Posted on: October 8, 2024, 03:03h.
Last updated on: October 8, 2024, 03:07h.
Wynn Resorts’ (NASDAQ: WYNN) recently approved casino resort in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) could be a significant contributor to the operator’s long-term free cash flow.
In a new report to clients, CBRE Equity Research analyst John DeCree estimates that at maturity, Wynn Al Marjan Island could drive $350 million or more in yearly free cash flow (FCF) to the Las Vegas-based parent company. Construction on the venue commenced earlier this year and it’s scheduled to open in early 2027.
Based on the company’s 40% ownership interest and management contract, we estimate Wynn Al Marjan Island could contribute over US$350 million of FCF to Wynn when fully stabilized,” observed the CBRE analyst.
Previously, some analysts estimated Wynn Al Marjan Island could generate up to $1.4 billion in annual gross gaming revenue (GGR), positioning the broader UAE casino market — assuming more gaming venues are approved — to reach $3 billion to $5 billion in yearly GGR.
Wynn Still Not Getting UAE Credit
Last Friday, the General Commercial Gaming Regulatory Authority (GCGRA), the UAE’s first gaming regulatory agency, approved a commercial gaming facility operator permit for Wynn Al Marjan Island. That marks the first such approval in the history of any Middle East nation.
Still, analysts, including DeCree, argue that shares of Wynn are getting no credit for the UAE venture despite the fact that the property could be an earnings juggernaut when it reaches maturity. Additionally, Wynn could have a temporary monopoly in the region because no other casino licenses have been approved as of yet, indicating the operator has a leg up on rivals that could enter the emirates.
“So far, investors have given no credit to Wynn Resorts for Wynn Al Marjan Island, which we estimate could generate approximately $920 million of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA),” wrote DeCree.
The analyst said approval of the UAE permit could rejuvenate interest in Wynn shares. Wynn owns 40% of the $4 billion UAE project and is expected to be able to self-finance its approximately $900 million commitment.
UAE Taking Pragmatic Approach to Gaming
Perhaps one of the reasons investors aren’t fully appreciating the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort in Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is because UAE hasn’t signaled an intent to open the floodgates to casino gaming.
“We don’t anticipate any broad publication of formal legislation decriminalizing gaming, at least not yet, partly due to the cultural sensitivities to gaming in the region,” added DeCree. “The UAE is very thoughtful and deliberate in its approach and we remain comfortable enough with the legislative and regulatory landscape.”
The analyst rates the stock “buy.” Wynn is holding an event today at its flagship integrated resort on the Las Vegas Strip to discuss the UAE project with analysts and institutional investors.
