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GENM: A Case of Buying at The Bottom (Boostmy)
Genting Malaysia: A Case of Buying at The Bottom
1. Background. The media, analysts and shareholders are up in arms over Genting Malaysia’s 49%-stake purchase of Empire Resorts Inc for USD180m, which chiefly owns and operates the Resorts World Catskills integrated casino. This has caused the share price to take a 10% hit.
2. RPT the major concern. Despite being a related party transaction (RPT), the deal can proceed without minority shareholders’ approval. While technically allowed, as conditions for an EGM are skirted, the move leaves a bad taste to minorities who have no voice in deciding on a “material” acquisition. By and large, the counterparty for the stake is none other than the controlling shareholders, whom investors fear are bailing out a loss-making company, whilst cashing out through reducing their direct stake. This, I believe could be seen 2-ways, depending on the future performance of Empire Resorts – if it turns out to be profitable with decent ROE’s, then the controlling shareholders should be commended for sharing some of this upside with minorities. However, if it turns out to be a bust, then, by all means, investors should grab their pitchforks and storm the next AGM.
3. Still in gestation. Aside from that major concern, the company looks to me as a potential turnaround story or an early-stage growth company. The main asset, Resorts World Catskills was only completed in February 2018, and is only in its second year of operations. New attractions such as an indoor water park was recently opened and a golf course will be added in 2019/2020. A new poker room was only launched days ago, and sports betting only commenced in July 2019. This indicates that there could be upside to the business.
4. GGR on an uptrend. While the property is loss-making, GGR trends are encouraging. Total monthly GGR hit USD20m for the first time in June 2019, representing a 54% growth versus June 2018 (graphs 1 and 2). For the second quarter of 2019 (graph 3), total GGR breached the USD50m for the first time, an increase of 45% yoy and 14% qoq. Meanwhile, this does not take into account revenues from other sources such as racing, F&B and hotel rooms which formed 22.6% of revenue according to its latest 10-Q filing. The link to the data is provided below.
5. Fears of Empire Resorts dragging down earnings could be overstated. It would, in my view, be lazy to assume a similar loss reported in FY18, and apply it to FY20 forecasts. First, the casino only opened in February 2018, hence it is not a full year contribution. Second, GGR for 1H19 already forms 81.6% of FY18’s total GGR. If annualised assuming no sequential growth in 3Q and 4Q19, FY19’s GGR is set to increase 63% yoy. This does not take into account the company’s growth potential in FY20, which will be a full year contributor to GENM. Third, sports betting which commenced in July 2019 has yet to be reflected in numbers -- and sports betting is a significant business. Fourth, lower costs from synergies have not been factored in.
6. Getting in on the ground floor. Seen positively, the acquisition could allow investors an early ride on a fairly new asset with growth/upside potential. While some might balk at the USD180m price tag (for 49%), which may look steep at 1.89x book value, they forget that Empire Resorts Inc is a listed company. And privatisation exercises of listed companies, especially in the US, are typically transacted at a premium to its last-closing share price. In this case, however, the premium was only negligible. In fact, the deal can be considered attractive as most negatives are reflected in its share price. In effect, investors could be buying at the low (would you rather pay high premiums for mature assets, or pay a reasonable price for a growth asset?). In addition, the cost of investment for Resorts World Catskills was quoted at USD1.2bn. Valuing 100% of Empire Resorts Inc at USD360m could be a steal.
7. Closing remarks. While the deal might not appear positive, especially in the near-term, I don’t believe it is that destructive to Genting Malaysia’s value to the tune of 10% or RM3.15bn. Most of the risks associated with starting a new casino such as obtaining approvals/licensing, delays in construction, cost-overrunes and even first year which bears higher start-up cost have already been lifted (yes, the major shareholders have already borne those risks). If any, investors gain entry to a vehicle with mostly upside potential.
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Discussions
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Just another thought. Logically speaking, if a business man has invested so much money, effort and time in his personal business (Empire Resort) for 10-20 years, there is no reason why he does not want to keep all the future profits to himself if he sees the business will turn around soon.
Unless there is higher risk - much more money required to be thrown in and thus this is shared with the public-investors.
2019-08-07 18:00
tmr will rebound..typical jittery msian investor when see little bad news will selloff...
2019-08-07 19:15
Why the deal can proceed without minority shareholders’ approval despite being a RPT? I dont really get that part
2019-08-07 19:43
empire not only losing money, but they every year also bleeding in cash outflow, big time.......
2019-08-07 19:49
Genting casino in malaysia is a monopoly, in America, there are thousand of casinos, not easy to be profitable.
2019-08-07 19:55
Junx.....reason the RPT dont need minorities approval becos its not deem material under listing rules. When a RPT deems material means the amount has to be 5% of either its profit or its revenue. Looking at genm large base so the acquisition is unlikely to be 5% of either.
2019-08-07 23:42
boost nicely written
Please argue that Catskill will create synergy with upcoming Legoland at Goshen, New York. It's also within 45 min away from Woodbury Premier outlet, which is a super popular tourist attraction for Asian
2019-08-08 13:24
Empire's Catskill provide a good stop over, for tourist enroute from JFK airport to Niagara waterfall, at Buffalo.
It will greatly improve the overall travel experience for tourist, who need 7 hours by car to travel from JFK to Niagara.
2019-08-08 13:26
New York city has very run-down hotel, limited mix of tourist offering. Despite having huge amount of tourist, NY did not have the budget to develop it.
GenM's investment in NYC raceno (RWNY) will improve that.
Now, when they buy over Empire. It will link up the RWNY with Empire's Catskill. So it's gambling all the way from Airport to Niagara fall
2019-08-08 13:30
the casinos business in downtown New York is different from Malaysian or HK set up. casino business is bad and tough in U.S.. do not expect the scenario to change
2019-08-09 08:22
Jonathan Las Vegas is not profitable because they are too many operators. There's less competition in NY, which is the world's Top financial hub. GenM is betting to attract the rich people. If you check on NY, it doesn't have many entertainment, unlike California.
2019-08-09 11:07
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CS Tan
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This book is the result of the author's many years of experience and observation throughout his 26 years in the stockbroking industry. It was written for general public to learn to invest based on facts and not on fantasies or hearsay....
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Thank for sharing
2019-08-07 17:39