News
Macau Success Delivers Satisfactory Interim Results 2008
HONG KONG-(Business Wire)-June 18, 2008 - Macau Success Limited:
Highlights:
— Total turnover decreased 5% to approximately HK$50.2 million
— Gross profit amounted to approximately HK$47.8 million
— Profit attributable to equity shareholders of the Company and EPS surged to HK$51.2 million and HKcents 2.14 respectively
— Proposed acquisition of the Jade Travel Group enhances the Company's travel business
— Developing a strategic partnership with SBI Macau to pave way for the Company's long-term growth
Macau Success Limited ("Macau Success" or the "Company";)(SEHK:00487) today announced its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 31 March 2008. During the period under review, total turnover decreased by 5% to approximately HK$50.2 million (2007: approximately HK$52.8 million). Gross profit remained stable at approximately HK$47.8 million (2007: approximately HK$47.8 million). The Company's profit attributable to equity shareholders increased 664% to HK$51.2 million compared with the same period last year. Earnings per share of the Company increased significantly to HK2.14 cents (2007: HK0.31 cents). The Board of Directors did not recommend the declaration of any interim dividend for the period under review.
Mr. Sonny Yeung, Chairman of Macau Success, commented on the Company's interim results, "The overall financial performance of the Company improved compared to the same period last year. Casino of Ponte 16 started operation on 1 February 2008. This marked a new chapter for the Company and it started to enjoy a presence in the gaming and entertainment industry in Macau. While our cruise business generated a stable source of income, our travel business delivered ameliorated segment results due to effective cost control measures. We remain optimistic about our growth potential as we are capitalizing on the opportunities brought about by the booming Macau economy."
BUSINESS REVIEW
Cruise Business
During the period under review, cruise business continued to be the major contributor to the Company's revenue and a stable source of income. Turnover from leasing and management of the Company's cruise ship, M.V. Macau Success, was approximately HK$48.0 million (2007: approximately HK$47.9 million). It accounted for approximately 95.6% of the Company's total turnover (2007: 90.6% of the Company's turnover). Segment profit decreased by 31.3 % to approximately HK$13.5 million (2007: approximately HK$19.6 million). This reduction in profitability was mainly driven by increasing fuel costs and operating costs. Management anticipates the operating environment of cruise business will remain tough and that further challenges lie ahead. The operation of this business segment is being closely monitored and reviewed.
Travel Business
During the period under review, turnover from the travel business was approximately HK$ 2.2 million (2007: approximately HK$ 4.9 million). It accounted for 4.4% of the Company's total turnover (2007: 9.4% of the Company's turnover). Segment loss from this business narrowed by 11.6% to HK$ 0.3 million, compared to a loss of approximately HK$0.4 million in 2007. The improvement was driven by tightened cost control and enhanced operating efficiency. The Company will continue to adopt its strategy to develop the travel business into a unique platform, providing professional travel services to high-end customers while enhancing the business of Ponte 16.
Investment Project - Ponte 16
Macau Success celebrated the grand opening of its flagship project, Ponte 16, a world-class integrated casino-entertainment resort on 1 February 2008. Management has been delighted by the performance of Casino of Ponte 16 since the commencement of its operation. The highest number of visitors recorded in one single day amounted to 30,000 during the Chinese New Year period. The average number of visitors per day exceeded 10,000 during the first two months since its opening. Average daily mass drop during these two months was approximately HK$14 million. Although there has been a delay in the opening schedule of Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16 as the licence from the Macau SAR Government has yet to be obtained, the Company's long-term outlook should remain intact. The overwhelming enquiries for hotel room bookings received so far have confirmed management's confidence in its forthcoming hotel business.
Partnership with Maruhan
In October 2007, the Company announced a partnership with Maruhan Corporation ("Maruhan"), a leading company in the pachinko industry in Japan. Through Maruhan's equity interests in the Company and its subsidiary, World Fortune Limited, Maruhan currently has an effective interest of about 13% in Ponte 16. With its extensive experience in the entertainment industry and business network in Japan, the Company anticipates more Japanese and Korean customers will be brought to Ponte 16. The Company and Maruhan anticipate to co-operate in developing the gaming industry in Japan, pending a grant of gaming licences. This partnership should accelerate the Company's future growth in the gaming and entertainment related businesses in the Asia-Pacific region.
OUTLOOK
Macau Success is extremely confident about the prospects of Ponte 16 which is set against the backdrop of Macau's booming economy. According to the Government of Macau, the number of tourists who visited Macau in the first quarter of 2008 reached approximately 7.5 million, a year-on-year increase of 17.9%. In the first quarter of 2008, gaming revenue in Macau surged to MOP29.8 billion, representing a year-on-year increase of 62%. Management expects the hotel and restaurants of Ponte 16 will commence operation in the near future, while Phase Two of Ponte 16 complex with the shopping arcade will be completed in 2009.
As part of its continuous effort to strengthen and expand the travel business, the Company signed a conditional sale and purchase agreement to acquire the entire issued share capital of Smart Class Enterprises Limited ("Smart Class") together with its 80% equity interest in Jade Travel Group ("Jade Travel"). Jade Travel is a major air travel consolidator with an extensive office network in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and New York, which offers complex travel plans and tailor-made tour packages to customers. Upon completion of this transaction, the unique new platform will strengthen the Company's international network in the travel business. It enhances the Company's travel business with economies of scale and better operational efficiency among its core businesses, including Ponte 16. In the long run, it can benefit the Company's expansion in gaming and entertainment-related businesses in the Asia-Pacific Region.
Management is actively seeking new opportunities to accelerate the Company's growth. In April 2008, the Company took the initiative to develop a strategic partnership with the reputable Japanese finance group, SBI Holdings Inc ("SBI Holdings"). It entered into a letter of intent ("LOI") with SBI Macau Holdings Limited ("SBI Macau"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SBI Holdings. According to the LOI, SBI Macau may acquire certain indirectly equity interest in Pier 16-Property Development. SBI Holdings and its subsidiaries are engaged in asset management, brokerage and investment banking, housing and real estate businesses and the provision of other financial services. The partnership with SBI Holdings should lift the Company's financial position and further strengthen the Company's network in Japan. Favor Jumbo and SBI Macau will enter into the S&P Agreement no later than 7 July 2008 or such date as both parties may agree in writing.
"The recent announcement by the Macau Government on regulating local gaming industry is perceived to be positive for the healthy development of Macau's gaming industry. With the grand opening of Ponte 16 project and a number of important strategic moves during the period, Macau Success is well-positioned to become one of the leading gaming and entertainment-related companies in the Asia-Pacific region. On top of our solid core businesses, we will continue to explore new opportunities that create synergies, broaden the revenue base and enhance profitability for the Company. We are making strides to create long-term value for our shareholders," Mr. Yeung concluded.
About Macau Success Limited
Macau Success Limited (Stock Code: 00487.HK), being the flagship of Success Universe Group, is currently involved in cruise leasing and management business, travel business, and is actively expanding its business in gaming, entertainment and tourist-related industries in Macau.
The Company owns a 9-deck cruise ship, M.V. Macau Success, which is based in Hong Kong. The ship features a world-class casino and various spectacular entertainment facilities.
With regard to its travel business, the Company offers a wide range of one-stop travel services to customers through Travel Success Limited in Hong Kong and Travel Success (Macau) Limited in Macau respectively.
The Company is actively developing its flagship project, Ponte 16 in Macau, in partnership with SJM - Investimentos Limitada ("SJM - Investimentos"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., and Maruhan Corporation ("Maruhan"). Owned approximately 44% by the Group, 51% by SJM - Investimentos and approximately 5% by Maruhan, Ponte 16 is a world-class integrated casino-entertainment resort. It comprises a five-star luxury hotel - Sofitel Macau at Ponte 16, a casino and renowned restaurants in Phase One, while recreational facilities, a shopping arcade and a European themed promenade will be opened in Phase Two.
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