Crown Resorts Ltd (ASX: CWN) was one of the worst performing stocks on the ASX 200 in 2014 as it registered a 44% plunge from a 12-month peak to trough.
Investors lost faith in the group's Asian investment vehicle Melco Crown following the release of data showing a 2.6% fall in gambling revenue in the Macau gaming region over the 2014 calendar year. It was the first fall in annual revenue for Macau's casinos since public records began in 2002 and resulted in an average 40% fall in the share price of the six Hong Kong-listed casino operators.
In order to differentiate from rivals, and hopefully boost earnings from Melco Crown, co-chairman James Packer and joint venture partner Lawrence Ho unveiled more entertainment options in the group's Studio City project in Macau to widen its appeal.
A Family-Friendly Casino
Studio City is expected to be complete later this year and will feature a host of entertainment options from Warner Bros and comic book outfit DC Entertainment. The partnership includes the addition of Batman themed rides, roving characters and various other initiatives aimed at making the complex 'family friendly'
Shareholder Benefits
The partnership will see Melco Crown's casino align closely with the model seen in Australia by Crown and Echo Entertainment Group Ltd (ASX: EGP), where Casino complexes host a range of activities for the whole family. This is aimed at insulating casino earnings from a drop-off in high-roller revenue such as that seen in 2014 following China's crackdown on corruption.
Impressive Growth Opportunities
I've mentioned previously that I believe Crown has one of the most impressive growth pipelines of any company in the ASX200. Crown (either directly or via its subsidiaries) is investing in new Casinos in Macau, Sri Lanka, Las Vegas, and Sydney, and is in the running to develop new casinos in Brisbane and Japan. Earnings may well dip in the current financial year, but this could represent a great long-term buying opportunity for Foolish investors.
