Studio City International Holdings Limited Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2024 Earnings

Rhea-AI Summary

Studio City International Holdings reported its Q3 2024 financial results, showing total operating revenues of US$174.6 million, up from US$137.6 million in Q3 2023. The casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$335.5 million, compared to US$256.3 million in Q3 2023. The company achieved an Adjusted EBITDA of US$68.2 million, an improvement from US$56.3 million in Q3 2023. Despite revenue growth, the company recorded a net loss of US$21.0 million, reduced from US$28.4 million loss in Q3 2023. Total debt decreased by approximately US$60 million compared to Q2 2024.

Positive

• Operating revenues increased 27% YoY to US$174.6 million
• Gross gaming revenues grew 31% YoY to US$335.5 million
• Adjusted EBITDA improved 21% YoY to US$68.2 million
• Mass market table games drop increased to US$912.9 million from US$809.1 million
• Reduced total debt by US$60 million in Q3 2024

Negative

• Net loss of US$21.0 million in Q3 2024
• Total cash decreased to US$113.3 million from US$228.2 million in December 2023
• High interest expenses of US$32.8 million in Q3 2024
• Rolling chip volume declined to US$494.8 million from US$713.6 million YoY

Insights

Financial Analyst

Studio City's Q3 2024 results show significant operational improvements. Total operating revenues increased to $174.6 million, up 27% from Q3 2023. The casino segment demonstrated strong performance with gross gaming revenues of $335.5 million, a substantial increase from the previous year. The mass market segment showed particular strength, with table games drop rising to $912.9 million and an improved hold percentage of 30.7%.

Notable financial metrics include Adjusted EBITDA of $68.2 million, up from $56.3 million in Q3 2023. The company reduced its debt by approximately $60 million during the quarter through strategic repurchases of senior notes. However, the high interest expense of $32.8 million continues to impact profitability, resulting in a net loss of $21.0 million, though improved from the previous year's loss.

Market Research Analyst

The continued recovery in Macau's tourism sector is driving Studio City's performance improvements. The successful integration of Phase 2 operations, which opened in April 2023, has expanded revenue streams across both gaming and non-gaming segments. Non-gaming revenues reached $107.3 million, showing strong diversification beyond casino operations.

The mass market segment's robust performance, evidenced by increased table drop and higher hold percentages, aligns with Macau's strategic shift toward mass-market tourism. However, the decline in rolling chip volume from $713.6 million to $494.8 million indicates a changing VIP landscape. The company's debt reduction strategy and operational improvements position it well for sustainable growth in Macau's evolving market.

MACAU, Nov. 05, 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 third quarter of 2024.

Total operating revenues for the third quarter of 2024 were US$174.6 million, compared with total operating revenues of US$137.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to the continued recovery in inbound tourism in Macau during the third quarter of 2024, and the ramp up of operations following 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$335.5 million and US$256.3 million for the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Studio City Casino’s rolling chip volume was US$494.8 million in the third quarter of 2024 versus US$713.6 million in the third quarter of 2023. The rolling chip win rate was 5.57% in the third quarter of 2024 versus 1.78% in the third quarter of 2023. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.85%-3.15%.

Mass market table games drop increased to US$912.9 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with US$809.1 million in the third quarter of 2023. The mass market table games hold percentage was 30.7% in the third quarter of 2024, compared with 27.5% in the third quarter of 2023.

Gaming machine handle for the third quarter of 2024 was US$853.0 million, compared with US$673.9 million in the third quarter of 2023. The gaming machine win rate was 3.3% in the third quarter of 2024, compared with 3.2% in the third quarter of 2023.

Revenue from casino contract was US$67.3 million for the third quarter of 2024, compared with revenue from casino contract of US$48.6 million for the third 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$268.1 million and US$207.7 million in the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Total non-gaming revenues at Studio City for the third quarter of 2024 were US$107.3 million, compared with US$89.0 million for the third quarter of 2023.

Operating income for the third quarter of 2024 was US$16.0 million, compared with operating income of US$3.2 million in the third quarter of 2023.

Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA⁽¹⁾ of US$68.2 million in the third quarter of 2024, compared with Adjusted EBITDA of US$56.3 million in the third quarter of 2023. The change was mainly attributable to the increase in revenue from casino contract and higher non-gaming revenues, partially offset by higher operating costs.

Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited for the third quarter of 2024 was US$21.0 million, compared with net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$28.4 million in the third quarter of 2023. The net loss attributable to participation interest was US$2.0 million and US$2.7 million in the third quarters of 2024 and 2023, respectively.

Other Factors Affecting Earnings

Total net non-operating expenses for the third quarter of 2024 were US$36.4 million, which mainly included interest expense of US$32.8 million.

Depreciation and amortization costs of US$51.8 million were recorded in the third 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 September 30, 2024 referred to in the earnings release of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited (“Melco”) dated November 5, 2024 (“Melco’s earnings release”) was US$24.7 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 September 30, 2024 aggregated to US$113.3 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 third quarter of 2024 was US$2.18 billion (December 31, 2023: US$2.34 billion), a reduction of approximately US$60 million, compared to the total debt, net balance as of June 30, 2024. The reduction in total debt, net was primarily as a result of the repurchases of the Studio City Finance Limited 6.00% senior notes due 2025 during the quarter.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2024 were US$14.1 million.

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 measures 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 a measure 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, property charges and other and gain/loss on extinguishment of debt, net of participation interest and taxes. 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 3151 3765
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								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Operating revenues:
Revenue from casino contract	$	67,312			$	48,614			$	196,279			$	98,546
Rooms		41,602				32,819				117,800				72,091
Food and beverage		24,585				19,295				67,484				42,611
Entertainment		18,630				24,747				43,222				58,785
Services fee		16,395				8,307				45,158				22,569
Mall		5,055				2,945				13,767				7,583
Retail and other		1,051				859				2,572				2,102
Total operating revenues		174,630				137,586				486,282				304,287
Operating costs and expenses:
Costs related to casino contract		(8,815	)			(7,297	)			(25,923	)			(21,265	)
Rooms		(13,506	)			(8,015	)			(37,484	)			(17,920	)
Food and beverage		(21,272	)			(16,319	)			(59,237	)			(37,089	)
Entertainment		(14,676	)			(17,870	)			(39,321	)			(49,352	)
Mall		(1,958	)			(1,282	)			(5,356	)			(2,770	)
Retail and other		(657	)			(589	)			(1,714	)			(1,543	)
General and administrative		(45,577	)			(29,943	)			(128,653	)			(79,904	)
Pre-opening costs		(23	)			(7,623	)			(829	)			(17,620	)
Amortization of land use right		(829	)			(826	)			(2,482	)			(2,474	)
Depreciation and amortization		(51,017	)			(44,557	)			(149,812	)			(116,189	)
Property charges and other		(323	)			(57	)			(443	)			(540	)
Total operating costs and expenses		(158,653	)			(134,378	)			(451,254	)			(346,666	)
Operating income (loss)		15,977				3,208				35,028				(42,379	)
Non-operating income (expenses):
Interest income		524				2,821				3,440				8,173
Interest expense, net of amounts capitalized		(32,785	)			(36,362	)			(101,222	)			(93,806	)
Other financing costs		(105	)			(105	)			(313	)			(311	)
Foreign exchange (losses) gains, net		(3,932	)			(692	)			(4,268	)			2,521
Other expenses, net		-				-				-				(61	)
(Loss) gain on extinguishment of debt		(114	)			80				(983	)			80
Total non-operating expenses, net		(36,412	)			(34,258	)			(103,346	)			(83,404	)
Loss before income tax		(20,435	)			(31,050	)			(68,318	)			(125,783	)
Income tax (expense) benefit		(2,507	)			11				(7,153	)			77
Net loss		(22,942	)			(31,039	)			(75,471	)			(125,706	)
Net loss attributable to participation interest		1,974				2,669				6,493				10,813
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(20,968	)		$	(28,370	)		$	(68,978	)		$	(114,893	)
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.027	)		$	(0.037	)		$	(0.090	)		$	(0.149	)
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per ADS:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.109	)		$	(0.147	)		$	(0.358	)		$	(0.597	)
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				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)
	September 30,				December 31,
	2024				2023
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	113,199			$	228,040
Accounts receivable, net		1,652				2,281
Receivables from affiliated companies		278				40,969
Inventories		6,651				5,763
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		32,328				38,997
Total current assets		154,108				316,050
Property and equipment, net		2,679,718				2,775,806
Intangible assets, net		-				5
Long-term prepayments, deposits and other assets		32,662				27,787
Restricted cash		130				130
Operating lease right-of-use assets		11,645				11,619
Land use right, net		103,322				105,304
Total assets	$	2,981,585			$	3,236,701
LIABILITIES, SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY AND PARTICIPATION INTEREST
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	5,773			$	2,454
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		84,596				135,514
Income tax payable		6,880				10
Current portion of long-term debt, net		34,248				-
Payables to affiliated companies		21,049				18,799
Total current liabilities		152,546				156,777
Long-term debt, net		2,141,002				2,335,173
Other long-term liabilities		3,666				3,209
Deferred tax liabilities, net		614				309
Operating lease liabilities, non-current		11,975				12,250
Total liabilities		2,309,803				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 income (losses)		4,043				(12,656	)
Accumulated losses		(1,867,661	)			(1,798,683	)
Total shareholders’ equity		613,825				666,104
Participation interest		57,957				62,879
Total shareholders’ equity and participation interest		671,782				728,983
Total liabilities, shareholders’ equity and participation interest	$	2,981,585			$	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								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(20,968	)		$	(28,370	)		$	(68,978	)		$	(114,893	)
Pre-opening costs		23				7,623				829				17,620
Property charges and other		323				57				443				540
Loss (gain) on extinguishment of debt		114				(80	)			983				(80	)
Income tax impact on adjustments		-				-				(12	)			-
Participation interest impact on adjustments		(40	)			(653	)			(194	)			(1,555	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(20,548	)		$	(21,423	)		$	(66,929	)		$	(98,368	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per Class A ordinary share:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.027	)		$	(0.028	)		$	(0.087	)		$	(0.128	)
Adjusted net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited per ADS:
Basic and diluted	$	(0.107	)		$	(0.111	)		$	(0.348	)		$	(0.511	)
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				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						Nine Months Ended
	September 30,						September 30,
	2024			2023			2024			2023
Operating income (loss)	$	15,977		$	3,208		$	35,028		$	(42,379	)
Pre-opening costs		23			7,623			829			17,620
Depreciation and amortization		51,846			45,383			152,294			118,663
Property charges and other		323			57			443			540
Adjusted EBITDA	$	68,169		$	56,271		$	188,594		$	94,444

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								Nine Months Ended
	September 30,								September 30,
	2024				2023				2024				2023
Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited	$	(20,968	)		$	(28,370	)		$	(68,978	)		$	(114,893	)
Net loss attributable to participation interest		(1,974	)			(2,669	)			(6,493	)			(10,813	)
Net loss		(22,942	)			(31,039	)			(75,471	)			(125,706	)
Income tax expense (benefit)		2,507				(11	)			7,153				(77	)
Interest and other non-operating expenses, net		36,412				34,258				103,346				83,404
Depreciation and amortization		51,846				45,383				152,294				118,663
Property charges and other		323				57				443				540
Pre-opening costs		23				7,623				829				17,620
Adjusted EBITDA	$	68,169			$	56,271			$	188,594			$	94,444

Studio City International Holdings Limited and Subsidiaries
Supplemental Data Schedule
				Three Months Ended								Nine Months Ended
				September 30,								September 30,
					2024				2023				2024				2023
Room Statistics:
		Average daily rate (3)		$	171			$	167			$	162			$	148
		Occupancy per available room			96	%			92	%			96	%			88	%
		Revenue per available room (4)		$	164			$	155			$	155			$	129
Other Information:
		Average number of table games			253				246				250				246
		Average number of gaming machines			726				661				679				667
		Table games win per unit per day (5)		$	13,212			$	10,380			$	13,270			$	8,331
		Gaming machines win per unit per day (6)		$	418			$	352			$	443			$	319
(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 was Studio City's (MSC) revenue in Q3 2024?

Studio City reported total operating revenues of US$174.6 million in Q3 2024, up from US$137.6 million in Q3 2023.

What was Studio City's (MSC) EBITDA for Q3 2024?

Studio City generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$68.2 million in Q3 2024, compared to US$56.3 million in Q3 2023.

How much debt did Studio City (MSC) reduce in Q3 2024?

Studio City reduced its total debt by approximately US$60 million in Q3 2024 compared to Q2 2024.

What was Studio City's (MSC) net loss in Q3 2024?

Studio City reported a net loss of US$21.0 million in Q3 2024, improved from a net loss of US$28.4 million in Q3 2023.