Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a developer, owner, and operator of integrated resort facilities in Asia and Europe reported its unaudited financial results for the second quarter of 2020.
Total operating revenues for the second quarter of 2020 were US$0.18 billion, representing a decrease of approximately 88% from US$1.46 billion for the comparable period in 2019. The decrease in total operating revenues was primarily attributable to softer performance in all gaming segments and non-gaming operations as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in a significant decline in inbound tourism in the second quarter of 2020.
Operating loss for the second quarter of 2020 was US$370.8 million, compared with operating income of US$208.0 million in the second quarter of 2019.
Melco generated negative Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$156.3 million in the second quarter of 2020, compared with Adjusted Property EBITDA of US$448.0 million in the second quarter of 2019.
Mr. Lawrence Ho, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “COVID-19 and the subsequent travel restrictions and quarantine requirements have significantly impacted our second quarter operating and financial performance. To help mitigate the impact from COVID-19, we have been quick to formulate strategies to preserve liquidity and improve the Company’s balance sheet. In April, we bolstered our balance sheet by entering into a new senior facilities agreement and by selling the shares we held in Crown Resorts Limited. In May, the board suspended the Company’s quarterly dividend program.
“To further enhance our balance sheet, our subsidiary, Melco Resorts Finance Limited, recently accessed the capital markets and issued US$850 million aggregate principal amount of 5.750% senior notes due 2028.
“In addition, in relation to our Studio City project, Studio City Finance Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Studio City International Holdings Limited (“SCIHL”), issued US$500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% senior notes due 2025, and US$500 million aggregate principal amount of 6.50% senior notes due 2028 in July. In August, SCIHL also completed a series of private placements of its Class A ordinary shares and American depositary shares to certain existing shareholders, including Melco, which resulted in gross proceeds to SCIHL of approximately US$500 million. Proceeds from the Studio City transactions significantly strengthen SCIHL’s balance sheet and its ability to fund the Phase 2 expansion of Studio City.
“Melco continues to manage its balance sheet in a prudent manner. As of June 30, 2020, we had cash on hand of approximately US$1.2 billion, and undrawn revolver facilities of approximately US$1.6 billion. Proforma for the issuance of the new senior notes and the Studio City private share placements (but excluding Melco’s subscription therein of approximately US$280 million), Melco’s cash on hand as of June 30, 2020 was approximately US$2.0 billion, while the undrawn revolver facilities in Macau and Manila were approximately US$2.0 billion.
“Despite the current economic uncertainty, sustainability remains a high priority in Melco’s operations. We published our 2019 Sustainability Report, in June, highlighting our progress made in the last twelve months, which includes: 1) receiving an A- and “Best First Time Performer” accolade from CDP, one of the world’s most respected and long-standing environmental disclosure systems, 2) diverting 712 tons of waste from disposal to recycling and composting, and 3) installing solar panels at City of Dreams Manila with the potential to generate 100,000 kWh of electricity per month. In July, Melco became a signatory to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative led by the UN Environment Programme and the World Tourism Organisation in collaboration with the Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
“Melco remains committed to its global development program. Construction on the expansion of Studio City is progressing. Upon completion, it will offer approximately 900 additional luxury hotel rooms and suites, one of the world’s largest indoor/outdoor water parks, a Cineplex, fine-dining restaurants and state-of-the-art MICE space. In Europe, we are developing City of Dreams Mediterranean, which upon completion, will be Europe’s largest integrated resort with approximately 500 luxury hotel rooms, a 1,500-seat amphitheater, and approximately 10,000 square meters of MICE space.
“Turning to Japan, I want to highlight our unwavering commitment to bring to the country the best IR the world has ever seen. We believe our focus on the Asian premium segment, a portfolio of high-quality assets, devotion to craftsmanship, dedication to world-class entertainment offerings, market-leading social safeguard systems, established track record of successful partnerships, culture of exceptional guest service, and commitment to employee development puts Melco in a strong position to help Japan realize the vision of developing a world-leading IR with a unique, Japanese touch.
“Lastly, we are excited to see some early signs of returning to normal operations in our integrated resorts. In mid-June, operations at Cyprus Casinos have partially resumed. In addition, commencing from July 15, 2020, certain travelers entering Guangdong from Macau were no longer subject to mandatory quarantine. The issuance of IVS visas was reinstated for Zhuhai residents on August 12, 2020, while the nationwide resumption of IVS visa issuance is expected to commence on September 23, 2020. We are hopeful these announcements signal the eventual resumption of the pre-COVID travel between Macau and Mainland China. While we are encouraged by the recent positive developments, ensuring the safety and well-being of our colleagues, customers and communities in which we operate remains our highest priority.”
