UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10‑Q

Commission File No. 001‑36629

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

100 West Liberty Street, Suite 1150, Reno, Nevada 89501

(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

(775) 328‑0100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all 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 ☒  No ☐

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 ☒  No ☐

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.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ☐  No ☒

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share, outstanding as of October 31, 2016 was 47,105,744.

 

 

 

 

 

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2016

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

 

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

 

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(dollars in thousands)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

 

(unaudited)

 

 

 

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

 

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (“ERI” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation formed in September 2013, and its consolidated subsidiaries. ERI was formed in September 2013 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. The Merger has been accounted for as a reverse acquisition of MTR Gaming by HoldCo under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”). As a result, HoldCo is considered the acquirer of MTR Gaming for accounting purposes. Intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

On November 24, 2015 (the “Reno Acquisition Date”), Resorts consummated the acquisition of all of the assets and properties of Circus Circus Reno (“Circus Reno”) and the 50% membership interest in the joint venture (the “Silver Legacy Joint Venture”) owned by Galleon, Inc. (collectively, the “Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase” or the “Reno Acquisition”) pursuant to a Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated as of July 7, 2015 (the “Purchase Agreement”), entered into with Circus Circus Casinos, Inc. and Galleon, Inc., each an affiliate of MGM Resorts International, with respect to the acquisition. On the Reno Acquisition Date, Resorts also exercised its right to acquire the 3.8% interest in Eldorado Limited Liability Company (“ELLC”) held by certain affiliates and shareholders of the Company. As a result of these transactions, ELLC and CC-Reno, LLC, a newly formed Nevada limited liability company, became wholly-owned subsidiaries of ERI, and Silver Legacy Joint Venture became an indirect wholly‑owned subsidiary of ERI. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements for periods prior to the Reno Acquisition Date do not include the results of operations for Circus Reno and report the Silver Legacy Joint Venture as an investment in an unconsolidated affiliate.

Resorts owns and operates the Eldorado Resort Casino Reno, a premier hotel, casino and entertainment facility centrally located in downtown Reno, Nevada (“Eldorado Reno”), which opened for business in 1973. Resorts also owns Eldorado Resort Casino Shreveport (“Eldorado Shreveport”), a 403‑room all suite art deco‑style hotel and a tri‑level riverboat dockside casino complex situated on the Red River in Shreveport, Louisiana, which commenced operations under its previous owners in December 2000.

Prior to the Reno Acquisition Date, Resorts owned a 48.1% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture which owns the Silver Legacy Resort Casino (“Silver Legacy”), a major themed hotel and casino situated between and seamlessly connected at the mezzanine level to the Eldorado Reno and Circus Reno. Resorts acquired the remaining interest in Silver Legacy in 2015 as well as acquiring Circus Reno.

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 Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs (“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.

Agreement to Acquire Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

On September 19, 2016, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) with Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Isle” or “Isle of Capri”), Eagle I Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub A”), and Eagle II

Acquisition Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (“Merger Sub B”). The Merger Agreement provides for, among other things, (1) the merger of Merger Sub A with and into Isle, with Isle as the surviving entity (the “First Step Merger”), and (2) a subsequent merger whereby Isle will merge with and into Merger Sub B, with Merger Sub B as the surviving entity (the “Second Step Merger” and together with the First Step Merger, the “Mergers”). Isle’s stockholders may elect to exchange each share of Isle common stock held by such stockholder, at the effective time of the First Step Merger, for either $23.00 in cash or 1.638 shares of Company common stock. Elections are subject to proration and reallocation such that the outstanding shares of Isle common stock will be exchanged for aggregate consideration comprised of 58% cash and 42% Company common stock. The First Step Merger is subject to adoption of the Merger Agreement by holders of at least two-thirds of Isle’s outstanding common stock and the issuance of Company stock pursuant to the Merger Agreement is subject to approval of holders of a majority of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Each party’s obligation to consummate the Mergers is subject to customary conditions, including, among others: (i) stockholder approval of both the Company and Isle as described above; (ii) receipt of required approvals of gaming authorities; and (iii) absence of any order or legal requirement that prohibits or makes the Mergers illegal. The waiting period under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act terminated on October 21, 2016. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Mergers is subject to the absence of a material adverse effect on Isle and the obligation of Isle to consummate the Mergers is subject to the absence of a material adverse effect on the Company. The obligation of the Company to consummate the Mergers is not subject to a financing condition.

Additionally, the Merger Agreement contains certain termination rights for both the Company and Isle including, among others, a mutual termination right if the Mergers have not been consummated on or prior to June 19, 2017 (which may be extended for an additional 90 days by either the Company or Isle if all of the conditions precedent other than the receipt of required gaming approvals have been satisfied). Upon the termination of the Merger Agreement under certain circumstances, the Company or Isle may be required to pay a termination fee of $60 million or $30 million, respectively. The foregoing description of the Merger Agreement does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the full text of the Merger Agreement.

In connection with the execution of the Merger Agreement, on September 19, 2016, Recreational Enterprises, Inc. (“REI”), the Company and Isle entered into a voting agreement and GFIL Holdings, LLC (“GFIL”), the Company and Isle entered into a voting agreement pursuant to which, REI has agreed, among other things, to vote all of its shares of Company common stock in favor of the issuance of shares of Company common stock as stock consideration in the Mergers and GFIL has agreed, among other things, to vote all of its shares of Isle common stock in favor of the Mergers and adoption of the Merger Agreement.

Upon completion of the Mergers, the Company will add 12 additional properties to its portfolio after giving effect to the planned dispositions of Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles and Lady Luck Casino Marquette. On August 22, 2016, Isle entered into an agreement to sell Isle of Capri Casino Hotel Lake Charles for aggregate consideration of $134.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. On October 13, 2016, Isle entered into an agreement to sell Lady Luck Casino Marquette for cash consideration of approximately $40.0 million, subject to certain adjustments.

In connection with entering into the Merger Agreement, on September 19, 2016, the Company entered into a debt financing commitment letter with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. as modified by the five separate written joinders to the Commitment Letter entered into by ERI and JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. with each of Macquarie Capital Funding LLC, KeyBank, National Association, Capital One, National Association, SunTrust Bank and U.S. Bank National Association and certain affiliates of such parties (the “Commitment Letter”). The Commitment Letter provides for: (a) a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion comprised of (i) a term loan facility of up to $1.45 billion and (ii) a revolving credit facility of $300 million and (b) an amount equal to at least $375 million in gross proceeds from the issuance and sale by the Company of senior unsecured notes or, if the notes are not issued and sold on or prior to the date of the consummation of the Mergers, an amount equal to at least $375 million in senior unsecured bridge loans under a senior unsecured credit facility. The proceeds of such borrowings may be used (w) to pay consideration in the Mergers, (x) refinance all of Isle’s existing credit facilities and senior and senior subordinated notes, (y) refinance the Company’s existing credit facility and (z) pay transaction fees and expenses related to the foregoing. The availability of the borrowings is subject to the satisfaction of certain customary conditions.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company and its subsidiaries have been prepared in accordance under accounting principles generally accepted in the United States for interim financial

information with the instructions for Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by US GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, all of which are normal and recurring, considered necessary for a fair presentation and have been included herein. The results of operations for these interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for other quarters, for the full year or any future period. 

The executive decision makers of our Company review operating results, assess performance and make decisions on a “significant market” basis. The Company’s management views each of its properties as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, the regulatory environments in which they operate, and their management and reporting structure. The Company’s principal operating activities occur in three geographic regions: Nevada, Louisiana and parts of the eastern United States. The Company has aggregated its operations into three reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operate. We, therefore, consider Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Circus Reno as Nevada, Eldorado Shreveport as Louisiana, and Scioto Downs, Presque Isle Downs and Mountaineer as Eastern.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

Reclassifications

Certain reclassifications of prior year presentations have been made to conform to the current period presentation.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2016-15, “Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments”. This new guidance is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and payments are classified in the statement of cash flows, including debt prepayment or extinguishment costs, the settlement of contingent liabilities arising from a business combination, proceeds from insurance settlements, and distributions from certain equity method investees. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance requires application using a retrospective transition method. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.” This pronouncement addresses narrow-scope improvements to the guidance on collectability, noncash consideration, and completed contracts at transition. Additionally, the amendments in this update provide a practical expedient for contract modifications at transition and an accounting policy election related to the presentation of sales taxes and other similar taxes collected from customers. This update affects the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for Topic 606. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In April 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-10, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers – Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing.” This pronouncement was issued to proactively address areas in which diversity in practice potentially could arise, as well as to reduce the cost and complexity of applying certain aspects of the guidance both at implementation and on an ongoing basis. The update guidance expands how an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. This update affects the guidance in ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which is not yet effective. The effective date and transition requirements for the amendments in this update are the same as the effective date and transition requirements for Topic 606. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this guidance on our consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation—Stock Compensation.” This ASU includes multiple provisions intended to simplify various aspects of the accounting for share-based payments. These areas include income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or a liability, and classification on the statement of cash flow. The effective date is for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016, with early adoption permitted. We elected to early adopt this ASU prospectively in the first quarter of 2016. Under the new guidance, we recognized a reduction in income tax expense of $0.1 million and $0.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. There were no excess tax benefits for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02 which addresses the recognition and measurement of leases. Under the new guidance, for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases), at the commencement date, lessees will be required to recognize a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis, and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. Under the new guidance, lessor accounting is largely unchanged. Further, the new lease guidance simplifies the accounting for sale and leaseback transactions primarily because lessees must recognize lease assets and liabilities, which no longer provides a source for off balance sheet financing. The effective date for this update is for the annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018 with early adoption permitted. Lessees and lessors must apply a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We are currently evaluating the impact of adopting this accounting standard on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. This ASU eliminates the requirement that an acquirer in a business combination account for measurement-period adjustments retrospectively. Instead, an acquirer will recognize a measurement-period adjustment during the period in which it determines the amount of the adjustment. The guidance is effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim periods within those fiscal years. For all other entities, it is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016. We have adopted this guidance, and it had no impact on our consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

In January 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015‑1, “Income Statement—Extraordinary 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 beginning after December 15, 2015 and for subsequent interim and annual periods thereafter. Early adoption is permitted. We believe that the effects, if any, of the adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014‑15, “Presentation of Financial Statements—Going 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. We will complete our evaluation during the fourth quarter ending December 31, 2016; however, we currently do not anticipate adoption of this guidance to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Note 2. Reno Acquisition and Final Purchase Accounting

On November 24, 2015, the Company acquired all of the assets and properties of Circus Reno and the 50% membership interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture owned by Galleon, Inc. As of June 30, 2016, the Company

finalized its accounting related to the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase. The total purchase consideration was $223.6 million as presented in the following table.

 

 

The transaction was accounted for using the acquisition method. No goodwill resulted from the recording of this transaction. 

Final Purchase Price Allocation – Silver Legacy and Circus Reno

The following table summarizes the allocation of the final purchase consideration to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase. The fair values were based on management’s analysis, including work performed by third‑party valuation specialists. The following table summarizes the final purchase price allocation of the acquired assets and assumed liabilities (dollars in thousands):

During the three months ended June 30, 2016, the Company finalized its valuation procedures and adjusted the preliminary purchase price allocations, as disclosed in the March 31, 2016 Form 10-Q and December 31, 2015 Form 10-K, to their updated values. The finalized purchase price allocations resulted in a $1.3 million decrease in property and equipment. This change related to management refining certain assumptions used in the valuation of property and equipment to its fair value. Accordingly, the Company adjusted depreciation expense from the Reno Acquisition Date through June 30, 2016, based on the revised measurement of property and equipment. The depreciation expense adjustment was not material.

Valuation methods used for the identifiable net assets acquired in the Reno Acquisition make use of quoted prices in active markets and discounted cash flows using current interest rates.

Trade receivables and payables, inventory and other current and noncurrent assets and liabilities were valued at the existing carrying values as they represented the fair value of those items at the Reno Acquisition, based on management’s judgments and estimates.

The fair value estimate of property and equipment utilized a combination of the cost and market approaches, depending on the characteristics of the asset classification. The fair value of land was determined using the market approach, which considers sales of comparable assets and applies compensating factors for any differences specific to the particular assets. With respect to personal property components of the assets (gaming equipment, furniture, fixtures and equipment, computers, and vehicles) the cost approach was used, which is based on replacement or reproduction costs of the asset. Building and site improvements were valued using the cost approach using a direct cost model built on estimates of replacement cost.

Trade names were valued using the relief‑from‑royalty method. The loyalty program was valued using a comparative business valuation method. Management has assigned trade names an indefinite useful life, in accordance with its review of applicable guidance of ASC Topic No. 350, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other. The standard required management to consider, among other things, the expected use of the asset, the expected useful life of other related asset or asset group, any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life, the Company’s own historical experience in renewing similar arrangements, the effects of obsolescence, demand and other economic factors, and the maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected cash flows. In that analysis, management determined that no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors limit the useful lives of these intangible assets. The loyalty program is being amortized on a straight‑line basis over a one year useful life.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the results of operations of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, as if the Reno Acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2015 (in thousands except per share data).

 

These pro forma results do not necessarily represent the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Reno Acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2015, nor are they indicative of the results of operations for future periods. The pro forma amounts include the historical operating results of the Company, the Silver Legacy and Circus Reno prior to the Reno Acquisition, with adjustments directly attributable to the Reno Acquisition.

 

Note 3. Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliates

Hotel Partnership.  The Company holds a 42.1% variable interest in a partnership with other investors to develop a new 118-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel to be developed at Scioto Downs. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, the Company contributed $1.0 million of cash and 2.4 acres of a leasehold immediately adjacent to The Brew Brothers microbrewery and restaurant at Scioto Downs. The partnership will be responsible for the construction of the hotel at an estimated cost of $15.0 million and other investor members have been identified to operate the hotel upon completion. The Company is not the primary beneficiary, and therefore, the entity is accounted for under the equity method of accounting. At September 30, 2016, the Company’s investment in the partnership was $1.3 million, classified as “Investment in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates” in the consolidated balance sheets, representing the Company’s maximum exposure to loss.

Silver Legacy Joint Venture.  Effective March 1, 1994, ELLC and Galleon entered into the Silver Legacy Joint Venture pursuant to a joint venture agreement to develop the Silver Legacy. The Silver Legacy consists of a casino and hotel located in Reno, Nevada, which began operations on July 28, 1995.  Prior to the Reno Acquisition Date, each partner owned a 50% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture. Also prior to the Reno Acquisition Date, Resorts

owned a 48.1% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture by means of its 96.2% ownership of ELLC, which owned a 50% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture.

On the Reno Acquisition Date, Resorts consummated the Reno Acquisition of the other 50% membership interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture owned by Galleon, Inc. pursuant to the Purchase Agreement and also exercised its right to acquire the 3.8% interest in ELLC held by certain affiliates of the Company. As a result of these transactions, ELLC became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ERI and Silver Legacy became an indirect wholly‑owned subsidiary of ERI. In conjunction with the Reno Acquisition, we recorded a $35.6 million gain related to the valuation of our pre-acquisition investment in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture.

As consideration for the noncontrolling interest, the Company issued 373,135 shares of common stock. Subsequent to this action, the Company owned 100% of ELLC. The Company valued the shares at the market price on the day the shares were issued to the noncontrolling interest holders. The value of the total consideration paid was $3.6 million.

On December 16, 2013, the Silver Legacy Joint Venture entered into a new senior secured term loan facility totaling $90.5 million (the “New Silver Legacy Credit Facility”) to refinance its indebtedness under its then existing senior secured term loan and Silver Legacy Second Lien Notes. The New Silver Legacy Credit Facility was scheduled to mature on November 16, 2017, which was the maturity date of the original Silver Legacy credit facility. In connection with the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase, all amounts outstanding under the New Silver Legacy Credit Facility were paid in full and the cash collateral securing such obligations were released.

Equity in income related to the Silver Legacy Joint Venture for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was $2.5 million and $3.1 million, respectively.

 

Summarized results of operations for the Silver Legacy Joint Venture in 2015 prior to the Reno Acquisition were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation

The Company has authorized common stock of 100,000,000 shares, par value $0.00001 per share.

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC 718, Compensation—Stock Compensation. Total stock-based compensation expense recognized was $0.7 million and $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively, and $2.7 million and $1.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These amounts are included in corporate expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations.

The Board of Directors (“BOD”) adopted the Eldorado Resorts, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”) on January 23, 2015 and our shareholders subsequently approved the adoption of the 2015 Plan on June 23, 2015. The Plan permits the granting of stock options, including incentive stock options (“ERI Stock Options”), stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), restricted stock or restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance awards, and other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. ERI Stock Options primarily vest ratably over three years and RSUs granted to employees and executive officers primarily vest and become non-forfeitable upon the third anniversary of the date of grant. RSUs granted to non-employee directors vest immediately and are delivered upon the date that is the earlier of termination of service on the BOD or the consummation of a change of control of the Company. The performance awards relate to the achievement of defined levels of performance and are generally measured over a one or two-year performance period depending upon the award agreement. If the performance award levels are achieved, the awards earned will vest and

become payable at the end of the vesting period, defined as either a one or two calendar year period following the performance period. Payout ranges are from 0% up to 200% of the award target.

On January 22, 2016, the Company granted 367,519 RSUs to executive officers and key employees, and 34,920 RSUs to non-employee members of the BOD under the 2015 Plan. The RSUs had a fair value of $10.77 per unit which was the NASDAQ closing price on that date. An additional 9,794 RSUs were also granted to key employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. 

A summary of the RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had approximately $3.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.67 years.

In the first quarter of 2016, the Company’s chief operating officer terminated employment and the chief financial officer retired. In conjunction with the termination and retirement, unvested RSUs totaling 167,511, which were outstanding as of December 31, 2015, immediately vested representing an additional $0.5 million included in stock compensation expense during the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, severance costs totaling $1.4 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2016.

On September 19, 2014, as a result of the Merger, all outstanding MTR Gaming stock options (“MTR Stock Options”) vested (to the extent not already vested) and converted into an option or right to purchase the same number of shares of ERI common stock (at the same exercise price per share as in effect prior to such conversion). All other terms, except vesting requirements, applicable to such stock options remain the same.

A summary of the ERI Stock Option activity for the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2015 and the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Note 5. Goodwill, Intangible Assets, Non-Operating Real Property and Other, net

 

Goodwill, intangible assets, non-operating real property and other, net, consisted of the following amounts (in thousands):

 

 

 

Goodwill, the excess of the purchase price of acquiring MTR Gaming over the fair market value of the net assets acquired, in the amount of $66.8 million was recorded as of September 30, 2016. For financial reporting purposes, goodwill is not amortized, but is reviewed no less than annually or when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value might exceed the market value to determine if there has been an impairment in the recorded value.

Included in gaming licenses is the Eldorado Shreveport gaming license recorded at $20.6 million at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. The license represents an intangible asset acquired from the purchase of a gaming entity located in a gaming jurisdiction where competition is limited, such as when only a limited number of gaming operators are allowed to operate in the jurisdiction. Also included in gaming licenses are the gaming and racing licenses of Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs  recorded at $461.5 million at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015. Total gaming licenses of $482.1 million reflects the fair value of these licenses calculated as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, and these gaming license rights are not subject to amortization as the Company has determined that they have an indefinite useful life.

Trade names related to the Merger are amortized on a straight‑line basis over a 3.5 year useful life. Trade names related to the Reno Acquisition are non-amortizable, and loyalty programs are amortized on a straight‑line basis over a one year useful life. Amortization expense with respect to trade names and the loyalty program for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 amounted to $1.2 million and $3.6 million, respectively, and $1.5 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Such amortization expense is expected to be $0.9 million for the remainder of 2016, $1.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, and $0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018.

The Company’s indefinite-lived gaming licenses and trade names are reviewed no less than annually or when events or circumstances indicate the carrying value might exceed the market value to determine if there has been an impairment in the recorded value.

Non-operating real property totaled $14.2 million at September 30, 2016 and $16.3 million at December 31, 2015. The $2.1 million decrease was primarily due to the Company recording a $2.1 million sale of land (non-operating) at Presque Isle Downs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. This transaction resulted in a $0.1 million gain net of costs.    

Note 6. Income Taxes

 

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. On September 19, 2014, in connection with the Merger, the Company became a C corporation subject to federal and state corporate-level income taxes at prevailing corporate tax rates. The Company and its subsidiaries file US federal tax returns and various state and local income tax returns. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to US federal or state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.

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. For years prior to 2016, the income tax provision resulted in an effective tax rate that had an unusual relation to pretax income (loss). This was due to the federal and state valuation allowances on deferred tax assets as discussed below.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is attributed primarily to state and local income taxes less the benefit of the early adoption of ASU 2016-09 (Stock Compensation) and tax credits.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is attributed primarily to the federal and state valuation allowances on deferred tax assets. As a result of net operating losses and the 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 provided for a full valuation allowance against substantially all of the net federal and 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, we expect to record non cash deferred tax expense as we amortize these assets for tax purposes.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s tax expense was $5.8 million and $13.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, the Company’s tax expense was $2.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively. As of September 30, 2016 and 2015, there were no unrecognized tax benefits and the Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

In October 2016, the Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service that our federal tax return for the year ended December 31, 2014 was selected for examination. We anticipate the examination will commence in late 2016 or early 2017.

 

 

Note 7. Long‑Term Debt

 

Long‑term debt consisted of the following (in thousands):

 

 

 

Scheduled maturities of long‑term debt are $22.0 million in 2020, $395.3 million in 2022 and $375.0 million in 2023. Debt issuance costs and the discount associated with the issuance of the Senior Notes, Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility (as such terms are defined below) in July 2015 totaled $26.3 million. Amortization of debt issuance costs is computed using the effective interest method and is included in interest expense. Amortization of the debt issuance costs and the discount associated with the Senior Notes and Credit Facility (as defined below) totaled $0.9 million and $2.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, and $0.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

In 2015, amortization of Resorts’ bond costs was computed using the straight‑line method, which approximated the effective interest method, over the term of the bonds, and was included in interest expense. Amortization expense with respect to deferred financing costs on Resorts senior secured notes amounted to $0.1 million and $0.5 million for three and nine months ended September 30, 2015, respectively.

We are a holding company with no independent assets or operations. Our Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by substantially all of our subsidiaries. Any subsidiaries which have not guaranteed such notes are “minor” (as defined in Rule 3-10(h) of Regulation S-X). As of September 30, 2016, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to us or our guarantor subsidiaries. 

Refinancing Transaction and Senior Notes

 

On July 23, 2015, the Company issued $375.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2023 (“Senior Notes”) pursuant to the indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Indenture”), at an issue price equal to 100.0% of the aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes. The Senior Notes are guaranteed by all of the Company’s direct and indirect restricted subsidiaries. CC-Reno, LLC and the Silver Legacy Joint Venture became guarantors in June 2016 upon receipt of the required gaming regulatory approval which occurred in May 2016. The Senior Notes will mature on August 1, 2023, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year.

 

The Company used the net proceeds from the Senior Notes offering together with borrowings under the Term Loan and the Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) to (i) purchase or otherwise redeem (a) all of the outstanding Resorts senior secured notes and (b) all of the outstanding MTR second lien notes, (ii) pay a portion of the purchase price for the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase and repay all amounts outstanding under the Silver Legacy Joint Venture credit facility, and (iii) pay fees and costs associated with such transactions. Net proceeds from the Senior Notes offering totaling $50.0 million were used for the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase on the Reno Acquisition Date. As a result of the July 2015 refinancing, we recognized a $2.0 million net loss on the early retirement of debt.

On or after August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve month period beginning on August 1 of the years indicated below:

 

 

Prior to August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. At any time prior to August 1, 2018, the Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the Senior Notes with proceeds of certain equity financings at a redemption price equal to 107% of the principal amount of the Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company experiences certain change of control events (as defined in the Indenture), it must offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company sells assets under certain circumstances and does not use the proceeds for specified purposes, the Company must offer to repurchase the Senior Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date.

 

The Senior Notes are subject to redemption imposed by gaming laws and regulations of applicable gaming regulatory authorities.

 

The Indenture contains certain covenants limiting, among other things, the Company’s ability and the ability of its subsidiaries (other than its unrestricted subsidiaries) to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture also provides for customary events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on such Senior Notes to be declared due and payable. As of September 30, 2016, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Indenture relating to the Senior Notes.

 

Credit Facility

 

On July 23, 2015, the Company entered into a new $425.0 million seven year term loan (the “Term Loan”) and a new $150.0 million five year revolving credit facility (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan, the “Credit Facility”).

 

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had $419.7 million outstanding on the Term Loan and $19.0 million outstanding under the Revolving Credit Facility. The Company had $131.0 million of available borrowing capacity under its Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2016. At September 30, 2016, the interest rate on the Term Loan was 4.25%, and the interest rate on the Revolving Credit Facility was 4.17%.

 

The Term Loan bears interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%, or (y) a base rate plus 2.25%. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bear interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.25% or (y) a