Studio City (NYSE: MSC) returns to profit as Q1 2026 revenue rises
Rhea-AI Filing Summary
Studio City International Holdings Limited reported a strong turnaround for the first quarter of 2026. Total operating revenues rose to US$176.7 million from US$161.7 million a year earlier, driven mainly by better performance in mass market gaming and higher non-gaming revenues.
Studio City Casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$373.5 million, up from US$336.2 million, with mass market table games hold improving to 36.9%. Non-gaming revenues increased to US$89.8 million, reflecting solid contributions from rooms, services and mall income.
Operating income nearly doubled to US$28.0 million, and Adjusted EBITDA climbed to US$80.0 million from US$69.9 million, showing better underlying profitability despite higher operating costs. The company moved from a net loss attributable to shareholders of US$16.0 million to net income of US$2.9 million, or US$0.02 per ADS. Cash and bank balances were US$87.0 million and total debt, net, was US$2.01 billion, slightly lower than at year-end after a senior secured credit facility repayment.
Positive
- Return to profitability: Net results swung from a loss of US$16.0 million in Q1 2025 to net income of US$2.9 million in Q1 2026, supported by higher operating income and stronger Adjusted EBITDA of US$80.0 million.
Negative
- None.
Insights
Studio City returned to profitability on higher gaming and non-gaming revenues.
Studio City grew operating revenues to US$176.7 million while casino gross gaming revenues rose to US$373.5 million. Stronger mass-market performance and higher non-gaming revenues supported Adjusted EBITDA of US$80.0 million, up from US$69.9 million.
Net income attributable to the company improved to US$2.9 million from a US$16.0 million loss, helped by better operating results and net foreign exchange gains of US$8.4 million, though interest expense remained sizable at US$30.0 million. Depreciation and amortization stayed high at US$51.8 million, reflecting the asset-heavy resort model.
Total cash and bank balances were US$87.0 million against net debt of about US$2.01 billion, after repaying HK$78.0 million (around US$10.0 million) on the senior secured credit facility. Future disclosures may clarify how sustained Adjusted EBITDA near US$80.0 million influences leverage and refinancing flexibility.