Melco Crown Entertainment Announces Unaudited Third Quarter 2013 Earnings

MACAU, Nov. 5, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Melco Crown Entertainment Limited ("Melco Crown Entertainment" or "the Company") (SEHK:6883) (Nasdaq:MPEL), a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment resort facilities in Asia, today reported its unaudited financial results for the third quarter of 2013.

Net revenue for the third quarter of 2013 was US$1,252.7 million, representing an increase of approximately 24% from US$1,010.8 million for the comparable period in 2012. The increase in net revenue was primarily attributable to improved group-wide gaming performance, particularly in the mass market table games segment.

Adjusted EBITDA ^<1> was US$315.2 million for the third quarter of 2013, as compared to Adjusted EBITDA of US$226.4 million in the third quarter of 2012. The 39% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven by significant growth in the mass market table games segment at City of Dreams, as well as improved group-wide rolling chip volume and a committed approach to controlling costs, partially offset by a lower rolling chip win rate.

On a U.S. GAAP basis, net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment for the third quarter of 2013 was US$179.4 million, or US$0.33 per ADS, compared with net income attributable to Melco Crown Entertainment of US$104.9 million, or US$0.19 per ADS, in the third quarter of 2012. The net loss attributable to non-controlling interests during the third quarter of 2013 of US$15.6 million related to Studio City and City of Dreams Manila.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, Co-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Melco Crown Entertainment, commented, "I am pleased to report another successful quarter, with strong growth in our core segments driving record fundamental performance.

"Our committed focus on the mass market segments, particularly at the higher end of the market where we have a significant competitive advantage, continues to drive our Company's overall profitability and outperformance in the mass market table games segment. Our premium mass offerings continue to lead the way in Macau, with City of Dreams further extending its number one position in this increasingly important segment, as is evident in the property's leading mass market table yields.

"Studio City remains on budget and on track to open in mid-2015 with clear progress being made on the main superstructure following the successful completion of the foundation and piling work. This cinematically-themed integrated resort located in Cotai represents a powerful and complementary addition to our current portfolio of operating assets in Macau, offering a unique array of entertainment and interactive attractions which will cater to a broad range of customers in Macau and help drive diversification of the Macau economy.

"We recently announced City of Dreams Manila as the brand of our integrated casino resort in the Philippines which, together with an ultra-luxurious Crown Towers branded hotel, demonstrates our commitment and confidence in this exciting leisure and entertainment market. We believe our experience in developing and operating integrated resorts in Asia, our unique competitive position in the VIP segments and experience in delivering world-class entertainment, together with our strong local partner, means we are in a unique position to capitalize on the economic growth in the Philippines and the region, and support the Philippine Government's leisure and tourism objectives.

"City of Dreams Manila is Melco Crown Entertainment's first foray outside of Macau, representing the next step in our mission of becoming the leading gaming and entertainment company in the region. We continue to investigate opportunities in other key Asian markets where they meet our strict approach to the deployment of capital, including Japan.

"Clear progress is being made on the various and wide-ranging infrastructure programs both in Macau and regionally, which continue to support visitation and the mass market segments in general. The Macau market has delivered impressive growth year-to-date across all gaming segments, showing the market's unique position to cater to the expanding Asian middle class and, in particular, the inevitable shift to a consumer-led economy in China."

City of Dreams Third Quarter Results

For the third quarter of 2013, net revenue at City of Dreams was US$958.3 million compared to US$747.4 million in the third quarter of 2012. City of Dreams generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$298.4 million in the third quarter of 2013, representing an increase of 46% compared to US$204.0 million in the comparable period of 2012.

The strong year-over-year improvement in third quarter Adjusted EBITDA was primarily a result of strong improvements in the mass market segments, including a 73% year-over-year increase in mass table games gross gaming revenue, together with an increase in rolling chip volumes, partially offset by a lower rolling chip win rate.

Rolling chip volume for the third quarter of 2013 was US$22.8 billion, representing an increase of 17% when compared to rolling chip volume of US$19.5 billion for the comparable period of 2012. The rolling chip win rate was 3.0% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to 3.2% in the third quarter of 2012. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

Mass market table games drop increased 36% to US$1,213.2 million compared with US$889.8 million in the third quarter of 2012. The mass market table games hold percentage was 34.8% in the third quarter of 2013 compared to 27.4% in the third quarter of 2012.

Slot handle for the third quarter of 2013 was US$1,242.5 million, up 52% from US$816.3 million generated in the quarter ended September 30, 2012.

Total non-gaming revenue at City of Dreams in the third quarter of 2013 was US$70.9 million, an increase of 12% from US$63.6 million in the third quarter of 2012. Occupancy per available room in the third quarter of 2013 was 97%, versus 95% in the third quarter of 2012. The average daily rate ("ADR") in the third quarter of 2013 was US$185 per occupied room, an increase of 3% from an ADR of US$180 in the third quarter of 2012.

Altira Macau Third Quarter Results

For the quarter ended September 30, 2013, net revenue at Altira Macau was US$242.4 million compared to US$215.7 million in the third quarter of 2012. Altira Macau generated Adjusted EBITDA of US$29.8 million in the third quarter of 2013, in-line with the same period in 2012.

Rolling chip volume totaled US$10.8 billion in the third quarter of 2013 versus US$11.0 billion in the third quarter of 2012. In the third quarter of 2013, the rolling chip win rate was 2.9%, as compared to 2.6% for the comparable period in 2012. The expected rolling chip win rate range is 2.7%-3.0%.

In the mass market table games segment, drop totaled US$181.9 million in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 18% from US$153.8 million generated in the comparable period in 2012. The mass market table games hold percentage was 14.9% in the third quarter of 2013 compared with 15.8% in the third quarter of last year.

Total non-gaming revenue at Altira Macau in the third quarter of 2013 was US$9.2 million, up from US$8.4 million in the third quarter of 2012. Occupancy per available room in the third quarter of 2013 was 99%, compared with 98% for the comparable period in 2012. ADR was US$223 per occupied room, compared to US$215 in the third quarter of 2012, an increase of 4%.

Mocha Clubs Third Quarter Results

Net revenue from Mocha Clubs totaled US$38.6 million in the third quarter of 2013, up 9% from US$35.5 million in the third quarter of 2012. Mocha Clubs generated US$11.2 million of Adjusted EBITDA in the third quarter of 2013, an increase of 20% when compared to Adjusted EBITDA of US$9.4 million in the same period in 2012.

The number of gaming machines in operation at Mocha Clubs averaged approximately 2,000 in the third quarter of 2013, in-line with the comparable period in 2012. The net win per gaming machine per day was US$218 in the quarter ended September 30, 2013, as compared with US$188 in the comparable period in 2012, an increase of 16%.

City of Dreams Manila Third Quarter Results

On a fully consolidated basis, we incurred approximately US$5.7 million of operating expenses in the third quarter of 2013 at City of Dreams Manila, which primarily relate to pre-opening costs as well as share based compensation cost, and recorded a net loss of approximately US$15.4 million as a result of the operating expenses and approximately US$9.8 million of capital lease charges relating to building lease payments incurred during the third quarter of 2013.

Other Factors Affecting Earnings

Total non-operating expense for the third quarter of 2013 was US$44.4 million, which included US$34.6 million in net interest expense and other finance costs of US$11.4 million. There was US$8.2 million of capitalized interest during the third quarter of 2013, primarily relating to Studio City. The year-on-year increase in non-operating expenses of US$19.5 million was primarily a result of higher net interest expenses and other finance costs associated with the Studio City financing as well as the capital lease charges associated with the Philippines capital lease obligation.

Depreciation and amortization costs of US$95.7 million were recorded in the third quarter of 2013, of which US$14.3 million was related to the amortization of our gaming sub-concession and US$16.1 million was related to the amortization of land use rights.

Financial Position and Capital Expenditure

Cash and cash equivalents as of September 30, 2013 totaled US$3.1 billion, including US$1.1 billion of restricted cash, primarily related to Studio City. Total debt at the end of the third quarter of 2013 was US$2.6 billion.

Capital expenditures for the third quarter of 2013 were US$167.6 million, which predominantly relate to Studio City and City of Dreams Manila, as well as various projects at City of Dreams.

Conference Call Information

Melco Crown Entertainment will hold a conference call to discuss its third quarter 2013 financial results on November 5, 2013 at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time (9:30 p.m. Hong Kong Time). To join the conference call, please use the dial-in details below:

An audio webcast will also be available at www.melco-crown.com.

To access the replay, please use the dial-in details below:

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. The Company may also make written or oral 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) growth of the gaming market and visitation in Macau and the Philippines, (ii) capital and credit market volatility, (iii) local and global economic conditions, (iv) our anticipated growth strategies, and (v) 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 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 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, share-based compensation, other non-operating income and expenses and net loss attributable to non-controlling interests. "Adjusted property EBITDA" is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, share-based compensation, corporate and others expenses, other non-operating income and expenses and net loss attributable to non-controlling interests. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA are presented exclusively as a supplemental disclosure because management believes that they are widely used to measure the performance, and as a basis for valuation, of gaming companies. Management uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as measures of the operating performance of its segments and to compare the operating performance of its properties with those of its competitors. The Company also presents adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA because they are used by some investors as ways to measure a company's ability to incur and service debt, make capital expenditures, and meet working capital requirements. Gaming companies have historically reported adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as supplements to financial measures in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). However, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA should not be considered as alternatives to operating income as indicators of the Company's performance, as alternatives to cash flows from operating activities as measures of liquidity, or as alternatives to any other measure determined in accordance with GAAP. Unlike net income, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA do 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 compensates for these limitations by using adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA as only two of several comparative tools, together with GAAP measurements, to assist in the evaluation of operating performance. Such GAAP measurements include operating income, net income, 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 non-recurring charges, which are not reflected in adjusted EBITDA or adjusted property EBITDA. Also, the Company's calculation of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted EBITDA and adjusted property EBITDA with the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided herein immediately following the financial statements included in this press release.

(2) "Adjusted net income" is net income before pre-opening costs, development costs, property charges and others, change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements, loss on extinguishment of debt and costs associated with debt modification. Adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share ("EPS") are presented as supplemental disclosures because management believes that they are widely used to measure the performance, and as a basis for valuation, of gaming companies. These measures are used by management and/or evaluated by some investors, in addition to income and EPS computed in accordance with GAAP, as an additional basis for assessing period-to-period results of our business. Adjusted net income may be different from the calculation methods used by other companies and, therefore, comparability may be limited. Reconciliations of adjusted net income with the most comparable financial measures calculated and presented in accordance with GAAP are provided herein immediately following the financial statements included in this press release.

About Melco Crown Entertainment Limited

Melco Crown Entertainment, with its shares listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the "Hong Kong Stock Exchange") (SEHK:6883) and its American depositary shares listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market (Nasdaq:MPEL), is a developer and owner of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia. Melco Crown Entertainment currently operates Altira Macau (www.altiramacau.com), a casino hotel located at Taipa, Macau and City of Dreams (www.cityofdreamsmacau.com), an integrated urban casino resort located in Cotai, Macau. Melco Crown Entertainment's business also includes the Mocha Clubs (www.mochaclubs.com), which comprise the largest non-casino based operations of electronic gaming machines in Macau. The Company is also developing the planned Studio City Project, a cinematically-themed integrated entertainment, retail and gaming resort in Cotai, Macau. In the Philippines, Melco Crown (Philippines) Resorts Corporation's subsidiary, MCE Leisure (Philippines) Corporation, has been cooperating with SM Group's Belle Corporation to develop and operate City of Dreams Manila, a casino, hotel, retail and entertainment integrated resort in the Entertainment City complex in Manila. For more information about Melco Crown Entertainment, please visit www.melco-crown.com.

Melco Crown Entertainment has strong support from both of its major shareholders, Melco International Development Limited ("Melco") and Crown Limited ("Crown"). Melco is a listed company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and is substantially owned and led by Mr. Lawrence Ho, who is Co-Chairman, an Executive Director and the CEO of Melco Crown Entertainment. Crown is a top-50 company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and led by Executive Chairman Mr. James Packer, who is also Co-Chairman and a Non-executive Director of Melco Crown Entertainment.