The negative Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City for the three months ended September 30, 2022 referred to in Melco’s earnings release dated November 2, 2022 (“Melco’s earnings release”) is US$8.1 million less than the negative 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 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, 2022 aggregated to US$620.7 million (December 31, 2021: US$499.4 million), including US$0.1 million of restricted cash (December 31, 2021: US$0.1 million). Total debt, net of unamortized deferred financing costs and original issue premiums, at the end of the third quarter of 2022 was US$2.43 billion (December 31, 2021: US$2.09 billion).
Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2022 were US$132.4 million.
Recent Developments
Uncertainty around COVID-19 outbreaks and related restrictions continue to have a material effect on our operations, financial position, and future prospects into the fourth quarter of 2022.
On August 2, 2022, the validity of nucleic acid tests to enter Macau was set at 48 hours for entry from Zhuhai and was reduced to 24 hours from October 30, 2022. Since September 1, 2022, tourists became eligible to enter Macau without prior approval provided they held passports issued by the 41 countries specified by the Macau government or comply with certain conditions imposed by the Macau government, subject to valid nucleic acid tests, 7-day quarantine at a government designated facility and a 3-day self-monitoring period. On November 1, 2022, China’s National Immigration Administration commenced electronic processing of visa applications for individual or group travel to Macau.
Uncertainty around COVID-19 outbreaks is expected to continue for at least the remainder of 2022 with travel bans or restrictions, visa restrictions, and quarantine requirements being key factors impacting performance.
The construction of Studio City Phase 2 continues to progress on schedule with construction completion expected within 2022. We will monitor the market closely to determine the appropriate time to open and currently anticipate opening in stages, beginning in the second quarter of 2023.
Studio City Phase 2 will offer approximately 900 additional luxury hotel rooms and suites, an additional indoor/outdoor water park which is expected to be one of the largest in the world, a Cineplex, multiple fine-dining restaurants, and a total of approximately 1,100 square meters of state-of-the-art MICE space. Furthermore, the expansion will also feature a hotel tower under the W Hotel brand in partnership with Marriott International.
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 global COVID-19 outbreak, caused by a novel strain of the coronavirus, and the continued impact of its consequences on our business, our industry and the global economy, (ii) risks associated with the newly adopted gaming law in Macau and its implementation by the Macau government, (iii) growth of 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.
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