Golden Entertainment Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results

– Reports Full Year Combined Adjusted EBITDA up 11.1% –

– Completes Acquisition to Enter the Montana Distributed Gaming Market –

LAS VEGAS--()--Golden Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:GDEN) (“Golden Entertainment” or the “Company”) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2015.

Key Highlights and Recent Developments

  • On July 31, 2015, Sartini Gaming, Inc. (“Sartini Gaming”) merged with a subsidiary of Lakes Entertainment (the “Merger”) and the Company was subsequently renamed Golden Entertainment. Fourth quarter of 2015 marked the first full quarter of inclusion in the Company’s results of the distributed gaming and casino businesses of Sartini Gaming.
  • Net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2015 were $86.4 million, compared to $12.8 million in the prior year quarter, with the increase due primarily to the Merger.
  • Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2015 was $9.4 million, compared to $0.2 million in the prior year quarter, with the increase due primarily to the Merger.
  • For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, net income was $23.4 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(0.1) million, or less than $(0.01) per diluted share, in the prior year quarter.
  • In December 2015, the Company completed the sale of a subordinated promissory note from the Jamul Indian Village (“Jamul Note”) for $24.0 million in cash, and the Company’s fourth quarter net income included a $23.6 million gain on recovery of impaired notes receivable resulting from the sale.
  • In January 2016, the Company completed the acquisition of approximately 1,000 gaming devices from a distributed gaming operator in the state of Montana, as well as certain non-gaming assets and the right to operate within certain locations, for total consideration of approximately $20.1 million.
  • Announced planned openings of six new taverns in 2016 in the Las Vegas Valley, including a new Sierra Gold, the Company’s flagship tavern brand, and the successful opening of a new brewery concept, PT’s Brewing Company, which opened on February 10, 2016.

“We ended 2015 with strong quarterly results that reveal the initial benefits of the Merger. In addition, we are now operational in Montana as a result of closing our distributed gaming acquisition during the month of January,” said Blake L. Sartini, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Entertainment. “Going forward into 2016, we continue to focus on our unique growth opportunities, while enhancing productivity within each of our business segments.”

Combined Results for the Three and Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015

Given the Merger, the following illustrates for each segment the net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended December 31, 2015 and the unaudited combined net revenues and combined Adjusted EBITDA for the Company and Sartini Gaming on a combined basis for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 and the three and twelve months ended December 28, 2014, presented as if the Merger had occurred on the first day of each period presented. These unaudited combined financial results have been prepared for illustrative purposes only and do not purport to be indicative of the results that actually would have resulted had the Merger occurred on the first day of the periods presented, or of the future results of the Company. The unaudited combined results do not reflect any operating efficiencies and associated cost savings that may be achieved as a result of the Merger.

 

Unaudited Results and Unaudited Combined Results(1)(2)

(In thousands)

 
    Three Months Ended(3)   Twelve Months Ended(4)
December 31,   December 28,   % December 31,   December 28,   %
2015 2014 Change 2015 2014 Change
Distributed Gaming $ 63,277 $ 60,721 4.2 % $ 249,287 $ 239,973 3.9 %
Casinos 23,108 23,024 0.4 % 95,777 95,503 0.3 %
Corporate and other   50     46   8.7 %   373     155   140.6 %
Combined Net Revenues $ 86,435   $ 83,791   3.2 % $ 345,437   $ 335,631   2.9 %
 
Distributed Gaming $ 8,971 $ 8,115 10.5 % $ 36,710 $ 33,421 9.8 %
Casinos 4,787 4,806 -0.4 % 20,044 19,987 0.3 %
Corporate and other   (4,333 )   (4,143 ) 4.6 %   (16,337 )   (17,034 ) -4.1 %
Combined Adjusted EBITDA $ 9,425   $ 8,778   7.4 % $ 40,417   $ 36,374   11.1 %
 
(1)   Combined Net Revenues and combined Adjusted EBITDA reflect the operations of Sartini Gaming for periods prior to the Merger combined with the operations of the Company. Such presentation does not conform to GAAP or the Securities and Exchange Commission rules for pro forma presentations; however, we have included the combined results because we believe they provide a meaningful comparison for the periods presented.
(2) The Company’s Distributed Gaming segment involves the installation and operation of gaming devices in certain strategic, high-traffic, non-casino locations (such as grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, bars and taverns), and the operation of traditional, branded taverns targeting local patrons, primarily in Clark County, Nevada. The Company’s Casinos segment consists of the Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone, Maryland and three casinos in Pahrump, Nevada.
(3) The unaudited combined financial information for the three months ended December 28, 2014 is derived from the Company’s unaudited consolidated statement of operations for such period and Sartini Gaming’s unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended December 31, 2014.
(4) The unaudited combined financial information for the years ended December 31, 2015 and December 28, 2014 is derived from the Company’s audited consolidated statements of operations for such periods and Sartini Gaming’s audited consolidated statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2014 and unaudited consolidated statement of operations for the seven months ended July 31, 2015.

Results for the Three Months Ended December 31, 2015

Net revenues for the three months ended December 31, 2015 were $86.4 million, an increase of 574% compared to the prior year period, due primarily to the Merger. Adjusted EBITDA for the current year quarter was $9.4 million, compared to $0.2 million in the prior year quarter, with the increase being due primarily to the Merger.

For the quarter ended December 31, 2015, net income was $23.4 million, or $1.06 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(0.1) million, or less than $0.01 per diluted share in the prior year quarter. The current year quarter results included the results of operations of Sartini Gaming for the full quarter. During the current year quarter, the Company incurred approximately $0.9 million in Merger expenses and recognized a gain on recovery of impaired notes receivable of approximately $23.6 million. The results for the prior year quarter included approximately $0.5 million in Merger expenses and a gain on sale of cost method investment of $1.4 million.

Results for the Twelve Months Ended December 31, 2015

Net revenues for the twelve months ended December 31, 2015 were $177.0 million, an increase of 221% from the prior year period, due primarily to the Merger. Adjusted EBITDA for the current year period was $18.3 million, compared to $1.4 million in the prior year period, with the increase being due primarily to the Merger.

For the twelve months ended December 31, 2015, net income was $24.5 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $(24.8) million, or $(1.86) per diluted share, in the prior year period. The Company has reported the operating results of Sartini Gaming in the consolidated statements of operations for the period from August 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. During the current year period, the Company incurred approximately $11.5 million in Merger expenses, recognized a gain on recovery of impaired notes receivable of approximately $23.6 million, and had an income tax benefit of $10.0 million. The results for the prior year period included approximately $0.5 million in Merger expenses and were impacted by impairments and other losses of $21.0 million related to an investment in Rock Ohio Ventures, a $2.5 million charge related to an arbitration award and a $2.4 million gain on sale of a cost method investment.

Balance Sheet, Liquidity and Capital Expenditures

As of December 31, 2015, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $69.2 million, which included approximately $23.6 million in net proceeds related to the sale of the Jamul Note. Pursuant to the terms of the merger agreement relating to the Merger and subject to applicable law, the proceeds received from the sale of the Jamul Note, net of related costs, will be distributed in a cash dividend to the Company’s shareholders that hold shares as of the record date for such dividend (other than shareholders that have waived their right to receive such dividend). Under the terms of the merger agreement for the Merger, Sartini Gaming’s former sole shareholder, for itself and any related party transferees of its shares (which total approximately 8.0 million shares in the aggregate), waived their right to receive such dividend with respect to their shares, except for a potential tax distribution, if any, unless their shares are sold to an unaffiliated third party prior to the record date for any such dividend. Also in connection with the Merger, holders of an additional approximately 0.5 million shares waived their right to receive such dividend, unless such shares are sold to an unaffiliated third party prior to the record date for any such dividend. The Company anticipates that the net proceeds received from the sale of the Jamul Note will be distributed to shareholders during the summer of 2016. The record date for such dividend will follow the Board of Directors’ declaration of any such dividend and will be announced at such time.

As of December 31, 2015, total debt outstanding of $148.6 million included a $118.5 million senior secured term loan and $25.0 million drawn under the Company’s $40.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility. The Company’s senior secured term loan and revolving credit facilities mature in July 2020. As of December 31, 2015, the weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings under these credit facilities was approximately 3.2%. In December 2015, the Company entered into agreements to acquire approximately 1,000 gaming devices from a distributed gaming operator in the state of Montana, as well as certain non-gaming assets and the right to operate within certain locations, for total consideration of approximately $20.1 million, including the issuance of 50,252 shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company is required to pay $2.0 million of the total purchase price in cash in four quarterly installments beginning in September 2017, subject to certain potential adjustments. The transaction closed on January 29, 2016 and the Company funded the cash portion of the purchase price paid at closing using excess cash and $15.0 million in borrowings under the Company’s senior secured revolving credit facility.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a webcast and conference call at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time on March 9, 2016, to discuss fourth quarter 2015 results. The number to call is 1-888-378-0320 (domestic) or 1-719-457-2085 (international). A live webcast will be available in the Investors section of the Company’s website (www.goldenent.com). A replay of the conference call will be available through March 16, 2016, by dialing 1-877-870-5176 (domestic) or 1-858-384-5517 (international) and entering the passcode 9357450.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements regarding future events and our future results that are subject to the safe harbors created under the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, or the Exchange Act. Forward-looking statements can generally be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “think,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions. In addition, forward-looking statements include statements regarding the Company’s strategies, objectives, business opportunities and plans for future expansion, developments or acquisitions, anticipated future growth and trends in the Company’s business or key markets, projections of future financial condition, operating results, income, capital expenditures, costs or other financial items, anticipated regulatory and legislative changes, the Company’s ability to utilize the net operating loss carryforwards (“NOLs”) to offset future taxable income, the timing and amount of distributions to the Company’s shareholders of the net proceeds from the sale of the Jamul Note, as well as other statements that are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s business, the economy and other future conditions. These forward-looking statements are subject to assumptions, risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and readers are therefore cautioned that actual results could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: the Company’s ability to realize the anticipated cost savings, synergies and other benefits of the Merger and the acquisition of distributed gaming assets in Montana, and integration risks relating to such transactions, changes in national, regional and local economic and market conditions, legislative and regulatory matters (including the cost of compliance or failure to comply with applicable laws and regulations), increases in gaming taxes and fees in the jurisdictions in which the Company operates, litigation, increased competition, the Company’s ability to renew its distributed gaming contracts, reliance on key personnel (including our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer), the level of the Company’s indebtedness and the Company’s ability to comply with covenants in its debt facilities, terrorist incidents, natural disasters, severe weather conditions, the effects of environmental and structural building conditions, the effects of disruptions to the Company’s information technology and other systems and infrastructure, the occurrence of an “ownership change” as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, and factors affecting the gaming, entertainment and hospitality industries generally. In addition, please refer to the risk factors contained in the Company’s SEC filings available at www.sec.gov, including the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements for any reason.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

To supplement the Company’s consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), the Company uses Adjusted EBITDA, Combined Net Revenues and Combined Adjusted EBITDA, which measures the Company believes are appropriate to provide meaningful comparison with, and to enhance an overall understanding of, the Company’s past financial performance and prospects for the future. The Company believes Adjusted EBITDA and Combined Adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to both management and investors by excluding specific expenses and gains that the Company believes are not indicative of its core operating results. Further, Adjusted EBITDA is a measure of operating performance used by management, as well as industry analysts, to evaluate operations and operating performance and is widely used in the gaming industry. The presentation of this additional information is not meant to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP. In addition, other companies in the gaming industry may calculate Adjusted EBITDA differently than the Company does. A reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA and Combined Adjusted EBITDA is provided in the financial information tables below. Additionally, a reconciliation of net revenues to Combined Net Revenues is provided in the financial information tables below.

The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening expenses, merger expenses, share-based compensation expenses, impairments and other gains and losses. “Adjusted EBITDA” for a particular segment is Adjusted EBITDA before corporate overhead, which is not allocated to each segment.

About Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Golden Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates gaming properties across two divisions – distributed gaming and resort and casino operations. Golden Entertainment operates approximately 10,300 gaming devices and more than 30 table games in Nevada, Maryland and Montana. The Company owns four casino properties, nearly 50 taverns and operates approximately 770 distributed gaming locations in Nevada, Maryland and Montana. Golden Entertainment is focused on maximizing the value of its portfolio by leveraging its scale, leadership position, and proven management capabilities across its two divisions. For more information, visit www.goldenent.com.

 

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(in thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,   December 28, December 31,   December 28,
2015 2014 2015 2014
Revenues
Gaming $ 73,701 $ 9,998 $ 148,447 $ 43,458
Food and beverage 13,264 1,497 25,584 6,157
Rooms 1,804 1,405 6,814 6,289
Other operating   2,018     539     5,079     2,452  
Gross revenues 90,787 13,439 185,924 58,356
Less: Promotional allowances   (4,352 )   (614 )   (8,882 )   (3,184 )
Net revenues   86,435     12,825     177,042     55,172  
Expenses
Gaming 49,984 5,823 98,268 25,031
Food and beverage 10,230 1,182 19,373 4,771
Rooms 325 185 968 694
Other operating 705 288 2,260 1,419
Selling, general and administrative 16,166 5,166 38,708 22,084
Merger expenses 934 482 11,525 482
Recovery of impairment on notes receivable (23,590 ) (23,590 )
Gain on sale of cost method investment (1,391 ) (750 ) (2,391 )
Charges related to arbitration award 2,530
Impairments and other losses 682 20,997
Other, net 302 (2 ) 437 (7 )
Depreciation and amortization   3,939     900     10,798     3,513  
Total expenses   58,995     12,633     158,679     79,123  
Income (loss) from operations   27,440     192     18,363     (23,951 )
Other income (expense)
Interest income 1 41 82 151
Interest expense (1,306 ) (286 ) (2,810 ) (1,209 )
Loss on extinguishment of debt (1,174 )
Other, net   4     (5 )   90     164  
Total other expense   (1,301 )   (250 )   (3,812 )   (894 )
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (provision) 26,139 (58 ) 14,551 (24,845 )
Income tax benefit (provision)   (2,733 )       9,969      
Net income (loss) 23,406 (58 ) 24,520 (24,845 )
Other comprehensive income (loss)       (20 )   22     (22 )
Comprehensive income (loss) $ 23,406   $ (78 ) $ 24,542   $ (24,867 )
 
Weighted-average common shares outstanding
Basic 21,790 13,389 16,878 13,379
Dilutive impact of stock options   281         225      
Diluted   22,071     13,389     17,103     13,379  
Net income (loss) per share
Basic $ 1.07   $   $ 1.45   $ (1.86 )
Diluted $ 1.06   $   $ 1.43   $ (1.86 )
 
 

GOLDEN ENTERTAINMENT, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

 
  December 31,   December 28,
2015 2014
ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 69,177 $ 35,416
Short-term investments 46,638
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $0.4 million as of December 31, 2015 3,033 622
Income taxes receivable 2,078
Prepaid expenses 6,803 760
Other   2,553     425  
Total current assets   83,644     83,861  
 
Property and equipment 128,127 41,433
Accumulated depreciation   (13,818 )   (8,694 )
Property and equipment, net   114,309     32,739  
 
Other assets
Goodwill 96,288
Customer relationships, net 57,456
Other intangible assets, net 23,368 2,279
Land held for sale 960
Land held for development 960
Income taxes receivable 2,155
Other   2,759     35  
Total other assets   180,831     5,429  
Total assets $ 378,784   $ 122,029  
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
Current portion of long-term debt, net of discount $ 9,180 $ 1,368
Accounts payable 8,237 482
Accrued taxes, other than income taxes 831 439
Accrued payroll and related 3,494 1,573
Deposits 128 131
Other accrued expenses   3,476     1,479  
Total current liabilities   25,346     5,472  
 
Long-term debt, net of current portion and discount 139,455 8,941
Debt issuance costs, net (2,537 )
Deferred taxes 4,471
Other long-term obligations   1,564      
Total liabilities   168,299     14,413  
Shareholders' equity
Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 100,000 shares; 21,868 and 13,389 common shares issued and outstanding
as of December 31, 2015 and December 28, 2014, respectively 353 268
Additional paid-in capital 283,857 205,615
Accumulated deficit (73,725 ) (98,245 )
Accumulated other comprehensive loss       (22 )
Total shareholders' equity   210,485     107,616  
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 378,784   $ 122,029  
 
 

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 
  Three Months Ended   Twelve Months Ended
December 31,   December 28, December 31,   December 28,
2015 2014 2015 2014
 
Adjusted EBITDA $ 9,425 $ 241 $ 18,274 $ 1,443
Impairments and other losses (682 ) (20,997 )
Recovery of impairment on notes receivable 23,590 23,590
Gain on sale of cost method investment 1,391 750 2,391
Charges related to arbitration award (2,530 )
Share-based compensation (400 ) (60 ) (809 ) (270 )
Merger expenses (934 ) (482 ) (11,525 ) (482 )
Depreciation and amortization (3,939 ) (900 ) (10,798 ) (3,513 )
Other, net   (302 )   2     (437 )   7  
Income (loss) from operations   27,440     192     18,363     (23,951 )
Other income (expense)
Interest income 1 41 82 151
Interest expense (1,306 ) (286 ) (2,810 ) (1,209 )
Other, net   4     (5 )   (1,084 )   164  
Total other expense, net (1,301 ) (250 ) (3,812 ) (894 )
 
Income (loss) before income tax benefit (provision) 26,139 (58 ) 14,551 (24,845 )
Income tax benefit (provision)   (2,733 )       9,969      
Net income (loss) $ 23,406   $ (58 ) $ 24,520   $ (24,845 )
 
 

Sartini Gaming, Inc.

Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 
     

Three Months
Ended

 

Seven Months
Ended

  Year Ended
December 31, July 31, December 31,
2014 2015 2014
 
 
Adjusted EBITDA $ 8,537 $ 22,143 $ 34,931
Preopening expenses (187 ) (565 ) (1,659 )
Debt restructuring expense (2,408 )
Merger expenses (15 ) (1,372 ) (15 )
Depreciation and amortization (3,192 ) (8,272 ) (14,180 )
Other, net   100     (2,093 )   (339 )
Income (loss) from operations   5,243     7,433     18,738  
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net (5,783 ) (12,795 ) (21,940 )
Loss on warrant   (6,063 )       (6,063 )
Total other expense, net (11,846 ) (12,795 ) (28,003 )
 
Loss before income tax benefit (6,603 ) (5,362 ) (9,265 )
Income tax benefit            
Net loss $ (6,603 ) $ (5,362 ) $ (9,265 )
 

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Reconciliation of Net Revenues to Combined Net Revenues

(Unaudited and in thousands)

     
Combined Net Revenues

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Sartini Gaming

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

 

Three Months Ended

December 28,

December 31,

December 28,

2014 2014 2014
 
Distributed Gaming $ $ 60,721 $ 60,721
Casinos 12,781 10,243 23,024
Corporate and other   44   2   46
Net Revenues $ 12,825 $ 70,966 $ 83,791
 
        Combined Net Revenues
Golden Entertainment, Inc. Sartini Gaming Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Year Ended   Seven Months Ended   Year Ended
December 31, July 31, December 31,
2015 2015 2015
 
Distributed Gaming $ 103,610 $ 145,677 $ 249,287
Casinos 73,245 22,532 95,777
Corporate and other   187   186   373
Net Revenues $ 177,042 $ 168,395 $ 345,437
 
Combined Net Revenues
Golden Entertainment, Inc. Sartini Gaming Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
December 28, December 31, December 28,
2014 2014 2014
 
Distributed Gaming $ $ 239,973 $ 239,973
Casinos 55,021 40,482 95,503
Corporate and other   151   4   155
Net Revenues $ 55,172 $ 280,459 $ 335,631
 

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Combined Adjusted EBITDA

(Unaudited and in thousands)

 
      Combined Adjusted EBITDA
Golden Entertainment, Inc. Sartini Gaming Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended   Three Months Ended
December 28, December 31, December 28,
2014 2014 2014
 
Distributed Gaming $ $ 8,115 $ 8,115
Casinos 1,654 3,152 4,806
Corporate and other   (1,413 )   (2,730 )   (4,143 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 241   $ 8,537   $ 8,778  
 
        Combined Adjusted EBITDA
Golden Entertainment, Inc. Sartini Gaming Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Year Ended   Seven Months Ended   Year Ended
December 31, July 31, December 31,
2015 2015 2015
 
Distributed Gaming $ 14,254 $ 22,456 $ 36,710
Casinos 14,390 5,654 20,044
Corporate and other   (10,370 )   (5,967 )   (16,337 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 18,274   $ 22,143   $ 40,417  
 
Combined Adjusted EBITDA
Golden Entertainment, Inc. Sartini Gaming Golden Entertainment, Inc.
Year Ended   Year Ended   Year Ended
December 28, December 31, December 28,
2014 2014 2014
 
Distributed Gaming $ $ 33,421 $ 33,421
Casinos 8,086 11,901 19,987
Corporate and other   (6,643 )   (10,391 )   (17,034 )
Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,443   $ 34,931   $ 36,374  

Contacts

Investor Relations:
ICR
Jacques Cornet, 702.891.4264
ir@goldenent.com

Release Summary

Golden Entertainment Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2015 Results

Contacts

Investor Relations:
ICR
Jacques Cornet, 702.891.4264
ir@goldenent.com