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| Name | Symbol | Market | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio City International Holdings Limited | NYSE:MSC | NYSE | Depository Receipt |
| Price Change | % Change | Price | High Price | Low Price | Open Price | Traded | Last Trade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.00 | 0.00% | 6.49 | 6.50 | 6.49 | 6.50 | 1,182 | 15:58:43 |
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 30, 2023
Registration No. 333-261406
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO
FORM F-3
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
STUDIO CITY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Not Applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)
| Cayman Islands | Not Applicable | |
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
(IRS Employer Identification No.) |
71 Robinson Road
#04-03
Singapore 068895
and
38th Floor, The Centrium
60 Wyndham Street
Central
Hong Kong
+852 25983600
(Address and telephone number of Registrant’s principal executive offices)
Cogency Global Inc.
122 East 42nd Street, 18th Floor
New York, New York 10168
USA
+1 800 221-0102
(Name, address, and telephone number of agent for service)
Copies to:
Timothy Cruickshank, P.C.
Jennifer Karinen
Kirkland & Ellis LLP
601 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10022
USA
(212) 446-4800
David T. Zhang
Kirkland & Ellis International LLP
c/o 26th Floor, Gloucester Tower, The Landmark
15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong
+852 3761-3300
Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the effective date of this registration statement.
If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box. ☐
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, check the following box. ☒
If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering. ☐
If this Form is a registration statement pursuant to General Instruction I.C. or a post-effective amendment thereto that shall become effective upon filing with the Commission pursuant to Rule 462(e) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
If this Form is a post-effective amendment to a registration statement filed pursuant to General Instruction I.C. filed to register additional securities or additional classes of securities pursuant to Rule 413(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box. ☐
| Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an emerging growth company as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of | ||||
| 1933. | Emerging growth company ☐ | |||
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 7(a)(2)(B) of the Securities 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.
The registrant hereby amends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until the registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.
The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. These securities may not be sold until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell nor does it seek an offer to buy these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted.
Subject to Completion, dated November 30, 2023
PROSPECTUS
Studio City International Holdings Limited
Class A Ordinary Shares
Preferred Shares
Subscription Rights
Warrants
Debt Securities
We may offer and sell from time to time Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary shares, or ADSs, preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities of Studio City International Holdings Limited in any combination from time to time in one or more offerings, at prices and on terms described in one or more supplements to this prospectus. The debt securities may consist of debentures, notes or other types of debt. The securities offered by this prospectus will have an aggregate offering price of up to US$1.0 billion. The preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities may be convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs. This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we may offer and the general manner in which they may be offered.
Each time we sell the securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the offering, the pricing, the manner of offering and the terms of the securities. The supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. You should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before you invest in any of our securities.
We may sell the securities independently or together with any other securities registered hereunder through one or more underwriters, dealers and agents, or directly to purchasers, or through a combination of these methods, on a continuous or delayed basis. See “Plan of Distribution.” If any underwriters, dealers or agents are involved in the sale of any of the securities, their names, and any applicable purchase price, fee, commission or discount arrangements between or among them, will be set forth, or will be calculable from the information set forth, in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Investors are cautioned that you are not buying shares of a Chinese operating company but instead are buying shares of a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by our subsidiaries.
Our structure involves unique risks to investors and you may never directly hold equity interests in our operating entities. Because of our corporate structure, we and our investors are subject to unique risks due to, among other things, uncertainty of the interpretation and the application of the PRC (as defined herein) laws and regulations and future actions of the PRC government may take, including the Chinese Securities Regulatory Commission. If the Chinese regulatory authorities disallow our operating structure in the future, it will likely result in a material change in our financial performance and our results of operations and/or the value of our securities, which could cause the value of such securities to significantly decline or become worthless. Therefore, investing in our securities being offered pursuant to this prospectus involves unique and a high degree of risk. For a detailed description of risks related to the holding corporate structure, see “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Doing Business in Macau—Changes in law, regulations and policies in the PRC and uncertainties in the legal systems in the PRC may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in the PRC can change quickly with little advance notice.”
Cash from financings and operations is primarily retained by our operating subsidiaries for the purposes of funding our operating activities and capital expenditures. Cash within our group is primarily transferred between our subsidiaries through intercompany loan arrangements. Financing raised by Studio City International Holdings Limited is transferred to our financing and operating subsidiaries through the use of equity capital contributions or intercompany loan arrangements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023, excluding cash transferred for the purpose of the settlement of intragroup charges, no cash was transferred to our holding company, Studio City International Holdings Limited, from its subsidiaries. There are no regulatory or foreign exchange restrictions or limitations on our ability to transfer cash within our corporate group or to declare dividends to holders of our ADSs, except that our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a specified amount of the entity’s profit after tax as a legal reserve which is not distributable to the shareholders of such subsidiaries. We intend to use current and future available funds to repay or refinance our debt, fund our ongoing operations and 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 “Our Company—Cash Flows Through Our Organization.”
Studio City International Holdings Limited is a company incorporated under the laws of the Cayman Islands. We are not a Chinese operating company but a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by our subsidiaries in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We do not have any operations or maintain any office or personnel in mainland China. All of our current operations, and administrative and corporate functions are conducted in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. We conduct our operations in Macau and we do not have any assets or operations in the PRC. Our principal executive offices are located in Singapore and Hong Kong. We have no variable interest entities in our corporate structure.
We face various legal and operational risks and uncertainties as a company operating in Macau. Since we derive all of our revenues from our Macau business and a significant number of our customers come from, and are expected to continue to come from, the PRC, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by significant regulatory developments in the PRC. Actions by the PRC government can also significantly affect our business by, for example, placing limits on the ability of PRC residents to travel or remit currency outside of the PRC or by restricting gaming-related marketing activities in China. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau—Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the PRC and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations.”
The PRC may also intervene or influence our operations in Macau, Hong Kong or elsewhere at any time, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in issuers in China, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. For example, in recent years the PRC government, has enhanced regulation in areas such as anti-monopoly, anti-unfair competition, cybersecurity and data privacy. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or result in damage to reputation and/or subject us to fines, penalties, lawsuits, restrictions on our use or transfer of data and other risks.” and “—Claims or regulatory actions against us under China’s competition laws may result in fines, constraints on our business and damage to our reputation.” These laws and regulations can be complex and stringent, and many are subject to change and uncertain interpretations, which could result in claims, changes to our data and other business practices, regulatory investigations, penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in customer growth or engagement, or otherwise affect our business. As a result, the trading prices of our ADSs and ordinary shares could significantly decline or become worthless.
Additionally, given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless. There are risks and uncertainties which we cannot foresee for the time being, and rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little or no advance notice. See “Risk Factors—Risks Related to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau—Changes in law, regulations and policies in the PRC and uncertainties in the legal systems in the PRC may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in the PRC can change quickly with little advance notice.” and “—The PRC government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.”
We also face risks associated with interpretations of or changes to gaming laws in Macau, including the interpretation of the recently amended gaming law in Macau, as well as the continued ability by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (“PCAOB”) to inspect our auditors.
On May 4, 2022, we were identified as a Commission-Identified Issuer under the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act (“HFCAA”) and the rules promulgated thereunder because our auditor at that time was Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, which was a PCAOB-Identified Firm as of May 4, 2022. On August 16, 2022, we changed our auditor from Ernst & Young, located in Hong Kong, to Ernst & Young LLP, located in Singapore, which is not a PCAOB-Identified Firm. In December 2022, the PCAOB announced that it secured complete access to inspect and investigate registered public accounting firms headquartered in mainland China and Hong Kong. As a result, until such time as the PCAOB issues any new determination, we do not believe we are at risk of being a Commission-Identified Issuer for a second consecutive year and are no longer at risk of having our securities subject to a trading prohibition under the HFCAA.
Our ADSs, each representing four Class A ordinary shares, are listed on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under the symbol “MSC.”
Investing in our securities involves risks. See the “Risk Factors” section contained in the applicable prospectus supplement, any related free writing prospectus, the documents we incorporate by reference in this prospectus and the “Risk Factors,” beginning on page 11 of this prospectus to read about factors you should consider carefully before investing in our securities.
This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.
Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of the disclosures in this prospectus, including any prospectus supplement and documents incorporated by reference. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.
The date of this prospectus is , 2023.
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You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information About Us” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
In this prospectus, unless otherwise indicated or unless the context otherwise requires:
| • | “ADSs” refer to American depositary shares, each of which represents four Class A ordinary shares; |
| • | “board” and “board of directors” refer to the board of directors of our Company or a duly constituted committee thereof; |
| • | “China” and “PRC” refer to the People’s Republic of China, excluding the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the PRC (Hong Kong), the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC (Macau) and Taiwan from a geographical point of view; |
| • | “Concession Contract” refers to the concession contract executed between the Macau Special Administrative Region and the Gaming Operator on December 16, 2022, that provides for the terms and conditions of the gaming concession granted to the Gaming Operator; |
| • | “gaming machine” refers to slot machine and/or electronic gaming table; |
| • | “Gaming Operator” refers to Melco Resorts (Macau) Limited, or Melco Resorts Macau, a company incorporated under the laws of Macau that is a subsidiary of Melco Resorts, the holder of a concession under the Concession Contract and the operator of Studio City Casino. The equity interest of the Gaming Operator is 85% owned by Melco Resorts and 15% owned by Mr. Lawrence Ho, the managing director of the Gaming Operator; |
| • | “Macau” or “Macao” refers to the Macau Special Administrative Region of the PRC; |
| • | “mass market” refers to both table games and gaming machines played by mass market players primarily for cash stakes; |
| • | “MCO Cotai” refers to MCO Cotai Investments Limited (formerly known as MCE Cotai Investments Limited), a subsidiary of Melco Resorts and a shareholder of our Company; |
| • | “Melco International” refers to Melco International Development Limited, a Hong Kong-listed company; |
| • | “Melco Resorts” refers to Melco Resorts & Entertainment Limited, a Cayman Islands company and with its American depositary shares listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market; |
| • | “MSC Cotai” refers to our subsidiary, MSC Cotai Limited, which is a company incorporated in the British Virgin Islands with limited liability; |
| • | “Renminbi” and “RMB” refer to the legal currency of China; |
| • | “shares” or “ordinary shares” refer to our Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share; |
| • | “Studio City” refers to a cinematically-themed integrated resort in Cotai, an area of reclaimed land located between the islands of Taipa and Coloane in Macau; |
| • | “Studio City Casino” refers to the gaming areas being operated within Studio City; |
| • | “Studio City Casino Agreement” refers to the agreement entered into among Melco Resorts Macau and Studio City Entertainment, dated May 11, 2007 and amended on June 15, 2012 and June 23, 2022 and any other agreements or arrangements entered into from time to time, which may amend, supplement or relate to the aforementioned agreements or arrangements; |
| • | “US$,” “U.S. Dollars,” “$” and “dollars” refer to the legal currency of the United States; and |
| • | “we,” “us,” “our company,” “our business,” “Company,” “STUDIO CITY INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED,” or “Studio City International” refer to, and similar references refer to, Studio |
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| City International Holdings Limited and its consolidated subsidiaries. Studio City International Holdings Limited is a Cayman Islands holding company with operations conducted by its subsidiaries, which include Studio City Developments Limited, Studio City Retail Services Limited, Studio City Hotel Limited, Studio City Entertainment Limited and SCIP Holdings Limited. |
This prospectus is part of a registration statement on Form F-3 that we filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, or the SEC, using a “shelf” registration process permitted under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. By using a shelf registration statement, we may sell our Class A ordinary shares, preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities or any combination of any of the foregoing having an aggregate initial offering price of up to US$1.0 billion from time to time in one or more offerings on a continuous or delayed basis. This prospectus only provides you with a summary description of these securities. Each time we sell the securities, we will provide a supplement to this prospectus that contains specific information about the securities being offered and the specific terms of that offering. The supplement may also add, update or change information contained in this prospectus. If there is any inconsistency between the information in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, you should rely on the prospectus supplement. Before purchasing any of the securities, you should carefully read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement, together with the additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information About Us” and “Incorporation of Documents by Reference.”
You should rely only on the information contained or incorporated by reference in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We will not make an offer to sell the securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus and the applicable supplement to this prospectus is accurate as of the date on its respective cover, and that any information incorporated by reference is accurate only as of the date of the document incorporated by reference, unless we indicate otherwise. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since those dates.
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WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION ABOUT US
We are subject to periodic reporting and other informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as applicable to foreign private issuers. Accordingly, we will be required to file reports, including annual reports on Form 20-F, and other information with the SEC. As a foreign private issuer, we are exempt from the rules of the Exchange Act prescribing the furnishing and content of proxy statements to shareholders and Section 16 short swing profit reporting for our officers and directors and for holders of more than 10% of our Class A ordinary shares. All information filed with the SEC can be obtained over the internet at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You can request copies of these documents, upon payment of a duplicating fee, by writing to the SEC. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 or visit the SEC website for further information.
This prospectus and any prospectus supplement are part of a registration statement we have filed with the SEC. This prospectus and any prospectus supplement omit some information contained in the registration statement in accordance with SEC rules and regulations. You should review the information and exhibits in the registration statement for further information on us and the securities we are offering. Statements in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement concerning any document we filed as an exhibit to the registration statement or that we otherwise filed with the SEC are not intended to be comprehensive and are qualified by reference to these filings. You should review the complete document to evaluate these statements.
Our website address is www.studiocity-macau.com. The information on our website, however, is not, and should not be deemed to be, a part of this prospectus.
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INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” the information we file with them. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to those documents. Each document incorporated by reference is current only as of the date of such document, and the incorporation by reference of such documents shall not create any implication that there has been no change in our affairs since the date thereof or that the information contained therein is current as of any time subsequent to its date. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus and should be read with the same care. When we update the information contained in documents that have been incorporated by reference by making future filings with the SEC, the information incorporated by reference in this prospectus is considered to be automatically updated and superseded. In other words, in the case of a conflict or inconsistency between information contained in this prospectus and information incorporated by reference into this prospectus, you should rely on the information contained in the document that was filed later.
We incorporate by reference the documents listed below:
| • | our annual report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022, filed with the SEC on March 31, 2023, or our 2022 Annual Report; |
| • | our reports of Foreign Private Issuer on Form 6-K, furnished to the SEC on November 30, 2023; |
| • | the description of our securities furnished as Exhibit 2.14 to our 2022 Annual Report and any amendment or report furnished or filed with the SEC for the purpose of updating the description; and |
| • | with respect to each offering of the securities under this prospectus, all our subsequent annual reports on Form 20-F and any report on Form 6-K that indicates that it is being incorporated by reference that we file or furnish with the SEC on or after the date on which the registration statement is first filed with the SEC and until the termination or completion of the offering by means of this prospectus. |
Our 2022 Annual Report contains a description of our business and audited consolidated financial statements with a report by our independent auditors. The consolidated financial statements are prepared and presented in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Unless expressly incorporated by reference, nothing in this prospectus shall be deemed to incorporate by reference information furnished to, but not filed with, the SEC. Copies of all documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus, other than exhibits to those documents unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in this prospectus, will be provided at no cost to each person, including any beneficial owner, who receives a copy of this prospectus on the written or oral request of that person made to:
Studio City International Holdings Limited
Attn: Company Secretary
38/F, The Centrium
60 Wyndham Street, Central
Hong Kong
comsec@sc-macau.com
Fax: +852-2537-3618
You should rely only on the information that we incorporate by reference or provide in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. We are not making any offer of these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer is not permitted. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of those documents.
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SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus and any prospectus supplement, and the information incorporated by reference herein may contain 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. All statements other than statements of current or historical facts are forward-looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including those listed under “Risk Factors,” that 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. Moreover, because we operate in a heavily regulated and evolving industry in Macau where the new gaming law was adopted and implemented by the Macau government and may become highly leveraged, 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:
| • | our goals and strategies; |
| • | the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on our business, financial results and liquidity, which could worsen and persist for an unknown duration; |
| • | the reduced access to our target markets due to travel restrictions, and the potential long-term impact on customer retention; |
| • | the expected growth of the gaming and leisure market in Macau and visitation in Macau; |
| • | restrictions or conditions on visitation by citizens of the PRC to Macau, including in connection with COVID-19, or the period of time required for tourism to return to pre-pandemic levels (if at all); |
| • | the impact on the travel and leisure industry from factors such as an outbreak of an infectious disease, such as COVID-19 outbreaks, extreme weather patterns or natural disasters, military conflicts and any future security alerts and/or terrorist attacks or other acts of violence; |
| • | general domestic or global political and economic conditions, including in the PRC and Hong Kong, which may impact levels of travel, leisure and consumer spending; |
| • | our ability to successfully operate Studio City; |
| • | laws, rules and regulations which could bar the trading of the American depositary shares of our Company in the United States, such as the Holding Foreign Companies Accountable Act and the rules promulgated thereunder; |
| • | our compliance with conditions and covenants under the existing and future indebtedness; |
| • | capital and credit market volatility; |
| • | our ability to raise additional capital, if and when required; |
| • | increased competition from other casino hotel and resort projects in Macau and elsewhere in Asia, including the gaming concessionaires in Macau; |
| • | government policies, laws and regulations relating to the leisure and gaming industry in Macau, including the implementation of the new gaming law, and the legalization of gaming in other jurisdictions; |
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| • | the uncertainty of tourist behavior related to spending and vacationing at casino resorts in Macau; |
| • | fluctuations in occupancy rates and average daily room rates in Macau; |
| • | the liberalization of travel restrictions on PRC citizens and convertibility of the Renminbi; |
| • | the tightened control of certain cross-border fund transfers from the PRC; |
| • | significantly increased regulatory scrutiny on Macau gaming promoters’ operations that has resulted in the cessation of business by many gaming promoters in Macau; |
| • | the completion of infrastructure projects in Macau; |
| • | our ability to retain and gain new customers; |
| • | our ability to offer new services and attractions; |
| • | our future business development, financial condition and results of operations; |
| • | the expected growth, size of and trends in the market in Macau; |
| • | expected changes in our revenues, costs or expenditures; |
| • | our expectations involving the use of proceeds in this offering; |
| • | our expectations regarding demand for and market acceptance of our brand and business; |
| • | our ability to continue to develop new technologies and/or upgrade our existing technologies; |
| • | cybersecurity risks including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security; |
| • | our ability to protect our intellectual property rights; |
| • | growth of and trends of competition in the gaming and leisure market in Macau; |
| • | general economic and business conditions globally and in Macau; |
| • | our ability to comply with the New York Stock Exchange’s continued listing standards and maintain the listing of our ADSs on the New York Stock Exchange; and |
| • | other factors described under “Risk Factors.” |
The forward-looking statements made in this prospectus or any prospectus supplement, or the information incorporated by reference herein relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in this prospectus. 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 prospectus and the documents that we have incorporated by reference herein, including our 2022 Annual Report, and those documents we have filed as exhibits to the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, with the SEC, completely and with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect.
This prospectus also contains statistical data and estimates that we obtained from industry publications and reports generated by government or third-party providers of market intelligence. Although we have not independently verified the data, we believe that the publications and reports are reliable. However, the statistical data and estimates in these publications and reports are based on a number of assumptions and if any one or more of the assumptions underlying the market data are later found to be incorrect, actual results may differ from the projections based on these assumptions.
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Overview
Studio City is a world-class integrated resort located in Cotai, Macau and its principal operating activities are the provision of services pursuant to a casino contract and the hospitality business in Macau. The gaming operations of Studio City Casino are focused on the mass market and target all ranges of mass market patrons. The mass market focus of the Studio City Casino is currently complemented with VIP rolling chip operations. The Gaming Operator currently has 250 gaming tables, including 15 tables for VIP rolling chip operations, and 552 gaming machines available for operation at the Studio City Casino pursuant to the Studio City Casino Agreement. Excluding gaming tables and gaming machines that were not in operation due to government-mandated closures or social distancing measures in relation to COVID-19 outbreaks, the Gaming Operator operated an average of approximately 277 gaming tables and 700 gaming machines in 2022 at the Studio City Casino, compared to an average of approximately 290 gaming tables and 645 gaming machines in operation in 2021 and an average of approximately 282 gaming tables and 586 gaming machines in operation in 2020. 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 deluxe night club and karaoke, a 5,000-seat live performance arena, an outdoor water park and an indoor water park. Studio City features 2,493 luxury hotel rooms, diverse food and beverage establishments and approximately 38,500 square meters of complementary retail space.
Studio City is strategically located in Cotai, as one of the few dedicated Cotai hotel-casino resort stops on the Macau Light Rapid Transit Line, with an access bridge leading to Studio City.
Studio City Casino is operated by the Gaming Operator, one of the subsidiaries of Melco Resorts and a holder of a gaming concession, and we operate the non-gaming businesses of Studio City. We generated all of our revenues for each of the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020 from our operations in Macau, the sole market in which we compete to operate.
Our principal executive offices are located at 71 Robinson Road, #04-03, Singapore 068895 and 38th 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 prospectus.
Permissions, Approvals, Licenses, Certificates and Permits Required from the PRC, Hong Kong and Macau Authorities for Our Operations and for the Offering of Our Securities to Foreign Investors
As of the date of this prospectus, we have obtained the requisite permissions, approvals, licenses, certificates and permits from the PRC, Hong Kong and Macau government authorities that are material for our business operations in those jurisdictions, and none have been denied. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations” in our 2022 Annual Report.
Given the uncertainties of interpretation and implementation of relevant laws and regulations and enforcement practice by PRC government authorities, we may be required to obtain additional licenses, permits, filings or approvals for our business operations in the future, and may not be able to maintain or renew our current licenses, permits, filings or approvals. In addition, rules and regulations in China can change quickly with little advance notice. Uncertainties due to evolving laws and regulations could impede our ability to obtain or maintain certificates, permits or licenses required to conduct business in China. In the absence of required certificates, permits or licenses, governmental authorities could impose material sanctions or penalties on us.
Furthermore, in connection with our issuance of securities to foreign investors, under current PRC laws, regulations and regulatory rules, as of the date of this prospectus, we do not believe we are currently required to
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obtain permissions from or complete any filing with the China Securities Regulatory Commission, or CSRC, or required to go through cybersecurity review by the Cyberspace Administration of China, or CAC. In addition, we have not been asked to obtain such permissions by any PRC authority or received any denial to do so. However, the PRC government has recently indicated an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment by issuers like us. There remains significant uncertainty as to the enactment, interpretation and implementation of regulatory requirements related to overseas securities offerings and other capital markets activities.
If (i) we incorrectly conclude that certain regulatory permissions and approvals are not required or (ii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change in a way that requires us to complete such filings or obtain such approvals in the future, and (iii) we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, but fail to receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on us, limit our operations, limit our ability to list on stock exchanges outside of China or offer our securities to foreign investors or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Risk Factors
Investing in our securities entails a high degree of risk as more fully described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 11 of this prospectus. These risks include, among others, the following:
| • | We are a Cayman Islands 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. |
| • | The Macau government may terminate the concession under certain circumstances without compensation to the Gaming Operator and may, pursuant to the Gaming Operator’s concession, determine that Studio City Casino may not continue to operate under the Studio City Casino Agreement, which would prevent the operation of Studio City Casino. |
| • | Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and adverse changes or developments in gaming laws or regulations could be difficult to comply with or significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful. |
| • | Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by any economic slowdown in Macau, the PRC and nearby Asia regions as well as globally. |
| • | Policies, campaigns and measures adopted by the PRC and/or Macau governments from time to time could materially and adversely affect our operations. |
| • | Changes in law, regulations and policies in the PRC and uncertainties in the legal systems in the PRC may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in the PRC can change quickly with little advance notice. |
| • | The PRC government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs. |
Cash Flows Through Our Organization
Cash from financings and operations is primarily retained by our operating subsidiaries for the purposes of funding our operating activities and capital expenditures. Cash within our group is primarily transferred between our subsidiaries through intercompany loan arrangements. Financing raised by Studio City International Holdings Limited has been transferred to our financing and operating subsidiaries through the use of equity capital contributions or intercompany loan arrangements. For the nine months ended September 30, 2023,
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excluding cash transferred for the purpose of the settlement of intragroup charges, no cash has been transferred to our holding company, Studio City International Holdings Limited, from its subsidiaries. See also “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Taxation” and “Item 8. Financial Information—A. Consolidated Statements and Other Financial Information—Dividend Policy” of our 2022 Annual Report. There are no regulatory or foreign exchange restrictions or limitations on our ability to transfer cash within our corporate group or to declare dividends to holders of our ADSs, except that our subsidiaries incorporated in Macau are required to set aside a specified amount of the entity’s profit after tax as a legal reserve which is not distributable to the shareholders of such subsidiaries. See “Item 4. Information on the Company—B. Business Overview—Regulations—Restrictions on Distribution of Profits Regulations” and “Item 10. Additional Information—D. Exchange Controls” of our 2022 Annual Report.
We intend to use current and future available funds to repay or refinance our debt, fund our ongoing operations and 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 17 to the consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in our 2022 Annual Report.
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Investing in our securities described herein involves risk. You should carefully consider the risk factors and uncertainties described under the heading “Item 3. Key Information—D. Risk Factors” in our most recently filed annual report on Form 20-F, which is incorporated in this prospectus by reference, and any updates in any of our subsequent filings under the Exchange Act and, if applicable, in any accompanying prospectus supplement, as well as the information relating to us identified in “Special Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements,” before investing in any of the securities that may be offered or sold pursuant to this prospectus. These risks and uncertainties could materially affect our business, results of operations or financial condition and cause the value of our securities to decline. Although we discuss key risks in our discussion of risk factors, new risks may emerge in the future, which may prove to be significant. Our subsequent filings with the SEC may contain amended and updated discussions of significant risks. We cannot predict future risks or estimate the extent to which they may affect our financial performance.
Risks Related to Our Business
Failure to protect the integrity and security of company staff, supplier and customer information and comply with cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection or any other laws and regulations related to data may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations, and/or 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, suppliers and staff, and such personal data may be collected and/or used in, and transmitted to or from, multiple jurisdictions. We may be subject to a variety of cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection and other laws and regulations related to data, including those relating to the collection, use, sharing, retention, security, disclosure, and transfer of confidential and private information, such as personal information and other data. These laws and regulations apply not only to third-party transactions, but also to transfers of information within our organization. These laws and regulations may restrict our business activities and increase our compliance costs and efforts. Any breach or non-compliance may subject us to proceedings, damage our reputation, or result in penalties and other significant legal liabilities, and thus may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
Our customers, suppliers 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, or the GDPR, which became effective in May 2018, requires companies to meet new and more stringent requirements regarding the handling of personal data. The GDPR may also capture data processing by non-EU firms with no EU establishment if, for example, they conduct direct marketing that specifically targets individuals in the EU. As GDPR is a newly enacted law, there is limited precedence on the interpretation and application of GDPR.
In some jurisdictions, including the PRC where we do not currently have operations, the cybersecurity, data privacy, data protection, or other data-related laws and regulations are relatively new and evolving, and their interpretation and application may be uncertain. For example, the CAC issued the New Measures for Cybersecurity Review, or the New Measures, on January 4, 2022, which amended the Measures for Cybersecurity Review (Draft Revision for Comments) released on July 10, 2021 and came into effect on February 15, 2022. The New Measures extend the scope of cybersecurity review to network platform operators engaging in data processing activities that affect or may affect national security, including overseas listings. Specifically, the New Measures provide that if a network platform operator who possesses personal information of more than one million users plans to be listed in foreign countries, it must apply for cybersecurity review and, in any event, the CAC has the authority to initiate a cybersecurity review if it considers the data processing
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activities in connection with a proposed listing will or may affect national security. The New Measures do not specify the types of public listings that will be subject to cybersecurity review and do not give sufficient guidance on the specific types of data processing activities that may be subject to cybersecurity review. The PRC government authorities may have wide discretion in the interpretation and enforcement of the applicable laws. As such, we cannot predict the impact of the New Measures on us, if any, at this stage, and we will closely monitor and assess the developments in the rule-making process. If the practical application of the New Measures results in mandated clearance of cybersecurity reviews and other specific actions to be completed by companies operating in Macau like us, we face uncertainties as to whether such clearance can be timely obtained, or at all. We have not received any formal notice from any PRC cybersecurity regulator that we should apply for or otherwise be subject to a cybersecurity review, but we cannot be certain that such notifications will not occur in the future.
On November 14, 2021, the draft Regulations for the Administration of Cyber Data Security was published by the CAC for public comments, which provides that data processors conducting the following activities shall apply for cybersecurity review: (i) a merger, reorganization or division of online platform operators that have acquired a large number of data resources related to national security, economic development or public interests which affect or may affect national security; (ii) a listing abroad when the data processor processes over one million users’ personal information; (iii) a listing in Hong Kong which affects or may affect national security; or (iv) other data processing activities that affect or may affect national security. It also requires data processors processing important data or listed outside China to carry out a data security assessment annually by itself or through a third party data security service provider and submit an assessment report to the local agency of the CAC. As there are still uncertainties regarding the further enactment of new laws and regulations as well as the revision, interpretation and implementation of those existing laws and regulations, we cannot predict the impact of the Regulations for the Administration of Cyber Data Security on us, if any.
We do not have any operations or maintain any office or personnel in mainland China. We have not collected, stored, or managed any personal information in mainland China. As such, we currently do not expect the draft measures by the CAC or other recent regulations to have an impact on our business or results of operations. However, we still face uncertainties regarding the interpretation and implementation of these laws and regulations in the future. Cybersecurity review could result in disruption in our operations, negative publicity with respect to our Company, and diversion of our managerial and financial resources. Therefore, potential cybersecurity review, if applicable to us, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations.
In addition, the PRC Data Security Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on June 10, 2021 and took effect on September 1, 2021, requires data collection to be conducted in a legitimate and proper manner, and stipulates that, for the purpose of data protection, data processing activities must be conducted based on data classification and hierarchical protection systems for data security. Furthermore, the recently issued Opinions on Strictly Cracking Down Illegal Securities Activities requires (i) speeding up the revision of the provisions on strengthening the confidentiality and archives management relating to overseas issuance and listing of securities and (ii) improving the laws and regulations relating to data security, cross-border data flow, and management of confidential information. The PRC Personal Information Protection Law, which was promulgated by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress on August 20, 2021 and took effect on November 1, 2021, integrates the various rules with respect to personal information rights and privacy protection and applies to the processing of personal information within mainland China as well as certain personal information processing activities outside mainland China, including those for the provision of products and services to natural persons within the PRC or for the analysis and assessment of acts of natural persons within the PRC. Although we have not collected, stored or managed any personal information in mainland China, given that there remain uncertainties regarding the further interpretation and implementation of those laws and regulations, if they are deemed to be applicable to companies operating in Macau, like us, we cannot assure you that we will be compliant with such new regulations in all respects, and we may be ordered to rectify and terminate any actions that are deemed illegal by the government authorities and
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become subject to fines and other government sanctions, which may materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. Furthermore, 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 laws, regulations and standards 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, regulations and standards 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 laws, regulations and standards 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.
Claims or regulatory actions against us under China’s competition laws may result in fines, constraints on our business and damage to our reputation.
In recent years, the PRC government has stepped up enforcement against concentration of undertakings, cartel activities, monopoly agreements, unfair pricing, abusive behaviors by companies with market dominance and other anti-competitive activities. In December 2020, the PRC central government announced that strengthening anti-monopoly measures and preventing the disorderly expansion of capital has become one of its focuses, and that it intended to improve digital regulations and legal standards for the identification of platform enterprise monopolies for the gathering, usage and management of data, and for the protection of consumer rights.
For example, the PRC government has enhanced its anti-monopoly and anti-unfair competition laws and regulations, such as the enactment of the Online Trading Measures, which took effect on May 1, 2021, and the amended Anti-monopoly Law, which came into effect on August 1, 2022 and significantly increased the consequences of liability for violations, including for failing to notify the State Administration for Market Regulation prior to implementing transactions if certain thresholds are met.
As of the date of this prospectus, the PRC’s recent statements and regulatory actions related to anti-monopoly concerns have not impacted our business, our ability to accept foreign investments or our ability to issue our securities to foreign investors. However, in the future, we may become subject to these or similar laws and regulations and compliance with such laws and regulations, as well as administrative guidance and requirements by regulators from time to time, may require significant resources and efforts, including changing our business and pricing practices, restructuring our businesses and adjusting our investment activities, which may materially and adversely affect our business, growth prospects, reputation and the trading prices of our ordinary shares and/or ADSs.
Risks Related to Conducting Business and Operating in Macau
The Macau government may terminate the concession under certain circumstances without compensation to the Gaming Operator and may, pursuant to the Gaming Operator’s concession, determine that Studio City Casino may not continue to operate under the Studio City Casino Agreement, which would prevent the operation of Studio City Casino.
Under the Gaming Operator’s concession, the Macau government has the right to unilaterally terminate the concession in the event of non-compliance by the Gaming Operator with its basic obligations under the concession and applicable Macau laws. If such a termination were to occur, the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate gaming in Macau, including at Studio City Casino. Termination events include, among others, endangerment to the national security of the PRC or Macau; the operation of gaming without permission or operation of a business which does not fall within the business scope of the concession; abandonment of approved business or suspension
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of operations of its gaming business in Macau without reasonable grounds; 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; systematic non-compliance with the Macau Gaming Operations Law’s basic obligations; for reasons of public interest; and for failure to meet probity standards or failure to meet the investment amount and other criteria set in the Concession Contract within the period set by the Macau government. These events could lead to the termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession without compensation and the Gaming Operator would be unable to operate gaming in Macau, which may 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 Concession 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.
Under the terms of the Studio City Casino Agreement 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 concession, or under the new gaming law, Studio City Entertainment were not able to continue the same arrangements or enter into similar arrangements, Studio City Casino may not be able to continue to operate in the same manner or at all, and the casino and gaming equipment operated by the Gaming Operator under its concession will revert or be transferred to the Macau government without compensation.
Under the Gaming Operator’s concession, the Macau government is allowed to request various changes in its investment plans and to make various other decisions and determinations. The law amending the gaming law also grants the Macau government authority to require for changes and specifications to be made to properties operated by concessionaires, including the Gaming Operator. In addition, the Chief Executive of Macau has the right to require an 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 and must notify the Macau government before taking certain financial decisions. 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 concession or the law amending the gaming law or other related regulations.
The Concession 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 concession. 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. The law amending the Macau gaming law also contemplates various covenants and obligations the determination of which is discretionary or subjective. 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 concession and applicable law in a manner that would avoid any violations.
Furthermore, pursuant to the Concession 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 the 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 Concession Contract or then applicable law, we will be relying on its consultation and negotiation process with the Macau
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government as described above. During any such consultation, however, the Gaming Operator will be obligated to comply with the terms of the Concession Contract or law, as interpreted by the Macau government.
Upon the expiration or termination of the Gaming Operator’s concession by the Macau government, the Studio City Casino’s gaming area and equipment will revert or be transferred to the Macau government without compensation to the Gaming Operator.
Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and adverse changes or developments in gaming laws or regulations could be difficult to comply with or significantly increase costs, which could cause Studio City Casino to be unsuccessful.
Gaming is a highly regulated industry in Macau and is subject to the risk of changes in laws and policies. Current laws, 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 as well as increased audits and inspections by regulators, including the 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.
While the Gaming Operator does not currently have gaming promoters arrangements at the Studio City Casino following their cessation in December 2021, if the Gaming Operator decides to enter into new arrangements with gaming promoters in the future, such arrangements and related activities will be subject to the requirements under the applicable laws and regulations. In September 2009, the Macau government set a cap on commission payments to gaming promoters of 1.25% of net rolling. On June 22, 2022, Law no. 7/2022, which amends Law no. 16/2001, or the Macau Gaming Operations Law, was published and on December 19, 2022, Law no. 16/2022, the new Gaming Activities Law, which replaces Administrative Regulation no. 6/2022, or the Gaming Promoter Regulation was published. These laws set additional requirements applicable to the Studio City Casino. Any failure to comply with these regulations, as they may be applicable, may result in the imposition of liabilities, fines and other penalties and may materially and adversely affect the Gaming Operator’s concession or the operation of the Studio City Casino.
In addition, the Macau government imposed regulations and restrictions that affect the minimum age required for entrance into casinos in Macau, entry into casinos by off-duty gaming-related employees, location requirements for sites with gaming machine lounges, data privacy and other matters. Any such legislation, regulation or restriction which is being or may in the future be 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.
Also, 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 legislation. Such limitations imposed on smoking have and may deter potential gaming patrons who are smokers from visiting casinos in Macau, which could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Under the amended gaming law, the Macau government has set a cap on gaming tables and gaming machines that may be operated in Macau at 6,000 gaming tables and 12,000 gaming machines. In addition, gaming tables and gaming machines previously allocated to a concessionaire may also be revoked if the minimum average annual gross gaming revenue of MOP7 million (equivalent to approximately US$867,261) for gaming tables and MOP300,000 (equivalent to approximately US$37,168) for gaming machines are not met for two consecutive years or the tables or gaming machines are not fully utilized without reason within a certain period.
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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 construction 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.
Our business, financial condition and results of operations may be materially and adversely affected by any economic slowdown in Macau, the PRC and nearby Asia regions as well as globally.
All of our operations are in Macau. Accordingly, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely affected by significant political, social and economic developments in Macau and the PRC. A slowdown in economic growth in the PRC could adversely impact the number of visitors from the PRC 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. Various factors have recently negatively impacted economic growth in the PRC, including the government’s efforts to cool the PRC’s housing market and disruptions caused by COVID-19, leading to reduced consumer discretionary budget and ultimately affecting their spending on travel and leisure. Moreover, the PRC’s common prosperity drive which started in 2021 aims to narrow the nation’s wealth gap by reducing wealth inequality. Any changes in the income tax rate or government policy which discourages conspicuous consumption may affect the spending patterns of our patrons. All of these measures as well as a number of measures taken by the PRC government in recent years to control the rate of economic growth, including those designed to tighten credit and liquidity, may have contributed to a slowdown of the PRC’s economy. According to preliminary estimates from the National Bureau of Statistics of China, the PRC’s GDP growth rate was 3.0% in 2022, which was lower than the 8.4% in 2021. Any slowdown in the PRC’s future growth may have an adverse impact on financial markets, currency exchange rates and other economies, as well as the spending of visitors in Macau and Studio City. 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 the PRC 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 significant challenges, including disruptions to global economic conditions as a result of the responses to the global COVID-19 outbreaks, and dampened business sentiment and outlook. These events have also caused significant declines as well as volatility in global equity and debt capital markets, further elevating the risk of an extended global economic downturn or even a global recession that could in turn trigger a severe contraction of liquidity in the global credit markets. Even prior to these events, the global economy was facing the end of quantitative easing by the U.S. Federal Reserve, the continuation 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. Even though it recently eased its “zero Covid” policy, the PRC government may re-impose
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lockdown or travel restriction measures in response to COVID-19 outbreaks or the outbreak of another contagious disease. Such measures, if re-imposed, may significantly affect visitations to our property and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.
Tensions between the United States and China have continued to escalate since 2020 in connection with ongoing trade disputes as well as other political factors, including COVID-19 outbreaks and the status of Hong Kong. Continued rising political tensions globally could reduce levels of trade, investment, technological exchanges and other economic activities between these two major economies, which would have a material adverse effect on global economic conditions and the stability of global financial markets. The introduction of the National Security Law for Hong Kong and the U.S. Department of State’s statements in reaction to it have resulted in a further deterioration in the Sino-U.S. bilateral relationship, which could negatively affect the Chinese economy and its demand for gaming and leisure activities.
Rising inflation rates globally and in places where we operate may not only weaken discretionary spending of our customers but also increase our operating costs due to possible hikes in salary payments for our staff or key expenditures in our business. Interest rate hikes from one or more central banks across the world to address inflation or other macroeconomic factors would increase the cost of credit throughout global economies, impacting cashflows for both businesses and consumers as they spend more on interest payments which, in turn, reduces the amount available for capital investments and for discretionary consumption. In 2022, as the pandemic-related economic instability eased, the U.S. Federal Reserve started tapering its quantitative easing monetary policies in response to elevated inflation levels (from high food and energy prices and broader pressures) and supply and demand imbalances, brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. The U.S. Federal Reserve raised the benchmark federal-funds rate from near-zero in March 2022 to 5% to 5.25% in May 2023 and to 5.25% to 5.50% in July 2023 and it is possible that the U.S. Federal Reserve will continue to increase the funds rate. The financial conditions of banking institutions have come under severe pressure and deterioration, as exemplified by the proposed restructuring of several banks in the first half of 2023, driven by bank runs or simultaneous withdrawals by depositors due to various reasons, including lack of confidence in the banking system. These developments may adversely impact global liquidity, heighten market volatility and increase U.S. dollar funding costs resulting in tightened global financial conditions and fears of a recession. A prolonged period of extremely volatile and unstable market conditions would likely increase our funding costs and negatively affect market risk mitigation strategies.
The sell-off in Chinese property bonds has also negatively impacted the market for high yield bonds of issuers in other sectors connected with the PRC, including those issued by Macau gaming operators and associated entities. 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 have had and could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.
Considerable uncertainty remains 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 the PRC. There have been concerns over conflicts, unrest and terrorist threats in the Ukraine, Middle East, Europe and Africa, including, but not limited to, the conflict in the Israel-Gaza region, and the continuing military conflict between Russia and Ukraine leading to sanctions and export controls being imposed by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and other countries targeting Russia, its financial system and major financial institutions and certain Russian entities and persons. Such sanctions and measures have had and may continue to have a negative impact on our business and our ability to accept certain customers. The conflict has also caused volatility in global financial markets as well as rising prices in oil, gas and other commodities. In addition, concerns over conflicts involving the United States and Iran and potential conflicts involving the Korean peninsula persist. Any severe or prolonged slowdown in the global economy or increase in international trade or political conflicts may materially and adversely affect our business, results of
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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.
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:
| • | tightening of travel restrictions to Macau or from the PRC, including due to the outbreak of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 outbreaks; |
| • | austerity measures which may be imposed by the PRC government; |
| • | changes in government policies, laws and regulations, or in the interpretation or enforcement of these policies, laws and regulations; |
| • | changes in cross-border fund transfer and/or foreign exchange regulations or policies effected by the PRC and/or Macau governments; |
| • | measures taken by the PRC government to deter marketing of gaming activities to mainland Chinese residents by offshore casinos; |
| • | measures that may be introduced to control inflation, such as interest rate increases or bank account withdrawal controls; and |
| • | changes in the rate or method of taxation by the Macau government. |
A significant number of the customers of Studio City Casino come from, and are expected to continue to come from, the PRC. Any travel restrictions imposed by the PRC, such as the travel restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 outbreaks, could negatively affect the number of patrons visiting Studio City from the PRC. Since mid-2003, under the Individual Visit Scheme, or IVS, PRC 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 PRC government adjusted its visa policy and limited the number of visits PRC citizens may make to Macau in a given time period. The PRC also banned “zero fare tours,” popular among visitors to Macau from the PRC, 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 PRC 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 PRC government has restricted and then loosened IVS travel frequently, it has recently indicated its intention to maintain tourism development by opening the IVS to more PRC 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. For instance, as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, the PRC government suspended the issuance of group and individual travel visas from the PRC to Macau. The IVS program was resumed by the PRC government on September 23, 2020, with e-Visa applications being accepted from November 1, 2022. A decrease in the number of visitors from the PRC could adversely affect Studio City’s results of operations.
In addition, certain policies and campaigns implemented by the PRC 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 our business depends on consumer demand for integrated resorts in general and for the type of luxury amenities that a gaming operator offers. Initiatives and campaigns undertaken by the PRC government in recent years have resulted in an overall dampening effect on the behavior of PRC consumers and a decrease in their spending, particularly in luxury good sales and other discretionary spending. For example, the PRC
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government’s ongoing anti-corruption campaign has had an overall dampening effect on the behavior of PRC consumers and their spending patterns both domestically and abroad. In addition, the number of patrons visiting Studio City may be affected by the PRC government’s focus on deterring marketing of gaming to mainland Chinese citizens by casinos and its initiatives to tighten monetary transfer regulations, increase monitoring of various transactions, including bank or credit card transactions, reduce the amount that PRC-issued ATM cardholders can withdraw in each withdrawal and impose a limit on the annual aggregate amount that may be withdrawn. For example, certain staff of a foreign casino were convicted in the PRC in connection with gaming-related promotional activities in the PRC which created regulatory uncertainty on marketing activities in the PRC. More recently, amendments to the PRC’s criminal laws, which provide that anyone that organizes trips for PRC citizens for the purpose of gambling outside of mainland China, including Macau, may be deemed to have conducted a criminal act, came into effect on March 1, 2021. Furthermore, in November 2021, the Court of Final Appeal in Macau issued a final unappealable decision that a gaming operator is jointly liable with a gaming promoter for the refund of funds deposited with such gaming promoter and the Macau authorities arrested executives from a gaming promoter for alleged illegal overseas gaming related activities. In January 2022, the Macau authorities also arrested an executive from another gaming promoter and certain related individuals and certain of these individuals were sentenced to jail terms in addition to the payment of monetary compensation to the Macau government in January 2023. The PRC government has also developed its digital currency and has performed certain test trials in its application within mainland China. If a digital currency is adopted by the Macau government for gaming operations in Macau, there could be a material and adverse impact on Studio City Casino’s VIP rolling chip operations if limitations on transactions per player are also introduced in conjunction with the adoption of the digital currency. A wide interpretation, application or enforcement of these laws and regulations by the PRC governmental authorities could have a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations.
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 amendments or different interpretations and implementation, thereby adversely affecting our profitability after tax. For example, the newly amended Macau gaming law requires the payment of a special premium if gross gaming revenue falls below the gross gaming revenue threshold set by the Macau government. As Studio City Entertainment is expected to fund such premium for the operation of Studio City Casino, increased premium could have a material adverse effect on the results of our operations and financial condition. Significantly increased regulatory scrutiny of gaming promoters in Macau has resulted, and may continue to result, in the cessation of business of many gaming promoters. In December 2021, the Gaming Operator terminated the arrangements with gaming promoters at Studio City Casino. Notwithstanding, the Gaming Operator may enter into arrangements with gaming promoters at Studio City Casino in the future.
Changes in law, regulations and policies in the PRC and uncertainties in the legal systems in the PRC may expose us to risks. In addition, rules and regulations in the PRC can change quickly with little advance notice.
We are based in and have all of our operations in Hong Kong and Macau. In addition, as a significant number of our customers come from, and are expected to continue to come from, the PRC, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially and adversely affected by significant regulatory developments not only in Macau but also in the PRC. Gaming related activities in the PRC, including marketing activities, are strictly 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. Rules and regulations in the PRC can change quickly with little advance notice. 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 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
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interpretation or enforcement of these laws and regulations, which affect gaming-related activities in the PRC could require additional expenditures and efforts on our part to ensure our compliance with such regulations or interpretations and have a material and adverse effect on our business and prospects, financial condition and results of operations. We may incur penalties for any failure to comply with PRC laws and regulations.
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 and the level of legal protection we enjoy than in other legal systems. Any litigation or proceedings in the PRC may be protracted and result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources and management attention. Any such litigation or proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our business, reputation, financial condition and results of operations.
The PRC government may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere or intervene in our offerings conducted overseas or foreign investments in us. Its oversight and discretion over our business could result in material adverse changes in our operations and the value of our ordinary shares and ADSs.
The Chinese government has exercised and continues to exercise substantial control over virtually every sector of the Chinese economy through evolving development, interpretation and implementation of applicable laws and regulations. The PRC may also enact new PRC laws, rules or regulations which may influence our operations in Macau or elsewhere as the PRC government deems appropriate to further regulatory, political and societal goals, or may exert more control over offerings conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in PRC-based issuers, which could result in a material change in our operations and/or the value of our ordinary shares. Additionally, given recent statements by the Chinese government indicating an intent to exert more oversight and control over offerings by China-based issuers that are conducted overseas and/or foreign investment in China-based issuers, any such action could significantly limit or completely hinder our ability to offer or continue to offer securities to investors and cause the value of our securities to significantly decline or be worthless.
For example, on February 17, 2023, the CSRC released a set of regulations, including the Trial Administrative Measures of Overseas Securities Offerings and Listings by Domestic Companies, or the Trial Administrative New Measures, and related guidelines, which came into effect on March 31, 2023, and the Notice on the Arrangements for the Recordation Management of Overseas Issuances and Listings of Domestic Enterprises, or the Notice, on Overseas Issuance and Listing.
Under the first paragraph of Article 15 of the Trial Administrative New Measures, overseas offerings and listings of a listing applicant by a PRC company must conduct and complete the relevant filing procedures with the CSRC if (i) more than 50% of its operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets were derived from its PRC entities based on the audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent financial year, and (ii) the main parts of its business activities are conducted in the PRC, its principal places of business are located in the PRC, or the majority of senior management in charge of its business operations are Chinese citizens or domiciled in the PRC. Furthermore, the second paragraph of Article 15 of the Trial Administrative New Measures provides that a “substance over form” principle, or the Principle, shall be followed when determining whether an issuer is subject to the filing requirements under the Trial Administrative New Measures. In addition, according to the Notice on Overseas Issuance and Listing, companies which have completed overseas listings or offerings prior to March 31, 2023 are not required to complete any filing procedures immediately, but may be required to file with the CSRC for any follow-on offerings.
We do not believe that our previous or any future offshore offerings are or will be subject to the filing procedures under the Trial Administrative New Measures and related guidelines as (i) we do not and do not expect to have any subsidiaries in the PRC, and none of our operating revenue, total profit, total assets or net assets as recorded in our audited consolidated financial statements for the most recent financial year is being accounted for by any PRC domestic subsidiaries; (ii) the main parts of the Company’s business activities are not
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and are not expected to be conducted in the PRC; (iii) the Company’s principal places of business are not and are not expected to be located in the PRC; (iv) the senior management in charge of the Company’s business operation are not PRC citizens and management does not and is not expected to be domiciled in the PRC; and (v) the risk factors disclosed in the offering document of any future offshore offerings are not expected to be predominately related to the PRC as compared to other countries and regions. However, significant uncertainties exist as to how the Trial Administrative New Measures and the related guidelines will be interpreted and implemented since they are newly published. Particularly, the Principle is subject to any new laws, rules and regulations or interpretations and implementations in any form relating to the filing requirements under the Trial Administrative New Measures at the discretion of the PRC government authorities.
If (i) we incorrectly conclude that certain regulatory permissions and approvals are not required or (ii) applicable laws, regulations, or interpretations change in a way that requires us to complete such filings or obtain such approvals in the future, and (iii) we are required to obtain such permissions or approvals in the future, but fail to receive or maintain such permissions or approvals, we may face sanctions by the CSRC or other PRC regulatory agencies. These regulatory agencies may impose fines and penalties on us, limit our operations, limit our ability to list on stock exchanges outside of China or offer our securities to foreign investors or take other actions that could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects, as well as the trading price of our securities.
Risks Related to Our Shares and ADSs
We are a Cayman Islands 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 Cayman Islands 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. Because we will have no independent means of generating revenue, our 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. For example, if COVID-19 outbreaks continue to disrupt our operations or escalates, it may have a material adverse effect on the availability of funds for MSC Cotai and its subsidiaries 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. In addition, we are not a Chinese operating company and investors may never directly hold equity interests in our operating subsidiaries. This organizational structure involves unique risks to investors, including the possibility of Chinese or Macau regulatory authorities disallowing our organizational structure, which would likely result in a material change in our operations and/or value of our ADSs making them significantly decline or worthless.
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ENFORCEABILITY OF CIVIL LIABILITIES
Cayman Islands
We are incorporated in the Cayman Islands because of certain benefits associated with being a Cayman Islands exempted company, such as:
| • | political and economic stability; |
| • | an effective judicial system; |
| • | a favorable tax system; |
| • | the absence of exchange control and currency restrictions; and |
| • | the availability of professional and support services. |
However, certain disadvantages accompany incorporation in the Cayman Islands.
For example, the Cayman Islands has a less developed body of securities laws as compared to the United States and provides fewer protections to investors.
Virtually all of our assets are located outside of the United States. All of our current operations, and administrative and corporate functions are conducted in Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore. In addition, several of our directors and officers are nationals and residents of countries other than the United States. A very significant portion of the assets of these persons are located outside the United States. Due to the lack of reciprocity and treaties between the United States and some of these foreign jurisdictions, together with cost and time constraints, it may be difficult for you to effect service of process within the United States upon these persons. In particular, while none of our directors or officers spend a significant amount of time physically located in mainland China, all of our directors and officers, other than Ms. Mielle and Messrs. Sullivan, Dean, Reganato and Black, spend a significant amount of time physically located in Hong Kong and/or Macau. For the same reasons, it may also be difficult for you to enforce in the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong and Singapore courts judgments obtained in U.S. courts based on the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities laws against our Company and our officers and directors, several of whom are not residents in the United States and the substantial portion of whose assets are located outside of the United States.
In addition, there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong or Singapore would recognize or enforce judgments of U.S. courts against our Company or such persons predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state. For instance, judgments of United States courts may not be directly enforced in Hong Kong. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Hong Kong and the United States. However, the common law permits an action to be brought upon a foreign judgment. That is to say, a foreign judgment itself may form the basis of a cause of action since the judgment may be regarded as creating a debt between the parties to it. In a common law action for enforcement of a foreign judgment in Hong Kong, the enforcement is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, that the foreign judgment is a final judgment conclusive upon the merits of the claim (but not otherwise), the judgment is for a liquidated amount in a civil matter and not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties, or similar charges, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice, and the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy of Hong Kong. Such a judgment must be for a fixed sum and must also come from a “competent” court as determined by the private international law rules applied by the Hong Kong courts. The defenses that are available to a defendant in a common law action brought on the basis of a foreign judgment include lack of jurisdiction, breach of natural justice, fraud, and contrary to public policy. However, a separate legal action for debt must be commenced in Hong Kong in order to recover such debt from the judgment debtor. Similarly, the judgment of United States courts may not be directly enforced in Macau. There are currently no treaties or other arrangements providing for reciprocal enforcement of foreign judgments between Macau and the
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United States. However, Macau’s civil procedure law permits an action to be brought to the Macau Second Instance Court for the recognition of a judgment obtained in a foreign jurisdiction. That is to say, upon recognition, a foreign judgment itself would be treated by the courts of Macau as a cause of action in itself so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary. In an action for recognition of a foreign judgment in Macau, the recognition is subject to various conditions, including but not limited to, that the foreign judgment is a final judgment conclusive upon the merits of the claim, the judgment is not in respect of taxes, fines, penalties, or similar fiscal or tax revenue obligations, the proceedings in which the judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice, the enforcement of the judgment is not contrary to public policy of Macau, and interest charged to the debtor does not breach usury laws. Such a judgment must be for a definite sum and must also come from a “competent” court as determined by the private international law rules applied by the Macau courts. The defenses that are available to a defendant in an action brought for the recognition of a foreign judgment include lack of jurisdiction, breach of natural justice, fraud, inobservance of due process, improper service of process to the defendant, and contrary to public policy. However, a separate legal action for enforcement of the foreign judgment must be commenced in Macau in order to recover a debt from the judgment debtor, in case the debtor does not make voluntary payment of its debt upon recognition of the foreign judgment by the Courts in Macau.
Furthermore, it is uncertain whether such Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong or Singapore courts would be competent to hear original actions brought in the Cayman Islands, Macau, Hong Kong or Singapore against us or such persons predicated upon the securities laws of the United States or any state.
Our constitutional documents do not contain provisions requiring that disputes, including those arising under the securities laws of the United States, between us, our executive officers, directors and shareholders, be subject to arbitration.
We have appointed Cogency Global Inc. as our agent to receive service of process with respect to any action brought against us in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with this offering under the federal securities laws of the United States or of any State in the United States or any action brought against us in the Supreme Court of the State of New York in the County of New York in connection with this offering under the securities laws of the State of New York.
We have been advised by Harney Westwood & Riegels, our Cayman Islands counsel, that any final and conclusive monetary judgment of a competent foreign court for a definite sum may be the subject of enforcement proceedings in the courts of the Cayman Islands under the common law doctrine of obligation by action on the debt evidenced by the judgment of such competent foreign court. It is not guaranteed that this remedy would be available, but on general principles, such enforcement proceedings can be expected to be successful provided that: (i) the foreign court had jurisdiction in the matter and the parties subject to such judgment either submitted to such jurisdiction or were resident or carrying on business within such jurisdiction and were duly served with process; (ii) the judgment given by the foreign court was not in respect of penalties, taxes, fines or similar fiscal or revenue obligations; (iii) the judgment was not obtained by fraud; (iv) recognition or enforcement of the judgment would not be contrary to the public policy of the Cayman Islands; and (v) the proceedings pursuant to which judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice.
Macau
Manuela António—Lawyers and Notaries, our counsel as to Macau law, has advised us that there is uncertainty as to whether the courts of Macau would recognize or enforce judgments of United States courts obtained against us or our executive officers, directors or shareholders predicated upon the civil liability provisions of the securities laws of the United States or any state in the United States. Manuela António—Lawyers and Notaries has advised further that a final and conclusive monetary judgment for a definite sum obtained in a federal or state court in the United States would be treated by the courts of Macau as a cause of action in itself so that no retrial of the issues would be necessary, provided that: (i) such decision is final and the court had jurisdiction in the matter and the defendant either submitted to such jurisdiction or was resident or
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carrying on business within such jurisdiction and was duly served with process; (ii) due process was observed by such court, with equal treatment given to both parties to the action, and the defendant had the opportunity to submit a defense; (iii) the judgment given by such court was not in respect of penalties, taxes, fines or similar fiscal or tax revenue obligations; (iv) in obtaining judgment there was no fraud on the part of the person in whose favor judgment was given or on the part of the court; (v) recognition or enforcement of the judgment in Macau would not be contrary to public policy; (vi) the proceedings pursuant to which judgment was obtained were not contrary to natural justice; and (vii) any interest charged to the defendant does not exceed three times the official interest rate, which is currently 9.75% per annum, over the outstanding payment (whether of principal, interest, fees or other amounts) due.
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We may issue, offer and sell from time to time, in one or more offerings, the following securities:
| • | Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs; |
| • | preferred shares; |
| • | subscription rights; |
| • | warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares, preferred shares or ADSs; and |
| • | debt securities. |
The following is a description of the terms and provisions of our Class A ordinary shares, preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants to purchase Class A ordinary shares (including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs), or preferred shares, and debt securities, which we may offer and sell using this prospectus. These summaries are not meant to be a complete description of each security. We will set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement a description of the preferred shares, warrants, subscription rights, in certain cases, the Class A ordinary shares (including ordinary shares represented by ADSs) and debt securities that may be offered under this prospectus. The terms of the offering of securities, the initial offering price and the net proceeds to us, as applicable, will be contained in the prospectus supplement and other offering material relating to such offering. The supplement may also add to, update or change information contained in this prospectus. This prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement will contain the material terms and conditions for each security. You should carefully read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement before you invest in any of our securities.
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We are a Cayman Islands exempted company and our affairs are governed by our amended and restated memorandum and articles of association, or our memorandum and articles of association, and the Companies Act (as amended) of the Cayman Islands, or Companies Act below, and the common law of the Cayman Islands.
Our memorandum and articles of association authorize two classes of ordinary shares, the Class A ordinary shares and the Class B ordinary shares, in each case with a par value of $0.0001 each. Studio City International’s authorized share capital of US$200,000 is divided into 2,000,000,000 shares comprising of 1,927,488,240 Class A ordinary shares and 72,511,760 Class B ordinary shares of a par value of $0.0001 each.
Each Class A ordinary share and each Class B ordinary share entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by shareholders generally and holders of Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares will vote together as a single class on all matters presented to the shareholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or the memorandum of association and articles of association. The Class A ordinary shares and the Class B ordinary shares have the same rights, except that holders of the Class B ordinary shares only have voting and no economic rights to receive dividends or distribution upon the liquidation or winding up of Studio City International.
In addition, pursuant to the terms of a participation agreement that was entered into by MSC Cotai, New Cotai and Studio City International, or the Participation Agreement, New Cotai has a non-voting, non-shareholding economic Participation Interest in MSC Cotai, which entitles New Cotai to receive from MSC Cotai an amount equal to a certain percentage of the MSC Cotai’s distribution, subject to adjustments, exceptions and conditions as set out in the Participation Agreement. The Participation Agreement also provides that New Cotai is entitled to exchange all or a portion of its Participation Interest for a number of Class A ordinary shares subject to adjustments, exceptions and conditions as set out in the Participation Agreement and a proportionate number of Class B ordinary shares will be deemed surrendered and automatically canceled for no consideration as set out in the Participation Agreement when New Cotai exchanges all or a portion of the Participation Interest for Class A ordinary shares. The following are summaries of material provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Act, insofar as they relate to the material terms of our ordinary shares.
General
All of our outstanding ordinary shares are fully paid and non-assessable. Some of the ordinary shares are issued in registered form only with no share certificates. Our shareholders who are non-residents of the Cayman Islands may freely hold and vote their ordinary shares. Under Article 4 of our memorandum of association, the objects for which we were established are unrestricted and we have full power and authority to carry out any object not prohibited by any law as provided by Section 7(4) of the Companies Act.
Dividends
The holders of our Class A ordinary shares are entitled to such dividends as may be declared by our board of directors subject to the Companies Act and our articles of association. Holders of the Class B ordinary shares do not have any right to receive dividends or distributions upon our liquidation or winding up.
Our articles of association require notice of any dividend that may have been declared to be given to each holder of our Class A ordinary shares or Class B ordinary shares and, pursuant to our articles of association, all dividends unclaimed for one year after having been declared may be forfeited by resolution of the directors for the benefit of the Company.
Voting Rights
Each of our Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares entitles its holder to one vote on all matters to be voted on by shareholders generally. Holders of our Class A and Class B ordinary shares vote together as a
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single class on all matters presented to our shareholders for their vote or approval, except as otherwise required by applicable law or our memorandum of association and articles of association. Voting at any meeting of shareholders is by show of hands unless a poll is demanded. A poll may be demanded by our chairman or one or more shareholders present in person or by proxy entitled to vote and who together hold not less than 20% of the paid up voting share capital of our Company.
A quorum required for a meeting of shareholders consists of one or more shareholders who hold at least 50 percent of our ordinary shares at the meeting present in person or by proxy or, if a corporation or other non-natural person, by its duly authorized representative. Shareholders’ meetings are held at least annually and may be convened by our board on its own initiative or, failing a request by our board, upon a request to the directors by shareholders holding in aggregate at least 20 percent of our paid-up capital as at the date of deposit of the requisition carries the right of voting at such meetings. Advance notice of at least seven clear days is required for the convening of our annual general meeting and other shareholders meetings.
An ordinary resolution to be passed by the shareholders requires the affirmative vote of a simple majority of the votes attaching to the ordinary shares cast in a general meeting, while a special resolution requires the affirmative vote of not less than two-thirds of the votes cast attaching to the ordinary shares. A special resolution will be required for important matters such as changing our name or making changes to our memorandum and articles of association.
Transfer of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the restrictions in our memorandum and articles of association and the Participation Agreement, as applicable, any of our shareholders may transfer all or any of his or her ordinary shares by an instrument of transfer in the usual or common form or any other form approved by our board.
Our board of directors may, in its absolute discretion, decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share which is not fully paid up or on which we have a lien. Our directors may also decline to register any transfer of any ordinary share unless:
| • | the instrument of transfer is lodged with us, accompanied by the certificate for the ordinary shares to which it relates and such other evidence as our board of directors may reasonably require to show the right of the transferor to make the transfer; |
| • | the instrument of transfer is in respect of only one class of shares; |
| • | the instrument of transfer is properly stamped, if required; or |
| • | in the case of a transfer to joint holders, the number of joint holders to whom the ordinary share is to be transferred does not exceed four. |
Our board of directors is required to refuse to register any purported transfer of Class B ordinary shares made otherwise than in compliance with the Participation Agreement.
If our directors refuse to register a transfer they must, within two months after the date on which the instrument of transfer was lodged, send to each of the transferor and the transferee notice of such refusal.
Exchange Right of New Cotai
Subject to certain conditions, New Cotai and its permitted transferees thereof may exchange their Participation Interest in MSC Cotai for a number of Class A ordinary shares. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions—Participation Agreement” of our 2022 Annual Report. If New Cotai exchanges all or a portion of the Participation Interest for Class A ordinary shares, it will also be deemed to have surrendered an equal number of
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Class B ordinary shares, and any Class B ordinary shares so surrendered will be canceled for no consideration. See “Item 7. Major Shareholders and Related Party Transactions—B. Related Party Transactions—Pre-IPO Organizational Transactions—Participation Agreement” of our 2022 Annual Report.
Liquidation
On a return of capital on winding up or otherwise (other than on conversion, redemption or purchase of ordinary shares), assets available for distribution among the holders of Class A ordinary shares will be distributed among the holders of the Class A ordinary shares on a pro rata basis. If our assets available for distribution are insufficient to repay all of the paid-up capital, the assets will be distributed so that the losses are borne by our shareholders proportionately. Holders of our Class B ordinary shares do not have any right to receive a distribution upon a liquidation or winding up of the Company.
Calls on Ordinary Shares and Forfeiture of Ordinary Shares
Our board may from time to time make calls upon shareholders for any amounts unpaid on their ordinary shares in a notice served to such shareholders at least 14 clear days prior to the specified time and place of payment. The ordinary shares that have been called upon and remain unpaid on the specified time are subject to forfeiture. Shareholders are not liable for any capital calls by the Company except to the extent there is an amount unpaid on their shares.
Redemption of Ordinary Shares
Subject to the provisions of the Companies Act, we may issue shares on terms that are subject to redemption, at our option or at the option of the holders, on such terms and in such manner as the directors may determine.
Prohibitions on the Receipt of Dividends, the Exercise of Voting or Other Rights or the Receipt of Other Remuneration
Our memorandum and articles of association prohibit anyone who is an unsuitable person or an affiliate of an unsuitable person from:
| • | receiving dividends or interest with regard to our shares; |
| • | exercising voting or other rights conferred by our shares; and |
| • | receiving any remuneration in any form from us or an affiliated company for services rendered or otherwise. |
Such unsuitable person or its affiliate must sell all of the shares, or allow us to redeem or repurchase the shares on such terms and manner as the directors may determine and agree with the shareholders, within such period of time as specified by a gaming authority.
These prohibitions commence on the date that a gaming authority serves notice of a determination of unsuitability or our board determines that a person or its affiliate is unsuitable and continue until the securities are owned or controlled by persons found suitable by a gaming authority or our board, as applicable, to own them. An “unsuitable person” is any person who is determined by a gaming authority to be unsuitable to own or control any of our shares or who causes us or any affiliated company to lose or to be threatened with the loss of any gaming license, or who, in the sole discretion of our board, is deemed likely to jeopardize our or any of our affiliates’ application for, receipt of approval for right to the use of, or entitlement to, any gaming license.
The terms “affiliated companies,” “gaming authority” and “person” have the meanings set forth in our articles of association.
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Redemption of Securities Owned or Controlled by an Unsuitable Person or an Affiliate
Our memorandum and articles of association provide that shares owned or controlled by an unsuitable person or an affiliate of an unsuitable person are redeemable by us, out of funds legally available for that redemption, by appropriate action of our board to the extent required by the gaming authorities making the determination of unsuitability or to the extent deemed necessary or advisable by our board having regard to relevant gaming laws. From and after the redemption date, the securities will not be considered outstanding and all rights of the unsuitable person or affiliate will cease, other than the right to receive the redemption price and the right to receive any dividends declared prior to any receipt of any written notice from a gaming authority declaring the suitable person to be an unsuitable person but not yet paid. The redemption price will be the price, if any, required to be paid by the gaming authority making the finding of unsuitability or, if the gaming authority does not require a price to be paid, the sum deemed to be the fair value of the securities by our board. The price for the shares will not exceed the closing price per share of the shares on the principal national securities exchange on which the shares are then listed on the trading date on the day before the redemption notice is given. If the shares are not then listed, the redemption price will not exceed the closing sales price of the shares as quoted on an automated quotation system, or if the closing price is not then reported, the mean between the bid and asked prices, as quoted by any other generally recognized reporting system. Our right of redemption is not exclusive of any other rights that we may have or later acquire under any agreement, its bylaws or otherwise. The redemption price may be paid in cash, by promissory note, or both, as required by the applicable gaming authority and, if not, as we elect.
Our memorandum and articles of association require any unsuitable person and any affiliate of an unsuitable person to indemnify us and our affiliated companies for any and all losses, costs and expenses, including legal fees, incurred by us and our affiliates as a result of, or arising out of, the unsuitable person’s or affiliate’s continuing ownership or control of shares, the neglect, refusal or other failure to comply with the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association relating to unsuitable persons, or failure to promptly divest itself of any shares in us when required by the relevant gaming laws or our memorandum and articles of association.
Variations of Rights of Shares
All or any of the rights attached to any class of shares may, subject to the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association and the Companies Act, be varied or abrogated either with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority of the issued shares of that class or with the approval of the holders of at least a majority of the shares of that class present in person or by proxy at a separate general meeting of the holders of the shares of that class.
Changes in Capital
We may from time to time by ordinary resolution (but subject to other provisions of our memorandum and of articles of association):
| • | increase the share capital by such sum, to be divided into shares of such classes and amount, as the resolution may prescribe; |
| • | consolidate and divide all or any of our share capital into shares of a larger amount than our existing shares; |
| • | convert all or any of our paid-up shares into stock and reconvert that stock into paid up shares of any denomination; |
| • | sub-divide our existing shares, or any of them, into shares of a smaller amount provided that in the subdivision the proportion between the amount paid and the amount, if any, unpaid on each reduced share will be the same as it was in case of the share from which the reduced share is derived; or |
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| • | cancel any shares which, at the date of the passing of the resolution, have not been taken or agreed to be taken by any person and diminish the amount of our share capital by the amount of the shares so canceled. |
We may by special resolution (subject to our memorandum and articles of association) reduce our share capital and any capital redemption reserve in any manner authorized by law.
Accounts and Audit
No shareholder (other than a director) has any right to inspect any of our accounting record or book or document except as conferred by law or authorized by our board or our Company by ordinary resolution of the shareholders.
Subject to compliance with all applicable laws, we may send to every person entitled to receive notices of our general meetings under the provisions of the articles of association a summary financial statement derived from our annual accounts and our board’s report.
Auditors shall be appointed and the terms and tenure of such appointment and their duties at all times regulated in accordance with the provisions of the articles of association. The remuneration of the auditors shall be fixed by our board.
Our financial statements shall be audited by the auditor in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards. The auditor shall make a written report thereon in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards and the report of the auditor shall be submitted to the shareholders in general meeting. The generally accepted auditing standards referred to herein may be those of a country or jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands. If so, the financial statements and the report of the auditor should disclose this fact and name such country or jurisdiction.
Exempted Company
We are an exempted company incorporated with limited liability under the Companies Act. The Companies Act distinguishes between ordinary resident companies and exempted companies. Any company that is registered in the Cayman Islands but conducts business mainly outside of the Cayman Islands may apply to be registered as an exempted company. The requirements for an exempted company are essentially the same as for an ordinary resident company except for the exemptions and privileges listed below:
| • | annual reporting requirements are minimal and consist mainly of a statement that the company has conducted its operations mainly outside of the Cayman Islands and has complied with the provisions of the Companies Act; |
| • | an exempted company’s register of members is not open to inspection; |
| • | an exempted company does not have to hold an annual general meeting; |
| • | an exempted company may issue shares with or without par value; |
| • | an exempted company may obtain an undertaking against the imposition of any future taxation (such undertakings are usually given for 20 years in the first instance); |
| • | an exempted company may register by way of continuation in another jurisdiction and be deregistered in the Cayman Islands; |
| • | an exempted company may register as a limited duration company; and |
| • | an exempted company may register as a segregated portfolio company. |
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Differences in Corporate Law
The Companies Act is modeled after that of England and Wales but does not follow recent statutory enactments in England. In addition, the Companies Act differs from laws applicable to Delaware corporations and their shareholders. Set forth below is a summary of the significant differences between the provisions of the Companies Act applicable to us and the laws applicable to Delaware corporations and their shareholders.
Mergers and Similar Arrangements
The Companies Act permits mergers and consolidations between Cayman Islands companies and between Cayman Islands companies and non-Cayman Islands companies. For these purposes:
| • | a “merger” means the merging of two or more constituent companies and the vesting of their undertaking, property and liabilities in one of such companies as the surviving company; and |
| • | a “consolidation” means the combination of two or more constituent companies into a consolidated company and the vesting of the undertaking, property and liabilities of such companies to the consolidated company. |
In order to effect a merger or consolidation, the directors of each constituent company must approve a written plan of merger or consolidation, which must then be authorized by:
| • | a special resolution of the shareholders of each constituent company; and |
| • | such other authorization, if any, as may be specified in such constituent company’s articles of association. |
A merger between a parent company incorporated in the Cayman Islands and its subsidiary or subsidiaries incorporated in the Cayman Islands does not require authorization by a resolution of shareholders of the constituent companies provided a copy of the plan of merger is given to every shareholder of each subsidiary company to be merged unless that shareholder agrees otherwise. For this purpose, a subsidiary is a company of which at least ninety percent (90%) of the issued shares entitled to vote are owned by the parent company.
The plan of merger or consolidation must be filed with the Registrar of Companies in the Cayman Islands together with a declaration (amongst other matters) as to the solvency of the consolidated or surviving company, a declaration as to the assets and liabilities of each constituent company and an undertaking that a copy of the certificate of merger or consolidation will be given to the members and creditors of each constituent company and that notification of the merger and consolidation will be published in the Cayman Islands Gazette. Dissenting shareholders have the right to be paid the fair value of their shares (which, if not agreed between the parties, will be determined by the Cayman Islands court) if they follow the required procedures, subject to certain exceptions. The fair value of the shares will be determined by the Cayman Islands court if it cannot be agreed among the parties. Court approval is not required for a merger or consolidation effected in compliance with these statutory procedures.
In addition, there are statutory provisions that facilitate, compromises or arrangements between a Cayman Islands company and its shareholders (or any class of them).
Following amendments to the Companies Act that became effective on August 31. 2022, the majority-in-number “headcount test” in relation to the approval of shareholders’ schemes of arrangement was abolished. Section 86(2A) of the Companies Act provides that, if 75% in value of the shareholders (or class of shareholders) of a Cayman Islands company agree to any compromise or arrangement, such compromise or arrangement shall, if sanctioned by the Cayman Court, be binding on all shareholders (or class of shareholders) of such company and on the company itself. Where a Cayman Islands company is in the course of being wound up, such compromise or arrangement would be binding on the liquidator and contributories of the company. In contrast, section 86(2) of the Companies Act continues to require (a) approval by a majority in number representing 75% in value; and (b) the sanction of the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands, in relation to any compromise or arrangement between a company and its creditors (or any class of them). At the initial directions hearing, the Cayman Islands court will make orders for (amongst other things) the convening of the meetings of creditors or
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shareholders (or classes of them, as applicable). While a dissenting shareholder has the right to express to the court the view that the transaction ought not to be approved, the court can be expected to approve the arrangement if it determines that:
| • | the company has complied with the directions set down by the Cayman Islands court; |
| • | meeting was properly held and the statutory provisions as to the required majority vote have been met; |
| • | the shareholders have been fairly represented at the meeting in question and the statutory majority are acting bona fide without coercion of the minority to promote interests adverse to those of the class; and |
| • | the arrangement is such that may be reasonably approved by an intelligent and honest man of that class acting in respect of his/her interest. |
If a compromise or arrangement of a Cayman Islands company is thus approved by the shareholders in the context of a shareholders’ scheme and the Cayman Islands court subsequently sanctions such scheme, the dissenting shareholder would have no rights comparable to appraisal rights, which would otherwise ordinarily be available to dissenting shareholders of Delaware corporations, providing rights to receive payment in cash for the judicially determined value of the shares. This is because such scheme will be binding on all shareholders (or class of shareholders), regardless of whether all the shareholders (or class of shareholders) approved the scheme, upon the sanction order being made. Having said that, a dissenting shareholder would have the right to appeal the making of the sanction order to the Cayman Islands Court of Appeal, if there were grounds for doing so.
Shareholders’ Suits
Derivative actions have been brought in the Cayman Islands courts. In most cases, the company will be the proper plaintiff in any claim based on a breach of duty owed to it, and a claim against (for example) the company’s officers or directors usually may not be brought by a shareholder. However, based on English authorities, which would in all likelihood be of persuasive authority and be applied by a court in the Cayman Islands, exceptions to the foregoing principle apply in circumstances in which:
| • | a company is acting, or proposing to act, illegally or beyond the scope of its authority; |
| • | the act complained of, although not beyond the scope of the authority, could be effected if duly authorized by more than the number of votes which have actually been obtained; or |
| • | those who control the company are perpetrating a “fraud on the minority.” |
A shareholder may have a direct right of action against the company where the individual rights of that shareholder have been infringed or are about to be infringed.
Directors’ Fiduciary Duties
Under Delaware corporate law, a director of a Delaware corporation has a fiduciary duty to the corporation and its shareholders. This duty has two components, the duty of care and the duty of loyalty. The duty of care requires that a director act in good faith, with the care that an ordinarily prudent person would exercise under similar circumstances. Under this duty, a director must inform himself of, and disclose to shareholders, all material information reasonably available regarding a significant transaction. The duty of loyalty requires that a director must act in a manner he or she reasonably believes to be in the best interests of the corporation. A director must not use his or her corporate position for personal gain or advantage. This duty prohibits self-dealing by a director and mandates that the best interests of the corporation and its shareholders take precedence over any interest possessed by a director, officer or controlling shareholder and not shared by the shareholders generally. In general, actions of a director are presumed to have been made on an informed basis, in good faith and in the honest belief that the action taken was in the best interests of the corporation. However, this presumption may be rebutted by evidence of a breach of one of the fiduciary duties. Should such evidence be presented concerning a transaction by a director, the director must prove the procedural fairness of the transaction and that the transaction was of fair value to the corporation.
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As a matter of Cayman Islands law, a director of a Cayman Islands company is in the position of a fiduciary with respect to the company, and therefore it is considered that he or she owes the following duties to the company: a duty to act bona fide in the best interests of the company, a duty not to make a profit out of his or her position as director (unless the company permits him or her to do so), a duty not to put himself or herself in a position where the interests of the company conflict with his or her personal interests or his or her duty to a third party and a duty to exercise powers for the purpose for which such powers were intended. A director of a Cayman Islands company owes to the company a duty to act with skill and care. It was previously considered that a director need not exhibit in the performance of his or her duties a greater degree of skill than may reasonably be expected from a person of his or her knowledge and experience. However, there are indications that the courts are moving towards an objective standard with regard to the required skill and care.
Under our memorandum and articles of association, directors who are in any way, whether directly or indirectly, interested in a contract or proposed contract with our company must declare the nature of their interest at a meeting of the board of directors. Following such declaration, a director may vote in respect of any contract or proposed contract notwithstanding his or her interest.
Shareholder Action by Written Resolution
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s certificate of incorporation may eliminate the right of shareholders to act by written consent. Our memorandum and articles of association allow shareholders to act by written resolutions.
Cumulative Voting
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, cumulative voting for elections of directors is not permitted unless the corporation’s certificate of incorporation specifically provides for it. Cumulative voting potentially facilitates the representation of minority shareholders on a board of directors since it permits the minority shareholder to cast all the votes to which the shareholder is entitled for a single director, which increases the shareholder’s voting interest with respect to electing such director.
As permitted under Cayman Islands law, our memorandum and articles of association do not provide for cumulative voting.
Removal of Directors
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a director of a corporation may be removed with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise.
Under our memorandum and articles of association, subject to the Shareholders’ Agreement, directors can be removed by special resolution of the shareholders.
Transactions with Interested Shareholders
The Delaware General Corporation Law contains a business combination statute applicable to Delaware public corporations whereby, unless the corporation has specifically elected not to be governed by such statute by amendment to its certificate of incorporation, it is prohibited from engaging in certain business combinations with an “interested shareholder” for three years following the date on which such person becomes an interested shareholder. An interested shareholder generally is one which owns or owned 15% or more of the target’s outstanding voting stock within the past three years. This has the effect of limiting the ability of a potential acquirer to make a two-tiered bid for the target in which all shareholders would not be treated equally. The statute does not apply if, among other things, prior to the date on which such shareholder becomes an interested
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shareholder, the board of directors approves either the business combination or the transaction that resulted in the person becoming an interested shareholder. This encourages any potential acquirer of a Delaware public corporation to negotiate the terms of any acquisition transaction with the target’s board of directors.
Cayman Islands law has no comparable statute. As a result, we cannot avail ourselves of the types of protections afforded by the Delaware business combination statute. However, although Cayman Islands law does not regulate transactions between a company and its significant shareholders, it does provide that such transactions entered into must be bona fide in the best interests of the company, for a proper corporate purpose and not with the effect of perpetrating a fraud on the minority shareholders.
Dissolution and Winding Up
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, unless the board of directors approves the proposal to dissolve, dissolution must be approved by shareholders holding 100% of the total voting interest of the corporation. Only if the dissolution is initiated by the board of directors may it be approved by a simple majority of the corporation’s outstanding shares. The Delaware General Corporation Law allows a Delaware corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation a supermajority voting requirement in connection with dissolutions initiated by the board of directors.
Under our memorandum and articles of association, if our company is wound up, the liquidator of our company may distribute the assets with the sanction of an ordinary resolution of the shareholders and any other sanction required by law.
Variation of Rights of Shares
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation may vary the rights of a class of shares with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares of such class, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise.
Under Cayman Islands law and our memorandum and articles of association, if our share capital is divided into more than one class of shares, we may (subject to qualifications in the memorandum and articles of association) vary the rights attached to any class with the consent in writing of the holders of a majority of the issued shares of the relevant class or with the sanction of a resolution passed at a separate meeting of the holders of the shares of such class by a majority of the votes cast at such a meeting.
Amendment of Governing Documents
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, a corporation’s governing documents may be amended with the approval of a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, unless the certificate of incorporation provides otherwise.
Our memorandum and articles of association may be amended by a special resolution of shareholders.
Waiver of Certain Corporate Opportunities
Under our memorandum and articles of association, the Company has renounced any interest or expectancy of the Company in, or in being offered an opportunity to participate in, certain opportunities where such opportunities come into the possession of one of our directors other than in his or her capacity as a director (as more particularly described in our memorandum and articles of association). This is subject to applicable law and may be waived by the relevant director.
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Inspection of Books and Records
Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, any shareholder of a corporation may for any proper purpose inspect or make copies of the corporation’s stock ledger, list of shareholders and other books and records.
Holders of our shares have no general right under Cayman Islands law to inspect or obtain copies of our register of members or our corporate records (other than the memorandum and articles of association). However, we intend to provide our shareholders with annual reports containing audited financial statements.
Anti-takeover Provisions in our Memorandum and Articles of Association
Some provisions of our memorandum and articles of association may discourage, delay or prevent a change of control of our company or management that shareholders may consider favorable, including a provision that authorizes our board of directors to issue preference shares in one or more series and to designate the price, rights, preferences, privileges and restrictions of such preference shares without any further vote or action by our shareholders.
Such shares could be issued quickly with terms calculated to delay or prevent a change in control of our company or make removal of management more difficult. If our board of directors decides to issue these preference shares, the price of our ordinary shares may fall and the voting and other rights of the holders of our ordinary shares may be materially adversely affected.
However, under Cayman Islands law, our directors may only exercise the rights and powers granted to them under our memorandum and articles of association for a proper purpose and for what they believe in good faith to be in the best interests of our company.
Rights of Non-resident or Foreign Shareholders
There are no limitations imposed by our memorandum and articles of association on the rights of non-resident or foreign shareholders to hold or exercise voting rights on our shares. In addition, there are no provisions in our memorandum and articles of association governing the ownership threshold above which shareholder ownership must be disclosed.
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DESCRIPTION OF CLASS A ORDINARY SHARES
We may issue our Class A ordinary shares either alone or underlying other securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for our Class A ordinary shares.
Holders of our Class A ordinary shares are entitled to certain rights and subject to certain conditions as set forth in our memorandum and articles of association and in the Companies Act. See “Description of Share Capital.”
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DESCRIPTION OF AMERICAN DEPOSITARY SHARES
American Depositary Shares
Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, as depositary, will register and deliver the American Depositary Shares, also referred to as ADSs. Each ADS represents ownership of four Class A ordinary shares (or a right to receive four Class A ordinary shares), deposited with Deutsche Bank AG, Hong Kong Branch, as custodian for the depositary. Each ADS also represents ownership of any other securities, cash or other property which may be held by the depositary. The depositary’s corporate trust office at which the ADSs are administered is located at 1 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, USA. The principal executive office of the depositary is located at 1 Columbus Circle, New York, NY 10019, USA.
The Direct Registration System, or DRS, is a system administered by The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary to the ADS holders entitled thereto.
We do not treat ADS holders as our shareholders and accordingly, you, as an ADS holder, will not have shareholder rights. Cayman Islands law governs shareholder rights. The depositary is the holder of the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. As a holder of ADSs, you have ADS holder rights. A deposit agreement among us, the depositary and you, as an ADS holder, and the beneficial owners of ADSs sets out ADS holder rights as well as the rights and obligations of the depositary. The laws of the State of New York govern the deposit agreement and the ADSs.
The following is a summary of the material provisions of the deposit agreement. For more complete information, you should read the entire deposit agreement and the form of American Depositary Receipt. For directions on how to obtain copies of those documents, see “Where You Can Find More Information About Us.”
Holding the ADSs
How will you hold your ADSs?
You may hold ADSs either (1) directly (a) by having an American Depositary Receipt, or ADR, which is a certificate evidencing a specific number of ADSs, registered in your name, or (b) by holding ADSs in DRS, or (2) indirectly through your broker or other financial institution. If you hold ADSs directly, you are an ADS holder. This description assumes you hold your ADSs directly. ADSs will be issued through DRS, unless you specifically request certificated ADRs. If you hold the ADSs indirectly, you must rely on the procedures of your broker or other financial institution to assert the rights of ADS holders described in this section. You should consult with your broker or financial institution to find out what those procedures are.
Dividends and Other Distributions
How will you receive dividends and other distributions on the shares?
The depositary has agreed to pay to you the cash dividends or other distributions it or the custodian receives on 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 as of the record date (which will be as close as practicable to the record date for our Class A ordinary shares) set by the depositary with respect to the ADSs.
| • | Cash. The depositary will convert or cause to be converted any cash dividend or other cash distribution we pay on the Class A ordinary shares or any net proceeds from the sale of any Class A ordinary shares, rights, securities or other entitlements under the terms of the deposit agreement into U.S. dollars if it can do so on a practicable basis, and can transfer the U.S. dollars to the United States and will distribute promptly the amount thus received. If the depositary shall determine in its judgment that such |
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| conversions or transfers are not practical or lawful or if any government approval or license is needed and cannot be obtained at a reasonable cost within a reasonable period or otherwise sought, the deposit agreement allows the depositary to distribute the foreign currency only to those ADS holders to whom it is possible to do so. It will hold or cause the custodian to hold the foreign currency it cannot convert for the account of the ADS holders who have not been paid and such funds will be held for the respective accounts of the ADS holders. It will not invest the foreign currency and it will not be liable for any interest for the respective accounts of the ADS holders. |
| • | Before making a distribution, any taxes or other governmental charges, together with fees and expenses of the depositary, that must be paid, will be deducted. It will distribute only whole U.S. dollars and cents and will round down fractional cents to the nearest whole cent. If the exchange rates fluctuate during a time when the depositary cannot convert the foreign currency, you may lose some or all of the value of the distribution. |
| • | Shares. For any Class A ordinary shares we distribute as a dividend or free distribution, either (1) the depositary will distribute additional ADSs representing such Class A ordinary shares or (2) existing ADSs as of the applicable record date will represent rights and interests in the additional Class A ordinary shares distributed, to the extent reasonably practicable and permissible under law, in either case, net of applicable fees, charges and expenses incurred by the depositary and taxes and/or other governmental charges. The depositary will only distribute whole ADSs. It will try to sell Class A ordinary shares which would require it to deliver a fractional ADS and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. The depositary may sell a portion of the distributed Class A ordinary shares sufficient to pay its fees and expenses, and any taxes and governmental charges, in connection with that distribution. |
| • | Elective Distributions in Cash or Shares. If we offer holders of our Class A ordinary shares the option to receive dividends in either cash or shares, the depositary, after consultation with us and having received timely notice as described in the deposit agreement of such elective distribution by us, has discretion to determine to what extent such elective distribution will be made available to you as a holder of the ADSs. We must timely first instruct the depositary to make such elective distribution available to you and furnish it with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to do so. The depositary could decide it is not legal or reasonably practicable to make such elective distribution available to you. In such case, the depositary shall, on the basis of the same determination as is made in respect of the Class A ordinary shares for which no election is made, distribute either cash in the same way as it does in a cash distribution, or additional ADSs representing Class A ordinary shares in the same way as it does in a share distribution. The depositary is not obligated to make available to you a method to receive the elective dividend in shares rather than in ADSs. There can be no assurance that you will be given the opportunity to receive elective distributions on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Class A ordinary shares. |
| • | Rights to Purchase Additional Shares. If we offer holders of our Class A ordinary shares any rights to subscribe for additional shares, the depositary shall having received timely notice as described in the deposit agreement of such distribution by us, consult with us, and we must determine whether it is lawful and reasonably practicable to make these rights available to you. We must first instruct the depositary to make such rights available to you and furnish the depositary with satisfactory evidence that it is legal to do so. If the depositary decides it is not legal or reasonably practicable to make the rights available but that it is lawful and reasonably practicable to sell the rights, the depositary will endeavor to sell the rights and in a riskless principal capacity or otherwise, at such place and upon such terms (including public or private sale) as it may deem proper, distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash. The depositary will allow rights that are not distributed or sold to lapse. In that case, you will receive no value for them. |
If the depositary makes rights available to you, it will establish procedures to distribute such rights and enable you to exercise the rights upon your payment of applicable fees, charges and expenses incurred by the depositary and taxes and/or other governmental charges. The depositary shall not be obliged to make available to
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you a method to exercise such rights to subscribe for Class A ordinary shares (rather than ADSs). U.S. securities laws may restrict transfers and cancellation of the ADSs represented by shares purchased upon exercise of rights. For example, you may not be able to trade these ADSs freely in the United States. In this case, the depositary may deliver restricted depositary shares that have the same terms as the ADSs described in this section except for changes needed to put the necessary restrictions in place.
There can be no assurance that you will be given the opportunity to exercise rights on the same terms and conditions as the holders of Class A ordinary shares or be able to exercise such rights.
| • | Other Distributions. Subject to receipt of timely notice, as described in the deposit agreement, from us with the request to make any such distribution available to you, and provided the depositary has determined such distribution is lawful and reasonably practicable and feasible and in accordance with the terms of the deposit agreement, the depositary will distribute to you anything else we distribute on deposited securities by any means it may deem practicable, upon your payment of applicable fees, charges and expenses incurred by the depositary and taxes and/or other governmental charges. If any of the conditions above are not met, the depositary will endeavor to sell, or cause to be sold, what we distributed and distribute the net proceeds in the same way as it does with cash; or, if it is unable to sell such property, the depositary may dispose of such property in any way it deems reasonably practicable under the circumstances for nominal or no consideration, such that you may have no rights to or arising from such property. |
The depositary is not responsible if it decides that it is unlawful or impractical to make a distribution available to any ADS holders. Except for our obligations under the amended Registration Rights Agreement which we entered into with New Cotai in connection with our initial public offering, we have no obligation to register ADSs, shares, rights or other securities under the Securities Act. We also have no obligation to take any other action to permit the distribution of ADSs, shares, rights or anything else to ADS holders. This means that you may not receive the distributions we make on our shares or any value for them if we and/or the depositary determines that it is illegal or not practicable for us or the depositary to make them available to you.
Deposit, Withdrawal and Cancellation
How are ADSs issued?
The depositary will deliver ADSs if you or your broker deposit Class A ordinary shares or evidence of rights to receive Class A ordinary shares with the custodian. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will register the appropriate number of ADSs in the names you request and will deliver the ADSs to or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto.
How do ADS holders cancel an American Depositary Share?
You may turn in your ADSs at the depositary’s corporate trust office or by providing appropriate instructions to your broker. Upon payment of its fees and expenses and of any taxes or charges, such as stamp taxes or stock transfer taxes or fees, the depositary will deliver the Class A ordinary shares and any other deposited securities underlying the ADSs to you or a person you designate at the office of the custodian. Or, at your request, risk and expense, the depositary will deliver the deposited securities at its corporate trust office, to the extent permitted by law.
How do ADS holders interchange between Certificated ADSs and Uncertificated ADSs?
You may surrender your ADR to the depositary for the purpose of exchanging your ADR for uncertificated ADSs. The depositary will cancel that ADR and will send you a statement confirming that you are the owner of
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uncertificated ADSs. Alternatively, upon receipt by the depositary of a proper instruction from a holder of uncertificated ADSs requesting the exchange of uncertificated ADSs for certificated ADSs, the depositary will execute and deliver to you an ADR evidencing those ADSs.
Voting Rights
How do you vote?
You may instruct the depositary to vote the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities underlying your ADSs at any meeting at which you are entitled to vote pursuant to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities. Otherwise, you could exercise your right to vote directly if you withdraw the Class A ordinary shares. However, you may not know about the meeting sufficiently enough in advance to withdraw the Class A ordinary shares.
If we ask for your instructions and upon timely notice from us by regular, ordinary mail delivery, or by electronic transmission, as described in the deposit agreement, the depositary will notify you of the upcoming meeting at which you are entitled to vote pursuant to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities, and arrange to deliver our voting materials to you. The materials will include or reproduce (a) such notice of meeting or solicitation of consents or proxies; (b) a statement that the ADS holders at the close of business on the ADS record date will be entitled, subject to any applicable law, the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, and the provisions of or governing the deposited securities, to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights, if any, pertaining to the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities represented by such holder’s ADSs; and (c) a brief statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given to the depositary or deemed given in accordance with the second to last sentence of this paragraph if no instruction is received by the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us. Voting instructions may be given only in respect of a number of ADSs representing an integral number of Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities. For instructions to be valid, the depositary must receive them in writing on or before the date specified. The depositary will try, as far as practical, subject to applicable law and the provisions of our memorandum and articles of association, to vote or to have its agents vote the Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities (in person or by proxy) as you instruct. The depositary will only vote or attempt to vote as you instruct. If we timely requested the depositary to solicit your instructions but no instructions are received by the depositary from an owner with respect to any of the deposited securities represented by the ADSs of that owner on or before the date established by the depositary for such purpose, the depositary shall deem that owner to have instructed the depositary to give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us with respect to such deposited securities, and the depositary shall give a discretionary proxy to a person designated by us to vote such deposited securities. However, no such instruction shall be deemed given and no such discretionary proxy shall be given with respect to any matter if we inform the depositary we do not wish such proxy given, substantial opposition exists or the matter materially and adversely affects the rights of holders of the Class A ordinary shares.
We cannot assure you that you will receive the voting materials in time to ensure that you can instruct the depositary to vote the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs. In addition, there can be no assurance that ADS holders and beneficial owners generally, or any holder or beneficial owner in particular, will be given the opportunity to vote or cause the custodian to vote on the same terms and conditions as the holders of our Class A ordinary shares.
The depositary and its agents are not responsible for failing to carry out voting instructions or for the manner of carrying out voting instructions. This means that you may not be able to exercise your right to vote and you may have no recourse if the Class A ordinary shares underlying your ADSs are not voted as you requested.
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In order to give you a reasonable opportunity to instruct the depositary as to the exercise of voting rights relating to deposited securities, if we request the depositary to act, we will give the depositary notice of any such meeting and details concerning the matters to be voted in a timely manner.
Compliance with Regulations
Information Requests
Each ADS holder and beneficial owner shall (a) provide such information as we or the depositary may request pursuant to law, including, without limitation, relevant Cayman Islands law, any applicable law of the United States of America, our memorandum and articles of association, any resolutions of our board of directors adopted pursuant to such memorandum and articles of association, the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the Class A ordinary shares, ADSs or ADRs are listed or traded, or to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs or ADRs may be transferred, regarding the capacity in which they own or owned ADRs, the identity of any other persons then or previously interested in such ADRs and the nature of such interest, and any other applicable matters, and (b) be bound by and subject to applicable provisions of the laws of the Cayman Islands, our memorandum and articles of association, and the requirements of any markets or exchanges upon which the ADSs, ADRs or Class A ordinary shares are listed or traded, or pursuant to any requirements of any electronic book-entry system by which the ADSs, ADRs or Class A ordinary shares may be transferred, to the same extent as if such ADS holder or beneficial owner held Class A ordinary shares directly, in each case irrespective of whether or not they are ADS holders or beneficial owners at the time such request is made.
Disclosure of Interests
Each ADS holder and beneficial owner shall comply with our requests pursuant to Cayman Islands law, the rules and requirements of the NYSE and any other stock exchange on which the Class A ordinary shares are, or will be, registered, traded or listed or our memorandum and articles of association, which requests are made to provide information, inter alia, as to the capacity in which such ADS holder or beneficial owner owns ADS and regarding the identity of any other person interested in such ADS and the nature of such interest and various other matters, whether or not they are ADS holders or beneficial owners at the time of such requests.
Fees and Expenses
As an ADS holder, you will be required to pay the following service fees to the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges (in addition to any applicable fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges payable on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs):
| Service |
Fees | |
| • To any person to which ADSs are issued or to any person to which a distribution is made in respect of ADS distributions pursuant to stock dividends or other free distributions of stock, bonus distributions, stock splits or other distributions (except where converted to cash) |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS issued | |
| • Cancellation of ADSs, including the case of termination of the deposit agreement |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS canceled | |
| • Distribution of cash dividends |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | |
| • Distribution of cash entitlements (other than cash dividends) and/or cash proceeds from the sale of rights, securities and other entitlements |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | |
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| Service |
Fees | |
| • Distribution of ADSs pursuant to exercise of rights |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | |
| • Distribution of securities other than ADSs or rights to purchase additional ADSs |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held | |
| • Depositary services |
Up to US$0.05 per ADS held on the applicable record date(s) established by the depositary bank | |
As an ADS holder, you will also be responsible for paying certain fees and expenses incurred by the depositary bank and certain taxes and governmental charges (in addition to any applicable fees, expenses, taxes and other governmental charges payable on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs) such as:
| • | Fees for the transfer and registration of Class A ordinary shares charged by the registrar and transfer agent for the Class A ordinary shares in the Cayman Islands (i.e., upon deposit and withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares). |
| • | Expenses incurred for converting foreign currency into U.S. dollars. |
| • | Expenses for cable, telex and fax transmissions and for delivery of securities. |
| • | Taxes and duties upon the transfer of securities, including any applicable stamp duties, any stock transfer charges or withholding taxes (i.e., when Class A ordinary shares are deposited or withdrawn from deposit). |
| • | Fees and expenses incurred in connection with the delivery or servicing of Class A ordinary shares on deposit. |
| • | Fees and expenses incurred in connection with complying with exchange control regulations and other regulatory requirements applicable to Class A ordinary shares, deposited securities, ADSs and ADRs. |
| • | Any applicable fees and penalties thereon. |
The depositary fees payable upon the issuance and cancellation of ADSs are typically paid to the depositary bank by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) receiving the newly issued ADSs from the depositary bank and by the brokers (on behalf of their clients) delivering the ADSs to the depositary bank for cancellation. The brokers in turn charge these fees to their clients. Depositary fees payable in connection with distributions of cash or securities to ADS holders and the depositary services fee are charged by the depositary bank to the holders of record of ADSs as of the applicable ADS record date.
The depositary fees payable for cash distributions are generally deducted from the cash being distributed or by selling a portion of distributable property to pay the fees. In the case of distributions other than cash (i.e., share dividends, rights), the depositary bank charges the applicable fee to the ADS record date holders concurrent with the distribution. In the case of ADSs registered in the name of the investor (whether certificated or uncertificated in direct registration), the depositary bank sends invoices to the applicable record date ADS holders. In the case of ADSs held in brokerage and custodian accounts (via DTC), the depositary bank generally collects its fees through the systems provided by DTC (whose nominee is the registered holder of the ADSs held in DTC) from the brokers and custodians holding ADSs in their DTC accounts. The brokers and custodians who hold their clients’ ADSs in DTC accounts in turn charge their clients’ accounts the amount of the fees paid to the depositary banks.
In the event of refusal to pay the depositary fees, the depositary bank may, under the terms of the deposit agreement, refuse the requested service until payment is received or may set off the amount of the depositary fees from any distribution to be made to the ADS holder.
The depositary may make payments to us or reimburse us for certain costs and expenses, by making available a portion of the ADS fees collected in respect of the ADR program or otherwise, upon such terms and conditions as we and the depositary bank agree from time to time.
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Payment of Taxes
You will be responsible for any taxes or other governmental charges payable, or which become payable, on your ADSs or on the deposited securities represented by any of your ADSs. The depositary may refuse to register or transfer your ADSs or allow you to withdraw the deposited securities represented by your ADSs until such taxes or other charges are paid. It may apply payments owed to you or sell deposited securities represented by your ADSs to pay any taxes owed and you will remain liable for any deficiency. If the depositary sells deposited securities, it will, if appropriate, reduce the number of ADSs to reflect the sale and pay to you any net proceeds, or send to you any property, remaining after it has paid the taxes. You agree to indemnify us, the depositary, the custodian and each of our and their respective agents, directors, employees and affiliates for, and hold each of them harmless from, any claims with respect to taxes (including applicable interest and penalties thereon) arising from any refund of taxes, reduced rate of withholding at source or other tax benefit obtained for you. Your obligations under this paragraph shall survive any transfer of ADRs, any surrender of ADRs and withdrawal of deposited securities or the termination of the deposit agreement.
Reclassifications, Recapitalizations and Mergers
| If we: |
Then: | |
| Change the nominal or par value of our Class A ordinary shares | The cash, shares or other securities received by the depositary will become deposited securities. | |
| Reclassify, split up or consolidate any of the deposited securities | Each ADS will automatically represent its equal share of the new deposited securities. | |
| Distribute securities on the Class A ordinary shares that are not distributed to you, or recapitalize, reorganize, merge, liquidate, sell all or substantially all of our assets, or take any similar action | The depositary may distribute some or all of the cash, shares or other securities it received. It may also deliver new ADSs or ask you to surrender your outstanding ADRs in exchange for new ADRs identifying the new deposited securities. | |
Amendment and Termination
How may the deposit agreement be amended?
We may agree with the depositary to amend the deposit agreement and the form of ADR without your consent for any reason. If an amendment adds or increases fees or charges, except for taxes and other governmental charges or expenses of the depositary for registration fees, facsimile costs, delivery charges or similar items, including expenses incurred in connection with foreign exchange control regulations and other charges specifically payable by ADS holders under the deposit agreement, or materially prejudices a substantial existing right of ADS holders, it will not become effective for outstanding ADSs until 30 days after the depositary notifies ADS holders of the amendment. At the time an amendment becomes effective, you are considered, by continuing to hold your ADSs, to agree to the amendment and to be bound by the ADRs and the deposit agreement as amended. If any new laws are adopted which would require the deposit agreement to be amended in order to comply therewith, we and the depositary may amend the deposit agreement in accordance with such laws and such amendment may become effective before notice thereof is given to ADS holders.
How may the deposit agreement be terminated?
The depositary will terminate the deposit agreement if we ask it to do so, in which case the depositary will give notice to you at least 90 days prior to termination. The depositary may also terminate the deposit agreement if the depositary has told us that it would like to resign, or if we have removed the depositary, and in either case we have not appointed a new depositary within 90 days. In either such case, the depositary must notify you at least 30 days before termination.
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After termination, the depositary and its agents will do the following under the deposit agreement but nothing else: collect distributions on the deposited securities, sell rights and other property and deliver Class A ordinary shares and other deposited securities upon cancellation of ADSs after payment of any fees, charges, taxes or other governmental charges. Six months or more after the date of termination, the depositary may sell any remaining deposited securities by public or private sale. After that, the depositary will hold the money it received on the sale, as well as any other cash it is holding under the deposit agreement, for the pro rata benefit of the ADS holders that have not surrendered their ADSs. It will not invest the money and has no liability for interest. After such sale, the depositary’s only obligations will be to account for the money and other cash. After termination, we shall be discharged from all obligations under the deposit agreement except for our obligations to the depositary thereunder.
Books of Depositary
The depositary will maintain ADS holder records at its depositary office. You may inspect such records at such office during regular business hours but solely for the purpose of communicating with other holders in the interest of business matters relating to the Company, the ADRs and the deposit agreement.
The depositary will maintain facilities in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York to record and process the issuance, cancellation, combination, split-up and transfer of ADRs.
These facilities may be closed at any time or from time to time when such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the depositary in connection with the performance of its duties under the deposit agreement or at our reasonable written request.
Limitations on Obligations and Liability
Limits on our Obligations and the Obligations of the Depositary and the Custodian; Limits on Liability to Holders of ADSs
The deposit agreement expressly limits our obligations and the obligations of the depositary and the custodian. It also limits our liability and the liability of the depositary. The depositary and the custodian:
| • | are only obligated to take the actions specifically set forth in the deposit agreement without gross negligence or willful misconduct; |
| • | are not liable if any of us or our respective controlling persons or agents are prevented or forbidden from, or subjected to any civil or criminal penalty or restraint on account of, or delayed in, doing or performing any act or thing required by the terms of the deposit agreement and any ADR, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or regulation of the United States or any state thereof, the Cayman Islands or any other country, or of any other governmental authority or regulatory authority or stock exchange, or on account of the possible criminal or civil penalties or restraint, or by reason of any provision, present or future, of our memorandum and articles of association or any provision of or governing any deposited securities, or by reason of any act of God or war or other circumstances beyond its control (including, without limitation, nationalization, expropriation, currency restrictions, work stoppage, strikes, civil unrest, revolutions, rebellions, explosions and computer failure); |
| • | are not liable by reason of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the deposit agreement or in our memorandum and articles of association or provisions of or governing deposited securities; |
| • | are not liable for any action or inaction of the depositary, the custodian or us or their or our respective controlling persons or agents in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, any person presenting Class A ordinary shares for deposit or any other person believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information; |
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| • | are not liable for the inability of any holder of ADSs to benefit from any distribution on deposited securities that is not made available to holders of ADSs under the terms of the deposit agreement; |
| • | are not liable for any special, consequential, indirect or punitive damages for any breach of the terms of the deposit agreement, or otherwise; |
| • | may rely upon any documents we believe in good faith to be genuine and to have been signed or presented by the proper party; |
| • | disclaim any liability for any action or inaction or inaction of any of us or our respective controlling persons or agents in reliance upon the advice of or information from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Class A ordinary shares for deposit, holders and beneficial owners (or authorized representatives) of ADSs, or any person believed in good faith to be competent to give such advice or information; and |
| • | disclaim any liability for inability of any holder to benefit from any distribution, offering, right or other benefit made available to holders of deposited securities but not made available to holders of ADS. |
The depositary and any of its agents also disclaim any liability (i) for any failure to carry out any instructions to vote, the manner in which any vote is cast or the effect of any vote or failure to determine that any distribution or action may be lawful or reasonably practicable or for allowing any rights to lapse in accordance with the provisions of the deposit agreement, (ii) the failure or timeliness of any notice from us, the content of any information submitted to it by us for distribution to you or for any inaccuracy of any translation thereof, (iii) any investment risk associated with the acquisition of an interest in the deposited securities, the validity or worth of the deposited securities, the credit-worthiness of any third party, (iv) for any tax consequences that may result from ownership of ADSs, Class A ordinary shares or deposited securities, or (v) for any acts or omissions made by a successor depositary whether in connection with a previous act or omission of the depositary or in connection with any matter arising wholly after the removal or resignation of the depositary, provided that in connection with the issue out of which such potential liability arises the depositary performed its obligations without gross negligence or willful misconduct while it acted as depositary.
In the deposit agreement, we and the depositary agree to indemnify each other under certain circumstances.
Jurisdiction and Arbitration
The laws of the State of New York govern the deposit agreement and the ADSs and we have agreed with the depositary that the federal or state courts in the City of New York shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine any dispute arising from or in connection with the deposit agreement and that the depositary will have the right to refer any claim or dispute arising from the relationship created by the deposit agreement to arbitration in accordance with the Commercial Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitration provisions of the deposit agreement do not preclude you from pursuing claims under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act in federal or state courts.
Jury Trial Waiver
The deposit agreement provides that each party to the deposit agreement (including each holder, beneficial owner and holder of interests in the ADRs) irrevocably waives, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, any right it may have to a trial by jury in any lawsuit or proceeding 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 the applicable law.
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Requirements for Depositary Actions
Before the depositary will issue, deliver or register a transfer of an ADS, split-up, subdivide or combine ADSs, make a distribution on an ADS, or permit withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares, the depositary may require:
| • | payment of stock transfer or other taxes or other governmental charges and transfer or registration fees charged by third parties for the transfer of any Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities and payment of the applicable fees, expenses and charges of the depositary; |
| • | satisfactory proof of the identity and genuineness of any signature or any other matters contemplated in the deposit agreement; and |
| • | compliance with (A) any laws or governmental regulations relating to the execution and delivery of ADRs or ADSs or to the withdrawal or delivery of deposited securities and (B) such reasonable regulations and procedures as the depositary may establish, from time to time, consistent with the deposit agreement and applicable laws, including presentation of transfer documents. |
The depositary may refuse to issue and deliver ADSs or register transfers of ADSs generally when the register of the depositary or our transfer books are closed or at any time if the depositary or we determine that it is necessary or advisable to do so.
Your Right to Receive the Shares Underlying Your ADSs
You have the right to cancel your ADSs and withdraw the underlying Class A ordinary shares at any time except:
| • | when temporary delays arise because: (1) the depositary has closed its transfer books or we have closed our transfer books; (2) the transfer of Class A ordinary shares is blocked to permit voting at a shareholders’ meeting; or (3) we are paying a dividend on our Class A ordinary shares; |
| • | when you owe money to pay fees, taxes and similar charges; |
| • | when it is necessary to prohibit withdrawals in order to comply with any laws or governmental regulations that apply to ADSs or to the withdrawal of Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities; |
| • | other circumstances specifically contemplated by Section I.A.(l) of the General Instructions to Form F-6 (as such General Instructions may be amended from time to time); or |
| • | for any other reason if the depositary or we determine, in good faith, that it is necessary or advisable to prohibit withdrawals. |
The depositary shall not knowingly accept for deposit under the deposit agreement any Class A ordinary shares or other deposited securities required to be registered under the provisions of the Securities Act, unless a registration statement is in effect as to such Class A ordinary shares.
This right of withdrawal may not be limited by any other provision of the deposit agreement.
Direct Registration System
In the deposit agreement, all parties to the deposit agreement acknowledge that the DRS and Profile Modification System, or Profile, will apply to uncertificated ADSs upon acceptance thereof to DRS by DTC. DRS is the system administered by DTC pursuant to which the depositary may register the ownership of uncertificated ADSs, which ownership shall be evidenced by periodic statements issued by the depositary to the ADS holders entitled thereto. Profile is a required feature of DRS which allows a DTC participant, claiming to act on behalf of an ADS holder, to direct the depositary to register a transfer of those ADSs to DTC or its nominee and to deliver those ADSs to the DTC account of that DTC participant without receipt by the depositary of prior authorization from the ADS holder to register such transfer.
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DESCRIPTION OF OUR PREFERRED SHARES
Our board of directors has the authority, without shareholder approval, to classify or reclassify any unissued shares (including any unissued Class A ordinary shares and Class B ordinary shares) into preferred shares in one or more series out of our authorized share capital. Our board of directors may establish the number of shares to be included in each such series and may set the voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights and qualifications of the shares of a series of preferred shares. Accordingly, our board of directors is empowered, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred shares with dividend, liquidation, conversion, redemption voting or other rights which could adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the holders of ordinary shares. The preferred shares could be utilized as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change in control of Studio City International. Although we do not currently intend to issue any preferred shares, we cannot assure you that we will not do so in the future.
As of the date of this prospectus, there are no outstanding shares of preferred stock of any series. The material terms of any series of preferred shares that we offer, together with any material U.S. federal income tax considerations relating to such preferred shares, will be described in a prospectus supplement.
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DESCRIPTION OF SUBSCRIPTION RIGHTS
We may issue and offer subscription rights to purchase our Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs, under this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add to, update or change the terms and conditions of the subscription rights as described in this prospectus. The following summary of certain provisions and any description in the applicable prospectus supplement do not purport to be complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to any accompanying prospectus supplement, the documents incorporated by reference therein and the provisions of the certificate evidencing the subscription rights that will be filed with the SEC in connection with the offering of such subscription rights.
General
Subscription rights may be issued independently or together with any other offered security and may or may not be transferable by the person purchasing or receiving the subscription rights. In connection with any subscription rights offering to our shareholders, we may enter into a standby underwriting or other purchase arrangement with one or more underwriters or investors pursuant to which such underwriters or investors will purchase any offered securities remaining unsubscribed for after such subscription rights offering.
The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the terms of subscription rights in respect of which this prospectus is being delivered, including the following:
| • | the title of such subscription rights; |
| • | the securities for which such subscription rights will be exercisable; |
| • | the exercise price for such subscription rights; |
| • | the number of such subscription rights issued to each shareholder; |
| • | the extent to which such subscription rights will be transferable; |
| • | if applicable, a discussion of the material United States federal income tax considerations applicable to the issuance or exercise of such subscription rights; |
| • | the date on which the right to exercise such subscription rights shall commence, and the date on which such rights shall expire (subject to any extension); |
| • | the extent to which such subscription rights include an over-subscription privilege with respect to unsubscribed securities; |
| • | if applicable, the material terms of any standby underwriting or other purchase arrangement that we may enter into in connection with the subscription rights offering; and |
| • | any other terms of such subscription rights, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such subscription rights. |
Exercise of Subscription Rights
Each subscription right will entitle the holder of the subscription right to purchase for cash such amount of securities at such exercise price as shall be set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Subscription rights may be exercised at any time up to the close of business on the expiration date for such subscription rights set forth in the prospectus supplement. After the close of business on the expiration date, all unexercised subscription rights will become void.
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Subscription rights may be exercised as set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the subscription rights offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and, if applicable, the subscription rights certificate properly completed and duly executed at the office of the subscription rights agent or any other office indicated in the prospectus supplement, we will deliver, as soon as practicable, the Class A ordinary shares or those represented by ADSs purchasable upon such exercise. We may determine to offer any unsubscribed offered securities directly to persons other than shareholders, to or through agents, underwriters or dealers or through a combination of such methods, including pursuant to standby underwriting or other purchase arrangements, as set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
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We may issue and offer warrants under the material terms and conditions described in this prospectus and any accompanying prospectus supplement. The accompanying prospectus supplement may add to, update or change the terms and conditions of the warrants as described in this prospectus.
General
We may issue warrants to purchase our Class A ordinary shares, including those represented by our ADSs, or preferred shares. Warrants may be issued independently or together with any securities and may be attached to or separate from those securities. The warrants will be issued under warrant agreements to be entered into between us and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent, all of which will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to the warrants we are offering. The warrant agent will act solely as our agent in connection with the warrants and will not have any obligation or relationship of agency or trust for or with any holders or beneficial owners of warrants.
Equity Warrants
Each equity warrant issued by us will entitle its holder to purchase the equity securities designated at an exercise price set forth in, or to be determinable as set forth in, the related prospectus supplement. Equity warrants may be issued separately or together with equity securities.
The equity warrants are to be issued under equity warrant agreements to be entered into between us and one or more banks or trust companies, as equity warrant agent, as will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement and this prospectus.
The particular terms of the equity warrants, the equity warrant agreements relating to the equity warrants and the equity warrant certificates representing the equity warrants will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement, including, as applicable:
| • | the title of the equity warrants; |
| • | the initial offering price; |
| • | the aggregate amount of equity warrants and the aggregate amount of equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants; |
| • | the currency or currency units in which the offering price, if any, and the exercise price are payable; |
| • | if applicable, the designation and terms of the equity securities with which the equity warrants are issued, and the amount of equity warrants issued with each equity security; |
| • | the date, if any, on and after which the equity warrants and the related equity security will be separately transferable; |
| • | if applicable, the minimum or maximum amount of the equity warrants that may be exercised at any one time; |
| • | the date on which the right to exercise the equity warrants will commence and the date on which the right will expire; |
| • | if applicable, a discussion of United States federal income tax, accounting or other considerations applicable to the equity warrants; |
| • | anti-dilution provisions of the equity warrants, if any; |
| • | redemption or call provisions, if any, applicable to the equity warrants; and |
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| • | any additional terms of the equity warrants, including terms, procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of the equity warrants. |
Holders of equity warrants will not be entitled, solely by virtue of being holders, to vote, to consent, to receive dividends, to receive notice as shareholders with respect to any meeting of shareholders for the election of directors or any other matters, or to exercise any rights whatsoever as a holder of the equity securities purchasable upon exercise of the equity warrants.
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DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
The debt securities will have the terms described in this prospectus unless the prospectus supplement describes different terms.
Each series of debt securities will be issued under an indenture between us and a trustee to be named therein. The trustee will serve two principal roles:
| • | the trustee can enforce your rights against us if an Event of Default described below occurs; and |
| • | the trustee performs various administrative duties. |
The following description is a summary of selected provisions relating to the debt securities and the indenture. We have filed the form of indenture as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. When debt securities are offered in the future, the prospectus supplement will explain the particular terms of those securities and the extent to which these general provisions may apply. Capitalized terms used in the summary have the meanings specified in the indenture.
General
The debt securities will be senior debt securities. The indenture does not limit the total principal amount of debt securities that we can issue. We may issue the debt securities in one or more series as we may authorize from time to time. In addition, we may “reopen” a previous issue of debt securities by issuing additional debt securities of that series.
A prospectus supplement and a supplemental indenture (or resolutions of our board of directors in lieu of a supplemental indenture) relating to any series of debt securities being offered will include specific terms relating to the offering. These terms will include some or all of the following:
| • | the title of the debt securities; |
| • | any limit on the total principal amount of the debt securities; |
| • | the dates on which the principal and premium, if any, of the debt securities will be payable; |
| • | the interest rate (or method of determining the rate) that the debt securities will bear, the interest payment dates for the debt securities and the record dates for determination of the holders to whom interest is payable; |
| • | the place where we will pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities; |
| • | any optional redemption periods and prices and any specific terms or conditions related to optional redemptions; |
| • | whether the debt securities are convertible or exchangeable into other securities; |
| • | any sinking fund or other provisions that would obligate us to repurchase or otherwise redeem the debt securities; |
| • | the denominations in which we will issue the debt securities, if other than $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof; |
| • | the manner in which we will determine the amounts of principal, premium or interest payments on the debt securities if these amounts may be determined by reference to an index; |
| • | the currency in which we will pay principal, premium and interest on the debt securities if other than the United States dollar; |
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| • | if other than the entire principal amount, the portion of the principal amount of the debt securities (a) payable if the maturity of the debt securities is accelerated or (b) provable in bankruptcy; |
| • | any provisions relating to any security provided for the debt securities; |
| • | any changes in or additions to the Events of Default (as defined below); |
| • | whether we will issue the debt securities in the form of global securities and the terms and conditions of the global securities; |
| • | any changes or additions to the covenants; and |
| • | any other terms of the debt securities. |
We may issue debt securities at a discount below their stated principal amount. Even if we do not issue the debt securities below their stated principal amount, for United States federal income tax purposes the debt securities may be deemed to have been issued with a discount because of certain interest payment characteristics. We will describe in a prospectus supplement the United States federal income tax considerations applicable to debt securities issued at a discount or deemed to be issued at a discount. We will also describe in a prospectus supplement any special United States federal income tax considerations or other restrictions or terms applicable to the debt securities being issued, including, as applicable, securities issuable in bearer form, offered exclusively to foreigners or denominated in a foreign currency.
We may issue debt securities in fully registered form without coupons or in a form registered as to principal only with coupons or in bearer form with coupons. Unless specified in the prospectus supplement, the debt securities will be in fully registered form without coupons. In addition, we may issue debt securities in the form of one or more global securities as described below.
Registration, Transfer and Payment
Principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on fully registered securities will be payable at the place or places we designate for such purpose, or we may pay interest by check mailed to the persons in whose names the securities are registered at the close of business on the day or days specified in the prospectus supplement accompanying this prospectus. The principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on debt securities in other forms will be payable in the manner and at the place we designate as specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.
You may present fully registered securities for transfer or exchange at the corporate trust office of the trustee or any other office or agency we maintain for that purpose, without the payment of any service charge except for any tax or governmental charge incidental to the transfer or exchange. Provisions for the transfer or exchange of securities in other forms will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Global Securities
We may issue the debt securities in whole or in part in the form of one or more global securities. A global security is a security, typically held by a depositary, that represents the beneficial interests of a number of purchasers of such security. We will deposit global securities with the depositary identified in the prospectus supplement. Unless it is exchanged in whole or in part for debt securities in definitive form, a global certificate may generally be transferred only as a whole to certain nominees of the depositary or to a successor depositary or nominee of a successor depositary.
We will describe the specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of debt securities in a prospectus supplement. We expect that the following provisions will generally apply to our depositary arrangements.
Ownership of beneficial interests in a global security will be limited to “participants” or persons that may hold interests through participants. The term “participants” means institutions that have established accounts with
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the depositary or its nominee. Upon the issuance of a global security, and the deposit of the global security with or on behalf of the depositary, the depositary will credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts of the debt securities represented by the global security to the accounts of participants. The underwriters or agents participating in the distribution of the debt securities will designate the accounts to be credited. If we offer and sell the debt securities directly or through agents, either we or our agents will designate the accounts. Ownership of beneficial interests in the global security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through, records maintained by the depositary and its participants. The laws of some jurisdictions require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of the securities. Such laws may impair the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a global security.
Principal of, any premium on and any interest payments on debt securities represented by a global security registered in the name of a depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee as the registered owner of the global security. We and the trustee will treat the depositary or its nominee as the sole owner or holder of the debt securities represented by a global security for all purposes, including for paying principal, premium and interest. Except as set forth below, owners of beneficial interests in a global security will not:
| • | be entitled to have the debt securities represented by the global security registered in their names; |
| • | receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of the debt securities in definitive form; or |
| • | be considered the owners or holders of the debt securities. |
Therefore, we and the trustee do not have any direct responsibility or liability for the payment of principal of, premium, if any, on or interest, if any, on any debt securities represented by a global security to owners of beneficial interests in the global security.
We expect that the depositary or its nominee, upon receipt of any payments, will on the same date credit participants’ accounts with payments in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the principal amount of the global security as shown on the depositary’s or its nominee’s records. We also expect that payments by participants to owners of beneficial interest in the global security will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with the securities held for the accounts of customers registered in “street names” and will be the responsibility of these participants and will not be the responsibility of the depositary or its nominee, the trustee or us. We or the trustee are responsible only for paying principal, premium, if any, and interest, if any, to the depositary or its nominee. The depositary or its nominee and the direct and indirect participants are responsible for disbursing these payments to the owners of beneficial interests in the global securities.
If the depositary is at any time unwilling or unable to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not appointed by us within ninety days, we will issue individual debt securities in exchange for the global security. In addition, we may at any time in our sole discretion determine not to have any of the debt securities of a series represented by global securities and, in such event, will issue debt securities of such series in exchange for the global security.
Neither we, nor the trustee or any paying agent will have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the global security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records relating to the beneficial ownership interests. No such person will be liable for any delay by the depositary or any of its participants in identifying the owners of beneficial interests in a global security, and we, the trustee and any paying agent may conclusively rely on instructions from the depositary or its nominee for all purposes.
Conversion or Exchange Rights
The terms, if any, on which a series of debt securities may be convertible into or exchangeable for ordinary shares or other of our securities will be detailed in the applicable prospectus supplement. The terms will include
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provisions as to whether conversion or exchange is mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, and may include provisions pursuant to which the number of shares of our ordinary shares or other of our securities to be received by the holders of the series of debt securities would be subject to adjustment.
Consolidation, Merger or Sale
The indenture provides that, except as otherwise provided in any prospectus supplement, we may consolidate with or merge into any other person or convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to another person, if among other things:
| • | the resulting, surviving or transferee person (if other than us) assumes all our obligations under the debt securities and the indenture; and |
| • | we or such successor person is not immediately thereafter in default under the indenture. |
Upon the assumption our obligations by such a person upon the sale of all or substantially all the assets in compliance with the indenture, we shall be discharged from all obligations under the debt securities and the indenture. Although such transactions are permitted under the indenture, certain of the foregoing transactions could constitute a “change in control,” as described in any prospectus supplement, permitting each holder to require us to purchase the debt securities of such holder as described in any prospectus supplement.
Modification and Waiver
The indenture (including the terms and conditions of the debt securities) may be modified or amended by us and the trustee, with respect to any series of debt securities, without the consent of the holder of such series of debt securities, for the purposes of, among other things:
| • | adding to our covenants for the benefit of the holders of the debt securities of such series; |
| • | surrendering any right or power conferred upon us in respect of such series; |
| • | providing for the assumption of our obligations to the holders of the debt securities of such series in the case of a permitted merger, consolidation, conveyance, transfer or lease; |
| • | complying with the requirements of the SEC in connection with the registration of the debt securities of such series under the Securities Act and the qualification of the indenture under the Trust Indenture Act, provided that such modification or amendment does not, in the good faith opinion of our board of directors and the trustee, adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series in any material respect; and |
| • | curing any ambiguity or correcting or supplementing any defective provision contained in the indenture; provided that such modification or amendment does not materially adversely affect the interests of the holders of the debt securities of such series. |
Modifications and amendments to the indenture or to the terms and conditions of the debt securities of such series may also be made, and past defaults by us may be waived, either:
| • | with the written consent of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the debt securities of such series at the time outstanding; or |
| • | by the adoption of a resolution at a meeting of holders by at least a majority in aggregate principal amount at maturity of the debt securities of such series represented at such meeting. |
However, no such modification, amendment or waiver may, without the written consent or the affirmative vote of the holder of each debt security so affected:
| • | change the stated maturity of such debt security; |
| • | reduce the principal amount at maturity, redemption price or purchase price on such debt security; |
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| • | change the currency of payment of such debt security or interest thereon; |
| • | reduce the percentage in aggregate principal amount at maturity of any debt security outstanding necessary to modify or amend the indenture or to waive any past default; or |
| • | impair the right to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment with respect to such debt security. |
Events of Default
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, the indenture provides that the following are “Events of Default” with respect to any series of the debt securities issued thereunder:
| • | default in the payment of the principal of (or premium, if any, on) any debt security of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable; |
| • | default for 30 days in the payment of any installment of interest on any debt security of such series when and as the same shall become due and payable; |
| • | default in the making or satisfaction of any sinking fund payment when the same shall become due and payable on the terms of any debt securities of such series; |
| • | default for 60 days after notice in the performance of any other covenant in respect of the debt securities of such series contained in the indenture; |
| • | certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization; or |
| • | any other event of default described in the prospectus supplement for such series. |
An Event of Default with respect to any particular series of debt securities issued under an indenture does not necessarily constitute an Event of Default with respect to any other series of debt securities issued under such indenture. The trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any debt securities of any default (except in the payment of principal or interest) if it considers such withholding is in the interests of such holders.
Unless we provide otherwise in the applicable prospectus supplement, if an Event of Default with respect to any series of debt securities shall have occurred and be continuing, the trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of such series of debt securities may declare the principal of all the debt securities of such series to be due and payable immediately; provided, however, that subject to certain conditions, any such declaration and its consequences may be rescinded and annulled by the holders of not less than a majority in aggregate principal amount of the debt securities of such series.
The indenture will require us to file annually with the trustee a certificate, signed by a specified officer, stating whether or not such officer has obtained knowledge of any default by us in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any condition or covenant of such indenture, and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature thereof.
Subject to provisions relating to its duties in case of a default, a trustee shall be under no obligation to exercise any of its rights or powers under the indenture at the request, order or direction of any holders, unless the holders shall have offered to such trustee reasonable indemnity.
Subject to such provisions for indemnification, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding or any remedy available to the appropriate trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred upon such trustee, with respect to the debt securities of such series.
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Satisfaction and Discharge of the Indenture; Defeasance
With certain exceptions, we may satisfy and discharge its obligations under the indenture with respect to any series of debt securities:
| • | by delivering to the trustee for cancellation all outstanding debt securities of such series or by depositing with the trustee cash or securities (as applicable under the terms of the indenture) sufficient to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness evidenced by the outstanding debt securities of such series that have not then been delivered to the trustee for cancellation when or after such securities have become due and payable; and |
| • | by paying all other sums payable by the us under the indenture with respect to the debt securities of such series. |
Under federal income tax law as of the date of this prospectus, such deposit and discharge may be treated as a disposition of the related debt securities. Each holder might be required to recognize gain or loss equal to the difference between the holder’s cost or other tax basis in the debt securities and the amount of cash plus the fair market value of any property received upon such disposition. Holders might be required to include as income a different amount than would be includable without the discharge. Prospective investors are urged to consult their own tax advisors as to the tax consequences of a discharge, including the applicability and effect of tax laws other than the federal income tax law.
A series of debt securities may have no conditions for defeasance or may have additional or different conditions for defeasance as described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Governing Law
The indenture and the debt securities will be governed by the laws of the State of New York, and for all purposes shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York without regard to conflicts of laws principles thereof.
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We may sell or distribute the securities offered by this prospectus, from time to time, in one or more offerings, as follows:
| • | through agents; |
| • | to dealers or underwriters for resale; |
| • | directly to purchasers; |
| • | in “at-the-market offerings,” within the meaning of Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, to or through a market maker or into an existing trading market, on an exchange or otherwise; or |
| • | through a combination of any of these methods of sale. |
The prospectus supplement with respect to the securities may state or supplement the terms of the offering of the securities.
In addition, we may issue the securities as a dividend or distribution or in a subscription rights offering to our existing security holders. In some cases, we or dealers acting for us or on our behalf may also repurchase securities and reoffer them to the public by one or more of the methods described above. This prospectus may be used in connection with any offering of our securities through any of these methods or other methods described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Our securities distributed by any of these methods may be sold to the public, in one or more transactions, either:
| • | at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed; |
| • | at market prices prevailing at the time of sale; |
| • | at prices related to prevailing market prices; or |
| • | at negotiated prices. |
Sale through Underwriters or Dealers
If underwriters are used in the sale of securities offered through this prospectus, the underwriters will acquire the securities for their own account, including through underwriting, purchase, security lending or repurchase agreements with us. The underwriters may resell the securities from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions. Underwriters may sell the securities in order to facilitate transactions in any of our other securities (described in this prospectus or otherwise), including other public or private transactions and short sales. Underwriters may offer the securities to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by one or more managing underwriters or directly by one or more firms acting as underwriters. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the obligations of the underwriters to purchase the securities will be subject to certain conditions, and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all the offered securities if they purchase any of them. The underwriters may change from time to time any initial public offering price and any discounts or concessions allowed or reallowed or paid to dealers. If underwriters are used in the sale of securities offered through this prospectus, the applicable prospectus supplement will include the names and addresses of the entities underwriting the offering and the terms of the transaction.
If dealers are used in the sale of securities offered through this prospectus, we will sell the securities to them as principals. They may then resell those securities to the public at varying prices determined by the dealers at the time of resale. The applicable prospectus supplement will include the names of the dealers and the terms of the transaction.
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Direct Sales and Sales through Agents
We may sell the securities offered through this prospectus directly. In this case, no underwriters or agents would be involved. Such securities may also be sold through agents designated from time to time. The applicable prospectus supplement will name any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities and will describe any commissions payable to the agent. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, any agent will agree to use its commonly reasonable efforts to solicit purchases for the period of its appointment. We may sell the securities directly to institutional investors or others who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any sale of those shares. The terms of any such sales will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Offered securities may be sold at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, or at varying prices determined at the time of sale. Any agent involved in the offer or sale of the offered securities in respect of which this prospectus is delivered will be named, and any commissions payable by us to such agent will be set forth, in the supplement relating to that offering. Unless otherwise specified in connection with a particular offering of securities, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its appointment.
As one of the means of direct issuance of offered securities, we may utilize the services of an entity through which it may conduct an electronic “dutch auction” or similar offering of the offered securities among potential purchasers who are eligible to participate in the auction or offering of such offered securities, if so described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Delayed Delivery Contracts
If the applicable prospectus supplement indicates, we may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers from certain types of institutions to purchase securities at the public offering price under delayed delivery contracts. These contracts would provide for payment and delivery on a specified date in the future. The contracts would be subject only to those conditions described in the prospectus supplement. The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the commission payable for solicitation of those contracts.
Market Making, Stabilization and Other Transactions
Unless the applicable prospectus supplement states otherwise, each series of offered securities will be a new issue and will have no established trading market. We may elect to list any series of offered securities on an exchange. Any underwriters that we use in the sale of offered securities may make a market in such securities, but may discontinue such market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we cannot assure you that the securities will have a liquid trading market.
Any underwriter may also engage in stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids in accordance with Rule 104 under the Exchange Act. Stabilizing transactions involve bids to purchase the underlying security in the open market for the purpose of pegging, fixing or maintaining the price of the securities. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of the securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions.
Penalty bids permit the underwriters to reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the securities originally sold by the syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the securities to be higher than it would be in the absence of the transactions. The underwriters may, if they commence these transactions, discontinue them at any time.
Derivative Transactions and Hedging
We and the underwriters may engage in derivative transactions involving the securities. These derivatives may consist of short sale transactions and other hedging activities. The underwriters may acquire a long or short
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position in the securities, hold or resell securities acquired and purchase options or futures on the securities and other derivative instruments with returns linked to or related to changes in the price of the securities. In order to facilitate these derivative transactions, we may enter into security lending or repurchase agreements with the underwriters. The underwriters may effect the derivative transactions through sales of the securities to the public, including short sales, or by lending the securities in order to facilitate short sale transactions by others. The underwriters may also use the securities purchased or borrowed from us or others (or, in the case of derivatives, securities received from us in settlement of those derivatives) to directly or indirectly settle sales of the securities or close out any related open borrowings of the securities.
Loans of Securities
We may loan or pledge securities to a financial institution or other third parties that in turn may sell the securities using this prospectus and an applicable prospectus supplement.
General Information
Agents, underwriters, and dealers may be entitled, under agreements entered into with us, to indemnification by us, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Our agents, underwriters, and dealers, or their affiliates, may be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us or our affiliates, in the ordinary course of business for which they may receive customary compensation.
Conflicts of Interest
Underwriters, dealers and agents may be entitled, under agreements with us, to indemnification by us relating to material misstatements and omissions in our offering documents. Underwriters, dealers and agents may engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us in their ordinary course of business. Any material relationships between us and any underwriter or other dealer or agent will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.
Except for our Class A ordinary represented by ADSs and other securities issued upon a reopening of a previous series, each series of offered securities will be a new issue of securities and will have no established trading market. Any underwriters to whom offered securities are sold for public offering and sale may make a market in such offered securities, but such underwriters will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. The offered securities may or may not be listed on a securities exchange. No assurance can be given that there will be a market for the offered securities.
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The validity of the ADSs, subscription rights and warrants and certain legal matters with respect to U.S. federal and New York State law in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by Kirkland & Ellis LLP, our special United States counsel. The validity of the Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs, and preferred shares and preferred shares, to the extent governed by Cayman Islands law, will be passed upon for us by Harney Westwood & Riegels, our special legal counsel as to Cayman Islands law.
The consolidated financial statements of Studio City International Holdings Limited appearing in Studio City International Holdings Limited’s Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2022, and the effectiveness of Studio City International Holdings Limited’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their reports thereon, included therein, and incorporated herein by reference. Such consolidated financial statements are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The offices of Ernst & Young LLP are located at One Raffles Quay North Tower, Level 18, Singapore 048583.
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PART II
INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
| ITEM 8. | INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS |
Cayman Islands law does not limit the extent to which a company’s articles of association may provide for indemnification of officers and directors, except to the extent any such provision may be held by the Cayman Islands courts to be contrary to public policy, such as to provide indemnification against civil fraud or the consequences of committing a crime. Under our memorandum and articles of association, to the fullest extent permissible under Cayman Islands law, every director and officer of our company shall be indemnified against all actions, proceedings, costs, charges, expenses, losses, damages or liabilities incurred or sustained by him, other than by reason of such person’s own dishonesty, willful default or fraud, in connection with the execution or discharge of his duties, powers, authorities or discretions as a director or officer of our company, including without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, any costs, expenses, losses or liabilities incurred by him in defending (whether successfully or otherwise) any civil proceedings concerning our company or its affairs in any court whether in the Cayman Islands or elsewhere.
Furthermore, we have entered into indemnification agreements with our directors and officers, a form of which has been filed as Exhibit 10.1 to our registration statement on Form F-1 (No. 333-227232), pursuant to which we have agreed to indemnify our directors and executive officers against certain liabilities and expenses that they incur in connection with claims made by reason of their being a director or an executive officer of our company.
Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers or persons controlling us pursuant to the foregoing provisions, we have been informed that in the opinion of the SEC such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is therefore unenforceable.
Any underwriting agreement entered into in connection with an offering of securities will also provide for indemnification of us and our officers and directors in certain cases.
| ITEM 9. | EXHIBITS |
The exhibits to this registration statement are listed on the Index to Exhibits to this registration statement, which Index to Exhibits is hereby incorporated by reference.
| ITEM 10. | UNDERTAKINGS |
(A) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes:
(1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a post-effective amendment to this registration statement;
(i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Securities Act;
(ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed with the SEC pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in
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the maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the “Calculation of Registration Fee” table in the effective registration statement; and
(iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any material change to such information in the registration statement; provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i), (a)(1)(ii) and (a)(1)(iii) of this section do not apply if the registration statement is on Form F-3 and the information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement, or is contained in a form of prospectus filed pursuant to Rule 424(b) that is part of the registration statement.
(2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the offering.
(4) To file a post-effective amendment to the registration statement to include any financial statements required by Item 8.A of Form 20-F at the start of any delayed offering or throughout a continuous offering. Financial statements and information otherwise required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Exchange Act need not be furnished, provided that the registrant includes in the prospectus, by means of a post-effective amendment, financial statements required pursuant to this paragraph (a)(4) and other information necessary to ensure that all other information in the prospectus is at least as current as the date of those financial statements. Notwithstanding the foregoing, with respect to registration statements on Form F-3, a post-effective amendment need not be filed to include financial statements and information required by Section 10(a)(3) of the Exchange Act or Rule 3-19 of Regulation S-K if such financial statements and information are contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the SEC by the registrant pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in this Form F-3.
(5) That, for the purpose of determining liability under the Securities Act to any purchaser:
(i) Each prospectus filed by the registrant pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3) shall be deemed to be part of the registration statement as of the date the filed prospectus was deemed part of and included in the registration statement; and
(ii) Each prospectus required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(2), (b)(5), or (b)(7) as part of a registration statement in reliance on Rule 430B relating to an offering made pursuant to Rule 415(a)(1)(i), (vii), or (x) for the purpose of providing the information required by section 10(a) of the Securities Act shall be deemed to be part of and included in the registration statement as of the earlier of the date such form of prospectus is first used after effectiveness or the date of the first contract of sale of securities in the offering described in the prospectus. As provided in Rule 430B, for liability purposes of the issuer and any person that is at that date an underwriter, such date shall be deemed to be a new effective date of the registration statement relating to the securities in the registration statement to which that prospectus relates, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof. Provided, however, that no statement made in a registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement or made in a document incorporated or deemed incorporated by reference into the registration statement or prospectus that is part of the registration statement will, as to a purchaser with a time of contract of sale prior to such effective date, supersede or modify any statement that was made in the registration statement or prospectus that was part of the registration statement or made in any such document immediately prior to such effective date.
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(6) That, for the purpose of determining liability of the registrant under the Securities Act to any purchaser in the initial distribution of the securities:
The undersigned registrant undertakes that in a primary offering of securities of the undersigned registrant pursuant to this registration statement, regardless of the underwriting method used to sell the securities to the purchaser, if the securities are offered or sold to such purchaser by means of any of the following communications, the undersigned registrant will be a seller to the purchaser and will be considered to offer or sell such securities to such purchaser:
(i) Any preliminary prospectus or prospectus of the undersigned registrant relating to the offering required to be filed pursuant to Rule 424;
(ii) Any free writing prospectus relating to the offering prepared by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant or used or referred to by the undersigned registrant;
(iii) The portion of any other free writing prospectus relating to the offering containing material information about the undersigned registrant or its securities provided by or on behalf of the undersigned registrant; and
(iv) Any other communication that is an offer in the offering made by the undersigned registrant to the purchaser.
(B) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the registrant’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
(C) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
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INDEX TO EXHIBITS
| * | To be filed as an exhibit to a post-effective amendment to this registration statement or as an exhibit to a report filed under the Exchange Act and incorporated herein by reference. |
| ** | Filed herewith. |
| *** | Previously filed. |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the registrant certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form F-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the city of Macau, China, on November 30, 2023.
| Studio City International Holdings Limited | ||
| By: | /s/ Kevin Richard Benning | |
| Name: | Kevin Richard Benning | |
| Title: | Property General Manager | |
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Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the capacities indicated below on November 30, 2023.
| Signature |
Title | |
| /s/ Kevin Richard Benning Name: Kevin Richard Benning |
Property General Manager (principal executive officer) | |
| * Name: Geoffrey Stuart Davis |
Director and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer) | |
| * Name: Amy L. Kuzdowicz |
Principal Accounting Officer | |
| * Name: Lawrence Yau Lung Ho |
Director | |
| * Name: Evan Andrew Winkler |
Director | |
| * Name: Clarence Yuk Man Chung |
Director | |
| * Name: Stephanie Cheung |
Director | |
| * Name: Akiko Takahashi |
Director | |
| * Name: David Anthony Reganato |
Director | |
| * Name: Dale R. Black |
Director | |
| * Name: Dominique Mielle |
Independent Director | |
| * Name: Kevin F. Sullivan |
Independent Director | |
| * Name: Nigel Alan Dean |
Independent Director | |
| *By: | /s/ Tim Y. Sung | |
| Name: Tim Y. Sung | ||
| Title: Attorney-in-Fact |
II-6
SIGNATURE OF AUTHORIZED UNITED STATES REPRESENTATIVE
Pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the undersigned, the duly authorized representative in the United States of Studio City International Holdings Limited, has signed this registration statement or amendment thereto in the city of New York, New York on November 30, 2023.
| Cogency Global Inc. Authorized U.S. Representative | ||
| By: | /s/ Colleen A. De Vries | |
| Name: | Colleen A. De Vries | |
| Title: | Senior Vice President on behalf of Cogency Global Inc. | |
II-7
Exhibit 23.1
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the incorporation by reference in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-261406) and related prospectus of Studio City International Holdings Limited for the registration of its Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary shares, or ADSs, preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities, of our report dated March 31, 2022, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Studio City International Holdings Limited as of December 31, 2021 and for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the financial statement schedule of Studio City International Holdings Limited included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young
Hong Kong, The People’s Republic of China
November 30, 2023
Exhibit 23.2
Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption “Experts” in Amendment No. 3 to the Registration Statement (Form F-3 No. 333-261406) and related prospectus of Studio City International Holdings Limited for the registration of its Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by American depositary shares, or ADSs, preferred shares, subscription rights, warrants and debt securities and to the incorporation by reference therein of our reports dated March 31, 2023, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Studio City International Holdings Limited, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Studio City International Holdings Limited, included in its Annual Report (Form 20-F) for the year ended December 31, 2022 and the financial statement schedule of Studio City International Holdings Limited included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Singapore
November 30, 2023
Exhibit 107
Calculation of Filing Fee Tables
Form F-3
(Form Type)
Studio City International Holdings Limited
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
Not applicable
(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)
Table 1: Newly Registered and Carry Forward Securities
| Security Type |
Security Class Title(1) |
Fee Calculation or Carry Forward Rule |
Amount Registered(2) |
Proposed Maximum Offering Price Per Unit(3)(4) |
Maximum Aggregate Offering Price(3)(4) |
Fee Rate |
Amount of Registration Fee |
Carry Forward Form Type |
Carry Forward File Number |
Carry Forward Initial effective date |
Filing Fee Previously Connection with Unsold Securities to be Carried Forward | |||||||||||||
| Newly Registered Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Equity | Class A ordinary shares, par value US$0.0001 per share(5) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Equity | Preferred shares | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Other | Subscription rights(6) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Other | Warrants | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Debt | Debt Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fees previously paid |
Unallocated (Universal) Shelf | Rule 457(o) | US$1,000,000,000 | US$0.0000927 | US$92,700 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Carry Forward Securities | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Carry Forward Securities |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | |||||||||||||||
| Total Offering Amounts | US$1,000,000,000 | US$0.0000927 | US$92,700 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fees Previously Paid | US$92,700 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total Fee Offsets | US$- | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Fee Due | US$0 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (1) | Includes (i) securities initially offered and sold outside the United States that may be resold from time to time in the United States either as part of their distribution or within 40 days after the later of the effective date of this registration statement and the date the securities are first bona fide offered to the public and (ii) securities that may be purchased by the underwriters pursuant to an option to purchase additional securities. These securities are not being registered for the purposes of sales outside of the United States. |
| (2) | This registration statement covers an indeterminate number of securities of each identified class as may from time to time be issued at indeterminate prices not to exceed an aggregate initial offering price of US$1.0 billion. The securities being registered also include such indeterminate number of securities as may be issued upon exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. Separate consideration may or may not be received for securities that are issuable on exercise, conversion or exchange of other securities. |
| (3) | The proposed maximum aggregate offering price of each class of securities will be determined from time to time by the registrant in connection with the issuance by the registrant of the securities registered hereunder and is not specified as to each class of securities pursuant to the General Instruction II.C. of Form F-3 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act. |
| (4) | The proposed maximum aggregate offering price has been estimated solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee pursuant to Rule 457(o) under the Securities Act and reflects the maximum offering price of securities registered hereunder. |
| (5) | The Class A ordinary shares may be represented by the Registrant’s American Depositary Shares, or ADSs, each representing four Class A ordinary shares. ADSs issuable upon deposit of the Class A ordinary shares registered hereby have been registered under a separate registration statement on Form F-6 (Registration No. 333-227759). |
| (6) | Rights evidencing the right to purchase Class A ordinary shares, including Class A ordinary shares represented by ADSs. |
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