Leading regional casino based in Bethlehem, PA, Sands Bethlehem, owned and operated by Las Vegas Sands Corp. 's LVS , has chalked out a $90-million expansion plan for a casino.
Expansion Details
The expansion initiative will be focused on creating a new gaming floor, more than 1,000 new gaming seats, more restaurant space, public restrooms and additional back of house facilities. The construction of the 59,200-square feet additional area will begin in the first quarter of 2017.
The parking lot will be reduced in size in order to make room for expansion. However, the expansion plan is subject to approval from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.
Management believes that its outstanding gaming, entertainment and dining opportunities will help maintain Sands Bethlehem's position as one of Northeast's premiere gaming and entertainment destinations.
Earlier this month, Las Vegas Sands reported better-than-expected third-quarter 2016 results with both earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Notably, net revenues at Sands Bethlehem were up 1.6% year over year, attributable to a 1.2% increase in casino revenues. Also, a 5.7% rise in food and beverage revenues, and a 1.9% improvement in convention, retail and other revenues contributed to the overall revenue growth. These were somewhat offset by a 2.5% decline in room revenues.
LAS VEGAS SANDS Price
LAS VEGAS SANDS Price | LAS VEGAS SANDS Quote
Las Vegas Sands sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here .
Other Key Picks
Other favorably ranked stocks in the gaming industry include International Game Technology PLC IGT , Melco Crown Entertainment Limited MPEL and MGM Resorts International MGM . All three companies sport a Zacks Rank #1.
Full-year 2016 earnings for International Game are expected to witness a 7.1% increase while that of MGM Resorts are anticipated to grow 112.1%.
However, Melco Crown is expected to witness a 34.1% decline in its full-year earnings.
Zacks' Best Private Investment Ideas
In addition to the recommendations that are available to the public on our website, how would you like to follow all Zacks' private buys and sells in real time?
Our experts cover all kinds of trades… from value to momentum . . . from stocks under $10 to ETF and option moves . . . from stocks that corporate insiders are buying up to companies that are about to report positive earnings surprises. You can even look inside exclusive portfolios that are normally closed to new investors. Starting today, for the next month, you can have unrestricted access. Click here for Zacks' private trades >>
Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
LAS VEGAS SANDS (LVS): Free Stock Analysis Report
INTL GAME NEW (IGT): Free Stock Analysis Report
MGM RESORTS INT (MGM): Free Stock Analysis Report
MELCO CROWN ENT (MPEL): Free Stock Analysis Report
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.