Daily Brief Credit: Melco Resorts – Earnings Flash – FY 2022 Results – Lucror Analytics and more

Melco Resorts’ (MLCO) FY 2022 results were better than peers’, supported by strong earnings growth at its overseas assets (in the Philippines and Cyprus) amid a weak showing in Macau. In addition, management reported rosy earnings guidance for YTD 2023 (in line with those reported by peers).

Going forward, we forecast that the company’s revenue will reach 70-80% of the FY 2019 level, supported by a recovery in industry GGR to 50-60% of the 2019 level, as well as contributions from Studio City Phase 2 and City of Dreams Mediterranean from H2/23. This should allow MLCO to generate positive FCF and deleverage in FY 2023.

We move our recommendation to “Buy” on the MPEL curve from “Hold”.

Lucror Analytics Morning Views comprise our fundamental credit analysis, opinions and trade recommendations on high yield issuers in the region, based on key company-specific developments in the past 24 hours. Our Morning Views include a section with a brief market commentary, key market indicators and a macroeconomic and corporate event calendar.

• Country Garden Holdings Co
• Lippo Malls Indonesia Retail Trust
• NagaCorp Ltd
• Times China