SUCCESSUNIVERSE expects that Macau's gaming revenue in the first two months may have low single-digit growth

Macau's gaming revenue fell for two consecutive months last month, decreasing by 5.6% year-on-year. Ma Haowen, Vice Chairman of SUCCESSUNIVERSE (487), which operates the Sands Macao integrated resort, stated that the decline in Macau's gaming revenue in January was mainly affected by the Lunar New Year. He expects that the combined revenue for January and February will remain flat or even see low single-digit growth. Ma Haowen believes that it is unrealistic for Macau's overall gaming revenue to return to pre-pandemic levels this year, as the VIP rooms, which previously contributed half of the revenue, currently account for only about 20% of pre-pandemic income. Meanwhile, mass market revenue has grown by over 10% compared to pre-pandemic levels. He thinks that the gaming industry needs to consider increasing foot traffic to boost mass market revenue. The opening of the Shenzhen-Zhongshan Corridor last year and the visa arrangements allowing Hengqin tour groups to travel back and forth multiple times a week are growth points for tourist traffic. Regarding hotel occupancy rates, Ma Haowen stated that starting from the third day of the Lunar New Year, the number of people crossing at the Hengqin Port increased significantly. The occupancy rate of the Sands Macao hotel during the Spring Festival period rose year-on-year, approaching nearly 100%, while room rates remained similar to the same period last year, mainly influenced by market strategies. Many travelers chose to book hotels in advance to take advantage of lower room rate discounts, emphasizing that this was not driven by hotel price adjustments. He also mentioned that for the whole year, Macau's overall hotel occupancy rate remains stable at around 90%, mainly due to government promotions and concerts being spread throughout the year, rather than concentrated in a single period. Ma Haowen also expressed that he is not worried that more convenient transportation will reduce revenue from overnight guests, believing that increased foot traffic will enlarge market capacity, benefiting the overall market. He thinks that compared to the past, where food was the main souvenir, Macau needs to establish new cultural and creative products to represent local characteristics and is currently deepening cooperation with artists and designers. When asked about the expansion progress of Sands Macao, he indicated that the project needs a little more time to resolve technical issues, but he believes that after government approval, the expansion part is expected to be completed within two years, around 2027. In addition to dining, the new hotel also hopes to include stores that focus on cultural creativity and local Macau characteristics. Regarding the impact of the trade war, Ma Haowen believes that the central government's countermeasures against the U.S. are effective and is confident that the worst-case scenario for Hong Kong stocks and economic confidence has been seen. At the same time, SUCCESSUNIVERSE's tourism business in Canada has benefited from the increase in flights between Japan and India, and the group also expanded its business in India last year. Currently, SUCCESSUNIVERSE still holds about 73,000 shares of Tesla, with a market value of approximately HKD 216 million. Ma Haowen stated that there are currently no further cash-out plans, as there has not been a significant adjustment in U.S. stocks, and it will depend on market conditions. (Reporter: Lin Defen)