Category: Gambling

MTR Gaming Group Announces Third Quarter Results: Net Revenues up 13% in Third Quarter and 16% Year-to-Date

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS: MNTG) today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2008, and achieves its credit facility coverage ratio requirements. Current and prior year results reflect the reclassification of the Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino and Binions Gambling Hall & Hotel as discontinued operations. See attached tables (including Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP).

For the third quarter, net revenues increased to $131.4 million, up 13% from $116 million in the same period of 2007. EBITDA from continuing operations was $22.4 million, up 31% compared to $17.1 million in the third quarter of 2007. The increase in revenues was primarily due to the addition of table gaming at Mountaineer and increased slot revenues from Presque Isle Downs. The increase in EBITDA from continuing operations is directly attributable to the improved operating performance of Mountaineer and Presque Isle Downs.

Net revenues at the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort increased 15% to $77.3 million, compared to $67.0 million in the third quarter of 2007. Table gaming at Mountaineer generated $13.2 million of revenues during the third quarter of 2008, while revenues from slots decreased by $4.2 million in third quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter in 2007. This decrease is primarily attributable to competitive pressures from Pennsylvanias gaming operations. The property generated EBITDA of $15.5 million, versus $12.7 million in the comparable quarter of 2007.

For the third quarter of 2008, Presque Isle Downs net revenues increased to $51.5 million, up 10% compared to $46.7 million in the same period 2007 due to increased slot play. For the third quarter, Presque Isle Downs slot win per day per machine was $256 compared to $237 for the same period in 2007. EBITDA was $10.8 million for the third quarter of 2008, up 36% from $7.9 million in the same period last year.

Additionally, during the third quarter MTR incurred non-cash charges aggregating $11.2 million associated with its non-strategic assets. The Company recorded a $2.6 million asset impairment loss related to Jackson Harness Raceway and an $8.6 million impairment loss on its 50% joint venture investment in Running Aces Harness Park, which was in addition to a $1.1 million equity loss from the third quarter operations of Running Aces.

The Company reported a net loss of $8.2 million or $0.30 per diluted share, which included a $32,000 loss from discontinued operations and $11.2 million ($10.5 million net of tax) in non-cash charges or $0.38 per diluted share. In the third quarter of 2007, the net loss was $2.8 million or $0.10 per diluted share of which $3.6 million or $0.13 per diluted share was attributable to discontinued operations. Edson R. (Ted) Arneault, President and CEO of MTR Gaming Group, pointed out, We are pleased with our revenue and EBITDA growth at our two largest properties, which had enabled us to continue to pay down long-term debt by about $13 million in the third quarter and achieve our credit facility coverage ratio requirements.

For the first nine months of 2008, MTRs total net revenues increased 16% to $371.8 million from $319.5 million in the first nine months of 2007. EBITDA from continuing operations increased 22% to $56.5 million from $46.2 million in the same period last year. The 2008 year-to-date net loss was $13.2 million or $0.48 per diluted share, which included $169,000 of income from discontinued operations and $11.2 million ($10.5 million net of tax) in non-cash charges or $0.38 per diluted share. In the prior year period, the net loss was $2.8 million or $0.10 per diluted share, which included a loss from discontinued operations of $4.3 million or $0.15 per diluted share.

2008 Guidance Adjusted for Asset Impairments; EBITDA Guidance Confirmed

The Company expects its 2008 revenues from continuing operations to be at least $485 million and reaffirms its 2008 EBITDA guidance from continuing operations of $72 million. However, due to the $11.2 million of impairment losses on its non-strategic assets, it has modified its net loss to be no more than $14.6 million or $0.52 per diluted share, which includes $200,000 of income from discontinued operations.

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to GAAP

EBITDA represents earnings (losses) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture, loss on asset impairment and gain (loss) on disposal of property. EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), is unaudited and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income or income from operations as an indicator of our operating performance, or cash flows from operating activities, as a measure of liquidity. EBITDA has been presented as a supplemental disclosure because it is a widely used measure of performance and basis for valuation of companies in our industry. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in EBITDA include capital expenditures (which are significant given our expansion), interest payments, income taxes, and debt principal repayments. Moreover, other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do. A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to EBITDA is included in the financial tables accompanying this release.

Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call focusing on the financial results and corporate developments at 10:00 a.m. EDT on Friday, October 31, 2008. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing (706) 679-0882. Please call in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and ask for the MTR Gaming call (conference ID # 66117129).

The conference call will be webcast live via the Investor Relations section of the Companys website at www.mtrgaming.com. To listen to the live webcast please go to the website at least 15 minutes early to register, download and install any necessary audio software. If you are unable to listen live, conference call will be archived on the Investor Relations section of the Companys web site.

About MTR Gaming Group

MTR Gaming Group, Inc., through subsidiaries, owns and operates Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, WV; Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, PA; and Scioto Downs in Columbus, OH. The Company also owns a 90% interest in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC, which operates Jackson Harness Raceway in Jackson, MI, and a 50% interest in the North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC, which operates Running Aces Harness Park in Minneapolis, MN. For more information, please visit www.mtrgaming.com.

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning, among other things, financial performance for 2008, and the prospects for improving the results of our operations at Mountaineer and Presque Isle Downs. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the statements made to be incorrect and/or for actual results to differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the absence of any new competition for Mountaineer and Presque Isle Downs in 2008, no increase in the gaming tax rates that the Company currently pays in its various jurisdictions, general economic conditions, disruption (occasioned by weather conditions or work stoppages) of our operations, the success of the table gaming at Mountaineer (including the anticipated continued positive impact of table gaming on slot operations and resort operations), our ability to improve our operating margins, our continued suitability to hold and obtain renewals of our gaming and racing licenses, our compliance with environmental laws and potential exposure to environmental liabilities, and other factors described in the Companys periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. The cautionary advice in this paragraph is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

   
MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2008   2007   2008   2007
Revenues:                
Gaming   $ 114,135     $ 101,513     $ 327,737     $ 282,675  
Parimutuel commissions     5,674       4,864       13,862       12,318  
Food, beverage and lodging     10,715       8,974       28,888       22,787  
Other     3,017       2,369       7,430       6,001  
Total revenues     133,541       117,720       377,917       323,781  
Less promotional allowances     (2,145 )     (1,733 )     (6,076 )     (4,306 )
Net revenues     131,396       115,987       371,841       319,475  
                 
Operating expenses:                
Expenses of operating departments:                
Gaming     71,427       62,693       207,717       176,307  
Parimutuel commissions     5,201       4,570       13,281       10,608  
Food, beverage and lodging     7,998       7,388       22,913       19,084  
Other revenue     2,632       2,043       6,951       5,375  
Marketing and promotions     4,345       5,772       12,490       13,002  
General and administrative     17,383       15,867       52,020       44,955  
Depreciation     7,406       7,220       22,421       19,905  
Loss on disposal of property     1       41       160       106  
Loss on impaired investment     2,586       -       2,586       -  
Project opening costs     -       619       -       4,098  
Total operating expenses     118,979       106,213       340,539       293,440  
                 
Operating income     12,417       9,774       31,302       26,035  
                 
Other (expense) income:                
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture     (9,682 )     (96 )     (12,107 )     (110 )
Interest income     52       65       197       335  
Interest expense     (10,223 )     (9,330 )     (30,904 )     (24,331 )
Loss on debt modification     -       -       (3,356 )     -  
                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes              
and minority interest     (7,436 )     413       (14,868 )     1,929  
                 
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (787 )     346       1,495       (558 )
                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations before minority interest     (8,223 )     759       (13,373 )     1,371  
                 
Minority interest     15       24       30       137  
                 
(Loss) income from continuing operations     (8,208 )     783       (13,343 )     1,508  
                 
Discontinued operations:                
(Loss) income from discontinued operations before income taxes     (39 )     (4,340 )     299       (5,650 )
Benefit (provision) for income taxes     7       714       (130 )     1,356  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations     (32 )     (3,626 )     169       (4,294 )
                 
Net loss   $ (8,240 )   $ (2,843 )   $ (13,174 )   $ (2,786 )
                 
Net loss per share - basic:                
(Loss) income from continuing operations   $ (0.30 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.49 )   $ 0.05  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations     (0.00 )     (0.13 )     0.01       (0.15 )
Net loss   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.48 )   $ (0.10 )
                 
Net loss per share - diluted:                
(Loss) income from continuing operations   $ (0.30 )   $ 0.03     $ (0.49 )   $ 0.05  
(Loss) income from discontinued operations     (0.00 )     (0.13 )     0.01       (0.15 )
Net loss   $ (0.30 )   $ (0.10 )   $ (0.48 )   $ (0.10 )
                 
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:                
Basic     27,475,260       27,559,076       27,475,260       27,542,645  
Diluted     27,475,260       27,867,281       27,648,827       27,897,143  
MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2008   2007   2008   2007
                 
Net revenues from continuing operations:                
Mountaineer   $ 77,255     $ 66,963     $ 226,663     $ 201,482  
Presque Isle Downs     51,497       46,746       139,237       111,709  
Scioto Downs     2,029       1,662       3,605       3,742  
Jackson Racing     612       613       2,327       2,505  
MTR-Harness / Running Aces     -       -       -       28  
Corporate     3       3       9       9  
Consolidated net revenues from continuing operations   $ 131,396     $ 115,987     $ 371,841     $ 319,475  
                 
                 
EBITDA from continuing operations:                
Mountaineer   $ 15,452     $ 12,678     $ 41,279     $ 38,509  
Presque Isle Downs     10,755       7,924       26,809       18,756  
Scioto Downs     (87 )     (409 )     (1,074 )     (1,427 )
Jackson Racing     (213 )     (227 )     (457 )     (397 )
MTR-Harness / Running Aces     (11 )     (2 )     (55 )     (180 )
Corporate     (3,467 )     (2,904 )     (9,993 )     (9,013 )
Consolidated EBITDA from continuing operations   $ 22,429     $ 17,060     $ 56,509     $ 46,248  
                 
EBITDA from discontinued operations:                
Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel     (32 )     (2,014 )     (1,543 )     (3,645 )
Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino     (5 )     223       (755 )     1,155  
Consolidated EBITDA   $ 22,392     $ 15,269     $ 54,211     $ 43,758  
                 

 

   
                 
The following tables set forth a reconciliation of net income (loss), a GAAP financial measure, to EBITDA, a non-GAAP financial measure.

 

   
                 
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2008   2007   2008   2007
                 
EBITDA FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS:                
                 
Mountaineer:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 6,651     $ 8,505     $ 16,093     $ 15,342  
Interest expense, net of interest income     2,253       2,205       6,771       6,341  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     2,902       (1,724 )     7,264       4,845  
Depreciation     3,646       3,649       11,151       11,861  
Loss on disposal of property     -       43       -       120  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ 15,452     $ 12,678     $ 41,279     $ 38,509  
                 
Presque Isle Downs:                
Income from continuing operations   $ 4,833     $ 5,063     $ 10,524     $ 8,254  
Interest expense     361       100       1,221       756  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     2,122       (507 )     4,751       2,606  
Depreciation     3,439       3,268       10,313       7,140  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ 10,755     $ 7,924     $ 26,809     $ 18,756  
                 

MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.

SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2008   2007   2008   2007
EBITDA FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS (continued):              
                 
Scioto Downs:                
Loss from continuing operations   $ (368 )   $ (876 )   $ (1,265 )   $ (1,647 )
Interest expense, net of interest income     27       30       83       94  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes     27       221       (571 )     (520 )
Depreciation     227       216       679       646  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ (87 )   $ (409 )   $ (1,074 )   $ (1,427 )
                 
Jackson Racing:                
Loss from continuing operations   $ (1,937 )   $ (222 )   $ (2,225 )   $ (314 )
Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest     1       2       3       5  
Benefit for income taxes, net of minority interest     (872 )     (10 )     (1,005 )     (99 )
Depreciation, net of minority interest     9       5       25       15  
(Gain) loss on disposal of property, net of minority interest     -       (2 )     159       (4 )
Loss on impaired investment in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC     2,586       -       2,586       -  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ (213 )   $ (227 )   $ (457 )   $ (397 )
                 
MTR-Harness / Running Aces:                
Loss from continuing operations   $ (6,695 )   $ (83 )   $ (8,385 )   $ (204 )
Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest     6       -       8       42  
Benefit for income taxes, net of minority interest     (3,004 )     (15 )     (3,785 )     (131 )
Depreciation, net of minority interest     -       -       -       3  
Equity in loss of North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC     9,682       96       12,107       110  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ (11 )   $ (2 )   $ (55 )   $ (180 )
                 
Corporate:                
Loss from continuing operations   $ (10,692 )   $ (11,604 )   $ (28,085 )   $ (19,923 )
Interest expense, net of interest income     7,522       6,927       22,620       16,715  
(Provision) benefit for income taxes     (382 )     1,691       (8,136 )     (6,033 )
Depreciation     84       82       251       238  
(Loss) gain on disposal of property     1       -       1       (10 )
Loss on debt modification     -       -       3,356       -  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ (3,467 )   $ (2,904 )   $ (9,993 )   $ (9,013 )
                 
Consolidated:                
(Loss) income from continuing operations   $ (8,208 )   $ 783     $ (13,343 )   $ 1,508  
Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest     10,170       9,264       30,706       23,953  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes, net of minority interest     793       (344 )     (1,482 )     668  
Depreciation, net of minority interest     7,405       7,220       22,419       19,903  
Loss on disposal of property, net of minority interest     1       41       160       106  
Loss on debt modification     -       -       3,356       -  
Loss on impaired investment in Jackson Trotting Association, LLC     2,586       -       2,586       -  
Equity in loss of North Metro Harness Initiative, LLC     9,682       96       12,107       110  
EBITDA from continuing operations   $ 22,429     $ 17,060     $ 56,509     $ 46,248  
 
MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued)
(dollars in thousands)
(unaudited)
                 
    Three Months Ended   Nine Months Ended
    September 30   September 30
    2008   2007   2008   2007
                 
EBITDA from discontinued operations:                
                 
Binion's Gambling Hall & Hotel:                
Loss from discontinued operations   $ (21 )   $ (3,645 )   $ (1,308 )   $ (4,476 )
Interest income, net of interest expense     -       -       (29 )     (28 )
Benefit for income taxes     -       (614 )     (879 )     (1,413 )
Depreciation     -       745       -       2,045  
Other income     -       1,500       -       232  
Loss (gain) on disposal of property     (11 )     -       673       (5 )
EBITDA from discontinued operations   $ (32 )   $ (2,014 )   $ (1,543 )   $ (3,645 )
                 
Ramada Inn and Speedway Casino:                
(Loss) income from discontinued operations   $ (11 )   $ 19     $ 1,477     $ 182  
Interest expense     -       98       163       292  
(Benefit) provision for income taxes     (7 )     (100 )     1,009       57  
Depreciation     -       206       199       624  
Loss (gain) on disposal of property     13       -       (3,603 )     -  
EBITDA from discontinued operations   $ (5 )   $ 223     $ (755 )   $ 1,155  
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 
                 

 

   
                 
2008 FINANCIAL GUIDANCE
            Year Ending    
            December 31, 2008  
EBITDA from continuing operations:                
Net loss           $ (14,800 )    
Interest expense, net of interest income and minority interest         40,700      
Benefit for income taxes, net of minority interest             (1,700 )    
Depreciation, net of minority interest             29,900      
Gain on disposal of property             (200 )    
Loss on debt modification             3,400      
Loss on impaired investment             2,600      
Equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture             12,100      
EBITDA from continuing operations           $ 72,000      
                 

 

   
         
MTR GAMING GROUP, INC.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(dollars in thousands)
         
    September 30   December 31
    2008   2007
    (unaudited)    
ASSETS        
         
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 33,847     $ 31,045  
Restricted cash     607       560  

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $105 in 2008 and $92 in 2007

    8,421       10,062  
Inventories     4,565       4,407  
Deferred financing costs     4,373       3,203  
Prepaid income taxes     2,111       851  
Deferred income taxes     1,518       1,428  
Other current assets     5,464       5,094  
Assets held for sale     -       3,290  
Total current assets     60,906       59,940  
         
Property and equipment, net     376,885       388,950  
Goodwill     1,985       2,145  
Other intangibles     68,913       71,827  
Deferred financing costs, net of current portion     3,635       8,123  
Equity method investment     -       11,609  
Deposits and other     26,781       26,078  
Assets held for sale     1,078       42,290  
Total assets   $ 540,183     $ 610,962  
         
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY        
         
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable   $ 8,193     $ 9,064  
Accounts payable - gaming taxes and assessments     6,911       9,446  
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes     5,182       4,728  
Accrued interest     10,992       6,456  
Other accrued liabilities     13,296       11,683  
Construction project liabilities     1,283       4,225  
Current portion of long-term debt and capital lease obligations     13,056       11,108  
Liabilities held for sale     -       4,881  
Total current liabilities     58,913       61,591  
         
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations, net of current portion     369,262       420,520  
Long-term deferred compensation     11,348       10,545  
Deferred income taxes     210       940  
Liabilities held for sale     -       4,914  
Total liabilities     439,733       498,510  
         
Minority interest     284       305  
         
Shareholders' equity:        
Common stock     -       -  
Paid-in capital     61,671       60,478  
Retained earnings     38,550       51,724  
Accumulated other comprehensive loss     (55 )     (55 )
Total shareholders' equity     100,166       112,147  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity   $ 540,183     $ 610,962  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MTR Gaming Group, Inc.
David Hughes, 304-387-8114
Corporate Executive VP and CFO
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.mtrgaming.com