Wynn Macau Ltd has marked its 20th anniversary in Macau by granting 35.98 million new shares worth approximately HK$204 million (US$26 million) to more than 11,000 employees and other eligible participants.

The one-time award was made on September 3 under the company’s Employee Ownership Scheme. Based on Wynn Macau’s HK$5.67 closing share price on the grant date, the shares carried an aggregate market value of about HK$204 million. The grant represents approximately 0.68% of the company’s issued share capital and will be satisfied through newly issued shares.

The initiative coincides with two decades since Wynn Macau opened its first property on the Macau peninsula. The resort began operations on September 6, 2006, and the company now also operates Wynn Palace in Cotai.

Wynn Macau said nearly 95% of its more than 11,660 full-time employees will benefit from the anniversary award. The filing covering the grant lists 11,040 employee participants, including executive directors Linda Chen and Frederic Luvisutto. The scheme also covers 16 participants associated with related entities and one service provider.

Chen received 8,562 shares, while Luvisutto received 2,740. Employees outside the board received almost the entire employee allocation, with 35.69 million shares distributed among them. That represents an average of roughly 3,230 shares per recipient.

Recognition for Wynn Macau’s Longest-Serving Employees

The anniversary scheme gives particular recognition to employees who joined Wynn Macau when its first property opened.

More than 1,400 members of the company’s workforce have remained with the group since 2006. Those with at least 20 years of service received a 20th anniversary commemorative certificate together with Wynn Macau shares valued at MOP50,000, equivalent to approximately US$6,190 to US$6,210 according to the figures provided in the announcements.

The long-serving employees were recognized during a special anniversary event. Wynn Macau said the awards acknowledge the contribution these employees have made during the company’s first two decades in Macau.

Linda Chen, President, Vice Chairman and Executive Director of Wynn Macau Ltd, described the milestone from the perspective of her own time with the company.

“Twenty years ago, I arrived in Macau filled with excitement and anticipation, working alongside the team to bring Wynn to life. Twenty years later, our original aspiration and passion have fuelled Wynn’s growth, and allowed me, together with our 11,660 employees and their families, to put down roots and build our careers in Macai.”

Chen also highlighted the role of government support and employee commitment in the company’s development.

“None of our accomplishments would have been possible without the policy support for Macau from the Central Government, the robust assistance from the Macao SAR Government, and above all, the loyalty and perseverance of every colleague,” she said, according to Inside Asian Gaming.

She separately described the workforce’s role in representing Macau to international visitors.

“Every day, our team members are united by a shared sense of trust, purpose and aspiration as they showcase Macau’s renowned hospitality and exceptional service to guests from around the world,”

Vesting Arrangements Differ Across Recipients

The share grant uses several vesting schedules depending on the recipient and their length of service.

Another 9,585 employees, including one executive director, will have their awards vest on September 6, 2027. The same date applies to 15 related-entity participants and the service provider covered by the filing.

A limited number of other awards follow separate schedules that extend as far as 2030. The company said only part of the grant awarded to one participant carries performance conditions linked to operating and financial results. The remaining awards are not subject to performance targets.

The anniversary grant therefore combines a broad employee allocation with additional recognition for Wynn Macau’s longest-serving staff. With more than 11,000 employees included in the scheme and almost 95% of the company’s full-time workforce eligible to benefit, the award represents a substantial employee ownership initiative tied directly to the Macau operation’s 20-year milestone.

At the 20-year mark, the company has maintained a workforce of more than 11,660 full-time employees, while more than 1,400 employees have remained with the group since its first Macau property opened.