings. -
International Development Opportunities
Q: Any updates on international projects like UAE or Thailand?
A: In Thailand, they are hopeful for announcements early next year and are encouraged by favorable tax and investment conditions. In the UAE, they are closely monitoring developments and are excited about opportunities, especially related to their Dubai project. -
Digital Business Investment Returns
Q: Where do you stand on the $1 billion investment in digital, and when can we expect returns?
A: They have completed their capital investment and anticipate significant contributions starting late next year. By 2026, they project cash flow of $400 million to $500 million, with substantial growth expected across their digital platforms. -
Expense Management Initiatives
Q: Can you help us think about growing EBITDA in major markets next year amid headwinds?
A: They aim to improve margins by initiating a $200 million cost-saving program and expect market growth of a few percentage points, despite headwinds like event shifts. They are focused on both revenue opportunities and expense reductions. -
Monthly Trends in Las Vegas
Q: Did you observe any trends across Q3 months, and how does this continue into October?
A: July faced challenges due to extreme heat and road closures, but August and September saw improvement. October is strong with 97% occupancy, steady revenues, and growing slot handle, indicating solid fundamentals. -
Macau Margin Pressure
Q: What pressured Macau margins in Q3, and any color on the promotional environment?
A: One-time costs related to payroll and entertainment spend affected margins. They aim for operating margins in the mid- to high-20s and remain disciplined on gaming promotions, expecting margins to improve with project completions next year. -
Financing Growth CapEx
Q: Are you considering using REIT partners to finance growth CapEx?
A: While open to financing options with partners like VICI and Blackstone for expansions, they prefer not to finance renovations this way unless it’s cost-effective. They focus on optimizing capital structure for growth projects. -
Las Vegas Future Outlook
Q: What's your outlook for Las Vegas in 2025, including group and convention business?
A: They expect overall cash rates to grow. However, the Super Bowl shift will impact year-over-year comparisons by $60 million to $70 million in February. Renovations at MGM Grand will also have an impact, but they are confident in managing demand across their properties. -
Casino Guest Mix and Inventory
Q: Are you seeing any changes in casino guest visitation, and how will that affect inventory?
A: Casino guest visitation remains consistent and solid. They don't anticipate significant changes next year, with the Marriott partnership expected to enhance transient and package business without reducing casino guest inventory. -
Brazil Market Launch Impact
Q: Should we expect a bigger dip in Q4 losses due to Brazil launch expenses?
A: Yes, launching in Brazil will incur expenses in the tens of millions over the year, impacting BetMGM's financials. They are partnering with Globo, which provides significant media reach in Brazil. -
M&A Opportunities in Regional Markets
Q: Has anything changed in terms of M&A opportunities in other markets?
A: Their criteria remain strict; any acquisition would need to be in a new market, of significant scale, and align with their brand. While open to possibilities, such opportunities are limited. -
Las Vegas Reinvestment Rate
Q: Is the current reinvestment rate of 44-46% of gaming revenue expected to continue?
A: Yes, this rate reflects their investment in casino room nights and is expected to remain steady going forward, aligning with their profit maximization strategy. -
Operating Expense Unique Items
Q: Were there unique items affecting operating expenses this quarter?
A: In addition to earlier mentioned items, they reiterated the unusual expenses totaling $35 million due to collections and operational issues, but no ongoing concerns are indicated. -
Monthly Las Vegas Trends
Q: Did weather or other factors affect monthly trends in Las Vegas during Q3?
A: Yes, extreme heat and road closures impacted July, but trends improved in August and September. Key metrics like ADR and slot handle remained strong, and October shows positive momentum. -
BetMGM Revenue Growth Breakdown
Q: Can you clarify the 20% revenue growth in BetMGM between iGaming and OSB?
A: Both sports betting and iGaming each grew by a little over 20%, indicating strong performance across both business lines.