SANDS CHINA LTD Rises Over 4% Despite Market Trends, Following Strong January GGR from MO
Macau's GGR Performance: Macau's January Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) reached MOP22.633 billion, reflecting a 24% year-over-year increase and surpassing market expectations by about 5%.
Stock Market Reactions: Major gaming companies like Sands China and Galaxy Entertainment saw their stock prices rise, with Sands China up 4.58% and Galaxy Entertainment up 0.95%, despite initial declines.
Market Forecasts: Analysts from Morgan Stanley and CLSA predict continued growth in Macau's GGR, with expectations of an 18% year-over-year increase in the first quarter and potential upside risks to annual growth forecasts.
Short Selling Data: The report includes short selling statistics for various companies, indicating varying levels of market confidence, with SJM Holdings showing a notably high short selling ratio of 29.649%.
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Annual Results Announcement: GALAXY ENT reported its annual results for FY2025, with 4Q25 results surpassing market expectations, a market share increase of 160 bps QoQ to 21.7%, and a profit growth of 29% QoQ.
Dividend Performance: The final dividend per share (DPS) of $0.8 reflects a 61% payout ratio for FY2025, meeting broker estimates but disappointing some investors hoping for a higher return.
Analyst Ratings: JPMorgan maintained an Overweight rating for GALAXY ENT, designating it as a top pick with a target price of $52, while expressing a selective outlook on the gaming sector.
Future Expectations: There are expectations for gradual dividend increases, with potential positive developments anticipated in the interim results for FY2026, set to be announced in August.

Financial Performance: GALAXY ENT reported a 4Q25 adjusted EBITDA of approximately $4.3 billion, reflecting a 33% year-over-year increase and a 29% quarter-over-quarter increase, with adjusted figures showing a 9% YoY and 7% QoQ rise.
Dividend Announcement: The company declared a final dividend per share (DPS) of $0.8, exceeding market expectations, resulting in a total annual DPS of $1.5 and a payout ratio increase to about 61% from 50% in 2024.

Financial Performance: GALAXY ENT reported a 33% year-over-year increase in 4Q25 corporate EBITDA, reaching $4.296 billion, surpassing both Morgan Stanley's forecast and market consensus.
Dividend Information: The company announced a 50% increase in its 2025 dividend per share to $1.50, although its dividend yield of 3.6% remains lower compared to competitors like Sands, MGM, and Wynn.

Financial Performance: GALAXY ENT reported a 33% year-over-year increase in adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025, reaching $4.3 billion, surpassing market expectations. The final dividend per share rose by 60% to $0.8, with a full-year payout ratio increase of 1,100 basis points to 61%.
Market Position and Outlook: CLSA maintains an Outperform rating for GALAXY ENT, citing its competitive advantage in the Macau market and potential for further dividend growth, with a target price set at $49.5.

Annual Results Announcement: Galaxy Entertainment announced its annual results for 2025, highlighting a significant short selling activity of $43.69 million and a ratio of 14.248%.
Financial Stability Emphasis: Chairman Francis Lui emphasized the Group's strong financial position and the importance of maintaining sufficient cash flow to manage unforeseen circumstances, which will influence future dividend declarations.

Financial Performance: Goldman Sachs reported that GALAXY ENT achieved strong 4Q25 results with EBITDA growth of 29% QoQ to HKD4.3 billion, aligning with expectations and the upper end of consensus estimates.
Dividend Policy: The company declared a final DPS of HKD0.8 for 2H25, increasing its earnings payout to 64%, with management indicating plans to maintain a minimum 65% payout in the future.
Future Outlook: Goldman Sachs believes GALAXY ENT has sufficient financial capacity to increase dividends or adopt a progressive dividend policy, supported by strong free cash flow and substantial net cash reserves.
Market Impact: The upcoming "Two Sessions" from March 4 to 11 may influence gaming and tourism demand, leading Goldman Sachs to slightly adjust its EBITDA forecasts for FY26-27 and lower the 12-month target price from HKD54 to HKD53.4 while maintaining a Buy rating.





