Melco Resorts & Entertainment (MLCO) Misses Q4 EPS by 1c

Melco Resorts & Entertainment (NASDAQ: MLCO) reported Q4 EPS of $0.26, $0.01 worse than the analyst estimate of $0.27. Revenue for the quarter came in at $1.46 billion versus the consensus estimate of $1.46 billion.

Mr. Lawrence Ho, our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, commented, “During the fourth quarter of 2019, despite macro headwinds and the events in Hong Kong, mass gaming operations at all of Melco’s integrated resorts have remained robust, which drove group-wide mass table games revenue to expand approximately 12% year-over-year to an all-time-record-high of US$850 million. Adjusted Property EBITDA for the fiscal year 2019 has also expanded 14% year-over-year to reach an all-time-record-high of US$1,689 million.

“Melco’s portfolio of award-winning integrated resorts, commitment to excellence, and determination to push boundaries have been widely recognized, most recently by the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2020 with the company remaining as the leading integrated resort operator in the world with the highest number of Michelin-stars. In the recently published 2020 Forbes Travel Guide, Melco was awarded with a record-breaking 107 stars, with Morpheus honored as the world’s first and only establishment to attain Forbes Five-Stars across its entire hotel, spa and dining facilities, after a year of its grand opening. The Morpheus Spa also won the Forbes Spa of the Year Award, attaining the highest score among the world's most outstanding spa establishments.

“Melco continues to prioritize sustainability in its operations. In March 2019, Melco became the first and only hospitality group and integrated resort signatory of the New Plastics Economy Global Commitment, a global initiative to tackle plastic waste and pollution, led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment. In December 2019, Melco became the first integrated resort and hotel operator in the Macau SAR and Hong Kong SAR to receive ISO 41001:2018 for its efforts in facilities management systems (FMS). Melco has also attained ISO 50001:2018 for effective energy management systems (EnMS) and was recognized by global environmental disclosure system CDP as one of China’s leading companies in sustainability.

“Construction on the further 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 water parks, a Cineplex, fine-dining restaurants and state-of-the-art MICE spaces.

“The Board has, after evaluating the Company’s current liquidity position and future expected capital needs, decided to declare another quarterly dividend of US$0.16512 per ADS.

“Melco remains committed to managing its balance sheet in a prudent manner. As of December 31, 2019, net-debt-to-last-twelve-months-EBITDA remained modest at approximately 2x, enabling us to continue with our regular dividend program, while retaining ample financial flexibility to reinvest in our existing properties and to pursue new development opportunities.

“Lastly, Japan continues to be a core focus for us. In September 2019, we announced our ‘Yokohama First’ policy as we focus our Japan team on bringing to Yokohama the best IR the world has ever seen. In December 2019, we submitted our response for the Yokohama RFC.

“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 Yokohama realize the vision of developing a world-leading IR with a unique, Japanese touch.”

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