Melco's Sales Recovery Continues, but Muted Market Share Gains Slightly Disappointing
We believe the gambling market in Macao will enjoy solid growth in the longer term. This structural tailwind is driven by the rising middle class in China and the penetration rate of less than 2% in Macao, compared with Las Vegas' 13%. New hotel rooms by major operators in the next few years should accommodate increased and extended visits from bigger spenders from these provinces, and drive the top line for integrated resort operators like Galaxy Entertainment. With the gradual ramp-up of traffic allowed on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, new Hengqin border, and the Gongbei-to-Hengqin extension rail, Macao's carrying capacity for tourists should increase. In addition, neighboring Hengqin Island, 3 times the size of Macao, is under rapid development to complement Macao's growth.