UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

OR

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018

OR

For the transition period from              to             

OR

Date of event requiring this shell company report

Commission file number 001-38699

STUDIO CITY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

Cayman Islands

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

(Address of principal executive offices)

Company Secretary, Tel +852 2598 3600, Fax +852 2537 3618

36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

None.

(Title of Class)

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

None.

(Title of Class)

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

241,818,016 Class A ordinary shares and 72,511,760 Class B ordinary shares outstanding as of December 31, 2018

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.    Item 17  ☐    Item 18  ☐

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ☐    No  ☒

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.    Yes  ☐    No  ☐

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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INTRODUCTION

In this annual report on Form 20-F, unless otherwise indicated:

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This annual report on Form 20-F includes our audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 and as of December 31, 2017 and 2018.

Any discrepancies in any table between totals and sums of amounts listed therein are due to rounding. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not be an arithmetic aggregation of the figures preceding them.

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GLOSSARY

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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This annual report on Form 20-F contains forward-looking statements that relate to future events, including our future operating results and conditions, our prospects and our future financial performance and condition, all of which are largely based on our current expectations and projections. The forward-looking statements are contained principally in the sections entitled “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors,” “Item 4. Information on the Company” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects.” Known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors may cause our actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors” for a discussion of some risk factors that may affect our business and results of operations. Moreover, because we operate in a heavily regulated and evolving industry, may become highly leveraged and operate in Macau, a high-growth market with intense competition, new risk factors may emerge from time to time. It is not possible for our management to predict all risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of these factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement.

In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “potential,” “continue,” “is/are likely to” or other similar expressions. We have based the forward-looking statements largely on our current expectations and projections about future events and financial trends that we believe may affect our financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. These forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements relating to:

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The forward-looking statements made in this annual report on Form 20-F relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, we undertake no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. You should read this annual report on Form 20-F and the documents that we referenced in this annual report on Form 20-F and have filed as exhibits with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.

PART I

Not applicable.

Not applicable.

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A. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 and balance sheet data as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report beginning on page F-1. The Company adopted a new revenue recognition standard issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “New Revenue Standard”) on January 1, 2018 under the modified retrospective method. Results for the periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under the New Revenue Standard, while prior year amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous basis.

The selected consolidated statement of operations data for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 have been derived from our consolidated financial statements not included in this annual report. The consolidated balance sheet data as of December 31, 2014 was not included in this section because Studio City did not commence operations until October 2015. Our consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. You should read the selected consolidated financial data in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and related notes and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” included elsewhere in this annual report. The historical results are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be expected in the future.

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Exchange Rate Information

Our reporting currency is the U.S. Dollar and functional currencies are the U.S. Dollar, Hong Kong Dollar and Macau Pataca. This annual report on Form 20-F contains translations of certain Macau Pataca, Hong Kong Dollar and Renminbi amounts into U.S. Dollars for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise stated, all translations of Hong Kong Dollar and Renminbi amounts into U.S. Dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at the rates of HK$7.8315 to US$1.00 and RMB6.8785 to US$1.00, respectively.

The H.K. dollar is freely convertible into other currencies (including the U.S. dollar). Since October 17, 1983, the H.K. dollar has been officially linked to the U.S. dollar at the rate of HK$7.80 to US$1.00. The market exchange rate has not deviated materially from the level of HK$7.80 to US$1.00 since the peg was first

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established. However, in May 2005, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority broadened the trading band from the original rate of HK$7.80 per U.S. dollar to a rate range of HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per U.S. dollar. The Hong Kong government has stated its intention to maintain the link at that rate and, acting through the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, has a number of means by which it may act to maintain exchange rate stability. However, no assurance can be given that the Hong Kong government will maintain the link at HK$7.75 to HK$7.85 per U.S. dollar or at all.

The noon buying rate on December 31, 2018 in New York City for cable transfers in H.K. dollars per U.S. dollars, provided in the H.10 weekly statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board of the United States as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, was HK$7.8305 to US$1.00. On March 22, 2019, the noon buying rate was HK$7.8466 to US$1.00. We make no representation that any H.K. dollar or U.S. dollar amounts could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. dollar or H.K. dollar, as the case may be, at any particular rate, the rates stated below, or at all.

The following table sets forth information concerning the noon buying rate for H.K. dollars for the period indicated.

On March 22, 2019, the noon buying rate for Renminbi was RMB6.7162 to US$1.00.

The Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar at a rate of HK$1.00 = MOP1.03. All translations from Patacas to U.S. dollars in this annual report on Form 20-F were made at the exchange rate of MOP8.0665 = US$1.00. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York does not certify for customs purposes a noon buying rate for cable transfers in Patacas.

We make no representation that the Macau Pataca, Hong Kong Dollar, Renminbi or U.S. Dollar amounts referred to in this annual report on Form 20-F could have been, or could be, converted into U.S. Dollars, Macau Patacas, Renminbi and Hong Kong Dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all.

B. CAPITALIZATION AND INDEBTEDNESS

Not applicable.

C. REASONS FOR THE OFFER AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not applicable.

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D. RISK FACTORS

Our business, financial condition and results of operations can be affected materially and adversely by any of the following risk factors.

Risks Relating to Our Business

We have a short operating history compared to many of our competitors and are therefore subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Our short operating history may not be indicative of our future operating results and prospects.

We have a short business operating history compared to many of our competitors, and there is limited historical information available about us upon which you can base your evaluation of our business and prospects. Studio City commenced operations in October 2015. As a result, you should consider our business and prospects in light of the risks, expenses, uncertainties and challenges that we may face given our short operating history in the intensely competitive market of the gaming business. The historical performance at the other casinos operated by the Gaming Operator should not be taken as an indication of Studio City Casino’s future performance or the performance of our remaining project once it commences operations.

We may encounter risks and difficulties frequently experienced by companies with early stage operations, and those risks and difficulties may be heightened by challenging market conditions of the gaming business in Macau and other challenges our business faces. Certain of these risks relate to our ability to:

If we are unable to successfully manage one or more of such risks, we may be unable to operate our businesses in the manner we contemplate and generate revenues in the amounts and at the rate we anticipate. If any of these events were to occur, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operation and cash flows.

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Because neither we nor any of our subsidiaries hold a gaming license in Macau, Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator through the Services and Right to Use Arrangements under the Gaming Operator’s subconcession. Any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with its obligations as a subconcessionaire or any failure by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, including any regulatory requirements thereunder, may have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino.

The Gaming Operator and our subsidiary, Studio City Entertainment, have entered into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements under which the Gaming Operator has agreed to operate Studio City Casino since we do not hold a gaming license in Macau. Under such arrangements, the Gaming Operator deducts gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operations from Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues. We receive the residual amount and recognize such residual amount as revenues from provision of gaming related services.

The Services and Right to Use Arrangements were approved by the Macau government and are subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions imposed by the Macau government on the Gaming Operator and us in connection with granting its approval. Such conditions include but are not limited to Studio City Entertainment being subject to Macau government supervision applicable to gaming concessionaires and subconcessionaires. As a substantial part of our revenues and cash flows are generated from the Gaming Operator’s operation of Studio City Casino, any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with any statutory, contractual or any other duties imposed on it as a subconcessionaire or any failure by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, including but not limited to any conditions imposed by the Macau government in granting its approval for our entry into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, may result in the approval for the Services and Right to Use Arrangements being revoked by the Macau government and consequently an inability to receive any amounts thereunder or provide any gaming facilities at Studio City and thus have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino including its suspension or cessation, and may cause the suspension or termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession. In 2008, the Macau government announced that services agreements with respect to gaming activities would no longer be approved or authorized. As a result, if the Services and Right to Use Arrangements or the Gaming Operator’s subconcession is terminated, we may not be able to enter into a new services agreement with another concessionaire or subconcessionaire. Even if such moratorium is lifted, we may not be able to enter into an arrangement for the operation of Studio City Casino with another concessionaire or subconcessionaire on terms that are as comparable or acceptable to us or at all. For details of the terms of the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions.”

Furthermore, the Gaming Operator has exclusive access to the customer database of the gaming operations at Studio City Casino and in the event of termination of the arrangement under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, we may not be able to gain access to such database.

Any material dispute with the Gaming Operator or any failure by the Gaming Operator to comply with its obligations under its subconcession or by the Gaming Operator or us to comply with its or our respective obligations under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, including but not limited to any conditions imposed by the Macau government in granting its approval for our entry into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, may have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino and in turn affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We rely on services provided by subsidiaries of Melco Resorts, including hiring and training of personnel for Studio City.

According to the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, the Gaming Operator, a subsidiary of Melco Resorts, is responsible for the operation of the Studio City Casino facilities, including hiring, employing, training

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and supervising casino personnel. The Gaming Operator deducts gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operations, including staff costs from Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues. We expect the Gaming Operator to continue managing all recruitment and training-related matters for staff that have been deployed at Studio City Casino.

In addition, under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, we receive certain services from certain members of the Melco Resorts group. We rely on the Master Service Providers to recruit, allocate, train, manage and supervise a substantial majority of the staff who are all solely dedicated to our property to perform our corporate and administrative functions and carry out other non-gaming activities, including food and beverage management, retail management, hotel management, entertainment projects, mall development and sales and marketing activities, among others. In addition, pursuant to the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, certain shared services staff including certain senior management from the Master Service Providers are not solely dedicated to our property and may not devote all of their time and attention to the operation of Studio City. These shared services staff work for other properties owned by Melco Resorts, which may directly and indirectly compete with us. Any expansion of the business of Melco Resorts, whether effectuated through the Gaming Operator or other companies, could divert the attention and time of these shared services staff from the operations of Studio City and adversely affect us.

If the Gaming Operator or the Master Service Providers are unable to attract and retain a sufficient number of qualified staff or to provide satisfactory services to us or the costs of qualified staff increase significantly, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

The costs associated with the Services and Right to Use Arrangements and the Management and Shared Services Arrangements may not be indicative of the actual costs we could have incurred as an independent company.

Under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, the Gaming Operator deducts gaming tax and the costs of operation of Studio City Casino. We receive the residual gross gaming revenues and recognize these amounts as our revenues from provision of gaming related services.

Under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, certain of our corporate and administrative functions as well as operational activities are administered by staff employed by certain subsidiaries of Melco Resorts, including senior management services, centralized corporate functions and operational and venue support services. Payment arrangements for the services are provided for in the individual work agreements and may vary depending on the services provided. Corporate services are charged at pre-negotiated rates, subject to a base fee and cap. Senior management service fees and staff costs on operational services are allocated to us based on percentages of efforts on the services provided to us. Other costs in relation to shared office equipment are allocated based on a percentage of usage.

We believe the costs incurred under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements and the allocation methods under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements are reasonable and the consolidated financial statements reflect our cost of doing business. However, such allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses we would have incurred had we operated as an independent company.

We face concentration risk in relation to our sole operation of Studio City.

We are dependent upon the operation of Studio City to generate our revenue and cash flows. Given that our operations are conducted only at Studio City in Macau, we are subject to greater risks than a company with several operating properties in several markets. These risks include, but are not limited to:

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Any of these conditions or events could have a material adverse effect on our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.

In addition, as Macau is a limited gaming concession market nearing its land capacity for the development of integrated resorts, opportunities to expand our operations, if any, may be limited.

The Gaming Operator has informed us that it will cease the operation of VIP rolling chip tables at the Studio City Casino on January 15, 2020. The discontinuation of such VIP rolling chip operations is likely to materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

VIP rolling chip operations, including both junket and premium direct VIP offerings, were introduced at Studio City Casino in early November 2016. Such VIP rolling chip operations are operated by the Gaming Operator under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements. The VIP tables used in such operations were initially allocated by the Macau government for operation by the Gaming Operator at gaming areas of the Gaming Operator’s other properties in Macau. In January 2019, the Gaming Operator informed us that it will cease VIP rolling chip operations at the Studio City Casino on January 15, 2020.

The 250 mass market gaming tables permitted to be operated at the Studio City Casino by the Gaming Operator are designated for mass market purposes only and there is no assurance or expectation that such tables may be operated as VIP rolling chip tables in the future as the Macau government has determined that tables authorized for mass market gaming operations may not be utilized for VIP gaming operations. Amounts received from the Studio City Casino VIP gaming operations, as determined under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, amounted to US$36.6 million and US$35.7 million in 2017 and 2018, respectively.

We expect the discontinuation of the VIP rolling chip operations at Studio City Casino to have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

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Studio City Casino’s VIP rolling chip operations, while they continue, may cause volatility in our financial condition and results of operations due to changes in the economic and regulatory environments and Studio City Casino’s ability to attract and retain VIP rolling chip players.

Studio City Casino has and, while it continues to conduct VIP rolling chip operations until those operations cease pursuant to the notice we received from the Gaming Operator in January 2019, is expected to incur costs associated with the VIP rolling chip operations, while the expected revenues to be generated from the VIP rolling chip operations may be volatile primarily due to high bets and the resulting high winnings and losses. Gross win per VIP table per day was approximately US$40,000 and US$38,000 in 2017 and 2018, respectively. VIP rolling chip operations are also more vulnerable to changes in the economic environment and therefore inherently more volatile than mass market operations. For example, according to statistics compiled from the DICJ, VIP rolling chip gross gaming revenues declined slightly in Macau from 2015 to 2016 while mass market gross gaming revenues increased slightly during the same period. Moreover, VIP rolling chip operations involve commissions to the gaming promoters and, as a result, the margins associated with VIP rolling chip operations are usually lower than the margins for mass market operations and may also be volatile from period-to-period due to significant variances in winnings and losses. As a result, Studio City Casino’s business, results of operations and cash flows may become more volatile, while it continues to conduct VIP rolling chip operations, compared to that of other casinos with only mass market gaming operations.

Further, the VIP rolling chip players pool is limited and we cannot assure you that the existing VIP rolling chip players at Studio City Casino will be recurring players. If Studio City Casino loses its existing VIP rolling chip players or fails to attract new VIP rolling chip players while VIP rolling chip operations are ongoing, our revenues and cash flows from the provision of gaming-related services could be materially and adversely affected. In addition, the VIP rolling chip segment may be particularly susceptible to certain changes in government policies, regulations and enforcement actions. For instance, the anti-corruption campaign of the Chinese government has had a negative effect on the VIP rolling chip segment in Macau. Any further campaigns may negatively affect the numbers of VIP rolling chip players in Macau and in turn, materially and adversely affect our business.

We have a history of net losses and may not achieve profitability in the future.

Studio City may not be financially successful or generate the cash flows that we anticipate. We had net losses attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$21.6 million, US$76.4 million, US$242.8 million and US$232.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, primarily because Studio City only commenced operations in October 2015 and is still in its ramp-up period. In addition, we incurred negative operating cash flows of US$113.1 million in 2015.

We expect our costs and expenses to increase in absolute amounts due to (i) the continued expansion of our operations, which will cause us to incur increased costs and expenses associated with the operation of our businesses; and (ii) the continued development of our remaining project.

We also expect that our capital expenditures will continue to increase as we continue to expand our existing operations and develop our remaining project. These efforts may be more costly than we expect and our revenue may not increase sufficiently to offset these expenses. We may continue to take actions and make investments that do not generate optimal short-term financial results and may even result in increased operating losses in the short term with no assurance that we will eventually achieve the intended long-term benefits or profitability. These factors may adversely affect our ability to achieve profitability and service debt obligations and interest payments under any of our existing or future financing facilities.

We have a substantial amount of existing indebtedness and may incur additional indebtedness, which could have significant effects on our business and future operations.

We have a substantial amount of existing indebtedness. As of December 31, 2018, we had total outstanding indebtedness of approximately US$1,625.1 million, representing the outstanding principal balances of our

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existing notes and credit facility. In addition, on February 11, 2019, Studio City Finance issued US$600.0 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2019 Notes, the net proceeds of which were partly used to pay the tendering noteholders from the 2012 Notes Tender Offer in February 2019, which amounted to US$216.5 million in aggregate principal amount of the 2012 Notes, and to redeem the remaining outstanding principal amount of the 2012 Notes in March 2019, which amounted to US$208.5 million in aggregate principal amount. See “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources — Indebtedness.” Significant interest and principal payments are required to meet our obligations under the existing indebtedness. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences for you and significant effects on our business and future operations. For example:

Under the terms of the indentures governing our existing indebtedness, we will be permitted to incur additional indebtedness if certain conditions are met, some of which may be senior secured indebtedness. If we incur additional indebtedness, certain risks described above will be exacerbated.

If we are unable to comply with our existing and/or future indebtedness obligations and other agreements, there could be a default under those agreements. If that occurs, lenders could terminate their respective commitments to lend to us or terminate their respective agreements, and holders of our debt securities could accelerate repayment of debt and declare all outstanding amounts due and payable, as the case may be. Furthermore, existing agreements governing our indebtedness contain, and future agreements governing our indebtedness are likely to contain, cross-acceleration or cross-default provisions. As a result, our default under any such agreement may cause the acceleration of repayment of other indebtedness, or result in a default under agreements governing our other indebtedness. If any of these events occur, our assets and cash flows may not be sufficient to repay in full all of our indebtedness and we may not be able to find alternative financing. Even if we are able to obtain alternative financing, it may not be on terms that are comparable or acceptable to us.

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Certain covenants under our agreements governing our existing indebtedness restrict our ability to engage in certain transactions and may impair our ability to respond to changing business and economic conditions.

Certain covenants under our agreements governing our existing indebtedness impose operating and financial restrictions on us. The restrictions that are imposed under these debt instruments include, among other things, limitations on our ability to:

Certain of our credit facilities and debt instruments are secured by mortgages, assignment of land use rights, leases or equivalents, security over shares, charges over bank accounts, security over assets and other customary security over the assets of our subsidiaries. In the event of a default under such credit facilities and debt instruments, the holders of such secured indebtedness would first be entitled to payment from their collateral security and only then would holders of certain of our subsidiaries’ unsecured debt be entitled to payment from their remaining assets.

As a result of these covenants and restrictions, we will be limited in how we conduct our business, and we may be unable to raise additional financing to compete effectively or to take advantage of new business opportunities. Future indebtedness or other contracts could contain financial or other covenants more restrictive than those contained in the agreements governing the existing indebtedness. In addition, general economic conditions, industry conditions and other events beyond our control may also affect our ability to comply with these provisions. If we fail to abide by such covenants, we may be unable to maintain our current financing arrangements, obtain suitable future financings or avoid an event of default which may adversely impact our cash flows, existing operations and future development.

We generate a portion of our revenues from, and are subject to risks in operating, non-gaming offerings.

We generate a portion of our revenues from non-gaming offerings and our financial performance in part depends on our ability to attract new and repeat customers to the non-gaming facilities at Studio City. Both visitation and the level of spending at our themed attractions, hotel, retail shops, restaurants and other leisure and entertainment facilities are key drivers of revenues and profitability, and reductions in either could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows. In addition, the cessation

of the operation of VIP tables by the Gaming Operator at Studio City Casino in January 2020, or any reduction in such operation prior to such cessation, could have a material adverse effect on visitation and the level of spending at our leisure and entertainment facilities as rolling chip patrons have become increasingly significant growth drivers for our high-end retail and fine-dining offerings. We do not have a long track record in operating these non-gaming facilities and may not be able to attract new and recurring customers to our non-gaming facilities at Studio City. Our success in non-gaming offerings depends on, among others, the effectiveness of our

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advertising and marketing initiatives, the attractiveness and safety of our entertainment facilities as compared to other resorts in Macau, the compliance with legal and regulatory requirements for our retail, entertainment and food and beverage outlets and our continued cooperation with the popular retail brands and restaurants. Moreover, many of our attractions which draw in large numbers of visitors, such as the Golden Reel and Batman Dark Flight may become obsolete in terms of technology or otherwise fail to continue to attract sufficient number of visitors. We cannot assure you that we will be financially successful in our non-gaming offerings or be able to maintain the average daily rate, occupancy rate and REVPAR of Studio City hotel or visitation to Studio City in general, which may adversely affect our ability to generate the cash flows that we anticipate and impact our operations and financial condition.

Studio City Casino’s gaming operations could be impacted by the reputation and integrity of the parties engaged in business activities at Studio City Casino and we cannot assure you that these parties will always maintain high standards of conduct or suitability throughout the term of Studio City Casino’s association with them. Failure to do so may potentially cause the Gaming Operator, us and our shareholders to suffer harm to our and our shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators.

The reputation and integrity of the parties who are or will be engaged in gaming activities at Studio City Casino are important to the continued operations of the casino in compliance with Gaming Operator’s subconcession and our own reputation. For parties that engage in gaming related activities, where relevant, the gaming regulators are expected to undertake their own probity checks and will reach their own suitability findings in respect of the activities and parties with which Studio City Casino may be associated. In addition, we conduct, and we expect that the Gaming Operator will conduct, an internal due diligence and evaluation process prior to the engagement of such parties. However, notwithstanding such regulatory probity checks, the Gaming Operator’s due diligence and our own due diligence, we cannot assure you that the parties with whom Studio City Casino is or will be associated will always maintain the high standards that gaming regulators, the Gaming Operator and we require or that such parties will maintain their suitability throughout the term of Studio City Casino’s association with them. If Studio City Casino were to be associated with any party whose probity was in doubt, this may reflect negatively on the Gaming Operator and our own probity when assessed by gaming regulators. A party associated with Studio City Casino may fall below the gaming regulators’ suitability standards.

In particular, the reputation of the gaming promoters operating in Studio City Casino is important to the Gaming Operator’s ability to continue to operate in compliance with its subconcession and our own reputation. While we endeavor, and we expect that the Gaming Operator also endeavors, to ensure high standards of probity and integrity in such gaming promoters, we cannot assure you that such gaming promoters will always maintain such high standards. If the probity of a gaming promoter associated with Studio City Casino was in doubt or such promoter failed to operate in compliance with Macau laws consistently, this may be considered by regulators or investors to reflect negatively on the Gaming Operator’s and on our own probity and compliance records. Such a gaming promoter may fall below the Gaming Operator’s or our standards of probity, integrity and legal compliance. There can also be no assurance that any allegation against, or negative publicity relating to, the gaming promoters operating in Studio City Casino or the Gaming Operator’s or our standards of probity, integrity and legal compliance will not have a material adverse impact on our reputation and business operations.

If any of the above were to occur, we, the Gaming Operator and our shareholders may suffer harm to our, the Gaming Operator’s and our shareholders’ reputation, as well as impaired relationships with, and possibly sanctions from, gaming regulators with authority over operations.

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We are developing the remaining project for Studio City under the terms of a land concession contract which require us to fully develop the land on which Studio City is located by July 24, 2021. If we do not complete development by that time and the Macau government does not grant us an extension of the development period, we could be forced to forfeit all or part of our investment in Studio City, along with our interest in the land on which Studio City is located and the buildings and structures on such land.

Land concessions in Macau are issued by the Macau government and generally have terms of 25 years and are renewable for further consecutive periods of ten years. Land concessions further stipulate a period within which the development of the land must be completed. In accordance with the Studio City land concession contract, the land on which Studio City is located must be fully developed by July 24, 2021. While we opened Studio City in October 2015, development for the remaining land of Studio City is still ongoing and in the early stages. There is no guarantee we will complete the development of the remaining project for the land of Studio City by the deadline. In the event that additional time is required to complete the development of the remaining project for Studio City, we will have to apply for an extension of the relevant development period which shall be subject to Macau government review and approval at its discretion. While the Macau government may grant extensions if we meet certain legal requirements and the application for the extension is made in accordance with the relevant rules and regulations, there can be no assurance that the Macau government will grant us any necessary extension of the development period or not exercise its right to terminate the Studio City land concession. In the event that no extension is granted or the Studio City land concession is terminated, we could lose all or substantially all of our investment in Studio City, including our interest in land and buildings and may not be able to continue to operate Studio City as planned, which will materially adversely affect our business and prospects, results of operations and financial condition.

Future development of the remaining project is subject to significant risks and uncertainties.

Under our current plan for the remaining project, the remaining project is expected to consist of two hotel towers with approximately 900 rooms and suites and a gaming area. In addition, we currently envision the remaining project to also contain a waterpark with indoor and outdoor areas. Other non-gaming attractions expected to be part of the remaining project include MICE space, retail and food and beverage outlets and a cineplex.

The development and construction risks of this remaining project at Studio City include:

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We are in the early stages of development of the remaining project. However, there is no assurance that our expected development plan will be successful and that we will be able to secure commercial terms favorable to us from our potential business or financing sources. In addition, we expect that our capital expenditures and depreciation and amortization expenses will increase as we continue to develop our remaining project. As of December 31, 2018, we have incurred approximately US$39.6 million of aggregate costs relating to the development of our remaining project, primarily related to the initial design and planning costs. Based on our current plan for the remaining project, we currently expect a project budget of approximately US$1.35 billion to US$1.40 billion for the development of the remaining project (exclusive of any pre-opening costs and financing costs) and an estimated construction period of approximately 32 months. As we obtain additional debt and/or equity financing, our leverage may intensify, our financing-related costs may increase and your equity interest in us may be diluted, as the case may be. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that we may be able to respond adequately to competitive or unfavorable market conditions to successfully operate and capitalize on our investment in the remaining project when it commences operations.

The occurrence of any of these development or construction risks could increase the total costs, delay or prevent the construction or opening or otherwise affect the design and features of the remaining project at Studio City. We cannot guarantee that our construction costs or total project costs for the remaining project at Studio City will not increase above our budget. Any failure to complete the remaining project on time or within our budget could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We may not be able to obtain adequate financing on satisfactory terms for our existing business and/or remaining project, or at all.

In the past, we have funded our capital investment projects primarily through credit facilities and other debt financings. We will require additional funding in the future for the expansion of our current business and/or development of our remaining project, which may be substantial and which we may raise through a combination of credit, debt and equity financings. We may be required to seek the approval or consent of or notify the relevant government authorities or third parties in order to obtain such financings. We cannot assure you that we would be able to obtain such required approval or consent from the relevant government authorities or third parties with respect to such financing in a timely manner or at all.

Any financing related to the remaining project at Studio City will also be subject to, among others, the terms of our existing and any future financings. In addition, our ability to obtain credit, debt or equity financing on acceptable terms depends on a variety of factors that are beyond our control, including market conditions, investors’ and lenders’ perceptions of, and demand for, bond, bank and equity securities of gaming companies, credit availability and interest rates. For example, changes in ratings outlooks may subject us to ratings agency downgrades, which could make it more difficult for us to obtain financing on acceptable terms.

As a result, we cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain sufficient funding on terms satisfactory to us, or at all, to finance our existing business and/or remaining project. If we are unable to obtain such funding, our business, cash flow, financial condition, results of operations and prospects could be materially and adversely affected. We continue to explore opportunities and may, from time to time, seek to obtain new financings or refinance our outstanding debt through the international markets. Any such financing, and our evaluation thereof, will depend on the prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

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Our results of operations are subject to seasonality and other fluctuations.

We are subject to seasonality and other fluctuations in our business. Our revenue is also largely affected by promotional and marketing activities and revenue may increase as a result of these activities. Launch of new promotions or the timing of such promotions may further cause our quarterly results to fluctuate and differ from historical patterns. Our results of operations will likely fluctuate due to these and other factors, some of which are beyond our control, including but not limited to: (i) fluctuations in overall consumer demand for gaming and hospitality, leisure and resort during certain months and holidays; (ii) introduction of new policies or regulatory measures; and (iii) macro-economic conditions and their effect on discretionary consumer spending. Because of these and other factors as well as the short operating history of our business, it is difficult for us to accurately identify recurring seasonal trends in our business. In addition, our rapid growth has masked certain fluctuations that might otherwise be apparent in our results of operations. When our growth stabilizes, the seasonality in our business may become more pronounced. If we fail to accurately identify the seasonal trends in our business and match our customer services and supplies in an effective manner, it may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Macau’s infrastructure may not adequately support the development of Macau’s gaming and leisure industry, which may adversely affect our expected performance.

Macau consists of a peninsula and two islands and is connected to China by two border crossings. Macau has an international airport and connections to China and Hong Kong by road, ferry and helicopter. To support Macau’s planned future development as a gaming and leisure destination, the frequency of bus, car, air and ferry services to Macau will need to increase. While various projects are under development to improve Macau’s internal and external transportation links, including the Macau Light Rapid Transit and capacity expansion of border crossings, these projects may not be approved, financed or constructed in time to handle the projected increase in demand for transportation or at all, which could impede the expected increase in visitation to Macau and adversely affect Studio City. For example, there has been a delay in the development of the Macau Light Rapid Transit, and the benefits expected to be brought by Studio City’s proximity to one of the planned Cotai hotel-casino resort stops may not be fully realized until the commencement of operations of such light rail stop. Any further delays or termination of Macau’s transportation infrastructure projects may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Furthermore, the expected reduction in travel time from Hong Kong as well as throughout China to Macau following the completion of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge, which opened to traffic on October 23, 2018, may not materialize, and may not result in increased traffic to Macau and to Studio City as a result.

Health and safety or food safety incidents at Studio City may lead to reputational damage and financial exposures.

We provide goods and services to a significant number of customers on a daily basis at Studio City. In particular, with the number of attractions, entertainment and food and beverage offerings in Studio City, there are risks of health and safety incidents or adverse food safety events, such as food poisoning, slip and fall accidents or surges in crowd flow at popular ingress and egress points. While we have a number of measures and controls in place aimed at managing such risks, we cannot guarantee that our insurance is adequate to cover all losses, which may subject us to incur additional costs and damages, and negatively impact our financial performance. Such incidents may also lead to reduced customer flow and reputational damage to Studio City.

Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber security risks, including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security, as well as regulatory and other risks.

We rely on information technology and other systems (including those maintained by third-parties with whom we contract to provide data services) to maintain and transmit large volumes of customer information,

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credit card settlements, credit card funds transmissions, mailing lists and reservations information and other personally identifiable information. We also maintain important internal company data such as personally identifiable information about our staff and information relating to our operations. The systems and processes we have implemented to protect customers, staff and company information are subject to the rapidly changing risks of compromised security and may therefore become outdated. Despite our preventive efforts, we are subject to the risks of compromised security, including cyber and physical security breaches, system failure, computer viruses, technical malfunction, inadequate system capacity, power outages, natural disasters and inadvertent, negligent or intentional misuse, disclosure or dissemination of information or data by customers, company staff or employees of third-party vendors as well as ransomware attacks that encrypt, exfiltrate or otherwise render data unusable or unavailable. These risks can also be manifested in a variety of other ways, including through methods which may not yet be known to the cyber security community, and have become increasingly difficult to anticipate and prevent.

The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful and our insurance coverage for protecting against cyber security risks may not be sufficient. Our third-party information system service providers face risks relating to cyber security similar to ours, and we do not directly control any of such service providers’ information security operations. A significant theft, loss or fraudulent use of customer or company data maintained by us or by a third-party service provider could have an adverse effect on our reputation, cause a material disruption to our operations and management team, and result in remediation expenses, regulatory penalties and litigation by customers and other parties whose information was subject to such attacks, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations and cash flows. If our information technology systems become damaged or otherwise cease to function properly, our sales and results of operations may be adversely affected and we may have to make significant investments to repair or replace them. Furthermore, any extended downtime from power supply disruptions or information technology system outages which may be caused by cyber security attacks or other reasons at Studio City may lead to an adverse impact on our operating results if we are unable to deliver services to customers for an extended period of time.

Despite the security measures we currently have in place, our facilities and systems and those of our third-party service providers may be vulnerable to security breaches, acts of vandalism, phishing attacks, computer viruses, misplaced or lost data, programming or human errors and other events. Cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly more difficult to anticipate and prevent due to their rapidly evolving nature and, as a result, the technology we use to protect our systems could become outdated. The occurrence of any of the cyber incidents described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and cash flows.

Any perceived or actual electronic or physical security breach involving the misappropriation, loss, or other unauthorized disclosure of confidential or personally identifiable information, whether by us or by a third party, could disrupt our business, damage our reputation and relationships with our customers and staff, expose us to risks of litigation, significant fines and penalties and liability, result in the deterioration of our customers’ and staff’s confidence in us, and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. Any perceived or actual unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information of our staff, customers or website visitors could harm our reputation and credibility and reduce our ability to attract and retain staff and customers. As these threats develop and grow, we may find it necessary to make significant further investments to protect our data and infrastructure, including the implementation of new computer systems or upgrades to existing systems, deployment of additional personnel and protection-related technologies, engagement of third-party consultants, and training of employees.

Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff and customer information and comply with applicable privacy regulations may result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks.

Our businesses collect, use and transmit large volumes of data, including credit card numbers and personal data in various information systems relating to our customers and staff, and such personal data may be

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collected and/or used in, and transmitted to or from, multiple jurisdictions. Our customers and staff have a high expectation that we will adequately protect their personal information. Such collection, use and/or transmission of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations and such laws and regulations change often, vary significantly by jurisdiction and often are newly enacted. For example, the European Union (EU)’s General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”), which became effective in May 2018, requires companies to meet new and more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data. The GDPR also captures data processing by non-EU firms with no EU establishment as long as such non-EU firms’ processing relates to “offering goods or services” or the “monitoring” of individuals in the EU. As GDPR is a newly enacted law, there is limited precedence on the interpretation and application of GDPR. In addition, we must also comply with other industry standards such as those for the credit card industry and other applicable data security standards.

Compliance with applicable privacy regulations may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to our customers and guests. For example, these laws and regulations may restrict information sharing in ways that make it more difficult to obtain or share information concerning at risk individuals. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third parties engaged by us) may result in damage of reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, payment of damages, lawsuits, criminal liability or restrictions on our use or transfer of data. Failure to meet the GDPR requirements, for example, may result in penalties of up to four percent of worldwide revenue.

Negative press or publicity about us or our directors, officers or affiliates may lead to government investigations, result in harm to our business, brand or reputation and have a material and adverse effect on our business.

Unfavorable publicity regarding us or our directors, officers or affiliates whether substantiated or not, may have a material and adverse effect on our business, brand and reputation. Such negative publicity may require us to engage in a defensive media campaign, which may divert our management’s attention, result in an increase in our expenses and adversely impact our results of operations or financial condition. The continued expansion in the use of social media over recent years has compounded the potential scope of the negative publicity that could be generated. Any negative press or publicity could also lead to government or other regulatory investigations, including causing regulators to take action against us or the Gaming Operator, including actions that could affect the ability or terms upon which the Gaming Operator holds its subconcession, its or our suitability to continue as a shareholder of certain subsidiaries and/or the suitability of key personnel to remain with the Gaming Operator. If any of these events were to occur, it would cause a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

If qualified management and personnel cannot be retained at Studio City, our business could be significantly harmed.

We place substantial reliance on the gaming, project development and hospitality industry experience and knowledge of the Macau market possessed by members of our board of directors, our senior management team as well as other management personnel who serve Studio City under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements. We may experience changes in our key management in the future for reasons beyond our control. Loss of Mr. Lawrence Ho’s services or the services of the other members of our board of directors or key management personnel could hinder our ability to effectively manage our business and implement our growth and development strategies. Finding suitable replacements for members of our board of directors or senior management could be difficult, and competition for personnel of similar experience could be intense in Macau. In addition, we do not currently carry key person insurance on any members of our senior management team.

Operation of Studio City also requires extensive operational management and staff. The supply of experienced skilled and unskilled personnel in Macau is severely limited. Many of the personnel occupy sensitive positions requiring qualifications sufficient to meet gaming regulatory and other requirements or are required to

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possess other skills for which substantial training and experience may be needed. Moreover, competition to recruit and retain qualified gaming and other personnel is likely to intensify further as competition in the Macau integrated resort market increases. In addition, concessionaires and subconcessionaires are not currently allowed under the Macau government’s policy to hire non-Macau resident dealers and supervisors. We cannot assure you that a sufficient number of qualified individuals will be attracted and retained to operate Studio City or that costs to recruit and retain such personnel will not increase significantly. In addition, the Gaming Operator has recently been subject to certain labor demands and rallies. The inability to attract, retain and motivate qualified staff by the Gaming Operator and Master Service Providers could have a material adverse effect on our business.

In addition, recruitment efforts for the operations of Studio City may be adversely impacted by Macau government’s policies with respect to the approval and renewal of work permits for non-resident workers. In its policy address for the financial year of 2016, the Macau government disclosed that it had turned down 59 renewal applications of non-resident skilled workers for the gaming industry in the period from January to August 2015, a three-fold increase on the number of applications declined the previous year. In its policy address for 2017, the Macau government announced that it would continue to submit the applications for employment of non-resident workers to a rigorous exam and to stimulate the promotion of local workers to management positions in the gaming industry, signaling a tighter control on the employment of non-resident workers. Further, in its policy addresses for 2018 and 2019, the Macau government has stressed once again that it will continue to monitor the proportion of management positions held by local workers in gaming operators and implement measures to ensure that such proportion is kept at a percentage not lower than 85% for senior and mid-management positions.

As we develop our remaining project, the construction of such project is subject to hazards that may cause personal injury or loss of life that expose us to liabilities and possible losses.

The construction of large-scale properties, such as the remaining project for Studio City, can be dangerous. Construction workers at such sites are subject to hazards that may cause personal injury or loss of life, thereby subjecting the contractors and us to liabilities, possible losses, delays in completion of the projects and negative publicity. We believe, and require that, our contractors take safety precautions that are consistent with industry practice, but these safety precautions may not be adequate to prevent serious personal injuries or loss of life, damage to property or delays. We are in the early stages of development of the remaining project. However, if accidents occur during the construction of our remaining project, there may be serious delays, including delays imposed by regulators, liabilities and possible losses which may not be covered by insurance, and our business, prospects and reputation may be materially and adversely affected.

Any simultaneous planning, design, construction and development of our remaining project may stretch our management’s time and resources, which could lead to delays, increased costs and other inefficiencies in the development of these projects.

There may be overlap in the planning, design, development and construction periods of our remaining project. Members of our senior management will be involved in planning and developing our remaining project at the same time, in addition to overseeing our day-to-day operations. Our management may be unable to devote sufficient time and attention to the remaining project, as well as Studio City, which may result in delays in the construction or opening of any of our future projects, cause construction cost overruns or cause the performance of Studio City to be lower than expected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our contractors may face difficulties in finding sufficient labor at an acceptable cost, which could cause delays and increase construction costs after we commence development of our remaining project.

The contractors we retain to construct our projects may face difficulties and competition in finding qualified construction labor and managers as more projects commence construction in Macau and as substantial

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construction activity continues in China. Immigration and labor regulations in Macau may cause our contractors to be unable to recruit sufficient laborers from China to make up for any shortage in available labor in Macau and to help reduce the costs of construction, which could cause delays and increase the construction costs of our remaining project.

The possible infringement of key intellectual property used in our business, the dissemination of proprietary information used in our business or the infringement or alleged infringement of intellectual property rights belonging to third parties could adversely affect our business.

As part of our branding strategy, we have applied for or registered a number of trademarks (including “Studio City” trademarks and “Where Cotai Begins” trademarks) in Macau, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions for use in connection with Studio City. Where possible, we intend to continue to register trademarks as we develop, review and implement our branding strategy for Studio City. We intend to take steps to safeguard our intellectual property from infringement by third parties, such as taking actions against trademark and copyright violations, if and when necessary, and our staff and/or staff of the Gaming Operator or its affiliates or its designees are subject to confidentiality provisions in their employment agreements. Despite such measures, we cannot assure you that we will be successful in defending against the infringement of intellectual property to be used in our business or that any proprietary information to be used in our business will not be disseminated to our competitors, which could have an adverse effect on our future results of operations. In addition, our current and any future trademarks are subject to expiration and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to renew all of them prior to expiration. Our inability to renew the registration of certain trademarks and the loss of such trademarks could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

We face the potential risk of claims that we have infringed the intellectual property rights of third parties, which could be expensive and time-consuming to defend, cause us to cease using certain intellectual property rights or selling or providing certain products or services, result in us being required to pay significant damages or to enter into costly royalty or licensing agreements in order to obtain the right to use a third party’s intellectual property rights (if available at all), any of which could have a negative impact on the operation of Studio City and harm our future prospects. Furthermore, if litigation were to result from such claims, our business could be interrupted.

We may not have sufficient insurance coverage.

We currently have various insurance policies providing certain coverage typically required by gaming and hospitality operations in Macau. These insurance policies provide coverage that is subject to policy terms, conditions and limits. Certain of these policies have been obtained by us and certain of these policies have been obtained by Melco Resorts. We cannot assure you that we or, in the case of policies obtained by Melco Resorts, Melco Resorts will be able to renew such insurance coverage on equivalent premium costs, terms, conditions and limits upon their expiration. The cost of coverage may in the future become so high that insurance policies we deem necessary for the operation of our projects may not be obtainable on commercially practicable terms, or at all, or policy limits may need to be reduced or exclusions from our coverage expanded.

We cannot assure you that any such insurance policies we or Melco Resorts obtained or may obtain will be adequate to protect us from material losses. Certain acts and events could expose us to significant uninsured losses. In addition to the damages caused directly by a casualty loss such as fire or natural disasters, we may suffer a disruption of our business as a result of these events or be subject to claims by third parties who may be injured or harmed. While we intend to continue carrying business interruption insurance and general liability insurance, such insurance may not be available on commercially reasonable terms, or at all, and, in any event, may not be adequate to cover all losses that may result from such events.

There is limited available insurance in Macau and our insurers in Macau may need to secure reinsurance in order to provide adequate cover for our property and development projects. Our credit agreements,

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the Subconcession Contract and certain other material agreements require a certain level of insurance to be maintained, which must be obtained in Macau, unless otherwise authorized by the respective counter-parties. Failure to maintain adequate coverage could be an event of default under our credit agreements or the Subconcession Contract and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Studio City Entertainment’s tax exemption from complementary tax on income received from the Gaming Operator under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements will expire in 2021.

Companies in Macau are subject to complementary tax of 12% of taxable income, as defined in relevant tax laws. The Macau government granted to Studio City Entertainment, one of our subsidiaries, a Macau complementary tax exemption until 2021 on profits generated from income received from the Gaming Operator, to the extent that such income results from gaming operations within Studio City Casino and has been subject to gaming tax. We cannot assure you that the complementary tax exemption to Studio City Entertainment will be extended beyond its expiration date. If the tax exemption cannot be extended and we are held liable for complementary tax, it may have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.

From time to time, we may be involved in legal and other proceedings arising out of our operations.

We may be involved in disputes with various parties involved in the construction and operation of Studio City, including contractual disputes with contractors, consultants, suppliers, retailers, food and beverage operators and construction workers. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Legal and Administrative Proceedings.” Regardless of the outcome, these disputes may lead to legal or other proceedings and may result in substantial costs, delays in our development schedule and the diversion of resources and management’s attention. In addition, we may be involved in a variety of litigation, regulatory proceedings and investigation arising out of our business, which are inherently unpredictable. Ultimate judgments or settlements for such proceedings could increase our costs and thereby lower our profitability or have a material adverse effect on our liquidity. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain the appropriate and sufficient types or levels of insurance for Studio City. We may also have disagreements with regulatory bodies in the course of our operations, which may subject us to administrative proceedings and unfavorable decisions that result in penalties, suspension or restrictions on our operations, and/or delay the development of our remaining project at Studio City or closure of outlets at Studio City that are currently in operation. In such cases, our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

In addition, if we are unsuccessful in defending against any claims alleging that we received misappropriated or misapplied funds, this may require further improvements to our existing anti-money laundering procedures, systems and controls and our business operations may be subject to greater scrutiny from relevant regulatory authorities, all of which may increase our compliance costs. We cannot assure you that any provisions we have made for such matters will be sufficient.

Any failure or alleged failure to comply with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or FCPA, could result in penalties, which could harm our reputation and have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to regulations imposed by the FCPA, which prohibits companies and any individuals or entities acting on their behalf from offering or making improper payments or providing benefits to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business, along with various other anti-corruption laws. There has been a general increase in FCPA enforcement activities in recent years by the SEC and the U.S. Department of Justice. Both the number of FCPA cases and sanctions imposed have risen significantly. While we have adopted a compliance program to manage our obligations under the FCPA, we cannot assure you that our staff, contractors and agents will continually adhere to the compliance program. Should they not follow the program,

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we could be subject to investigations, prosecutions and other legal proceedings and actions which could result in civil penalties, administrative remedies and criminal sanctions, any of which may result in a material adverse effect on our reputation, cause us to lose customer relationships or lead to other adverse consequences on our business, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, as a U.S. listed company, certain U.S. laws and regulations apply to our operations and compliance with those laws and regulations increases our cost of doing business.

Fluctuation in the value of the H.K. dollar, U.S. dollar, Macau Pataca or RMB may adversely affect our indebtedness, expenses and profitability.

Although the majority of the revenues from the operation of Studio City are denominated in H.K. dollars, we have certain expenses and revenues denominated in Macau Patacas. In addition, a certain portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses are denominated in U.S. dollars, and the costs associated with repaying such debt and servicing interest payments are denominated in U.S. dollars. The value of the H.K. dollar and Macau Patacas against the U.S. dollar may fluctuate and may be affected by, among other things, changes in political and economic conditions. Although the exchange rate between the H.K. dollar and the U.S. dollar has been pegged since 1983 and the Macau Pataca is pegged to the H.K. dollar, we cannot assure you that the H.K. dollar will remain pegged to the U.S. dollar and that the Macau Pataca will remain pegged to the H.K. dollar. In addition, the currency market for Macau Patacas is relatively small and undeveloped and therefore our ability to convert large amounts of Macau Patacas into U.S. dollars over a relatively short period of time may be limited. As a result, we may experience difficulty in converting Macau Patacas into U.S. dollars, which could hinder our ability to service a portion of our indebtedness and certain expenses denominated in U.S. dollars. On the other hand, to the extent that we are required to convert U.S. dollar financings into H.K. dollars or Macau Patacas for our operations, fluctuations in the exchange rates between H.K. dollars or Macau Patacas against the U.S. dollar could have an adverse effect on the amounts we receive from the conversion.

Furthermore, the depreciation of RMB against U.S. dollar or H.K. dollar will affect the purchasing power of visitors from the PRC, which in turn may affect the visitation and level of spending at Studio City. To date we have not engaged in hedging transactions with respect to foreign exchange exposure of our revenues and expenses in our day-to-day operations. Instead, we plan to maintain a certain amount of our operating funds in the same currencies in which we have obligations, thereby reducing our exposure to currency fluctuations. However, we may occasionally enter into foreign exchange transactions as part of financing transactions and capital expenditure. We will consider our overall policy on hedging for foreign exchange risk from time to time. Any significant fluctuations in the exchange rates mentioned above may have a material adverse effect on our revenues and financial condition.

The audit reports included in this annual report have been prepared by auditors whose work may not be inspected fully by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and, as such, you may be deprived of the benefits of such inspection.

Our independent registered public accounting firms that issue the audit reports included in our annual reports filed with the SEC as auditors of companies that are traded publicly in the United States and firms registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), or the PCAOB, are required by the laws of the United States to undergo regular inspections by the PCAOB to assess their respective compliance with the laws of the United States and professional standards.

Many other clients of our auditors have substantial operations within mainland China, and the PCAOB has been unable to complete inspections of the work of our auditors, and/or their affiliated independent registered public accounting firms in mainland China, without the approval of the Chinese authorities. Thus, our auditors, and/or their affiliated independent registered public accounting firms in mainland China, and their audit work are not currently inspected fully by the PCAOB. On December 7, 2018, the SEC and the PCAOB issued a joint statement highlighting continued challenges faced by the U.S. regulation in their oversight of financial statement audits of U.S.-listed companies with significant operation in China. However, it remains unclear what further actions the SEC and PCAOB will take to address the problem.

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Inspections of other firms that the PCAOB has conducted outside mainland China have identified deficiencies in those firms’ audit procedures and quality control procedures, which can be addressed as part of the inspection process to improve future audit quality. The lack of PCAOB inspections in mainland China prevents the PCAOB from regularly evaluating our auditors’ audit procedures and quality control procedures as they relate to their work, and/or their affiliated independent registered public accounting firms’ work, in mainland China. As a result, investors may be deprived of the benefits of such regular inspections.

The inability of the PCAOB to conduct full inspections of auditors in mainland China makes it more difficult to evaluate the effectiveness of our auditors’ audit procedures and quality control procedures as compared to auditors who primarily work in jurisdictions where the PCAOB has full inspection access. Investors may lose confidence in our reported financial information and the quality of our financial statements.

Risks Relating to the Gaming Industry in Macau

The Subconcession Contract expires in 2022 and if the Gaming Operator is unable to secure an extension of its subconcession, or a new concession or subconcession, in 2022, or if the Macau government were to exercise its redemption right, the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate Studio City Casino.

The Subconcession Contract expires on June 26, 2022. Unless it is extended beyond this date, a new concession or subconcession is granted and/or legislation on reversion of casino premises is amended, Studio City Casino’s gaming related equipment operated by the Gaming Operator under its subconcession will automatically revert to the Macau government without compensation. In addition, under the Subconcession Contract, from 2017, the Macau government has the right to redeem the Subconcession Contract by providing the Gaming Operator with at least one year’s prior notice. The Macau government has not issued formal guidelines or policies with respect to the renewal or extension of subconcessions. In the event the Gaming Operator is not able to renew or extend the Subconcession Contract on terms favorable or acceptable to it, or at all, or the Macau government redeems the Subconcession, our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects may be materially and adversely affected and we would be subject to additional refinancing risks with respect to our existing indebtedness.

Under the Gaming Operator’s subconcession, the Macau government may terminate the subconcession under certain circumstances without compensation to the Gaming Operator and may determine that Studio City Casino may not continue to operate under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, which would prevent the operation of Studio City Casino.

Under the Gaming Operator’s subconcession, the Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate the subconcession in the event of non-compliance by the Gaming Operator with its basic obligations under the subconcession and applicable Macau laws. If such a termination were to occur, the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate casino gaming in Macau, including Studio City Casino. Termination events include, among others, the operation of gaming without permission or operation of a business which does not fall within the business scope of the subconcession; abandonment of approved business or suspension of operations of its gaming business in Macau without reasonable grounds for more than seven consecutive days or more than 14 non-consecutive days within one calendar year; transfer of all or part of the Gaming Operator’s operation in Macau in violation of the relevant laws and administrative regulations governing the operation of games of fortune or chance and other casino games in Macau and without Macau government approval; failure to pay taxes, premiums, levies or other amounts payable to the Macau government; and systematic non-compliance with the Macau Gaming Law’s basic obligations. These events could lead to the termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession without compensation and the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate casino gaming in Macau, which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in defaults under our indebtedness agreements and a partial or complete loss of our investments in Studio City. In many of these instances, the Subconcession Contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, the Gaming Operator would rely on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to remedy any such violation.

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Under the terms of the Services and Right to Use Arrangements to which Studio City Entertainment, one of our subsidiaries, is a party, the Gaming Operator has agreed to operate Studio City Casino. If, upon termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession, Studio City Entertainment were not able to enter into similar arrangements with other gaming concessionaires or subconcessionaires in Macau, Studio City Casino may not be able to continue to operate.

Further, if Studio City Entertainment were to be found unsuitable or to undertake actions that are inconsistent with the Gaming Operator’s subconcession terms and requirements, the Gaming Operator could suffer penalties, including the termination of its subconcession, and the Macau government may determine that Studio City Casino may not continue to operate under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements or at all. This would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows and could result in defaults under our indebtedness, and a partial or complete loss of our investments in Studio City. For details of the terms of the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Services and Right to Use Arrangements.”

Under the Gaming Operator’s subconcession, the Macau government is allowed to request various changes in the plans and specifications of the properties operated by the Gaming Operator, including Studio City Casino, and to make various other decisions and determinations that may be binding on us. For example, Macau’s Chief Executive has the right to require the increase of the Gaming Operator’s share capital or that the Gaming Operator provides certain deposits or other guarantees of performance with respect to its obligations in any amount determined by the Macau government to be necessary. The Gaming Operator also needs to first obtain the approval of the Macau governmental authorities before raising certain financing. The Gaming Operator’s ability to incur indebtedness or raise equity may be further restricted by its existing and any future financings. As a result, we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator will be able to comply with these requirements or any other requirements of the Macau government or with the other requirements and obligations imposed by the subconcession.

The Subconcession Contract also contains various covenants and other obligations as to which the determination of compliance is subjective, and any failure to comply with any such covenant or obligation could result in the termination of the subconcession. For example, requirements of compliance with general and special duties of cooperation and special duties of information may be subjective, and we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator will always be able to operate gaming activities in a manner satisfactory to the Macau government. Accordingly, we will be impacted by the Gaming Operator’s continuing communications and good faith negotiations with the Macau government to ensure that the Gaming Operator is performing its obligations under the subconcession in a manner that would avoid any violations.

Furthermore, pursuant to the Subconcession Contract, the Gaming Operator is obligated to comply not only with the terms of that agreement, but also with laws, regulations, rulings and orders that the Macau government might issue or enact in the future. We cannot assure you that it will be able to comply with all such laws, regulations, rulings or orders or that any such laws, regulations, rulings or orders would not adversely affect its ability to operate Studio City Casino. If any disagreement arises between the Gaming Operator and the Macau government regarding the interpretation of, or its compliance with, a provision of the Subconcession Contract, we will be relying on its consultation and negotiation process with the applicable Macau governmental agency as described above. During any such consultation, however, the Gaming Operator will be obligated to comply with the terms of the Subconcession Contract as interpreted by the Macau government.

Currently, under the Macau Gaming Law, upon the expiration or termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession by the Macau government, all of the Gaming Operator’s casino premises and gaming equipment, including Studio City Casino’s gaming area and equipment, would revert to the Macau government automatically without compensation to the Gaming Operator. Based on information from the Macau government, proposed amendments to the legislation regarding the reversion of casino premises are being considered. We expect that if such amendments take effect, upon the expiration or termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession by the Macau government, only the portion of casino premises within the Gaming Operator’s development as then

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designated by the Macau government (including all gaming equipment) would revert to the Macau government automatically without compensation to the Gaming Operator.

Studio City Casino faces intense competition in the gaming industry of Macau and elsewhere in Asia, and it may not be able to compete successfully.

The gaming industry in Macau and elsewhere in Asia is highly competitive. Our competitors include many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and resort companies in the world. Some of these current and future competitors are larger than us and may have more diversified resources, better brand recognition and greater access to capital to support their developments and operations in Macau and elsewhere. In particular, in recent years, some of our competitors have opened new properties, expanded operations and/or announced their intention for further expansion and developments in Cotai, where Studio City is located. For example, Galaxy Casino, S.A., or Galaxy, opened Galaxy Macau Resort in Cotai in May 2011, Phase 2 of the Galaxy Macau Resort opened in May 2015 and Phase 3 of the Galaxy Macau Resort is currently being developed and expected to be completed and operational in 2020, while Phase 4 is expected to be completed and operational after 2021. Sands Cotai Central in Cotai opened in April 2012, Wynn Palace opened in August 2016, Parisian Macao opened in September 2016 and MGM Cotai opened in February 2018. In addition, Sociedade de Jogos de Macau, S.A., or SJM is currently developing its project in Cotai which is expected to open in 2019.

Studio City Casino will also compete to some extent with casinos located in other countries, such as Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand, Japan and elsewhere in the world, including Las Vegas and Atlantic City in the United States. In addition, a law which conceptually enables the development of integrated resorts in Japan took effect in December 2016, with corresponding legislation providing a legislative framework for the development and implementation of integrated resorts in Japan taking effect in July 2018. Certain other markets may in the future legalize casino gaming, including Taiwan and Thailand. Certain of these gaming markets may not be subject to as stringent regulations as the Macau market. Studio City Casino will also compete with cruise ships operating out of Hong Kong and other areas of Asia that offer gaming. The proliferation of gaming venues in Asia could significantly and adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

Currently, Macau is the only region in Greater China offering legal casino gaming. Although the Chinese government has strictly enforced its regulations prohibiting domestic gaming operations, there may be casinos in parts of China that are operated illegally and without licenses. In addition, there is no assurance that China will not in the future permit domestic gaming operations. Competition from casinos in China, legal or illegal, could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and prospects.

Furthermore, Melco Resorts, as well as the Gaming Operator, may take action to construct and operate new gaming projects or invest in such projects, located in other countries in the Asia region (including new gaming projects in Macau), which, along with their current operations, such as Altira Macau and City of Dreams, may increase the competition Studio City Casino will face. See “— Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Melco Resorts — We may have conflicts of interest with Melco Resorts and, because of Melco Resorts’ controlling ownership interest in our company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on favorable terms for us.”

Adverse changes or developments in gaming laws or regulations in Macau could be difficult to comply with or significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful.

Current laws in Macau, such as licensing requirements, tax rates and other regulatory obligations, including those for anti-money laundering, could change or become more stringent resulting in additional regulations being imposed upon gaming operations in Macau, including Studio City Casino. Any such adverse developments in the regulation of the gaming industry could be difficult to comply with and could significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful and adversely affect our financial performance.

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In September 2009, the Macau government set a cap on commission payments to gaming promoters of 1.25% of net rolling. This policy may limit the Gaming Operator’s ability to develop successful relationships with gaming promoters and attract VIP rolling chip players, which in turn may adversely affect the financial performance of the VIP rolling chip operations at Studio City Casino while they continue. Any failure to comply with these regulations may result in the imposition of liabilities, fines and other penalties and may materially and adversely affect the Gaming Operator’s subconcession. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Gaming Promoters Regulations.”

In addition, the Macau government imposed regulations and restrictions that affect the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau, location requirements for sites with gaming machine lounges, data privacy and other matters. Any such legislation, regulation or restriction imposed by the Macau government may have a material adverse impact on our operations, business and financial performance. Furthermore, our inability to address any of these requirements or restrictions imposed by the Macau government could adversely affect our reputation and result in criminal or administrative penalties, in addition to any civil liability and other expenses. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Gaming Regulations.”

Also, starting from January 1, 2019, smoking on the premises of casinos is only permitted in authorized segregated smoking lounges with no gaming activities, and such segregated smoking lounges are required to meet certain standards determined by the Macau government. Studio City Casino currently has a number of segregated smoking lounges. We cannot assure you that the Macau government will not enact more stringent smoking control legislations. Such limitations imposed on smoking have and may deter potential gaming patrons who are smokers from frequenting casinos in Macau, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Smoking Regulations.”

Furthermore, in March 2010, the Macau government announced that the number of gaming tables operating in Macau should not exceed 5,500 until the end of the first quarter of 2013. On September 19, 2011, the Secretary for Economy and Finance of the Macau government announced that for a period of ten years thereafter, the total number of gaming tables to be authorized in Macau will increase by an amount equal to an average 3% per annum for ten years. The Macau government subsequently clarified that the allocation of tables over this ten-year period does not need to be uniform and tables may be pre-allocated to new properties in Macau. The Macau government has also determined that tables authorized by the Macau government for mass market gaming operations may not be utilized for VIP gaming operations. These restrictions are not legislated or enacted into statutes or ordinances and, as such, different policies, including in relation to the annual increase rate in the number of gaming tables, may be adopted, and existing policies amended, at any time by the relevant Macau government authorities.

Current Macau laws and regulations concerning gaming and gaming concessions and matters such as prevention of money laundering are fairly recent or there is little precedent on the interpretation of these laws and regulations. While we expect that the Gaming Operator will operate Studio City Casino in compliance in all material respects with all applicable laws and regulations of Macau, these laws and regulations are complex and a court or an administrative or regulatory body may in the future render an interpretation of these laws and regulations or issue new or modified regulations that differ from our or the Gaming Operator’s interpretation, which could have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino and on our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

Our activities in Macau are subject to administrative review and approval by various departments of the Macau government. For example, our business activities and Studio City Casino are subject to the administrative review and approval by the DICJ, Macau health department, Macau labor bureau, Macau public works bureau, Macau fire department, Macau finance department and Macau government tourism office. We cannot assure you that we or the Gaming Operator will be able to obtain or maintain all necessary approvals, which may materially affect our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects. Macau law permits redress to the courts with respect to administrative actions. However, such redress is largely untested in relation to gaming regulatory issues.

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Studio City Casino is subject to operational risks commonly faced by other gaming facilities in Macau.

Studio City Casino faces operational risks commonly experienced in the gaming industry in Macau. Such risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

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Any of these risks has the potential to materially and adversely affect Studio City Casino and our business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and prospects.

The Macau government could grant additional rights to conduct gaming in the future, which could significantly increase competition in Macau and cause Studio City Casino to lose or be unable to gain or maintain market share.

Pursuant to the terms of the Macau Gaming Law, the Macau government is precluded from granting more than three gaming concessions. Each concessionaire was permitted to enter into a subconcession agreement with one subconcessionaire. The total number of concessions and subconcessions granted in Macau is currently six. The Macau government is currently considering the process of renewing, extending or granting gaming concessions or subconcessions for concessions and subconcessions expiring in 2022. The policies and laws of the Macau government could result in the grant of additional concessions or subconcessions, which could significantly increase competition in Macau and cause Studio City Casino to lose or be unable to maintain or gain market share, and as a result, adversely affect our business.

We cannot assure you that anti-money laundering policies that have been implemented at Studio City Casino and its compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws will be effective to prevent Studio City Casino from being exploited for money laundering purposes.

Macau’s free port, offshore financial services and free movement of capital create an environment whereby Macau’s casinos could be exploited for money laundering purposes. Melco Resorts’ and the Gaming Operator’s anti-money laundering policies, which we believe to be in compliance with all applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations in Macau, are applied to the operation of Studio City Casino. However, we cannot assure you that the Gaming Operator, our contractors, agents or the staff performing services at Studio City Casino will continually adhere to such policies or any such policies will be effective in preventing Studio City Casino operations from being exploited for money laundering purposes, including from jurisdictions outside of Macau. We cannot assure you that we will not be subject to any accusation or investigation related to any possible money laundering activities despite the anti-money laundering measures we have adopted and undertaken or that we will adopt and undertake in the future.

The Gaming Operator also deals with significant amounts of cash in Studio City Casino’s operations and is subject to various reporting and anti-money laundering regulations. Any incidents of money laundering, accusations of money laundering or regulatory investigations into possible money laundering activities involving Studio City Casino, its staff, gaming promoters or customers or others with whom it is associated could have a material adverse impact on our reputation, business, cash flow, financial condition, prospects and results of operations. Any serious incident of, or repeated violation of, laws related to money laundering or any regulatory investigation into money laundering activities may cause a revocation or suspension of the subconcession held by the Gaming Operator. For more information regarding anti-money laundering regulations in Macau, see “Item 4.

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Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Anti-money Laundering Regulations and Terrorism Financing.”

Risks Relating to Our Relationship with Melco Resorts

We are heavily dependent on our shareholder, Melco Resorts, and expect to continue to be dependent on Melco Resorts.

Melco Resorts is a developer, owner and operator of casino gaming and entertainment casino resort facilities in Asia, and our business has benefited significantly from Melco Resorts’ strong market position in Macau and its expertise in both gaming and non-gaming businesses. We cannot assure you we will continue to receive the same level of support from Melco Resorts in the future.

Melco Resorts has provided us with substantially all of our financial, administrative, sales and marketing, human resources and legal services and has also provided us with the services of a number of its staff pursuant to the Management and Shared Services Arrangements. Other than our property president and property chief financial officer, all of the Studio City dedicated staff are employed by the Master Service Providers under such arrangements. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Management and Shared Services Arrangements.” There is no assurance that employees of Master Service Providers, who also support our financial, management, administration and other corporate functions, will be able to carry out their responsibilities in the best interests of Studio City or provide sufficient support for us to operate as an independent public company in compliance with the relevant financial reporting, internal control and other legal and regulatory requirements. In addition, to the extent Melco Resorts does not continue to provide us with such support, we may need to create our own support systems and may encounter operational, administrative and strategic difficulties. Having to create our own support systems due to lack of support from Melco Resorts may cause us to react more slowly than our competitors to industry changes and may divert our management’s attention from running our business, increase our operating costs or otherwise harm our operations.

In addition, since we have only been a public company since October 2018, our management team will need to develop the expertise necessary to comply with the numerous regulatory and other requirements applicable to public companies, including requirements relating to corporate governance, listing standards and securities and investor relations issues. While we were a subsidiary of Melco Resorts, we were indirectly subject to requirements to maintain an effective internal control over financial reporting under Section 404 of the Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002. However, as a public company itself, our management will have to evaluate our internal control system independently with new thresholds of materiality and to implement necessary changes to our internal control system. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so in a timely and effective manner.

Our business has benefited significantly from our relationship with Melco Resorts. Any negative development in Melco Resorts’ market position or brand recognition may materially and adversely affect our marketing efforts and the strength of our brand.

We are a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and have benefited significantly from our relationship with Melco Resorts in marketing our brand. For example, we have benefited by providing services to Melco Resorts’ long-term customers. We also benefit from Melco Resorts’ strong brand recognition in Macau, which has provided us credibility and a broad marketing reach. If Melco Resorts loses its market position, the effectiveness of our marketing efforts through our association with Melco Resorts may be materially and adversely affected. In addition, any negative publicity associated with Melco Resorts will likely have an adverse impact on the effectiveness of our marketing as well as our reputation and our brand.

We may have conflicts of interest with Melco Resorts and, because of Melco Resorts’ controlling ownership interest in our company, we may not be able to resolve such conflicts on favorable terms for us.

Conflicts of interest may arise between Melco Resorts and us in a number of areas relating to our past and ongoing relationships. Potential conflicts of interest include:

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We expect to operate, for as long as Melco Resorts is our controlling shareholder, as a subsidiary of Melco Resorts. Melco Resorts may from time to time make strategic decisions that it believes are in the best interests of its business as a whole, including our company. These decisions may be different from the decisions that we would have made on our own. Melco Resorts’ decisions with respect to us or our business may be resolved in ways that favor Melco Resorts and therefore Melco Resorts’ own shareholders, which may not coincide with the interests of our other shareholders. We may not be able to resolve any potential conflicts, and even if we do so, the resolution may be less favorable to us than if we were dealing with a non-controlling shareholder. Even if both parties seek to transact business on terms intended to approximate those that could have been achieved among unaffiliated parties, this may not succeed in practice.

Certain of our directors and executive officers hold a substantial amount of share options, restricted shares and ordinary shares of Melco Resorts, which could create an appearance of potential conflicts of interests.

Certain of our directors and executive officers hold a substantial amount of share options, restricted shares and ordinary shares of Melco Resorts, and the value of such share options and restricted shares are related to the value of the ordinary shares of Melco Resorts. In addition, our directors and executive officers are eligible to participate in the share incentive plan of Melco Resorts. See “Item 6. Directors, Senior Management and Employees — B. Compensation of Directors and Executive Officers — Share Incentive Plan.” The direct and indirect interests of our directors and executive officers in the ordinary shares of Melco Resorts and the presence of certain directors and executive officers of Melco Resorts on our board of directors could create, or appear to create, conflicts of interest with respect to matters involving both Melco Resorts and us that could have different implications for Melco Resorts and us. For example, potential conflicts of interest could arise in connection with the resolution of any dispute between Melco Resorts and us, or the affiliates of Melco Resorts and us, regarding the terms of the arrangements we have with Melco Resorts or its affiliates. These arrangements include the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, the Management and Shared Services Arrangements and any commercial agreements between Melco Resorts and us, or the affiliates of Melco Resorts and us. Potential conflicts of interest may also arise out of any commercial arrangements that Melco Resorts and us may enter into in the future. Similar potential conflicts may also arise related to the pursuit of certain opportunities, including growth opportunities in Macau or elsewhere.

Changes in Melco Resorts’ share ownership, including a change of control of its subsidiaries’ shares, could result in our inability to draw loans or cause events of default under our indebtedness, or could require us to prepay or make offers to repurchase certain indebtedness.

Credit facility agreements relating to certain of our indebtedness contain change of control provisions, including in respect of Melco Resorts’ obligations relating to the control and/or ownership of certain of its and our subsidiaries including their and our assets. Under the terms of such credit facility agreements, the occurrence of certain change of control events, including a decline below certain thresholds in the aggregate direct or indirect shareholdings in certain of Melco Resorts’ subsidiaries, including Studio City Holdings Five Limited, Studio City Finance and Studio City Investments, may result in an event of default and/or a requirement to prepay the credit facilities in relation to such indebtedness in full.

The terms of the agreement of certain indebtedness also contain change of control provisions whereby the occurrence of a relevant change of control event will require us to offer to repurchase the securities at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest and, if any, additional amounts and other amount specified under such indebtedness to the date of repurchase.

Any occurrence of these events could be outside our control and could result in events of default and cross-defaults which may cause the termination and acceleration of our credit facilities and other indebtedness and potential enforcement of remedies by our lenders or note holders (as the case may be), which would have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

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Risks Relating to Conducting Business in Macau

Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by any economic slowdown in Macau, China and nearby Asia regions as well as globally.

All of our operations are in Macau. Accordingly, our business development plans, results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by significant political, social and economic developments in Macau and China. A slowdown in economic growth in China could adversely impact the number of visitors from China to Studio City as well as the amount they are willing to spend in our hotel, restaurants and other facilities as well as at Studio City Casino, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of the operations and financial condition. A number of measures taken by the Chinese government in recent years to control the rate of economic growth, including those designed to tighten credit and liquidity, have led to a slowdown of China’s economy. According to the National Bureau of Statistics of China, China’s GDP growth rate was 6.6% in 2018, which is lower than the 6.9% growth rate in 2017, and any slowdown in its future growth may have an adverse impact on financial markets, currency exchange rates, as well as the spending of visitors in Macau and Studio City. In addition, in 2018, the value of the Renminbi depreciated approximately 5.4% against the U.S. Dollar. There is no guarantee that economic downturns, whether actual or perceived, any further decrease in economic growth rates or an otherwise uncertain economic outlook in China will not occur or persist in the future, that they will not be protracted or that governments will respond adequately to control and reverse such conditions, any of which could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, the global macroeconomic environment is facing challenges, including the escalation of the European sovereign debt crisis since 2011, the end of quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the economic slowdown in the Eurozone in 2014 and the escalation of international trade conflicts, including the trade disputes between the United States and China and the potential further escalation of trade tariffs and related retaliatory measures between these two countries and globally. There is considerable uncertainty over the long-term effects of the expansionary monetary and fiscal policies adopted by the central banks and financial authorities of some of the world’s leading economies, including the United States and China. There have been concerns over unrest and terrorist threats in the Middle East, Europe and Africa, which have resulted in volatility in oil and other markets, and over the conflicts involving Ukraine and Syria and potential conflicts involving the Korean peninsula. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global economy may materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. In addition, continued turbulence in the international markets may adversely affect our ability to access capital markets to meet liquidity needs.

Studio City Casino’s operations could be adversely affected by foreign exchange restrictions on the Renminbi.

Gaming operators in Macau are currently prohibited from accepting wagers in Renminbi, the currency of China. There are currently restrictions on the export of the Renminbi outside of China, including to Macau. For example, Chinese citizens traveling abroad are only allowed to take a total of RMB20,000 plus the equivalent of up to US$5,000 out of China. Moreover, an annual limit of RMB100,000 (US$14,538) on the aggregate amount that can be withdrawn overseas from Chinese bank accounts was set by the Chinese government, with effect on January 1, 2018. In addition, the Chinese government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has led to tighter monetary transfer regulations, including real-time monitoring of certain financial channels, reducing the amount that China-issued ATM cardholders can withdraw in each withdrawal, imposing a limit on the annual aggregate amount that may be withdrawn and the launch of facial recognition and identity card checks with respect to certain ATM users, which could disrupt the amount of money visitors can bring from mainland China to Macau. Furthermore, the Macau government has launched identity card checks with respect to certain ATM users and recently recommended banks perform adequate due diligence and monitoring of merchants with respect to usage of point-of-sales machines, such as cash registers where a customer is charged for goods or services purchased. These measures may limit liquidity availability and curb capital outflows. In addition, on June 12, 2017, a law with respect to the control of cross-border transportation of cash and other negotiable instruments to the bearer was enacted and came into effect on November 1, 2017. In accordance with such law, all individuals entering Macau with an amount in cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer equal to or higher than the amount of MOP120,000 (US$14,876) as determined by the Chief Executive of Macau are required to

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declare such amount to the customs authorities. For further details, please refer to “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview — Control of Cross-border Transportation of Cash Regulations.” Restrictions on the export of the Renminbi and related measures may impede the flow of gaming customers from China to Macau, inhibit the growth of gaming in Macau and negatively impact the operation of Studio City Casino.

Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the PRC and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations.

Our operating results may be adversely affected by:

A significant number of the gaming customers of Studio City Casino come from, and are expected to continue to come from, China. Any travel restrictions imposed by China could disrupt the number of patrons visiting Studio City from China. Since mid-2003, under the Individual Visit Scheme, or IVS, Chinese citizens from certain cities have been able to travel to Macau individually instead of as part of a tour group. In mid-2008 through 2010, the Chinese government adjusted its visa policy and limited the number of visits Chinese citizens may make to Macau in a given time period. China also banned “zero fare tours,” popular among visitors to Macau from mainland China, whereby travelers avail the services of tour guides at minimal or no cost if they agree to shop in designated areas in exchange. Further, in 2014, the Chinese government and the Macau government tightened visa transit policies for mainland China residents. Starting on July 1, 2014, the Macau government has tightened transit visa rule implementation, limiting such travelers to a five-day stay, with documented proof that they were going to a third destination. From July 2015, Macau eased the restrictions and again allowed mainland Chinese passport holders who transit via the city to stay for up to seven days. While the Chinese government has in the past restricted and then loosened IVS travel frequently, it has recently indicated its intention to maintain tourism development by opening the IVS to more Chinese cities to visit Macau. In March 2016, for instance, the Ministry of Public Security of China announced a new practice to make it easier for some mainland Chinese citizens to apply for the IVS visa. It is unclear whether these and other measures will continue to be in effect or become more restrictive in the future. A decrease in the number of visitors from China would adversely affect Studio City’s results of operations.

In addition, certain policies and campaigns implemented by the Chinese government may lead to a decline in the number of patrons visiting Studio City and the amount of spending by such patrons. The strength and profitability of the gaming business depends on consumer demand for integrated resorts in general and for the type of luxury amenities that a gaming operator offers. Recent initiatives and campaigns undertaken by the Chinese government have resulted in an overall dampening effect on the behavior of Chinese consumers and a decrease in their spending, particularly in luxury good sales and other discretionary spending. For example, the Chinese government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has had an overall chilling effect on the behavior of Chinese consumers and their spending patterns both domestically and abroad. In addition, the number of patrons visiting Studio City may be affected by the Chinese government’s focus on deterring marketing of gaming to mainland Chinese residents by casinos and its initiatives to tighten monetary transfer regulations, increase

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monitoring of various transactions, including bank or credit card transactions, reduce the amount that China-issued ATM cardholders can withdraw in each withdrawal and impose a limit on the annual aggregate amount that may be withdrawn. Recent conviction of staff of a foreign casino in China in relation to gaming related activities in China have created further regulatory uncertainty on marketing activities in China.

Our operations in Macau are also exposed to the risk of changes in laws and policies that govern operations of Macau-based companies. Tax laws and regulations may also be subject to amendment or different interpretation and implementation, thereby adversely affecting our profitability after tax. Further, certain terms of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession may be subject to renegotiations with the Macau government in the future, including the premium amount the Gaming Operator will be obligated to pay the Macau government in order to continue operations at Studio City Casino. As Studio City Entertainment is expected to fund part of the premium for the operation of Studio City Casino, increased premium due to any renegotiations could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition.

Uncertainties in the legal systems in the PRC may expose us to risks.

Gaming related activities in the PRC, including marketing activities, are regulated by the PRC government and subject to various PRC laws and regulations. The PRC legal system continues to rapidly evolve and the interpretations of many laws, regulations and rules are not always uniform. In addition, the PRC legal system is based in part on government policies and internal rules, some of which are not published on a timely basis or at all. As a result, we may not be aware of all policies and rules imposed by the PRC authorities which may affect or relate to our business and operations. There is also no assurance that our interpretation of the laws and regulations that affect our activities and operations in the PRC is or will be consistent with the interpretation and application by the PRC governmental authorities. These uncertainties may impede our ability to assess our legal rights or risks relating to our business and activities. Any changes in the laws and regulations, or in the interpretation or enforcement of these laws and regulations, which affect gaming related activities in the PRC could have a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations.

In addition, PRC administrative and court authorities have significant discretion in interpreting and implementing statutory terms. Such discretion of the PRC administrative and court authorities increases the uncertainties in the PRC legal system and makes it difficult to evaluate the likely outcome of any administrative and court proceedings in the PRC. Any litigation or proceeding in the PRC may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention. Any such litigation or proceeding could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.

Terrorism, violent criminal acts and the uncertainty of war and other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending and leisure travel may reduce visitation to Macau and harm our operating results.

The strength and profitability of our business will depend on consumer demand for integrated resorts and leisure travel in general. Recent terrorist and violent criminal activities in Europe, the United States, Southeast Asia and elsewhere, military conflicts in the Middle East and natural disasters such as typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes, among other things, have negatively affected travel and leisure expenditures. For example, in June 2017, there were multiple deaths at the Resorts World Manila entertainment complex in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines when a gunman caused a stampede and set fire to casino tables and slot machine chairs. Terrorism and other criminal acts of violence could have a negative impact on international travel and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism. We cannot predict the extent to which such acts may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the future.

In addition, other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending, including amounts of disposable consumer income, fears of recession, lack of consumer confidence in the economy, change in consumer preferences, high energy, fuel and other commodity costs and increased cost of travel may negatively impact our business. An extended period of reduced discretionary spending and/or disruptions or declines in airline travel could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

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An outbreak of widespread health epidemics, contagious disease or any other outbreak may have an adverse effect on the economies of Macau or nearby regions and may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

Our business could be materially and adversely affected by the outbreak of widespread health epidemics, such as swine flu, avian influenza, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), Zika or Ebola. The occurrence of such health epidemics, prolonged outbreak of an epidemic illness or other adverse public health developments in China or elsewhere in the world could materially disrupt our business and operations. Such events could significantly impact our industry and cause a temporary closure of the facilities we use for our operations, which would severely disrupt our operations and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Guangdong Province, China, which is located across the Zhuhai Border from Macau, has confirmed several cases of avian flu. Fully effective avian flu vaccines have not been developed and there is evidence that the H5N1 virus is constantly evolving so we cannot assure you that an effective vaccine can be discovered or commercially manufactured in time to protect against the potential avian flu pandemic. In the first half of 2003, certain countries in Asia experienced an outbreak of SARS, a highly contagious form of atypical pneumonia, which seriously interrupted economic activities and caused the demand for goods and services to plummet in the affected regions.

The perception that an outbreak of health epidemics or contagious disease may occur may also have an adverse effect on the economic conditions of countries in Asia. In addition, our operations could be disrupted if any of our staff or others involved in our operations were suspected of having the swine flu, avian influenza, SARS, MERS, Zika or Ebola as this could require us to quarantine some or all of such staff or persons or disinfect the facilities used for our operations. Furthermore, any future outbreak may restrict economic activities in affected regions, which could result in reduced business volume and the temporary closure of our offices or otherwise disrupt our business operations and adversely affect our results of operations.

Macau is susceptible to typhoons and heavy rainstorms that may damage our property and disrupt our operations.

Macau’s subtropical climate and location on the South China Sea renders it susceptible to typhoons, heavy rainstorms and other natural disasters. In the event of a major typhoon, such as Typhoon Hato in August 2017, Typhoon Mangkhut in September 2018 or other natural disaster in Macau, Studio City may be severely disrupted and adversely affected and Studio City Casino may even be required to temporarily cease operations by regulatory authorities. Any flooding, unscheduled cessation of operations, interruption in the technology or transportation services or interruption in the supply of public utilities is likely to result in an immediate, and possibly substantial, loss of revenues due to a shutdown of Studio City, including operations at Studio City Casino. Although we benefit from certain insurance coverage with respect to these events, our coverage may not be sufficient to fully indemnify us against all direct and indirect costs, including loss of business, which could result from substantial damage to, or partial or complete destruction of, Studio City or other damages to the infrastructure or economy of Macau.

Risks Relating to Our Shares and ADSs

We are a holding company. Our sole material asset is our equity interest in MSC Cotai and we will be accordingly dependent upon distributions from MSC Cotai to pay dividends and cover our corporate and other expenses.

We are a holding company and have no material assets other than our equity interest in MSC Cotai. We have also undertaken that we will not own equity interests in any other entity other than MSC Cotai and that we will contribute to MSC Cotai all net proceeds received by us from sales of equity securities and sales of assets. Please see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions.” Because we will have no independent means of generating revenue, our

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ability to pay dividends, if any, and cover our corporate and other expenses is dependent on the ability of MSC Cotai to generate revenue to pay such dividends and expenses. This ability, in turn, may depend on the ability of MSC Cotai’s subsidiaries to make distributions to it. The ability of MSC Cotai and its subsidiaries to make such distributions will be subject to, among other things, (i) the applicable laws and regulations of the relevant jurisdictions that may limit the amount of funds available for distribution, (ii) restrictions in the Participation Agreement or relevant debt instruments issued by MSC Cotai or its subsidiaries in which it directly or indirectly holds an equity interest and (iii) the availability of funds to distribute. To the extent that we need funds and MSC Cotai or its subsidiaries are restricted from making such distributions or payments under applicable law or regulation or under the terms of any financing arrangements, or are otherwise unable to provide such funds, our liquidity and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

Our listing was authorized by the Macau government subject to certain conditions imposed on the Gaming Operator, us and our direct and indirect shareholders. Failure by the Gaming Operator, us or our direct and indirect shareholders to comply with such conditions may result in our obligation to delist the ADSs from the New York Stock Exchange or have a material adverse effect on the operation of Studio City Casino.

Our listing was authorized by the Macau government subject to the continued satisfaction of certain conditions including the following:

Under such authorization, the Gaming Operator is required to annually provide the Macau government with evidence with respect to the compliance with the above conditions. In addition, under such authorization, we and the Gaming Operator are also required to comply with the conditions imposed by the Macau government in connection with its approval of our entry into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements.

The Macau government also has the right to revoke the listing authorization if it deems that the listing is contrary to the public interest or in case of breach of the mentioned conditions. In case of revocation of the listing authorization by the Macau government, we may be required by the Macau government to delist the ADSs from the New York Stock Exchange. Failure to do so could result in the approval of the Services and Right to Use Arrangements being revoked, which would prevent us from receiving any amounts thereunder, in a closure order being issued with respect to the Studio City Casino or in the suspension or termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession and consequently we may be unable to offer any gaming facilities at Studio City.

Participation in our initial public offering by our controlling shareholder and certain affiliates of another principal shareholder has reduced the available public float for our ADSs.

MCO Cotai, our controlling shareholder, and certain affiliates of New Cotai, one of our principal shareholders, participated in our initial public offering and were allocated 25,550,000 ADSs, or 77.3%, of the total amount of ADSs offered in our initial public offering at the initial public offering price. In addition, of the 33,075,890 ADSs (representing 132,303,560 Class A ordinary shares) outstanding, 15,330,000 ADSs, or 46.3% of such outstanding ADSs, are owned by MCO Cotai and, as of December 31, 2018, 10,405,700 ADSs, or 31.5% of such outstanding ADSs, are owned by certain affiliates of New Cotai. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders.”

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Such purchases and ownership reduced the otherwise available public float for our ADSs and the liquidity of our ADSs relative to what it would have been had these ADSs been purchased by other investors and thereby may adversely impact the trading price of our ADSs.

An active trading market for our ordinary shares or our ADSs may not develop and the trading price for our ADSs may fluctuate significantly.

Our ADSs are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, there was no public market for our ADSs or our ordinary shares, and we cannot assure you that a liquid public market for our ADSs will develop. If an active public market for our ADSs does not develop, the market price and liquidity of our ADSs may be materially and adversely affected.

The trading price of our ADSs has been volatile since our ADSs began trading on The New York Stock Exchange and may be subject to fluctuations in the future, which could result in substantial losses to investors.

The trading price of our ADSs has been and may continue to be subject to wide fluctuations. Since our listing on October 18, 2018 to March 27, 2019, the trading prices of our ADSs ranged from US$12.73 to US$28.59 per ADS and the closing sale price on March 27, 2019 was US$16.28 per ADS. The trading price of our ADSs may be volatile and could fluctuate widely due to factors beyond our control. This may happen because of broad market and industry factors, including the performance and fluctuation of the market prices of other companies with business operations located mainly in Macau or China that have listed their securities in the United States. In addition to market and industry factors, the price and trading volume for our ADSs may be highly volatile for factors specific to our own operations, including the following:

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In addition, the securities market has from time to time experienced significant price and volume fluctuations that are not related to the operating performance of particular companies. These market fluctuations may also have a material adverse effect on the market price of our ADSs.

In the past, shareholders of public companies have often brought securities class action suits against those companies following periods of instability in the market price of their securities. If we were involved in a class action suit, it could divert a significant amount of our management’s attention and other resources from our business and operations and require us to incur significant expenses to defend the suit, which could harm our results of operations. Any such class action suit, whether or not successful, could harm our reputation and restrict our ability to raise capital in the future. In addition, if a claim is successfully made against us, we may be required to pay significant damages, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business, or if they adversely change their recommendations regarding our ADSs, the market price for our ADSs and trading volume could decline.

The trading market for our ADSs depends in part on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. If research analysts do not establish and maintain adequate research coverage or if one or more of the analysts who covers us downgrades our ADSs or publishes inaccurate or unfavorable research about our business, the market price for our ADSs would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts cease coverage of our company or fail to publish reports on us regularly, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which, in turn, could cause the market price or trading volume for our ADSs to decline.

Techniques employed by short sellers may drive down the market price of our ADSs.

Short selling is the practice of selling securities that the seller does not own but rather has borrowed from a third party with the intention of buying identical securities back at a later date to return to the lender. The short seller hopes to profit from a decline in the value of the securities between the sale of the borrowed securities and the purchase of the replacement shares, as the short seller expects to pay less in that purchase than it received in the sale. As it is in the short seller’s interest for the price of the security to decline, many short sellers publish, or arrange for the publication of, negative opinions regarding the relevant issuer and its business prospects in order to create negative market momentum and generate profits for themselves after selling a security short. These short attacks have, in the past, led to selling of shares in the market.

Public companies that have substantially all of their operations in Greater China have been the subject of short selling. Much of the scrutiny and negative publicity has centered on allegations of a lack of effective internal control over financial reporting resulting in financial and accounting irregularities and mistakes, inadequate corporate governance policies or a lack of adherence thereto and, in many cases, allegations of fraud. As a result, many of these companies are now conducting internal and external investigations into the allegations and, in the interim, are subject to shareholder lawsuits and/or SEC enforcement actions.

It is not clear what effect such negative publicity could have on us. If we were to become the subject of any unfavorable allegations, whether such allegations are proven to be true or untrue, we could have to expend a significant amount of resources to investigate such allegations and/or defend ourselves. While we would strongly defend against any such short seller attacks, we may be constrained in the manner in which we can proceed against the relevant short seller by principles of freedom of speech, applicable law or issues of commercial confidentiality. Such a situation could be costly and time-consuming, and could distract our management from

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growing our business. Even if such allegations are ultimately proven to be groundless, allegations against us could severely impact our business operations, and any investment in our ADSs could be greatly reduced or even rendered worthless.

Holders of ADSs have fewer rights than shareholders and must act through the depositary to exercise those rights.

Holders of ADSs do not have the same rights of our shareholders and may only exercise the voting rights with respect to the underlying Class A ordinary shares of the depositary and in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement. Advance notice of at least seven days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders meetings. When a general meeting is convened, you may not receive sufficient notice of a shareholders’ meeting to permit you to withdraw Class A ordinary shares represented by your ADSs to allow you to cast your vote with respect to any specific matter. In addition, the depositary and its agents may not be able to send voting instructions to you or carry out your voting instructions in a timely manner. We will make all reasonable efforts to cause the depositary to extend voting rights to you in a timely manner, but we cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote your ADSs. The depositary and its agents will not be responsible for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, for the manner in which any vote is cast or for the effect of any such vote. As a result, you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may lack recourse if your ADSs are not voted as you requested. In addition, in your capacity as an ADS holder, you will not be able to convene a shareholder meeting.

Your rights to pursue claims against the depositary as a holder of ADSs are limited by the terms of the deposit agreement. In addition, parties to the Participation Agreement have agreed to resolve any disputes by arbitration.

As a holder of our ADSs, you are a party to the deposit agreement under which our ADSs are issued. Under the deposit agreement, any action or proceeding against or involving the depositary arising out of or based upon the deposit agreement or the transactions contemplated thereby or by virtue of you owning the ADSs may only be instituted in a state or federal court in New York, New York. In addition, under the deposit agreement, you, as a holder of our ADSs, will have irrevocably waived any objection which you may have to the laying of venue of any such proceeding and irrevocably submitted to the exclusive jurisdiction of such courts in any such action or proceeding. The depositary may, however, in its sole discretion, require that any dispute or difference arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement be referred to and finally settled by an arbitration proceeding to be conducted under the terms described in the deposit agreement, which may include claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws and claims not in connection with our initial public offering, although the arbitration provisions do not preclude you from pursuing claims under the U.S. federal securities laws in federal courts. Furthermore, we may amend or terminate the deposit agreement without your consent. If you continue to hold your ADSs after an amendment to the deposit agreement, you agree to be bound by the terms and subject to the conditions of the deposit agreement as amended.

In addition, the Participation Agreement, pursuant to which MSC Cotai granted the Participation Interest to New Cotai, provides that all disputes arising out of the Participation Agreement must be resolved through arbitration proceedings subject to certain limited exceptions and such provision will affect the manner by which New Cotai or any other parties to the Participation Agreement may pursue any claim or action arising out of the Participation Agreement. For more information, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions — Participation Agreement.”

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ADSs holders may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to claims arising under the deposit agreement, which could result in less favorable outcomes to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

The deposit agreement governing the ADSs representing our Class A ordinary shares provides that, subject to the depositary’s right to require a claim to be submitted to arbitration, the federal or state courts in the City of New York have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine claims arising under the deposit agreement and in that regard, to the fullest extent permitted by law, ADS holders waive the right to a jury trial of any claim they may have against us or the depositary arising out of or relating to our shares, the ADSs or the deposit agreement, including any claim under the U.S. federal securities laws.

If we or the depositary opposed a jury trial demand based on the waiver, the court would determine whether the waiver was enforceable based on the facts and circumstances of that case in accordance with applicable state and federal law. The enforceability of a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver in connection with claims arising under the U.S. federal securities laws has not been finally adjudicated by the United States Supreme Court. However, based on past court decisions, we believe that a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision is generally enforceable, including under the laws of the State of New York, which govern the deposit agreement. In determining whether to enforce a contractual pre-dispute jury trial waiver provision, courts will generally consider whether a party knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily waived the right to a jury trial. We believe that this is the case with respect to the deposit agreement and the ADSs. It is advisable that you consult legal counsel regarding the jury waiver provision before investing in the ADSs.

If you or any other holders or beneficial owners of ADSs bring a claim against us or the depositary in connection with matters arising under the deposit agreement or the ADSs, including claims under the U.S. federal securities laws, you or such other holder or beneficial owner may not be entitled to a jury trial with respect to such claims, which may have the effect of limiting and discouraging lawsuits against us and/or the depositary. If a lawsuit is brought against us and/or the depositary under the deposit agreement, it may be heard only by a judge or justice of the applicable trial court, which would be conducted according to different civil procedures and may result in different outcomes than a trial by jury would have had, including results that could be less favorable to the plaintiff(s) in any such action.

Nevertheless, if this jury trial waiver provision is not enforced, to the extent a court action proceeds, it would proceed under the terms of the deposit agreement as a jury trial.

Your right to participate in any future rights offerings may be limited, which may cause dilution to your holdings, and you may not receive cash dividends if it is unlawful or impractical to make them available to you.

We may, from time to time, distribute rights to our shareholders, including rights to acquire our securities. However, we cannot make rights available to you in the United States unless we register the rights and the securities to which the rights relate under the Securities Act of 1933, or the Securities Act, or an exemption from the registration requirements is available. Also, under the deposit agreement, the depositary bank will not make rights available to you unless the distribution to ADS holders of both the rights and any related securities are either registered under the Securities Act, or exempted from registration under the Securities Act. We are under no obligation to file a registration statement with respect to any such rights or securities or to endeavor to cause such a registration statement to be declared effective. Moreover, we may not be able to establish an exemption from registration under the Securities Act. Accordingly, you may be unable to participate in our rights offerings and may experience dilution in your holdings.

In addition, the depositary of our ADSs has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on our Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities after deducting its fees and expenses. You will receive these distributions in proportion to the number of Class A ordinary shares your ADSs represent. However, the depositary may, at its discretion, decide that it is unlawful,

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inequitable or impractical to make a distribution available to any holders of ADSs. For example, it would be unlawful to make a distribution to a holder of ADSs if it consists of securities that require registration under the Securities Act but that are not properly registered or distributed under an applicable exemption from registration. Also, the depositary may determine that it is not practicable to distribute certain property through the mail, or that the value of certain distributions may be less than the cost of mailing them. In these cases, the depositary may decide not to distribute such property and you will not receive such distribution. Except as otherwise provided under the Registration Rights Agreement, we have no obligation to register under U.S. securities laws any ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or other securities received through such distributions. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Registration Rights Agreement.” We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares, rights or anything else to holders of ADSs.

Substantial future sales or perceived potential sales of our ADSs, ordinary shares or other equity securities in the public market could cause the price of our ADSs to decline significantly.

New Cotai owns 72,511,760 Class B ordinary shares, representing approximately a 23.1% voting, non-economic interest in our company. New Cotai also has a Participation Interest, which entitles New Cotai to receive from MSC Cotai an amount equal to approximately 30.0% of the amount of any distribution, dividend or other consideration paid by MSC Cotai to us, subject to adjustments, exceptions and conditions. Under the Participation Agreement, New Cotai and its permitted transferees will be entitled to exchange its Participation Interest for Class A ordinary shares. We have granted registration rights with respect to the Class A ordinary shares delivered in exchange for Participation Interests. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions” and “— Registration Rights Agreement.”

In addition, certain affiliates of New Cotai, as of December 31, 2018, beneficially own 41,622,800 Class A ordinary shares in the form of ADSs, representing 17.2% of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares, while Melco International beneficially owns 170,834,928 Class A ordinary shares, representing 70.6%, of our outstanding Class A ordinary shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders.”

Sales of substantial amounts of our ADSs in the public market, including upon the exchange of all or part of the Participation Interest by New Cotai or its permitted transferees, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our ADSs and could materially impair our ability to raise capital through equity offerings in the future. ADSs held by holders who are not affiliates of our company will be freely tradeable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act, and shares and ADSs held by our affiliates (in each case, to the extent such holders are deemed to be affiliates of the Company) may also be sold in the public market subject to the restrictions in Rule 144 and Rule 701 under the Securities Act and the applicable lock-up agreements. The ADSs represent interests in our Class A ordinary shares. We would, subject to market forces, expect there to be a close correlation in the price of our ADSs and the price of the Class A ordinary shares and any factors contributing to a decline in one market is likely to result to a similar decline in another.

In connection with our initial public offering, we, MCO Cotai, New Cotai, certain affiliates of New Cotai, and our directors and officers have agreed with the underwriters of our initial public offering, subject to certain exceptions, not to sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of any ADSs, ordinary shares or similar securities or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our ordinary shares or ADSs, for a period ending 180 days after the date of the prospectus of our initial public offering without the prior written consent of the underwriters, subject to certain exceptions. However, the underwriters may release these securities from these restrictions at any time, subject to applicable regulations of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. We cannot predict what effect, if any, market sales of securities held by our significant shareholders or any other shareholder or the availability of these securities for future sale will have on the market price of our ADSs.

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The depositary for our ADSs will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs if you do not vote at shareholders’ meetings, except in limited circumstances, which could adversely affect your interests.

Under the deposit agreement for our ADSs, the depositary will give us a discretionary proxy to vote our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs at shareholders’ meetings if you do not give voting instructions to the depositary, unless:

The effect of this discretionary proxy is that, if you fail to give voting instructions to the depositary, you cannot prevent our Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs from being voted, absent the situations described above, and it may make it more difficult for shareholders to influence our management. Holders of our Class A ordinary shares are not subject to this discretionary proxy.

Because we do not expect to pay dividends in the foreseeable future, you must rely on price appreciation of our ADSs for return on your investment.

We currently intend to retain most, if not all, of our available funds and any future earnings to fund the development and growth of our business. As a result, we do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. See “Item 8. Financial Information — A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information — Dividend Policy” and note 12 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report. Therefore, you should not rely on an investment in our ADSs as a source for any future dividend income.

Our board of directors has complete discretion as to whether to distribute dividends, subject to certain requirements of the laws of the Cayman Islands. Under the laws of the Cayman Islands, a Cayman Islands company may pay a dividend out of either profit or share premium account, provided that in no circumstances may a dividend be paid if this would result in the company being unable to pay its debts as they fall due in the ordinary course of business. Even if our board of directors decides to declare and pay dividends, the timing, amount and form of future dividends, if any, will depend on, among other things, our future results of operations and cash flow, our capital requirements and surplus, the amount of distributions, if any, received by us from our subsidiaries, our financial condition, contractual restrictions and other factors deemed relevant by our board of directors. Accordingly, the return on your investment in our ADSs will likely depend entirely upon any future price appreciation of our ADSs. There is no guarantee that our ADSs will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which you purchased the ADSs. You may not realize a return on your investment in our ADSs and you may even lose your entire investment in our ADSs.

You may be subject to limitations on the transfer of your ADSs.

Your ADSs are transferable on the books of the depositary. However, the depositary may close its books at any time or from time to time when it deems expedient in connection with the performance of its duties. The depositary may close its books from time to time for a number of reasons, including in connection with corporate events such as a rights offering, during which time the depositary needs to maintain an exact number of ADS holders on its books for a specified period. The depositary may also close its books in emergencies, and on weekends and public holidays. The depositary may refuse to deliver, transfer or register transfers of our ADSs

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generally when our share register or the books of the depositary are closed, or at any time if we deem or the depositary deems it advisable to do so because of any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body, or under any provision of the deposit agreement, or for any other reason.

You may have difficulty enforcing judgments obtained against us.

We are a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands and substantially all of our assets are located outside the United States. All of our current operations are conducted in Macau. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for you to bring an action against us in the United States in the event that you believe that your rights have been infringed under the U.S. federal securities laws or otherwise. It may also be difficult for you to enforce in the Cayman Islands and Macau courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against us and our directors and executive officers. In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands and Macau would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against us or such individuals predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. It is also uncertain whether such Cayman Islands and Macau courts would be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands and Macau against us or such individuals predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state. For more information regarding the relevant laws of the Cayman Islands and Macau.

We are a foreign private issuer within the meaning of the rules under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act, and as such we are exempt from certain provisions applicable to domestic public companies in the United States.

Because we are a foreign private issuer under the Exchange Act, we are exempt from certain provisions of the securities rules and regulations in the United States that are applicable to U.S. domestic issuers, including: (i) the rules under the Exchange Act requiring the filing of quarterly reports on Form 10-Q or current reports on Form 8-K with the SEC; (ii) the sections of the Exchange Act regulating the solicitation of proxies, consents, or authorizations in respect of a security registered under the Exchange Act; (iii) the sections of the Exchange Act requiring insiders to file public reports of their stock ownership and trading activities and liability for insiders who profit from trades made in a short period of time; and (iv) the selective disclosure rules by issuers of material nonpublic information under Regulation FD.

We will be required to file an annual report on Form 20-F within four months of the end of each fiscal year. In addition, we intend to publish our results on a quarterly basis through press releases, distributed pursuant to the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange. Press releases relating to financial results and material events will be furnished to the SEC on Form 6-K. However, the information we are required to file with or furnish to the SEC will be less extensive and less timely compared to that required to be filed with the SEC by U.S. domestic issuers.

As a Cayman Islands exempted company applying to list our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange, we are subject to New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. However, the New York Stock Exchange rules permit a foreign private issuer like us to follow the corporate governance practices of its home country. Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, may differ significantly from New York Stock Exchange corporate governance listing standards. For instance, shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. In addition, we rely on this “home country practice” exception and do not have a majority of independent directors serving on our board. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

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As a “controlled company” within the meaning of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance rules, we are eligible to, and, in the event we no longer qualify as a foreign private issuer, we intend to elect not to comply with certain of the New York Stock Exchange corporate governance standards, including the requirement that a majority of directors on our board of directors be independent directors.

Certain corporate governance practices in the Cayman Islands, which is our home country, differ significantly from requirements for companies incorporated in other jurisdictions such as the United States. To the extent we choose to follow home country practice with respect to corporate governance matters, our shareholders may be afforded less protection than they otherwise would under rules and regulations applicable to U.S. domestic issuers.

We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.

As a newly-listed public company, we expect to incur significant legal, accounting and other expenses that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as rules subsequently implemented by the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange, impose various requirements on the corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these rules and regulations to increase our legal and financial compliance costs and to make some corporate activities more time-consuming and costly. We expect to incur significant expenses and devote substantial management effort toward ensuring compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and the other rules and regulations of the SEC. For example, as a result of becoming a public company, we have increased the number of independent directors and adopted policies regarding internal controls and disclosure controls and procedures. We also expect that operating as a public company will make it more difficult and more expensive for us to obtain director and officer liability insurance, and we may be required to accept reduced policy limits and coverage or incur substantially higher costs to obtain the same or similar coverage. In addition, we will incur additional costs associated with our public company reporting requirements. It may also be more difficult for us to find qualified persons to serve on our board of directors or as executive officers. We are currently evaluating and monitoring developments with respect to these rules and regulations, and we cannot predict or estimate with any degree of certainty the amount of additional costs we may incur or the timing of such costs.

We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and, because judicial precedent regarding the rights of shareholders is more limited under Cayman Islands law than that under U.S. law, you may have less protection for your shareholder rights than you would under U.S. law.

We are an exempted company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. Our corporate affairs are governed by our memorandum and articles of association, the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the common law of the Cayman Islands. The rights of shareholders to take action against the directors, actions by minority shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors to us under Cayman Islands law are to a large extent governed by the common law of the Cayman Islands. The common law of the Cayman Islands is derived in part from comparatively limited judicial precedent in the Cayman Islands as well as from the common law of England, the decisions of whose courts are of persuasive authority, but are not binding, on a court in the Cayman Islands. The rights of our shareholders and the fiduciary duties of our directors under Cayman Islands law are not as clearly established as they would be under statutes or judicial precedent in some jurisdictions in the United States. In particular, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws than the United States. Some U.S. states, such as Delaware, have more fully developed and judicially interpreted bodies of corporate law than the Cayman Islands. In addition, Cayman Islands companies may not have standing to initiate a shareholder derivative action in a federal court of the United States.

Shareholders of Cayman Islands exempted companies like us have no general rights under Cayman Islands law to inspect corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association) or to obtain copies of lists of shareholders of these companies. Our directors have discretion under our articles of association to determine whether or not, and under what conditions, our corporate records may be inspected by our

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shareholders, but are not obliged to make them available to our shareholders. This may make it more difficult for you to obtain the information needed to establish any facts necessary for a shareholder motion or to solicit proxies from other shareholders in connection with a proxy contest.

As a result of all of the above, our public shareholders may have more difficulty in protecting their interests in the face of actions taken by management, members of the board of directors or controlling shareholders than they would as shareholders of a U.S. public company. For a discussion of significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands and the laws applicable to companies incorporated in the United States and their shareholders, see “Item 10. Additional Information — B. Memorandum and Articles of Association — Differences in Corporate Law.”

If we are a passive foreign investment company for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year, United States holders of our ADSs could be subject to adverse United States federal income tax consequences.

A non-United States corporation will be a passive foreign investment company, or PFIC, for United States federal income tax purposes for any taxable year if either (i) at least 75% of its gross income for such taxable year is passive income or (ii) at least 50% of the value of its assets (based on an average of the quarterly values) during such year is attributable to assets that produce or are held for the production of passive income. Based on the value of our assets and the composition of our income and assets, we do not believe we were a PFIC for United States federal income tax purposes for our taxable year ended December 31, 2018. However, the determination of whether or not we are a PFIC according to the PFIC rules is made on an annual basis and will depend on the composition of our income and assets and the value of our assets from time to time. Therefore, changes in the composition of our income or assets or the value of our assets may cause us to become a PFIC. The determination of the value of our assets (including goodwill not reflected on our balance sheet) may be based, in part, on the quarterly market value of our ADSs, which is subject to change and may be volatile.

The classification of certain of our income as active or passive, and certain of our assets as producing active or passive income, and hence whether we are or will become a PFIC, depends on the interpretation of certain United States Treasury Regulations as well as certain IRS guidance relating to the classification of assets as producing active or passive income. Such regulations and guidance are potentially subject to different interpretations. If due to different interpretations of such regulations and guidance the percentage of our passive income or the percentage of our assets treated as producing passive income increases, we may be a PFIC in one or more taxable years.

If we are a PFIC for any taxable year during which a United States person holds ADSs, certain adverse United States federal income tax consequences could apply to such United States person. See “Item 10. Additional Information — E. Taxation — United States Federal Income Taxation — Passive Foreign Investment Company.”

If a United States person is treated as owning at least 10% of our shares, such holder may be subject to adverse U.S. federal income tax consequences.

If a United States person is treated as owning (directly, indirectly or constructively) at least 10% of the value or voting power of our stock (including our ordinary shares and ADSs), such person may be treated as a “United States shareholder” with respect to us. A United States shareholder of a “controlled foreign corporation” may be required to report annually and include in its U.S. taxable income its pro rata share of “Subpart F income,” “global intangible low-taxed income” and investments in U.S. property by controlled foreign corporations, regardless of whether we make any distributions. An individual that is a United States shareholder with respect to a controlled foreign corporation generally would not be allowed certain tax deductions or foreign tax credits that would be allowed to a United States shareholder that is a U.S. corporation. Failure to comply with these reporting obligations may subject you to significant monetary penalties and may prevent the statute of

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limitations with respect to your U.S. federal income tax return for the year for which reporting was due from starting. We cannot provide any assurances that we will assist investors in determining whether we are a controlled foreign corporation or whether such investor is treated as a United States shareholder with respect to us or furnish to any United States shareholders information that may be necessary to comply with the aforementioned reporting and tax paying obligations. A United States investor should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in the stock.

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A. HISTORY AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMPANY

We were established as an international business company, limited by shares, under the laws of the British Virgin Islands as CYBER ONE AGENTS LIMITED on August 2, 2000 and subsequently re-registered as a business company, limited by shares, under the British Virgin Islands Business Companies Act, 2004. New Cotai acquired a 40% equity interest in us on December 6, 2006. MCO Cotai acquired a 60% equity interest in us on July 27, 2011. Melco Resorts is an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands and its American Depositary Shares are listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market in the United States. On January 17, 2012, our name was changed from CYBER ONE AGENTS LIMITED to STUDIO CITY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED.

In October 2001, we were granted a land concession in Cotai by the Macau government for the development of Studio City, a cinematically-themed and integrated entertainment, retail and gaming resort. Studio City commenced operations on October 27, 2015. We conduct our principal activities through our subsidiaries, which are primarily located in Macau. We currently operate the non-gaming operations of Studio City. The Gaming Operator operates the Studio City Casino. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions.”

Prior to the completion of our initial public offering, we engaged in a series of organizational transactions, or the Organizational Transactions, through which substantially all of our assets and liabilities were contributed to our subsidiary, MSC Cotai, a business company limited by shares incorporated in the British Virgin Islands, in exchange for newly-issued shares of MSC Cotai. For more information on the Organizational Transactions, see “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — B. Related Party Transactions — Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions.” In connection with such Organizational Transactions, we redomiciled by way of continuation as an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the laws of the Cayman Islands on October 15, 2018.

In October 2018, we completed the initial public offering of our ADSs, each of which represents four Class A ordinary shares, and listed our ADSs on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MSC.” For more information on our corporate structure, see “— C. Organizational Structure.”

For a description of our principal capital expenditures for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017, and 2016, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — B. Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Our principal executive offices are located at 36th Floor, The Centrium, 60 Wyndham Street, Central, Hong Kong. Our telephone number at this address is 852-2598-3600 and our fax number is 852-2537-3618. Our website is www.studiocity-macau.com. The information contained on our website is not part of this annual report on Form 20-F.

The SEC maintains an internet site (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC.

B. BUSINESS OVERVIEW

Overview

Studio City is a world-class gaming, retail and entertainment resort located in Cotai, Macau and its principal operating activities are the provision of gaming related services and the hospitality business in Macau. Studio City Casino has 250 mass market gaming tables and approximately 970 gaming machines, which we

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believe provide higher margins and attractive long-term growth opportunities. The mass market focus of Studio City Casino is currently complemented with junket and premium direct VIP rolling chip operations, which include 45 VIP rolling chip tables. Our cinematically-themed integrated resort is designed to attract a wide range of customers by providing highly differentiated non-gaming attractions, including the world’s first figure-8 Ferris wheel, a Warner Bros.-themed family entertainment center, a 4-D Batman flight simulator, an exclusive night club and a 5,000-seat live performance arena. Studio City features approximately 1,600 luxury hotel rooms, diverse food and beverage establishments and approximately 35,000 square meters (approximately 377,000 square feet) of complementary retail space. Studio City was named Casino/Integrated Resort of the Year in 2016 by the International Gaming Awards.

Studio City is strategically located in Cotai, as the only property directly adjacent to the Lotus Bridge immigration checkpoint and one of the few dedicated Cotai hotel-casino resort stops planned on the Macau Light Rapid Transit Line. The Lotus Bridge connects Cotai with Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, China, a designated special economic district in China undergoing significant business and infrastructure development.

Studio City is rapidly ramping up since commencing operations in October 2015. We have grown total revenues from US$424.5 million in 2016 to US$539.8 million in 2017 and further to US$571.2 million in 2018, and generated net losses attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$242.8 million, US$76.4 million and US$21.6 million, respectively, for these periods. We increased our adjusted EBITDA from US$123.0 million in 2016 to US$279.1 million in 2017 and further to US$314.8 million in 2018, and expanded our adjusted EBITDA margin from 29.0% to 51.7% and further to 55.1%, respectively, for these periods.

Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator, one of the subsidiaries of Melco Resorts and a holder of a gaming subconcession, and we operate the non-gaming businesses of Studio City.

We generated all of our revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2017 and 2018 from our operations in Macau, the sole market in which we compete to operate. For further information on the Macau gaming market, see “— Market and Competition — Macau Gaming Market.”

Gaming

Studio City Casino currently consists of a mass market table gaming area, a gaming machine area and a VIP gaming area, with a total operating gross floor area of 23,745 square meters, located on the first two floors of Studio City. Studio City Casino gaming customers currently include mass market and VIP rolling chip players. Studio City Casino catered exclusively to mass market players until it launched its VIP rolling chip operations in November 2016, including both junket and premium direct VIP offerings. For the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, Studio City Casino’s gross gaming revenues was US$1,583.8 million, US$1,438.1 million and US$706.2 million, respectively.

Studio City Casino currently has 250 mass market gaming tables, approximately 970 gaming machines and 45 VIP rolling chip tables. These gaming tables offer gaming patrons a variety of options including baccarat, three card baccarat, fortune baccarat, blackjack, craps, Caribbean stud poker, roulette, sic bo, fortune 3 card poker and other games. In January 2019, the Gaming Operator informed us that it will cease the operation of VIP rolling chip tables at the Studio City Casino on January 15, 2020. Our management team is in the process of assessing the potential impact of the cessation of VIP rolling chip operations with a view to developing the appropriate mitigation strategy. We currently expect our business strategy going forward to continue to focus on cultivating further growth in the mass market segment at the Studio City Casino and enhance our differentiated non-gaming amenities to complement our gaming operations.

Mass Market Segment

The mass market gaming area caters to mass market gaming patrons and offers a full range of games, 24 hours daily. The layout of the gaming floor is organized using the different market segments that Studio City

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Casino targets, namely the mainstream mass market and the premium mass market. The premium mass market gaming area has decorations and features distinctive from the mainstream mass market gaming area.

Studio City Casino’s mass market table games drop and hold percentage were US$3,272.9 million and 26.5% in 2018, respectively, US$2,913.0 million and 26.1% in 2017, respectively, and US$2,480.0 million and 24.7% in 2016, respectively. As a result, Studio City Casino had gross gaming revenue from mass market table games of US$868.5 million, US$759.1 million and US$611.6 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Studio City Casino’s gaming machine handle and gaming machine win rate were US$2,479.9 million and 3.4% in 2018, respectively, US$2,120.5 million and 3.7% in 2017, respectively, and US$2,002.3 million and 3.8% in 2016, respectively. As a result, Studio City Casino had gross gaming revenue from gaming machine of US$83.9 million, US$78.2 million and US$76.0 million in 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Average net win per gaming machine per day in 2018, 2017 and 2016 was US$240, US$225 and US$189, respectively.

Going forward, Studio City Casino will continue to re-examine the mass market gaming areas to maximize table utilization, to innovate gaming products and to invest in technologies and analytical capability to enhance table productivity and customer retention.

VIP Rolling Chip Segment

In November 2016, Studio City Casino introduced VIP rolling chip operations, including both junket and premium direct VIP offerings, and currently has 45 VIP rolling chip tables. The VIP rolling chip area is comprised of private gaming salons or areas that have restricted access to rolling chip patrons and offer more personalized and ultra-premium services than the mainstream and premium mass market gaming areas. It is also situated at a higher level than the mass market gaming areas with generally higher-end dining and beverage options and special decorations. In January 2019, the Gaming Operator informed us that it will cease the operation of VIP rolling chip tables at the Studio City Casino on January 15, 2020. Studio City Casino’s VIP rolling chip volume, VIP rolling chip win rate and VIP rolling chip gross gaming revenue were US$21,236.9 million, 2.97% and US$631.4 million, respectively, in 2018, US$19,003.9 million, 3.16% and US$600.8 million, respectively, in 2017 and US$1,343.6 million, 1.39% and US$18.6 million, respectively, in 2016.

Hotel

Studio City includes self-managed luxury hotel facilities with approximately 1,600 hotel rooms, all elegantly furnished and complete with services and amenities to match. The hotel facilities include indoor and outdoor swimming pools, beauty salon, spa, fitness centers and other amenities. The Studio City hotel features two distinct towers, enabling it to provide a variety of accommodation selections to visitors. The premium all-suite Star Tower offers approximately 600 suites complete with lavish facilities and dedicated services for a luxury retreat. There are five types of suites which range in size from the Star Premier King Suite at 62 square meters to the Star Grand Suite at 185 square meters which includes a living room, dining room and a separate bedroom. Personalized check-in, private indoor heated pool and health club can be enjoyed by all Star Tower guests. The Celebrity Tower with approximately 1,000 rooms brings a deluxe hotel experience to a board range of travelers, which includes access to all of the entertainment facilities offered by Studio City. It offers seven different room packages ranging from the Celebrity King at 42 square meters to the Celebrity Suite at 85 square meters. The following table sets forth certain data with respect to our hotel for the years indicated:

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Studio City is currently one of only 11 Triple Five-Star Winners in the world garnering the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition for its hotel, spa and restaurant.

Dining

We believe that our selection of dining options that include restaurants, bars and lounges offering a diverse selection of local, regional and international cuisine attracts more visitors to Studio City. Studio City offers both high-end and casual dining restaurants, cafes, bars and lounges to cater to the tastes and preferences of our patrons. Over 20 food and beverage outlets are located throughout Studio City, including traditional Cantonese, Shanghainese, northern Chinese, South East Asian, Japanese, Italian and other western and international cuisines as well as local Macau cuisine. Studio City offers gourmet dining with a range of signature restaurants including one Michelin-starred Pearl Dragon. We also offer light snacks and souvenirs within our Warner Bros. Fun Zone, a 32,000 square foot playground replete with all the popular Warner Bros., DC Comics and Hanna-Barbera characters.

Retail

Studio City has over 35,000 square meters of themed and innovative retail space at the lower levels of the property. It has a net leasable area of approximately 27,000 square meters. The retail mall showcases a variety of shops and food and beverage offerings including a small portion of our self-operated retail outlets.

The Boulevard at Studio City provides a unique retail experience to visitors. The immersive retail entertainment environment at Studio City enables visitors to shop in a streetscape environment with featured streets and squares inspired by iconic shopping and entertainment locations, including New York’s Times Square and Beverly Hills’ Rodeo Drive. Studio City’s retail space offers a mix of fashion-forward labels and internationally-renowned luxury brands, such as Balmain, Bottega Veneta, Bvlgari, Calvin Klein Platinum, Coach, Emporio Armani, Fendi, Givenchy, Graff, Gucci, IWC, Longines, Prada, Tiffany & Co., Vacheron Constantin and Versace Collection as well as personal shopper services. At the connection between the two themed retail streets lies Times Square Macau, which features a Legend Heroes Virtual Reality Attraction featuring state of the art virtual reality equipment and rides.

Entertainment

Macau is an increasingly popular tourist destination and in order to attract more tourists and locals, Studio City incorporated many entertainment themes and elements which appeal to the mainstream mass consumer. Our diverse, immersive and entertainment-driven experiences and innovative venues cater to a wide range of demographic groups, including young professionals and families with children. As a major tourist attraction in Macau, Studio City’s premier entertainment offerings help to drive visitation to our property. Studio City’s entertainment offerings include:

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Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions

Studio City offers over 4,000 square meters of indoor event space with flexible configurations and customization options, which can accommodate a variety of events from an exclusive banquet to an international conference. The Grand Ballroom space of 1,820 square meters can be configured into three separate ballrooms with a banquet capacity of 1,200 seats or a cocktail reception for 1,500 people. Eight individual salons, together with the Grand Ballroom, provide a banquet seating capacity of up to 1,300 seats or meeting and break-out spaces with extensive pre-function areas for up to 1,800 people. Many of the salons offer views of the pool deck and have private outdoor terraces for coffee and lunch breaks.

MICE events typically take place on weekdays, thereby drawing traffic during the portion of the week when hotels and casinos in Macau normally experience lower demand relative to weekends and holidays when occupancy and room rates are typically at their peak due to leisure travel. Since its opening, events held at Studio City included live concerts from headline acts such as Madonna, four time Grammy Awards nominee FLO RIDA, Han Hong ( ), Kenny G, A-mei ( ) and Jam Hsiao ( ) as well as themed events such as a three-day Wedding Showcase (featuring dream wedding venue set-ups, tableware demonstrations, wedding gown catwalk shows and instrumental performances), a Chinese New Year’s Promo, Shakemas Campaign for Christmas, Michelin Guide Street Food Festival and The Super 8 basketball tournament.

Customers

We seek to cater to a broad range of customers with a focus on mass market players through the diverse gaming and non-gaming facilities and amenities at Studio City. The loyalty program, which is jointly operated with other casinos operated by Melco Resorts, at Studio City ensures that each customer segment is specifically recognized and incentivized in accordance with their revenue contribution. The loyalty program is segmented into several tiers. Members earn points for their gaming spending which may be redeemed for a range of retail

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gifts and complimentary vouchers to be used in our restaurants, bars, shows, hotel and Studio City Casino. Members also receive other benefits such as discounts, parking entitlement and invitations to member-only promotional events. Dedicated customer hosting programs provide service to our most valuable customers and these customers enjoy exclusive access to private luxury gaming salons. In addition, we utilize sophisticated analytical programs and capabilities to track the behavior and spending patterns of our patrons. We believe these tools will help deepen our understanding of our customers to optimize yields and make continued improvements to our Studio City property.

Gaming Patrons

Gaming patrons currently include mass market players and VIP rolling chip players.

Mass market players are non-VIP rolling chip players that come to Studio City Casino for a variety of reasons, including our brand, the quality and comfort of the mass market gaming floors and our non-gaming offerings. Mass market players are further classified as mainstream mass market and premium mass market players. Our premium mass market players generally do not take advantage of our luxury amenities to the same degree as VIP rolling chip players, but they are offered a variety of premium mass market amenities and loyalty programs, such as reserved space on the regular gaming floor and various other services, that are generally unavailable to mainstream mass market players. Mass market players play table games and gaming machines for cash stakes that are typically lower than those of VIP rolling chip players.

VIP rolling chip players are patrons who participate in Studio City Casino’s in-house rolling chip programs or in the rolling chip programs of the gaming promoters at the dedicated VIP gaming areas. These patrons include premium direct players sourced through the direct marketing efforts and relationships of the Gaming Operator, and junket players sourced by the gaming promoters. VIP rolling chip players can earn a variety of gaming related cash commissions and complimentary products and services, such as rooms, food and beverage and retail products provided by the Gaming Operator. The gaming promoters typically offer similar complimentary products or services and will extend credit to the junket players sourced by them.

Non-Gaming Patrons

We provide non-gaming patrons with a broad array of accommodations and leisure and entertainment offerings featured at Studio City, including interactive attractions, rides and attractive retail offerings and food and beverage selections.

We assess and evaluate our focus on different market segments from time to time and adjust our operations accordingly.

Gaming Promoters

Gaming promoters in Macau are independent third parties that include both individuals and corporate entities and are officially licensed by the DICJ and source junket players. VIP rolling chip players sourced by gaming promoters do not earn direct gaming related rebates from the Gaming Operator. The Gaming Operator pays commissions and provides other complimentary services to gaming promoters. Gaming promoters also extend credit to their junket players and are responsible for collecting such credit from them.

The Gaming Operator has procedures to screen prospective gaming promoters prior to their engagement and conducts periodic checks that are designed to ensure that the gaming promoters with whom the Gaming Operator associates meet suitability standards. The Gaming Operator typically enters into gaming promoter agreements for a one-year term that are automatically renewed in subsequent years unless otherwise terminated. The gaming promoters are compensated through commission arrangements that are calculated on a monthly or a per trip basis. Commission is calculated either by reference to revenue share or monthly rolling chip volume. The gaming promoters may receive complimentary allowances for food and beverage, hotel accommodation and transportation.

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Advertising and Marketing

In order to be competitive in the Macau gaming environment, the Gaming Operator holds various promotions and special events at Studio City Casino and operates a loyalty program for gaming patrons. In addition, Studio City Casino participates in cross marketing and sales campaigns developed by the Gaming Operator. We believe this arrangement helps reduce Studio City’s ramp-up period, reduces marketing costs through scale synergies and enhances cross-revenue opportunities.

Moreover, we seek to attract non-gaming customers to Studio City and to grow our customer base over time by undertaking a variety of advertising and marketing activities.

There is a public relations and advertising team dedicated to Studio City that cultivates media relationships, promotes Studio City’s brands and directly liaises with customers within target Asian countries in order to explore media opportunities in various markets. Advertising activities at Studio City are rolled out through a variety of local and regional media platforms, including digital, social media, print, television, online, outdoor, on property (as permitted by Macau, PRC and any other applicable regional laws) as well as collateral and direct mail pieces. We also engage celebrities for marketing activities. We believe that these marketing and incentive programs will increase our brand awareness and drive further visitation to Studio City.

Awards

In recognition of Studio City’s facilities, games, customer service, atmosphere, style and design, Studio City was awarded the International Five Star Standard, Best Large Hotel Macau, Best City Hotel Macau, Best Resort Hotel Macau and Best Convention Hotel Macau in the International Hotel Awards 2017-18. Studio City was the Global Winner in the “Luxury Casino Hotel” category and the Regional Winner (East Asia) in the “Luxury Family Hotel” category of the 2017 World Luxury Hotel Awards. The property was also awarded the “Casino/Integrated Resort of the Year” in the International Gaming Awards in 2016 and honored as “Asia’s Leading New Resort” in World Travel Awards in 2016. Moreover, according to Forbes Travel Guide’s official 2019 Star Rating List, Studio City is currently one of only 11 Triple Five-Star Winners in the world garnering the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition for its hotel, spa and restaurant. Studio City’s Star Tower once again received the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition, while Zensa Spa was awarded the Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition for the first time in 2019 and was named “World’s Most Luxurious Spa” by the Guide in 2018. Studio City’s signature Cantonese restaurant, Pearl Dragon, celebrated its first Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star recognition in 2019 and one-Michelin-starred establishment rank for the third consecutive year in the Michelin Guide Hong Kong Macau 2019, while Bi Ying has been once again recommended in the guidebook. In addition, Pearl Dragon and Bi Ying were included in the list of Hong Kong Tatler’s Best Restaurants guide in 2017.

Market and Competition

Macau Gaming Market

Gaming in Macau is administered through government-sanctioned concessions awarded to three different concessionaires: SJM, Galaxy and Wynn Resorts Macau.

SJM is a subsidiary of SJM Holdings Ltd., a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in which Mr. Lawrence Ho, a director of our company and the chairman and chief executive officer of Melco Resorts, and his family members have shareholding interests. SJM currently operates multiple casinos throughout Macau. SJM (through its predecessor Tourism and Entertainment Company of Macau Limited) commenced its gaming operations in Macau in 1962 and is developing its project in Cotai, which is currently expected to open in 2019.

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SJM has granted a subconcession to MGM Grand. MGM Grand is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and was originally formed as a joint venture by MGM-Mirage and Ms. Pansy Ho, sister of Mr. Lawrence Ho. MGM Grand opened MGM Macau on the Macau Peninsula in December 2007 and MGM Cotai in February 2018.

Galaxy currently operates multiple casinos in Macau, including StarWorld, a hotel and casino resort in Macau’s central business and tourism district. The Galaxy Macau Resort opened in Cotai in May 2011 and the opening of Phase 2 of the Galaxy Macau Resort took place in May 2015. Galaxy is currently developing phase 3 of the Galaxy Macau Resort, which is currently expected to be completed and operational in 2020.

Galaxy has granted a subconcession to Venetian Macau Limited, a subsidiary of Las Vegas Sands Corporation and Sands China Limited, which are listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, respectively. Las Vegas Sands Corporation is the developer of Sands Macao, The Venetian Macau, Sands Cotai Central and Parisian Macao. Venetian Macau Limited, with a subconcession under Galaxy’s concession, operates Sands Macao on the Macau Peninsula, together with The Venetian Macau, the Plaza Casino at The Four Seasons Hotel Macao and Sands Cotai Central, which are located in Cotai. Sands China Ltd. opened the Parisian Macao in Cotai in September 2016 and has announced the re-branding and re-development of the Sands Cotai Central into The Londoner Macao.

Wynn Resorts Macau, is a subsidiary of Wynn Macau, Limited, which is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, and of Wynn Resorts Limited, which is listed on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. Wynn Resorts Macau opened Wynn Macau in September 2006 on the Macau Peninsula and an extension called Encore in 2010. In August 2016, Wynn Resorts Macau opened Wynn Palace, in Cotai. Melco Resorts Macau obtained its subconcession from Wynn Resorts Macau. Melco Resorts Macau, in addition to Studio City Casino, also operates Mocha Clubs, Altira Macau (located in Taipa Island), which opened in May 2007, and City of Dreams located in Cotai, which opened in June 2009. Phase 3 of City of Dreams, which includes the Morpheus Hotel, opened in June 2018.

The existing concessions and subconcessions do not place any limit on the number of gaming facilities that may be operated. In addition to facing competition from existing operations of these concessionaires and subconcessionaires, we will face increased competition when any of them constructs new or renovates pre-existing casinos in Macau or enters into leasing, services or other arrangements with hotel owners, developers or other parties for the operation of casinos and gaming activities in new or renovated properties. Each of these concessionaires was permitted to grant one subconcession. The Macau government is currently considering the process of renewal, extension or grant of gaming concessions or subconcessions expiring in 2022. The Macau government further announced that the number of gaming tables in Macau should not exceed 5,500 until the end of the first quarter of 2013 and that, thereafter, for a period of ten years, the total number of gaming tables to be authorized will be limited to an average annual increase of 3%. These restrictions are not legislated or enacted into laws or regulations and, as such, different policies, including the policy on the annual increase rate in the number of gaming tables, may be adopted at any time by the relevant Macau government authorities. According to the DICJ, the number of gaming tables operating in Macau as of December 31, 2018 was 6,588. The Macau government has reiterated further that it does not intend to authorize the operation of any new casino or gaming area that was not previously authorized by the Macau government, or permit tables authorized for mass market gaming operations to be utilized for VIP gaming operations or authorize the expansion of existing casinos or gaming areas. However, the policies and laws of the Macau government may change and permit the Macau government to grant additional gaming concessions or subconcessions. Such change in policies may also result in a change in the number of gaming tables and casinos that the Macau government is prepared to authorize for operation.

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Other Regional Markets

Studio City may also face competition from casinos and gaming resorts in other regions such as Singapore, Malaysia, South Korea, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. Casinos and integrated gaming resorts are becoming increasingly popular in Asia, giving rise to more opportunities for industry participants and increasing regional competition.

Singapore legalized casino gaming in 2006. Genting Singapore PLC opened its resort, Resorts World Sentosa, in Sentosa, Singapore in February 2010 and Las Vegas Sands Corporation opened its casino at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore in April 2010. In December 2016, a law which conceptually enables the development of integrated resorts in Japan took effect, with corresponding legislation providing a legislative framework for the development and implementation of integrated resorts in Japan taking effect in July 2018. In addition, several other Asian countries are considering or are in the process of legalizing gambling and establishing casino-based entertainment complexes.

We may also face competition from hotels and resorts, including many of the largest gaming, hospitality, leisure and resort companies in the world. These include Travellers International Hotel Group, Inc., Bloomberry Resorts Corporation, Tiger Resorts Leisure and Entertainment Inc., Melco Resorts Leisure (PHP) Corporation as well as Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

Genting Highlands is a popular international gaming resort in Malaysia, approximately a one-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur. We believe that the Genting Highlands caters to a different market than Macau, in large part because of the distance and travel times from the Greater China population centers from which Macau is expected to draw its principal traffic.

South Korea has allowed casinos for foreigners for some time including Seven Luck Casino and Paradise Walker Hill Casino in Seoul and Paradise Casinos in Busan and Incheon. Recently, Kangwon Land Casino opened in an old mining area of South Korea and began to accept Korean nationals.

Star Cruises (Hong Kong) Ltd., or Star Cruises, is a leading cruise line in the Asia Pacific and is one of the largest cruise line operators in the world. Worldwide, Star Cruises presently operates a combined fleet of approximately 20 ships with more than 26,000 lower berths. Star Cruises vessels in Asia Pacific offer extensive gaming activities to their passengers. These cruise vessels may compete for Asian-based patrons with Studio City Casino gaming operations in Macau.

There are a number of casino complexes in certain tourist destinations in Cambodia such as Dailin, Bavet, Poipet, Sihanoukville and Koh Kong, but they are relatively small compared to those in Macau.

In addition, there are major gaming facilities in Australia located in Melbourne, Perth, Sydney and the Gold Coast.

Seasonality

Macau, which is our principal market of operation, experiences many peaks and seasonal effects. The “Golden Week” and “Chinese New Year” holidays are generally the key periods where business and visitation increase considerably in Macau. While we may experience fluctuations in revenues and cash flows from month to month, we do not believe that our business is materially impacted by seasonality.

Land and Properties

Land Concession

In October 2001, we entered into a land concession contract with the Macau government for the land on which Studio City is located. The contract was subsequently amended in 2012 and 2015.

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The granted land is located in Cotai, Macau, with a total area of approximately 130,789 square meters. The gross construction area of our granted land is approximately 707,078 square meters. Currently, the gross floor area of Studio City is approximately 477,110 square meters.

The land concession contract has a term of 25 years commencing on October 2001 and is renewable for further consecutive periods of ten years, subject to applicable legislation in Macau. Under the land concession contract, the Macau government may exercise its termination rights under certain conditions.

Pursuant to our land concession contract, our granted land, including the remaining project, must be fully developed by July 24, 2021. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We are developing the remaining project for Studio City under the terms of a land concession contract which require us to fully develop the land on which Studio City is located by July 24, 2021. If we do not complete development by that time and the Macau government does not grant us an extension of the development period, we could be forced to forfeit all or part of our investment in Studio City, along with our interest in the land on which Studio City is located and the buildings and structures on such land.”

Development of Our Remaining Project

Under our current plan for the remaining project, the remaining project is expected to consist of two hotel towers with approximately 900 rooms and suites and a gaming area. In addition, we currently envision the remaining project to also contain a waterpark with indoor and outdoor areas. Other non-gaming attractions expected to be part of the remaining project include MICE space, retail and food and beverage outlets and a cineplex. As of December 31, 2018, we have incurred approximately US$39.6 million of aggregate costs relating to the development of our remaining project, primarily related to the initial design and planning costs. Based on our current plan for the remaining project, we currently expect a project budget of approximately US$1.35 billion to US$1.40 billion for the development of the remaining project (exclusive of any pre-opening costs and financing costs) and a construction period of approximately 32 months.

Our plan for the remaining project may be subject to further revision and change and detailed design elements remain subject to further refinement and development. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We are developing the remaining project for Studio City under the terms of a land concession contract which require us to fully develop the land on which Studio City is located by July 24, 2021. If we do not complete development by that time and the Macau government does not grant us an extension of the development period, we could be forced to forfeit all or part of our investment in Studio City, along with our interest in the land on which Studio City is located and the buildings and structures on such land,” “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — Future development of the remaining project is subject to significant risks and uncertainties,” and “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We may not be able to obtain adequate financing on satisfactory terms for our existing business and/or remaining project, or at all.”

Properties

Apart from the property site for Studio City, we do not own or lease any other properties.

Intellectual Property

As part of our branding strategy, we have applied for or registered a number of trademarks (including “Studio City” trademarks) in Macau, Hong Kong and other jurisdictions for use in connection with Studio City. Where possible, we intend to continue to register trademarks as we develop, review and implement our branding strategy for Studio City. However, our current and any future trademarks are subject to expiration and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to renew all of them upon expiration.

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Our trademarks and other intellectual property rights distinguish our services and products from those of our competitors and contribute to our ability to compete in our target markets. To protect our intellectual property, we rely on a combination of trademark, copyright and trade secret laws. To protect our intellectual property rights, we monitor any infringement or misappropriation of our intellectual property rights, and staff working at Studio City are generally subject to confidentiality obligations. For our license agreements that are required for our operations, see “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — C. Research and Development, Patents and Licenses, etc.”

Insurance

We maintain and benefit from, and expect to continue to maintain and benefit from, insurance of the types and in amounts that are customary in the industry and which we believe will reasonably protect our interests. This includes commercial general liability (including product liability and accidental pollution liability), automobile liability, workers compensation, property damage and machinery breakdown and business interruption insurances. We also require certain contractors who may perform work on Studio City, as well as other vendors, to maintain certain insurances. In each case, all such insurances are subject to various caps on liability, both on a per claim and aggregate basis, as well as certain deductibles and other terms and conditions. We do not maintain key-man life insurance. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We may not have sufficient insurance coverage.”

Environmental Matters

We are committed to environmental awareness and have developed built-in innovative and energy saving green technologies for operations at Studio City. Currently, we are not aware of any material environmental complaints having been made against us.

Our Internal Control Policies

We have adopted our own governance policies and internal control measures in order to achieve operations in a professional manner in compliance with its, and Melco Resorts’, internal control requirements and applicable laws.

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, or the FCPA, and Macau laws prohibit us and the staff and agents participating in the operations in Studio City from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any government official. The Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, or the Code, includes provisions relating to compliance of all applicable anti-corruption laws including FCPA and the relevant Macau laws. The Ethical Business Practices Program covers corruption in both public and private sectors. It also covers the activities of our shareholders (to the extent they act or take actions on our behalf), directors, officers, employees and dedicated staff members performing services solely at Studio City.

Studio City Casino is managed and operated by the Gaming Operator guided by requirements under the Subconcession Contract and applicable laws and Melco Resorts’ governance policies, including a set of anti-money laundering policies and procedures, or AML Policy, approved by the DICJ, addressing requirements issued by the DICJ and the DICJ’s instructions on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and other applicable laws and regulations in Macau.

There are training programs in place with the aim that all relevant staff involved in gaming operations managed by the Gaming Operator understand such AML Policy and the related procedures. The Gaming Operator also uses an integrated IT system to track and automatically generate significant cash transaction reports and, if permitted by the DICJ and the Finance Information Bureau, has the capability to submit those reports electronically.

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Gaming Regulations

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in Macau are subject to the general civil and commercial laws and specific gaming laws, in particular, Law No. 16/2001, or the Macau Gaming Law. Macau’s gaming operations are also subject to the grant of a concession or subconcession by, and regulatory control of, the Macau government. See “— The Gaming Operator’s Subconcession.”

The DICJ is the supervisory authority and regulator of the gaming industry in Macau. The core functions of the DICJ are:

Below are the main features of the Macau Gaming Law, as supplemented by Administrative Regulation no. 26/2001, that are applicable to the gaming business.

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Non-compliance with these obligations could lead to the revocation of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession and could materially adversely affect its gaming operations.

The Macau government has also enacted other gaming legislation, rules and policies. Further, it imposed policies, regulations and restrictions that affect the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau, the number of gaming tables that may be operated in Macau, location requirements for sites with gaming machine lounges, supply and requirements of gaming machines, equipment and systems, instruction on responsible gaming, restrictions on the utilization of mass market gaming tables for VIP gaming operations and other matters. In addition, the Macau government may consider enacting new regulations that may adversely affect the Gaming Operator’s gaming operations. The Gaming Operator’s inability to address the requirements or restrictions imposed by the Macau government under such legislation or rules could adversely affect its gaming operations, including Studio City Casino.

Gaming Promoters Regulations

Macau Administrative Regulation no. 6/2002, as amended pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 27/2009, or the Gaming Promoters Regulation, regulates licensing of gaming promoters and the operations of gaming promotion businesses by gaming promoters. Applications to the DICJ by those seeking to become licensed gaming promoters must be sponsored by a concessionaire or subconcessionaire. Such concessionaire or subconcessionaire must confirm that it may contract the applicant’s services subject to the latter being licensed. Licenses are subject to annual renewal and a list of licensed gaming promoters is published every year in the Macau Official Gazette. The DICJ monitors each gaming promoter and its staff and collaborators. In October 2015, the DICJ issued specific accounting related instructions applicable to gaming promoters and their operations. Any failure by gaming promoters to comply with such instructions may impact their license and ability to operate in Macau.

In addition, concessionaires and subconcessionaires are jointly liable for the activities of their gaming promoters and collaborators within their casinos. In addition to the licensing and suitability assessment procedures performed by the DICJ, all of the Gaming Operator’s gaming promoters undergo a thorough internal vetting process. The Gaming Operator conducts background checks and also conducts periodic reviews of the activities of each gaming promoter, its employees and its collaborators for possible non-compliance with Macau legal and regulatory requirements. Such reviews generally include investigations into compliance with applicable anti-money laundering laws and regulations as well as tax withholding requirements.

Concessionaires and subconcessionaires are required to report periodically on commissions and other remunerations paid to their gaming promoters. A 5% tax must be withheld on commissions and other remunerations paid by a concessionaire or subconcessionaire to its gaming promoters. Under the Gaming Promoters Regulation and in accordance with the Secretary for Economy and Finance Dispatch no. 83/2009, effective as of September 11, 2009, a commission cap of 1.25% of net rolling has been in effect. Any bonuses, gifts, services or other advantages which are subject to monetary valuation and which are granted, directly or indirectly, inside or outside of Macau by any concessionaire or subconcessionaires or any company of their

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respective group to any gaming promoter shall be considered a commission. The commission cap regulations impose fines, ranging from MOP100,000 (US$12,397) up to MOP500,000 (US$61,985), on gaming operators that do not comply with the cap and other fines, ranging from MOP50,000 (US$6,198) up to MOP250,000 (US$30,992) on gaming operators that do not comply with their reporting obligations regarding commission payments. If breached, the legislation on commission caps has a sanction enabling the relevant government authority to make public a government decision imposing a fine on a concessionaire and subconcessionaire by publishing such decision on the DICJ website and in two Macau newspapers (in Chinese and Portuguese respectively). We believe the Gaming Operator has implemented the necessary internal control systems to ensure compliance with the commission cap and reporting obligations in accordance with applicable rules and regulations.

The Macau government is currently considering amending the Macau Administrative Regulation no. 6/2002. The Macau government is, among other things, proposing that the licensing requirements for gaming promoters be more stringent and restrictive, the imposition of new penalties and the increase of the amounts of current fines.

Gaming Credit Regulations

Law no. 5/2004 has legalized the extension of gaming credit to patrons or gaming promoters by concessionaires and subconcessionaires in Macau. Gaming promoters may also extend credit to patrons upon obtaining an authorization by a concessionaire or subconcessionaire to carry out such activity. Assigning or transferring one’s authorization to extend gaming credit is not permitted. This statute sets forth filing obligations for those extending credit and the supervising role of the DICJ in this activity. Gaming debts contracted pursuant to this statute are a source of civil obligations and may be enforced in court.

Access to Casinos and Gaming Areas Regulations

Under Law no. 10/2012, as amended pursuant to Law no. 17/2018, the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau is 21 years of age. The director of the DICJ may authorize employees under 21 years of age to temporarily enter casinos or gaming areas, after considering their special technical qualifications. In addition, off-duty gaming related employees of gaming operators and gaming promoters may not, starting from December 2019, access any casinos or gaming areas, except during the Chinese New Year festive season or under specific circumstances.

Smoking Regulations

Under the Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Law, as amended pursuant to Law no. 9/2017, from January 1, 2019, smoking on casino premises is only be permitted in authorized segregated smoking lounges with no gaming activities and such smoking lounges are required to meet certain standards determined by the Macau government.

Anti-money Laundering Regulations and Terrorism Financing

In conjunction with current gaming laws and regulations, we are required to comply with the laws and regulations relating to anti-money laundering activities in Macau. Law no. 2/2006 (as amended pursuant to Law no. 3/2017), the Administrative Regulation no. 7/2006 (as amended pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 17/2017) and the DICJ Instruction no. 1/2016 in effect from May 13, 2016, govern compliance requirements with respect to identifying, reporting and preventing anti-money laundering and terrorism financing crimes at casinos and gaming areas in Macau. Under these laws and regulations, the Gaming Operator is required to:

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Under Article 2 of Administrative Regulation no. 7/2006 (as amended pursuant to Administrative Regulation no. 17/2017) and the DICJ Instruction no. 1/2016, the Gaming Operator is required to track and report transactions and granting of credit that are MOP500,000 (US$61,985) or above. Pursuant to the legal requirements above, if the customer provides all required information, after submitting the reports, the Gaming Operator may continue to deal with those customers that were reported to the DICJ and, in case of suspicious transactions, to the Finance Information Bureau.

The Gaming Operator employs internal controls and procedures designed to help ensure that gaming and other operations are conducted in a professional manner and in compliance with internal control requirements issued by the DICJ set forth in its instruction on anti-money laundering, the applicable laws and regulations in Macau, as well as the requirements set forth in the Subconcession Contract.

The Gaming Operator has developed a comprehensive anti-money laundering policy and related procedures covering its anti-money laundering responsibilities, which have been approved by the DICJ, and have training programs in place to ensure that all relevant staff understand such anti-money laundering policy and procedures. The Gaming Operator also uses an integrated IT system to track and automatically generate significant cash transaction reports and, if permitted by the DICJ and the Finance Information Bureau, to submit those reports electronically.

Responsible Gaming Regulations

On October 18, 2012, the DICJ issued Instruction no. 2/2012, which came into effect on November 1, 2012, setting out measures for the implementation of responsible gaming principles. Under this instruction, concessionaires and subconcessionaires are required to implement certain measures to promote responsible gambling, including: making information available on the risks of gambling, responsible gambling and odds, both inside and outside the casinos and gaming areas and through electronic means; creation of information and counseling kiosks and a hotline; adequate regulation of lighting inside casinos and gaming areas; public exhibition of time; creation and training of teams and a coordinator responsible for promoting responsible gambling.

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Control of Cross-border Transportation of Cash Regulations

On June 12, 2017, Law no. 6/2017, with respect to the control of cross-border transportation of cash and other negotiable instruments to the bearer, was enacted. Such law came into effect on November 1, 2017. In accordance with such law, all individuals entering Macau with an amount in cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer equal to or higher than the amount determined by order of the Chief Executive of Macau at MOP120,000 (US$14,876) will be required to declare such amount to the customs authorities. The customs authorities may also request an individual exiting Macau to declare if such individual is carrying an amount in cash or negotiable instruments to the bearer equal to or higher to such amount. Individuals that fail to duly complete the required declaration may be subject to a fine (ranging from 1% to 5% of the amount that exceeds the amount determined by order of the Chief Executive of Macau for declaration purposes, such fine being at least MOP1,000 (US$124) and not exceeding MOP500,000 (US$61,985). In the event the relevant customs authorities find that the cash or negotiable instrument to the bearer carried by an individual while entering or exiting Macau may be associated with or result from any criminal activity, such incident shall be notified to the relevant criminal authorities and the relevant amounts shall be seized pending investigation.

Prevention and Suppression of Corruption in External Trade Regulations

In addition to the general criminal laws regarding corrupt practices in the public and private sector that are in force in Macau, on January 1, 2015, Law no. 10/2014, criminalizing corruption acts in external trade and providing for a system for prevention and suppression of such criminal acts, came into effect in Macau. Melco Resorts’ internal policies, which we follow, address this issue.

Asset Freezing Enforcement Regulations

On August 29, 2016, Law no. 6/2016, with respect to the framework for the enforcement of asset freezing orders comprised of United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions for the fight against terrorism and proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, was enacted. Under this law, the Chief Executive of Macau is the competent authority to enforce freezing orders and the Asset Freeze Coordination Commission must assist the Chief Executive of Macau in all technical aspects of such enforcement. Among other entities, gaming operators are subject to certain obligations and duties regarding the freezing of assets ordered by the United Nations Security Council sanctions resolutions, including reporting and cooperation obligations.

Foreign Exchange Regulations

Gaming operators in Macau may be authorized to open foreign exchange counters at their casinos and gaming areas subject to compliance with the Foreign Exchange Agencies Constitution and Operation Law (Decree-Law no. 38/97/M), the Exchange Rate Regime (Decree-Law no. 39/97/M) and the specific requirements determined by the Monetary Authority of Macau. The transaction permitted to be performed in such counters is limited to buying and selling bank bills and coins in foreign currency, and to buying travelers checks.

Intellectual Property Rights Regulations

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are subject to local intellectual property regulations. Intellectual property protection in Macau is supervised by the Intellectual Property Department of the Economic Services Bureau of the Macau government.

The applicable regime in Macau with regard to intellectual property rights is defined by two main laws. The Industrial Property Code (Decree-Law no. 97/99/M, as amended pursuant to Law no. 11/2001), covers (i) inventions meeting the patentability requirements; (ii) semiconductor topography products; (iii) trademarks; (iv) designations of origin and geographical indications; and (v) awards. The Regime of Copyright and Related Rights (Decree-Law no. 43/99/M, as amended by Law no. 5/2012), protects intellectual works and creations in the literary, scientific and artistic fields, by copyright and related rights.

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Personal Data Regulations

Processing of personal data by our subsidiaries in Macau is subject to compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act (Law no. 8/2005). The Office for Personal Data Protection, or GPDP, is the regulatory authority in Macau in charge of supervising and enforcing the Personal Data Protection Act. Breaches are subject to civil liability, administrative and criminal sanctions.

The legal framework requires that certain procedures must be adopted before collecting, processing and/or transferring personal data, including obtaining consent from the data subject and/or notifying or requesting authorization from the GPDP prior to processing personal data.

Labor Quotas Regulations

All businesses in Macau must apply to the Labor Affairs Bureau for labor quotas to import non-resident unskilled workers from China and other regions or countries. Non-resident skilled workers are also subject to the issuance of a work permit by the Macau government, which is given individually on a case-by-case basis. Businesses are free to employ Macau residents in any position, as by definition all Macau residents have the right to work in Macau. Melco Resorts has, through its subsidiaries, two main groups of labor quotas in Macau, one to import non-skilled workers from China and the other to import non-skilled workers from all other countries. Gaming operators (the Gaming Operator included) are not currently allowed to hire non-Macau resident dealers and supervisors under the Macau government’s policy.

Pursuant to Macau social security laws, Macau employers must register their staff under a mandatory social security fund and make social security contributions for each of its resident staff and pay a special duty for each of its non-resident employees on a quarterly basis. Employers must also buy insurance to cover employment accidents and occupational illnesses for all staff.

Land Regulations

Land in Macau is legally divided into plots. In most cases, private interests in real property located in Macau are obtained through long-term leases from the Macau government.

We have entered into a land concession contract for the land on which Studio City is located. The contract has a term of 25 years and is renewable for further consecutive periods of ten years, and imposes, among other conditions, a development period, a land premium payment, a nominal annual government land use fee, which may be adjusted every five years, and a guarantee deposit upon acceptance of the land lease terms, which are subject to adjustments from time to time in line with the amounts paid as annual land use fees.

The land is initially granted on a provisional basis and registered as such with the Macau Real Property Registry and only upon completion of the development is the land concession converted into definitive status and so registered with the Macau Real Property Registry.

Distribution of Profits Regulations

All our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a minimum of 25% of the entity’s profit after taxation to the legal reserve until the balance of the legal reserve reaches a level equivalent to 50% of the entity’s share capital in accordance with the provisions of the Macau Commercial Code. The legal reserve sets aside an amount from the subsidiaries’ statements of operations and is not available for distribution to the shareholders of the subsidiaries. The appropriation of legal reserve is recorded in the subsidiaries’ financial statements in the year in which it is approved by the shareholders of the relevant subsidiaries.

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FCPA

The FCPA prohibits us and our staff and agents from offering or giving money or any other item of value to win or retain business or to influence any act or decision of any foreign official. The Code includes specific FCPA related provisions. See “— Our Internal Control Policies.”

The Gaming Operator’s Subconcession

The Concession Regime

The Macau government conducted an international tender process for gaming concessions in Macau in 2001, and granted three gaming concessions to SJM, Galaxy and Wynn Resorts Macau, respectively. Upon authorization by the Macau government, each of SJM, Galaxy and Wynn Resorts Macau subsequently entered into subconcessions with their respective subconcessionaires to operate casino games and other games of chance in Macau. No further granting of subconcessions is permitted unless specifically authorized by the Macau government.

Though there are no restrictions on the number of casinos or gaming areas that may be operated under each concession or subconcession, Macau government approval is required for the commencement of operations of any casino or gaming area.

The subconcessionaires that entered into subconcessions with SJM, Galaxy and Wynn Resorts Macau, are MGM Grand, Venetian Macau and the Gaming Operator, respectively. The Gaming Operator executed the Subconcession Contract with Wynn Resorts Macau on September 8, 2006. Wynn Resorts Macau will continue to develop and run hotel operations and casino projects independent of the Gaming Operator.

All concessionaires and subconcessionaires must pay a special gaming tax of 35% of gross gaming revenues, defined as all gaming revenues derived from casino or gaming areas, plus an annual gaming premium of:

The Macau government has been considering the extension or renewal of the concessions and subconcessions or the granting of new concessions and subconcessions. As part of such efforts, in May 2016, the Macau government conducted a mid-term review to analyze the impact of the gaming industry on the local economy, business environment of small and medium enterprises, local population and gaming and non-gaming business sectors and the current status of the gaming promoters.

The Subconcession Contract

The Subconcession Contract provides for the terms and conditions of the subconcession granted to the Gaming Operator by Wynn Resorts Macau. The Gaming Operator does not have the right to further grant a subconcession or transfer the operation to third parties.

The Gaming Operator paid a consideration of US$900 million to Wynn Resorts Macau. On September 8, 2006, the Gaming Operator was granted the right to operate games of fortune and chance or other games in casinos in Macau until the expiration of the subconcession on June 26, 2022. No further payments need to be made to Wynn Resorts Macau in future operations during the subconcession period.

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The Macau government has confirmed that the subconcession is independent of Wynn Resorts Macau’s concession and that the Gaming Operator does not have any obligations to Wynn Resorts Macau pursuant to the Subconcession Contract. It is thus not affected by any modification, suspension, redemption, termination or rescission of Wynn Resorts Macau’s concession. In addition, an early termination of Wynn Resorts Macau’s concession before June 26, 2022, would not result in the termination of the subconcession. The subconcession was authorized and approved by the Macau government. Absent any change to the Gaming Operator’s legal status, rights, duties and obligations towards the Macau government or any change in applicable law, the Gaming Operator will continue to be validly entitled to operate independently under and pursuant to the subconcession, notwithstanding the termination or rescission of Wynn Resorts Macau’s concession, the insolvency of Wynn Resorts Macau and/or the replacement of Wynn Resorts Macau as concessionaire in the Subconcession Contract. The Macau government has a contractual obligation to the effect that, should Wynn Resorts Macau cease to hold the concession prior to June 26, 2022, the Macau government would replace Wynn Resorts Macau with another entity so as to ensure that the Gaming Operator may continue to operate games of chance and other games in casinos in Macau and the subconcession would at all times be under a concession. Both the Macau government and Wynn Resorts Macau have undertaken to cooperate with the Gaming Operator to ensure all the legal and contractual obligations are met.

Summary of the Key Terms of the Subconcession Contract

A summary of the key terms of the Subconcession Contract is as follows:

Development of Gaming Projects/Financial Obligations

The Subconcession Contract requires the Gaming Operator to make a minimum investment in Macau of MOP4.0 billion (US$495.9 million), including investment in fully developing Altira Macau and the City of Dreams, by December 2010. In June 2010, the Gaming Operator obtained confirmation from the Macau government that as of the date of the confirmation, the Gaming Operator had invested over MOP4.0 billion (US$495.9 million) in these projects in Macau.

Payments

Subconcession premiums and taxes, computed in various ways depending upon the type of gaming or activity involved, are payable to the Macau government. The method for computing these fees and taxes may be changed from time to time by the Macau government. Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are payable either monthly or annually and are based upon either a percentage of the gross revenues or the number and type of gaming devices operated. In addition to special gaming taxes of 35% of gross gaming revenues, the Gaming Operator is also required to contribute to the Macau government an amount equivalent to 1.6% of the gross revenues of our gaming business. Such contribution must be delivered to a public foundation designated by the Macau government whose goal is to promote, develop or study culture, society, economy, education and science and engage in academic and charitable activities. Furthermore, the Gaming Operator is also obligated to contribute to Macau an amount equivalent to 2.4% of the gross revenues of the gaming business for urban development, tourism promotion and the social security of Macau. The Gaming Operator is required to collect and pay, through withholding, statutory taxes on commissions or other remunerations paid to gaming promoters.

Termination Rights

The Macau government has the right, after notifying Wynn Resorts Macau, to unilaterally terminate the Gaming Operator’s subconcession in the event of noncompliance by the Gaming Operator with its basic obligations under the subconcession and applicable Macau laws. Upon termination, all of the Gaming Operator’s casino premises and gaming equipment would revert to the Macau government automatically without compensation and the Gaming Operator would cease to generate any revenues from these operations. In many of

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these instances, the Subconcession Contract does not provide a specific cure period within which any such events may be cured and, instead, the Gaming Operator may be dependent on consultations and negotiations with the Macau government to enable it to remedy any such default. Neither the Gaming Operator nor Wynn Resorts Macau is granted explicit rights of veto, or of prior consultation. The Macau government may be able to unilaterally rescind the Subconcession Contract upon the following termination events:

Ownership and Capitalization

Set out below are the key terms in relation to ownership and capitalization under the Subconcession Contract:

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Redemption

Under the Subconcession Contract, from 2017, the Macau government has the right to redeem the Subconcession Contract by providing the Gaming Operator with at least one year’s prior notice. In the event the Macau government exercises this redemption right, the Gaming Operator would be entitled to compensation. The standards for the calculation of the amount of such compensation would be determined based on the gross revenues generated by City of Dreams during the tax year immediately prior to the redemption, multiplied by the remaining years of the term of the subconcession. The Gaming Operator or we would not receive any further compensation (including for consideration paid by the Gaming Operator to Wynn Resorts Macau for the subconcession).

Others

In addition, the Subconcession Contract contains various general covenants and obligations and other provisions, including special duties of cooperation, special duties of information, and execution of our investment obligations.

See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to the Gaming Industry in Macau — The Subconcession Contract expires in 2022 and if the Gaming Operator is unable to secure an extension of its subconcession, or a new concession or subconcession, in 2022, or if the Macau government were to exercise its redemption right, the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate Studio City Casino.”

Services and Right to Use Arrangements Regulatory Requirements

The entry into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements by the Gaming Operator and our subsidiary, Studio City Entertainment, pursuant to which the Studio City Casino is operated, was approved by the Macau government in April 2007, and the supplement and amendments thereto were approved by the Macau government in May 2012. Set out below are the key terms of such approvals which remain in force:

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In addition, as set out in the Macau government authorization letter for the listing of the Company dated March 5, 2018, the listing is subject to the following conditions:

Under such authorization, the Gaming Operator is required to annually provide the Macau government with evidence with respect to the compliance with the above conditions. In addition, under such authorization, we and the Gaming Operator are also required to comply with the conditions imposed by the Macau government in connection with its approval of our entry into the Services and Right to Use Arrangements.

The Macau government also has the right to revoke such listing authorization if it deems that the listing is contrary to the public interest or in case of any breach of the mentioned conditions. In case of revocation of the listing authorization by the Macau government, we may be required by the Macau government to delist the ADSs from the New York Stock Exchange. Failure to do so could result in the approval of the Services and Right to Use Arrangements being revoked, preventing us from receiving any amounts thereunder, in a closure order being issued with respect to the Studio City Casino or the suspension or termination of the Gaming Operator’s subconcession and consequently we may be unable to offer any gaming facilities at Studio City.

Taxation

We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands and our primary business operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. Under the current laws of the Cayman Islands, we are not subject to tax on income or capital gains. In addition, dividend payments are not subject to withholding tax in the Cayman Islands.

Hong Kong

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Hong Kong are subject to Hong Kong profits tax on their taxable income earned in or derived from Hong Kong at a uniform tax rate of 16.5%. No provision for Hong Kong profits tax has been made for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 as there was no taxable income during such periods. Payments of dividends by our subsidiaries to us are not subject to withholding tax in Hong Kong.

Macau

Our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are subject to Macau complementary tax of 12% on taxable income, as defined in the relevant tax laws. Concessionaires and subconcessionaires are currently subject to a 35% special gaming tax as well as other levies of 4% under the relevant concession or subconcession and may benefit from a corporate tax holiday on profit from their gaming revenues. The Gaming Operator benefits from a corporate tax holiday on gaming generated income which expires at the end of 2021. No provision for Macau complementary tax on profits has been made for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016 as there was no taxable income during such periods.

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In addition, in January 2015, the Macau government approved the application by our subsidiary, Studio City Entertainment, for a Macau complementary tax exemption through December 2016 on profits generated from income received from the Gaming Operator, to the extent that such income results from gaming operations within Studio City Casino and has been subject to gaming tax. In January 2017, the Macau government granted an extension of this exemption for an additional five years from 2017 to 2021. Dividend distributions by Studio City Entertainment continue to be subject to Macau complementary tax. We remain subject to Macau complementary tax on our non-gaming related profits.

In September 2017, the Macau government granted Studio City Hotels the declaration of touristic utility purpose pursuant to which Studio City Hotels is entitled to a property tax holiday for a period of twelve years on the immovable property to which the touristic utility was granted, owned or operated by Studio City Hotels. Under such tax holiday, Studio City Hotels is allowed to double the maximum rates applicable to depreciation and reintegration for the purposes of assessment of the Macau complementary tax. Although the Studio City property is owned by Studio City Developments, we believe Studio City Hotels is entitled to such property tax holiday; however, there is no assurance that the Macau government will extend such benefit to Studio City Hotels.

C. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

We are a holding company for Studio City.

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The following diagram illustrates our organizational structure, including the place of formation, ownership interest and affiliation of our significant subsidiaries, as of March 27, 2019:

Notes:

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See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions — A. Major Shareholders” for more information regarding the beneficial ownership in our Company and “Exhibit 8.1 — Significant Subsidiaries of the Registrant.”

D. PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

See “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview” and “Item 5. Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — A. Operating Results — Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates — Property and Equipment and Other Long-lived Assets” for information regarding our material tangible property, plant and equipment.

Not applicable.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by, the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto in this annual report on Form 20-F. Certain statements in this “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects” are forward-looking statements. See “Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” regarding these statements.

Overview

We are a holding company and, through our subsidiaries, operate the non-gaming businesses of Studio City. Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator, one of the subsidiaries of Melco Resorts and a holder of a gaming subconcession. Our future operating results are subject to significant business, economic, regulatory and competitive uncertainties and risks, many of which are beyond our control. See “Item 3. Key

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Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business.” For detailed information regarding our operations and development projects, see “Item 4. Information on the Company — B. Business Overview.”

A. OPERATING RESULTS

Operations

Our principal operating activities are the provision of gaming related services and the hospitality business in Macau. Our chief operating decision maker monitors the operations and evaluate earnings by reviewing the assets and operations of Studio City as one operating segment. Accordingly, we do not present separate segment information. As of December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, we operated in one geographical area, Macau, where we generated our revenue and where our long-lived assets were located.

Summary of Financial Results

For the year ended December 31, 2018, our total revenues were US$571.2 million, an increase of 5.8% from US$539.8 million of total revenues for the year ended December 31, 2017. Net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited for the year ended December 31, 2018 was US$21.6 million, as compared to net loss of US$76.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2017. Our improvement was mainly attributable to the increase in revenues from the provision of gaming related services.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

We use the following KPIs to evaluate the operations of Studio City Casino, including table games and gaming machines:

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In the rolling chip market segment, customers purchase identifiable chips known as non-negotiable chips, or rolling chips, from the casino cage, and there is no deposit into a gaming table’s drop box for rolling chips purchased from the cage. Rolling chip volume and mass market table games drop are not equivalent. Rolling chip volume is a measure of amounts wagered and lost. Mass market table games drop measures buy in. Rolling chip volume is generally substantially higher than mass market table games drop. As these volumes are the denominator used in calculating win rate or hold percentage, with the same use of gaming win as the numerator, the win rate is generally lower in the rolling chip market segment than the hold percentage in the mass market table games segment.

Studio City Casino’s expected rolling chip win rate is 2.7% to 3.0%.

We use the following KPIs to evaluate our hotel operations:

Complimentary rooms are included in the calculation of the above room-related KPIs. The average daily rate of complimentary rooms is typically lower than the average daily rate for cash rooms. The occupancy rate and REVPAR would be lower if complimentary rooms were excluded from the calculation. As not all available rooms are occupied, average daily room rates are normally higher than revenue per available room.

Year Ended December 31, 2018 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2017

Revenues

Our total revenues increased by US$31.4 million, or 5.8%, to US$571.2 million in 2018 from US$539.8 million in 2017. The increase in total revenues was primarily due to enhanced performance in the mass market table games and VIP rolling chip operations as a result of the continuous ramp-up of Studio City. There was no material impact on our revenues in 2018 as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard from January 1, 2018.

Studio City Casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$1,583.8 million and US$1,438.1 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively, before the deduction by the Gaming Operator of gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operation of Studio City Casino pursuant to the Services and Right to Use Arrangements.

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Mass market table games revenue increased to US$868.5 million in 2018 from US$759.1 million in 2017 due to an increase in both mass market table games drop and mass market table games hold percentage. Mass market table games drop increased to US$3,272.9 million in 2018 from US$2,913.0 million in 2017. Mass market table games hold percentage also increased to 26.5% in 2018 from 26.1% in 2017.

Gaming machine revenue increased to US$83.9 million in 2018 from US$78.2 million in 2017 due to an increase in gaming machine handle to US$2,479.9 million in 2018 from US$2,120.5 million in 2017 despite a decrease in gaming machine win rate to 3.4% in 2018 from 3.7% in 2017. Average net win per gaming machine per day was US$240 and US$225 in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Studio City Casino launched its VIP rolling chip operations in November 2016 with 33 VIP rolling chip tables and in June 2017 the number of VIP rolling chip tables subsequently increased to 45. VIP rolling chip revenue increased to US$631.4 million in 2018 from US$600.8 million in 2017 due to an increase in VIP rolling chip volume, partially offset by a decrease in VIP rolling chip win rate. VIP rolling chip volume increased to US$21.2 billion in 2018 from US$19.0 billion in 2017. VIP rolling chip win rate decreased to 2.97% in 2018 from 3.16% in 2017.

In 2018 and 2017, total gaming tax and costs incurred in connection with the operation of Studio City Casino deducted from gross gaming revenues were US$1,243.9 million and US$1,142.5 million, respectively, which included (i) gaming tax imposed on the gross gaming revenue of US$617.7 million and US$560.9 million, respectively; (ii) complimentary services provided by us to Studio City Casino’s gaming patrons of US$81.3 million and US$74.3 million, respectively; (iii) shared administrative services and shuttle bus transportation services provided by us to Studio City Casino of US$36.5 million and US$36.9 million, respectively and (iv) remaining costs of US$508.4 million and US$470.4 million, respectively, primarily representing gaming-related staff costs and other gaming-related costs, including costs related to VIP operations at Studio City Casino.

After the deduction by the Gaming Operator of gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operation of Studio City Casino from gross gaming revenues, we recognized revenues from the provision of gaming related services of US$339.9 million and US$295.6 million in 2018 and 2017, respectively.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Our total operating costs and expenses decreased by US$26.0 million, or 5.7%, to US$433.4 million in 2018 from US$459.4 million in 2017.

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Operating Income

As a result of the foregoing, we had an operating income of US$137.9 million in 2018, compared to an operating income of US$80.5 million in 2017.

Non-operating Expenses, Net

Net non-operating expenses consisted of interest income, interest expenses, loan commitment fees, net foreign exchange gains, loss on extinguishment of debt and other non-operating (expenses) income, net. We incurred total net non-operating expenses of US$158.1 million in 2018, compared to US$157.1 million in 2017.

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Loss before Income Tax

As a result of the foregoing, we had a loss before income tax of US$20.2 million in 2018, compared to a loss before income tax of US$76.7 million in 2017.

Income Tax (Expense) Credit

Income tax expenses was US$0.5 million and was primarily attributable to deferred income tax expense, compared to income tax credit of US$0.2 million in 2017, which was attributable to deferred income tax credit. The effective tax rates in 2018 and 2017 were (2.7)% and 0.3%, respectively. Our effective tax rates in 2018 and 2017 differed from the statutory Macau complementary tax rate of 12% due to the effect of expenses for which no income tax benefits are receivable, the change in valuation allowances and certain of our profits were exempted from the Macau complementary tax. Our management currently does not expect to realize significant income tax benefits associated with net operating loss carry-forwards and other deferred tax assets generated by our Macau operations. However, to the extent that the financial results of our Macau operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, we will reduce the valuation allowance related to the net operating losses and other deferred tax assets.

Net Income Attributable to Participation Interest

Our net income attributable to participation interest was US$0.9 million in 2018.

Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited

As a result of the foregoing, we had a net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$21.6 million in 2018, compared to a net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$76.4 million in 2017.

Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2016

Revenues

Our total revenues increased by US$115.3 million, or 27.2%, to US$539.8 million in 2017 from US$424.5 million in 2016. The increase in total revenues was primarily due to enhanced performance in the mass market table games as a result of the continuous ramp-up of Studio City since its commencement of operations in October 2015 and the launch of VIP rolling chip operations in November 2016.

Studio City Casino generated gross gaming revenues of US$1,438.1 million and US$706.2 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively, before the deduction by the Gaming Operator of gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operation of Studio City Casino pursuant to the Services and Right to Use Arrangements.

Mass market table games revenue increased to US$759.1 million in 2017 from US$611.6 million in 2016 due to an increase in both mass market table games drop and mass market table games hold percentage. Mass market table games drop increased to US$2,913.0 million in 2017 from US$2,480.0 million in 2016. Mass market table games hold percentage also increased to 26.1% in 2017 from 24.7% in 2016.

Gaming machine revenue increased to US$78.2 million in 2017 from US$76.0 million in 2016 due to an increase in gaming machine handle to US$2,120.5 million in 2017 from US$2,002.3 million in 2016

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despite a slight decrease in gaming machine win rate to 3.7% in 2017 from 3.8% in 2016. Average net win per gaming machine per day was US$225 and US$189 in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Studio City Casino launched its VIP rolling chip operations in November 2016 with 33 VIP rolling chip tables and in June 2017 the number of VIP rolling chip tables subsequently increased to 45. VIP rolling chip revenue increased to US$600.8 million in 2017 from US$18.6 million in 2016 due to the first full year of VIP rolling chip operations in Studio City in 2017. VIP rolling chip volume increased to US$19.0 billion in 2017 from US$1.3 billion in 2016. VIP rolling chip win rate also increased to 3.16% in 2017 from 1.39% in 2016.

In 2017 and 2016, total gaming tax and costs incurred in connection with the operation of Studio City Casino deducted from gross gaming revenues were US$1,142.5 million and US$554.6 million, respectively, which included (i) gaming tax imposed on the gross gaming revenue of US$560.9 million and US$275.4 million, respectively; (ii) complimentary services provided by us to Studio City Casino’s gaming patrons of US$74.3 million and US$61.8 million, respectively; (iii) shared administrative services and shuttle bus transportation services provided by us to Studio City Casino of US$36.9 million and US$49.2 million, respectively and (iv) remaining costs of US$470.4 million and US$168.2 million, respectively, primarily representing gaming-related staff costs and other gaming-related costs, including costs related to VIP operations at Studio City Casino.

After the deduction by the Gaming Operator of gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with its operation of Studio City Casino from gross gaming revenues, we recognized revenues from the provision of gaming related services of US$295.6 million and US$151.6 million in 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Operating Costs and Expenses

Our total operating costs and expenses decreased by US$19.9 million, or 4.2%, to US$459.4 million in 2017 from US$479.3 million in 2016.

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Operating Income (Loss)

As a result of the foregoing, we had an operating income of US$80.5 million in 2017, compared to an operating loss of US$54.8 million in 2016.

Non-operating Expenses, Net

Net non-operating expenses consisted of interest income, interest expenses, loan commitment fees, net foreign exchange gains (losses), loss on extinguishment of debt and costs associated with debt modification as well as other non-operating income, net. We incurred total net non-operating expenses of US$157.1 million in 2017, compared to US$187.5 million in 2016. Higher net non-operating expenses in 2016 was primarily due to the loss on extinguishment of debt and costs associated with debt modification arisen from the refinancing of the 2013 Project Facility with the 2016 Notes and the 2016 Credit Facility in November 2016.

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Loss before Income Tax

As a result of the foregoing, we had a loss before income tax of US$76.7 million in 2017, compared to a loss of US$242.3 million in 2016.

Income Tax Credit (Expense)

Income tax credit was US$0.2 million in 2017 and was attributable to deferred income tax credit, compared to income tax expense of US$0.5 million in 2016, which was attributable to deferred income tax expense. The effective tax rates in 2017 and 2016 were 0.3% and (0.2)%, respectively. Our effective tax rates in 2017 and 2016 differed from the statutory Macau complementary tax rate of 12% due to the effect of expenses for which no income tax benefit is receivable, the change in valuation allowance and certain of our profits were exempted from the Macau complementary tax. Our management currently does not expect to realize significant income tax benefits associated with net operating loss carry-forwards and other deferred tax assets generated by our Macau operations. However, to the extent that the financial results of our Macau operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, we will reduce the valuation allowance related to the net operating losses and other deferred tax assets.

Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited

As a result of the foregoing, we had a net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$76.4 million in 2017, compared to a net loss attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited of US$242.8 million in 2016.

Adjusted EBITDA

Our earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, pre-opening costs, property charges and other, other non-operating income and expenses, or Adjusted EBITDA, were US$314.8 million, US$279.1 million and US$123.0 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results. This non-GAAP financial measure eliminates the impact of items that we do not consider indicative of the performance of our business. While we believe that this non-GAAP financial measure is useful in evaluating our business, this information should be considered as supplemental in nature and is not meant as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. It should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income/loss, cash flow or any other measure of financial performance or as an indicator of our operating performance, liquidity, profitability or cash flows generated by operating, investing or financing activities. This non-GAAP financial measure, which may differ from similarly titled measures used by other companies should not be considered a substitute for, or superior to, the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

The use of Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool, as Adjusted EBITDA does not include all items that impact our net income/loss. Investors are encouraged to review the reconciliation of the historical non-GAAP financial measure to its most directly comparable GAAP financial measure.

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Reconciliation of Net Loss Attributable to Studio City International Holdings Limited to Adjusted EBITDA

The Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City in 2018, 2017 and 2016 referred to in Melco Resorts’ 2018 annual report on Form 20-F were US$60.5 million, US$56.5 million and US$33.0 million more, respectively, than the Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City contained in this report. The Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City contained in this report includes certain intercompany charges that are not included in the Adjusted EBITDA for Studio City contained in such Melco Resorts’ annual report. Such intercompany charges include, among other items, fees and shared service charges billed between the Company and its subsidiaries and certain subsidiaries of Melco Resorts. Additionally, Adjusted EBITDA of Studio City included in such Melco Resorts’ annual report does not reflect certain costs related to the VIP operations at Studio City Casino.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Management’s discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements. We prepare our consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP, which requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our reporting of, among other things, assets and liabilities, contingent assets and liabilities and revenues and expenses. Certain of our accounting policies require that management apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions integral to financial estimates. On an ongoing basis, we regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions based on the most recently available information, our own historical experiences, terms of existing contracts, industry trends and other factors that we believe to be relevant, reasonable and appropriate under the circumstances. Since our financial reporting process inherently relies on the use of estimates and assumptions, our actual results could differ from what we expect. This is especially true with some accounting policies that require higher degrees of judgment than others in their application. We consider the policies discussed below to be critical to an understanding of our consolidated financial statements because they involve the greatest reliance on our management’s judgment.

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Allocations and Costs Recognized with the Services and Right to Use Arrangements and the Management and Shared Services Arrangements

Under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, the Gaming Operator deducts gaming tax and the costs of operation of Studio City Casino. We receive the residual gross gaming revenues and recognize these amounts as our revenues from provision of gaming related services.

Under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements, certain of our corporate and administrative functions as well as operational activities are administered by staff employed by certain subsidiaries of Melco Resorts, including senior management services, centralized corporate functions and operational and venue support services. Payment arrangements for the services are provided for in the individual work agreements and may vary depending on the services provided. Corporate services are charged at pre-negotiated rates, subject to a base fee and cap. Senior management service fees and staff costs on operational services are allocated to us based on percentages of efforts on the services provided to us. Other costs in relation to shared office equipment are allocated based on a percentage of usage.

We believe the costs incurred under the Services and Right to Use Arrangements and the allocation methods under the Management and Shared Services Arrangements are reasonable and the consolidated financial statements reflect our cost of doing business. However, such allocations may not be indicative of the actual expenses we would have incurred had we operated as an independent company for the periods presented. See a detailed discussion of services and related charges in Note 14 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this annual report.

Property and Equipment and Other Long-lived Assets

During the construction and development stage of Studio City, direct and incremental costs related to the design and construction, including costs under the construction contracts, duties and tariffs, equipment installation, shipping costs, payroll and payroll benefit related costs, applicable portions of interest and amortization of deferred financing costs, are capitalized in property and equipment. The capitalization of such costs begins when the construction and development of a project starts and ceases once the construction is substantially completed or development activity is suspended for more than a brief period. Pre-opening costs, consisting of marketing and other expenses related to our new or start-up operations are expensed as incurred.

We recognize depreciation and amortization expense related to capitalized construction costs and other property and equipment from the time each asset is placed in service. This may occur at different stages as Studio City’s facilities are completed and opened.

Property and equipment are depreciated and amortized on a straight-line basis over the asset’s estimated useful life. The estimated useful lives are based on factors including the nature of the assets, its relationship to other assets, our operating plans and anticipated use and other economic and legal factors that impose limits. We review periodically the remaining estimated useful lives of the property and equipment.

Our land use right in Macau under the land concession contract for Studio City is being amortized over the estimated term of the land use right on a straight-line basis. The estimated term of the land use right under the land concession contract is based on factors including the business and operating environment of the gaming industry in Macau, laws and regulations in Macau, and our development plans. The estimated term of the land use right is periodically reviewed.

We charge costs of repairs and maintenance to expense when incurred. The cost and accumulated depreciation of property and equipment retired or otherwise disposed of are eliminated from the respective accounts and any resulting gain or loss is included in operating income or loss.

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We also review our long-lived assets with finite lives to be held and used for impairment whenever indicators of impairment exist. If an indicator of impairment exists, we then compare the estimated future cash flows of the asset, on an undiscounted basis, to the carrying value of the asset. The undiscounted cash flows of such assets are measured by first grouping our long-lived assets into asset groups and, secondly, estimating the undiscounted future cash flows that are directly associated with and expected to arise from the use of and eventual disposition of such asset group. We define an asset group as the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other assets and liabilities and estimate the undiscounted cash flows over the remaining useful life of the primary asset within the asset group. If the undiscounted cash flows exceed the carrying value, no impairment is indicated. If the undiscounted cash flows do not exceed the carrying value, we then record an impairment charge based on the fair value of the asset group, typically measured using a discounted cash flow model. If an asset is still under development, future cash flows include remaining construction costs. We record all recognized impairment losses, whether for assets to be disposed of or assets to be held and used as operating expenses.

We did not recognize any impairment loss in 2018 and 2016. We recognized impairment loss of US$19.6 million mainly due to reconfigurations and renovations at Studio City in 2017.

Revenue Recognition

On January 1, 2018, we adopted the New Revenue Standard using the modified retrospective method applying to those contracts not yet completed as of January 1, 2018. The accounting policies for revenue recognition as a result of the New Revenue Standard are as follows.

Our revenues from contracts with customers consist of provision of gaming related services, sales of rooms, food and beverage, entertainment, retail and other goods and services.

Revenues from provision of gaming related services represent revenues arising from the provision of facilities for the operations of Studio City Casino and services related thereto pursuant to the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, under which the Gaming Operator operates the Studio City Casino. The Gaming Operator deducts gaming tax and the costs incurred in connection with the operations of Studio City Casino pursuant to the Services and Right to Use Arrangements, including the standalone selling prices of complimentary services within Studio City provided to the Studio City gaming patrons, from the Studio City Casino gross gaming revenues. We recognize the residual amount as revenues from provision of gaming related services. We have concluded that we are not the controlling entity to the arrangements and recognize the revenues from provision of gaming related services on a net basis.

Non-gaming revenues include services provided for cash consideration and services provided on a complimentary basis to the gaming patrons at Studio City. The transaction prices for rooms, food and beverage, entertainment, retail and other goods and services are the net amounts collected from customers for such goods and services that are recorded as revenues when the goods are provided, services are performed or events are held. Service taxes and other applicable taxes collected by us are excluded from revenues. We record advance deposits on rooms and advance ticket sales as customer deposits until services are provided to the customers. Revenues from contracts with multiple goods or services provided by us are allocated to each good or service based on its relative standalone selling price.

Minimum operating and right to use fees, representing lease revenues, adjusted for contractual base fees and operating fee escalations, are included in mall revenues and are recognized over the terms of the related agreements on a straight-line basis.

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Upon the adoption of the New Revenue Standard, we recognized the cumulative effect of adopting the New Revenue Standard as an adjustment to the opening balance of accumulated losses. Amounts for the periods beginning on or after January 1, 2018 are presented under the New Revenue Standard, while prior period amounts are not adjusted and continue to be reported in accordance with the previous basis. The major changes as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard are as follows:

There was no material impact on our financial position as of December 31, 2018 and our results of operations and cash flows for 2018 as a result of the adoption of the New Revenue Standard.

Income Tax

We recognize deferred income taxes for all significant temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the consolidated financial statements. Deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance when, in the opinion of management, it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. Current income taxes are provided for in accordance with the laws of the relevant taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017, we recorded valuation allowances of US$58.3 million and US$59.5 million, respectively, as management believes it is more likely than not that these deferred tax assets will not be realized. Our assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, and the duration of statutory carry-forward periods. To the extent that the financial results of our operations improve and it becomes more likely than not that the deferred tax assets are realizable, the valuation allowances will be reduced.

Recent Changes in Accounting Standards

See note 2 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this report for discussion of recent changes in accounting standards.

B. LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Up through the opening of Studio City, our principal sources of liquidity included shareholder equity contributions, loan facilities and senior notes facilities to meet our project development needs. Following the opening of Studio City in October 2015, we relied on, and intend to continue to rely on, our cash generated from our operations and our debt and equity financings to meet our financing or refinancing needs.

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As of December 31, 2018, we recorded US$345.9 million in cash and cash equivalents. Further, the HK$233.0 million (equivalent to approximately US$29.8 million) revolving credit facility under the 2016 Credit Facility is available for future drawdown as of December 31, 2018, subject to certain conditions precedent.

As of December 31, 2018, restricted cash of US$31.7 million primarily represented the unspent cash from the capital injection for the remaining project for Studio City, which was restricted only for the initial development costs and other project costs of the remaining project of Studio City, and certain bank account balances required to be maintained in accordance with the 2012 Notes and the 2016 Notes to serve the interest repayment obligations.

We have been able to meet our working capital needs, and we believe that our current available cash and cash equivalents, bank deposits, funds available for drawdown under the 2016 Credit Facility and any additional equity or debt financings will be adequate to satisfy our current and anticipated operating, debt and capital commitments, including our development project plans, as described in “— Other Financing and Liquidity Matters” below. For any additional financing requirements, we cannot provide assurance that future borrowings will be available. See “Item 3. Key Information — D. Risk Factors — Risks Relating to Our Business — We may not be able to obtain adequate financing on satisfactory terms for our existing business and/or remaining project, or at all” for more information.

We have significant indebtedness and will continue to evaluate our capital structure and opportunities to enhance it in the normal course of our activities. We may from time to time seek to retire or purchase our outstanding debt through cash purchases, in open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions or otherwise. Such purchases, if any, will depend on prevailing market conditions, our liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors. The amounts involved may be material.

Cash Flows

The following table sets forth a summary of our cash flows for the years presented. The consolidated cash flows data for the year ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 have been adjusted to reflect the retrospective adoption on January 1, 2018 of Accounting Standards Update 2016-18 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash (A Consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force). As a result of the adoption, restricted cash is included with cash and cash equivalents in the beginning and ending balances, and the changes in restricted cash that were previously reported within net cash used in investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows have been eliminated.