MACAU, Nov. 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melco Crown Entertainment Limited ("Melco Crown Entertainment" or "the Company") (SEHK:6883) (Nasdaq:MPEL), a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities focused on the Macau market, today released its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2012.

Net revenue for the third quarter of 2012 was US$1,010.8 million, representing a decrease of approximately 4% from US$1,056.0 million for the comparable period in 2011. The decline in net revenue was primarily attributable to lower group-wide rolling chip volumes, partially offset by a significant increase in revenues in the mass market segments at City of Dreams.

Adjusted EBITDA^<1> was US$226.4 million for the third quarter of 2012, as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of US$240.3 million in the third quarter of 2011. The 6% year-over-year decline in Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2012 was driven by lower group-wide rolling chip volumes together with a lower blended rolling chip win rate, partially offset by strong improvements in our mass market table games and gaming machine segments together with our ongoing commitment to control costs.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment for the third quarter of 2012 was US$104.9 million, or US$0.19 per ADS, compared with net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment of US$113.3 million, or US$0.21 per ADS, in the third quarter of 2011. The year-over-year decline in net income was primarily a result of the amortization of land use right at Studio City, development costs for the Philippines project, as well as lower group-wide rolling chip volumes and win rate, partially offset by improvements within the mass market gaming segments and reduced non-operating expenses, including lower net interest costs and one-off listing expenses for the Hong Kong dual listing. The net loss attributable to non-controlling interests during the third quarter of 2012 of US$4.4 million was related to Studio City, as compared to US$2.1 million in the third quarter of 2011.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, commented, "We have delivered yet another impressive quarter of operating results, with strong year-over-year improvements in operating metrics in our mass market segments at City of Dreams providing us with greater earnings stability, particularly during a period of slowing market growth in the rolling chip segment.

"Altira Macau's underlying operating performance has stabilized following the implementation of our successful table optimization strategy. We are focused on fully leveraging this unique and luxurious property, ensuring we maximize its strong potential and drive long term value.

"We also continue to make meaningful progress on our pipeline of development opportunities. In relation to Studio City, we have made significant construction progress, with our piling and foundation work nearly completed, and we have now engaged our main contractor on a fixed price contract basis, giving us greater certainty and control over the project's cost. We also reached a major milestone in relation to the funding for Studio City, with our senior secured credit facilities now in syndication following the recent signing of a commitment letter. We anticipate that our debt financing package, once finalized, together with cash equity contributions from the shareholders of Studio City, will provide us a fully funded project.

"We also recently signed a cooperation agreement regarding the development and operation of an integrated entertainment and casino complex in the Philippines, further solidifying the key terms and conditions of this exciting development. We believe the Philippines market offers a unique opportunity to generate an incremental and diversified earnings stream while also providing us a platform for further expansion throughout Asia, allowing us to capitalize on future opportunities to drive long term shareholder value.

"To ensure we have maximum flexibility as it relates to our funding options, we recently completed a consent solicitation on our existing senior notes which enabled us to, among other things, release an additional US$400 million from the restricted payments basket, giving us the ability to more efficiently use our available cash to fund our impressive development opportunities.

"We believe that Macau will continue to benefit and be supported by long term growth in China. The leisure and tourism industry in Macau is expected to benefit from the anticipated increase in discretionary spending, as China continues its shift to a more consumer-led and focused economy. In light of the anticipated growth in Macau and strong support for this industry from the Macau Government, including those in  the  form  of  substantial  improvements  in  infrastructure  and  a measured and sustainable approach to future growth, our confidence in Macau remains strongly intact."

City of Dreams Third Quarter Results

For the third quarter of 2012, net revenue at City of Dreams was US$747.4 million compared to US$687.2 million in the third quarter of 2011. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$204.0 million in the third quarter of 2012, representing an increase of 20% compared to US$170.5 million in the comparable period of 2011.

The year-over-year improvement in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of strong improvements in the mass market segments, including a 30% year-over-year increase in mass table games gross gaming revenue, partially offset by a decline in rolling chip volumes.

Rolling chip volume for the third quarter of 2012 was US$19.5 billion, representing a decrease of 4% when compared to rolling chip volume of US$20.3 billion for the comparable period of 2011. The rolling chip win rate was 3.2% in the third quarter of 2012 versus 3.1% in the third quarter of 2011. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

Mass market table games drop increased 22% to US$889.8 million compared with US$730.8 million in the third quarter of 2011. The mass market table games hold percentage was 27.4% in the third quarter of 2012 compared to 25.5% in the third quarter of 2011. At City of Dreams, we expect our mass market table games hold percentage to range from 25%-30%.

Slot handle for the third quarter of 2012 was US$816.3 million, up 54% from US$530.2 million generated in the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the third quarter of 2012 was US$63.6 million, an increase of 15% from US$55.1 million in the third quarter of 2011. Occupancy per available room in the third quarter of 2012 was 95%, versus 93% in the third quarter of 2011. The average daily rate ("ADR") in the third quarter of 2012 was US$180 per occupied room, an increase of 6% when compared with US$170 in the third quarter of 2011.

Altira Macau Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2012, net revenue at Altira Macau was US$215.7 million compared to US$329.0 million in the third quarter of 2011. Altira Macau generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$29.8 million in the third quarter of 2012 compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$78.9 million in the third quarter of 2011, a decline of 62%. The decrease in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by a lower rolling chip win rate together with reduced rolling chip volumes.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$11.0 billion in the third quarter of 2012 versus US$13.2 billion in the third quarter of 2011. In the third quarter of 2012, the rolling chip win rate was 2.6%, as compared to 3.2% for the comparable period in 2011. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

In the mass market table games segment, drop totaled US$153.8 million in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 3% from US$149.9 million generated in the comparable period in 2011. The mass market table games hold percentage was 15.8% in the third quarter of 2012 compared with 15.7% in the third quarter of last year. At Altira Macau, we expect our mass market table games hold percentage to range from 15%-17%.

Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the third quarter of 2012 was US$8.4 million, up from US$7.9 million in the third quarter of 2011. Occupancy per available room in the third quarter of 2012 was 98%, in-line with the comparable period in 2011. ADR was US$215 per occupied room, compared to US$192 in the third quarter of 2011, an increase of 12%.

Mocha Clubs Third Quarter Results

Net revenue from Mocha Clubs totaled US$35.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, up 13% from US$31.3 million in the third quarter of 2011. Mocha Clubs generated US$9.4 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 5% when compared to Adjusted EBITDA of US$8.9 million in the same period in 2011.

The number of gaming machines in operation at Mocha Clubs averaged approximately 2,000 in the third quarter of 2012, compared to approximately 1,600 in the comparable period in 2011. The net win per gaming machine per day was US$188 in the quarter ended September 30, 2012, as compared with US$208 in the comparable period in 2011, a decrease of 9%.

Other Factors Affecting Earnings

Total non-operating expense for the third quarter of 2012 was US$24.9 million, which included US$23.7 million in net interest expense and other finance costs of US$3.4 million. There was US$2.6 million of capitalized interest during the third quarter of 2012. The year-on-year decrease in non-operating expenses of US$12.1 million was predominantly due to one-off listing expenses of US$4.2 million for the Hong Kong dual listing recorded in the third quarter of 2011, as well as a US$6.9 million reduction in net interest expense due to lower interest rate swap charges and a lower margin compared to the same period in 2011.

Depreciation and amortization costs of US$94.1 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2012, of which US$14.3 million was related to the amortization of our gaming sub-concession and US$15.8 million was related to the amortization of land use rights. The year-over-year increase in depreciation and amortization costs is primarily a result of increased amortization of Studio City's land use rights.

Financial Position and Capital Expenditure

Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2012 totaled US$2.1 billion, including US$364.9 million of restricted cash. Total debt at the end of the third quarter of 2012 was US$2.4 billion, and total net debt to shareholders' equity as of September 30, 2012 was 7%.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2012 were US$106.9 million, which primarily related to the acquisition of corporate assets and various projects at City of Dreams, as well as design and preliminary costs associated with Studio City.

Nine Months' Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2012, Melco Crown Entertainment reported net revenue of US$2,976.2 million versus US$2,822.5 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2011. The year-over-year increase in net revenue was driven by substantially improved mass table games volumes and blended hold percentages, as well as increased volumes in the gaming machines segment, partially offset by lower group-wide rolling chip volumes.

Adjusted EBITDA for the first nine months of 2012 was US$672.7 million, as compared with an Adjusted EBITDA of US$577.9 million in the first nine months of 2011. The year-over-year improvements in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily attributable to substantially improved mass table games and gaming machine revenues together with strict cost control focus, partially offset by lower group-wide rolling chip revenue.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment for the nine months of 2012 was US$309.2 million, or US$0.56 per ADS, compared with net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment of US$187.1 million, or US$0.35 per ADS, in the comparable period of 2011.

Conference Call Information

Melco Crown Entertainment will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2012 financial results on November 7, 2012 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (9:30 p.m. Hong Kong Time). To join the conference call, please use the dial-in details below:

An audio webcast will also be available at www.melco-crown.com.

To access the replay, please use the dial-in details below:

Safe Harbor Statement

This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. These factors include, but are not limited to, (i) growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, and (v) our future business development, results of operations and financial condition. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "target", "aim", "estimate", "intend", "plan", "believe", "potential", "continue", "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the SEC. All information provided in this announcement is as of the date of this release, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

(1) "Adjusted EBITDA" is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, share-based compensation, other non-operating income and expenses and net loss attributable to non-controlling interests. "Adjusted property EBITDA" is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, share-based compensation, corporate and other expenses, other non-operating income and expenses and net loss attributable to non-controlling interests. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA are presented exclusively as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that they are widely used to measure the performance, and as a basis for valuation, of gaming companies. Management uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as measures of the operating performance of its segments and to compare the operating performance of its properties with those of its competitors. The Company also presents adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA because they are used by some investors as ways to measure a company's ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures, and meet working capital requirements. Gaming companies have historically reported adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as supplements to financial measures in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to operating income as indicators of the Company's performance, as alternatives to cash flows from operating activities as measures of liquidity, or as alternatives to any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Unlike net income, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA do not include depreciation and amortization or interest expense and therefore do not reflect current or future capital expenditures or the cost of capital. The Company compensates for these limitations by using adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as only two of several comparative tools, together with GAAP measurements, to assist in the evaluation of operating performance. Such GAAP measurements include operating income (loss), net income (loss), cash flows from operations and cash flow data. The Company has significant uses of cash flows, including capital expenditures, interest payments, debt principal repayments, taxes and other non-recurring charges, which are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA or adjusted property EBITDA. Also, the Company's calculation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA with the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided herein immediately following the financial statements included in this press release.

(2) "Adjusted net income" is net income before pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, reclassification of accumulated losses of interest rate swap agreements from accumulated other comprehensive losses and loss on extinguishment of debt. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share ("EPS") are presented as supplemental disclosures because management believes that they are widely used to measure the performance, and as a basis for valuation, of gaming companies. These measures are used by management and/or evaluated by some investors, in addition to income and EPS computed in accordance with GAAP, as an additional basis for assessing period-to-period results of our business. Adjusted net income may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted net income with the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided herein immediately following the financial statements included in this press release.

About Melco Crown Entertainment Limited

Melco Crown Entertainment, with its shares listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange") (SEHK:6883) and its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (Nasdaq:MPEL), is a developer, owner and through a Macau subsidiary which holds a gaming sub-concession, an operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities focused on the Macau market. Melco Crown Entertainment currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com) (formerly Crown Macau), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. Melco Crown Entertainment's business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company is also developing the planned Studio City Project, a large integrated entertainment, retail and gaming resort in Cotai, Macau. For more information about Melco Crown Entertainment, please visit www.melco-crown.com.

Melco Crown Entertainment has strong support from both of its major shareholders, Melco International Development Limited ("Melco") and Crown Limited ("Crown"). Melco is a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is Co-Chairman, an Executive Director and the CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment. Crown is a top-50 company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and led by Executive Chairman Mr. James Packer, who is also Co-Chairman and a Non-executive Director of Melco Crown Entertainment.