Studio City International Holdings Limited Announces Unaudited First Quarter 2024 Earnings

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Studio City International Holdings reported unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2024, showing total operating revenues of US$150.2 million, a significant increase from US$51.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The improved results were due to the recovery in inbound tourism and the opening of Studio City Phase 2. Studio City Casino saw a rise in both gross gaming revenues and non-gaming revenues. Adjusted EBITDA rose to US$66.2 million from US$9.1 million in the same period last year.

Positive

• Significant increase in total operating revenues for the first quarter of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.

• Improved financial performance attributed to the recovery in inbound tourism and the opening of Studio City Phase 2.

• Rise in gross gaming revenues and non-gaming revenues at Studio City Casino.

• Adjusted EBITDA increased to US$66.2 million in the first quarter of 2024 from US$9.1 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Negative

• Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings for the first quarter of 2024 was US$14.6 million, compared to a net loss of US$38.0 million in the same period in 2023.

• Total net non-operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were US$32.0 million, including interest expense of US$34.8 million.

• Total debt remained at US$2.34 billion at the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Financial Analyst

The reported earnings indicate a robust recovery for Studio City International Holdings, underscored by a substantial increase in operating revenues year-over-year. The successful opening of Studio City Phase 2 seems to have played a pivotal role, enhancing both gaming and non-gaming revenue streams. Investors should note the impressive turnaround from an operating loss in Q1 2023 to a positive operating income in Q1 2024. However, the net loss figure, despite showing improvement, suggests that the company is still navigating financial challenges, likely due to substantial interest expenses and depreciation costs. The tender offer for senior notes is also a strategic move to manage debt, which remains high at $2.34 billion. It's essential to monitor how these debt levels and associated costs impact future profitability.

Gaming Industry Analyst

Studio City's performance reflects a broader trend in the gaming sector, where recovery is closely tied to resurgent tourism and consumer confidence. The increased mass market table games drop and the higher-than-expected rolling chip win rate stand out, potentially signaling improved operational efficiency or favorable market conditions. These figures surpass the normative range, which could intrigue investors, as such win rates can significantly influence profitability. However, this variance from expected win rates might also introduce volatility, an aspect prudent investors should consider. The company's non-gaming revenue gains align with the industry's pivot towards diversifying income streams, hedging against gaming revenue fluctuations.

Macau Market Expert

Studio City's Q1 results may also reflect wider economic conditions in Macau and shifts in policy regarding tourism and gaming regulation. The city's trajectory in easing travel restrictions and its ability to attract tourists in the post-pandemic landscape have direct implications for Studio City's continued growth. Yet, investors must stay attuned to regulatory changes, especially concerning gaming concessions, as these can materially impact Studio City's operations. Moreover, the difference in reported Adjusted EBITDA between Studio City's press release and Melco's earnings release is due to intercompany charges and gaming concession-related costs, indicating a nuanced financial relationship within the corporate structure that warrants closer examination for a clear picture of the entity's financial health.

MACAU, April 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Studio City International Holdings Limited (NYSE: MSC) (“Studio City” or the “Company”), a world-class integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau, today reported its unaudited financial results for the first quarter of 2024.

Total operating revenues for the first quarter of 2024 were US$150.2 million, compared with total operating revenues of US$51.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The change was primarily attributable to the continued recovery in inbound tourism during the first quarter of 2024, and the opening of Studio City Phase 2 in April 2023, which led to an increase in revenue from casino contract and higher non-gaming revenues.

Studio City Casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$318.4 million and US$146.7 million for the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Studio City Casino’s rolling chip volume was US$525.8 million in the first quarter of 2024 versus US$718.5 million in the first quarter of 2023. The rolling chip win rate was 3.72% in the first quarter of 2024 versus 1.59% in the first quarter of 2023. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$923.3 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with US$480.6 million in the first quarter of 2023. The mass market table games hold percentage was 29.5% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 24.7% in the first quarter of 2023.

Gaming machine handle for the first quarter of 2024 was US$824.3 million, compared with US$431.7 million in the first quarter of 2023. The gaming machine win rate was 3.2% in the first quarter of 2024, compared with 3.8% in the first quarter of 2023.

Revenue from casino contract was US$66.9 million for the first quarter of 2024, compared with revenue from casino contract of US$18.7 million for the first quarter of 2023. Revenue from casino contract is net of gaming taxes and the costs incurred in connection with the on-going operation of the Studio City Casino which are deducted by Melco Resorts (Macau) Limited, the gaming operator of the Studio City Casino (the “Gaming Operator”).

Total gaming taxes and the costs incurred in connection with the on-going operation of the Studio City Casino deducted from gross gaming revenues were US$251.5 million and US$128.0 million in the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Total non-gaming revenues at Studio City for the first quarter of 2024 were US$83.3 million, compared with US$32.7 million for the first quarter of 2023.

Operating income for the first quarter of 2024 was US$16.1 million, compared with operating loss of US$26.9 million in the first quarter of 2023.

Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of US$66.2 million in the first quarter of 2024, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$9.1 million in the first quarter of 2023. The change was mainly attributable to the increase in revenue from casino contract and higher non-gaming revenues.

Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited for the first quarter of 2024 was US$14.6 million, compared with net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$38.0 million in the first quarter of 2023. The net loss attributable to participation interest was US$1.4 million and US$3.6 million in the first quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Other Factors Affecting Earnings

Total net non-operating expenses for the first quarter of 2024 were US$32.0 million, which mainly included interest expense of US$34.8 million, partially offset by interest income of US$1.6 million.

Depreciation and amortization costs of US$50.1 million were recorded in the first quarter of 2024, of which US$0.8 million was related to the amortization expense for the land use right.

The Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City for the three months ended March 31, 2024 referred to in the earnings release of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (“Melco”) dated April 30, 2024 (“Melco’s earnings release”) was US$21.7 million more than the Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City contained in this press release. The Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City contained in this press release includes certain intercompany charges that are not included in the Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City contained in Melco’s earnings release. Such intercompany charges include, among other items, fees and shared service charges billed between the Company and its subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries of Melco. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City included in Melco’s earnings release does not reflect certain gaming concession related costs and certain intercompany costs related to the table games operations at Studio City Casino.

Financial Position and Capital Expenditures

Total cash and bank balances as of March 31, 2024 aggregated to US$218.1 million (December 31, 2023: US$228.2 million), including US$0.1 million of restricted cash (December 31, 2023: US$0.1 million). Total debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue premiums, at the end of the first quarter of 2024 was US$2.34 billion (December 31, 2023: US$2.34 billion).

Capital expenditures for the first quarter of 2024 were US$10.8 million.

Recent Developments

On April 8, 2024, Studio City Finance Limited (“Studio City Finance”) announced that it initiated a cash tender offer for up to an aggregate principal amount of US$100,000,000 of its outstanding 6.000% senior notes due 2025 (the “Notes” and such tender offer, the “Tender Offer”). The early tender period expired on April 19, 2024 (the “Early Tender Date”) and at the Early Tender Date, valid tenders had been received (and not validly withdrawn) with respect to US$307,150,000 aggregate principal amount of the Notes. An aggregate principal amount equal to US$100,029,000 of the tendered Notes have been accepted by Studio City Finance for repurchase and cancelled.

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. Studio City International Holdings Limited (the “Company”) may also make 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) the pace of recovery from the impact of COVID-19 on our business, our industry and the global economy, (ii) risks associated with the amended Macau gaming law and its implementation by the Macau government, (iii) changes in the gaming market and visitations in Macau, (iv) capital and credit market volatility, (v) local and global economic conditions, (vi) our anticipated growth strategies, (vii) gaming authority and other governmental approvals and regulations, and (viii) 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 defined as net income/loss before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, property charges and other and other non-operating income and expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is presented exclusively as supplemental disclosures because management believes it is widely used to measure the performance, and as a basis for valuation, of gaming companies. Management uses Adjusted EBITDA to measure our operating performance and to compare our operating performance with those of our competitors.
		The Company also presents Adjusted EBITDA because it is used by some investors as a way to measure a company’s ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures, and meet working capital requirements. Gaming companies have historically reported similar measure as supplements to financial measures in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, in particular, U.S. GAAP or International Financial Reporting Standards. However, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to operating income/loss as an indicator of the Company’s performance, as an alternative to cash flows from operating activities as measures of liquidity, or as an alternative to any other measure determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Unlike net income/loss, Adjusted EBITDA does 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 recognizes these limitations and uses Adjusted EBITDA as only one 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/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 recurring and nonrecurring charges, which are not reflected in Adjusted EBITDA. Also, the Company’s calculation of Adjusted EBITDA may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. The use of Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool, as Adjusted EBITDA does not include all items that impact our net income/loss. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure. Reconciliations of Adjusted 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/loss” is net income/loss before pre-opening costs and property charges and other, net of participation interest. Adjusted net income/loss is presented as supplemental disclosure because management believes it provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our performance, in addition to income/loss computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Adjusted net income/loss may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted net income/loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings 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 Studio City International Holdings Limited

The Company, with its American depositary shares listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: MSC), is a world-class integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau. For more information about the Company, please visit www.studiocity-macau.com.

The Company is majority owned by Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a company with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (Nasdaq: MLCO).

For the investment community, please contact:
Jeanny Kim
Senior Vice President, Group Treasurer
Tel: +852 2598 3698
Email: jeannykim@melco-resorts.com

For media enquiries, please contact:
Chimmy Leung
Executive Director, Corporate Communications
Tel: +852 31513765
Email: chimmyleung@melco-resorts.com

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Operating revenues:
Revenue from casino contract	$	66,887			$	18,724
Rooms		38,523				12,896
Food and beverage		18,922				9,265
Entertainment		8,392				1,677
Services fee		12,428				6,203
Mall		4,320				2,136
Retail and other		685				566
Total operating revenues		150,157				51,467
Operating costs and expenses:
Costs related to casino contract		(8,158	)			(6,859	)
Rooms		(11,416	)			(3,402	)
Food and beverage		(17,647	)			(8,240	)
Entertainment		(9,263	)			(1,393	)
Mall		(1,634	)			(376	)
Retail and other		(447	)			(373	)
General and administrative		(35,392	)			(21,735	)
Pre-opening costs		(59	)			(5,164	)
Amortization of land use right		(826	)			(824	)
Depreciation and amortization		(49,296	)			(29,747	)
Property charges and other		60				(290	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(134,078	)			(78,403	)
Operating income (loss)		16,079				(26,936	)
Non-operating income (expenses):
Interest income		1,588				2,554
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(34,791	)			(21,099	)
Other financing costs		(104	)			(103	)
Foreign exchange gains, net		1,320				3,959
Other income		-				1
Total non-operating expenses, net		(31,987	)			(14,688	)
Loss before income tax		(15,908	)			(41,624	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(43	)			20
Net loss		(15,951	)			(41,604	)
Net loss attributable to participation interest		1,372				3,579
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(14,579	)		$	(38,025	)
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.019	)		$	(0.049	)
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per ADS:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.076	)		$	(0.197	)
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding used in net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share calculation:
Basic and diluted		770,352,700				770,352,700

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	March 31,				December 31,
	2024				2023
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	217,992			$	228,040
Accounts receivable, net		1,974				2,281
Receivables from affiliated companies		31,124				40,969
Inventories		6,047				5,763
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		33,559				38,997
Total current assets		290,696				316,050
Property and equipment, net		2,734,167				2,775,806
Intangible assets, net		-				5
Long-term prepayments, deposits and other assets		34,273				27,787
Restricted cash		129				130
Operating lease right-of-use assets		11,595				11,619
Land use right, net		104,320				105,304
Total assets	$	3,175,180			$	3,236,701
LIABILITIES, SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND
PARTICIPATION INTEREST
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	1,840			$	2,454
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		95,824				135,514
Income tax payable		10				10
Payables to affiliated companies		18,012				18,799
Total current liabilities		115,686				156,777
Long-term debt, net		2,335,991				2,335,173
Other long-term liabilities		3,347				3,209
Deferred tax liabilities, net		351				309
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		12,472				12,250
Total liabilities		2,467,847				2,507,718
Shareholders’ equity and participation interest:
Class A ordinary shares, par value $0.0001; 1,927,488,240 shares authorized; 770,352,700 shares issued and outstanding		77				77
Class B ordinary shares, par value $0.0001; 72,511,760 shares authorized; 72,511,760 shares issued and outstanding		7				7
Additional paid-in capital		2,477,359				2,477,359
Accumulated other comprehensive losses		(17,864	)			(12,656	)
Accumulated losses		(1,813,262	)			(1,798,683	)
Total shareholders’ equity		646,317				666,104
Participation interest		61,016				62,879
Total shareholders’ equity and participation interest		707,333				728,983
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity and participation interest	$	3,175,180			$	3,236,701

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited to
Adjusted Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited (Unaudited)
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(14,579	)		$	(38,025	)
Pre-opening costs		59				5,164
Property charges and other		(60	)			290
Participation interest impact on adjustments		-				(469	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(14,580	)		$	(33,040	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.019	)		$	(0.043	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per ADS:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.076	)		$	(0.172	)
Weighted average Class A ordinary shares outstanding used in adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share calculation:
Basic and diluted		770,352,700				770,352,700

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Operating Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Operating income (loss)	$	16,079			$	(26,936	)
Pre-opening costs		59				5,164
Depreciation and amortization		50,122				30,571
Property charges and other		(60	)			290
Adjusted EBITDA	$	66,200			$	9,089

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Reconciliation of Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited
to Adjusted EBITDA (Unaudited)
(In thousands)
	Three Months Ended
	March 31,
	2024				2023
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(14,579	)		$	(38,025	)
Net loss attributable to participation interest		(1,372	)			(3,579	)
Net loss		(15,951	)			(41,604	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		43				(20	)
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net		31,987				14,688
Depreciation and amortization		50,122				30,571
Property charges and other		(60	)			290
Pre-opening costs		59				5,164
Adjusted EBITDA	$	66,200			$	9,089

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Data Schedule
						Three Months Ended
						March 31,
							2024				2023
Room Statistics:
		Average daily rate (3)				$	159			$	107
		Occupancy per available room					96%				76%
		Revenue per available room (4)				$	152			$	82
Other Information:
		Average number of table games					246				246
		Average number of gaming machines					670				677
		Table games win per unit per day (5)				$	13,031			$	5,879
		Gaming machines win per unit per day (6)				$	437			$	272
(3)	Average daily rate is calculated by dividing total room revenues including complimentary rooms (less service charges, if any) by total occupied rooms including complimentary rooms
(4)	Revenue per available room is calculated by dividing total room revenues including complimentary rooms (less service charges, if any) by total rooms available
(5)	Table games win per unit per day is shown before discounts, commissions, non-discretionary incentives (including the point-loyalty programs) as administered by the Gaming Operator and allocating casino revenues related to goods and services provided to gaming patrons on a complimentary basis
(6)	Gaming machines win per unit per day is shown before non-discretionary incentives (including the point-loyalty programs) as administered by the Gaming Operator and allocating casino revenues related to goods and services provided to gaming patrons on a complimentary basis

 

 

FAQ

What were Studio City International Holdings 's total operating revenues for the first quarter of 2024?

Studio City International Holdings reported total operating revenues of US$150.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What led to the increase in revenue for Studio City International Holdings in the first quarter of 2024?

The increase in revenue was primarily due to the recovery in inbound tourism and the opening of Studio City Phase 2.

What was the gross gaming revenue for Studio City Casino in the first quarter of 2024?

Studio City Casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$318.4 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City International Holdings in the first quarter of 2024?

Studio City International Holdings reported an Adjusted EBITDA of US$66.2 million for the first quarter of 2024.

What was the net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings in the first quarter of 2024?

The net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings for the first quarter of 2024 was US$14.6 million.