MGM Resorts’ US strength bucks up Macau weakness

Casino operator MGM Resorts says a strong performance by its recently enhanced US operations overcame continued weakness at its Macau joint venture in the third quarter of 2016.

Figures released Monday show MGM reporting revenue of $2.73b in the three months ending September 30, 10.6% higher than the same period last year. Net income soared over 700% to $535.6m thanks to a $430m gain on the company’s recent acquisition of the remaining 50% stake of Atlantic City’s Borgata casino from former partner Boyd Gaming.

MGM CEO Jim Murren celebrated the “tremendously strong quarter,” which generated the best net revenue and earnings at MGM’s domestic properties since the pre-recession year of 2007.

Gaming revenue at MGM’s wholly owned domestic resorts was up 23% to $1.9b thanks to a full share from the Borgata, which generated $151m during the quarter. Had the Borgata deal not gone through, domestic revenue would have been up a more modest 7%.