Our opinion on the current state of SUNINT(SUI)Sun International (SUI) is a casino and hotel operator with interests in South Africa, Chile, Peru, and recently, Argentina. The depressed economy in South Africa impacted the performance of South African casinos and hotels even before COVID-19. The company increased its stake in Sun Dreams in Peru by 10% to 65%. It also bought a hotel and casino in Argentina for $25,5m.
The company invested R4bn in the Time Square casino near Pretoria, which was beginning to perform before COVID-19. The group also owns well-known South African casino/hotel operations like Sun City, Carnival City, and Grand West. The share has fallen from a high of R142 in February 2015 to current levels around R40. At this level, its debt was close to double its market capitalisation.
The company plans to sell its Nigerian interests and has received a number of offers. It has not paid any dividends in the past two years and only expects to resume dividends in a further two years or so. The company retrenched 2,195 staff, and its debt fell sharply.
In its results for the year to 31st December 2024, the company reported income up 5,1% and headline earnings per share (HEPS) up 17,4%. The company said, "Sunbet maintained its impressive upward trend, with income increasing by 60.6%, once again exceeding its ambitious growth targets. The rapid expansion of online gaming, fuelled by technological advancements, evolving social attitudes, and several other challenges, necessitates enhanced compliance monitoring."
Technically, the share has been in a volatile upward trend since its low point in May 2020. It should continue to recover.