Wynn Resorts Maintains Ratings Despite Refinancing Plans
Wynn Resorts Limited's ratings have been unaffected by its decision to refinance $800 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2025 with new $800 million of senior unsecured notes due 2033. The excess funds will be used for general corporate purposes, potentially covering part of the $130 million forfeiture under a non-prosecution agreement. Fitch Ratings expects the company to remain within its leverage sensitivities and maintains its Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'BB-' with a Stable Rating Outlook. The transaction will extend the company's near-term bond maturities, with the new notes expected to be rated similarly to the existing unsecured notes of 'BB-'/'RR4'. Fitch anticipates EBITDAR leverage for 2024 to be around 5.6x, with sensitivities for a downgrade at 6.0x. The ratings reflect the company's high-quality gaming assets, expected improvement in Macau's gaming market, and strong results in Las Vegas, offset by its average diversification and capital requirements.
Key Takeaways:
- Wynn Resorts' IDR remains at 'BB-' with a Stable Rating Outlook, despite refinancing plans.
- The company refinance $800 million of outstanding senior unsecured notes due 2025 with new $800 million of senior unsecured notes due 2033.
- Excess funds will be used for general corporate purposes, including covering part of the $130 million forfeiture under a non-prosecution agreement.
- Fitch expects Wynn Resorts to remain within its leverage sensitivities, with EBITDAR leverage for 2024 estimated at 5.6x.
- Sensitivities for a downgrade would be 6.0x, indicating a relatively narrow margin for credit improvement.
- The company operates in two of the largest gaming markets in the world, but risks are mitigated by robust liquidity and strong results in Las Vegas.
- The ratings reflect the company's high-quality gaming assets and expected improvement in Macau's gaming market.
- Capital requirements for current and potential capital projects may affect the pace of more meaningful credit improvement.
Statistics:
- EBITDAR leverage for 2024: 5.6x
- Sensitivities for a downgrade: 6.0x
- Amount of refinanced outstanding senior unsecured notes: $800 million
- New notes due date: 2033
- Excess funds for general corporate purposes: $130 million
- Forfeiture under non-prosecution agreement: $130 million
Sources:
- Fitch Ratings, "Wynn Resorts Limited: Wynn Resorts to Refinance $800 Million of Senior Unsecured Notes"