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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One) | ||
ý | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | |
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2014 |
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OR |
||
o |
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
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For the transition period to |
Commission File No. 001-36629
ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Nevada (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) |
46-3657681 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) |
100 West Liberty Street, Suite 1150
Reno, Nevada 89501
(Address of principal executive offices)
Telephone: (775) 328-0100
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class | Name of each exchange on which registered | |
---|---|---|
Common Stock, $.00001, par value | NASDAQ Stock Market |
Securities registered pursuant to section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes o No ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ý No o
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§299.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ý
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer," and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
Large accelerated filer o |
Accelerated filer ý | Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Smaller reporting company o |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No ý
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant's predecessor, MTR Gaming Group, Inc., was approximately $119,746,017 at June 30, 2014 based upon the closing price for the shares of MTR's common stock as reported by The Nasdaq.
As of March 6, 2015, there were 46,426,714 outstanding shares of our Common Stock.
Documents Incorporated by Reference
Portions of the Registrant's definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the Registrant's 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III of this report. Such Proxy Statement will be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the conclusion of the Registrant's fiscal year ended December 31, 2014.
ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.
ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2014
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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We are a gaming and hospitality company established in 1973 that owns and operates gaming facilities located in Louisiana, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Our primary source of revenue is gaming, but we use our hotels, restaurants, bars, shops and other services to attract customers to our properties. We were founded as a family business by the Carano family and continue to maintain our commitment to customer service, high-quality food and beverage and outstanding amenities. We believe that our extraordinary level of personal service and the variety, quality and attractive pricing of our food and beverage outlets are important factors in attracting customers to our properties and building customer loyalty. We own and operate the following properties:
In addition, Scioto Downs, through its subsidiary RacelineBet, Inc., also operates Racelinebet.com, a national account wagering service that offers online and telephone wagering on horse races as a marketing affiliate of TwinSpires.com, an affiliate of Churchill Downs, Inc.
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. ("ERI" or the "Company"), a Nevada corporation, was formed in September 2014 to be the parent company following the merger of wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company into Eldorado HoldCo LLC ("HoldCo"), a Nevada limited liability company formed in 2009 that is the parent company of Eldorado Resorts LLC ("Resorts"), which owns Eldorado Shreveport, Eldorado Reno and the interest in the Silver Legacy, and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. ("MTR Gaming"), a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1988 that owns Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs (the "Merger"). Effective upon the consummation of the Merger on September 19, 2014 (the "Merger Date"), MTR Gaming and HoldCo each became a wholly owned subsidiary of ERI and, as a result of such transactions, Resorts became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ERI.
As of December 31, 2014, we own or operate 431,609 square feet of casino space, containing 7,829 slot machines, 240 table games, 2,150 VLTs and 3,282 hotel rooms.
For financial reporting purposes, we aggregate our properties into three reportable business segments: (i) Eldorado Shreveport; (ii) Eldorado Reno; and (iii) MTR Gaming. For further financial information related to our segments as of and for the three years ended December 31, 2014, see
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Note 17, Segment Information, to our consolidated financial statements presented in Part IV, Item 15. Financial Statement Schedules.
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our properties (listed by the segment in which each such property is reported), as of and for the year ended December 31, 2014:
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Year Opened or Acquired |
Casino Space (Sq. ft.) |
Slot Machines |
VLTs | Table Games |
Hotel Rooms |
Hotel Occupancy |
Average Daily Rate |
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Eldorado Shreveport |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
2005 | 28,209 | 1,474 | N/A | 53 | 403 | 89.6 | % | $ | 64.50 | |||||||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
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Eldorado Reno |
1973 | 76,500 | 1,223 | N/A | 48 | 814 | 82.0 | % | $ | 72.57 | |||||||||||||||
Silver Legacy(1) |
1995 | 89,200 | 1,314 | N/A | 63 | 1,711 | 63.4 | % | $ | 79.72 | |||||||||||||||
MTR Gaming |
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The Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort |
1992 | 93,300 | 2,098 | N/A | 39 | 354 | 82.8 | % | $ | 44.93 | |||||||||||||||
Presque Isle Downs & Casino |
2007 | 61,400 | 1,720 | N/A | 37 | N/A | N/A | N/A | |||||||||||||||||
Scioto Downs |
2012 | 83,000 | N/A | 2,150 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Eldorado Shreveport
Eldorado Shreveport is a premier resort casino located in Shreveport, Louisiana, the largest gaming market in Louisiana, adjacent to Interstate 20, a major highway that connects the Shreveport market with the attractive feeder markets of East Texas and Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas. Eldorado Shreveport was built next to an existing riverboat gaming and hotel facility formerly operated by Harrah's Entertainment and now operated by Boyd Gaming Corporation. The two casinos form the first and only "cluster" in the Shreveport/Bossier City market, allowing patrons to park once and easily walk between the two facilities. There are currently six casinos and a racino operating in the Shreveport/Bossier City market, which is the largest gaming market in Louisiana. The Shreveport/Bossier City gaming market permits continuous dockside gaming without cruising requirements or simulated cruising schedules, allowing casinos to operate 24 hours a day with uninterrupted access. Based on information published by the state of Louisiana, the six casino operators and racino in the Shreveport/Bossier City market generated approximately $736.1 million, $727.3 million, and $713.3 million in gaming revenues in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The principal target markets for Eldorado Shreveport are patrons from the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex and East Texas. There are approximately 7.2 million adults who reside within approximately 200 miles of Shreveport/Bossier City. Eldorado Shreveport is located approximately 180 miles east of Dallas and can be reached by car in approximately three hours. Flight times are less than one hour from both Dallas and Houston to the Shreveport Regional Airport.
Eldorado Shreveport is a modern, Las Vegas-style resort with a gaming experience that appeals to both local gamers and out-of-town visitors. Our integrated casino and entertainment resort benefits from the following features:
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Eldorado Shreveport offers award winning cuisine ranging from fine dining to a sports themed casual diner. Eldorado Shreveport's four dining venues include the following:
The riverboat casino floats in a concrete and steel basin that raises the riverboat nearly 20 feet above the river. The basin virtually eliminates variation in the water height and allows the boat to be permanently moored to the land-based pavilion. Eldorado Shreveport's computerized pumping system is designed to regulate the water level of the basin to a variance of no more than three inches.
Eldorado Reno
We also own and operate Eldorado Reno, an 814-room premier hotel, casino and entertainment facility centrally located in downtown Reno, Nevada. Reno is the second largest metropolitan area in Nevada, with a population of approximately 433,700 according to the most recently available census data, and is located at the base of the Sierra Nevada Mountains along Interstate 80, approximately 135 miles east of Sacramento, California and 225 miles east of San Francisco, California. Reno is a destination market that attracts year-round visitation by offering gaming, numerous summer and winter recreational activities and popular special events such as national bowling tournaments. Management believes that approximately two-thirds of visitors to the Reno market arrive by some form of ground
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transportation. Popular special events include the National Championship Air Races, the Reno-Tahoe Open PGA tour event, Street Vibrations, a motorcycle event, and Hot August Nights, a vintage car event.
According to the Reno-Sparks Convention & Visitors Authority (the "Visitors Authority"), the greater Reno area attracted approximately 4.6 million and 4.7 million visitors during the years 2014 and 2013, respectively. Based on information reported by the Visitors Authority and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, gaming revenues for the Reno/Sparks gaming markets were $671.6 million, $670.1 million and $644.8 million in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
The National Bowling Stadium, located one block from Eldorado Reno, is one of the largest bowling complexes in North America and has been selected to host multi-month tournaments in Reno every year through 2018 except for 2017. It has also been selected to host ten United States Bowling Congress ("USBC") tournaments from 2019 through 2026. During this period, two of the ten USBC Tournaments may be held in the same year. Through a one-time agreement, the National Bowling Stadium hosted the USBC Open Tournament in Reno in 2014; usually an off-year for Reno. Historically, these multi-month bowling tournaments have attracted a significant number of visitors to the Reno market and have benefited business in the downtown area, including Eldorado Reno. The USBC Women's Tournament took place in Reno beginning in mid-April through early July 2012 and attracted approximately 29,700 women bowlers. The USBC Tournaments brought approximately 73,000 bowlers to the Reno area during the 2013 tournament period which began on March 1st and continued through July 7th. Both tournaments returned to Reno in 2014 and brought approximately 61,700 bowlers to the Reno area during the 2014 tournament period which began on February 28th and continued through July 12th. According to the Visitors Authority, bowling tournaments held at the National Bowling Stadium attract visitors from markets that do not normally contribute substantially to Reno's visitor profile. The National Bowling Stadium also features a large-screen movie theater, retail space and can be configured to host special events and conventions.
Eldorado Reno currently offers:
Eldorado Reno is centrally positioned in the heart of Reno's prime gaming area and room base and is easily accessible to both foot and vehicular traffic. With three towers, including a 26-story tower that lights up with over 2,000 feet of neon at night, Eldorado Reno is visible from Interstate 80, attracting visitors to the downtown area and generating interest in the property. Management believes Eldorado Reno serves as a downtown landmark, situated to attract foot traffic from other casinos as well as from the local populace. In addition, Eldorado Reno is easily accessible to visitors competing in and attending the various bowling tournaments that are held in the National Bowling Stadium and to visitors attending events in the Reno Event Center and a city-owned downtown ballroom facility, all of which are located just one block away.
Management believes that Eldorado Reno's casino's mix of slot machines and table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride®, mini-baccarat, a keno lounge, a race
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and sports book and a poker room, makes it attractive to both middle-income and premium-play customers. A diverse selection of table games and a variety of table limits encourage play from a wide range of gaming customers, which management believes makes Eldorado Reno one of the premier table games casinos in the Reno market.
The interior of the hotel is designed to create a European ambiance where hotel guests enjoy panoramic views of Reno's skyline and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountain range. Management believes that attention to detail, decor and architecture have created an identifiable and innovative presence in the Reno market for Eldorado Reno.
Eldorado Reno is nationally recognized for its cuisine. Its nine dining venues, which have an aggregate seating capacity of more than 1,400, range from buffet to gourmet and offer high quality food at reasonable prices.
Eldorado Reno's dining venues include the following:
Eldorado Reno's selection of high-quality food and beverages reflects our emphasis on the dining experience. Eldorado Reno chefs utilize homemade pasta, carefully chosen imported ingredients, fresh seafood and top quality USDA choice cuts of beef. Throughout the property, beverage offerings include The Brew Brothers micro brewed beers and wines from the Ferrari Carano Winery.
Silver Legacy Resort Casino
Silver Legacy, a joint venture between Resorts and MGM Resorts International (the "Silver Legacy Joint Venture"), opened in July 1995. Silver Legacy's design is inspired by Nevada's rich mining heritage and the legend of Sam Fairchild, a fictitious silver baron who "struck it rich" on the site of the casino. Silver Legacy's hotel, the tallest building in northern Nevada, is a "Y"-shaped structure with three wings, consisting of 37-, 34- and 31-floor tiers. Silver Legacy's opulent interior showcases a casino
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built around Sam Fairchild's 120-foot tall mining rig, which appears to mine for silver. The rig is situated beneath a 180-foot diameter dome, which is a distinctive landmark on the Reno skyline. The interior surface of the dome features dynamic sound and laser light shows, providing visitors with a unique experience when they are in the casino.
Silver Legacy is situated on two city blocks, encompassing 240,000 square feet in downtown Reno. The hotel currently offers 1,711 guest rooms, including 141 player spa suites, eight penthouse suites and seven hospitality suites. Many of the Silver Legacy's guest rooms feature views of Reno's skyline and the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Silver Legacy's 10-story parking facility can accommodate approximately 1,800 vehicles. As of December 31, 2014, the Silver Legacy's casino featured approximately 89,200 square feet of gaming space with approximately 1,314 slot machines and 63 table games, including blackjack, craps, roulette, Pai Gow Poker, Let It Ride®, Baccarat and Pai Gow, a keno lounge and a race and sports book. "Club Legacy," the Silver Legacy's slot club, offers customers exciting special events and tournaments and convenient ways of earning complimentaries and slot free play.
Silver Legacy's dining options are offered in eight venues, which have an aggregate seating capacity of more than 1,000 and include the following:
In addition, the hotel sponsors entertainment events which are held in the hotel's convention area. Silver Legacy's other amenities include retail shops, exercise and spa facilities, a beauty salon and an outdoor swimming pool and sundeck. A city-owned 50,000 square-foot ballroom containing approximately 35,000 square feet of convention space is operated and managed by Silver Legacy, together with Eldorado Reno and Circus Circus-Reno, and complements the existing Reno Events Center. It provides an elegant venue for large dinner functions and convention meeting space along with concert seating for approximately 3,000 attendees.
The Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus-Reno properties are connected in a "seamless" manner by enclosed, climate controlled corridors. These enclosed corridors serve as entertainment bridge ways between the three properties and house several restaurants and retail shops. Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Circus Circus-Reno comprise the heart of the Reno market's prime
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gaming area and room base, providing the most extensive and the broadest variety of gaming, entertainment, lodging and dining amenities in the Reno area, with an aggregate of 4,096 rooms, 24 restaurants and enough parking to accommodate approximately 6,100 vehicles, and as of December 31, 2014, approximately 3,443 slot machines and 146 table games. We believe that the centralized location and critical mass of these three properties, together with the ease of access between the facilities, provide Eldorado Reno with significant advantages over other freestanding hotel/casinos in the Reno market.
Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort
Mountaineer is one of only four racetracks in West Virginia currently permitted to operate slot machines and traditional casino table gaming. Mountaineer is located on the Ohio River at the northern tip of West Virginia's northwestern panhandle, approximately thirty miles from the Pittsburgh International Airport and a one-hour drive from downtown Pittsburgh. Mountaineer is a diverse gaming, entertainment and convention complex with:
Mountaineer's dining venues include the following:
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Presque Isle Downs & Casino
Presque Isle Downs & Casino ("Presque Isle Downs"), located in Erie, Pennsylvania, opened for business in 2007 and commenced table gaming operations in 2010. The 153,400 square foot facility consists of:
Presque Isle Downs' dining venues include the following:
Scioto Downs
Scioto Downs is located in the heart of Central Ohio, off Highway 23/South High Street, approximately eight miles from downtown Columbus. Columbus is the largest metropolitan area within the state of Ohio with a population of approximately 787,000 and a greater metropolitan area of approximately 1.8 million within 60 miles of downtown.
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Scioto Downs ran its first Standardbred horse race in 1959 and has since established a rich and deep connection within the regional racing community. Opening VLT operations with a new 132,000 square foot gaming facility on June 1, 2012, Scioto Downs became the first "Racino" operation in the State of Ohio. The new gaming facility was designed to integrate as much as possible with the iconic and instantly recognizable racing structures; blending architectural features and aspects as much as possible to ensure a fluid seamless and marketable look.
Scioto Downs currently offers:
Scioto Downs dining venues include the following:
The gaming industry includes land-based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on Native American reservations and other forms of legalized gaming. There is intense competition among companies in the gaming industry, many of which have significantly greater resources than we do. Certain states have legalized casino gaming and other states may legalize gaming in the future. Legalized casino gaming in these states and on Native American reservations near our markets or changes to gaming laws in states surrounding Nevada, Louisiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Ohio could increase competition and could adversely affect our operations. We also compete, to a lesser extent, with gaming facilities in other jurisdictions with dockside gaming facilities, state sponsored lotteries, on-and-off track pari-mutuel wagering, card clubs, riverboat casinos and other forms of legalized gambling. In addition, various forms of internet gaming have been approved in Nevada and New Jersey and legislation permitting internet gaming has been proposed by the federal government and other states. The expansion of internet gaming in Nevada and other jurisdictions could result in significant additional competition.
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Eldorado Shreveport. The Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana gaming market is characterized by intense competition and the market has not grown appreciably since Eldorado Shreveport opened in December 2000. We compete directly with five casinos, all but one of which have operated in the Shreveport/Bossier City market for several years and have established customer bases. In addition, we also compete with the slot machine facility at Harrah's Louisiana Casino and Racetrack located in Bossier City and WinStar Casino and casino facilities owned by the Choctaw Nation located in Oklahoma. Casino gaming is currently prohibited in several jurisdictions from which the Shreveport/Bossier City market draws customers, primarily Texas. The Texas legislature has from time to time considered proposals to legalize gaming. Any such proposal would require an amendment to the Texas State constitution, which requires approval by two-thirds of the Texas State Legislature and approval by a majority of votes cast in a statewide voter referendum. Such approvals would legalize gaming in Texas notwithstanding vetoes by the Governor of casino gambling bills. There can be no assurance that casino gaming will not be approved in Texas in the future, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Eldorado Shreveport competes with several Native American casinos located in Oklahoma, certain of which are located near our core Texas markets. WinStar Casinos, a Las Vegas-style gaming facility owned by the Chickasaw Nation, is located in Oklahoma approximately 60 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth area and has 500,000 square feet of gaming space, more than 7,400 electronic gaming devices, 88 table games, 46 poker tables, a 937-seat bingo hall, an event center, two hotel towers with over 1,500 rooms, a spa and a 27-hole golf course. Eldorado Shreveport also competes with Choctaw Casino Resort, a casino and hotel facility owned by the Choctaw Nation and located in Durant, Oklahoma, approximately 75 miles north of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, with approximately 3,500 electronic gaming devices, table games, 30 poker tables, a bingo hall, hotel, 5,500-seat capacity event center, an 1,000-seat concert hall, several restaurants, a buffet, amphitheater, dance hall, spa and RV park. Both the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw Nation are permitted to operate Class-III (as set forth in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) gaming devices in the state of Oklahoma, which permits them to offer Las Vegas-style gaming. Because Eldorado Shreveport draws a significant amount of customers from the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area, but is located approximately 190 miles from that area, we believe we will continue to face increased competition from gaming operations in Oklahoma, including the WinStar and Choctaw casinos, and would face significant competition that may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations if casino gaming were to be approved in Texas.
In June 2013, construction was completed on a new 30,000 square foot casino and 400-room hotel in Bossier City across the Red River from Eldorado Shreveport. The facility, which also includes several restaurants and a 1,000-seat entertainment arena, received final approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and opened on June 15, 2013. The owner acquired the license for an existing casino site in Lake Charles, Louisiana and received the required regulatory approvals to move the location to Bossier City. In December 2014, a new luxury, land-based casino with 1,600 slot machines, 72 gaming tables, a poker room, and a 740-room hotel with a ballroom, spa and 18-hole golf course, opened in Lake Charles, Louisiana approximately 200 miles south of Eldorado Shreveport, but closer to the Houston, Texas market.
Eldorado Reno. Of the 31 casinos currently operating in the Reno market, we believe we compete principally with the six other hotel-casinos that, like Eldorado Reno and Silver Legacy, each generate at least $36 million in annual gaming revenues. At this time, we cannot predict the extent to which new and proposed projects will be undertaken or the extent to which current hotel and/or casino space may be expanded. We expect that any additional rooms added in the Reno market will increase competition for visitor revenue. There can be no assurance that any growth in Reno's current room base or gaming capacity will not adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.
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We also compete with hotel-casinos located in the nearby Lake Tahoe region as well as those in other areas of Nevada, including Las Vegas. A substantial number of customers travel to both Reno and the Lake Tahoe area during their visits. Consequently, we believe that our success is influenced to some degree by the success of the Lake Tahoe market. The number of visitors increased during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared with the prior year, and while we do not anticipate a significant change in the popularity of either Reno or Lake Tahoe as tourist destination areas in the foreseeable future, any decline could adversely affect our operations.
Since visitors from California comprise a significant portion of our customer base, we also compete with Native American gaming operations in California. In total, the State of California has signed and ratified compacts with 72 Native American tribes, and there are currently 60 Native American casinos operating in California, including casinos located in northern California, which we consider to be a significant target market. These Native American tribes are allowed to operate slot machines, lottery games and banking and percentage games on Native American lands. Although many existing Native American gaming facilities in northern California are modest compared to Eldorado Reno and Silver Legacy, a number of Native American tribes have established large-scale gaming facilities in California and some Native American tribes have announced that they are in the process of expanding, developing, or are considering establishing, large-scale hotel and gaming facilities in northern California. Off-reservation proposals for tribal gaming in northern California continue to face resistance at the federal and local levels.
Under their current compacts, most Native American tribes in California may operate up to 2,000 slot machines, and up to two gaming facilities may be operated on any one reservation. However, under action taken by the National Indian Gaming Commission, gaming devices similar in appearance to slot machines, but which are deemed to be technological enhancements to bingo style gaming, are not subject to such limits and may be used by tribes without state permission. The number of slot machines the tribes are allowed to operate may increase as a result of any new or amended compacts the tribes may enter into with the State of California that receive the requisite approvals, such as has been the case with respect to a number of new or amended compacts which have been executed and approved.
Management believes the Reno market draws over 50% of its visitors from California. As northern California Native American gaming operations have expanded, we believe the increasing competition generated by these gaming operations has negatively impacted, and may continue to negatively impact, principally drive-in, day-trip visitor traffic from our main feeder markets in northern California. A new gaming facility located in Sonoma County, California opened on November 5, 2013 with 3,000 slot machines, 144 table games, multiple dining options and a 10,000 square foot events center. In addition to gaming on Native American-owned land, California allows other non-casino style gaming, including pari-mutuel wagering, a state sponsored lottery, card clubs, bingo and off-track betting.
MTR Gaming Properties. Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs primarily compete with gaming facilities located in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania, including, to a certain extent, each other, and gaming locations located in neighboring states including New York, Indiana and Michigan. In particular, Mountaineer (and to a lesser extent Presque Isle Downs) competes with other gaming facilities located in Pennsylvania, including The Rivers Casino located in downtown Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and The Meadows Racetrack and Casino located in Washington, Pennsylvania, approximately 50 miles southeast of Mountaineer. An additional license has been granted for a casino to be located in Lawrence County Pennsylvania, approximately 45 miles from Mountaineer and 90 miles from Presque Isle Downs, which would result in further competition for both of those properties. Further, gaming facilities in Ohio that have recently commenced operations, including the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, Hollywood Casino Columbus, ThistleDown Racino, Northfield Park and Beulah Park, present significant competition for Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs.
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Mountaineer competes with smaller gaming operations conducted in local bars and fraternal organizations. West Virginia law permits limited video lottery machines ("LVLs") in local bars and fraternal organizations. The West Virginia Lottery Commission authorizes up to 7,500 slot machines in these facilities throughout West Virginia. No more than five slot machines are allowed in each establishment licensed to sell alcoholic beverages, and no more than ten slot machines are allowed in each licensed fraternal organization. As of December 31, 2014, there were a total of approximately 700 LVL's in bars and fraternal organizations in Hancock county, West Virginia (where Mountaineer is located) and the two neighboring counties (Brooke and Ohio counties). Although the bars and fraternal organizations housing these machines lack poker and table gaming, as well as the amenities and ambiance of our Mountaineer facility, they do compete with Mountaineer, particularly for the local patronage.
While there are three other tracks and one resort in West Virginia that offer slot machine and table gaming, only one, Wheeling Island Casino, lies within Mountaineer's primary market in Wheeling, West Virginia. Wheeling Island Casino currently operates approximately 1,400 slot machines, nine poker tables, and 24 casino table games.
Scioto Downs has also competed with smaller gaming operations in Ohio commonly referred to as Internet/sweepstakes cafes. These establishments offer services including internet time and computer access, in addition to offering games such as poker and games that operate like slot machines. In March 2013, the Ohio General Assembly passed legislation which effectively bans the Internet cafes by defining use of the computers in these facilities as illegal gambling. Efforts have been underway to enforce the closure of the internet cafes.
Mountaineer's, and to a lesser extent Presque Isle Downs', racing and pari-mutuel operations compete directly for wagering dollars with racing and pari-mutuel operations at a variety of other horse and greyhound racetracks that conduct pari-mutuel gaming, including Wheeling Island Casino, in Wheeling, West Virginia; ThistleDown and Northfield Park, in Cleveland, Ohio; Beulah Park, in Austintown Ohio, and The Meadows Racetrack & Casino, in Washington, Pennsylvania. Wheeling Island Casino conducts pari-mutuel greyhound racing, simulcasting and casino gaming. Both ThistleDown and Northfield Park conduct pari-mutuel horse racing, with video lottery gaming which commenced in 2013. Beulah Park was relocated from Columbus, Ohio to Austintown, Ohio in 2014 and conducts pari-mutuel wagering, simulcasting and video lottery gaming. The Meadows Racetrack & Casino conducts live harness racing, simulcasting and casino gaming. Mountaineer (and to a lesser extent, Presque Isle Downs) also will compete with Valley View Downs in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, if it is constructed and opened. Since commencing export simulcasting in August 2000, Mountaineer competes with racetracks across the country to have its signal carried by off-track wagering parlors. Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs also competes for wagering dollars with off-track wagering facilities in Ohio and Pennsylvania, and competes with other racetracks for participation by quality racehorses.
All of our gaming operations also compete to a lesser extent with operations in other locations, including Native American lands, and with other forms of legalized gaming in the United States, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off-track wagering, high-stakes bingo, card parlors, and the emergence of Internet gaming, including proposals at the state and federal levels that would legalize various forms of internet gaming. In addition, casinos in Canada have likewise recently begun advertising and increasing promotional activities in our target markets.
General. All of our gaming operations also compete to a lesser extent with operations in other locations, including Native American lands, and with other forms of legalized gaming in the United States, including state-sponsored lotteries, on- and off-track wagering, high-stakes bingo, card parlors, and the emergence of Internet gaming, including proposals at the state and federal levels that would legalize various forms of internet gaming. In addition, casinos in Canada have likewise recently begun
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advertising and increasing promotional activities in our target markets. See "Item 1A. Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our BusinessWe face substantial competition in the hotel and casino industry and expect that such competition will continue" which is included elsewhere in this report.
Governmental Gaming Regulations
The gaming and racing industries are highly regulated and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. We are subject to extensive regulation under laws, rules and supervisory procedures primarily in the jurisdictions where our facilities are located or docked. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and characters of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations. If additional gaming regulations are adopted in a jurisdiction in which we operate, such regulations could impose restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. From time to time, various proposals have been introduced in legislatures of jurisdictions in which we have operations that, if enacted, could adversely affect the tax, regulatory, operational or other aspects of the gaming industry and us. We do not know whether or when such legislation will be enacted. Gaming companies are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and fees in addition to normal federal and state corporate income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. Any material increase in these taxes or fees could adversely affect us.
Some jurisdictions, including those in which we are licensed, empower their regulators to investigate participation by licensees in gaming outside their jurisdiction and require access to periodic reports respecting those gaming activities. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions.
Under provisions of gaming laws in jurisdictions in which we have operations, and under our organizational documents, certain of our securities are subject to restriction on ownership which may be imposed by specified governmental authorities. The restrictions may require a holder of our securities to dispose of the securities or, if the holder refuses, or is unable, to dispose of the securities, we may be required to repurchase the securities.
A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit 99.1 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is incorporated herein by reference.
Reporting and Record-Keeping Requirements
We are required periodically to submit detailed financial and operating reports and furnish any other information about us and our subsidiaries which gaming authorities may require. We are required to maintain a current stock ledger which may be examined by gaming authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the beneficial owner to gaming authorities. A failure to make such disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable. Gaming authorities may, and in certain jurisdictions do, require certificates for our securities to bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to specified gaming laws.
Gaming companies are typically subject to significant taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state and local income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, local and provincial legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws.
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Internal Revenue Service Regulations
The Internal Revenue Service requires operators of casinos located in the United States to file information returns for U.S. citizens, including names and addresses of winners, for keno, bingo and slot machine winnings in excess of stipulated amounts. The Internal Revenue Service also requires operators to withhold taxes on some keno, bingo and slot machine winnings of nonresident aliens. We are unable to predict the extent to which these requirements, if extended, might impede or otherwise adversely affect operations of, and/or income from, the other games.
Regulations adopted by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network of the Treasury Department ("FINCEN") and the Nevada Gaming Authorities require the reporting of currency transactions in excess of $10,000 occurring within a gaming day, including identification of the patron by name and social security number. This reporting obligation began in May 1985 and may have resulted in the loss of gaming revenues to jurisdictions outside the United States which are exempt from the ambit of these regulations. In addition to currency transaction reporting requirements, suspicious financial activity is also required to be reported to FINCEN.
Our businesses are subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, food service, smoking, environmental matters, employees and employment practices, currency transactions, taxation, zoning and building codes, and marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our operating results.
The sale of alcoholic beverages is subject to licensing, control and regulation by applicable local regulatory agencies. All licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The agencies involved have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license, and any disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a material adverse effect upon our operations.
We use a variety of trade names, service marks, trademarks, patents and copyrights in our operations and believe that we have all the licenses necessary to conduct our continuing operations. We have registered several service marks, trademarks, patents and copyrights with the United States Patent and Trademark Office or otherwise acquired the licenses to use those which are material to conduct our business. We also own patents relating to unique casino games. We file copyright applications to protect our creative artworks, which are often featured in property branding, as well as our distinctive website content.
Casino, hotel and racing operations in our markets are subject to seasonal variation. Winter conditions can frequently adversely affect transportation routes to each of our properties and also may cause cancellations of live horse racing at Mountaineer, Scioto Downs and Presque Isle Downs. As a result, unfavorable seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations, including those relating to the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of hazardous
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materials and solid, animal and hazardous wastes and exposure to hazardous materials. Such laws and regulations can impose liability on potentially responsible parties, including the owners or operators of real property, to clean up, or contribute to the cost of cleaning up, sites at which hazardous wastes or materials were disposed of or released. In addition to investigation and remediation liabilities that could arise under such laws and regulations, we could also face personal injury, property damage, fines or other claims by third parties concerning environmental compliance or contamination or exposure to hazardous materials, and could be subject to significant fines or penalties for any violations. We have from time to time been responsible for investigating and remediating, or contributing to remediation costs related to, contamination located at or near certain of our facilities, including contamination related to underground storage tanks and groundwater contamination arising from prior uses of land on which certain of our facilities are located. In addition, we have been, and may in the future be, required to manage, abate, remove or contain manure and wastewater generated by concentrated animal feeding operations due to our racetrack operations, mold, lead, asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous conditions found in or on our properties. Although we have incurred, and expect that we will continue to incur, costs related to the investigation, identification and remediation of hazardous materials or conditions known or discovered to exist at our properties, those costs have not had, and are not expected to have, a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flow.
As of December 31, 2014, we had approximately 7,100 employees, including Silver Legacy. As of such date, we have four collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 500 employees.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our strategies, objectives and plans for future development or acquisitions of properties or operations, as well as expectations, future operating results and other information that is not historical information. When used in this report, the terms or phrases such as "anticipates," "believes," "projects," "plans," "intends," "expects," "might," "may," "estimates," "could," "should," "would," "will likely continue," and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and we assume no duty to update forward-looking statements. Although our expectations, beliefs and projections are expressed in good faith and with what we believe is a reasonable basis, there can be no assurance that these expectations, beliefs and projections will be realized. There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements which are included elsewhere in this report. Other factors beyond those listed below could also adversely affect us. Such risks, uncertainties and other important factors include, but are not limited to:
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In light of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events discussed in this report might not occur. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, even if subsequently made available on our website or otherwise, and we do not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made, except as may be required by law.
You should also be aware that while we from time to time communicate with securities analysts, we do not disclose to them any material non-public information, internal forecasts or other confidential business information. Therefore, you should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst, irrespective of the content of the statement or report. To the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain projections, forecasts or opinions, those reports are not our responsibility and are not endorsed by us.
We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). You may read and copy, at prescribed rates, any document we have filed at the SEC's public reference room in Washington, D.C. Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 (1-800-732-0330) for further information on the public reference room. The SEC also maintains a website that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding registrants that file electronically with the SEC (http://www.sec.gov). You also may read and
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copy reports and other information filed by us at the office of The NASDAQ Stock Market, One Liberty Plaza, 165 Broadway, New York, NY 10006.
We make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports, available free of charge on our corporate website (www.eldoradoresorts.com) as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our Code of Ethics and Business Conduct and charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee are available on our website. We will provide reasonable quantities of electronic or paper copies of filings free of charge upon request. In addition, we will provide a copy of the above referenced charters to stockholders upon request.
References in this document to our website address do not incorporate by reference the information contained on the website into this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
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Risks Related to ERI's Capital Structure and Equity Ownership
We have significant indebtedness
As a result of our existing credit facilities and outstanding secured notes, we have a significant amount of indebtedness. The Company's consolidated outstanding aggregate principal amount of notes as of December 31, 2014 was $728.7 million. MTR Gaming's $560.7 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of second lien notes is secured by substantially all assets of MTR Gaming. Resorts' $168.0 million outstanding aggregate principal amount of senior notes are secured by substantially all assets of Resorts. This indebtedness may have important negative consequences for us, including:
Our ability to make payments of the principal and interest on and refinance our indebtedness will depend on our future performance, our ability to generate cash flow and market conditions, each of which is subject to economic, financial, competitive and other factors beyond our control. Our business may be unable to continue to generate cash flow from operations sufficient to service our debt and make necessary capital expenditures. In addition, because MTR and Resorts have separate debt facilities that limit their ability to distribute cash, we will be limited in our ability to move funds from one entity to another to finance debt obligations, capital expenditures or other liquidity needs. If MTR or Resorts is unable to generate such cash flow or contribute or distribute cash to finance the liquidity needs of ERI or each other, ERI, MTR or Resorts, as applicable, may be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as selling assets, restructuring debt, undertaking additional borrowings or issuing additional debt or obtaining additional equity capital on terms that may be onerous or highly dilutive. The failure to comply with the terms of our indebtedness could result in an event of default
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which, if not cured or waived, could have a material negative effect on us. Our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness will depend on the capital markets, the credit markets and our financial condition at such time. We may not be able to engage in any of these activities or engage in these activities on desirable terms, which could result in increased financing costs or a default on our debt obligations.
Our indentures contain, and future debt agreements may contain, covenants that could significantly restrict our operations
The agreements governing our indebtedness contain, and any of our future debt agreements might contain, numerous covenants imposing financial and operating restrictions on our business. These restrictions might affect our ability to operate our business, might limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise and might adversely affect the conduct of our current business, including by restricting our ability to finance future operations and capital needs and limiting our ability to engage in other business activities. These covenants will place restrictions on our ability and the ability of our operating subsidiaries to, among other things:
Our credit facilities also include certain financial and other covenants, including maintaining certain total leverage and earnings to fixed charge ratios as well as restrictions on capital expenditures. Our ability to comply with these provisions may be affected by general economic conditions, industry conditions and other events beyond our control. We cannot assure you that we will be able to comply with these covenants. If we fail to comply with a financial covenant or other restriction contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, an event of default could occur. An event of default could result in acceleration of some or all of the applicable indebtedness and the inability to borrow additional funds. We do not have, and are not certain we would be able to obtain, sufficient funds to repay any such indebtedness if it is accelerated.
ERI is a holding company and will depend on its subsidiaries for dividends, distributions and other payments
ERI is structured as a holding company, a legal entity separate and distinct from its subsidiaries. ERI's only significant asset is the capital stock or other equity interests of its operating subsidiaries. As a holding company, ERI conducts all of its business through its subsidiaries. Consequently, ERI's principal source of cash flow, including cash flow to pay dividends, will be dividends and distributions from its subsidiaries. If ERI's subsidiaries are unable to make dividend payments or distributions to it and sufficient cash or liquidity is not otherwise available, ERI may not be able to pay dividends. The current indebtedness of Resorts and MTR Gaming restricts, and any future indebtedness of theirs will likely restrict, the ability of Resorts and MTR Gaming to make dividends or distributions to ERI. In addition, ERI's right to participate in a distribution of assets upon a subsidiary's liquidation or reorganization will be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors.
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Servicing debt and funding other obligations requires a significant amount of cash, and our ability to generate sufficient cash depends on many factors, some of which are beyond our control
Our ability to make payments on and refinance our indebtedness and to fund our operations and capital expenditures depends upon our ability to generate cash flow and secure financing in the future. Our ability to generate future cash flow depends, among other things, upon:
Some of these factors are beyond our control. We cannot assure you that our businesses will generate cash flow from operations or that future debt or equity financings will be available to us to enable us to pay our indebtedness or to fund our needs. As a result, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure that we will be able to refinance any indebtedness on favorable terms, or at all. Any inability to generate sufficient cash flow or refinance our indebtedness on favorable terms could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition.
If we are unable to finance our expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, as well as other capital expenditures, through cash flow, borrowings under our existing credit facilities and additional financings, our expansion, development, investment and renovation efforts will be jeopardized
We intend to finance our current and future development, investment, renovation and expansion projects, as well as our other capital expenditures, primarily with cash flow from operations, and equity or debt financings. If we are unable to finance our current or future expansion, development, investment and renovation projects, or our other capital expenditures, we will have to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing, delaying or abandoning planned development, investment, renovation and expansion projects as well as other capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, obtaining additional equity financing or joint venture partners. These sources of funds may not be sufficient to finance our development, investment, renovation and expansion projects, and other financing may not be available on acceptable terms, in a timely manner, or at all. In addition, the agreements governing our existing indebtedness contains certain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness.
Recently, there were significant disruptions in the global capital markets that adversely impacted the ability of borrowers to access capital. Although the financial markets have seen recent signs of recovery and increased availability of capital, the financial markets remain volatile.
To the extent that cash flow from operations are not sufficient to fund our development, investment, renovation and expansion projects, we would be required to seek additional financing, which may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us.
The operating agreement of Silver Legacy Joint Venture contains a buy-sell provision which, if exercised by either partner, could adversely affect us
The operating agreement for the entity that owns the Silver Legacy contains a buy-sell provision pursuant to which either Resorts or the wholly owned subsidiary of MGM Resorts International that owns its 50% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture may sell its membership interest or purchase the interest of the other member, in either case, at the price proposed by the offering member. If
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either member should make such an offer, the operating agreement requires the other member to either sell its membership interest or purchase the membership interest of the offering member, in either case, at the price proposed by the offering member. An election by either member to exercise its buy-sell right, which would result in the buyout of one of the members, could adversely impact its operations, depending, among other things, on its ability to respond to an offer from the other member and the price at which any offer is made. MGM Resorts International has significantly greater resources than we have. If an offer by either member results in the purchase of its interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture, the sale of the interest could adversely affect, or result in the termination of, any existing arrangements or agreements Resorts may have with Silver Legacy or the other member, or otherwise adversely impact us.
The market price of ERI's common stock could fluctuate significantly
The U.S. securities markets in general have experienced significant price fluctuations in recent years. The market price of ERI's common stock may be volatile and subject to wide fluctuations. In addition, the trading volume of ERI's common stock may fluctuate and cause significant price variations to occur. Some of the factors that could cause fluctuations in, or have a material adverse effect on, the stock price or trading volume of ERI's common stock include:
We cannot assure you that the stock price of ERI common stock will not fluctuate or decline significantly in the future. In addition, the stock market in general can experience considerable price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated to ERI's performance. If the market price of ERI common stock fluctuates significantly, ERI may become the subject of securities class action litigation which may result in substantial costs and a diversion of management's attention and resources.
ERI has not yet determined its dividend policy and may not pay dividends
ERI has not yet determined its dividend policy, but it does not currently expect to pay dividends on its common stock. Any determination to pay dividends in the future will be at the discretion of the ERI board of directors and will depend upon among other factors, ERI's earnings, cash requirements, financial condition, requirements to comply with the covenants under its debt instruments, including limitations on the ability of MTR and Eldorado to make distributions to ERI, legal considerations, and
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other factors that the ERI board of directors deems relevant. If ERI does not pay dividends, then the return on an investment in its common stock will depend entirely upon any future appreciation in its stock price. There is no guarantee that ERI's common stock will appreciate in value or maintain its value.
The volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets and adverse changes in the U.S. and global economies may negatively impact our access to financing
During recent years, a confluence of many factors has contributed to diminished expectations for the U.S. economy and increased market volatility for publicly traded securities, including the common shares and notes issued by publicly owned companies. These factors include the availability and cost of credit, declining business and consumer confidence and increased unemployment. These conditions have combined to create an unprecedented level of market volatility, which could negatively impact our ability to access capital and financing (including financing necessary to refinance our existing indebtedness), on terms and at prices acceptable to us, that we would otherwise need in connection with the operation of our businesses.
Risk Factors Relating to our Operations
Our business is sensitive to reductions in discretionary consumer spending as a result of downturns in the economy
Consumer demand for casino hotel and racetrack properties such as ours is particularly sensitive to downturns in the economy and the associated impact on discretionary spending on leisure activities. Changes in discretionary consumer spending or consumer preferences brought about by factors such as perceived or actual general economic conditions, effects of declines in consumer confidence in the economy, including the recent housing, employment and credit crisis, the impact of high energy and food costs, the increased cost of travel, the potential for continued bank failures, decreased disposable consumer income and wealth, or fears of war and future acts of terrorism could further reduce customer demand for the amenities that we offer, which have had, and may continue to have, a negative impact on our results of operations. Increases in gasoline prices, including increases prompted by global political and economic instabilities, can adversely affect the operations of Resorts and MTR because most of their patrons travel to their properties by car or on airlines that may pass on increases in fuel costs to passengers in the form of higher ticket prices. The recent global, national and regional economic downturn, including the housing crisis, credit crisis, lower consumer confidence, and other related factors which impact discretionary consumer spending and other economic activities that have direct effects on Resorts' and MTR Gaming's business, have resulted in a decline in the tourism industry that has adversely impacted their operations. We cannot be sure how long these factors will continue to impact our operations in the future or the extent of the impact.
We face substantial competition in the hotel and casino industry and expect that such competition will continue
The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including land-based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on Native American reservations and other forms of legalized gaming. There is intense competition among companies in the gaming industry, many of which have significantly greater resources than we do. Certain states have legalized casino gaming and other states may legalize gaming in the future. Legalized casino gaming in these states and on Native American reservations near our markets or changes to gaming laws in states surrounding Nevada, Louisiana, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Ohio could increase competition and could adversely affect our operations. We also compete, to a lesser extent, with gaming facilities in other jurisdictions with dockside gaming facilities, state sponsored lotteries, on-and-off track pari-mutuel wagering, card clubs, riverboat casinos and other
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forms of legalized gambling. In addition, various forms of internet gaming have been approved in Nevada and New Jersey and legislation permitting internet gaming has been proposed by the federal government and other states. The expansion of internet gaming in Nevada and other jurisdictions could result in significant additional competition.
Gaming competition is intense in most of the markets where we operate. Recently, there has been additional significant competition in our markets as a result of the expansion of facilities by existing market participants, the entrance of new gaming participants into a market or legislative changes. For example, casino gaming is currently prohibited in several jurisdictions from which the Shreveport/Bossier City market draws customers, primarily Texas. The Texas legislature has from time to time considered proposals to legalize gaming, and there can be no assurance that casino gaming will not be approved in Texas in the future, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Additionally, since visitors from California comprise a significant portion of our customer base in Reno, we also compete with Native American gaming operations in California. Native American tribes are allowed to operate slot machines, lottery games and banking and percentage games on Native American lands. Although many existing Native American gaming facilities in northern California are modest compared to Eldorado Reno and Silver Legacy, a number of Native American tribes have established large-scale gaming facilities in California and some Native American tribes have announced that they are in the process of expanding, developing, or are considering establishing, large-scale hotel and gaming facilities in northern California. A new 320,000 square foot gaming facility located in Sonoma County, California opened on November 5, 2013. Additionally, a new 30,000 square foot casino and 400-room hotel in Bossier City across the Red River from Eldorado Shreveport opened in June 2013, which includes several restaurants and a 1,000-seat entertainment arena. In December 2014, a new luxury, land-based casino with 1,600 slot machines, 72 gaming tables, a poker room, and a 740-room hotel with a ballroom and spa, opened in Lake Charles, Louisiana approximately 200 miles south of Eldorado Shreveport, but closer to the Houston, Texas market. With respect to our MTR Gaming facilities, an additional license has been granted for a casino to be located in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, approximately 45 miles from Mountaineer and 90 miles from Presque Isle Downs, which would result in further competition for both of those properties. Further, gaming facilities in Ohio that have recently commenced operations, including the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, Hollywood Casino Columbus, ThistleDown Racino, Northfield Park and Beulah Park, present significant competition for Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs.
Increased competition may require us to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties to increase the attractiveness and add to the appeal of our facilities. Because we are highly leveraged, after satisfying our obligations under our outstanding indebtedness, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient funds to undertake these expenditures or that we will be able to obtain sufficient financing to fund such expenditures. If we are unable to make such expenditures, our competitive position could be materially adversely affected.
We may face integration difficulties and may be unable to integrate MTR Gaming's business into ERI's business successfully or realize the anticipated benefits of the Merger
The Merger involved the combination of two companies that previously operated as independent companies. MTR Gaming is now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ERI. We have devoted, and will continue to devote, significant management attention and resources to integrating the companies' business practices and operations. Potential difficulties we may encounter as part of the integration process include the following:
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In addition, it is possible that the integration process could result in:
any of which could adversely affect our ability to maintain relationships with customers, suppliers, employees and other constituencies or our ability to achieve the anticipated benefits of the Merger, or could reduce our earnings or otherwise adversely affect our business and financial results.
Our future results could suffer if we cannot effectively manage our expanded operations following the Merger
Following the Merger, the size of the combined businesses is significantly larger than the previous size of either Resorts' or MTR Gaming's business. Our future success depends, in part, upon our ability to manage this expanded business, which will pose substantial challenges for management, including challenges related to the management and monitoring of new operations and associated increased costs and complexity. There can be no assurances that we will be successful or that we will realize any operating efficiencies, cost savings, revenue enhancements or other benefits currently anticipated from the Merger.
We may incur additional expenses related to the Merger and the integration of our businesses
We have already incurred, and may in the future incur, expenses in connection with the Merger and the integration of our businesses. There are a large number of processes, policies, procedures, operations, technologies and systems that must be integrated, including purchasing, accounting and finance, sales, payroll, pricing, marketing and benefits. While we have made significant progress in integrating Resorts and MTR, we may identify additional steps that should be taken to fully integrate the operation of our businesses. Any additional steps we take could affect the total amount or the timing of the integration expenses and any such expenses are difficult to estimate accurately.
We will be subject to extensive state and local regulation and licensing, and gaming authorities have significant control over our operations, which could have an adverse effect on our business
The ownership and operation of casino gaming, riverboat and horseracing facilities are subject to extensive federal, state, and local regulation, and regulatory authorities at the federal, state, and local levels have broad powers with respect to the licensing of gaming businesses and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines, and take other actions, each of which poses a significant risk to our business, financial condition, and results of operations. We currently hold all state and local licenses and related approvals necessary to conduct our present gaming operations, but we must periodically apply to renew many of our licenses and registrations. We cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain such renewals. Any failure to maintain or renew our existing licenses, registrations, permits or approvals would have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, if additional laws or regulations are adopted or existing laws or regulations are amended, these regulations could impose additional restrictions or costs that could have a significant adverse effect on us. As an example, on August 26, 2014, the Board of Health of Hancock County, West Virginia adopted and approved the Clean Air Regulation Act of 2014 ("Regulation"), which will be
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effective July 1, 2015. The Regulation, as currently adopted, will ban smoking in public places in Hancock County including at Mountaineer. We are continuing to evaluate the Regulation, its impact on our Mountaineer facility, and steps to become compliant with the Regulation upon its effective date. We expect that the Regulation will have a negative impact on our business and results of operations at Mountaineer, and such impact may be material.
Any of the Nevada Gaming Commission, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration, the West Virginia Lottery Commission, the West Virginia Racing Commission, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, the Pennsylvania Racing Commission, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, the Ohio Lottery Commission, and the Ohio State Racing Commission (which we refer to collectively as the Gaming Authorities) may, in their discretion, require the holder of any securities issued by us to file applications, be investigated, and be found suitable to own our securities if it has reason to believe that the security ownership would be inconsistent with the declared policies of their respective jurisdictions. Further, the costs of any investigation conducted by any of the Gaming Authorities under these circumstances must be paid by the applicant, and refusal or failure to pay these charges may constitute grounds for a finding that the applicant is unsuitable to own the securities. If any of the Gaming Authorities determines that a person is unsuitable to own our securities, then, under the applicable gaming or horse racing laws and regulations, we can be sanctioned, including the loss of their approvals, if, without the prior approval of the applicable Gaming Authority, we conduct certain business with the unsuitable person.
Our officers, directors, and key employees will also be subject to a variety of regulatory requirements and various licensing and related approval procedures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities. If any of the applicable Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee of ours unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with us, we would have to sever all relationships with that person. Furthermore, the Gaming Authorities may require us to terminate the employment of any person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Either result could materially adversely affect our gaming operations.
Applicable gaming laws and regulations restrict our ability to issue securities, incur debt and undertake other financing activities. Such transactions would generally require approval of applicable Gaming Authorities, and our financing counterparties, including lenders, might be subject to various licensing and related approval procedures in the various jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities. If state regulatory authorities were to find any person unsuitable with regard to his, her or its relationship to us or any of our subsidiaries, we would be required to sever our relationships with that person, which could materially adversely affect our business.
In addition, gaming companies are generally subject to significant revenue based taxes and fees in addition to normal federal, state, and local income taxes, and such taxes and fees are subject to increase at any time. We pay substantial taxes and fees with respect to our operations. From time to time, federal, state, and local legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, worsening economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes and/or property taxes. It is not possible to determine with certainty the likelihood of changes in tax laws or in the administration of such laws. Such changes, if adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The large number of state and local governments with significant current or projected budget deficits makes it more likely that those governments that currently permit gaming will seek to fund such deficits with new or increased gaming taxes and/or property taxes, and worsening economic conditions could intensify those efforts. Any material increase, or the adoption of additional taxes or fees, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial results.
For more information, see "Governmental Gaming Regulations" in Item 1.
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We rely on our key personnel
Our future success will depend upon, among other things, our ability to keep our senior executives and highly qualified employees. We compete with other potential employers for employees, and we may not succeed in hiring or retaining the executives and other employees that we need. We might not enter into employment contracts with all of our senior executives, and we might not obtain key man insurance policies for any or all of our executives. A sudden loss of or inability to replace key employees could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation.
We may face difficulties in attracting and retaining qualified employees for our casinos and race tracks
The operation of our business requires qualified executives, managers and skilled employees with gaming and horse racing industry experience and qualifications who are able to obtain the requisite licenses and approval from the applicable Gaming Authorities. While not currently the case, there has from time to time been a shortage of skilled labor in the regions of Resorts' and MTR Gaming's casinos and race tracks. In addition to limitations that may otherwise exist in the supply of skilled labor, the continued expansion of gaming near Resorts' and MTR Gaming's casinos and race tracks, including the expansion of Native American gaming, may make it more difficult for us to attract qualified individuals. While we believe that we will continue to be able to attract and retain qualified employees, shortages of skilled labor will make it increasingly difficult and expensive to attract and retain the services of a satisfactory number of qualified employees, and we may incur higher costs than expected as a result.
We depend on agreements with our horsemen and pari-mutuel clerks to operate our business
The Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act and the state racing laws in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania require that, in order to simulcast races, we have written agreements with the horse owners and trainers at those racetracks. In addition, in order to operate slot machines in West Virginia, we are required to enter into written agreements regarding the proceeds of the slot machines (a "proceeds agreement") with a representative of a majority of the horse owners and trainers and with a representative of a majority of the pari-mutuel clerks.
If we fail to maintain operative agreements with the horsemen at any of our racetracks, we will not be permitted to conduct live racing and export and import simulcasting at the applicable racetrack. In addition, if we fail to maintain operative agreements with the horsemen at Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs (including if we do not have in place the legally required proceeds agreement with the Mountaineer pari-mutuel clerks union), we will not be permitted to continue our gaming operations at those facilities. If we fail to renew or modify existing agreements on satisfactory terms, this failure could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Work stoppages, organizing drives and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits
Some of our employees are currently represented by labor unions. A lengthy strike or other work stoppages at any of our casino properties could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Given the large number of employees, labor unions are making a concerted effort to recruit more employees in the gaming industry. In addition, organized labor may benefit from new legislation or legal interpretations by the current presidential administration. Particularly, in light of current support for changes to federal and state labor laws, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and more successful union organization activity in the future.
26
Because portions of the land on which our facilities are situated are leased, the termination of such leases could adversely affect our business
Resorts owns the parcel on which Eldorado Reno is located, except for approximately 30,000 square feet which is leased from C. S. & Y. Associates, a general partnership of which Donald Carano, father of Gary L. Carano, is a general partner (the "CSY Lease"). The CSY Lease expires on June 30, 2027. If Resorts defaults on a payment under the CSY Lease or if certain other specified events were to occur, C. S. & Y. Associates has the right to terminate the lease and take possession of the property located on the premises. If C. S. & Y. Associates were to exercise these rights, this could adversely affect our business.
A subsidiary of Resorts is party to a ground lease with the City of Shreveport for the land on which Eldorado Shreveport was built (the "Shreveport Lease"). The Shreveport Lease has a term ending December 20, 2015 with subsequent renewals for up to an additional 35 years. If Resorts defaults on a payment under the Shreveport Lease or if certain other specified events were to occur, the City of Shreveport could terminate the lease. If the City of Shreveport were to exercise this right, this could adversely affect our business.
Because we own real property, we will be subject to extensive environmental regulation, which creates uncertainty regarding future environmental expenditures and liabilities
We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental, health and safety laws and regulations that govern activities that may have adverse environmental effects, such as discharges to air and water, as well as the use, storage, discharge, emission and disposal of solid, animal and hazardous wastes and exposure to hazardous materials. These laws and regulations are complex and frequently subject to change. In addition, our horseracing facilities are subject to laws and regulations that address the impacts of manure and wastewater generated by Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations ("CAFO") on water quality, including, but not limited to, storm water discharges. CAFO regulations include permit requirements and water quality discharge standards. Enforcement of CAFO regulations has been receiving increased governmental attention. Compliance with these and other environmental laws can, in some circumstances, require significant capital expenditures. We have from time to time been responsible for investigating and remediating, or contributing to remediation costs related to, contamination located at or near certain of our facilities, including contamination related to underground storage tanks and groundwater contamination arising from prior uses of land on which certain of our facilities are located. In addition, we have been, and may in the future be, required to manage, abate, remove or contain manure and wastewater generated by concentrated animal feeding operations due to our racetrack operations, mold, lead, asbestos-containing materials or other hazardous conditions found in or on our properties. Moreover, violations can result in significant fines or penalties and, in some instances, interruption or cessation of operations.
We are also subject to laws and regulations that create liability and cleanup responsibility for releases of regulated materials into the environment. Certain of these laws and regulations impose strict, and under certain circumstances joint and several, liability on a current or previous owner or operator of property for the costs of remediating regulated materials on or emanating from its property. The costs of investigation, remediation or removal of those substances may be substantial.
An earthquake, flood, act of terrorism other natural disasters could adversely affect our business
Although we maintain insurance that is customary and appropriate for our business, each of our insurance policies is subject to certain exclusions. In addition, in some cases our property insurance coverage is combined among certain of our properties and Silver Legacy or is otherwise in an amount that may be significantly less than the expected replacement cost of rebuilding our facilities in the event of a total loss. Such losses may occur as a result of any number of casualty events, including as a result
27
of earthquakes, floods, hurricanes or other severe weather conditions. In particular, the Reno area has been, and may in the future be, subject to earthquakes and other natural disasters and Eldorado Shreveport is located in a designated flood zone. Inadequate insurance or lack of available insurance for these and other certain types or levels of risk could expose us to significant losses in the event that a catastrophe occurred for which we are underinsured. In addition to the damage caused to our properties by a casualty loss, we may suffer business disruption as a result of the casualty event or be subject to claims by third parties that may be injured or harmed. While we carry general liability insurance and business interruption insurance, there can be no assurance that insurance will be available or adequate to cover all loss and damage to which our business or our assets might be subjected. In addition, certain casualty events, such as labor strikes, nuclear events, loss of income due to terrorism, deterioration or corrosion, insect or animal damage and pollution, may not be covered under our policies. Any losses we incur that are not adequately covered by insurance may decrease our future operating income, require us to fund replacements or repairs for destroyed property and reduce the funds available for payments of our obligations.
Eldorado Reno and the Silver Legacy currently have combined insurance coverage for earthquake and flood damage and for any resulting business interruption and Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Eldorado Shreveport have combined insurance coverage for acts of terrorism. Under these policies, Eldorado Reno and the Silver Legacy have combined per occurrence earthquake coverage of $100 million and combined aggregate flood coverage of $250 million. Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Eldorado Shreveport have combined terrorism coverage of $800 million. In the event that an earthquake, flood or terrorist act causes damage only to Eldorado Reno's property, Eldorado Reno is eligible to receive up to the full amount of insurance coverage for the applicable event of loss, depending on the replacement cost. However, in the event that Eldorado Reno and Silver Legacy are damaged in an earthquake, Eldorado Reno is only entitled to receive insurance proceeds only after Silver Legacy's claims have been satisfied. In addition, in the event that both Eldorado Reno and Silver Legacy are damaged in a flood or Eldorado Reno, Eldorado Shreveport and Silver Legacy are damaged as a result of a terrorist act, our properties are entitled to receive an allocated portion of the insurance proceeds and, to the extent that any insurance proceeds remain available after satisfaction of the insurance claims by the other properties, such remaining proceeds. As a result, there is no assurance that our insurance coverage will be sufficient if there is a major event of loss that impacts us and Silver Legacy, and, in particular, if there is an earthquake that causes significant damage. In addition, upon the expiration of our current policies which expire in August 2015 (subject to annual renewal), we cannot assure that adequate coverage will be available at economically justifiable rates, if at all.
Because Eldorado Shreveport is located in a designated flood zone, it is subject to risks in addition to those risks associated with land-based casinos, including loss of service due to flood, hurricane or other severe weather conditions. We currently maintain flood insurance for Eldorado Shreveport and for the potential resulting business interruption. However, there is no assurance that this coverage will be sufficient if there is a major flood. Reduced patronage, the loss of use of the casino, the inability to use a dockside facility or riverboat for any period of time due to flood, hurricane or other severe weather could adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to risks relating to mechanical failure
All of our facilities will generally be subject to the risk that operations could be halted for a temporary or extended period of time, as the result of casualty, forces of nature, mechanical failure, or extended or extraordinary maintenance, among other causes. In addition, our gaming operations could be damaged or halted due to extreme weather conditions. These risks are particularly pronounced at Eldorado Shreveport's riverboat and dockside facilities because of their location on and adjacent to water.
28
We are or may become involved in legal proceedings that, if adversely adjudicated or settled, could impact our business and financial condition
From time to time, we are named in lawsuits or other legal proceedings relating to our respective businesses. In particular, the nature of our business subjects us to the risk of lawsuits filed by customers, past and present employees, competitors, business partners and others in the ordinary course of business. As with all legal proceedings, no assurances can be given as to the outcome of these matters. Moreover, legal proceedings can be expensive and time consuming, and we may not be successful in defending or prosecuting these lawsuits, which could result in settlements or damages that could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber security risk including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security
Our operations require that we collect customer data, including credit card numbers and other personally identifiable information, for various business purposes, including marketing and promotional purposes. The collection and use of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the United States and other jurisdictions around the world. Privacy regulations continue to evolve and on occasion may be inconsistent from one jurisdiction to another. Compliance with applicable privacy regulations may increase our operating costs and/or adversely impact our ability to market our products, properties and services to our customers. In addition, non-compliance with applicable privacy regulations by us (or in some circumstances non-compliance by third parties engaged by us) or a breach of security on systems storing our data, including due to cyber-attack, system failure, computer virus or unauthorized or fraudulent use by customers, employees or employees of third party vendors, may result in damage of reputation and/or subject us to fines, payment of damages, lawsuits or restrictions on our use or transfer of data.
Operations of Resorts and MTR Gaming have historically been subject to seasonal variations and quarterly fluctuations in operating results, and we can expect to experience such variations and fluctuation in the future
Historically, the operations of Resorts' and MTR Gaming's gaming facilities have typically been subject to seasonal variations.
Eldorado Reno's strongest operating results have generally occurred in the second and third quarters and the weakest results have generally occurred during the period from November through February when weather conditions adversely affected operating results. In the Reno market, excessive snowfall during the winter months can make travel to the Reno area more difficult. This often results in significant declines in traffic on major highways, particularly on routes to and from Northern California, and causes a decline in customer volume. Furthermore, management believes that approximately two-thirds of visitors to the Reno market arrive by some form of ground transportation.
In addition, winter conditions can frequently adversely affect transportation routes to Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs and cause cancellations of live horse racing. As a result, unfavorable seasonal conditions could have a material adverse effect on our operations.
In general, it is unlikely that we will be able to obtain business interruption coverage for casualties resulting from severe weather, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain casualty insurance coverage at affordable rates, if at all, for casualties resulting from severe weather.
29
Because we will be heavily dependent upon hotel/casino and related operations that are conducted in certain limited regions, we will be subject to greater risks than a company that is geographically or otherwise more diversified
Our business is heavily dependent upon hotel/casino and related operations that are conducted in three discrete markets. As a result, we are still subject to a greater degree of risk than a gaming company that has greater geographical diversity. The risks to which we have a greater degree of exposure include the following:
Any of the factors outlined above could adversely affect our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to make payments on our outstanding indebtedness.
Significant negative industry or economic trends, reduced estimates of future cash flows, disruptions to our business, slower growth rates or lack of growth in our business may cause us to incur impairments to indefinite lived intangible assets or long-lived assets
We test indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually or if a triggering event occurs. We will also be required to consider whether the fair values of any of our investments accounted for under the equity method have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. Estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee and market indicators of the terminal year capitalization rate. If any such declines are considered to be other than temporary, we will be required to record a write-down to estimated fair value. In 2011, Resorts' impairment test in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture resulted in the recognition of a non-cash impairment charge of $33.1 million resulting in the elimination of Resorts' remaining investment in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture at that time.
Security concerns, terrorist attacks and other geopolitical events could have a material adverse effect on our future operations
Security concerns, terrorist attacks and other geopolitical events can have a material adverse effect on leisure and business travel, discretionary spending and other areas of economic behavior that directly impact the gaming and entertainment industries in general and our business in particular. We cannot predict the extent to which any future security alerts, terrorist attacks or other geopolitical events might impact our business, results of operations or financial condition.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.
None.
Information relating to the location and general characteristics of our properties is provided in Part I, Item I, Business, Properties.
30
As of December 31, 2014, our facilities are located on property that we own or lease, as follows:
Substantially all of our assets are pledged to secure our outstanding indebtedness under various senior secured notes and credit obligations.
We are a party to various lawsuits, which have arisen in the normal course of our business. Estimated losses are accrued for these lawsuits and claims when the loss is probable and can be estimated. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with those lawsuits is not material to our consolidated financial condition and those estimated losses are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.
Presque Isle Downs, Inc. v Dwayne Cooper Enterprises, Inc. et al; Civil Action No. 10493-2009; Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, Pennsylvania. On April 17, 2010, Presque Isle Downs, Inc. initiated legal action in the Court of Common Pleas of Erie County, Pennsylvania, against defendants Dwayne Cooper Enterprises, Inc. ("DCE"), Turner Construction Company ("Turner"), and Rectenwald Buehler Architects, Inc. f/k/a Weborg Rectenwald Buehler Architects, Inc. ("RB") to recover damages arising out of failures of the surveillance system installed during the original construction of the casino facilities at Presque Isle Downs. DCE supplied and installed the surveillance system, RB acted as the project architect, and Turner served as the construction manager on the project. Shortly after Presque Isle Downs opened on February 28, 2007, it discovered that certain components of the surveillance system were defective, malfunctioning or missing. After efforts to remediate the deficiencies in the system were unsuccessful, it became necessary to replace certain components of the surveillance system at a cost of $1.9 million, and to write-off approximately $1.5 million related to the net book value of the equipment that was replaced. On April 5, 2011, Presque Isle Downs obtained a default judgment against DCE in the amount of $2.7 million. Efforts to enforce the judgment against DCE are ongoing but the assets of DCE appear to be modest and materially insufficient to pay the judgment. Any proceeds that may be received will be recorded as the amounts are realized. Defendant RB joined five additional vendors/subcontractors as additional defendants in the case. Each of the defendants and all
31
but one of the additional defendants filed motions or objections requesting that the Court dismiss the claims against it. After these motions and objections were denied and the parties engaged in limited discovery, the parties agreed to submit the case to mediation. The mediation occurred on February 10, 2015, and resulted in an agreement under which the sum of $705,000.00 would be paid to Presque Isle Downs, Inc. in exchange for a general release of the defendants (except DCE) and the additional defendants. A draft settlement agreement has been prepared and is currently under review by all parties. It is anticipated that the settlement will be concluded and the case voluntarily dismissed by June 30, 2015.
State ex rel. Walgate v. Kasich; Case No. 11 CV-10-13126; Court of Common Pleas Franklin County, Ohio. On October 21, 2011, the Ohio Roundtable filed a complaint in the Court of Common Pleas in Franklin County, Ohio against a number of defendants, including the Governor, the Ohio Lottery Commission and the Ohio Casino Control Commission. The complaint alleges a variety of substantive and procedural defects relative to the approval and implementation of video lottery terminals as well as several counts dealing with the taxation of standalone casinos. As interveners, we, along with four of the other racinos in Ohio, filed motions for judgment on the pleadings to supplement the position of the Racing Commission. In May 2012, the Court of Common Pleas dismissed the case; however, the plaintiffs filed an appeal and oral arguments were held on January 17, 2013 in the 10th District Court of Appeals. In March 2013, the Court of Appeals upheld the ruling. The decision of the Appeals Court was appealed to the Ohio Supreme Court by the plaintiffs on April 30, 2013 and the Ohio Supreme Court has elected to accept the appeal. The Ohio Supreme Court temporarily stayed the appeal until it first ruled on a matter with similar procedural issues. A decision was issued on that case on June 10, 2014. Accordingly, along with the State Appellees, a motion to dismiss as improvidently granted was filed which was partially granted. The remaining propositions of law have been briefed by both parties and oral argument is scheduled for June 23, 2015.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.
Not applicable.
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Item 5. Market for Registrants' Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities.
On September 19, 2014, the Company issued an aggregate of 23,311,492 shares of common stock to former members of HoldCo upon consummation of the Merger. In December 2014, pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, 25,290 shares were returned to the Company as a result of a post-closing adjustment, resulting in a total of 23,286,202 shares of common stock issued to former members of HoldCo as a result of the Merger.
Our Common Stock began trading on September 22, 2014 and is quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "ERI". On March 6, 2015, the NASDAQ Official Closing Price for our common stock was $4.99. As of March 6, 2015, there were 834 of record holders of our common stock.
We are prohibited from paying any dividends without our lenders' consent. We historically have not paid cash dividends and do not intend to pay such dividends in the foreseeable future. For further information relating to our and our subsidiaries' dividend policies, see Part II, Item 7, Liquidity and Capital Resources, included in this report.
The following table sets forth the range of high and low closing sale prices for our common stock since it began trading on September 22, 2014.
|
Stock Price | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
High | Low | |||||
Year Ended December 31, 2014: |
|||||||
Third quarter |
$ |
4.75 |
$ |
3.61 |
|||
Fourth quarter |
4.40 | 3.74 |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2014, with respect to compensation plans under which equity securities of the Company are authorized for issuance.
Plan Category
|
Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights |
Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans (excluding securities reflected in column (a)) |
|||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(a) |
(b) |
(c) |
|||||||
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders |
398,200 | $ | 7.88 | 1,747,759 |
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The following graph demonstrates a comparison of cumulative total returns of the Company, the NASDAQ Market Index (which is considered to be a broad index) and the Dow Jones US Gambling Index for the period since the Company's common stock began trading on September 22, 2014. The following graph assumes $100 invested in each of the above groups and the reinvestment of dividends, if applicable.
Comparison of 4 Month Cumulative Total Return
Assumes Initial Investment of $100
December 2014
Item 6. Selected Financial Data.
The following table sets forth selected consolidated financial data of the Company for each of the five years ended December 31, 2014. This information should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements contained elsewhere in this report. Operating results for the periods presented below are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for future years.
The Merger closed on the Merger Date and has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition of MTR Gaming by HoldCo under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As a result, HoldCo is considered the acquirer of MTR Gaming for accounting purposes. The financial information included in the following table for periods prior to the Merger Date are those of Resorts and its subsidiaries. The presentation of information herein for periods prior to the Merger Date and after the Merger Date are not fully comparable because the results of operations for MTR Gaming are not included for periods prior to the Merger Date. Summary financial results of MTR Gaming for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are included in MTR Gaming's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
34
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
(dollars in thousands)
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||
Consolidated Statement of Operations Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Operating revenues: |
||||||||||||||||
Casino |
$ | 298,848 | $ | 192,379 | $ | 200,292 | $ | 201,253 | $ | 203,537 | ||||||
Pari-mutuel commissions |
1,986 | | | | | |||||||||||
Food and beverage |
68,233 | 60,556 | 59,317 | 58,915 | 57,649 | |||||||||||
Hotel |
28,007 | 26,934 | 26,203 | 26,547 | 26,291 | |||||||||||
Other |
13,198 | 10,384 | 10,458 | 10,754 | 9,549 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
|
410,272 | 290,253 | 296,270 | 297,469 | 297,026 | |||||||||||
Less promotional allowances |
(48,449 | ) | (43,067 | ) | (41,530 | ) | (41,397 | ) | (42,168 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net operating revenues |
361,823 | 247,186 | 254,740 | 256,072 | 254,858 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses: |
||||||||||||||||
Casino |
167,792 | 101,913 | 104,044 | 104,057 | 105,671 | |||||||||||
Pari-mutuel commissions |
2,411 | | | | | |||||||||||
Food and beverage |
37,411 | 28,982 | 29,095 | 29,238 | 27,653 | |||||||||||
Hotel |
8,536 | 7,891 | 8,020 | 7,866 | 7,489 | |||||||||||
Other |
9,348 | 7,290 | 7,279 | 7,764 | 7,219 | |||||||||||
Marketing and promotions |
21,982 | 17,740 | 18,724 | 18,743 | 20,007 | |||||||||||
General and administrative |
63,355 | 43,713 | 44,936 | 44,817 | 45,337 | |||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
28,643 | 17,031 | 17,651 | 19,780 | 22,440 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating expenses |
339,478 | 224,560 | 229,749 | 232,265 | 235,816 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loss on sale or disposition of property |
(84 | ) | (226 | ) | (198 | ) | (120 | ) | (266 | ) | ||||||
Acquisition charges(1) |
(7,411 | ) | (3,173 | ) | | | | |||||||||
Equity in income (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates(2) |
2,705 | 3,355 | (8,952 | ) | (3,695 | ) | (3,899 | ) | ||||||||
Impairment of investment in joint venture(3) |
| | | (33,066 | ) | | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Operating income (loss) |
17,555 | 22,582 | 15,841 | (13,074 | ) | 14,877 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other income (expense): |
||||||||||||||||
Interest income |
18 | 16 | 14 | 12 | 1 | |||||||||||
Interest expense |
(30,752 | ) | (15,681 | ) | (16,069 | ) | (18,457 | ) | (21,065 | ) | ||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt of unconsolidated affiliate |
| 11,980 | | | | |||||||||||
Gain on termination of supplemental executive retirement plan |
715 | | | | | |||||||||||
Loss on property donation |
| | (755 | ) | | | ||||||||||
(Loss) gain on early retirement of debt, net |
(90 | ) | | (22 | ) | 2,499 | | |||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total other expense |
(30,109 | ) | (3,685 | ) | (16,832 | ) | (15,946 | ) | (21,064 | ) | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income before income taxes |
(12,554 | ) | 18,897 | (991 | ) | (29,020 | ) | (6,187 | ) | |||||||
Provision for income taxes(4) |
(1,768 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income |
(14,322 | ) | 18,897 | (991 | ) | (29,020 | ) | (6,187 | ) | |||||||
Less net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interest(5) |
(103 | ) | | | 4,807 | 183 | ||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net (loss) income attributable to the Company(5) |
$ | (14,425 | ) | $ | 18,897 | $ | (991 | ) | $ | (24,213 | ) | $ | (6,004 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Basic net income per common share |
$ | (0.48 | ) | $ | 0.81 | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (1.04 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Diluted net income per common share |
$ | (0.48 | ) | $ | 0.81 | $ | (0.04 | ) | $ | (1.04 | ) | $ | (0.26 | ) | ||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Other Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Net cash provided by (used in): |
||||||||||||||||
Operating activities |
$ | 33,879 | $ | 23,619 | $ | 28,366 | $ | 21,171 | $ | 25,216 | ||||||
Investing activities |
38,140 | (7,643 | ) | (21,832 | ) | (7,715 | ) | (8,422 | ) | |||||||
Financing activities |
(14,228 | ) | (11,466 | ) | (11,381 | ) | (31,439 | ) | 19 | |||||||
Capital expenditures |
10,564 | 7,413 | 9,181 | 7,889 | 8,270 | |||||||||||
Operating Data(6): |
||||||||||||||||
Number of hotel rooms(7) |
1,571 | 1,217 | 1,217 | 1,217 | 1,217 | |||||||||||
Average hotel occupancy rate(8) |
84.1 | % | 85.1 | % | 84.1 | % | 86.3 | % | 86.4 | % | ||||||
Number of slot machines(7) |
8,665 | 2,738 | 2,779 | 2,751 | 2,766 | |||||||||||
Number of table games(7) |
177 | 100 | 97 | 99 | 97 |
35
|
At December 31, | |||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | |||||||||||
Consolidated Balance Sheet Data: |
||||||||||||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 87,604 | $ | 29,813 | $ | 25,303 | $ | 30,150 | $ | 48,133 | ||||||
Total assets |
1,175,330 | 270,182 | 262,525 | 272,662 | 333,643 | |||||||||||
Total debt |
778,862 | 170,760 | 176,102 | 183,502 | 209,620 | |||||||||||
Stockholders' equity |
151,622 | 75,575 | 61,003 | 66,023 | 95,905 |
Footnotes to Selected Consolidated Financial Data:
36
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.
Eldorado Resorts, Inc. ("ERI" or the "Company"), a Nevada corporation, was formed in September 2014 to be the parent company following the merger of wholly owned subsidiaries of the Company into Eldorado HoldCo LLC ("HoldCo"), a Nevada limited liability company formed in 2009 that is the parent company of Eldorado Resorts LLC ("Resorts"), and MTR Gaming Group, Inc. ("MTR Gaming"), a Delaware corporation incorporated in 1988 (the "Merger"). Effective upon the consummation of the Merger on September 19, 2014 (the "Merger Date"), MTR Gaming and HoldCo each became a wholly owned subsidiary of ERI and, as a result of such transactions, Resorts became an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of ERI.
Resorts owns and operates Eldorado Shreveport, a hotel and riverboat gaming complex that includes a 403-room, all suite, art deco-style hotel and a tri-level riverboat dockside casino situated on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana ("Eldorado Shreveport") and the Eldorado Reno, a premier hotel, casino and entertainment facility in Reno, Nevada ("Eldorado Reno"). Resorts owns the Eldorado Shreveport indirectly through two wholly owned subsidiaries which own 100% of the partnership interests in the Eldorado Shreveport Joint Venture, a Louisiana general partnership ("Louisiana Partnership"). In addition, Resorts owns a 48.1% interest in a joint venture ("Silver Legacy Joint Venture") which owns the Silver Legacy Resort Casino ("Silver Legacy"), a major, themed hotel/casino connected via a skywalk to the Eldorado Reno. Resorts also previously owned a 21.3% interest in Tamarack Junction, a small casino in south Reno. On September 1, 2014, and as a condition to closing the Merger, Resorts distributed to HoldCo, and HoldCo subsequently distributed to its members on a pro rata basis, all of Resorts' interest in Tamarack. The distribution resulted in no gain or loss being recognized in the accompanying consolidated financial statements because the distribution was in the amount of $5.5 million which was the book value of Tamarack.
MTR Gaming operates as a hospitality and gaming company with racetrack, gaming and hotel properties in West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Ohio. MTR Gaming, through its wholly owned subsidiaries, owns and operates Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, West Virginia ("Mountaineer"), Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania ("Presque Isle Downs"), and Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. Scioto Downs, through its subsidiary RacelineBet, Inc., also operates Racelinebet.com, a national account wagering service that offers online and telephone wagering on horse races as a marketing affiliate of TwinSpires.com, an affiliate of Churchill Downs, Inc.
ERI, HoldCo and MTR Gaming are collectively referred to as "we," "us," "our" or the "Company." The Merger closed on the Merger Date and has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition of MTR Gaming by HoldCo under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. As a result, HoldCo is considered the acquirer of MTR Gaming for accounting purposes. The financial information included in this Item 7 for periods prior to the Merger Date are those of Resorts and its subsidiaries. The presentation of information herein for periods prior to the Merger Date and after the Merger Date are not fully comparable because the results of operations for MTR Gaming are not included for periods prior to the Merger Date. Summary financial results of MTR Gaming for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 are included in MTR Gaming's Annual Report on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to provide information to assist in better understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. We recommend that you read this MD&A in conjunction with our audited consolidated financial statements and the notes to those statements included in this Annual Report.
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Significant Factors Impacting Operating Trends
Key Performance Metrics
Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers visiting and staying at our properties. Key performance metrics include volume indicators such as table games drop and slot handle, which refer to amounts wagered by our customers. The amount of volume we retain, which is not fully controllable by us, is recognized as casino revenues and is referred to as our win or hold. In addition, hotel occupancy and price per room designated by average daily rate ("ADR") are key indicators for our hotel business. Our calculation of ADR consists of the average price of occupied rooms per day including the impact of complimentary rooms. Complimentary room rates are determined based on an analysis of retail or cash rates for each customer segment and each type of room product to estimate complimentary rates which are consistent with retail rates. Complimentary rates are reviewed at least annually and on an interim basis if there are significant changes in market conditions. Complimentary rooms are treated as occupied rooms in our calculation of hotel occupancy.
Economic Impact
The economic downturn and the uneven recovery from the downturn continue to adversely influence consumers' confidence, discretionary spending levels and travel patterns. High unemployment and the record number of home foreclosures experienced in the economic downturn, increased competition and volatility of the economy have had, and continue to have, a significant negative impact on the gaming and tourism industries, and, as a result, our operating performance over the past several years. In response to the impact of the economic down turn, increased competition and other market factors on our business, our management has implemented cost savings measures and will continue to review our operations to look for opportunities to further reduce expenses and maximize cash flows. While there has been some improvement in the economy, we believe the impact of the economic downturn and the continuing uneven recovery may continue to negatively affect our operating results for some period of time. We remain uncertain as to the duration and magnitude of the impact of such factors on our operations and the length and sustainability of the recovery from the economic downturn.
Expansion of Native American Gaming and Regional Gaming
Our business has been adversely impacted by the expansion of Native American gaming and the expansion of gaming in our markets, including Ohio. Future growth of Native American and other gaming establishments, including the addition of hotel rooms and other amenities, would place additional competitive pressure on our operations. While we cannot predict the extent of any future impact, it could be significant.
Eldorado Reno. A significant portion of our revenues and operating income are generated from patrons who are residents of northern California and northeastern Texas, and as such, our operations have been adversely impacted by the growth in Native American gaming in northern California and, to a lesser extent, in Oklahoma.
Many existing Native American gaming facilities in northern California are modest compared to Eldorado Reno. However, a number of Native American tribes have established large-scale gaming facilities in California and some Native American tribes have announced that they are in the process of expanding, developing, or are considering establishing, large-scale hotel and gaming facilities in northern California. As northern California Native American gaming operations have expanded, we believe the increasing competition generated by these gaming operations has had a negative impact, principally on drive-in, day-trip visitor traffic from our main feeder markets in northern California.
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Under their current compacts, most Native American tribes in California may operate up to 2,000 slot machines and up to two gaming facilities on any one reservation. However, under action taken by the National Indian Gaming Commission, gaming devices similar in appearance to slot machines, but which are deemed to be technological enhancements to bingo style gaming, are not subject to such limits and may be used by tribes without state permission. The number of slot machines the tribes may be allowed to operate could increase as a result of any new or amended compacts the tribes may enter into with the State of California that receive the requisite approvals. Such increases have occurred with respect to a number of new or amended compacts which have been executed and approved.
Eldorado Shreveport. Casino gaming is currently prohibited in several jurisdictions from which the Shreveport/Bossier City market draws customers, primarily Texas. Although casino gaming is currently not permitted in Texas, the Texas legislature has from time to time considered proposals to authorize casino gaming and there can be no assurance that casino gaming will not be approved in Texas in the future, which would have a material adverse effect on our business. Eldorado Shreveport competes with several Native American casinos located in Oklahoma, certain of which are located near our core Texas markets. Because we draw a significant amount of our customers from the Dallas/Fort Worth area, but are located approximately 190 miles from that area, we believe we will continue to face increased competition from gaming operations in Oklahoma, including the WinStar and Choctaw casinos, and would face significant competition that may have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations if casino gaming is approved in Texas. In June 2013, construction was completed on a new 30,000 square foot casino and 400-room hotel in Bossier City across the Red River from Eldorado Shreveport. The facility, which also includes several restaurants and a 1,000-seat entertainment arena, received final approval from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and opened on June 15, 2013. In December 2014, a new luxury, land-based casino with 1,600 slot machines, 72 gaming tables, a poker room, and a 740-room hotel with a ballroom and spa, opened in Lake Charles, Louisiana approximately 200 miles south of Eldorado Shreveport, but closer to the Houston, Texas market. In addition, a new 320,000 square foot gaming facility located in Sonoma County, California opened on November 5, 2013.
MTR Gaming. All of MTR Gaming's properties experience varying competitive pressures, from casinos in western Pennsylvania, western New York, northern West Virginia and eastern Ohio. We believe the expansion of gaming in Ohio, which includes casinos that opened in Cleveland in May 2012 and Columbus in October 2012 and additional casinos in Cincinnati and Toledo, as well as the installation of VLTs at existing horse race tracks near Cleveland, one of which opened in April 2013 and the other in December 2013 and the relocation of a racetrack to Austintown, Ohio in 2014, has had and will continue to have a negative impact on our results of operations at all our properties and such impact may be material. We intend to be proactive in our efforts to mitigate the effects of such competition, which include expanding marketing initiatives and proactively managing our cost structures at our properties.
Major Bowling Tournaments in the Reno Market
The National Bowling Stadium, located one block from Eldorado Reno, is one of the largest bowling complexes in North America and has been selected to host multi-month tournaments in Reno every year through 2018 except for 2017. It has also been selected to host ten United States Bowling Congress ("USBC") tournaments from 2019 through 2026. During this period, two of the ten USBC Tournaments may be held in the same year. Through a one-time agreement, the National Bowling Stadium hosted the USBC Open Tournament in Reno in 2014; usually an off-year for Reno. Historically, these multi-month bowling tournaments have attracted a significant number of visitors to the Reno market and have benefited business in the downtown area, including Eldorado Reno. The USBC Tournaments brought approximately 73,000 bowlers to the Reno area during the 2013 tournament period which began on March 1st and continued through July 7th. Both tournaments
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returned to Reno in 2014 and brought approximately 62,000 bowlers to the Reno area during the 2014 tournament period which began on February 28th and continued through July 12th.
West Virginia Smoking Ban
On August 26, 2014, the Board of Health of Hancock County, West Virginia adopted and approved the Clean Air Regulation Act of 2014 ("Regulation"), which will be effective July 1, 2015. The Regulation, as currently adopted, will ban smoking in public places in Hancock County including at Mountaineer. We are continuing to evaluate the Regulation, its impact on our Mountaineer facility, and steps to become compliant with the Regulation upon its effective date. We expect that the Regulation will have a negative impact on our business and results of operations at Mountaineer, and such impact may be material.
Year Ended December 31, 2014 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2013
The following table highlights the results of our operations (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Percent Change | |||||||||
|
2014 | 2013 | ||||||||
Net operating revenues |
$ | 361,823 | $ | 247,186 | 46.4 | % | ||||
Operating expenses |
339,478 | 224,560 | 51.2 | % | ||||||
Equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates |
2,705 | 3,355 | (19.4) | % | ||||||
Operating income |
17,555 | 22,582 | (22.3) | % | ||||||
Net (loss) income |
(14,322 | ) | 18,897 | (175.8) | % |
Net Operating Revenues. MTR Gaming contributed $124.2 million of net operating revenues for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014 consisting primarily of casino revenues. Including the incremental MTR Gaming revenues, net operating revenues increased 46.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Excluding incremental MTR Gaming revenues of $124.2 million, consolidated net operating revenues decreased 3.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year as both Eldorado Reno and Eldorado Shreveport experienced declines in all components of operating revenues.
Equity in Income of Unconsolidated Affiliates. Income from our unconsolidated affiliate, the Silver Legacy Joint Venture and our former unconsolidated affiliate, Tamarack, decreased $ 0.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Our equity in the income of the Silver Legacy Joint Venture for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013 amounted to $2.0 million and $2.3 million, respectively. Equity in the income of Tamarack for the year ended December 31, 2014, prior to its disposition on September 1, 2014, amounted to $0.7 million compared to $1.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Operating Income and Net (Loss) Income. Consolidated operating income and net (loss) income includes operating income and a net loss of $17.6 million and $14.3. million, respectively, attributable to MTR Gaming for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014.
For the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, operating income, excluding operating income attributable to MTR Gaming, decreased $12.0 million primarily due to declines in departmental operating margins, increased general and administrative payroll and professional services associated with the Merger, and a decline in equity income of unconsolidated affiliates. Operating income was also impacted by an increase in acquisition charges of $3.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Net (loss) income decreased $24.1 million during the
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year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to the same factors negatively impacting operating income, combined with the absence of a $12.0 million gain in 2013 for the extinguishment of debt of Silver Legacy and a tax provision of $1.1 million. This decrease during the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 2013 was partially offset by a $0.7 million gain resulting from the termination of Silver Legacy's supplemental executive retirement plan and a $0.2 million decrease in interest expense.
The following table highlights our sources of net operating revenues (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | Percent | |||||||
Casino: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
$ | 61,946 | $ | 63,002 | (1.7) | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
123,228 | 129,377 | (4.8) | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
113,674 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
298,848 | 192,379 | 55.3 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Pari-mutuel commissionsMTR Gaming |
1,986 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Food and beverage: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
33,500 | 34,307 | (2.4) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
25,624 | 26,249 | (2.4) | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
9,109 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
68,233 | 60,556 | 12.7 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Hotel: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
18,149 | 18,287 | (0.8) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
8,498 | 8,647 | (1.7) | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
1,360 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
28,007 | 26,934 | 4.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
5,976 | 6,832 | (12.5) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
3,264 | 3,552 | (8.1) | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
3,958 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
13,198 | 10,384 | 27.1 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Promotional allowances: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
(15,876 | ) | (15,737 | ) | 0.9 | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
(26,654 | ) | (27,330 | ) | (2.5) | % | ||||
MTR Gaming |
(5,919 | ) | | (100.0) | % | |||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(48,449 | ) | (43,067 | ) | 12.5 | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Casino Revenues. MTR Gaming contributed $113.6 million of casino revenues for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014 consisting primarily of net win from slot operations, table games and poker. As a result, consolidated casino revenues increased 55.3% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Consolidated casino revenues, excluding MTR Gaming revenues, decreased 4.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. The decrease in casino revenues at Eldorado Reno of 1.7% was primarily due to decreases in slot handle and table games credit drop. Casino
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revenues decreased 4.8% at Eldorado Shreveport for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to lower slot handle while the slot hold percentage remained constant. The decrease in casino revenues associated with the decline in slot volume was partially offset by an increase in table games revenues resulting from an increase in the table games hold percentage, which more than offset a decrease in table games drop for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. The results of operations of Eldorado Shreveport have also been negatively impacted by the addition of a new competitor in the Shreveport/Bossier City market in June of 2013 that reduced the market share of all of the other casino operators in the market for the year ended December 31, 2014, including Eldorado Shreveport.
Pari-mutuel Commissions. MTR Gaming contributed $2.0 million of pari-mutuel commissions for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014.
Food and Beverage Revenues. MTR Gaming contributed $9.1 million of food and beverage revenues for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated food and beverage revenues increased 12.7% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Consolidated food and beverage revenues, excluding MTR Gaming revenues, decreased 2.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to declines in food and beverage revenues of 2.4% at both Eldorado Reno and Eldorado Shreveport. Food revenues at Eldorado Reno remained flat for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Declines in customer counts of 2.5% were offset by an increase in the average check as a result of selective price increases in Eldorado Reno's restaurants. Beverage revenues decreased primarily due to lower complimentary sales and the closure of the BuBinga nightclub in May 2014. The decline in food and beverage revenues at Eldorado Shreveport for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year was primarily due to the decrease in customer volume as evidenced by a 1.7% decline in customer counts.
Hotel Revenues. MTR Gaming contributed $1.4 million of hotel revenues for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014 and consolidated hotel revenues increased 4.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Consolidated hotel revenues, excluding MTR Gaming, decreased 1.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Hotel revenues at Eldorado Reno decreased 0.8% due to declines in hotel occupancy to 82.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 from 82.9% for the year ended December 31, 2013. These declines were partially offset by growth in hotel revenues associated with an increase in our resort fee from $6 to $8 in August of 2013 resulting in a higher ADR which rose to $72.57 for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $72.17 during the prior year. Hotel revenues at Eldorado Shreveport decreased 1.7% due to a decline in the ADR to $64.50 during the year ended December 31, 2014 from $65.72 during 2013, which more than offset the slight increase in occupancy to 89.6% during 2014 from 89.4% during 2013.
Other Revenues. Other revenues are comprised of revenues generated by our retail outlets, entertainment venues and other miscellaneous items. MTR Gaming contributed $4.0 million of other revenues for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated other revenues increased 27.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Consolidated other revenues, excluding MTR Gaming, decreased 11.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Other revenues at Eldorado Reno decreased 12.5% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year primarily due to declines in entertainment revenues associated with lower attendance at the Eldorado Reno theater, and to a lesser extent, decreased retail revenues. Other revenues decreased 8.1% at Eldorado Shreveport for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to lower ATM commission revenues and retail sales which were partially offset by improved spa revenues.
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Promotional Allowances. Consolidated promotional allowances, expressed as a percentage of casino revenues, decreased to 16.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to 22.4% for the prior year; however, the total consolidated promotional allowances incurred increased 12.5%. MTR Gaming's promotional allowances represented 5.2% of its casino revenues for the period after the Merger. Promotional allowances at Eldorado Reno increased slightly for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year reflecting an increase in our casino direct mail program. Promotional allowances decreased 2.5% at Eldorado Shreveport in association with the 4.8% decrease in casino revenues. Management actively reviews the effectiveness of its promotions and direct mail programs to expand successful promotions while eliminating or reducing less profitable promotions. Promotional activities reflect our efforts to maintain the Eldorado's share of the gaming markets in which it operates in an effort to mitigate the impact of increasing competition.
Operating Expenses
The following table highlights our operating expenses (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | Percent | |||||||
Casino: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
$ | 27,840 | $ | 28,339 | (1.8) | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
72,151 | 73,574 | (1.9) | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
67,801 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
167,792 | 101,913 | 64.6 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Pari-mutuel commissionsMTR Gaming |
2,411 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Food and beverage: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
23,460 | 23,485 | (0.1) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
5,622 | 5,497 | 2.3 | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
8,329 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
37,411 | 28,982 | 29.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Hotel: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
6,474 | 6,725 | (3.7) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
1,192 | 1,166 | 2.6 | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
870 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
8,536 | 7,891 | 8.2 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
5,752 | 5,791 | (0.7) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
1,503 | 1,499 | 0.3 | % | ||||||
MTR Gaming |
2,093 | | 100.0 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
9,348 | 7,290 | 28.2 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Marketing and promotions |
21,982 | 17,740 | 23.9 | % | ||||||
General and administrative |
62,905 | 43,113 | 45.9 | % | ||||||
Management fee |
450 | 600 | (25.0) | % | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
28,643 | 17,031 | 68.2 | % |
Casino Expenses. MTR Gaming contributed $67.8 million of casino expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated casino expenses increased 64.6% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
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Casino expenses at Eldorado Reno decreased 1.8% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to lower gaming taxes and declines in bad debt expense. Casino expenses at Eldorado Shreveport decreased 1.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of lower gaming taxes and payroll costs reflecting the decrease in visitor volume.
Pari-mutuel Expense. MTR Gaming contributed $2.4 million of pari-mutuel expense for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014.
Food and Beverage Expenses. MTR Gaming contributed $8.3 million of food and beverage expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated food and beverage expenses increased 29.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
For the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, food and beverage expenses at Eldorado Reno remained flat despite a decrease of 2.4% in food and beverage revenues. Increases in food costs associated with higher product costs were offset by decreases in beverage costs in conjunction with lower beverage revenues associated with the closure of the BuBinga nightclub in May of 2014. Despite a 2.4% decrease in food and beverage revenues, food and beverage expenses increased slightly at Eldorado Shreveport for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to increased food costs related to quality improvements and the addition of new menu items.
Hotel Expenses. MTR Gaming contributed $0.9 million of hotel expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated hotel expenses increased 8.1% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Hotel expenses at Eldorado Reno decreased 3.7% reflecting the decrease in occupancy for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year in addition to decreased expenses associated with lower convention sales. For the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year, hotel expenses at Eldorado Shreveport increased slightly due to increases in payroll and benefits combined with higher supplies costs associated with improved amenities.
Other Expenses. MTR Gaming contributed $2.1 million of other expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated other expenses increased 28.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Other expenses at Eldorado Reno decreased slightly for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year despite a 12.5% decrease in other revenues. The higher proportion of expenses was due to fixed production and contract costs associated with the theater. Other expenses at Eldorado Shreveport did not change significantly despite an 8.1% decrease in other revenues due to higher retail costs, as a percentage of retail revenues.
Marketing and Promotions Expenses. MTR Gaming contributed $4.4 million of marketing and promotion expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated marketing and promotions expense increased 23.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Excluding MTR Gaming, marketing and promotional expenses did not change significantly for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
General and Administrative Expenses and Management Fees. MTR Gaming contributed $17.9 million of general and administrative expenses for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, consolidated general and administrative expenses increased 45.9% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Excluding MTR Gaming, general and administrative expenses increased 4.4% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year due to increases in professional services and additional payroll associated with the Merger in
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addition to higher property taxes and the absence of a sales tax refund received in the third quarter of 2013 at Eldorado Shreveport.
Historically, we have paid management fees to Recreational Enterprises, Inc. ("REI") and Hotel Casino Management, Inc. ("HCM"), affiliates of the Company. For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we paid $0.5 million and $0.6 million, respectively, in management fees to REI and HCM. Management fees were not paid subsequent to the consummation of the Merger. Subsequent to the consummation of the Merger, Donald L. Carano and Raymond J. Poncia received remuneration in the amount of $0.3 million and $0.2 million, respectively, for their services as consultants to ERI and its subsidiaries in lieu of the management fees previously paid under the terms of the Resorts' management agreement.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense. MTR Gaming contributed $12.3 million of depreciation expense for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. As a result, depreciation and amortization expense increased 68.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year. Depreciation expense decreased 4.0% for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year at Eldorado Reno and Eldorado Shreveport as more assets became fully depreciated.
For the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, we incurred $7.4 million and $3.2 million, respectively, in acquisition charges in connection with the Merger including $1.1 million contributed by MTR Gaming along with bonuses paid to several key executives in the amount of $2.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.
MTR Gaming contributed $15.3 million of interest expense for the period from the Merger Date through December 31, 2014. This incremental expense offset a $0.2 million decline in Resorts' interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year period due to a reduction in the balance outstanding under Resorts' credit facility which matured May 30, 2014 and was not renewed.
Year Ended December 31, 2013 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2012
The following table highlights the results of our operations (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Percent Change | |||||||||
|
2013 | 2012 | ||||||||
Net operating revenues |
$ | 247,186 | $ | 254,740 | (3.0) | % | ||||
Operating expenses |
224,560 | 229,749 | (2.3) | % | ||||||
Equity in income (losses) of unconsolidated affiliates |
3,355 | (8,952 | ) | 137.5 | % | |||||
Operating income |
22,582 | 15,841 | 42.6 | % | ||||||
Net income (loss) |
18,897 | (991 | ) | 2,006.9 | % |
Net Operating Revenues. Net operating revenues decreased 3.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of decreases in casino revenues and increases in promotional activities at both Eldorado Shreveport and Eldorado Reno. In addition, decreases in hotel and other revenues at Eldorado Shreveport were only partially offset by increases in food and beverage revenues at both facilities and in hotel and other revenues at Eldorado Reno. As more fully explained below, the decrease in casino revenues at Eldorado Reno resulted primarily from a decrease in the
45
table games hold percentage. The decrease in casino revenues at Eldorado Shreveport primarily reflects reductions in slot machine wagering in 2013 compared to the prior year.
Operating Expenses. Operating expenses decreased 2.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of decreases in casino expenses reflecting the decline in the associated revenues at both Eldorado Shreveport and Eldorado Reno. Also contributing to the decrease were reductions in selling, general and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization.
Equity in Income (Losses) of Unconsolidated Affiliates. Income from the Company's unconsolidated affiliates, the Silver Legacy and Tamarack, increased approximately $12.3 million for year ended December 31, 2013 to the prior year. Following its reorganization, equity in the income of the Silver Legacy for 2013 amounted to $2.3 million compared with a loss of $9.7 million in 2012. Equity in the income of Tamarack for the year ended December 31, 2013 increased by $0.4 million due to an increase in Tamarack's net operating revenues.
Operating Income and Net Income (Loss). During 2013, we experienced an increase in operating income of $6.7 million compared to the prior year due primarily to the $12.3 million improvement in our equity in income of unconsolidated affiliates. Operating margins decreased during 2013 as consolidated net operating revenues decreased approximately $2.4 million more than the decrease in consolidated operating expenses. Also offsetting the improvement from our unconsolidated affiliates were $3.2 million of acquisition charges incurred during 2013 in connection with the Merger. Net income increased approximately $19.9 million during 2013 compared to the prior year due to the factors positively impacting operating income previously noted combined with the recognition in 2013 of $12.0 million of gain on the extinguishment of debt of the Silver Legacy as a result of its reorganization, the absence of an $0.8 million loss on property donation incurred in the 2012 period and a $0.4 million reduction in interest expense.
46
The following table highlights our sources of net operating revenues (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | Percent | |||||||
Casino: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
$ | 63,002 | $ | 64,014 | (1.6) | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
129,377 | 136,278 | (5.1) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
192,379 | 200,292 | (4.0) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Food and beverage: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
34,307 | 33,210 | 3.3 | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
26,249 | 26,107 | 0.5 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
60,556 | 59,317 | 2.1 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Hotel: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
18,287 | 17,081 | 7.1 | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
8,647 | 9,122 | (5.2) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
26,934 | 26,203 | 2.8 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
6,832 | 6,667 | 2.5 | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
3,552 | 3,791 | (6.3) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
10,384 | 10,458 | (0.7) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Promotional allowances: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
(15,737 | ) | (14,882 | ) | (5.7) | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
(27,330 | ) | (26,648 | ) | (2.6) | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
(43,067 | ) | (41,530 | ) | (3.7) | % | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Casino Revenues. Consolidated casino revenues decreased 4.0% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year. The decrease in such revenues at Eldorado Reno of 1.6% was due to a decrease in the table games hold percentage during 2013 compared to 2012, in which we held higher than normal. This decrease in table games revenue was partially offset by an increase in slot revenue for the year ended December 31, 2013. Casino revenues at Eldorado Shreveport decreased in 2013 by 5.1% compared to 2012 due primarily to a decrease in slot handle. Table game revenues at Eldorado Shreveport did not change significantly in 2013 compared to the prior year.
Food and Beverage Revenues. Consolidated food and beverage revenues increased by 2.1% for the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to the prior year. Food and beverage revenues at Eldorado Reno increased 3.3% in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to an increase in the average check price as a result of selective price increases in our restaurants along with a 0.8% increase in customer counts. Food and beverage revenues increased by 0.5% at Eldorado Shreveport in 2013 compared to 2012 primarily due to an increase in the average food revenue per customer resulting from selective increases in menu prices.
Hotel Revenues. Consolidated hotel revenues increased 2.8% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year. Hotel revenues at Eldorado Reno increased by 7.1% due to an increased hotel occupancy rate of approximately 82.9% in 2013 compared to 80.6% in 2012 and an increased hotel ADR of $72.17 in 2013 compared to $68.81 in 2012. Other hotel revenues at Eldorado Reno increased as we increased our resort fee in August 2013. Hotel revenues at Eldorado Shreveport
47
decreased by 5.2% due to a decline in the occupancy rate to 89.4% in 2013 from 91.1% in 2012 and a decrease in the ADR to $66.00 in 2013 from $68.00 in 2012. Hotel room capacity in the Shreveport/Bossier City market increased during June 2013 with the opening of a 400-room hotel across the Red River from Eldorado Shreveport.
Other Revenues. Other revenues are comprised of revenues generated by our retail outlets, entertainment venues and other miscellaneous items. Other revenues at Eldorado Reno increased 2.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year due to an increase in retail sales. Other revenues decreased by 6.3% at Eldorado Shreveport during 2013 compared to 2012 due to lower ATM commission revenues and retail sales and to the absence of rental revenue from certain retail space located across the street from Eldorado Shreveport which we donated to the City of Shreveport during the third quarter of 2012.
Promotional Allowances. Consolidated promotional allowances, as a percentage of casino revenues, increased to 22.4% in for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to 20.7% for the year ended December 31, 2012. Such costs at Eldorado Reno increased 5.7%, whereas such costs increased 2.6% at Eldorado Shreveport. Management actively reviews the effectiveness of its promotions and direct mail programs to expand successful promotions while eliminating or reducing less profitable promotions. Promotional activities at Eldorado Shreveport reflect, in part, our efforts to maintain our property's share of the overall Shreveport/Bossier City gaming market, which added a new competitor during June 2013.
Operating Expenses
The following table highlights our operating expenses (dollars in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, |
|
||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2013 | 2012 | Percent | |||||||
Casino: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
$ | 28,339 | $ | 28,061 | 1.0 | % | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
73,574 | 75,983 | (3.2) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
101,913 | 104,044 | (2.0) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Food and beverage: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
23,485 | 22,992 | 2.1 | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
5,497 | 6,103 | (9.9) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
28,982 | 29,095 | (0.4) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Hotel: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
6,725 | 6,749 | (0.4) | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
1,166 | 1,271 | (8.3) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
7,891 | 8,020 | (1.6) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Other: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
5,791 | 5,572 | 3.9 | % | ||||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
1,499 | 1,707 | (12.2) | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
7,290 | 7,279 | 0.2 | % | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Marketing and promotions |
17,740 | 18,724 | (5.3) | % | ||||||
General and administrative |
43,113 | 44,336 | (2.8) | % | ||||||
Management fee |
600 | 600 | | % | ||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
17,031 | 17,651 | (3.5) | % |
48
Casino Expenses. Casino expenses at Eldorado Reno increased 1.0% during the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year primarily due to an increase in bad debt expense and increased promotional allowances related to the cost of rooms, food and retail complimentaries allocated to the casino department. Casino expenses at Eldorado Shreveport decreased during 2013 compared to 2012 as a result of lower gaming taxes.
Food and Beverage Expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2013, food and beverage expenses at Eldorado Reno increased 2.1% compared to the prior year due to increases in food and beverage cost of sales and direct payroll associated with the aforementioned increased revenues. Food and beverage expenses decreased 9.9% at Eldorado Shreveport during 2013 compared to 2012 despite an insignificant increase in the associated revenues due primarily to reductions in food and beverage cost of goods sold and in labor and overhead charges as a result of management's cost control efforts.
Hotel Expenses. Hotel expenses at Eldorado Reno did not change significantly for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year despite a 7.1% increase in the associated revenues as increased direct payroll associated with the higher occupancy levels was offset by lower group insurance costs and decreased maintenance expenses as a result of our hotel remodel. For the year ended December 31, 2013, hotel expenses at Eldorado Shreveport decreased 8.3% compared to 2012 due to decreases in payroll expenditures associated with the lower occupancy levels as reflected by the decrease in its occupancy percentage from 91.1% in 2012 to 89.4% in 2013.
Other Expenses. Other expenses increased 3.9% at Eldorado Reno for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year primarily as a result of increased retail cost of sales associated with the aforementioned increased revenues, higher credit card discounts and increased show production costs in our theatre. Other expenses at Eldorado Shreveport decreased $0.2 million, or 12.2%, for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year primarily due to decreases in cost of goods sold associated with reduced retail sales and reduced labor and overhead charges due to management's cost control efforts.
Marketing and Promotions Expenses. Marketing and promotions expenses decreased 5.3% for the year ended December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year due to efforts to strategically reduce promotional marketing and special events costs at both Eldorado Reno and Shreveport.
General and Administrative Expenses and Management Fees. For the year ended December 31, 2013, as compared to the prior year, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased primarily due to Eldorado Shreveport experiencing decreases in professional fees and real property taxes.
We have paid management fees to REI and HCM, affiliates of the Company. In each of the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, we paid an aggregate of $0.6 million in management fees to REI and HCM.
Depreciation and Amortization Expense. Depreciation expense decreased $0.6 million, or 3.5%, during 2013 as compared to 2012 as more assets became fully depreciated.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we incurred $3.2 million in acquisition charges in connection with the Merger.
For the year ended December 31, 2013, interest expense decreased by approximately $0.4 million, or 2.4% compared to the prior year, due to principal reductions in our long-term debt obligations.
49
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt of Unconsolidated Affiliate
For the year ended December 31, 2013, we recognized $12.0 million of gain on extinguishment of debt of Silver Legacy, an unconsolidated affiliate, as a result of its reorganization.
For the year ended December 31, 2012, Eldorado Shreveport donated certain of its property with an appraised value of approximately $2.0 million to the City of Shreveport. The property had a recorded net value of $0.8 million, which was written off in connection with the donation.
Loss on Early Retirement of Debt
During the third quarter of 2012, we purchased and retired $2.0 million principal amount of our 8.625% Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2019 (the "Senior Secured Notes") utilizing available excess cash. The total purchase price of the Senior Secured Notes was $2.0 million plus accrued interest which, after the write off of the associated bond offering costs of $0.1 million, resulted in a net loss on early retirement of debt in the amount of $22,000.
Supplemental Unaudited Presentation of Consolidated Adjusted Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization ("EBITDA") for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012
Adjusted EBITDA (defined below), a non GAAP financial measure, has been presented as a supplemental disclosure because it is a widely used measure of performance and basis for valuation of companies in our industry and we believe that this non GAAP supplemental information will be helpful in understanding the Company's ongoing operating results. Adjusted EBITDA represents (losses) earnings before interest expense (income), income tax expense (benefit), depreciation and amortization, (loss) gain on the sale or disposal of property, loss on property donation, other regulatory gaming assessment costs, loss on asset impairment, project opening costs, acquisition/strategic transaction costs, loss (gain) on modification, early retirement or extinguishment of debt and equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliate, to the extent that such items existed in the periods presented. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with U.S. GAAP, is unaudited and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in Adjusted EBITDA include capital expenditures, interest payments, income taxes, debt principal repayments and certain regulatory gaming assessments, which can be significant. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. Other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do. The definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as the definitions used in any of our debt agreements.
50
The following table summarizes our net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for our operating segments for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, in addition to reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to net income (loss) in accordance with U.S. GAAP (unaudited, in thousands):
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
|
(unaudited) (dollars in thousands) |
|||||||||
Net Revenues: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno(1) |
$ | 103,695 | $ | 106,691 | $ | 106,090 | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport |
133,960 | 140,495 | 148,650 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Resorts Total Net Revenues |
237,655 | 247,186 | 254,740 | |||||||
MTR Gaming Group, Inc. |
476,045 | 497,791 | 486,989 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Total Net Revenues |
$ | 713,700 | $ | 744,977 | $ | 741,729 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA: |
||||||||||
Eldorado Reno |
$ | 8,000 | $ | 10,006 | $ | 9,605 | ||||
Eldorado Shreveport(1) |
24,142 | 29,651 | 33,037 | |||||||
Eldorado Corporate(2) |
(1,609 | ) | | | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Eldorado Total Adjusted EBITDA |
30,533 | 39,657 | 42,642 | |||||||
MTR Gaming Group, Inc.(3) |
87,449 | 98,658 | 96,233 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Combined Adjusted EBITDA(4) |
$ | 117,982 | $ | 138,315 | $ | 138,875 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Eldorado Reno: |
||||||||||
Net (loss) income attributable to the Company(1) |
$ | (8,655 | ) | $ | 8,971 | $ | (13,665 | ) | ||
Interest expense, net of interest income |
4,772 | 4,865 | 5,101 | |||||||
Provision for income taxes |
1,054 | | | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
7,951 | 8,318 | 9,215 | |||||||
Equity in (income) losses of unconsolidated affiliates |
(2,705 | ) | (3,355 | ) | 8,952 | |||||
Loss (gain) on sale or disposal of property |
| 14 | (4 | ) | ||||||
Gain on extinguishment of debt of unconsolidated affiliate |
(715 | ) | (11,980 | ) | | |||||
Acquisition charges |
6,298 | 3,173 | | |||||||
Loss on early retirement of debt, net |
| | 22 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted Eldorado Reno EBITDA |
$ | 8,000 | $ | 10,006 | $ | 9,605 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Eldorado Shreveport: |
||||||||||
Net income(1) |
$ | 5,001 | $ | 9,926 | $ | 12,690 | ||||
Interest expense, net of interest income |
10,654 | 10,800 | 10,954 | |||||||
Provision for income taxes |
| | | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
8,403 | 8,713 | 8,436 | |||||||
Loss on sale or disposal of property |
84 | 212 | 202 | |||||||
Loss on property donation |
| | 755 | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted Eldorado Shreveport EBITDA |
$ | 24,142 | $ | 29,651 | $ | 33,037 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
51
|
Year Ended December 31, | |||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2014 | 2013 | 2012 | |||||||
|
(unaudited) (dollars in thousands) |
|||||||||
Eldorado Corporate: |
||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (1,659 | ) | $ | | $ | | |||
Acquisition charges |
50 | | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted Eldorado Corporate EBITDA |
$ | (1,609 | ) | $ | | $ | | |||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
MTR Gaming Group, Inc.(3): |
||||||||||
Net loss |
$ | (25,292 | ) | $ | (9,131 | ) | $ | (5,724 | ) | |
Interest expense, net of interest income |
65,140 | 69,539 | 67,825 | |||||||
Provision for income taxes |
3,949 | 3,467 | 3,577 | |||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
34,520 | 30,458 | 27,511 | |||||||
Other regulatory gaming assessments |
175 | (78 | ) | 391 | ||||||
Project opening costs |
| | 2,705 | |||||||
Loss on extinguishment of debt |
90 | | | |||||||
Loss on sale or disposal of property |
184 | 38 | (52 | ) | ||||||
Strategic transaction costs |
8,683 | 4,365 | | |||||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted MTR Gaming Group, Inc. EBITDA |
$ | 87,449 | $ | 98,658 | $ | 96,233 | ||||
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Liquidity and Capital Resources
The primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have been existing cash, cash flow from operations and proceeds from the issuance of debt securities.
We expect that our primary capital requirements going forward will relate to the operation and maintenance of our properties and servicing our outstanding indebtedness. In 2015, we plan to spend approximately $29.2 million, net of reimbursements from West Virginia on qualified capital expenditures and approximately $79.0 million to pay interest on the Resorts Senior Secured Notes and MTR Second Lien Notes. We expect that cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital requirements and service our outstanding indebtedness for the foreseeable future; however, we cannot provide assurance that operating cash flows will be sufficient to do so and we cannot be sure that we will be able to refinance our outstanding debt prior to its maturity in 2019 on terms that we find acceptable, or at all.
At December 31, 2014, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $87.6 million, $60.7 million of which was held by MTR Gaming and $27.0 million of which was held by Resorts.
52
ERI is a holding company and its only significant assets are ownership interests in its subsidiaries, MTR Gaming and HoldCo. ERI's ability to fund its obligations depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to distribute or otherwise make funds available to ERI. The agreements governing the indebtedness of MTR Gaming limit MTR Gaming's ability to distribute or otherwise make funds available to ERI or HoldCo and its subsidiaries, including Resorts, and the agreements governing indebtedness of Resorts limit Resorts' ability to distribute or otherwise make funds available to ERI or MTR Gaming and its subsidiaries. The ability of MTR Gaming and Resorts to make funds available to ERI and each other will also depend on, among other things, their earnings, business and tax considerations and applicable law, including regulations of gaming and racing authorities and state laws regulating the payment of dividends and distributions. Such limitations could adversely impact the liquidity of ERI, MTR Gaming, HoldCo and their respective subsidiaries.
Operating Cash Flow. For the year ended December 31, 2014, we generated cash flows from operating activities of $33.9 million as compared to $23.6 million in the prior year. The increase in operating cash was primarily due to various changes in balance sheet accounts in conjunction with the Merger along with changes in the balance sheet accounts in the normal course of business. These changes were offset by the decline in net income, including the absence of Silver Legacy's gain on the early retirement of its debt for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to the prior year.
Investing Cash Flow. Net cash flows provided in investing activities totaled $38.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014 compared to $7.6 million used for the year ended December 31, 2013. Net cash flows provided in investing activities for 2014 primarily consisted of $53.1 million representing acquired cash, including restricted cash, associated with the Merger. This increase was partially offset by $10.6 million in capital expenditures for various renovation projects and equipment purchases.
Financing Cash Flow. Net cash flows used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2014 totaled $14.2 million compared to $11.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2013. Net repayments on our Resorts Secured Credit Facility (see below) amounted to $2.5 million compared to $5.0 million of debt payments during the year ended December 31, 2013. Other financing activity expenditures included distributions to our members totaling $0.6 million compared to $6.1 million during the prior year. During the year ended December 31, 2014, an increase in restricted cash of $3.2 million due to a decrease in funds related to horsemen's fines and simulcasting funds that are restricted to payments for improving horsemen's facilities and racing purses at Scioto Downs was offset by a decrease in restricted cash related to the return of $2.5 million of the $5.0 million cash collateral that Resorts previously provided as credit support for Silver Legacy's obligations under its credit agreement.
The repurchase of MTR Gaming common stock totaled $5.0 million and represented the amount paid in cash by HoldCo upon closing of the Merger. An additional $30.0 million of MTR Gaming common stock was purchased by MTR Gaming upon closing of the Merger and was reflected as a reduction of the net cash acquired under investing activities. Also during the year ended December 31, 2014, MTR Gaming used $11.0 million to repurchase $10.0 million in aggregate principal amount of MTR Senior Lien Notes at a price of $110.25 per $100 in principal amount of the purchased notes.
During the year ended December 31, 2014, additions to property and equipment, primarily slot machines, and other capital projects aggregated $10.6 million, which included $3.5 million at Eldorado Reno, $3.3 million at Eldorado Shreveport and $3.8 million at the MTR Gaming properties.
Under legislation approved by West Virginia in July 2011, Mountaineer participates in a modernization fund which provides for reimbursement from amounts paid to the West Virginia Lottery Commission in an amount equal to $1 for each $2 expended for certain qualifying capital expenditures
53
having a useful life of more than three years and placed into service after July 1, 2011. Qualifying capital expenditures include the purchase of slot machines and related equipment to the extent such slot machines are retained by Mountaineer at its West Virginia location for not less than five years. Any unexpended balance from a given fiscal year will be available for one additional fiscal year, after which time the remaining unused balance carried forward will be forfeited. For the period from the Merger Date to December 31, 2014, Mountaineer was reimbursed $1.4 million on qualified capital expenditures. As of December 31, 2014, Mountaineer remains eligible for approximately $5.8 million under annual modernization fund grants that expire in varying dates through June 30, 2016. We can make no assurances we will be able to make qualifying capital expenditures purchases sufficient to receive reimbursement of the available funds prior to their expiration.
We anticipate spending up to a total of approximately $32.7 million, or $29.2 after anticipated reimbursements from West Virginia on qualified capital expenditures of $3.5 million, on capital expenditures during 2015. Gross expenditures for 2015 are expected to include $12.1 million for facility improvements, information technology upgrades and related equipment; $7.7 million for development at Scioto Downs, including a new Brew Brothers branded restaurant and bar; $1.6 million for a hotel room remodel project at Eldorado Reno; $5.5 million for slot machines; $2.3 million on the racing related capital expenditures; and $3.5 million for other equipment and capital expenditures.
Silver Legacy Joint Venture Loan
Under the Plan of Reorganization, each of Eldorado Limited Liability Company ("ELLC") and Galleon retained its 50% interest in the Silver Legacy, but was required to advance $7.5 million to the Silver Legacy pursuant to a subordinated loan and provide credit support by depositing $5.0 million of cash into bank accounts that are subject to a security interest in favor of the lender under the Silver Legacy credit agreement. The $7.5 million note receivable from ELLC to the Silver Legacy was issued on November 16, 2012 with a stated interest rate of 5% per annum and a maturity date of May 16, 2018. Payment of any interest or principal under the loan is subordinate to the senior indebtedness of the Silver Legacy. Accrued interest under the loan will be added to the principal amount of the loan and may not be paid unless principal of the loan may be paid in compliance with the terms of the senior indebtedness outstanding or at maturity. In December 2014, Silver Legacy deposited $5.0 million of cash into a cash collateral account securing its obligations under its credit agreement, which reduced the credit support obligation of each of ELLC and Galleon to $2.5 million each and resulted in the return of $2.5 million of the $5.0 million of cash collateral that Resorts previously provided as credit support for Silver Legacy's obligations under its credit agreement.
Resorts' Debt Obligations
On June 1, 2011, Resorts issued $180 million of 8.625% Resorts Senior Secured Notes due June 15, 2019 (the "Resorts Senior Secured Notes"). Interest on the Resorts Senior Secured Notes is payable semiannually each June 15th and December 15th to holders of record on the preceding June 1st or December 1st, respectively.
The indenture relating to the Resorts Senior Secured Notes contains various restrictive covenants including, restricted payments and investments, additional liens, transactions with affiliates, covenants imposing limitations on additional debt, dispositions of property, mergers and similar transactions. As of December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the indenture relating to the Resorts Senior Secured Notes.
The Resorts Senior Secured Notes are unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, by all of Resorts' current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries other than Eldorado Capital Corp., an entity that was formed for the exclusive purpose of acting as co-issuer of debt issued by Resorts
54
(collectively, the "Guarantors"). The Silver Legacy Joint Venture is not a subsidiary and did not guarantee the Resorts Senior Secured Notes. The Resorts Senior Secured Notes are secured by a first priority security interest on substantially all of Resorts' current and future assets (other than certain excluded assets, including gaming licenses and Resorts' interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture). In addition, all of the membership interests in Resorts and equity interests in the Guarantors are subject to a pledge for the benefit of the holders of the Resorts Senior Secured Notes.
The Company may redeem some or all of the Resorts Senior Secured Notes prior to June 15, 2015 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a "make whole premium" together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. On or after June 15, 2015, Resorts may redeem the Resorts Senior Secured Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon:
Year beginning June 15,
|
Percentage | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 |
104.313 | % | ||
2016 |
102.156 | % | ||
2017 and thereafter |
100.000 | % |
On June 1, 2011, Resorts entered into a $30 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Resorts Secured Credit Facility") available until May 30, 2014 consisting of a $15 million term loan and a $15 million revolving credit facility. The term loan was repaid during the second quarter of 2014. At December 31, 2013, the outstanding principal amount under the term loan was $2.5 million. Resorts did not renew the Resorts Secured Credit Facility when it matured on May 30, 2014.
MTR Gaming's Debt Obligations
MTR Second Lien Notes. On August 1, 2011, MTR Gaming completed the offering of $565.0 in aggregate principal amount of senior secured second lien notes (the "MTR Second Lien Notes") due August 1, 2019 at an issue price equal to 97% of the aggregate principal amount of the MTR Second Lien Notes. The MTR Second Lien Notes mature on August 1, 2019, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year.
The MTR Second Lien Notes and the guarantees are senior secured obligations and are jointly and severally, fully, and unconditionally guaranteed by MTR Gaming's current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, other than MTR Gaming's immaterial subsidiaries. The MTR Second Lien Notes are secured by a second priority lien on substantially all of the assets of MTR Gaming and the guarantors, other than excluded property, as defined in the Senior Secured Second Lien Indenture. The MTR Second Lien Notes and the guarantees are effectively junior to any of MTR Gaming's and the guarantors' existing and future debt that is secured by senior or prior liens on the collateral to the extent of the value of the collateral securing such obligations.
The indenture governing the MTR Second Lien Notes contains a number of customary covenants, including limitations on restricted payments and investments, additional liens, transactions with affiliates, additional debt, dispositions of property, mergers and similar transactions, and events of default. In addition, if the consolidated total debt ratio of MTR Gaming is equal to or greater than 4.0 to 1.0 and such offer is permitted pursuant to the terms of MTR Gaming's credit facilities, MTR Gaming is required to repay debt under its credit facility or make an offer to purchase MTR Second Lien Notes with the excess cash flow amounts (as such term is defined in the indenture governing the MTR Second Lien Notes). As of December 31, 2014, MTR Gaming was in compliance with the covenants under the indenture relating to the MTR Second Lien Notes.
MTR Gaming may redeem some or all of the MTR Second Lien Notes prior to August 1, 2015 at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount thereof plus a "make whole premium" together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon. On or after August 1, 2015, MTR Gaming may redeem the
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MTR Second Lien Notes at the following redemption prices (expressed as a percentage of principal amount) plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon:
Year beginning June 15,
|
Percentage | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
2015 |
106.00 | % | ||
2016 |
103.00 | % | ||
2017 and thereafter |
100.00 | % |
In October 2014, MTR Gaming repurchased $10 million in aggregate principal amount of its 11.25% MTR Second Lien Notes, at a price of $110.25 per $100 in principal amount of the purchased notes. The repurchase resulted in a $1.2 million annual savings in interest expense. After giving effect to the repurchase of the bonds in October 2014, the annual interest expense on the MTR Second Lien Notes approximates $64.5 million. Additionally, annual amortization of the premium on the MTR Second Lien Notes is approximately $10.9 million.
Credit Facility. On August 1, 2011, MTR Gaming entered into a senior secured revolving credit facility (the "MTR Credit Facility") with a borrowing availability of $20.0 million and a maturity date of August 1, 2016. On December 5, 2014, MTR Gaming terminated the MTR Credit Facility. There were no borrowings outstanding under the Credit Facility at the time of its termination. MTR Gaming terminated the Credit Facility because it determined that it had sufficient capital resources to meet its expected liquidity needs without incurring borrowings under the Credit Facility. MTR Gaming did not incur any fees or penalties in connection with the termination of the Credit Facility.
The following table summarizes our estimated contractual payment obligations as of December 31, 2014 (in thousands):
|
Total | Less than 1 year |
1 - 3 years | 3 - 5 years | More than 5 years |
|||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
(in millions) |
|||||||||||||||
Contractual cash obligations: |
||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt obligations(1) |
$ | 728.7 | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | 728.7 | ||||||
Interest on indebtedness |
360.7 | 79.0 | 157.9 | 123.8 | | |||||||||||
Operating leases(2) |
30.3 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 1.9 | 23.5 | |||||||||||
Gaming tax and license fees(3) |
63.3 | 12.5 | 25.3 | 25.5 | See note(3 | ) | ||||||||||
Purchase and other contractual obligations |
0.8 | 0.7 | 0.1 | | | |||||||||||
Minimum purse obligations(4) |
20.0 | 20.0 | | | | |||||||||||
Contingent earn-out payments(5) |
0.9 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.4 | |||||||||||
Regulatory gaming assessments(6) |
4.5 | 0.4 | 1.0 | 1.2 | 1.9 | |||||||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Total |
$ | 1,209.2 | $ | 115.0 | $ | 187.1 | $ | 152.6 | $ | 754.5 | ||||||
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
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maintenance of the backside area of the racetrack with an amount of not less than $250,000 or more than $1 million annually for a five-year period beginning in 2017.
The table above excludes certain commitments as of December 31, 2014, for which the timing of expenditures associated with such commitments is unknown, or contractual agreements have not been executed, or the guaranteed maximum price for such contractual agreements has not been agreed upon.
The repayment of our long-term debt, which consists of indebtedness evidenced by the Resorts Senior Secured Notes and the MTR Second Lien Notes, is subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of an event of default under the indentures governing these obligations.
We routinely enter into operational contracts in the ordinary course of our business, including construction contracts for minor projects that are not material to our business or financial condition as a whole. Our commitments relating to these contracts are recognized as liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets when services are provided with respect to such contracts.
The Company does not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
We do not believe that inflation has had a significant impact on our revenues, results of operations or cash flows since inception.
The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board (the "PGCB"), the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and the Pennsylvania State Police (collectively "the Borrowers"), were required to fund the costs they incurred in connection with the initial development of the infrastructure to support gaming operations in Pennsylvania as well as the initial ongoing costs of the Borrowers. The initial funding of these costs was provided from a loan from the Pennsylvania General Fund in the amount of approximately $36.1 million, and further funding was provided from additional loans from the Pennsylvania Property Tax Reserve Fund in the aggregate amount of approximately $63.8 million.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue will assess all licensees, including Presque Isle Downs, their proportionate share of amounts represented by the borrowings, which are in the aggregate amount of $99.9 million, once the designated number of Pennsylvania's slot machine licensees is operational. On July 11, 2011, the PGCB issued an administrative order which established that payments associated with the $63.8 million that was borrowed from the Property Tax Reserve Fund would commence on January 1, 2012. The repayment allocation between all current licensees is based upon equal weighting of (i) cumulative gross slot revenue since inception in relation to the combined cumulative gross slot revenue for all licensees and (ii) single year gross slot revenue (during the state's fiscal year ending June 30) in relation to the combined single year gross slot revenue for all licensees; and amounts paid each year will be adjusted annually based upon changes in the licensee's proportionate share of gross slot revenue. We have estimated that our total proportionate share of the aggregate $63.8 million to be assessed to the gaming facilities will be approximately $4.2 million and will be paid quarterly over a ten-year period, which began effective January 1, 2012. For the $36.1 million that was borrowed from the General Fund, payment is scheduled to begin after all fourteen licensees are operational. Although we cannot determine when payment will begin, we have considered a similar repayment model for the General Fund borrowings and estimated that our total proportionate share of the aggregate $36.1 million to all fourteen gaming facilities will be approximately $2.2 million.
The recorded estimate is subject to revision based upon future changes in the revenue assumptions utilized to develop the estimate. Our estimated total obligation at December 31, 2014 is $5.0 million. The Company paid approximately $0.4 million during the year ended December 31, 2014.
We are faced with certain contingencies involving litigation and environmental remediation and compliance. These commitments and contingencies are discussed in greater detail in "Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings" and Note 15 to our consolidated financial statements, both of which are included elsewhere in this report. In addition, new competition may have a material adverse effect on our revenues, and could have a similar adverse effect on our liquidity. See "Part I, Item 1A. Risk FactorsRisks Related to Our Business" which is included elsewhere in this report.
Our significant accounting policies are included in Note 2 to our consolidated financial statements, which is included elsewhere in this report. These policies, along with the underlying assumptions and judgments made by our management in their application, have a significant impact on our consolidated financial statements. These judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty and actual results could differ from our estimates.
Business Combinations
The Company applied the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805, "Business Combinations", in the accounting for the Merger. It required us to recognize the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed at their acquisition date fair values. Goodwill as of the acquisition date was measured as the excess of consideration transferred over the net of the acquisition date fair values of the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed. While we used our best estimates and assumptions to accurately value assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date, our estimates were inherently uncertain and subject to refinement. As a result, during the measurement period, which may be up to one year from the acquisition date, we may record adjustments to the assets acquired and liabilities assumed with the corresponding offset to goodwill. Upon the final determination of the values of assets acquired or liabilities assumed any subsequent adjustments will be recorded in our consolidated statements of operations.
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Accounting for business combinations required our management to make significant estimates and assumptions, including our estimate of intangible assets, such as gaming licenses, trade names and customer loyalty programs. Although we believe the assumptions and estimates made have been reasonable and appropriate, they are inherently uncertain. For our gaming license valuation, our properties estimated future cash flows were the primary assumption in the respective intangible valuations. Cash flow estimates included assumptions regarding factors such as recent and budgeted operating performance, net win per unit (revenue), patron visits and growth percentages. The growth percentages were developed considering general macroeconomic conditions as well as competitive impacts from current and anticipated competition through a review of customer market data, operating margins, and current regulatory, social and economic climates. The most significant of the assumptions used in the valuations included: (1) revenue growth/decline percentages; (2) discount rates; (3) effective income tax rates; (4) future terminal values and (5) capital expenditure assumptions. These assumptions were developed for each of our properties based on historical trends in the current competitive markets in which they operate, and projections of future performance and competition. The primary assumptions with respect to our trade names and customer loyalty program intangibles primary assumptions were selecting the appropriate royalty rates and cost estimates for replacement cost analyses
In addition, uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances assumed in connection with a business combination are initially estimated as of the acquisition date. The Company will reevaluate these items quarterly based upon facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date with any adjustments to our preliminary estimates being recorded to goodwill if identified within the measurement period. Subsequent to the measurement period or our final determination of the tax allowance's or contingency's estimated value, whichever comes first, changes to these uncertain tax positions and tax related valuation allowances will affect our provision for income taxes in our consolidated statement of operations and could have material impact on our results of operations and financial position.
Accounting for Unconsolidated Affiliates
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. Investments in unconsolidated affiliates which are 50% or less owned and do not meet the consolidation criteria of ASC 810, "Consolidation" are accounted for under the equity method. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Certain amendments of ASC 810 became effective for us beginning January 1, 2010. Such amendments include changes to the quantitative approach to determine the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity ("VIE"). An enterprise must determine if its variable interest or interests give it a controlling financial interest in a VIE by evaluating whether 1) the enterprise has the power to direct activities of the VIE that have a significant effect on economic performance, and 2) the enterprise has an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. The amendments to ASC 810 also require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. The Company believes the adoption of these amendments did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.
The Company considers whether the fair values of any of its equity method investments have declined below their carrying value whenever adverse events or changes in circumstances indicate that recorded values may not be recoverable. If the Company considers any such decline to be other than temporary, then a write-down would be recorded to the estimated fair value. Estimated fair value is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis based on estimated future results of the investee and market indicators of terminal year capitalization rate. There were no impairments of the Company's equity method investments in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
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Revenue Recognition
Gaming revenues consist of the net win from gaming activities, which is the difference between amounts wagered and amounts paid to winning patrons, and is recognized at the time wagers are made net of winning payouts to patrons. Base and progressive jackpots are accrued and charged to revenue at the time the obligation to pay the jackpot is established. Pari-mutuel commissions consist of commissions earned from thoroughbred and harness racing, and importing of simulcast signals from other race tracks. Pari-mutuel commissions are recognized at the time wagers are made. Such commissions are a designated portion of the wagering handle as determined by state racing commissions, and are shown net of the taxes assessed by state and local agencies, as well as purses and other contractual amounts paid to horsemen associations. We recognize revenues from fees earned through the exporting of simulcast signals to other race tracks at the time wagers are made. Such fees are based upon a predetermined percentage of handle as contracted with the other race tracks. Revenues from food and beverage are recognized at the time of sale and revenues from lodging are recognized on the date of stay. Other revenues are recorded at the time services are rendered or merchandise sold. We offer certain promotional allowances to our customers, including complimentary lodging, food and beverage, and promotional credits for free play on slot machines. The retail value of these promotional items is shown as a reduction in total revenues on our consolidated statements of operations.
Income Taxes
The Company and its subsidiaries file US federal income tax returns and various state and local income tax returns. The Company does not have tax sharing agreements with the other members within the consolidated ERI group. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to US federal or state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2011.
The Company estimates an annual effective income tax rate based on projected results for the year and applies this rate to income before taxes to calculate income tax expense. Any refinements made due to subsequent information that affects the estimated annual effective income tax rate are reflected as adjustments in the current period. The income tax provision results in an effective tax rate that has an unusual relationship to the Company's pretax income (loss). This is due to the federal and state valuation allowances on the Company's deferred tax assets as discussed below.
The difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is attributed primarily to the federal and state valuation allowances on the Company's deferred tax assets as discussed below. As a result of the Company's net operating losses and net deferred tax asset position (after exclusion of certain deferred tax liabilities that generally cannot be offset against deferred tax assets, known as "Naked Credits"), the Company expects to continue to provide for a full valuation allowance against substantially all of the net federal and the net state deferred tax assets.
For income tax purposes the Company amortizes or depreciates certain assets that have been assigned an indefinite life for book purposes. The incremental amortization or depreciation deductions for income tax purposes result in an increase in certain deferred tax liabilities that cannot be used as a source of future taxable income for purposes of measuring the Company's need for a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets. Therefore, the Company expects to record non-cash deferred tax expense as the Company amortizes these assets for tax purposes.
Prior to the Merger Date, HoldCo was taxed as a partnership under the Internal Revenue Code pursuant to which income taxes were primarily the responsibility of the partners. ERI is a C Corporation subject to the federal and state corporate-level income taxes at prevailing corporate tax rates. While taxed as a partnership, HoldCo was not subject to federal income tax liability. Because holders of membership interests in HoldCo were required to include their respective shares of HoldCo's taxable income (including that of Resorts) in their individual income tax returns, distributions
60
were made to their respective member(s) to cover such tax liabilities. Such distributions were subject to limitation in accordance with the provisions of their respective operating agreements. Eldorado Shreveport #2, LLC has elected as a single member limited liability company to be taxed as a C Corporation. Current and deferred income taxes associated with Eldorado Shreveport #2, LLC were not material.
Under the applicable accounting standards, we may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more-likely-than-not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities based on the technical merits of the position. The tax benefits recognized in the financial statements from such a position should be measured based on the largest benefit that has a greater than 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. The accounting standards also provide guidance on de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties on income taxes, accounting in interim periods and disclosure requirements for uncertain tax positions. We have recorded no liability associated with uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2014 and 2013.
Property and Equipment and Other Long-Lived Assets
Property and equipment is recorded at cost, except for MTR which was adjusted for fair value under ASC 805, and is depreciated over its estimated useful life or lease term. Judgments are made in determining estimated useful lives and salvage values of these assets. The accuracy of these estimates affects the amount of depreciation expense recognized in our financial results and whether we have a gain or loss on the disposal of assets. We review depreciation estimates and methods as new events occur, more experience is acquired, and additional information is obtained that would possibly change our current estimates.
Property, equipment and other long-lived assets are assessed for impairment in accordance with ASC 360Property, Plant, and Equipment. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets periodically for impairment issues or, more frequently, whenever events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Recoverability of these assets is determined by comparing the net carrying value to the sum of the estimated future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by these assets. The amount of impairment loss, if any, is measured by the difference between the net carrying value and the estimated fair value of the asset which is typically measured using a discounted cash flow model (Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy). For assets to be disposed of, impairment is recognized based on the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs of disposal, as estimated based on comparable asset sales, offers received, or a discounted cash flow model. Based on the results of our periodic reviews we have not recorded any impairment losses during the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012.
For undeveloped properties, including non-operating real properties, when indicators of impairment are present, properties are evaluated for impairment and losses are recorded when undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by an asset or market comparisons are less than the asset's carrying amount. The amount of the impairment loss is calculated as the excess of the asset's carrying value over its fair value, which is determined using a discounted cash flow analysis, management estimates or market comparisons. The fair value measurements employed for our impairment evaluations, which are subject to the assumptions and factors as previously discussed, were generally based on a review of comparable activities in the marketplace, which falls within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy.
Goodwill and Other Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price paid over the fair value of the net assets of the acquired business. Intangible assets acquired in business combinations are recorded based upon their fair value at the date of acquisition. Goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets are
61
reviewed for impairment annually, during the fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset might be impaired.
Goodwill is tested by comparing the carrying value of the reporting unit to its fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of the reporting unit utilizing income and market approaches. The income approach is based on projected future cash flow that is discounted to present value using factors that consider the timing and risk of the future cash flows. The market approach is based on the Company's market capitalization at the testing date. The aggregate carrying value of the Company's goodwill approximated $66.8 million as of December 31, 2014. The Company did not have goodwill prior to the Merger Date.
Other indefinite-lived intangible assets are evaluated for impairment by comparing the fair value of the asset to its carrying value. Any excess of carrying value over the fair value is recognized as an impairment within the consolidated statement of operations in the period of review. Our indefinite-lived intangible assets consist of racing and gaming licenses, trade names and customer loyalty programs.
The gaming and racing licenses of each property were valued in aggregate for each respective property, as these licenses are considered to be the most significant asset of the properties and the gaming licenses could not be obtained without holding the racing licenses. Therefore, market participant would consider the licenses in aggregate. The fair value of the licenses is calculated using an excess earnings methodology, which is an income approach methodology that allocates the projected cash flows of the property to the gaming license intangible assets less charges for the use of the other identifiable assets of the property, including working capital, fixed assets, and other intangible assets. We believe this methodology is appropriate as the gaming licenses are the primary asset to the properties, the licenses are linked to each respective facility and it's the lowest level at which discrete cash flows can be directly attributable to the assets. Under the gaming legislation applicable to our properties, licenses are property specific and can only be acquired if a buyer acquires the existing facility. Because existing licenses may not be acquired and transferred for use at a different facility, the estimated future cash flows of each of our properties was the primary assumption in the valuation of such property. The aggregate carrying value of the Company's gaming license intangibles approximated $482.0 million as of December 31, 2014.
Assessing the indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment is a process that requires significant judgment and involves detailed quantitative and qualitative business-specific analysis and many individual assumptions which fluctuate between assessments. Our properties' estimated future cash flows are a primary assumption in the respective impairment analyses. Unforeseen events, changes in circumstances and market conditions and material differences in estimates of future cash flows could negatively affect the fair value of our assets and result in an impairment charge, which could be material. Cash flow estimates include assumptions regarding factors such as recent and budgeted operating performance, net win per unit (revenue), patron visits, growth percentages which are developed considering general macroeconomic conditions as well as competitive impacts from current and anticipated competition through a review of customer market data, operating margins, and current regulatory, social and economic climates. These estimates could also be negatively impacted by changes in federal, state, or local regulations, economic downturns or developments and other market conditions affecting travel and access to the properties. The most significant of the assumptions used in our valuations include: (1) revenue growth/decline percentages; (2) discount rates; (3) effective income tax rates; (4) future terminal values and (5) capital expenditure assumptions. These assumptions were developed for each property based on historical trends, the current competitive markets in which they operate, and projections of future performance and competition.
The Company values trade names using the relief-from-royalty method. Royalty rates range from 0.5% - 1.0%. The customer loyalty program was valued using a combination of a replacement cost and
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lost profits analysis. Trade names are amortized on a straight-line basis over a 3.5 year useful life and the customer loyalty program is being amortized on a straight-line basis over a one year useful life. The aggregate carrying value of trade names and customer loyalty program intangibles as of December 31, 2014 was approximately $6.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively.
We believe we have used reasonable estimates and assumptions to calculate the fair value of our other indefinite-lived intangible assets; however, these estimates and assumptions could be materially different from actual results. If actual market conditions are less favorable than those projected, or if events occur or circumstances change that would reduce the fair value of our licensing intangibles below the carrying value reflected on the consolidated balance sheet, we may be required to conduct an interim test or possibly recognize impairment charges, which may be material, in future periods.
No impairment charges were recorded for our other indefinite-lived intangible assets in any of the years presented.
Reserve for Uncollectible Accounts Receivable
We reserve an estimated amount for receivables that may not be collected. Methodologies for estimating bad debt reserves range from specific reserves to various percentages applied to aged receivables. Historical collection rates are considered, as are customer relationships, in determining specific reserves. As with many estimates, management must make judgments about potential actions by third parties in establishing and evaluating our reserves for bad debts.
Self-Insurance Reserves
Eldorado Reno and Eldorado Shreveport are self-insured for their group health programs and Eldorado Reno is self-insured for its workmen's compensation program. We utilize historical claims information provided by our third party administrators to make estimates for known pending claims as well as claims that have been incurred, but not reported as of the balance sheet date. In order to mitigate our potential exposure, we have an individual claim stop loss policy on our group health claims and a specific claim stop loss policy on our workmen's compensation claims. If we become aware of significant claims or material changes affecting our estimates, we would increase our reserves in the period in which we made such a determination and record the additional expense. At December 31, 2014 and 2013, $1.3 million was accrued for insurance and workmen's compensation medical claims reserves and is included in accrued and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.
Frequent Players Program
We offer programs whereby our participating patrons can accumulate points for wagering that can be redeemed for credits for free play on slot machines, lodging, food and beverage, merchandise and in limited situations, cash. Based upon the estimated redemptions of frequent player program points, an estimated liability is established for the cost of redemption on earned but unredeemed points. The estimated cost of redemption utilizes estimates and assumptions of the mix of the various product offerings for which the points will be redeemed and costs of such product offerings. Changes in the programs, membership levels and redemption patterns of our participating patrons can impact this liability. The aggregate outstanding liability for the frequent players program was $2.4 million and $2.0 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and is included as a component of other accrued liabilities in our accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
Litigation, Claims and Assessments
We utilize estimates for litigation, claims and assessments. These estimates are based on our knowledge and experience regarding current and past events, as well as assumptions about future events. If our assessment of such a matter should change, we may have to change the estimates, which
63
may have an adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Actual results could differ from these estimates.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-9, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2014-09"). The standard requires revenue to be recognized when promised goods or services are transferred to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration that is expected to be received for those goods and services. Qualitative and quantitative disclosures are also required regarding customer contracts, significant judgments and changes in judgments, and assets recognized from the costs to obtain or fulfill a contract. ASU 2014-09 supersedes and replaces nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under US GAAP. This accounting guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2014-09 on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial StatementsGoing Concern" (Subtopic 205-40) which amends the current guidance in ASC Topic 205 by adding Subtopic 40. Subtopic 40 requires management to evaluate whether there are conditions or events that in aggregate would raise substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern for one year from the date the financial statements are issued or available to be issued. If substantial doubt existed, management would be required to make certain disclosures related to nature of the substantial doubt and under certain circumstances, how that substantial doubt would be mitigated. This amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and for subsequent interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the effects, if any, adoption of this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.
In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-1, "Income StatementExtraordinary and Unusual Items" (Subtopic 225-20) which eliminates the concept of accounting of Extraordinary Items, previously defined as items that are both unusual and infrequent, which were reported as a separate item on the income statement, net of tax, after income from continuing operations. The elimination of this concept is intended to simplify accounting for unusual items and more closely align with international accounting practices. This amendment is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2015 and for subsequent interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. The Company believes that the effects, if any, of the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from variable rate long-term debt arrangements, of which there are none outstanding at December 31, 2014.
The Company evaluates its exposure to market risk by monitoring interest rates in the marketplace and has, on occasion, utilized derivative financial instruments to help manage this risk. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. There were no material quantitative changes in our market risk exposure, or how such risks are managed, for the year ended December 31, 2014.
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Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.
Our consolidated financial statements and notes to consolidated financial statements, including the report of Ernst & Young LLP thereon, are included at pages 74 through 121 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The Company has determined for the year ended December 31, 2013, the Silver Legacy Joint Venture met the conditions of a significant subsidiary under Rule 1-02(w) of Regulation S-X for which the Company, pursuant to Rule 3-09 of Regulation S-X, attached separate financial statements to this Annual Report on Form 10-K as Exhibit 99.2.
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure.
None.
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures.
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognizes that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily is required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.
Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Exchange Act) for Eldorado Resorts, Inc. and subsidiaries.
Our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K Annual Report (the "Evaluation Date"). They have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
Ernst & Young LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, which report follows below.
During the quarter ended December 31, 2014, there were no significant changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Eldorado Resorts, Inc.
We have audited Eldorado Resorts, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal ControlIntegrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework, the COSO criteria). Eldorado Resorts, Inc.'s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting included in the accompanying report of management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our opinion, Eldorado Resorts, Inc. maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014 based on the COSO criteria.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014 and our report dated March 16, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Las
Vegas, Nevada
March 16, 2015
66
Not applicable.
Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to our definitive Proxy Statement for our 2015 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (our "2015 Proxy Statement") to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2015, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Act.
We have adopted a code of ethics and business conduct applicable to all directors and employees, including the chief executive officer, chief financial officer and principal accounting officer. The code of ethics and business conduct is posted on our website, http://www.eldoradoresorts.com (accessible through the "Corporate Governance" caption of the Investor Relations page) and a printed copy will be delivered on request by writing to the corporate secretary at Eldorado Resorts, Inc., c/o corporate secretary, 100 West Liberty Street, Suite 1150, Reno, NV 89501. We intend to satisfy the disclosure requirement regarding certain amendments to, or waivers from, provisions of its code of ethics and business conduct by posting such information on our website.
Item 11. Executive Compensation.
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to our 2015 Proxy Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2015, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Act.
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters.
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to our 2015 Proxy Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2015, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Act.
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to our 2015 Proxy Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2015, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Act.
Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services.
The information required by this Item is hereby incorporated by reference to our 2015 Proxy Statement, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission no later than April 30, 2015, pursuant to Regulation 14A under the Securities Act.
67
Item 15. Financial Statement Schedules.
(a)(i) Financial Statements |
||||
Included in Part II of this Annual Report on 10-K: |
||||
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm |
||||
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 |
||||
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
||||
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
||||
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
||||
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
||||
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||
(a)(ii) Financial Statement Schedule |
||||
Years Ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 |
||||
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts |
||||
(a)(iii) Exhibits |
EXHIBIT NO. | ITEM TITLE | ||
---|---|---|---|
2.1 | Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of September 9, 2013, by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Eclair Holdings Company, Ridgeline Acquisition Corp., Eclair Acquisition Company, LLC, Eldorado HoldCo LLC, and Thomas Reeg, Robert Jones, and Gary Carano, as the Member Representative (the schedules and certain exhibits have been omitted pursuant to Item 601(b)(2) of Regulation S-K) (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on September 11, 2013). | ||
2.2 |
Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated November 18, 2013, by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Eclair Holdings Company, Ridgeline Acquisition Corp., Eclair Acquisition Company, LLC, and Eldorado HoldCo LLC (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on November 19, 2013). |
||
2.3 |
Amendment No. 2 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated February 13, 2014, by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Eclair Holdings Company, Ridgeline Acquisition Corp., Eclair Acquisition Company, LLC, and Eldorado HoldCo LLC (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on February 13, 2014). |
68
EXHIBIT NO. | ITEM TITLE | ||
---|---|---|---|
2.4 | Amendment No. 3 to Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated May 13, 2014, by and among MTR Gaming Group, Inc., Eclair Holdings Company, Ridgeline Acquisition Corp., Eclair Acquisition Company, LLC, and Eldorado Holdco LLC (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2014). | ||
3.1 |
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2014). |
||
3.2 |
Amended and Restated Bylaws (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 19, 2014). |
||
4.1 |
Specimen Stock Certificate of the Company (incorporated by reference to our Form S-4/A filed on April 21, 2014). |
||
10.1 |
Indenture dated as of August 1, 2011, by and between MTR Gaming Group, Inc., certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (as guarantors) and Wilmington Trust, National Association, including the Form of Note (incorporated by reference to the current report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on August 3, 2011). |
||
10.2 |
First Supplemental Indenture, dated September 17, 2014 by and among MTR Gaming Group, Inc., certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries (as guarantors) and Wilmington Trust, National Association (filed herewith). |
||
10.3 |
Indenture dated as of June 1, 2011, by and among Eldorado Resorts LLC and Eldorado Capital Corp., as issuers, and U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, and Capital One, N.A., as Collateral Trustee, and Form of Note (filed herewith). |
||
10.4 |
Agreement dated November 1, 2008 between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Racetrack Employees Union Local No. 101 [Schedules omitted] (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2009). |
||
10.5 |
Agreement dated December 31, 2009 by and between Mountaineer Park, Inc. and Mountaineer Park Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 10-K filed on March 16, 2010). |
||
10.6 |
Agreement dated February 22, 2007 by and between Presque Isle Downs, Inc. and the Pennsylvania Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association Inc. (incorporated by reference to the Annual Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 10-K filed on April 2, 2007). |
||
10.7 |
* |
Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2014, by and between the Company and Gary Carano (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2014). |
|
10.8 |
* |
Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2014, by and between the Company and Thomas Reeg (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2014). |
|
10.9 |
* |
Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2014, by and between the Company and Robert Jones (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2014). |
69
EXHIBIT NO. | ITEM TITLE | ||
---|---|---|---|
10.10 | * | Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2014, by and between the Company and Joseph L. Billhimer, Jr. (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2014). | |
10.11 |
* |
Executive Employment Agreement, dated as of September 29, 2014, by and between the Company and Anthony Carano (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on October 3, 2014). |
|
10.12 |
* |
2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan (incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2010). |
|
10.13 |
* |
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement for Non-Employee Directors (2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to the Quarterly Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2010). |
|
10.14 |
* |
Form of Nonqualified Stock Option Award Agreement (2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2011). |
|
10.15 |
* |
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement (2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2011). |
|
10.16 |
* |
Form of Cash-Based Performance Award Agreement (2010 Long-Term Incentive Plan) (incorporated by reference to the Current Report of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. on Form 8-K filed on February 3, 2011). |
|
10.17 |
Ground Lease dated as of May 19, 1999 between City of Shreveport, as landlord, and Eldorado Casino Shreveport Joint Venture (formerly known as QNOV) as tenant (filed herewith). |
||
10.18 |
First Amendment to Lease Agreement made and entered into as of August 13, 2012, by and between City of Shreveport, as landlord, and Eldorado Casino Shreveport Joint Venture (formerly known as QNOV) as tenant (filed herewith). |
||
10.19 |
Lease between C, S & Y Associates, as lessor, and Eldorado Hotel Associates, as lessee, dated as of July 21, 1972 (filed herewith). |
||
10.20 |
Addendum, dated as of March 20, 1973, to lease between C, S & Y Associates, as lessor, and Eldorado Hotel Associates, as lessee, dated as of July 21, 1972 (filed herewith). |
||
10.21 |
Amendment, dated as of January 1, 1978, to lease between C. S. & Y. Associates, as lessor, and Eldorado Hotel Associates, as lessee, dated as of July 21, 1972 (filed herewith). |
||
10.22 |
Amendment, dated as of January 31, 1985, to lease between C. S. & Y. Associates, as lessor, and Eldorado Hotel Associates, as lessee, dated as of July 21, 1972 (filed herewith). |
||
10.23 |
Amendment, dated as of December 24, 1987, to lease between C. S. & Y. Associates, as lessor, and Eldorado Hotel Associates, as lessee, dated as of July 21, 1972 (filed herewith). |
||
10.24 |
Reimbursement and Indemnification Agreement and Lease Amendment, entered into as of March 24, 1994, by and between Eldorado Hotel Associates Limited Partnership, and CS&Y Associates (filed herewith). |
70
EXHIBIT NO. | ITEM TITLE | ||
---|---|---|---|
10.25 | Fourth Amendment, dated as of June 1, 2011, by and between Eldorado Resorts LLC and CS&Y Associates, to Reimbursement and Indemnification Agreement and Lease Amendment, entered into as of March 24, 1994, by and between Eldorado Hotel Associates Limited Partnership, and CS&Y Associates (filed herewith). | ||
10.26 |
Operating Agreement of Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture, LLC, dated as of July 1, 2013 (filed herewith). |
||
14.1 |
Code of Ethics and Business Conduct of the Company (incorporated by reference to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed on September 9, 2014). |
||
21.1 |
Subsidiaries of the Registrant (filed herewith). |
||
23.1 |
Consent of Ernst & Young LLP (filed herewith). |
||
31.1 |
Certification of Gary L. Carano pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). |
||
31.2 |
Certification of Robert M. Jones pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith). |
||
32.1 |
Certification of Gary L. Carano in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith). |
||
32.2 |
Certification of Robert M. Jones in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 (filed herewith). |
||
99.1 |
Description of Governmental Regulations and Licensing (filed herewith). |
||
99.2 |
Audited consolidated financial statements of Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture, LLC, as of and for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (filed herewith). |
||
101.1 |
XBRL Instance Document |
||
101.2 |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document |
||
101.3 |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document |
||
101.4 |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document |
||
101.5 |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document |
||
101.6 |
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document |
71
Pursuant to the requirements of Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
ELDORADO RESORTS, INC. | ||||
By: |
/s/ GARY L. CARANO Gary L. Carano Chief Executive Officer |
|||
Dated: March 16, 2015 |
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
||
---|---|---|---|---|
/s/ GARY L. CARANO Gary L. Carano |
Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | March 16, 2015 | ||
/s/ ROBERT M. JONES Robert M. Jones |
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer) |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ FRANK J. FAHRENKOPF JR. Frank J. Fahrenkopf Jr. |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ JAMES B. HAWKINS James B. Hawkins |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ MICHAEL E. PEGRAM Michael E. Pegram |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ THOMAS R. REEG Thomas R. Reeg |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ DAVID P. TOMICK David P. Tomick |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
||
/s/ ROGER P. WAGNER Roger P. Wagner |
Director |
March 16, 2015 |
72
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF
ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.
73
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The
Board of Directors and Stockholders
Eldorado Resorts, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive (loss) income, stockholders' equity and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014. Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in the Index at Item 15. These financial statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. at December 31, 2014 and 2013, and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Also in our opinion, the related financial statement schedule, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respects, the information set forth therein.
We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Eldorado Resorts, Inc.'s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework), and our report dated March 16, 2015 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Las
Vegas, Nevada
March 16, 2015
74
ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
|
December 31, 2014 |
December 31, 2013 |
|||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASSETS |
|||||||
CURRENT ASSETS: |
|||||||
Cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 87,604 | $ | 29,813 | |||
Restricted cash |
5,734 | 305 | |||||
Accounts receivable, net |
7,112 | 3,240 | |||||
Due from affiliates |
362 | 430 | |||||
Inventories |
7,234 | 3,109 | |||||
Prepaid expenses and other |
9,447 | 2,532 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current assets |
117,493 | 39,429 | |||||
RESTRICTED CASH |
2,500 | 5,000 | |||||
INVESTMENT IN AND ADVANCES TO UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATES |
14,009 | 18,349 | |||||
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET |
456,139 | 180,342 | |||||
GAMING LICENSES AND OTHER INTANGIBLES, NET |
491,913 | 20,574 | |||||
NON-OPERATING REAL PROPERTY |
16,419 | | |||||
GOODWILL |
66,826 | | |||||
OTHER ASSETS, net |
10,031 | 6,488 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total assets |
$ | 1,175,330 | $ | 270,182 | |||
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY |
|||||||
CURRENT LIABILITIES: |
|||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | | $ | 2,500 | |||
Current portion of capital lease obligations |
32 | 225 | |||||
Accounts payable |
12,184 | 6,762 | |||||
Interest payable |
27,469 | 633 | |||||
Income taxes payable |
137 | | |||||
Accrued gaming taxes and assessments |
12,998 | 2,447 | |||||
Accrued payroll |
9,441 | 4,568 | |||||
Accrued other liabilities |
26,788 | 7,764 | |||||
Deferred income taxes |
2,608 | | |||||
Due to affiliates |
187 | 248 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total current liabilities |
91,844 | 25,147 | |||||
LONG-TERM DEBT, less current portion |
778,827 | 168,000 | |||||
CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS, less current portion |
3 | 35 | |||||
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES |
144,439 | | |||||
OTHER LIABILITIES |
8,595 | 1,425 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
Total liabilities |
1,023,708 | 194,607 | |||||
| | | | | | | |
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 6) |
|||||||
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY: |
|||||||
Common stock, 100,000,000 shares authorized, 46,426,714 issued and outstanding, par value $0.00001 |
| | |||||
Paid-in capital |
165,857 | 73,803 | |||||
Accumulated deficit |
(14,425 | ) | | ||||
Accumulated other comprehensive income |
87 | 1,772 | |||||
| | |