MGM Resorts reports 13 percent increase in net revenues in Q1

MGM Resorts International reported Monday financial and operating results for the quarter ended March 31, 2019.

While consolidated net revenues increased 13% compared to the prior year quarter to $3.2 billion and consolidated operating income increased 3% compared to the prior year quarter to $370 million, net income attributable to MGM Resorts was $31 million, compared to net income attributable to MGM Resorts of $223 million in the prior year quarter;

Other financial highlights included diluted earnings per share of $0.05 in the current quarter compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.38 in the prior year quarter, current quarter included non-cash income tax charges totaling $0.07 per share on a diluted basis resulting from remeasurement of Macau deferred taxes due to the extension of our sub-concession agreement in Macau, the recording of deferred state taxes resulting from the Empire City Casino transaction and adjustments to our foreign tax credit valuation allowance. The prior year quarter included non-cash income tax benefits totaling $0.17 per share on a diluted basis due to a measurement period adjustment for U.S. Tax Reform and the reversal of Macau shareholder dividend tax accruals; and consolidated Adjusted EBITDA increased 5% to $740 million in the current quarter compared to $701 million in the prior year quarter.

"Our Las Vegas resorts experienced broad and diversified customer demand and our non-gaming revenues grew by 4%," Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM Resorts International said. "We had healthy gaming business outside of baccarat, but previously flagged factors such as a very strong baccarat business in the prior year period and a low win rate in the current period led to flat revenues and a 10% decrease in Adjusted Property EBITDA year over year. Our Regional properties performed exceptionally well with 24% growth in Adjusted Property EBITDA, or 9% on a same store basis. MGM Grand Detroit, MGM National Harbor and our Mississippi properties had strong quarters. MGM Cotai continued to ramp and contributed to the 26% growth in Adjusted Property EBITDA at MGM China. During the quarter, we were very pleased to receive the extension to our Macau sub-concession to June 2022. We remain deeply committed to Macau's continued evolution into an international leisure and tourism destination."

Mr. Murren continued, "We remain focused on achieving our 2020 targets of $3.6 billion to $3.9 billion in consolidated Adjusted EBITDA and significant growth in free cash flow. Our strategy to achieve these goals includes the continued ramping up of MGM Cotai, Park MGM and MGM Springfield, and the implementation of the MGM 2020 Plan. MGM 2020 is a company-wide initiative aimed at leveraging a more centralized organization to maximize profitability and lay the groundwork for the Company's digital transformation to drive revenue growth. We are creating a streamlined, nimble organization that empowers leaders to make faster decisions. We are excited about our targeted growth opportunities in Japan, sports betting and interactive initiatives. At the same time, we are maintaining a disciplined approach to capital allocation and creating long term value for shareholders."

Las Vegas Strip Resorts

• Net revenues of $1.4 billion in both the current and the prior year quarters; and
• Adjusted Property EBITDA of $404 million, a 10% decrease compared to $449 million in the prior year quarter, due primarily to a decrease in casino revenue, and Adjusted Property EBITDA margin of 28.3%, a 311 basis point decrease compared to the prior year quarter.

Regional Operations

• Net revenues increased 21% to $804 million including $78 million in contributions from the opening of MGM Springfield on August 24, 2018 and $37 million in contributions from the acquisition of Empire City Casino on January 29, 2019; and
• Adjusted Property EBITDA of $207 million, a 24% increase compared the prior year quarter and Adjusted Property EBITDA margin of 25.7% in the current quarter, a 61 basis point increase compared to the prior year quarter.

MGM China

• Net revenues increased 23% to $734 million including $301 million from a full quarter of operations at MGM Cotai compared to $85 million in the prior year quarter as the property opened on February 13, 2018; and
• Adjusted Property EBITDA of $191 million, a 26% increase compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting a full quarter of operations and the addition of 25 new-to-market tables on January 1, 2019 at MGM Cotai.

"MGM 2020 is our key focus. We have developed a comprehensive roadmap and we expect to deliver on our 2020 plans and operating model transformation. This re-investment into our business is expected to result in Adjusted EBITDA uplift of $300 million in 2021, compared to when we launched the plan, with phase 1 of $200 million in 2020 and phase 2 of $100 million in 2021. We are making good progress," said Corey Sanders, Chief Financial Officer of MGM Resorts. "We also continue to be focused on fortifying our balance sheet. Earlier this month, we raised $1 billion of senior notes at very attractive rates and used the proceeds to address our near-term maturities. We remain confident in our goal to get our consolidated net leverage to 3-4x by year end 2020."

On Thursday, the company announced a first phase of layoffs aimed at slashing labor costs by USD 100 M. This move is part of a cost-cutting operational shift in an attempt to boost earnings.

Although the current cuts affect managers, not union workers, CEO Jim Murren called the move 'streamlining' and said more positions will be eliminated in coming weeks. 

The complete financial and operating results can be accessed here.