BloggingStocks

Closing Bell: After 9 in a row, can tech make a 10 day run? (CSCO, CIT, HAS, HGSI, LVS)

Jon Ogg — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Cisco Systems (CSCO), CIT Group (CIT), Hasbro Inc (HAS), Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Today was a day saved by CIT Group, Inc. (NYSE: CIT). The stronger Leading Economic Indicators helped, but today was all about a less futile financial services sector. It was also the 9th day in a row that the NASDAQ was up on the day.

Here were the unofficial closing bell levels:

Dow 8,847.93 +103.99 (1.19%)
S&P 500 950.97 +10.59 (1.13%)
Nasdaq 1,909.29 +22.68 (1.20%)

Top Analyst Calls

Continue reading Closing Bell: After 9 in a row, can tech make a 10 day run? (CSCO, CIT, HAS, HGSI, LVS)

Closing Bell: After 9 in a row, can tech make a 10 day run? (CSCO, CIT, HAS, HGSI, LVS) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands dips into Chairman's pocket for cash

Tom Barlow — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST

Filed under: Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Where does a business handcuffed by a covenant that caps debt at 7.5 times cash flow go when it needs more money? If it's Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), it reaches into the bulging pockets of major shareholder and chairman Sheldon Adelson. According to The Wall Street Journal, Adelson has loaned Las Vegas Sands almost half a billion dollars.

The move will allow the company to remain within the covenant of its current $5 billion facility, which is crucial as it looks to raise an additional $2 billion for ongoing projects and refinance a current $3.3 billion loan. Earlier this month, S&P lowered the company's credit rating to B+ from BB-, reflecting weakness in the gaming industry and illiquidity in the company's position.

Traditionally, the large casino-based companies have looked to investment banks for project financing (ouch!) and LVS continues to press forward on plans to build not just in Macau, but other Far East markets such as Singapore and perhaps Taiwan. Even before the current tight money climate in the U.S., though, LVS and other major players in the Far East casino development business have been looking overseas for financing.

Continue reading Las Vegas Sands dips into Chairman's pocket for cash

Las Vegas Sands dips into Chairman's pocket for cash originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS): Gamble on Macau

Steven Halpern — Wed, 14 May 2008 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: China, Newsletters, Las Vegas Sands (LVS), DJIA, Stocks to Buy

While many know that Bill Gates and Warren Buffet are the two wealthiest, Tony Sagami notes that few know the third: Sheldon Adelson. In his Asia Stock Alert, he explains, "Adelson is the founder and CEO of Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), our latest featured stock." Here, he looks at the gaming company and its bright prospects in Macau.

"Due to its strategic location in the South China Sea, Macau has a rich history as an Asian trading hub. To this day, it looks more European than Asian. And its popularity with tourists is absolutely exploding - an
estimated 27 million visited Macau last year.

"The majority (55%) came from mainland China, but many more visited from Hong Kong (30%) and Taiwan (9%). These tourists are flocking to Macau not because of its history or picturesque seaside location. They're coming to gamble.

"And boy, did they gamble! On my last visit to Macau, I saw table after table filled with boisterous high rollers routinely making $100,000 bets. These 'whales' account for about 80% of Macau's gambling revenues.

"Today, Macau has become the Las Vegas of China. It is the only city in the region with fully legalized gambling. And gambling is deeply engrained in the Asian culture. Plus, Macau is within a five-hour flight of three billion people - nearly half the world's population.

Continue reading Las Vegas Sands (LVS): Gamble on Macau

Las Vegas Sands (LVS): Gamble on Macau originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 14 May 2008 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS) falls on economic troubles

Brent Archer — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:46:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, Bad News, Industry, Options, Technical Analysis, Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Recession

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) stock is falling with the rest of the market this morning as investors, following the JP Morgan Chase (NYSE: JPM) buyout of Bear Stearns (NYSE: BSC) on the cheap, are fearing that other banks have sizable exposure to troubled credit markets, which poses a high amount of risk to an already lagging economy. A struggling US economy would cut into LVS revenues in their domestic properties. If you think this stock won't be rising too far in the coming months, then it could be a good time to look at a bearish hedged play on LVS.

After hitting a one-year high of $148.76 in October, the stock hit a one-year low of $70.70 in January. This morning, LVS opened at $72.00. So far today the stock has hit a low of $70.00 and a high of $73.50. As of 1:55, LVS is trading at $71.12, down $3.70 (-4.9%). The chart for LVS looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a negative 2 STARS (out of 5) sell rating.

For a bearish hedged play on this stock, I would consider a June bear-call credit spread above the $100 range. A bear-call credit spread is an options position that combines the purchase and sale of call options to hedge risk in case the stock doesn't do what you think but still leverage nice returns. For this particular trade, we will make a 6.4% return in three months as long as LVS is below $100 at June expiration. LVS would have to rise by more than 40% before we would start to lose money. Learn more about this type of trade here.

LVS hasn't been above $100 since the New Year and has shown resistance around $80 recently. This trade could be risky if the US economy turns itself around, but even if that happens, this position could be protected by resistance LVS might find at its 200 day moving average, which is currently around $100.

Brent Archer is an options analyst and writer at Investors Observer.

DISCLOSURE: Mr. Archer owns and/or controls diversified portfolios of long and short stock and option positions that may include holdings in companies he writes about. At publication time, Brent neither owns nor controls positions in LVS.

Las Vegas Sands (LVS) falls on economic troubles originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS) rises on encouraging Macau numbers

Brent Archer — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Major Movement, Earnings Reports, Options, Technical Analysis, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) shares are trading higher today, even though the company reported an adjusted fourth-quarter profit of $71.1 million, or 20 cents per share, well below analyst estimates of 35 cents per share. The company blamed high construction costs on multiple new resorts for the lower earnings. However, its Las Vegas Strip model of casino-resorts is paying off in Macau, as revenues at its Macau resort increased 46% over the previous year to $10.3 billion in 2007.

Due to the fact that LVS sank 7% yesterday on a profit warning from an industry analyst, investors see this morning's earnings as not so bad. Plus, they see something to be excited about in the Macau resort's performance, judging by this morning's jump in stock price. If you think that the company won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on LVS.

After hitting a one-year high of $148.76 in October, the stock hit a one-year low of $70.70 last month. LVS opened this morning at $84.74. So far today the stock has hit a low of $84.74 and a high of $90.19. As of 11:05, LVS is trading at $88.61, up $7.16 (8.8%). The chart for LVS looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a negative 2 STARS (out of 5) sell rating.

Continue reading Las Vegas Sands (LVS) rises on encouraging Macau numbers

Las Vegas Sands (LVS) rises on encouraging Macau numbers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 Feb 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Options update 1-18-08: Las Vegas Sands volatility elevated as it opens Palazzo Las Vegas

Paul Foster — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Options, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) opened the company's new $1.9 billion resort.

The Palazzo Las Vegas is the first hotel to open on the Las Vegas Strip in nearly three years.

LVS closed at $74.46. LVS February option implied volatility of 67 is above its 26-week average of 49 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com

Options update 1-18-08: Las Vegas Sands volatility elevated as it opens Palazzo Las Vegas originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 18 Jan 2008 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Vegas casinos see positive trends

Brent Archer — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:50:00 EST

Filed under: Good news, Industry, Newspapers, Options, Technical Analysis, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE: LVS) shares opened higher this morning on a New York Times story noting how gambling revenues for Las Vegas casinos are high this year, and "way up" in the past few weeks. The story cites casinos catering to affluent customers and foreign customers from countries with strong currencies as major reasons for the gambling boom this year. LVS stock is in the red now, but that move could be attributed to investors who bought the stock at its highs selling their positions to get the tax-loss this year. If you think that the company won't fall by too much in the coming months, then now could be a good time to look at a bullish hedged trade on LVS.

After hitting a one-year low of $71.24 in June, the stock hit a one-year high of $148.76 in October. LVS opened this morning at $107.85. So far today the stock has hit a low of $107.02 and a high of $110.45. As of 11:25, LVS is trading at $107.05, down $0.87 (-0.8%). The chart for LVS looks bearish and steady, while S&P gives the stock a negative 2 STARS (out of 5) sell rating.

Continue reading Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Vegas casinos see positive trends

Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Vegas casinos see positive trends originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 27 Dec 2007 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst downgrades: BTI, DVW, PCBC, VLCM and AMMD

Eric Buscemi — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Analyst Reports, Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

MOST NOTEWORTHY: British American Tobacco, Covad Communications, Pacific Capital, Volcom and American Medical Systems were today's noteworthy downgrades:

Goldman downgraded shares of British American Tobacco (NYSE: BTI) to Neutral from Buy on valuation.
Covad Communications (NYSE: DVW) was lowered to Hold from Buy at Jefferies. The firm downgraded shares after Platinum Equity Holdings agreed to acquire the company.
Keefe Bruyette downgraded Pacific Capital Bancorp (NASDAQ: PCBC) to Market Perform from Outperform following its Q3 credit loss pre-announcement.
ThinkEquity reduced Volcom (NASDAQ: VLCM) to Accumulate from Buy following its reduced guidance.
American Medical Systems (NASDAQ: AMMD) was downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at Raymond James and at Piper Jaffray. Piper downgraded shares following the lower-than-expected Q3 results. Shares were also downgraded to Hold from Buy at Stifel following the weak Q3 report.

OTHER DOWNGRADES:

Citigroup downgraded Mechel OAO (NYSE: MTL) to Hold from Buy.
Hutchison Telecommunications (NYSE: HTX) was downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at JP Morgan.
Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) was downgraded to Market Perform from Outperform at BMO Capital.

Analyst downgrades: BTI, DVW, PCBC, VLCM and AMMD originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Option update: Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) sell off on Macau expectations

Paul Foster — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Options, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), a leading international developer of multi-use integrated resorts operated by Sheldon Adelson, is recently down $10.62 to $133.97.

Morgan Stanley said that preliminary Macau gaming revenues are up 55% YoY versus its estimate for 70% and below the Street's estimates.
LVS October option implied volatility of 57 is above its 26-week average of 41 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ: WYNN) operates Wynn Macau & Wynn Las Vegas.

WYNN is recently down $13.23 to $152.72.
UBS Warburg downgraded WYNN to Sell from Neutral.
WYNN overall option implied volatility of 54 is above its 26-week average of 43 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Option update: Las Vegas Sands (LVS) and Wynn Resorts (WYNN) sell off on Macau expectations originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Option update: Option heavy and volatility up in LVS, BDC

Paul Foster — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Products and Services, Options, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS), a leading international developer of multi-use integrated resorts operated by Sheldon Adelson, is recently up $4.42 to $142.73. LVS October option implied volatility of 56 is above its 26-week average of 41 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Belden (NYSE: BDC) designs, manufactures and markets signal transmission solutions for data networking and specialty electronic markets. BDC is recently up $3.74 to $52.03 on overseas takeover chatter. BDC has a market cap of $2.1 billion with June quarterly total revenue of $549 million. BDC call option volume of 1,240 contracts compares to put volume of 193 contracts. BDC October option implied volatility of 47 is above its 26-week average of 37 according to Track Data, suggesting larger risk.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Option update: Option heavy and volatility up in LVS, BDC originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Universal Studios look to Singapore for new parks, resorts

Tom Barlow — Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, Competitive Strategy, General Electric (GE), China, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Macao has emerged as the gaming and entertainment hotspot of China, and already Las Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) and General Electric Company (NYSE: GE)'s Universal Studios is looking for more fresh meat. They think they've found it in Singapore, and the grand Resorts World at Sentosa.

The Resorts World is a ~~cooperative~~ venture of Genting Int'l ~~(75% stake) and Star Cruises (25%)~~. The 120-acre, $5.2 billion development will include casinos, a Universal Studios theme park, hotels, a marine park, and other resort entertainments. Las Vegas Sands is constructing the Marine Bay Sands, investing over $3 billion in the facility. Early projections point to a 2009-2010 time frame for its opening.

Universal has promised to not build any other parks in SE Asia for 30 years as part of its agreement to build a $1 billion theme park.

All these grand plans, however, rest on successful completion of the infrastructure by Genting ~~RWS owners~~, and they are just now reaching the point where final total costs can be estimated. If the ~~partners have~~ developer has to reach deeper for additional cash, investors in LVS and GE may become a bit nervous about the amount of money these companies have already thrown in the pot.

Las Vegas Sands (LVS), Universal Studios look to Singapore for new parks, resorts originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 05 Sep 2007 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands (LVS) opens world's biggest casino

Tom Barlow — Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:20:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, Conventions and Conferences, Competitive Strategy, China, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Last year, more money was gambled in Macao, China's version of Las Vegas, than anywhere else in the world. The big players in the casino world are rapidly expanding to serve what they see as a burgeoning market. This week Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) rolled out the biggest table stake yet, opening the mammoth Venetian Macao.

Mammoth may be an understatement for this complex, which Las Vegas Sands claims is the second largest single-phase construction in the world, behind only a flower warehouse in Holland. Check out these numbers:

3,000 rooms
1.2 million square feet of convention space
550,000 square ft of gaming space, with 3,400 slots, 870 gaming tables
15,000 seat theater soon to feature the Cirque du Soleil.
10,000-person staff.

Continue reading Las Vegas Sands (LVS) opens world's biggest casino

Las Vegas Sands (LVS) opens world's biggest casino originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 31 Aug 2007 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Option update: volatility Up as Sheldon Adelson opens Venetian Macao

Paul Foster — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Options, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) volatility Elevated into Macao Resort Hotel opening. LVS opened the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel today. Sheldon Adelson, chairman & chief executive officer, said "it is no overstatement to say that the opening of Venetian Macao represents a massive paradigm shift for Macao and the future of tourism development in Asia." Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS) says "the scale is enormous and the detail impressive." LVS over all option implied volatility of 44 is above its 26-week average of 39 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Ameristar Casinos (NASDAQ: ASCA) implied volatility Elevated at 43. ASCA, a Las Vegas based gaming and Entertainment Company, is recently down $0.55 to $28.39. ASCA has a market cap of $1.6 billion with long term debt of $878 million. ACSA over all option implied volatility of 43 is above its 26-week average of 37 according to Track Data, suggesting larger price risks.

Daily options Update is provided by Stock Specialist Paul Foster of theflyonthewall.com.

Option update: volatility Up as Sheldon Adelson opens Venetian Macao originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Aug 2007 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upgrade summary 7-02-07: ADM, CBH, COST, LVS and TRB

Kevin Shult — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:23:00 EST

Filed under: Before the Bell, Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades, Good news, Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM), Tribune Co. (TRB), Costco Wholesale (COST), Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

MOST NOTEWORTHY: Tompkins plc (TKS), Commerce Bancorp (CBH), Tribune Co (TRB) and Progressive Gaming International Corp (PGIC) were today's noteworthy upgrades:

Merrill Lynch upgraded shares of Tompkins plc (NYSE: TKS) to Neutral from Sell on valuation as they believe the company's exposure to the weak U.S. residential and automotive markets is priced into shares.

RBC Capital raised Commerce Bancorp (NYSE: CBH) to Sector performer from Underperformer. They view the terms of the consent order as a positive and believe the company will now consider a sale given the resignation of CEO Vernon Hill. Keefe Bruyette also upgraded shares of Commerce to Market Perform from Underperform.

Deutsche Bank upgraded Tribune Co (NYSE: TRB) to Buy from Hold as they believe the going-private transaction will be completed.

ThinkEquity upgraded Progressive Gaming (NASDAQ: PGIC) to Buy from Accumulate following a recent trip to Macau and marketing meetings with management that reinforced their confidence in the company's long-term viability and strong market positioning...

OTHER UPGRADES:

Goldman upgraded Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST) to Buy from Neutral.

Wachovia raised The McClatchy Co (NYSE: MNI) to Outperform from Market Perform.

InterOil Corp (AMEX: IOC) was upgraded to Strong Buy from Outperform at Raymond James.

JP Morgan added Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) to its Focus List.

Banc of America added Archer Daniels Midland Co (NYSE: ADM) to Buy from Neutral.

Analyst summaries provided by TheFlyOnTheWall.com (subscription required).

Upgrade summary 7-02-07: ADM, CBH, COST, LVS and TRB originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 02 Jul 2007 10:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan considers casino gambling

Tom Barlow — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:40:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Owners of stocks of gaming giants Las Vegas Sands (NYSE: LVS) and Wynn Resorts Ltd. (NASDAQ: WYNN) are among those watching and wondering about the enormous investments in the Las Vegas of China -- Macau. Questions still exist about the eventual shape of the gaming industry in southeast Asia as other countries move toward legalizing casino gambling and scramble for development.

Singapore is already under development, Taiwan and Thailand are considering opening to the industry, and now Japan may deal itself in as well. Members of Japan's ruling party are drafting legislation that would permit the development of Las Vegas-style casinos as early as 2012, and early indications are that the bills might be well received.

The question that investors will be asking is to what degree is this a zero-sum game, especially with customers from established democracies like Japan who are already frequent visitors at the Las Vegas tables? How much new development can the Far East support? What would be China's reaction if its new millionaires begin taking their wealth to tables outside the country?

Certainly American companies such as Las Vegas Sands have taken an aggressive path in pushing development in this part of the world, but even they could be stretched thin by so much simultaneous industry-building.

Japan considers casino gambling originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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U.S. tourism down by 60 million visitors since 9/11

Tom Barlow — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:13:00 EST

Filed under: Products and Services, Consumer Experience, Hilton Hotels (HLT), Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

One reason you may see large American hospitality sector companies such as Hilton Hotels Corp. (NYSE:HLT) and Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) looking overseas for investment opportunities might be reflected in the latest U.S. Dept. of Commerce statistics showing a continued decline in foreign visitors to the U.S.

Geoff Freeman, the head of Discover America Partnership, was quoted by the Gaming Industry News as saying the U.S. has lost almost 60 million visitors since 9/11, with a significant 17% decline in overseas visitors. Their survey concludes a negative impression of the U.S. is the primary reason for this decline in visitorship.

The top 10 countries of origin of our visitors:

Canada
Mexico
U.K.
Japan
Germany
France
South Korea
Australia
Italy
Brazil

The U.S. continues to struggle to find a balance between securing its borders and welcoming visitors (and their spending). The industry is pinning its hopes on new legislation to streamline the vetting process for foreign visitors.

U.S. tourism down by 60 million visitors since 9/11 originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 10:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands, MGM Mirage face new Macau competition

Tom Barlow — Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:25:00 EST

Filed under: Products and Services, Launches, Industry, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

At one time Chinese billionaire Stanley Ho owned the casino business in Macau. But after the Chinese government extended licenses to outside operators such as Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) and MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM), Ho's Sociedad de Jogod de Macau (SJM) casinos have dropped to 63% of the market, much of the loss in the high-roller segment. JPMorgan forecasts SJM's share will drop to about 25% within three years. Although SJM owns 17 casinos in Macau, many are aged, run down, and away from the center of development for the coming mega-casinos on the Cotai Strip.

Now Ho has struck back with his biggest, most opulent casino, the almost $400 million Grand Lisboa Hotel. The ostentatious design, even by casino standards, was inspired by the Faberge egg and built in the form of a golden lotus flower topped with long, frond-like plumes.

The magnitude of the project, while huge in comparison with Ho's earlier casinos, pales in the light of the Galaxy Entertainment's planned Coati Mega Resort, Melco PBL's Crown Macau, the Sands' Macau Venetian Casino Resort and whatever the Virgin Group decides to do with the 20 hectares ~~acres~~ they have purchased.

2006's lush returns only hastened development projects in Macau, but with all the huge investments underway, one has to wonder if the customer base will expand quickly enough to pay off. While new investors offer the glitzy, modern facilities, Ho's fortunes are tied to aged properties. Will the Grand Lisboa be enough to keep him in the game?

Las Vegas Sands, MGM Mirage face new Macau competition originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands to bid for Manchester mega-casino

Tom Barlow — Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:09:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors, Products and Services, Harrah's Entertainment (HET), Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

All hell is breaking loose in Jolly Olde over rights to build England's first Las Vegas-style mega-casino, and now the U.S. company Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) has jumped in the middle of the maelstrom.

Just last week the Casino Advisory Panel advising Britain's Dept. for Culture, Media and Sport released its recommendation that Manchester be chosen to host this casino. This was a bombshell to the press and locals who had touted Blackpool or London as prohibitive favorites.

Once the site was chosen, the game was afoot for potential casino operators. Krezner International seemed to have the inside pole, but now Las Vegas Sands, on a roll from its China successes, has announced they will enter the competition. The Sands has world-class speed and a fat wallet, although they are already committed to another enormous development on Hengqin Island near Macau.

As you can imagine, rumors are flying about other potential bidders for the rights, including Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:HET) and MGM Mirage (NYSE:MGM).

The plot thickens even more, however. Members of Parliament, led by the Blackpool contingent, are demanding reopening of the decision-making process. They seem to be gaining a great deal of support, although it's too early to put odds on their chances.

Watch the news over the next couple of days. Odds are, no contest will be quite as entertaining.

Las Vegas Sands to bid for Manchester mega-casino originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 16:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daily option update 1-10-07: US Airways, Las Vegas Sands highlighted

Eric Buscemi — Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Apple Inc (AAPL), Advanced Micro Dev (AMD), Applied Materials (AMAT), Research in Motion (RIMM), US Airways Group (LCC), Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

U.S. stocks rallied as investors ignored higher interest rates as oil closed below $54 a barrel. Crude oil closed down 3.59% to $53.64. The Dow was up 0.20%, the NASDAQ 100 was up 0.60%, the S&P 500 was up 0.18%, and the 10 year bond rose to 4.682%. The Volatility Index S&P 500 Options-VIX was down .31 to 11.60.

US Airways Group Inc.' (NYSE: LCC) option implied volatility is at 49 into US Air raising its bid for Delta Air Lines (OTC: DALRQ). US Airways increased its proposed offer of merging with Delta, which is currently operating under bankruptcy protection. US Airways is offering $5 billion in cash and 89.5 million in shares of stock. US AIrways is recently up 1.26 to $59.16. US Airways overall option implied volatility of 49 is near its 26-week average, according to Track Data, suggesting non-directional risks.
Las Vegas Sands Corp.' (NYSE: LVS) option volume, implied volatility and share price are all up on the right to develop Hengqin Island. Las Vegas Sands, the operator of the Sands Macau and Las Vegas Sands, is recently up $10.22 to $102.68. Jefferies said "after speaking with management today we learned that Las Vegas Sands was officially granted the right to develop on Hengqin Island, as we expected." Jefferies added "we currently value the project at $34 from the real estate development to be built over the course of 11 years." Las Vegas Sands call option volume of 20,530 contracts compares to put volume of 14,794 contracts. Las Vegas Sands February option implied volatility of 44 is near its 26-week average of 41, according to Track Data, suggesting larger price fluctuations.

Option volume leaders today were: Applied Materials Inc. (NASDAQ: AMAT), Research In Motion Ltd. (NASDAQ: RIMM), Apple Inc (NASDAQ:AAPL), and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NYSE: AMD).

Options analysis provided by Paul Foster, options strategist for Theflyonthewall.com.

Daily option update 1-10-07: US Airways, Las Vegas Sands highlighted originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 11 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Las Vegas Sands hits the jackpot -- again

Tom Taulli — Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:18:00 EST

Filed under: Good news, Las Vegas Sands (LVS)

Las Vegas Sands (NYSE:LVS) surged 11.29% to $102.81 today, which is an all-time high. The market cap is now $36.43 billion; that is, the company is the most valuable casino in the world.

Why the big stock move? Well, an analyst from Jefferies & Co. apparently learned that LVS got the necessary approval to build a 2,000-acre hotel on China's Hengqin Island. This is fairly close to the highly popular Chinese gambling venue, Macau.

As a result, the analyst boosted his rating on the stock - with a price target of $124.50.

No doubt, LVS has been a stunning success for Sheldon G. Adelson, who is the Chairman and CEO of the company. It was in 1988 that he started his journey - and, of course, he was prescient in seeing the huge opportunities in China.

Interestingly enough, he personally holds 64.6% of the outstanding shares of LVS. Oh, and he also has trusts with about 22.2% of the stock.

Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including the Complete M&A Handbook and the EDGAR-Online Guide to Decoding Financial Statements.

Las Vegas Sands hits the jackpot -- again originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 10 Jan 2007 17:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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