Item 2. Management‘s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to provide a reader of our financial statements with a narrative from the perspective of our management on our financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and certain other factors that may affect our future results. Unless otherwise noted, transactions, trends and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude. In addition, unless expressly stated otherwise, the comparisons presented in this MD&A refer to the same period in the prior year. Our MD&A is presented in eight sections:
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Overview
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Key Performance Indicators
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Results of Continuing Operations
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Liquidity and Capital Resources
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Off-balance-sheet Arrangements
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Seasonality |
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Regulation and Taxes |
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Critical Accounting Estimates and Policies
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Overview
We are a multi-jurisdictional developer, owner and operator of gaming-related enterprises in regional markets. We have successfully transitioned from a gaming management company to a company with operations that consist primarily of owned casino properties. The repositioning of our business plan is highlighted by the acquisition of Rising Star Casino Resort and the lease of Grand Lodge Casino in 2011 and the acquisition of Silver Slipper Casino and the sale of the management agreement for the FireKeepers Casino in 2012. We actively explore, individually and with partners, new gaming-related opportunities with a focus on acquiring and developing casino properties.
We currently own three casino properties, lease one casino property and have one management contract for a group of related casino properties. These properties are located in four distinct regions of the United States – the Gulf Coast, the Midwest, Northern Nevada and the Southwest.
On March 30, 2012, we entered into a Membership Interest Purchase Agreement with Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC to acquire all of the outstanding membership interest of the entity operating Silver Slipper Casino in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase was closed on October 1, 2012, for a price of approximately $69.3 million exclusive of cash and working capital in the amount of $6.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively. We entered into the First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien Credit Agreement”) with Capital One Bank, N.A. (“Capital One”) on June 29, 2012 and the Second Lien Credit Agreement (“Second Lien Credit Agreement”) with ABC Funding, LLC, on October 1, 2012, as discussed in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements, and we used the debt to fund the Silver Slipper Casino purchase price.
In May 2011, we entered into a three-year agreement with the Pueblo of Pojoaque, which was approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission as a management contract, to advise on the operations of Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort in Santa Fe, New Mexico, along with the Pueblo’s Cities of Gold and other gaming facilities which in aggregate have approximately 1,200 slot machines, 18 tables games (including poker) and a simulcast area. Our management and related agreements with Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort became effective on September 23, 2011 and terminates on September 23, 2014. The management agreement will not be renewed after that date.
As of September 1, 2011, we own the operating assets of Grand Lodge Casino, and have a lease terminating August 31, 2018 with Hyatt Equities, L.L.C. for the casino space in the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe Resort, Spa and Casino in Incline Village, Nevada on the north shore of Lake Tahoe. There can be no assurance that the Grand Lodge Casino lease ending in August 2018 will be extended beyond its current terms.
We conduct gaming operations in four gaming jurisdictions and are subject to regulatory oversight in each of those jurisdictions. Accordingly, we are required to submit regular reports to the gaming authorities in each jurisdiction regarding our operations and from time to time make applications regarding our operations, including financial arrangements entered into by us, and obtaining gaming licenses or findings of suitability of key personnel working at our properties. Such reporting and applications may affect our abilities to obtain financings or loans for our existing operations or expansion opportunities. We believe that we and our operations are in material compliance with all such gaming regulations.
Key Performance Indicators
We use several key performance indicators to evaluate the operations of our properties. These key performance indicators include the following:
Gaming revenue indicators:
Slot coin-in is the gross dollar amount wagered in slot machines and table game drop is the total amount of cash deposited in table games drop boxes, plus the sum of markers issued at all table games. Slot coin-in and table game drop are indicators of volume and/or market share.
Slot win and table game hold is the difference between customer wagers and customer winnings on slot machines and table games, respectively. Slot win and table game hold percentages represent the relationship between slot coin-in and table game drop to gaming wins and losses.
Room revenue indicators:
Hotel occupancy rate is an indicator of volume measuring the utilization of our available rooms; average daily rate (“ADR”) is a price indicator; and hotel revenue per available room (“RevPAR”) is an indicator of operating margin. Complimentary room sales, or the retail value of accommodations gratuitously furnished to customers, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy rate, ADR and RevPAR.
Results of Continuing Operations
For purposes of our discussion, references to (i) Midwest segment refers to Rising Star Casino Resort, (ii) Gulf Coast segment refers to Silver Slipper Casino and (iii) Northern Nevada segment refers to Grand Lodge Casino and Stockman’s Casino.
Indiana
gaming tax legislation was recently passed, which allows a portion of the free play to be tax-free, resulting in a savings of
$0.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014, and $0.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014, for the Rising
Star Casino Resort. In addition, as part of the legislation, since Rising Star Casino Resort’s gross gaming revenues
are less than $75.0 million during the State of Indiana’s fiscal year ended June 30, 2014, we began receiving additional
tax relief of approximately $2.5 million per year, beginning on July 1, 2014.
Three Months Ended June 30, 2014, Compared to Three Months Ended June 30, 2013
Net Revenues
The $5.4 million, or 15%, decrease in net revenues for the three months ended June 30, 2014 primarily consisted of the following changes by revenue type: a $5.5 million, or 16%, decrease in casino revenues, a $0.6 million, or 11%, decrease in food and beverage revenues, and a $0.2 million, or 13%, decrease in other revenues, offset by a $0.3 million, or 27%, increase in hotel revenues and a $0.7 million, or 10%, decrease in promotional allowances.
The
$5.4 million decrease in net revenues was principally related to a $4.3 million, or 24%, decrease in our Midwest segment net
revenues primarily as a result of increased competition and lower than expected market growth, along with a $0.9 million,
or 7%, decrease in our Gulf Coast segment net revenues which reflects continuing economic weakness in the
region.
The
$4.3 million decrease in our Midwest segment net revenues was mainly the result of lower gross casino revenues at the Rising
Star Casino Resort, which decreased $4.6 million, or 25% primarily a result of increased competition due to the opening of
two Ohio racinos in December 2013 and May 2014, a new casino in Cincinnati, Ohio, which opened in March 2013, and continued
pressure from other Ohio casinos. Rising Star Casino Resort’s slot coin-in for the quarter was 25% below the prior year
period and table drop was down 22% compared to the prior year period. The win percentage for slots for the quarter was
comparable to the win percentage in the prior year period, although the table hold was 19%, compared to 18% in the prior year
period. Food and beverage revenues decreased by $0.6 million, or 23%, due to decreased customer visitation. These reductions
in revenue were partially offset by a $0.3 million, or 27%, increase in hotel revenues, due to the addition of the new rooms
and a $0.7 million, or 16%, decrease in promotional allowances.
The
Rising Star Casino Resort’s gross hotel revenue for the quarter ended June 30, 2014 was $1.3 million, an increase of
$0.3 million over the prior year period, primarily due to the increase in available rooms related to the new Rising Star
Hotel tower, which increased total available room nights for the period from 16,674 to 26,000. The Rising Star Casino
Resort sold 20,081 room nights in the quarter and had a hotel occupancy rate of 77%, an ADR of $65 and RevPAR of $50, for
the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to room sales of 15,872 room nights, a hotel occupancy rate of 95%, an
ADR of $63 and RevPAR of $60, for the three months ended June 30, 2013. The Rising Star Casino Resort’s hotel occupancy
consisted of approximately 82% of complimentary room sales for the three months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to
approximately 90% of complimentary room sales for the three months ended June 30, 2013. Complimentary room sales, or the
retail value of accommodations gratuitously furnished to customers, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy
rate, ADR and RevPAR, although complimentary room sales are excluded from net revenues in our consolidated statements of
operations.
The
$0.9 million decrease in our Gulf Coast segment revenues was the result of lower casino revenues at the Silver Slipper
Casino, primarily as a result of continuing economic weakness in the region. Silver Slipper Casino’s slot coin-in in
2014 was 8% below the prior year period, although table drop was up slightly compared to the prior year period. The win percentage
for slots for the quarter was comparable to the win percentage in the prior year period, although the table hold percentage was
1% lower than the hold percentage in the prior year period.
A $0.2 million decrease in our Northern Nevada segment revenues was the result of $0.2 million, or 10% lower net revenues at the Stockman’s Casino due largely to lower casino revenues as a result of lower volume due to continuing economic weakness. Stockman’s Casino’s slot coin-in in the second quarter was 6% below the prior year period, although the hold percentage for slots remained steady over the prior year period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
For
the three months ended June 30, 2014, total operating costs and expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 9%, as compared to 2013, as
a result of a $1.7 million, or 10%, decrease in casino expenses, a $1.7 million, or 14%, decrease in selling, general and
administrative expenses and a $0.6 million, or 46%, decrease in other operation expenses, offset by a $0.3 million increase in
project development costs, a $0.2 million increase, or 12%, increase in food and beverage expenses and $0.1 million increase,
or 5%, in depreciation and amortization expense.
The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a $2.8 million, or 17%, decrease in our Midwest segment operating costs, a $0.4 million, or 23%, decrease in corporate operating costs, a $0.4 million, or 3%, decrease in our Gulf Cost segment operating costs, offset by a $0.3 million increase in our project development costs, as explained below.
The
$2.8 million decrease in our Midwest segment operating expenses was the result of cost containment measures and a decrease in
business volume. The decrease in Midwest segment operating costs were spread among expense categories with the largest decrease
of $1.8 million, or 19%, in lower casino expenses, largely due to a $1.2 million, or 29%, decrease in gaming taxes. Gaming
taxes were lower for the three months ended June 30, 2014 due to lower taxable gaming revenues.
Project Development and Acquisition Costs
For
the three months ended June 30, 2014, project development costs increased $0.3 million as compared to 2013, as a result of costs
related to the proposed acquisition of Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel incurred in the current year period.
Project development and acquisition costs are allocated to our development/management segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
For
the three months ended June 30, 2014, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.7 million, or 14%, as compared
to 2013. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $0.6 million, or 13%, in our Midwest segment, $0.6 million, or
13%, in our Gulf Coast segment, $0.4 million, or 24%, in our corporate segment and $0.2 million, or 10%, in our Northern Nevada
segment. The $0.4 million decrease in our corporate segment selling, general and administrative expenses was largely due to a
$0.3 million, or 83%, reduction in stock and incentive compensation costs.
The $0.6 million decrease in our Midwest segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Rising Star Casino Resort’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $0.2 million, or 10%, lower payroll and other employee related expenses and a $0.3 million, or 44%, decline in marketing expenses. The $0.6 million decrease in our Gulf Coast segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Silver Slipper Casino’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $0.4 million, or 21%, lower payroll and other related expenses and $0.1 million, or 12%, lower marketing expenses. The $0.2 million decrease in our Northern Nevada segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Grand Lodge Casino’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $0.1 million, or 18%, lower payroll and other related expenses and $0.1 million, or 31%, lower marketing expenses.
Operating
Loss
For
the three months ended June 30, 2014, we incurred an impairment loss of $11.5 million related to Rising Star Casino Resort’s goodwill
and gaming license, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Other
Expense
For the three months ended June 30, 2014, we incurred $1.6 million in interest expense related to our First Lien Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement, whose proceeds were used to purchase Silver Slipper Casino, as compared to $1.9 million of interest expense in the prior year period. The $0.3 million, or 17%, decrease in interest expense was primarily due to $8.8 million in payments of long-term debt since June 30, 2013, as well as the 1% reduction in the First Lien Credit Agreement term loan interest rate, due to the First Lien Amendment in August 2013, as discussed in Note 4. In 2014, we capitalized $0.1 million in interest related to the construction of the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements. These other expense items are allocated to our corporate operations segment.
Income
taxes
The
estimated effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2014 is approximately 36% compared to 134% for the
same period in 2013. The lower tax rate in the current quarter is primarily due to a benefit recorded on a pre-tax book
loss in 2014 as compared to an expense recorded on a pre-tax book income for the same period in 2013. Additionally the
tax benefit rate is lower due to a reduction in the overall income tax benefit as a result of the non-deductibility of gaming
taxes in certain states. There is no valuation allowance on the long-term deferred tax asset of $1.3 million as of June 30,
2014, as we believe the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
Six Months Ended June 30, 2014, Compared to Six Months Ended June 30, 2013
Net Revenues
The $14.1 million, or 19%, decrease in net revenues for the six months ended June 30, 2014 primarily consisted of the following changes by revenue type: a $14.2 million, or 20%, decrease in casino revenues, a $1.7 million, or 14%, decrease in food and beverage revenues, and a $0.3 million, or 17%, decrease in other revenues, offset by a $0.4 million, or 22%, increase in hotel revenues and a $1.7 million, or 12%, decrease in promotional allowances.
The $14.1 million decrease in net revenues was principally related to a $10.6 million, or 28%, decrease in our Midwest segment net revenues primarily as a result of increased competition and adverse weather conditions in the first quarter of 2014, a $2.3 million, or 9%, decrease in our Gulf Coast segment net revenues primarily due to adverse weather conditions in the first quarter 2014 and continuing economic weakness and a $1.1 million, or 11%, decrease in our Northern Nevada segment revenues.
The
$10.6 million decrease in our Midwest segment revenues was largely the result of lower gross casino revenues at the Rising Star
Casino Resort, which decreased $11.0 million, or 28%, primarily a result of increased competition due to the opening of two Ohio
racinos in December 2013 and May 2014, a new casino in Cincinnati, Ohio, which opened in March 2013, coupled with adverse weather
conditions during the first quarter in the Midwest that affected the entire Indiana/Ohio market. Food and beverage
revenues at Rising Star Casino Resort decreased as well by $1.3 million, or 26%, and other revenue decreased by $0.4 million,
or 28%, offset by a $0.4 million, or 22%, increase in gross hotel revenues due to the increase in hotel rooms upon completion
of the new hotel at Rising Star casino Resort and a $1.6 million, or 18%, decrease in promotional allowances. Rising Star Casino
Resort’s slot coin-in in 2014 was 28% below the prior year period and table drop was down 26% compared to the prior year
period. The win percentages for slots were consistent with the win percentages in the prior year, whereas the table hold
decreased 1% over the prior year period.
The
Rising Star Casino Resort’s hotel revenue for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $2.5 million, an increase of
$0.4 million over the prior year period primarily due to the increase in available rooms related to the new Rising Star Hotel
tower, which increased available room nights from 33,315 to 51,780. The Rising Star Casino Resort sold 38,161 room nights in the six months ended June 30, 2014 and had a hotel occupancy rate of 74%, an ADR of $65 and RevPAR of $48,
as compared to room nights sold of 31,560, a hotel occupancy rate of 95%, an ADR of $64 and RevPAR of $60,
for the six months ended June 30, 2013. The Rising Star Casino Resort’s hotel occupancy consisted of approximately 85% of
complimentary room sales for the six months ended June 30, 2014, as compared to approximately 91% of complimentary room
sales for the six months ended June 30, 2013. Complimentary room sales, or the retail value of accommodations gratuitously furnished
to customers, are included in the calculation of the hotel occupancy rate, ADR and RevPAR, although complimentary room sales are
excluded from net revenues in our consolidated statements of operations.
The $2.3 million decrease in our Gulf Coast segment net revenues was the result of lower gross casino revenues at the Silver Slipper Casino, primarily as a result of adverse weather conditions in the first quarter and continued weak economic conditions. Silver Slipper Casino’s slot coin-in in 2014 was 10% below the prior year period, although table drop was comparable to the prior year period. The win and hold percentages for slots and table games also remained comparable to the prior year period.
The $1.1 million decrease in our Northern Nevada segment net revenues was the result of $0.8 million, or 12%, lower net revenues at the Grand Lodge Casino and $0.3 million, or 9% lower net revenues at the Stockman’s Casino due to lower gross casino revenues. At Grand Lodge Casino, slot coin-in in 2014 was 5% below the prior year period for both slots and table games. Slot win remained comparable to the current year, although the table games hold decreased by 2%. The lower gross casino revenues at the Stockman’s Casino were primarily a result of lower volume due to continuing economic weakness. Stockman’s Casino’s slot coin-in in 2014 was 9% below the prior year period, although the hold percentage for slots remained comparable to the prior year period.
Operating Costs and Expenses
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, total operating costs and expenses decreased $8.8 million, or 12%, as compared to 2013, as a result of a $5.3 million, or 15%, decrease in casino expenses, a $3.3 million, or 14%, decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses and a $1.2 million, or 44%, decrease in other operation expenses, offset by a $0.4 million, or 8%, increase in depreciation and amortization expense, partially due to the new Rising Star Hotel capitalized leased assets, a $0.3 million increase in project development costs and $0.3 million, or 6%, increase in food and beverage expenses.
The decrease in operating costs was primarily due to a $6.9 million, or 20%, decrease in our Midwest segment operating costs, a $1.0 million, or 4%, decrease in our Gulf Cost segment operating costs, a $1.0 million, or 28%, decrease in our corporate operating costs and a $0.2 million, or 2%, decrease in our Northern Nevada segment operating costs, offset by a $0.3 million increase in our project development costs, as explained below.
The $6.9 million decrease in our Midwest segment operating expenses was the result of cost containment measures and a decrease in business volume. The decrease in Midwest segment operating costs were spread among expense categories with $5.0 million, or 25%, in lower casino expenses, largely due to a $3.9 million, or 41%, decrease in gaming taxes related to the decline in casino revenue, $1.2 million, or 46%, in lower other expenses, $1.1 million, or 12%, in lower selling, general and administrative expenses (as explained below), offset by $0.2 million, or 13%, higher food and beverage expenses.
Project Development and Acquisition Costs
For
the six months ended June 30, 2014, project development costs increased $0.3 million as compared to 2013, as a result of
costs related to the proposed acquisition of Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel incurred in the current
year period. Project development and acquisition costs are allocated to our development/management
segment.
Selling, General and Administrative Expense
For the six months ended June 30, 2014, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $3.3 million, or 14%, as compared to 2013. Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $1.1 million, or 12%, in our Midwest segment, $1.1 million, or 12%, in our Gulf Coast segment, $0.9 million, or 28%, in our corporate segment and $0.2 million, or 6%, in our Northern Nevada segment. The $0.9 million decrease in our corporate segment selling, general and administrative expenses was due to a $0.8 million, or 85%, reduction in stock and incentive compensation costs.
The $1.1 million decrease in our Midwest segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Rising Star Casino Resort’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $0.5 million, or 12%, lower payroll and other employee related expenses and a $0.5 million, or 42%, decline in marketing expenses. The $1.1 million decrease in our Gulf Coast segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Silver Slipper Casino’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $0.8 million, or 21%, lower payroll and other related expenses and $0.1 million, or 12%, lower marketing expenses. The $0.2 million decrease in our Northern Nevada segment’s selling, general and administrative expenses was due to Grand Lodge Casino’s cost control initiatives which resulted in $.01 million, or 12%, lower payroll and related expenses and $0.1 million, or 15%, lower marketing expenses.
Operating
Loss
For
the six months ended June 30, 2014, we incurred an impairment loss of $11.5 million related to Rising Star Casino Resort’s goodwill
and gaming license, as discussed in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.
Other Expense
For
the six months ended June 30, 2014, we incurred $3.1 million in interest expense related to our First Lien Credit Agreement and
Second Lien Credit Agreement, whose proceeds were used to purchase Silver Slipper Casino, as compared to $3.8 million of interest
expense in the prior year period. The $0.7 million, or 18%, decrease in interest expense was primarily due to $8.8 million
in payments of long-term debt since June 30, 2013, as well as the 1% reduction in the First Lien Credit Agreement term loan interest
rate, due to the First Lien Amendment in August 2013, as discussed in Note 4. In 2014, we capitalized $0.1 million
in interest related to the construction of the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, as discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial
statements. These other expense items are allocated to our corporate operations segment.
Income Taxes
The
estimated effective tax rate for the six months ended June 30, 2014 is approximately 35% compared to 60% for the same
period in 2013. The lower tax rate in the current year is primarily due to a benefit recorded on a pre-tax book loss in 2014
as compared to an expense recorded on a pre-tax book income for the same period in 2013. Additionally the tax benefit
rate is lower due to a reduction in the overall income tax benefit as a result of the non-deductibility of gaming taxes in
certain states. There is no valuation allowance on the long-term deferred tax asset of $1.3 million as of June 30, 2014, as
we believe the deferred tax assets are fully realizable.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Economic conditions and related risks and uncertainties
The United States has experienced, since 2007, a widespread and severe economic slowdown accompanied by, among other things, weakness in consumer spending including gaming activity and reduced credit and capital financing availability, all of which have far-reaching effects on economic conditions in the country for an indeterminate period. Our operations are currently concentrated in the Gulf Coast, the Midwest, Northern Nevada and the Southwest. Accordingly, future operations could be affected by adverse economic conditions and increased competition particularly in those areas and their key feeder markets in neighboring states. The effects and duration of these conditions and related risks and uncertainties on our future operations and cash flows, including our access to capital or credit financing, cannot be estimated at this time, but may be significant.
Silver Slipper Casino, Rising Star Casino Resort, Grand Lodge Casino, and Stockman’s Casino operations, along with the Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort management agreement, are currently our primary sources of income and operating cash flow. The Pueblo of Pojoaque notified us that it would not renew the management agreement ending in September 2014. The Buffalo Thunder Casino and Resort management agreement generated $0.3 million in management income for both the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013. There can be no assurance that the Grand Lodge Casino lease ending in August 2018 will be extended beyond its current terms.
On a consolidated basis, cash provided by operations for the six months ended June 30, 2014 was $2.5 million. Cash of $6.0 million was used in investing activities, largely due to the escrow purchase deposit of $1.75 million for the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel and $3.8 million in property and equipment at our various properties, including $2.9 million in construction costs for the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. Cash of $1.6 million was provided by financing activities primarily related to the $2.0 million draw on our $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement, less $0.4 million in repayment of our long term capital lease obligation.
As of June 30, 2014, we had approximately $13.0 million in cash and equivalents. As a practice, we consistently prepaid our quarterly payments on the term loan under our First Lien Credit Agreement before the due dates in 2013, and during the year ended December 31, 2013, we prepaid, at our discretion, the sum of $8.8 million in quarterly principal payments, which were due through July 1, 2015. The next scheduled principal payment on the term loan is due October 1, 2015. On March 24, 2014 we made a $2.0 million draw on our $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement, subject to the terms and restrictions of the First Lien Credit Agreement, and deposited $1.75 million into escrow related to the Interest Purchase Agreement for the potential purchase of the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel, as discussed in Note 8 to our consolidated financial statements. We currently have $3.0 million undrawn on the revolving loan. The $2.0 million principal drawn on our revolving loan is due June 29, 2016.
Projects
We are currently under construction of a 142-room hotel at Silver Slipper Casino. Our future cash requirements include funding needs of approximately $3.1 million towards future construction costs for the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. A total of $4.6 million in construction and financing costs have already been funded from available cash through the quarter ended June 30, 2014, for the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel. A total of $7.7 million will be funded from available cash before we draw on the available $10.0 million term loan as described below. The Silver Slipper Casino Hotel is scheduled for completion in early 2015 and is budgeted to cost approximately $17.7 million. The progress on the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel has been slower than expected as we encountered adverse soil and weather conditions. In connection with the financing of the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel, on August 26, 2013, we entered into a First Lien Amendment to the First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien Amendment”) and an Amendment No. 1 to the Second Lien Credit Agreement (“Second Lien Amendment”) which amended certain provisions of these agreements. The First Lien Amendment modifications included a $10.0 million increase to the term loan portion of the First Lien Credit Agreement to $56.3 million, a 1% lower interest rate and an extended maturity date to June 29, 2016. We intend to finance $10.0 million of the construction cost of the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel with the proceeds of the increase in the term loan under our First Lien Credit Agreement as described in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, which remains undrawn and subject to covenants and other terms of the First Lien Credit Agreement. Capital One and ABC Funding, LLC are collectively referred to as our (“Creditors”). At March 31, 2014 we exceeded the allowable total leverage ratio and the first lien leverage ratios for both of our credit agreements, although we received waivers for compliance with these ratios at March 31, 2014 from our Creditors. As of June 30, 2014, we successfully renegotiated terms to our First and Second Lien Credit Agreements that modified key definitions and increased the maximum allowable leverage ratios, as discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements. We are in compliance with our First and Second Lien covenants at June 30, 2014.
We believe the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel is a much-needed amenity which will allow guests to extend their visits and enjoy more of what Silver Slipper Casino has to offer and favorably impact customer loyalty and revenues.
In October 2011, the Rising Sun/Ohio County First, Inc., an Indiana non-profit corporation, and Rising Sun Regional Foundation, Inc. teamed up to develop a new 104-room hotel on land adjacent to our Rising Star Casino Resort. Construction commenced in December 2012, and the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort opened November 15, 2013. The added hotel room inventory in proximity to our casino facility has favorably impacted revenues and visitor counts.
On August 16, 2013, we entered into a 10-year capital lease for the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort (the “Rising Star Hotel Agreement”) which commenced on November 15, 2013 and provides us with full management control and an option to purchase the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort at the end of the lease term. We have recorded the capital lease obligation and hotel assets in our financial statements. On November 15, 2013, we began operating the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort. The Rising Star Hotel Agreement provides that we, as the lessee, assume all responsibilities, revenues, expenses, profits and losses related to the hotel’s operations. The term of the Rising Star Hotel Agreement is for 10 years from November 15, 2013, with the landlord having a right to sell the hotel to us at the end of the term and our corresponding obligation to purchase it on the terms set forth in the Rising Star Hotel Agreement. During the term, we will have the exclusive option to purchase the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort at a pre-set price. On January 1, 2014, we began paying a fixed monthly rent payment of approximately $80,000, which will continue throughout the term of the Rising Star Hotel Agreement unless we elect to purchase the hotel before the end of the lease period. In the event that we default on the lease agreement, the landlord’s recourse is limited to taking possession of the property, collection of all rent due and payable, and the right to seek remediation for any attorneys’ fees, litigation expenses, and costs of retaking and re-leasing the property.
Subject to the effects of the economic uncertainties discussed above, we believe that adequate financial resources will be available to execute our current growth plan from a combination of operating cash flows and external debt and equity financing. However, there can be no assurances of our ability to continue expanding.
Other Projects
We evaluate projects on a number of factors, including forecasted profitability, development period, regulatory and political environment and the ability to secure the funding necessary to complete the development or acquisition, among other considerations. No assurance can be given that any additional projects will be pursued or completed or that any completed projects will be successful.
We
believe that there are significant opportunities to grow our operations in existing and new regional casino markets throughout
the United States. Our expansion efforts have principally focused on opportunities in the Midwest and Southern regions
of the United States. We believe that our expertise as a multi-jurisdictional casino operator and our experience with
the development of the FireKeepers Casino position us well to expand our operations with new project openings.
On
March 21, 2014, we entered into a definitive agreement with The Majestic Star Casino LLC (“Majestic Star”) to acquire
all of the outstanding membership interests of the entity operating Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel (“Majestic Mississippi,
LLC”), located in Tunica, Mississippi, for a purchase price of $62.0 million. On June 23, 2014, we terminated the Interest
Purchase Agreement (“Agreement”) on the basis of mutual agreement, or in the alternative, inability to obtain financing
for the purchase. The termination became effective immediately. On June 25, 2014, Majestic Star notified us that it believes that
the Agreement remains in effect and disputes its termination. Additionally, Majestic Star has disputed the release of the $1.75
million held in escrow, pursuant to the terms of the Agreement, to us. On July 28, 2014 Majestic Star notified us that the
Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section 8.1(c) (breach of representation or warranty) or 8.1(d) (failure to obtain a gaming
license) and has demanded the release of the escrowed funds to Majestic Star. At this time, no lawsuit has been filed relating
to the termination of the Agreement.
We,
together with Keeneland Association, Inc., (“Keeneland”), are currently pursuing potential gaming opportunities
in Kentucky, including the installation of instant racing machines at racetrack properties. The installation of instant racing
machines at racetrack properties in Kentucky has been challenged by opponents of the instant racing machines who filed an action
alleging that the machines are unlawful gambling. The Kentucky Court of Appeals had vacated the lower court’s decision
that had upheld regulations adopted by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission authorizing the use of instant racing machines by
race tracks in Kentucky, and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and others, including Keeneland, appealed the vacation
of the lower court’s decision to the Kentucky Supreme Court. On February 20, 2014, the Kentucky Supreme Court held,
among other matters, that the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission acted in its regulatory authority when it licensed the operation
of pari-mutuel wagering on instant racing, also known as historical horse racing, but remanded the matter to the Circuit Court
to determine if instant racing constitutes a pari-mutuel form of wagering authorized by Kentucky law.
On
February 26, 2014, we entered into an exclusivity agreement (“Exclusivity Agreement”) with Keeneland to own,
manage, and operate instant racing and, if authorized, traditional casino gaming at race tracks in Kentucky, subject to completion
of definitive documents for each opportunity. On June 12, 2014, we executed an amendment to the Exclusivity Agreement, The
exclusivity amendment extended the term until June 30, 2019. In addition, we and Keeneland have a letter of intent that provides
for an exclusive option to purchase the Thunder Ridge Raceway in Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The purchase will be subject to the completion
of definitive documentation and to the approval of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, including the approval to transfer the
racing license to a to-be-constructed quarter horse racetrack near Corbin, Kentucky to be owned 75% by us and 25% by Keeneland.
Banking Relationships
On June 29, 2012, we entered into the First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One, which provided for a term loan in an amount up to $50.0 million and a revolving loan in an amount up to $5.0 million. On October 1, 2012, we entered into the Second Lien Credit Agreement with ABC Funding, LLC as administrative agent which provided for a term loan in an amount up to $20.0 million. On October 1, 2012, we closed on the acquisition of all of the equity membership interests in Silver Slipper Casino Venture LLC dba Silver Slipper Casino located in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. The purchase price of approximately $69.3 million, exclusive of cash and working capital in the amount $6.4 million and $2.9 million, respectively, was funded by our First Lien Credit Agreement with Capital One Bank, N.A. and our Second Lien Credit Agreement with ABC Funding, LLC. The First Lien Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement are secured by substantially all of our assets and therefore, our wholly-owned subsidiaries guarantee our obligations under the agreements. The Second Lien Credit Agreement is subject to the lien of the First Lien Credit agreement.
On August 26, 2013, we entered into the First Lien Amendment and the Second Lien Amendment which amended certain provisions of these agreements. The First Lien Amendment modifications included a $10.0 million increase to the term loan portion of the First Lien Credit Agreement to $56.3 million, a 1% lower interest rate and an extended maturity date to June 29, 2016. Also, certain financial ratio covenants were revised under the First Lien Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement to accommodate the additional extension of credit under the First Lien Credit Agreement and our capital lease agreement related to the new hotel tower at Rising Star Casino Resort, as discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The $10.0 million increase to the term loan under our First Lien Credit Agreement remains undrawn and subject to covenants and other terms of the First Lien Credit Agreement and the First and Second Amendments.
On
March 24, 2014 we made a $2.0 million draw on our $5.0 million revolving loan under the First Lien Credit Agreement, subject to
the terms and restrictions of the First Lien Credit Agreement, and deposited $1.75 million into escrow related to the Interest
Purchase Agreement for the potential purchase of the Fitz Tunica Casino & Hotel, as discussed in Note 8 to our consolidated financial
statements.
On
July 18, 2014, we entered into the Second Amendment to First Lien Credit Agreement (“First Lien 2nd Amendment”)
which amended certain provisions of the agreement, which became effective as of June 30, 2014. The First Lien 2nd
Amendment modifications included revisions of certain financial ratio covenants as of June 30, 2014, and going forward through
the term of the loan. The First Lien 2nd Amendment also extended the time period for draws against the $10.0 million term
loan associated with the Silver Slipper Casino Hotel to March 31, 2015. On July 18, 2014, we entered into a Second Amendment
to Second Lien Credit Agreement (“Second Lien 2nd Amendment”), which amended certain provisions of the agreement.
The Second Lien 2nd Amendment modifications included revisions of certain financial ratio covenants as of June
30, 2014, and going forward through the term of the loan and an increase in the interest rate by 1%, to 14.25% for the remainder
of the term of the loan.
Under the amendments, the First Lien Credit Agreement and the Second Lien Credit Agreement maximum total leverage ratio and maximum first lien leverage ratio vary according to the applicable time period and the fixed charge coverage ratio remains constant, as indicated in the tables below:
First Lien Credit Agreement
|
|
Applicable Period
|
|
Maximum
Total
Leverage
Ratio
|
|
|
Maximum
First Lien Leverage
Ratio
|
|
|
Minimum
Fixed Charge
Coverage Ratio
|
|
June 30, 2014 through and including September 29, 2014
|
|
4.75 |
x |
|
3.50 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
September 30, 2014 through and including December 30, 2014
|
|
5.50 |
x |
|
3.50 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
December 31, 2014 through and including June 29, 2015
|
|
5.50 |
x |
|
4.00 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
June, 30, 2015 through and including September 29, 2015
|
|
4.75 |
x |
|
3.50 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
September 30, 2015 through and including December 30, 2015
|
|
4.50 |
x |
|
3.25 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
December 31, 2015 through and including March 30, 2016
|
|
4.25 |
x |
|
3.00 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
March 31, 2016 and thereafter
|
|
4.25 |
x |
|
3.00 |
x |
|
1.10 |
x |
Second Lien Credit Agreement
|
|
Applicable Period
|
|
Maximum
Total Leverage
Ratio
|
|
|
Maximum
First Lien Leverage
Ratio
|
|
|
Minimum
Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio
|
|
June 30, 2014 through and including September 29, 2014
|
|
5.00 |
x |
|
3.75 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
September 30, 2014 through and including December 30, 2014
|
|
5.75 |
x |
|
3.75 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
December 31, 2014 through and including March 30, 2015
|
|
5.75 |
x |
|
4.25 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
March 31, 2015 through and including June 29, 2015
|
|
5.75 |
x |
|
4.25 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
June 30, 2015 through and including September 29, 2015
|
|
5.00 |
x |
|
3.75 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
September 30, 2015 through and including December 30, 2015
|
|
4.75 |
x |
|
3.50 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
December 31, 2015 through and including March 30, 2016
|
|
4.50 |
x |
|
3.25 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
March 31, 2016 and thereafter
|
|
4.50 |
x |
|
3.25 |
x |
|
1.00 |
x |
We
have elected to pay interest on the First Lien Credit Agreement based on the greater of the elected LIBOR rate, or 1.0%, plus
a margin rate as set forth in the agreement. As of June 30, 2014, the interest rate was 4.75% on the balance outstanding
on the First Lien Credit Agreement, for both our term loan and revolving loan, based on the 1.0% minimum, plus a 3.75% margin.
We paid interest on the Second Lien Credit Agreement at the fixed rate of 13.25% per annum, through June 30, 2014 and 14.25%
thereafter.
The
First Lien Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement contain customary negative covenants, including, but not limited
to, restrictions on our ability to: incur indebtedness; grant liens; pay dividends and make other restricted payments; make investments;
make fundamental changes; dispose of assets; and change the nature of our business. The First Lien Credit Agreement and Second
Lien Credit Agreement require that we maintain specified financial covenants, including a total leverage ratio, a first lien leverage
ratio, and a fixed charge coverage ratio, all of which measure Adjusted EBITDA (as defined in the agreements and amendments) against
outstanding debt and fixed charges (as defined in the agreements and amendments). A capital expenditure ratio must also be maintained
as set forth in the agreements. The First Lien Credit Agreement and Second Lien Credit Agreement, as amended, define Adjusted
EBITDA as net income (loss) plus (i) interest expense, net, (ii) provision for taxes (iii) depreciation and amortization; and
further adjusted to eliminate the impact of certain items that are not indicative of ongoing operating performance such as: (iv)
extraordinary losses including non-cash impairment charges, (v) stock compensation expense, (vi) certain acquisition costs, (vii)
certain registration costs, (viii) a pro forma credit for the Indiana gaming tax reductions; less extraordinary gains and
any joint venture net income..
We
measure compliance with our covenants on a quarterly basis. At March 31, 2014 we exceeded the allowable total leverage ratio and
the first lien leverage ratios for both of our credit agreements, however, we received waivers for compliance with these ratios
at March 31, 2014 from our Creditors. We successfully renegotiated our defined terms and maximum leverage ratios in the amendments to our First and Second Lien Credit Agreements, as discussed above, and we were in compliance with these covenants
at June 30, 2014.