MACAU, Nov. 08, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (Nasdaq:MLCO) (“Melco” or the “Company”), a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia, today reported its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2018.

Net revenue for the third quarter of 2018 was US$1,220.3 million, representing a decrease of approximately 11% from US$1,376.8 million for the comparable period in 2017. The decrease in net revenue was primarily attributable to higher commissions reported as a reduction in revenue upon the Company’s adoption of a new revenue recognition standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “New Revenue Standard”) and lower group-wide rolling chip gross gaming revenues, partially offset by higher group-wide mass market table games and gaming machines gross gaming revenues. The Company adopted the New Revenue Standard using the modified retrospective method from January 1, 2018. Results for the periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under the New Revenue Standard, while prior year amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous basis. Under the previous basis, before the adoption of the New Revenue Standard, net revenue for the third quarter of 2018 would have been US$1,311.6 million, which would have represented a decrease of approximately 5% from the US$1,376.8 million for the comparable period in 2017.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2018 was US$83.6 million, compared with operating income of US$192.7 million in the third quarter of 2017, representing a decrease of 57%.

Adjusted property EBITDA⁽¹⁾ was US$295.4 million for the third quarter of 2018, as compared to Adjusted property EBITDA of US$400.2 million in the third quarter of 2017, representing a decrease of 26%. The decline in Adjusted property EBITDA was mainly attributable to poorer performance in the group-wide rolling chip segment and a one-time special gift granted to non-management employees.

Net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited for the third quarter of 2018 was US$9.6 million, or US$0.02 per ADS, compared with US$115.9 million, or US$0.24 per ADS, in the third quarter of 2017. The net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests during the third quarter of 2018 and 2017 were US$2.4 million and US$3.3 million, respectively, which were related to Studio City and City of Dreams Manila.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “I am incredibly thrilled that just two months after the grand opening, Morpheus at City of Dreams made the list of TIME magazine’s ‘World’s Greatest Places 2018,’ being the only Macau entry on the list.”

“Designed by the late Pritzker Prize-winning architect Dame Zaha Hadid, Morpheus has been described as “The Icon of the New Macau” and is the first hotel brand to be wholly developed and created by Melco. It sets a new benchmark for ultra-luxury hospitality in Macau, and features a spectacular collection of “world’s first” including the world’s first free-form exoskeleton high-rise architectural structure, the first spa concept in the world to feature a Snow Garden with real snow and the world’s first hotel to feature an entire floor dedicated to legendary chef Alain Ducasse, with two Ducasse restaurants and a bar.”

“The opening of Morpheus only marks the beginning of the relaunch of City of Dreams. On top of that, we are upgrading our VIP gaming spaces that are expected to open over the next six months. We will also commence the rolling refurbishment of the Nüwa after Chinese New Year 2019 and the redevelopment of the Count:Down in the second half of 2019 into a new, luxurious, ultra-cool hotel – Libertine.”

“At Studio City, we are embarking on a series of property upgrades to refine the entertainment offerings, which include the world’s most electrifying stunt show – Elekron, Asia’s largest Virtual Reality zone and a fantastic new street of food and beverage.”

“In the Philippines, City of Dreams Manila delivered another solid quarter underpinned by robust mass gaming revenue growth.”

“The Board has, after evaluating the Company’s current liquidity position and future expected capital needs, decided to declare another quarterly dividend of US$0.14505 per ADS. In addition, the Board has also approved a new US$500 million share repurchase program, which is effective immediately. Year to date, the Company has also repurchased approximately 23 million ADSs, worth approximately US$490 million, under the US$500 million share repurchase program the Company announced in March 2018.”

“Lastly, Japan continues to be a core focus for us. We expect development of the next generation of integrated resorts to soon commence in this incredibly exciting, yet currently underpenetrated, tourism destination. With our focus on the Asian premium segment, high quality assets, dedication to world-class entertainment offerings, market-leading social safeguards and compliance culture, and our commitment to being an ideal partner to local governments and communities alike, we believe Melco is in a strong position to help Japan realize the vision for integrated resort development with a unique Japanese touch.”

City of Dreams Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, net revenue at City of Dreams was US$600.9 million compared to US$715.9 million in the third quarter of 2017. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$147.1 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$246.4 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of poorer performance in the rolling chip segment and a one-time special gift granted to non-management employees.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$12.3 billion for the third quarter of 2018 versus US$11.2 billion in the third quarter of 2017. The rolling chip win rate was 2.4% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 3.5% in the third quarter of 2017. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$1,337.6 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared with US$1,145.0 million in the third quarter of 2017. The mass market table games hold percentage was 27.8% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 32.3% in the third quarter of 2017.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2018 was US$1,122.2 million, compared with US$981.7 million in the third quarter of 2017. The gaming machine win rate was 4.3% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 3.2% in the third quarter of 2017.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the third quarter of 2018 was US$98.9 million, compared with US$81.4 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Altira Macau Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, net revenue at Altira Macau was US$90.2 million compared to US$89.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. Altira Macau generated negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$1.0 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared with negative Adjusted EBITDA of US$5.6 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$5.5 billion in the third quarter of 2018 versus US$4.2 billion in the third quarter of 2017. The rolling chip win rate was 2.4% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 2.6% in the third quarter of 2017. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

In the mass market table games segment, drop totaled US$130.8 million in the third quarter of 2018, representing an increase from US$112.4 million generated in the comparable period in 2017. The mass market table games hold percentage was 18.2% in the third quarter of 2018 compared with 15.7% in the third quarter of 2017.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2018 was US$33.7 million, compared with US$11.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to an increase in average number of gaming machines to 128 in the third quarter of 2018, compared to 61 in the third quarter of 2017. The gaming machine win rate was 5.6% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 6.1% in the third quarter of 2017.

Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the third quarter of 2018 was US$6.9 million, compared with US$6.8 million in the third quarter of 2017.

Mocha Clubs Third Quarter Results

Net revenue from Mocha Clubs totaled US$28.5 million in the third quarter of 2018 as compared to US$30.2 million in the third quarter of 2017. Mocha Clubs generated US$4.6 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2018 compared with US$6.5 million in the same period in 2017.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2018 was US$616.9 million, compared with US$628.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. The gaming machine win rate was 4.7% for both quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Studio City Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, net revenue at Studio City was US$345.2 million compared to US$384.5 million in the third quarter of 2017. Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$89.4 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$95.6 million in the third quarter of 2017. The decline in Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of a one-time special gift granted to non-management employees.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$5.1 billion for both quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The rolling chip win rate was 3.1% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 4.0% in the third quarter of 2017. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$807.9 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared with US$747.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. The mass market table games hold percentage was 27.2% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 25.0% in the third quarter of 2017.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2018 was US$641.6 million, compared with US$581.2 million in the third quarter of 2017. The gaming machine win rate was 2.9% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 3.3% in the third quarter of 2017.

Total non-gaming revenue at Studio City in the third quarter of 2018 was US$50.1 million, compared with US$51.9 million in the third quarter of 2017.

City of Dreams Manila Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2018, net revenue at City of Dreams Manila was US$141.7 million compared to US$148.2 million in the third quarter of 2017. City of Dreams Manila generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$55.2 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to US$57.3 million in the comparable period of 2017.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$3.0 billion for both quarters ended September 30, 2018 and 2017. The rolling chip win rate was 2.7% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 2.5% in the third quarter of 2017. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$204.9 million for the third quarter of 2018, compared with US$174.1 million in the third quarter of 2017. The mass market table games hold percentage was 32.4% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 29.9% in the third quarter of 2017.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2018 was US$935.0 million, compared with US$757.3 million in the third quarter of 2017. The gaming machine win rate was 5.3% in the third quarter of 2018 versus 5.6% in the third quarter of 2017.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams Manila in the third quarter of 2018 was US$28.9 million, compared with US$29.2 million in the third quarter of 2017.
           
Other Factors Affecting Earnings

Total net non-operating expenses for the third quarter of 2018 were US$75.1 million, which mainly included interest expenses of US$70.8 million.

Depreciation and amortization costs of US$152.9 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2018 of which US$14.3 million was related to the amortization of our gaming subconcession and US$5.7 million was related to the amortization of land use rights.

Financial Position and Capital Expenditures

Total cash and bank balances as of September 30, 2018 aggregated US$1.3 billion, including US$20.0 million on a bank deposit with an original maturity over three months and US$87.2 million of restricted cash, primarily related to Studio City. Total debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs at the end of the third quarter of 2018, was US$3.8 billion.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2018 were US$140.0 million, which predominantly related to Morpheus and other various projects at City of Dreams as well as Corporate and Other.

Dividend Declaration

On November 8, 2018, our Board considered and approved the declaration and payment of a quarterly dividend of US$0.04835 per ordinary share (equivalent to US$0.14505 per ADS) for the third quarter of 2018 (the “Quarterly Dividend”). The Quarterly Dividend will be paid on or about November 29, 2018 to our shareholders whose names appear on the register of members of the Company at the close of business on November 19, 2018, being the record date for determination of entitlements to the Quarterly Dividend.

Share Repurchase Program

Our Board has also approved a new US$500 million share repurchase program. The program is effective immediately and is in addition to the program that was announced in March 2018, which has nearly been exhausted. The new program permits the Company to purchase up to US$500 million of its ordinary shares and/or American depositary shares over a three-year period commencing from November 8, 2018. Purchases under this authorization may be made from time to time on the open market at prevailing market prices, including pursuant to a trading plan in accordance with Rule 10b-18 and/or Rule 10b5-1 of the Securities Exchange Act, and/or in privately-negotiated transactions. The timing of the purchases and the amount of shares and/or ADSs purchased will be determined by the Company’s management based on its evaluation of market conditions, trading prices, applicable securities laws and other factors. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified or terminated at any time, and the Company has no obligation to repurchase any amounts under the program.

Conference Call Information

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2018 financial results on Thursday, November 8, 2018 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:

  US Toll Free                       1 866 519 4004
  US Toll / International         1 845 675 0437
  HK Toll                                852 3018 6771
  HK Toll Free                       800 906 601
  Japan Toll                           81 3 4503 6012
  Japan Toll Free                   012 092 5376
  UK Toll Free                       080 8234 6646
  Australia Toll                       61 290 833 212
  Australia Toll Free               1 800 411 623
  Philippines Toll Free           1 800 1612 0306

  Passcode                            MLCO

An audio webcast will also be available at http://www.melco-resorts.com.

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

  US Toll Free                       1 855 452 5696
  US Toll / International         1 646 254 3697
  HK Toll Free                       800 963 117
  Japan Toll                           81 3 4580 6717
  Japan Toll Free                   012 095 9034
  Philippines Toll Free           1 800 1612 0166

  Conference ID                    3134616

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (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 visitations in Macau and the Philippines, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, (v) gaming authority and other governmental approvals and regulations, and (vi) 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 press release is as of the date of this press 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 other, share-based compensation, payments to the Philippine parties under the cooperative arrangement (the “Philippine Parties”), land rent to Belle Corporation and other non-operating income and expenses. “Adjusted property EBITDA” is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and other, share-based compensation, payments to the Philippine Parties, land rent to Belle Corporation, Corporate and Other expenses and other non-operating income and expenses. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA are presented exclusively as supplemental disclosures because management believes 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. 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 U.S. 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 U.S. GAAP measurements, to assist in the evaluation of operating performance.
   
   Such U.S. GAAP measurements include operating income, net income, 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 recurring and nonrecurring 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 U.S. 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 other, loss on extinguishment of debt and costs associated with debt modification, net of noncontrolling interests and taxes calculated using specific tax treatments applicable to the adjustments based on their respective jurisdictions. Adjusted net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and adjusted net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited per share (“EPS”) are presented as supplemental disclosures because management believes 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 U.S. GAAP, as an additional basis for assessing period-to-period results of our business. Adjusted net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited and adjusted net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited per share may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted net income attributable to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited with the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP are provided herein immediately following the financial statements included in this press release.

About Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (NASDAQ:MLCO), is a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia. The Company currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. Its 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 also majority owns and operates Studio City (www.studiocity-macau.com), a cinematically-themed integrated entertainment, retail and gaming resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, a Philippine subsidiary of the Company currently operates and manages City of Dreams Manila (www.cityofdreams.com.ph), a casino, hotel, retail and entertainment integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. For more information about the Company, please visit www.melco-resorts.com.

The Company is strongly supported by its single largest shareholder, Melco International Development Limited, a company listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is the Chairman, Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

For investment community, please contact:

Richard Huang
Director, Investor Relations
Tel: +852 2598 3619
Email: richardlshuang@melco-resorts.com

For media enquiries, please contact:

Chimmy Leung
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
Tel: +852 3151 3765
Email: chimmyleung@melco-resorts.com

Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited