UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10‑Q

(Mark One)

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

OR

For the transition period                 to                 

Commission File No. 001‑36629

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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

(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)

(775) 328‑0100

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S‑T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non‑accelerated filer, smaller reporting company or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b‑2 of the Exchange Act.

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.  ☐

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

The number of shares of the Registrant’s Common Stock, $0.00001 par value per share, outstanding as of November 2, 2017 was 76,824,595.

 

 

 

 

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ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

QUARTERLY REPORT FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2017

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  Financial Statements.

ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(dollars in thousands)

 

 

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

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ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(dollars in thousands, except per share data)

(unaudited)

 

 

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

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ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

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

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ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(dollars in thousands)

(unaudited)

 

 

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

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ELDORADO RESORTS, INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

Organization

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (“ERI” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation formed in September 2013, and its consolidated subsidiaries. The Company acquired Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs in September 2014 pursuant to a merger (the “MTR Merger”) with MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (“MTR Gaming”) and in November 2015 it acquired Circus Reno and the interests in the Silver Legacy that it did not own prior to such date (the “Reno Acquisition”).

Throughout the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, ERI owned and operated the following properties:

In addition, on May 1, 2017, the Company consummated its acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. and acquired the following properties:

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On August 22, 2016, Isle entered into an agreement to sell Lake Charles for aggregate consideration of $134.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction (the “Lake Charles Disposition”) remains subject to Louisiana Gaming Control Board approval and other customary closing conditions and, if obtained, the transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.

Acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

On May 1, 2017 (the “Isle Acquisition Date”), the Company completed its acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated as of September 19, 2016 with Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Isle” or “Isle of Capri”), Eagle I Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Eagle II Acquisition Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Isle Acquisition” or the “Isle Merger”). As a result of the Isle Merger, Isle became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ERI and, at the effective time of the Isle Merger, each outstanding share of Isle’s stock converted into the right to receive $23.00 in cash or 1.638 shares of ERI common stock (the “Stock Consideration”), at the election of the applicable Isle shareholder and subject to proration such that the outstanding shares of Isle common stock were exchanged for aggregate consideration comprised of 58% cash, or $552.0 million, and 42% ERI common stock, or 28.5 million newly issued shares of ERI common stock. The total purchase consideration was $1.93 billion (See Note 2).

In connection with the Isle Acquisition, the Company completed a debt financing transaction comprised of: (a) a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion with a (i) term loan facility of $1.45 billion and (ii) revolving credit facility of $300.0 million and (b) $375.0 million of senior unsecured notes. The proceeds of such borrowings were used (v) to pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the Isle Merger, (w) refinance all of Isle’s existing credit facilities, (x) redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s senior and senior subordinated notes, (y) refinance the Company’s existing credit facility and (z) pay transaction fees and expenses related to the foregoing (See Note 7 for further discussion of the refinancing transaction and terms of such indebtedness).

Acquisition charges attributed to the Isle Acquisition are reported on the accompanying statement of operations related to legal, accounting, financial advisory services, severance, stock awards and other costs totaling $2.1 million and $89.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $4.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. As of September 30, 2017, $0.2 million of accrued costs and expenses related to the Isle Acquisition are included in accrued other liabilities. Additionally, we recognized a loss of $27.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 related to the extinguishment of Isle debt and the payment of interest and call premiums in conjunction with the Isle Acquisition.

The presentation of information herein for periods prior to the Isle Acquisition Date and after the Isle Acquisition Date are not fully comparable because the results of operations for Isle are not included for periods prior to the Isle Acquisition Date. Summary financial results of Isle for the three and nine months ended January 22, 2017 are included in Isle’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). In conjunction with the Isle Acquisition, Isle is no longer required to file quarterly and annual reports with the SEC, and terminated its registration on May 11, 2017.

Reclassifications

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

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Basis of Presentation

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

The executive decision maker of our Company reviews operating results, assesses performance and makes decisions on a “significant market” basis. The Company’s management views each of its properties as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, the regulatory environments in which they operate, and their management and reporting structure. Prior to the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities occurred in three geographic regions: Nevada, Louisiana and parts of the eastern United States. The Company aggregated its operations into three reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operated. Following the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities occur in four geographic regions and reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which the Company operates: West, Midwest, South, and East (See Note 12 for the list of properties included in each segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016).

These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Updates

Marketable securities consist primarily of trading securities held by the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary. The trading securities are primarily debt and equity securities that are purchased with the intention to resell in the near term. The trading securities are carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in current period income in the accompanying statements of operations. This accounting policy was implemented as of the Isle Acquisition Date.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements – New Developments

In May 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-09, which amends the scope of modification accounting for share-based payment arrangements. An entity should account for the effects of a modification unless the fair value, vesting conditions, and classification of the awards are the same immediately before and after the modification. The standard is effective for the financial statements issued for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2017, and early adoption is permitted. We anticipate adopting this accounting standard during the first quarter of 2018, and are evaluating the impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2014 (amended January 2017), FASB issued ASU No. 2014‑09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers,” which provides guidance for revenue recognition. The new standard outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and eliminates existing industry guidance, including revenue recognition guidance specific to the gaming industry. The FASB has also recently issued several amendments to the standard, including narrow-scope improvements and practical expedients (ASU 2016-12) and clarification on accounting for and identifying performance obligations (ASU 2016-10). The core principle of the revenue model indicates that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard is designed to create greater comparability for financial statement users across industries and jurisdictions and also requires enhanced disclosures. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and should be applied using the full retrospective method or retrospectively with the cumulative effect initially applying the guidance recognized at the date of initial application. While early adoption is permitted for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, we anticipate adopting this standard on January 1, 2018, on a full retrospective basis. We are currently in the process of evaluating the full impact adoption of ASU 2014‑09 (as amended) will have on our consolidated financial statements, including any new considerations with respect to the Isle Acquisition. We anticipate this new standard will likely have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We expect the most significant effect upon adoption of ASU 2014-09 (as amended) will likely be related to 1) the accounting for our customer loyalty program (no longer will be recorded at cost, and a deferred revenue model will likely be used to account for the classification and timing of revenue recognized, as well as the classification of related expenses for loyalty point redemptions) and 2) the elimination of promotional allowances (the presentation of goods and services provided to our customers without charge,

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included in gross revenue with a corresponding reduction in promotional allowances, will no longer be reported as revenue and will be recognized based on relative standalone selling prices for transactions with more than one performance obligation). As a result, we expect that our liability associated with the customer loyalty program will increase, and our gaming revenues will be significantly reduced as the goods and services provided to customers without charge that currently are included in both gross revenues and promotional allowances will be presented on a net basis, with the majority of the impact resulting in a decrease in casino revenues. The quantitative effects of these changes have not yet been fully determined and are still being analyzed.

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

Currently, we do not have any material capital leases nor any material operating leases where we are the lessor. Our operating leases, primarily relating to certain ground leases and slot machines or VLTs, will be recorded on the balance sheet as an ROU asset with a corresponding lease liability, which will be amortized using the effective interest rate method as payments are made. The ROU asset will be depreciated on a straight-line basis and recognized as lease expense. The qualitative and quantitative effects of adoption of ASU 2016-02 are still being analyzed, and we are in the process of evaluating the full effect the new guidance will have on our consolidated financial statements including any new considerations with respect to the Isle Acquisition.

 

Note 2. Isle Acquisition and Preliminary Purchase Price Accounting

On May 1, 2017, the Company completed its acquisition of Isle. The total purchase consideration in the Isle Merger was determined with reference to the fair value on the date of the Merger Agreement as follows:

 

 

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Preliminary Purchase Price Accounting

The following table summarizes the preliminary accounting of the estimated purchase consideration to the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed in the Isle Acquisition as of the Isle Acquisition Date, with the excess recorded as goodwill. The fair values were based on management’s analysis, including preliminary work performed by third-party valuation specialists. The following table summarizes the preliminary purchase price accounting of the acquired assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Valuation methodologies under both a market and income approach used for the identifiable net assets acquired in the Isle Acquisition make use of Level 1 and Level 3 inputs including quoted prices in active markets and discounted cash flows using current interest rates and are provisional pending development of a final valuation.

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

The fair value of land was determined using the market approach, which arrives at an indication of value by comparing the site being valued to sites that have been recently acquired in arm’s-length transactions. The market data is then adjusted for any significant differences, to the extent known, between the identified comparable sites and the site being valued. Building and site improvements were valued using the cost approach using a direct cost model built on estimates of replacement cost. With respect to personal property components of the assets, personal property assets with an active and identifiable secondary market such as riverboats, gaming equipment, computer equipment and vehicles were valued using the market approach. Other personal property assets such as furniture, fixtures, computer software, and restaurant equipment were valued using the cost approach which is based on replacement or reproduction costs of the asset.

The cost approach is an estimation of fair value developed by computing the current cost of replacing a property and subtracting any depreciation resulting from one or more of the following factors: physical deterioration, functional obsolescence, and/or economic obsolescence. The income approach incorporates all tangible and intangible property and served as a ceiling for the fair values of the acquired assets of the ongoing business enterprise, while still taking into account the premise of highest and best use. In the instance where the business enterprise value developed via the income approach was exceeded by the initial fair values of the underlying assets, an adjustment to reflect economic obsolescence was made to the tangible assets on a pro rata basis to reflect the contributory value of each individual asset to the enterprise as a whole.

The fair value of the gaming licenses was determined using the excess earnings or replacement cost methodology based on the respective states’ legislation. The excess earnings methodology, which is an income approach methodology that allocates the projected cash flows of the business to the gaming license intangible assets less charges for the use of other identifiable assets of Isle including working capital, fixed assets and other intangible assets. This methodology was considered appropriate as the gaming licenses are the primary asset of Isle and the licenses are linked to each respective facility. Under the respective state’s gaming legislation, the property specific licenses can only be acquired if a theoretical buyer were to acquire each existing facility. The existing licenses could not be acquired and used for a different facility. The properties’ estimated future cash flows were the primary assumption in the respective valuations. Cash flow estimates included net gaming revenue, gaming operating expenses, general and administrative expenses, and tax expense. The replacement cost methodology is a cost approach methodology based on replacement or reproduction cost of the gaming license as an indicator of fair value.

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Trademarks are valued using the relief from royalty method, which presumes that without ownership of such trademarks, ERI would have to make a stream of payments to a brand or franchise owner in return for the right to use their name. By virtue of this asset, ERI avoids any such payments and record the related intangible value of ERI’s ownership of the brand name. The primary assumptions in the valuation included revenue, pre-tax royalty rate, and tax expense.

ERI has preliminarily assigned an indefinite useful life to the gaming licenses, in accordance with its review of the applicable guidance of ASC Topic 350, “Intangibles-Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”). The standard required ERI to consider, among other things, the expected use of the asset, the expected useful life of other related asset or asset group, any legal, regulatory, or contractual provisions that may limit the useful life, ERI’s own historical experience in renewing similar arrangements, the effects of obsolescence, demand and other economic factors, and the maintenance expenditures required to obtain the expected cash flows. In that analysis, ERI determined that no legal, regulatory, contractual, competitive, economic or other factors limit the useful lives of these intangible assets. The acquired Isle properties currently have licenses in Pennsylvania, Iowa, Missouri, Mississippi, Florida and Colorado. The renewal of each state’s gaming license depends on a number of factors, including payment of certain fees and taxes, providing certain information to the state’s gaming regulator, and meeting certain inspection requirements. However, ERI’s historical experience has not indicated, nor does ERI expect, any limitations regarding its ability to continue to renew each license. No other competitive, contractual, or economic factor limits the useful lives of these assets. Accordingly, ERI has preliminarily concluded that the useful lives of these licenses are indefinite.

For the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017, Isle generated net revenue of $335.3 million and net income of $30.7 million.

Unaudited Pro Forma Information

The following unaudited pro forma information presents the results of operations of the Company for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, which give effect to the Isle Acquisition, the Lake Charles Disposition, and Isle’s sale of the Lady Luck Casino Marquette, which closed on March 13, 2017, as if each of such transactions had occurred on January 1, 2016 (in thousands):

 

These pro forma results do not necessarily represent the results of operations that would have been achieved if the Isle Acquisition had taken place on January 1, 2016, nor are they indicative of the results of operations for future periods. The pro forma amounts include the historical operating results of the Company and Isle prior to the Isle Acquisition, with adjustments factually supportable and directly attributable to the Isle Acquisition.

 

 

Note 3. Discontinued Operations

On August 22, 2016, Isle entered into a definitive agreement to sell its casino and hotel property in Lake Charles, Louisiana, for $134.5 million, subject to a customary purchase price adjustment, to an affiliate of Laguna Development Corporation, a Pueblo of a Laguna-owned business based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The transaction remains subject to Louisiana Gaming Control Board approval and other customary closing conditions and, if obtained, the transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017. Isle received a $20.0 million deposit related to this transaction, which is reflected in restricted cash within current assets in the consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017.

As of the Isle Acquisition Date, Lake Charles met the requirements for presentation as assets held for sale and discontinued operation under generally accepted accounting principles. Accordingly, the operations of Lake Charles have been classified as discontinued operations and as assets held for sale for all periods presented.

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The results of discontinued operations are summarized as follows (in thousands):

 

 

The assets and liabilities held for sale were as follows (in thousands):

 

 

 

Note 4. Stock-Based Compensation

The Board of Directors (“BOD”) adopted the Eldorado Resorts, Inc. 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”) on January 23, 2015 and our shareholders subsequently approved the adoption of the 2015 Plan on June 23, 2015. The Plan permits the granting of stock options, including incentive stock options (“ERI Stock Options”), stock appreciation rights, restricted stock or restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance awards, and other stock-based awards and dividend equivalents. ERI Stock Options primarily vest ratably over three years and RSUs granted to employees and executive officers primarily vest and become non-forfeitable upon the third anniversary of the date of grant. RSUs granted to non-employee directors vest immediately and are delivered upon the date that is the earlier of termination of service on the BOD or the consummation of a change of control of the Company. The performance awards relate to the achievement of defined levels of performance and are generally measured over a one or two-year performance period depending upon the award agreement. If the performance award levels are achieved, the awards earned will vest and become payable at the end of the vesting period, defined as either a one or two calendar year period following the performance period. Payout ranges are from 0% up to 200% of the award target.

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, the outstanding equity awards of Isle were converted into comparable equity awards of ERI stock as follows:

Isle stock options. Each option or other right to acquire Isle common stock (each an “Isle Stock Option”) that was outstanding immediately prior to the Isle Acquisition Date (whether vested or unvested), as of the Isle Acquisition Date, (i) continued to vest or accelerate (if unvested), as the case may be, in accordance with the applicable Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle Stock Option was granted and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement), (ii) ceased to represent an option or right to acquire shares of Isle common stock, and (iii) was converted into an option or right to purchase that number of shares ERI common stock equal to the number of shares of Isle common stock subject to the Isle Stock Option multiplied by the Stock Consideration at an exercise price equal to the exercise price of the Isle Stock Option divided by the Stock Consideration,

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subject to the same restrictions and other terms as are set forth in the Isle equity incentive plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle Stock Option was granted and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement).

Isle restricted stock awards. Each share of Isle common stock subject to vesting, repurchase or lapse restrictions (each an “Isle Restricted Share”) that was outstanding under any Isle equity plan or otherwise immediately prior to the Isle Acquisition Date, as of the Isle Acquisition Date, continued to vest or accelerate (if unvested), as the case may be, in accordance with the applicable Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle Restricted Share was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement) and was exchanged for shares of ERI common stock (in an amount equal to the Stock Consideration, with aggregated fractional shares rounded to the nearest whole share) and remain subject to the same restrictions and other terms as are set forth in the Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle Restricted Share was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement).

Isle performance stock units. Each performance stock unit (each, an “Isle PSU”) that was outstanding immediately prior to the Isle Acquisition Date, as of the Isle Acquisition Date, (i) continued to vest or accelerate (if unvested), as the case may be, in accordance with the applicable Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle PSU was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement), (ii) was converted into a number of performance stock units in respect of shares of ERI common stock, in an amount equal to the Stock Consideration (with aggregated fractional shares rounded to the nearest whole share) at the target level of performance, and (iii) remain subject to the same restrictions and other terms as are set forth in the Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle PSU was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement).

Isle restricted stock units. Each restricted stock unit, deferred stock unit or phantom unit in respect of a share of Isle common stock granted under the applicable Isle stock plan or otherwise, including any such units held in participant accounts under any employee benefit or compensation plan or arrangement of Isle, other than an Isle PSU (each an “Isle RSU”) that was outstanding immediately prior to the Isle Acquisition Date, as of the Isle Acquisition Date, (i) continued to vest or accelerate (if unvested), as the case may be, in accordance with the applicable Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle RSU was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement or applicable employee benefit plan), (ii) was converted into a number of restricted stock units, deferred stock units or phantom units, as applicable, in respect of shares of ERI common stock, in an amount equal to the Stock Consideration (with aggregated fractional shares rounded to the nearest whole share), and (iii) remain subject to the same restrictions and other terms as are set forth in the Isle stock plan, the award agreement pursuant to which such Isle RSU was granted, and, if applicable, any other relevant agreements (such as an employment agreement or applicable employee benefit plan).

The Company accounts for stock-based compensation in accordance with ASC Topic 718, “Compensation—Stock Compensation” (“ASC 718”). Total stock-based compensation expense from continuing operations was $1.4 million and $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $4.5 million and $2.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. In the first quarter of 2016, the Company’s chief operating officer terminated employment and the chief financial officer retired. In conjunction with the termination and retirement, unvested RSUs totaling 167,511, which were outstanding as of December 31, 2015, immediately vested representing an additional $0.5 million included in stock compensation expense during the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, severance costs totaling $1.4 million were recognized in the first quarter of 2016.

These amounts are included in corporate expenses and, in the case of certain property positions, general and administrative expenses in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. We recognized a reduction in income tax expense of $0.2 million and $0.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and $0.8 million for both the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, for excess tax benefits related to stock-based compensation.

On January 27, 2017, the Company granted 298,761 RSUs to executive officers and key employees, and 46,282 RSUs to non-employee members of the BOD under the 2015 Plan. The RSUs had a fair value of $15.50 per unit which was the NASDAQ closing price on that date. An additional 42,161 RSUs were also granted to key employees during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

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A summary of the RSU activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $6.4 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs that is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.06 years.

A summary of the ERI Stock Option activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

As a result of the Isle Acquisition, we exchanged 1,351,168 non-qualified stock options, which have a maximum term of ten years from the grant date and are exercisable in yearly installments of 20% commencing one year after the grant date. The options have a weighted average per share Isle Acquisition Date fair value of $9.90 utilizing the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the range of assumptions disclosed in the following table:

 

 

Weighted average volatility is calculated using the historical volatility of our stock price over a range of dates equal to the expected term of the grant’s options. The weighted average expected term is calculated using historical data that is representative of the option for which the fair value is to be determined. The expected term represents the period of time that options granted are expected to be outstanding. The weighted average risk-free rate is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant for the approximate period of time equivalent to the grant’s expected term. The Company’s unrecognized compensation cost for unvested options was $0.3 million as of September 30, 2017.

 

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A summary of the ERI Restricted Stock Awards activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

 

The Company’s unrecognized compensation cost for unvested restricted stock awards was $0.1 million as of September 30, 2017

 

Note 5. Other and Intangible Assets, net

Other and intangible assets, net, include the following amounts (in thousands):

 

 

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase prices of acquiring MTR Gaming and Isle over the fair market value of the net assets acquired.

Gaming licenses represent intangible assets acquired from the purchase of a gaming entity located in a gaming jurisdiction where competition is limited, such as when only a limited number of gaming operators are allowed to operate in the jurisdiction. These gaming license rights are not subject to amortization as the Company has determined that they have an indefinite useful lives.

Amortization expense with respect to trade names and the loyalty program for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 amounted to $1.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively, and $1.2 million and $3.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, which is included in depreciation and amortization expense in the consolidated statements of operations. Such amortization expense is expected to be $1.6 million for the remainder of December 31, 2017 and $5.0 million, $4.6 million and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2018, 2019 and 2020, respectively.

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Note 6. Income Taxes

The Company estimates an annual effective income tax rate based on projected results for the year and applies this rate to income before taxes to calculate income tax expense. Any refinements made due to subsequent information that affects the estimated annual effective income tax rate are reflected as adjustments in the current period.

For income tax purposes, the Company amortizes or depreciates certain assets that have been assigned an indefinite life for book purposes. The incremental amortization or depreciation deductions for income tax purposes result in an increase in certain deferred tax liabilities that cannot be used as a source of future taxable income for purposes of measuring the Company's need for a valuation allowance against the net deferred tax assets. Therefore, we expect to record non-cash deferred tax expense as we amortize these assets for tax purposes.

For the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s tax expense from continuing operations was $11.6 million and for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s tax benefit from continuing operations was $27.6 million. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company’s tax expense from continuing operations was $5.8 million and $13.7 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, the difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is attributed primarily to non-deductible transaction costs incurred and changes in the effective state tax rate associated with the acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., state and local income taxes and the release of the valuation allowance against certain Pennsylvania deferred tax assets. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the difference between the effective rate and the statutory rate is attributed primarily to state and local income taxes less excess tax benefits associated with stock compensation and tax credits. As of September 30, 2017 and 2016, there were no unrecognized tax benefits and the Company does not expect a significant increase or decrease to the total amounts of unrecognized tax benefits within the next twelve months.

The Company and its subsidiaries file US federal income tax returns and various state and local income tax returns. The Company does not have tax sharing agreements with the other members within the consolidated ERI group. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to US federal or state and local tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2009.

The Company was notified by the Internal Revenue Service in October of 2016 that its federal tax return for the year ended December 31, 2014 had been selected for examination. In September 2017, the IRS informed the Company that they completed the examination of the tax return and made no changes. However, the Company may be subject to audit in the future and the outcome of tax audits cannot be predicted with certainty. If any issues addressed in the Company’s tax audits are resolved in a manner not consistent with the Company’s expectations, we would be required to adjust our provision for income taxes in the period such resolution occurs. While the Company believes its reported results are materially accurate, any significant adjustments could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations, cash flows and financial position.

 

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Note 7. Long-Term Debt

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

 

 

In connection with the Isle Acquisition, the Company completed a debt financing transaction comprised of: (a) a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion with a (i) term loan facility of $1.45 billion and (ii) revolving credit facility of $300.0 million and (b) $375.0 million of 6% senior unsecured notes. The proceeds of such borrowings were used (v) to pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the Isle Merger, (w) refinance all of Isle’s existing credit facilities, (x) redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s and senior and senior subordinated notes, (y) refinance the Company’s existing credit facility and (z) pay transaction fees and expenses related to the foregoing.

On September 13, 2017, the Company issued an additional $500.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 6% Senior Notes (as defined below) at an issue price equal to 105.5% of the principal amount. The 6% Senior Notes were issued as additional notes under the New Indenture dated March 29, 2017 (as defined below), as supplemented by the Supplemental Indenture dated as of May 1, 2017 (the “Supplemental Indenture”) between the Company, the guarantors party thereto and U.S. Bank National Association, pursuant to which the Company previously issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes. The additional 6% Senior Notes formed part of a single class of securities together with the initial 6% Senior Notes for all purposes under the New Indenture, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.

The Company used the proceeds of the offering to repay all of the outstanding borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) totaling $78.0 million and used the remainder to repay outstanding borrowings totaling $444.5 million under the New Term Loan plus related accrued interest.

Amortization of the debt issuance costs and the discount and premium associated with our indebtedness totaled $2.0 million and $5.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Amortization of the debt issuance costs and the discount associated with our indebtedness totaled $0.9 million and $2.6 million, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. Amortization of debt issuance costs is computed using the effective interest method and is included in interest expense.

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In accordance with ASC Topic 470-50, “Debt Modifications and Extinguishments” (“ASC 470-50”), the Company recognized a loss totaling $27.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the refinance of the Prior Credit Facility (as defined below) in May 2017. The Company also recognized a loss totaling $10.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the issuance of additional 6% Senior Notes in September 2017 resulting in a combined total loss of $37.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Scheduled maturities of long‑term debt are $375.0 million in 2023, $1.0 billion in 2024, and $875.0 million in 2025.

The Company is a holding company with no independent assets or operations. Our 6% Senior Notes and 7% Senior Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by the subsidiary guarantors. As of September 30, 2017, there were no significant restrictions on the ability of our subsidiaries to distribute cash to us or our guarantor subsidiaries.

Senior Notes

7.0% Senior Notes

On July 23, 2015, the Company issued at par $375.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2023 (“7% Senior Notes”) pursuant to the Indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 7% Senior Notes will mature on August 1, 2023, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year.

On or after August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 7% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the 7% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve month period beginning on August 1 of the years indicated below:

 

 

Prior to August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 7% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the 7% Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. At any time prior to August 1, 2018, the Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes with proceeds of certain equity financings at a redemption price equal to 107% of the principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company experiences certain change of control events (as defined in the Indenture), it must offer to repurchase the 7% Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company sells assets under certain circumstances and does not use the proceeds for specified purposes, the Company must offer to repurchase the 7% Senior Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date.

The 7% Senior Notes are subject to redemption imposed by gaming laws and regulations of applicable gaming regulatory authorities.

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

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These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture also provides for customary events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on such 7% Senior Notes to be declared due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Indenture relating to the 7% Senior Notes.

6.0% Senior Notes

On March 29, 2017, Eagle II Acquisition Company LLC (“Eagle II”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “6% Senior Notes”) pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 29, 2017 (the “New Indenture”), between Eagle II and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 6% Senior Notes will mature on April 1, 2025, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 2017. The proceeds of the offering, and additional funds in the amount of $1.9 million in respect of interest expected to be accrued on the 6% Senior Notes, were placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions, including consummation of the Isle Acquisition. In connection with the consummation of the Isle Acquisition on May 1, 2017, the escrowed funds were released and the Company assumed Eagle II’s obligations under the 6% Senior Notes and the New Indenture and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (including Isle and certain of its subsidiaries) executed guarantees of the Company’s obligations under the 6% Senior Notes.

On September 13, 2017, the Company issued an additional $500.0 million principal amount of its 6% Senior Notes at an issue price equal to 105.5% of the principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes. The additional notes were issued pursuant to the New Indenture that governs the 6% Senior Notes. The Company used the proceeds of the offering to repay $78.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and used the remainder to repay $444.5 million outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility and related accrued interest.

On or after April 1, 2020, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 6% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the 6% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

 

 

Prior to April 1, 2020, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 6% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the 6% Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. At any time prior to August 1, 2018, the Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes with proceeds of certain equity financings at a redemption price equal to 106% of the principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company experiences certain change of control events (as defined in the New Indenture), it must offer to repurchase the 6% Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company sells assets under certain circumstances and does not use the proceeds for specified purposes, the Company must offer to repurchase the 6% Senior Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date.

The 6% Senior Notes are subject to redemption imposed by gaming laws and regulations of applicable gaming regulatory authorities.

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

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These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the New Indenture. The New Indenture also provides for customary events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on such 6% Senior Notes to be declared due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the New Indenture relating to the 6% Senior Notes.

Refinancing of the Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility

Credit Facility

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

The Term Loan bore interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%, or (y) a base rate plus 2.25%. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.25% or (y) a base rate plus a spread ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%, in each case with the spread determined based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. Additionally, the Company paid a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility not being utilized in the amount of 0.50% per annum.

On May 1, 2017, all of the outstanding amounts under the Prior Credit Facility were repaid with proceeds of borrowings under the New Credit Facility and the Prior Credit Facility was terminated.

New Credit Facility

On April 17, 2017, Eagle II entered into a new credit agreement by and among Eagle II, as initial borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto dated as of April 17, 2017 (the “New Credit Facility”), consisting of a $1.45 billion term loan facility (the “New Term Loan Facility” or “New Term Loan”) and a $300.0 million revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”), which was undrawn at closing. The proceeds of the New Term Loan Facility, and additional funds in the amount of $4.5 million in respect of interest expected to be accrued on the New Term Loan Facility, were placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions, including consummation of the Isle Acquisition. In connection with the consummation of the Isle Acquisition on May 1, 2017, the escrowed funds were released and ERI assumed Eagle II’s obligations under the New Credit Facility and certain of ERI’s subsidiaries (including Isle and certain of its subsidiaries) executed guarantees of ERI’s obligations under the New Credit Facility.

As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $1.0 billion outstanding on the New Term Loan. There were no borrowings outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017. The Company had $291.6 million of available borrowing capacity, after consideration of $8.4 million in outstanding letters of credit, under its New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, the interest rate on the New Term Loan was 3.42%, and the weighted average interest rate on the New Revolving Credit Facility was 4.12% based upon the weighted average interest rate of borrowings outstanding on our New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.

The Company applied the net proceeds of the New Term Loan Facility and borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility, together with the proceeds of the 6% Senior Notes, and cash on hand, to (i) pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the Isle Merger, (ii) refinance all of the debt outstanding under Isle’s existing credit facility, (iii) redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s outstanding senior and senior subordinated notes, (iv) refinance the Company’s Prior Credit Facility and (v) pay fees and costs associated with the foregoing.

The Company’s obligations under the New Revolving Credit Facility will mature on April 17, 2022. The Company’s obligations under the New Term Loan Facility will mature on April 17, 2024. The Company was required to make quarterly principal payments in an amount equal to $3.6 million on the New Term Loan Facility on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning on June 30, 2017 but satisfied this requirement as a result of the principal prepayment of $444.5 million on September 30, 2017 in conjunction with the issuance of the additional 6% Senior Notes. In addition, the Company is required to make mandatory payments of amounts

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outstanding under the New Credit Facility with the proceeds of certain casualty events, debt issuances, and asset sales and, depending on its consolidated total leverage ratio, the Company may be required to apply a portion of its excess cash flow to repay amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility.

The interest rate per annum applicable to loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility are, at our option, either (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.50% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.50%, which margin is based on our total leverage ratio. The interest rate per annum applicable to the loans under the New Term Loan Facility is, at our option, either (i) LIBOR plus 2.25%, or (ii) a base rate plus 1.25%; provided, however, that in no event will LIBOR be less than zero or the base rate be less than 1.00% over the term of the New Term Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, the Company pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility not being utilized in the amount of 0.50% per annum.

The New Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s ability and the ability of the subsidiary guarantors to incur debt; create liens on collateral; engage in mergers, consolidations or asset dispositions; pay dividends or make distributions; make investments, loans or advances; engage in certain transactions with affiliates or subsidiaries; or modify their lines of business.

The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s personal property assets and substantially all personal property assets of each subsidiary that guaranties the New Credit Facility (other than certain subsidiary guarantors designated as immaterial) (the “New Credit Facility Guarantors”), whether owned on the closing date of the New Credit Facility or thereafter acquired, and mortgages on the real property and improvements owned or leased us or the New Credit Facility Guarantors. The New Credit Facility is also secured by a pledge of all of the equity owned by the Company and the New Credit Facility Guarantors (subject to certain gaming law restrictions). The credit agreement governing the New Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s ability and the ability of the New Credit Facility Guarantors to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on collateral, engage in mergers, consolidations or asset dispositions, make distributions, make investments, loans or advances, engage in certain transactions with affiliates or subsidiaries or make capital expenditures.

The New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants, including the requirements that we maintain throughout the term of the New Credit Facility and measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and solely with respect to loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility, a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of not more than 6.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning on the closing date and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, 6.00 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2019 and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and 5.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2020 and thereafter. The Company will also be required to maintain an interest coverage ratio in an amount not less than 2.00 to 1.00 measured on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning on the closing date, and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, 2.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2019 and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and 2.75 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2020 and thereafter.

The New Credit Facility contains a number of customary events of default, including, among others, for the non-payment of principal, interest or other amounts, the inaccuracy of certain representations and warranties, the failure to perform or observe certain covenants, a cross default to our other indebtedness including the Notes, certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; certain ERISA events, the invalidity of certain loan documents, certain changes of control and the loss of certain classes of licenses to conduct gaming. If any event of default occurs, the lenders under the New Credit Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including accelerating amounts outstanding thereunder and taking all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the New Credit Facility.

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Note 8. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants. Accordingly, fair value is a market based measurement that is determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability. As a basis for considering such assumptions, there is a three‑tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair values as follows:

The following methods and assumptions are used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practical to estimate fair value:

Cash and Cash Equivalents:  Cash equivalents include investments in money market funds. Investments in this category can be redeemed immediately at the current net asset value per share. A money market fund is a mutual fund whose investments are primarily in short‑term debt securities designed to maximize current income with liquidity and capital preservation, usually maintaining per share net asset value at a constant amount, such as one dollar. The carrying amounts approximate the fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments (Level 1).

Restricted Cash and Investments:  Restricted cash includes unredeemed winning tickets from the Company’s racing operations, funds related to horsemen’s fines and certain simulcasting funds that are restricted to payments for improving horsemen’s facilities and racing purses, cash deposits that serve as collateral for letters of credit, surety bonds and short-term certificates of deposit that serve as collateral for certain bonding requirements. The estimated fair values of our restricted cash and investments are based upon quoted prices available in active markets (Level 1), or quoted prices for similar assets in active and inactive markets (Level 2), and represent the amounts we would expect to receive if we sold our restricted cash and investments.

Accounts Receivable and Credit Risk. Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of casino accounts receivable. The Company issues markers to approved casino customers following background checks and assessments of creditworthiness. Trade receivables, including casino and hotel receivables, are typically non‑interest bearing. Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce the Company’s receivables to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is estimated based on specific review of customer accounts as well as historical collection experience and current economic and business conditions. Management believes that no significant concentrations of credit risk related to receivables existed.

There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 investments.

Marketable Securities:  Marketable securities consist primarily of trading securities held the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary. The estimated fair values of the Company’s marketable securities are determined on an individual asset basis based upon quoted prices of identical assets available in active markets (Level 1), quoted prices of identical assets in inactive markets, or quoted prices for similar assets in active and inactive markets (Level 2), and represent the amounts we would expect to receive if we sold these marketable securities.

Long‑term Debt:  The fair value of our long-term debt or other long-term obligations is estimated based on the quoted market price of the underlying debt issue (Level 1) or, when a quoted market price is not available, the discounted cash flow of future payments utilizing current rates available to us for the debt of similar remaining maturities (Level 2). Debt obligations with a short remaining maturity have a carrying amount that approximates fair value.

Acquisition-Related Contingent Consideration:  Contingent consideration related to the July 2003 acquisition of Scioto Downs represents the estimate of amounts to be paid to former stockholders of Scioto Downs under certain earn-out provisions. The Company considers the acquisition related contingency’s fair value measurement, which includes forecast assumptions, to be Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

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The estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments are as follows (amounts in thousands):

 

 

The following table represents the change in acquisition-related contingent consideration liabilities for the period December 31, 2016 to September 30, 2017:

 

 

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Note 9. Earnings per Share

The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

 

 

Note 10. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation.  The Company is a party to various lawsuits, which have arisen in the normal course of business. Estimated losses are accrued for these lawsuits and claims when the loss is probable and can be estimated. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with those lawsuits is not material to the consolidated financial condition and those estimated losses are not expected to have a material impact on the results of operations.

In connection with the Isle Merger, a class action lawsuit was filed by a purported stockholder of the Company alleging breach of fiduciary duty by the Company board of directors in connection with the Isle Merger. The case was filed on November 8, 2016 in the Second Judicial District Court of the State of Nevada and is captioned Assad v. Eldorado Resorts, Inc., et. al, case no. CV 16-02312. The lawsuit, which purported to be a class action on behalf of all of the stockholders of the Company, alleged, among other things, breach of fiduciary duty in failing to disclose all material information to stockholders in seeking approval of the issuance of shares of Company Common Stock in the Isle Merger and requested injunctive relief. In the suit, the Plaintiff sought to enjoin the shareholder meeting to approve the sale. The request to enjoin the shareholder meeting lawsuit has since been withdrawn and, on May 31, 2017, the Court denied plaintiff’s application for an award of attorneys’ fees and expenses. This matter was dismissed by the Court in August 2017.

Agreements with Horsemen and Pari-mutuel Clerks.  The Federal Interstate Horse Racing Act and the state racing laws in West Virginia, Ohio and Pennsylvania require that, in order to simulcast races, we have written agreements with the horse owners and trainers at those racetracks. In addition, in order to operate slot machines in West Virginia, we are required to enter into written agreements regarding the proceeds of the slot machines (a “proceeds agreement”) with a representative of a majority of the horse owners and trainers and with a representative of a majority of the pari‑mutuel clerks. In Pennsylvania and Ohio, we must have an agreement with the representative of the horse owners. We have the requisite agreements in place with the horsemen at Mountaineer until December 31, 2018. With respect to the Mountaineer pari‑mutuel clerks, we have a labor agreement in force until November 30, 2017, which will automatically renew for an additional one-year period, and a proceeds agreement until April 14, 2018. We are required to have a proceeds agreement in effect on July 1 of each year with the horsemen and the pari‑mutuel clerks as a condition to renewal of our video lottery license for such year. If the requisite proceeds agreement is not in place as of July 1 of a particular year, Mountaineer’s application for renewal of its video lottery license could be denied, in which case Mountaineer would not be permitted to operate either its slot machines or table games. Scioto Downs has the requisite agreement in place with the OHHA until December 31, 2023, with automatic two-year renewals unless either party requests re‑negotiation pursuant to its terms. Presque Isle

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Downs has the requisite agreement in place with the Pennsylvania Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association until May 1, 2019. With the exception of the respective Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs horsemen’s agreements and the agreement between Mountaineer and the pari‑mutuel clerks’ union described above, each of the agreements referred to in this paragraph may be terminated upon written notice by either party.

Note 11. Related Affiliates

The accompanying balance sheets include the Company’s payable to C.S. &Y. Associates (“CS&Y”) which is an entity partially owned by Recreational Enterprises, Inc. (“REI”). The Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, Gary L. Carano, and its Senior Vice President of Regional Operations, Gene Carano, are the directors of REI and members of the Carano family, including Gary L. Carano and Gene Carano, own the equity interests in REI. The Company owns the entire parcel on which Eldorado Reno is located, except for approximately 30,000 square feet which is leased from CS&Y. No amounts were due to or due from CS&Y as of September 30, 2017. As of December 31, 2016, the Company’s payable to CS&Y totaled $0.3 million and is reflected on the accompanying balance sheet under “due to affiliates.”

The Company holds a 42.1% variable interest in a partnership with other investors that developed a new 118-room Hampton Inn & Suites hotel at Scioto Downs that opened in March 2017. Pursuant to the terms of the partnership agreement, the Company contributed $1.0 million of cash and 2.4 acres of a leasehold immediately adjacent to The Brew Brothers microbrewery and restaurant at Scioto Downs. The partnership constructed the hotel at a cost of $16.0 million and other investor members operate the hotel. As of September 30, 2017, the Company’s receivable from the partnership totaled $71,000 and payable to the partnership totaled $30,000 and are reflected on the accompanying balance sheet under “due from affiliates” and “due to affiliates.”

Note 12. Segment Information

We view each of our properties as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, and their management and reporting structure. Prior to the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities occurred in three geographic regions: Nevada, Louisiana and parts of the eastern United States. The Company aggregated its operations into three reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operated as follows:

 

 

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Following the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities expanded and now occur in four geographic regions and reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operate. The following table summarizes our current segments:

 

 

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The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for our four reportable segments. Amounts related to pre-acquisition periods (prior to May 1, 2017) conform to prior presentation as the additional operating segments associated with the Isle Acquisition are incremental to the previously disclosed reportable segments.

 

 

 

 

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Note 13. Consolidating Condensed Financial Information

Certain of our wholly-owned subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a joint and several basis, the payment of all obligations under our 7% Senior Notes, 6% Senior Notes and New Credit Facility.

The following wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company are guarantors, on a joint and several basis, under the 7% Senior Notes, 6% Senior Notes and New Credit Facility: Isle of Capri Casinos LLC; Eldorado Holdco LLC; Eldorado Resorts LLC; Eldorado Shreveport 1 LLC; Eldorado Shreveport 2 LLC; Eldorado Casino Shreveport Joint Venture; MTR Gaming Group Inc.; Mountaineer Park Inc.; Presque Isle Downs Inc.; Scioto Downs Inc.; Eldorado Limited Liability Company; Circus and Eldorado Joint Venture, LLC; CC Reno LLC; CCR Newco LLC; Black Hawk Holdings, L.L.C.; IC Holdings Colorado, Inc.; CCSC/Blackhawk, Inc.; IOC-Black Hawk Distribution Company, LLC; IOC-Black Hawk County, Inc.; Isle of Capri Bettendorf, L.C.; PPI, Inc.; Pompano Park Holdings LLC; IOC-Lula, Inc.; IOC-Kansas City, Inc.; IOC-Boonville, Inc.; IOC-Caruthersville, LLC; IOC Cape Girardeau, LLC; IOC-Vicksburg, Inc.; IOC-Vicksburg, L.L.C.; Rainbow Casino-Vicksburg Partnership, L.P.; IOC Holdings L.L.C. and St. Charles Gaming Company, L.L.C. Each of the subsidiaries’ guarantees is joint and several with the guarantees of the other subsidiaries.

 

The consolidating condensed balance sheet as of September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

The consolidating condensed balance sheet as of December 31, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

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The consolidating condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

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The consolidating condensed statement of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

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The consolidating condensed statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 is as follows:

 

 

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The consolidating condensed statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is as follows:

 

 

 

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General

Eldorado Resorts, Inc. (“ERI” or the “Company”), a Nevada corporation, was formed in September 2013. ERI and its subsidiaries are collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” “our” or the “Company.” The Company acquired Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs in September 2014 pursuant to a merger (the “MTR Merger”) with MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (“MTR Gaming”) and in November 2015 we acquired Circus Reno and the interests in the Silver Legacy that we did not own prior to such date (the “Reno Acquisition”).

Throughout the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, ERI owned and operated the following properties:

In addition, on May 1, 2017, the Company consummated its acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. and acquired the following properties:

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On August 22, 2016, Isle entered into an agreement to sell Lake Charles for aggregate consideration of $134.5 million, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction (the “Lake Charles Disposition”) remains subject to Louisiana Gaming Control Board approval and other customary closing conditions and, if obtained, the transaction is expected to be completed by December 31, 2017.

Acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

On May 1, 2017 (the “Isle Acquisition Date”), the Company completed its acquisition of Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) dated as of September 19, 2016 with Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., a Delaware corporation (“Isle” or “Isle of Capri”), Eagle I Acquisition Corp., a Delaware corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, and Eagle II Acquisition Company LLC, a Delaware limited liability company and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Isle Acquisition” or the “Isle Merger”). As a result of the Isle Merger, Isle became a wholly-owned subsidiary of ERI and, at the effective time of the Isle Merger, each outstanding share of Isle’s stock converted into the right to receive $23.00 in cash or 1.638 shares of ERI common stock (the “Stock Consideration”), at the election of the applicable Isle shareholder and subject to proration such that the outstanding shares of Isle common stock were exchanged for aggregate consideration comprised of 58% cash, or $552.0 million, and 42% ERI common stock, or 28.5 million newly issued shares of ERI common stock. The total purchase consideration was $1.93 billion.

In connection with the Isle Acquisition, the Company completed a debt financing transaction comprised of: (a) a senior secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of $1.75 billion with a (i) term loan facility of $1.45 billion and (ii) revolving credit facility of $300.0 million and (b) $375.0 million of senior unsecured notes. The proceeds of such borrowings were used (v) to pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the Isle Merger, (w) refinance all of Isle’s existing credit facilities, (x) redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s senior and senior subordinated notes, (y) refinance the Company’s existing credit facility and (z) pay transaction fees and expenses related to the foregoing.

The financial information included in this Item 2 for periods prior to the Isle Merger are those of ERI and its subsidiaries. The presentation of information herein for periods prior to the Isle Merger and after the Isle Merger are not fully comparable because the results of operations for Isle are not included for periods prior to the Isle Merger. Summary financial results of Isle for the three and nine months ended January 22, 2017 are included in Isle’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (‘‘SEC’’). In conjunction with the Isle Acquisition, Isle is no longer required to file quarterly and annual reports with the SEC, and terminated its registration on May 11, 2017.

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Reportable Segments

The executive decision maker of our Company reviews operating results, assess performance and make decisions on a “significant market” basis. The Company’s management views each of its properties as an operating segment. Operating segments are aggregated based on their similar economic characteristics, types of customers, types of services and products provided, the regulatory environments in which they operate, and their management and reporting structure. Prior to the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities occurred in three geographic regions: Nevada, Louisiana and parts of the eastern United States. The Company aggregated its operations into three reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operated as follows:

 

 

Following the Isle Acquisition, the Company’s principal operating activities expanded and now occur in four geographic regions and reportable segments based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments within the regions in which they operate. The following table summarizes our current segments:

 

 

Key Performance Metrics

Our primary source of revenue is generated by our gaming operations, but we use our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, retail shops, racing and other services to attract customers to our properties. Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers visiting and staying at our properties. Key performance metrics include volume indicators such as table games drop and slot handle, which refer to amounts wagered by our customers. The amount of volume we retain, which is not fully controllable by us, is recognized as casino revenues and is referred to as our win or hold. In addition, hotel occupancy and price per room designated by average daily rate (“ADR”) are key indicators for our hotel business. Our calculation of ADR consists of the average price of occupied

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rooms per day including the impact of resort fees and complimentary rooms. Complimentary room rates are determined based on an analysis of retail or cash rates for each customer segment and each type of room product to estimate complimentary rates which are consistent with retail rates. Complimentary rates are reviewed at least annually and on an interim basis if there are significant changes in market conditions. Complimentary rooms are treated as occupied rooms in our calculation of hotel occupancy.

Significant Factors Impacting Financial Results

The following summary highlights the significant factors impacting our financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

Acquisition charges related to the Isle Acquisition for legal, accounting, financial advisory services, severance, stock awards and other costs totaled $2.1 million and $89.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively, and $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.

On September 13, 2017, we issued an additional $500 million in aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes at an issue price equal to 105.5% of the principal amount. We used the proceeds of the offering to repay all of the outstanding borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility totaling $78.0 million and used the remainder to repay outstanding borrowings totaling $444.5 million under the New Term Loan plus related accrued interest. We recognized a loss of $10.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as a result of the issuance of additional debt and retirement of existing debt.

Our West segment’s operations are subject to seasonal variation, with our lowest business volume generally occurring during the winter months. The northern Nevada region experienced record snowfall and severe weather conditions, including major snow storms during eleven of the fourteen weekends in the 2017 first quarter, making travel to Reno from northern California, our main feeder market, difficult or impossible due to road closures. As a result, there was a significant adverse effect on business levels, especially hotel occupancy and gaming volume, and our operating performance for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period.

In September 2016, the Company announced that it plans to invest more than $50 million in facility enhancements to Eldorado Reno, Silver Legacy and Circus Reno. Eldorado’s master plan for the three connected properties, which span eight city blocks in downtown Reno, will be phased over three years, and commenced in the fourth quarter of 2016. In

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addition to the renovation of our guest rooms across the Tri-Properties, each of the three resorts will introduce new restaurant concepts, reinvigorated nightlife and resort amenities. In September 2016, Silver Legacy opened a new $2.0 million 8,500 square foot sports book. Also, in the fourth quarter of 2016, we completed the renovation of the Carnival Midway and opened El Jefe’s Cantina Mexican restaurant and bar at Circus Reno. We also opened Hidden Pizza, a New York style pizza restaurant, at Eldorado Reno.

Throughout 2017, capital improvements continued at the Tri-Properties including the renovation of approximately 600 guest rooms at Circus Reno and 153 rooms at Eldorado Reno. Property enhancements that are either already completed or that are expected to come online prior to the end of 2017 include a new poker room and Canter’s Delicatessen at Silver Legacy, new food court with Habit Burger®, Piezzetta Pizza Kitchen® and Panda Express®, 6,700 square foot video arcade, party rooms and bar, renovation of approximately 648 guest rooms, Kanpai Sushi and a new Madame Butterworks Curious Café at Circus Reno, the addition of Starbucks café and showroom renovation at Eldorado Reno and new public spaces across all three properties.

A 118-room Hampton Inn Hotel at Scioto Downs developed by a third party opened on March 2017 and since opening continues to drive visitation and spend at the property.

With the completion of the Isle Acquisition, we continue to evaluate capital improvement plans across the newly acquired properties.

Results of Operations

The following table highlights the results of our operations (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Operating Results.  Isle contributed $201.1 million and $335.3 million of net revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017, respectively, consisting primarily of gaming revenues. Including the incremental Isle net operating revenues, net revenues increased 84.2% and 45.8%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year periods.

Operating income increased 180.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. This increase was primarily due to $39.0 million of operating income contributed by Isle for the three months ended September 30, 2017. Operating income decreased 19.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. This decrease was primarily due to acquisition charges related to the Isle Acquisition totaling $89.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and was partially offset by $46.3 million of operating income contributed by Isle for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017.

Net income increased 205.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period due to the same factors impacting operating income. This increase was partially offset by higher interest expense associated with additional debt in conjunction with the Isle Acquisition, the loss on the early retirement of debt recorded during the current period and by the recorded income tax provision of $11.6 million. Net income decreased 166.1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to $89.2 million of acquisition charges associated with the Isle Acquisition combined with higher interest expense and the loss on the early retirement of debt, offsetting incremental operating income and income tax benefit of $27.6 million.

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Net Revenues and Operating Income (Loss)

The following table highlights our net revenues and operating income (loss) by reportable segment (dollars in thousands):

 

 

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Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net revenues and operating expenses were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Gaming Revenues and Pari-Mutuel Commissions.  Isle contributed $187.5 million of gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions for the three months ended September 30, 2017 consisting primarily of slot and table games revenues. As a result, gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions increased 98.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions of $187.5 million, gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions declined 1.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. Growth in the West segment attributable to a strong Reno market was offset by a decrease in gaming revenues in the South segment while the East segment remained flat. Reductions in gaming volume driven by decreased high-end play and the impact of severe negatively affected

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the South segment. Additionally, a historically low table games hold percentage at Shreveport during the current quarter compared to the same prior year period also drove the decline in casino revenues in the South segment. Efforts to eliminate unprofitable gaming play via reductions in marketing promotions and incentives across all segments also contributed to the declines in casino volume and positively impacted operating margins for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period.

Non-gaming Revenues.  Isle contributed $29.2 million of non-gaming revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 40.7% in non-gaming revenues over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle non-gaming revenues of $29.2 million, non-gaming revenues increased 3.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. The West segment increased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period principally due to higher hotel, food and beverage revenues as a result of increased visitor traffic and benefitted from the Reno properties’ capital improvements including renovated hotel rooms and new food, beverage and entertainment offerings. The South segment decreased in non-gaming revenues for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to decreased food and beverage revenues associated with revisions to complimentary food offers. The East segment decreased for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period in non-gaming revenues primarily due to decreased food and beverage revenues resulting from reductions in complimentary food offerings and the consolidation of restaurants in an effort to maximize capacity utilization.

Promotional Allowances.  Promotional allowances, expressed as a percentage of gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions, decreased to 10.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 13.1% for the same prior year period. This decline was primarily due to strategic revisions to reduce unprofitable promotional offers across all segments combined with the incremental revenues contributed by the Isle properties which historically have lower promotional allowances as a percentage of gaming revenues.

Gaming Expenses and Pari-Mutuel Commissions.  Isle contributed $88.5 million of gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 77.4% in gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions, gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions decreased 5.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to declines in gaming volume in the South and East segments combined with savings initiatives targeted at reducing variable expenses along with continued synergies related to the integration of the Tri-Properties in the West segment. Additionally, successful efforts to control costs and maximize departmental profit across all segments also drove the decline in expenses during the current period.

Non-gaming Expenses.  Isle contributed $9.9 million of non-gaming expenses for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 22.3% over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle non-gaming expenses, non-gaming expenses decreased 5.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. Increased expenses associated with higher non-gaming revenues and hotel occupancy in the West segment were offset by lower non-gaming expenses in the South and East segments. Additionally, the growth in hotel ADR in the West segment contributed to improved non-gaming margins.

Marketing and Promotions Expenses.  Isle contributed $12.1 million of marketing and promotions expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 117.6% over the same prior year period.  

Excluding incremental Isle marketing and promotions expenses, consolidated marketing and promotions expense increased 10.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. This increase was primarily attributable to increased expenses resulting from higher internet advertising spend, new television media production promoting new product offerings in the Reno market and a shift in marketing spend to targeted direct mail and promotional offers across all segments. Additionally, marketing promotional costs associated with casino initiatives are charged to this category to provide consistency among properties following the Isle Acquisition.

General and Administrative Expenses.  Isle contributed $35.5 million of general and administrative expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 101.2% over the same prior year period.  

Excluding incremental Isle general and administrative expenses, consolidated general and administrative expenses decreased 3.0% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same 2016 period primarily due to savings in property and general liability insurance costs and payroll and related benefit cost savings programs across all segments.

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Corporate Expenses.  For the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period, corporate expenses increased primarily due to payroll and other expenses associated with additional corporate costs driven by growth related to the recent Isle Acquisition. Additionally, corporate costs rose as a result of higher stock compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period due to the three year vesting schedule associated with our long-term incentive plan established in 2015 resulting in three years of grants and related expense in the current period versus two years of grants and related expense in the same prior year period.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense.  Isle contributed $14.9 million of depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 84.2% over the same prior year period.  

Excluding incremental Isle depreciation and amortization expense, depreciation and amortization expense decreased 13.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period mainly due to lower depreciation in all segments due to assets becoming fully depreciated.

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Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Net revenues and operating expenses were as follows (dollars in thousands):

 

 

Gaming Revenues and Pari-Mutuel Commissions.  Isle contributed $312.8 million of gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 consisting primarily of slot and table games revenues. As a result, gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions increased 55.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions of $312.8 million, gaming revenues declined 3.0% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period due to a decrease in gaming revenues across all segments. The decline in the West segment was mainly attributable to decreases in visitor traffic due to severe weather the northern Nevada region experienced throughout the first quarter of 2017 that resulted in limited access from our main feeder markets combined

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with the absence of a major bowling tournament in the Reno market. Additionally, reductions in gaming volume driven by decreased high-end play, the continued weakness in the energy sector, historically lower table games hold percentage impacted the Shreveport market and severe weather in the third quarter of 2017 negatively impacted the South segment in 2017. Efforts to eliminate unprofitable gaming play via reductions in marketing promotions and incentives across the properties also contributed to the declines in casino volume and positively impacted margins across all segments.

Non-gaming Revenues.  Isle contributed $48.8 million of non-gaming revenues for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 16.8% over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle non-gaming revenues of $48.8 million, non-gaming revenues decreased 5.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. The West segment declined for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period principally due to lower hotel, food and beverage revenues resulting from reduced customer traffic due to fewer convention room nights and the absence of a major bowling tournament during the current year. The South segment decreased in non-gaming revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to decreased food and beverage revenues associated with revisions to marketing strategies resulting in fewer complimentary food offers and severe weather negatively impacting visitation in 2017. Non-gaming revenues in the East segment decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to decreased food and beverage revenues resulting from reductions in complimentary food offers and the consolidation of restaurants in an effort to maximize capacity utilization.

Promotional Allowances.  Promotional allowances, expressed as a percentage of gaming revenues and pari-mutuel commissions, decreased to 10.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to 12.9% for the same prior year period. This decline was primarily due to strategic revisions to promotional offers across all segments combined with the incremental revenues contributed by the Isle properties which historically have lower promotional allowances as a percentage of gaming revenues.

Gaming Expenses and Pari-Mutuel Commissions.  Isle contributed $148.3 million of gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 42.5% over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions, gaming expenses and pari-mutuel commissions decreased 5.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period primarily due to decreases in gaming volume combined with savings initiatives targeted at reducing variable expenses along with continued synergies related to the integration of the Reno properties in the West segment. Additionally, successful efforts to control costs and maximize departmental profit across all segments also drove the decline in expenses during the current period.  

Non-gaming Expenses.  Isle contributed $16.5 million of non-gaming expenses for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 5.3% over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle non-gaming expenses, non-gaming expenses decreased 10.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period across all segments in conjunction with non-gaming revenue declines.

Marketing and Promotions Expenses.  Isle contributed $20.5 million of marketing and promotions expense for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 78.9% over the same prior year period.

Excluding incremental Isle marketing and promotions expenses, consolidated marketing and promotions expense increased 11.8% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period. This increase was primarily attributable to increased marketing promotional costs associated with casino initiatives that are charged to this category to provide consistency among properties following the Isle Acquisition. Additionally, expenses resulting from higher internet advertising spend, new television media production promoting new product offerings and a shift in marketing spend to targeted direct mail and promotional offers across all segments.

General and Administrative Expenses.  Isle contributed $59.8 million of marketing and promotions expense for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 58.7% over the same prior year period.  

Excluding incremental Isle general and administrative expenses, consolidated general and administrative expenses decreased 2.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same 2016 period. Savings associated with lower property and general liability insurance costs were partially offset by higher expenses associated with information systems maintenance contracts and professional services. These incremental costs resulted from information technology infrastructure projects targeted at consolidating systems for future savings and efficiencies.

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Corporate Expenses.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period, corporate costs increased due to payroll and other expenses associated with additional corporate costs driven by growth related to the Isle acquisition and higher stock compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period due to the three year vesting schedule associated with our long-term incentive plan established in 2015 resulting in three years of grants and related expense in the current period versus two years of grants and related expense in the same prior year period.

Depreciation and Amortization Expense.  Isle contributed $24.4 million of depreciation expense for the period from the Isle Acquisition Date through September 30, 2017 resulting in an increase of 46.3% over the same prior year period.  

Excluding incremental Isle depreciation and amortization expense, depreciation and amortization expense decreased 6.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the same prior year period mainly due to lower depreciation in all segments due to assets becoming fully depreciated.

Supplemental Unaudited Presentation of Consolidated Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“EBITDA”) and Adjusted EBITDA for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

Adjusted EBITDA (defined below), a non GAAP financial measure, has been presented as a supplemental disclosure because it is a widely used measure of performance and basis for valuation of companies in our industry and we believe that this non GAAP supplemental information will be helpful in understanding the Company’s ongoing operating results. Adjusted EBITDA represents operating income (loss) before depreciation and amortization, stock based compensation, transaction expenses, severance expense and other expenses. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with US GAAP, is unaudited and should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) as an indicator of our operating performance. Uses of cash flows that are not reflected in Adjusted EBITDA include capital expenditures, interest payments, income taxes, debt principal repayments and certain regulatory gaming assessments, which can be significant. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as a measure of our liquidity. Other companies that provide EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA differently than we do. The definition of Adjusted EBITDA may not be the same as the definitions used in any of our debt agreements.

The following table summarizes our Adjusted EBITDA for our operating segments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, in addition to reconciling Adjusted EBITDA to operating income (loss) in accordance with US GAAP (unaudited, in thousands):

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have been existing cash, cash flow from operations, borrowings under our revolving credit facility and proceeds from the issuance of debt securities. We closed on the Isle Acquisition on May 1, 2017 and paid $552.0 million in cash consideration in the Isle Acquisition, refinanced the outstanding Isle indebtedness and paid expenses related to the Isle Acquisition with proceeds from borrowings under the financing described below.

We expect that our primary capital requirements going forward will relate to the operation and maintenance of our properties and servicing our outstanding indebtedness. During the remainder of 2017, we plan to spend $26.8 million on capital expenditures and $8.6 million to pay interest on our outstanding indebtedness. We expect that cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations and capital requirements, and service our outstanding indebtedness for the next twelve months.

ERI is a holding company and its only significant assets are ownership interests in its subsidiaries. ERI’s ability to fund its obligations depends on the cash flow of its subsidiaries and the ability of its subsidiaries to distribute or otherwise make funds available to ERI.

As of September 30, 2017, we had consolidated cash and cash equivalents of $156.2 million, including restricted cash of $21.3 million.

Operating Cash Flow.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, cash flows provided by operating activities totaled $71.8 million compared to $72.3 million during the same prior year period. The decrease in operating cash was primarily due to transaction costs associated with the Isle Acquisition offset by a benefit in income taxes in the current year combined with changes in the balance sheet accounts in the normal course of business.

Investing Cash Flow and Capital Expenditures.  Net cash flows used in investing activities totaled $1.4 billion for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $27.2 million for the same prior year period. Net cash flows used in investing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 was primarily due to cash paid to acquire Isle in addition to $53.2 million in capital expenditures for various property enhancement and maintenance projects and equipment purchases.

Financing Cash Flow.  Net cash flows provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 totaled $1.4 billion compared to $78.7 million used in financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily related to the issuance of debt associated with the Isle Acquisition, the refinancing of our Term Loan and Revolving Credit Facility in May 2017 and the issuance of additional 6% Senior Notes in September 2107. This increase was partially offset by net payments made on our credit facilities throughout the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

Debt Obligations

7% Senior Notes

On July 23, 2015, the Company issued at par $375.0 million in aggregate principal amount of 7.0% senior notes due 2023 (“7% Senior Notes”) pursuant to the indenture, dated as of July 23, 2015 (the “Indenture”), between the Company and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 7% Senior Notes will mature on August 1, 2023, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on February 1 and August 1 of each year.

On or after August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 7% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the 7% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the twelve month period beginning on August 1 of the years indicated below:

 

 

Prior to August 1, 2018, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 7% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the 7% Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. At any time prior to August 1, 2018, the Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes with proceeds of certain equity financings at a redemption price equal to 107% of the principal amount of the 7% Senior Notes

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redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company experiences certain change of control events (as defined in the Indenture), it must offer to repurchase the 7% Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company sells assets under certain circumstances and does not use the proceeds for specified purposes, the Company must offer to repurchase the 7% Senior Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. The 7% Senior Notes are subject to redemption imposed by gaming laws and regulations of applicable gaming regulatory authorities.

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

These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the Indenture. The Indenture also provides for customary events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on such 7% Senior Notes to be declared due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the Indenture relating to the 7% Senior Notes.

6% Senior Notes

On March 29, 2017, Eagle II Acquisition Company LLC (“Eagle II”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, issued $375.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6% Senior Notes due 2025 (the “6% Senior Notes”) pursuant to an indenture, dated as of March 29, 2017 (the “New Indenture”), between Eagle II and U.S. Bank, National Association, as Trustee. The 6% Senior Notes will mature on April 1, 2025, with interest payable semi-annually in arrears on April 1 and October 1, commencing October 1, 2017. The proceeds of the offering, and additional funds in the amount of $1.9 million in respect of interest expected to be accrued on the 6% Notes, were placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions, including consummation of the Isle Acquisition. In connection with the consummation of the Isle Acquisition on May 1, 2017, the escrowed funds were released and ERI assumed Eagle II’s obligations under the 6% Senior Notes and the New Indenture and certain of the Company’s subsidiaries (including Isle and certain of its subsidiaries) executed guarantees of the Company’s obligations under the 6% Senior Notes.

On September 13, 2017, the Company issued an additional $500.0 million principal amount of its 6% Senior Notes at an issue price equal to 105.5% of the principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes. The additional notes were issued pursuant to the New Indenture that governs the 6% Senior Notes. The Company used the proceeds of the offering to repay $78.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility and used the remainder to repay $444.5 million outstanding borrowings under the term loan facility and related accrued interest. As a result of the offering and retirement of existing debt, the Company recognized a loss of $10.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017.

On or after April 1, 2020, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 6% Senior Notes upon not less than 30 nor more than 60 days’ notice, at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) set forth below plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, on the 6% Senior Notes redeemed, to the applicable redemption date, if redeemed during the 12-month period beginning on April 1 of the years indicated below:

 

 

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Prior to April 1, 2020, the Company may redeem all or a portion of the 6% Senior Notes at a price equal to 100% of the 6% Senior Notes redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date, plus a make-whole premium. At any time prior to August 1, 2018, the Company is also entitled to redeem up to 35% of the original aggregate principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes with proceeds of certain equity financings at a redemption price equal to 106% of the principal amount of the 6% Senior Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest. If the Company experiences certain change of control events (as defined in the New Indenture), it must offer to repurchase the 6% Senior Notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date. If the Company sells assets under certain circumstances and does not use the proceeds for specified purposes, the Company must offer to repurchase the 6% Senior Notes at 100% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to the applicable repurchase date.

The 6% Senior Notes are subject to redemption imposed by gaming laws and regulations of applicable gaming regulatory authorities.

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

These covenants are subject to a number of exceptions and qualifications as set forth in the New Indenture. The New Indenture also provides for customary events of default which, if any of them occurs, would permit or require the principal of and accrued interest on such 6% Senior Notes to be declared due and payable. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with all of the covenants under the New Indenture relating to the 6% Senior Notes.

Credit Facility

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

The Term Loan bore interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus 3.25%, with a LIBOR floor of 1.0%, or (y) a base rate plus 2.25%. Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility bore interest at a rate per annum of, at the Company’s option, either (x) LIBOR plus a spread ranging from 2.5% to 3.25% or (y) a base rate plus a spread ranging from 1.5% to 2.25%, in each case with the spread determined based on the Company’s total leverage ratio. Additionally, the Company paid a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility not being utilized in the amount of 0.50% per annum.

On May 1, 2017, all of the outstanding amounts under the Prior Credit Facility were repaid with proceeds of borrowings under the New Credit Facility (as defined below) and the Prior Credit Facility was terminated.

New Credit Facility

On April 17, 2017, Eagle II entered into a new credit agreement by and among Eagle II, as initial borrower, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, and the lenders party thereto dated as of April 17, 2017 (the “New Credit Facility”), consisting of a $1.45 billion term loan facility (the “New Term Loan Facility” or the “New Term Loan”) and a $300.0 million revolving credit facility (the “New Revolving Credit Facility”), which was undrawn at closing. The proceeds of the New Term Loan Facility, and additional funds in the amount of $4.5 million in respect of interest expected to be accrued on the New Term Loan Facility, were placed in escrow pending satisfaction of certain conditions, including consummation of the Isle Acquisition. In connection with the consummation of the Isle Acquisition on May 1, 2017, the escrowed funds were released and ERI assumed Eagle II’s obligations under the New Credit Facility and certain of ERI’s subsidiaries (including Isle and certain of its subsidiaries) executed guarantees of ERI’s obligations under the New Credit Facility.

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As of September 30, 2017, the Company had $1.0 billion outstanding on the New Term Loan. There were no borrowings outstanding under the New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017. The Company had $291.6 million of available borrowing capacity, after consideration of $8.4 million in outstanding letters of credit, under its New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017. At September 30, 2017, the interest rate on the New Term Loan was 3.42%, and the weighted average interest rate on the New Revolving Credit Facility was 4.12% based upon the weighted average interest rate of borrowings outstanding on our New Revolving Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.

The Company applied the net proceeds of the New Term Loan Facility and borrowings under the New Revolving Credit Facility totaling $135 million, together with the proceeds of the 6% Senior Notes, and cash on hand, to (i) pay the cash portion of the consideration payable in the Isle Acquisition, (ii) refinance all of the debt outstanding under Isle’s existing credit facility, (iii) redeem or otherwise repurchase all of Isle’s outstanding 5.875% Senior Notes due 2021 and 8.875% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2020, (iv) repay all amounts outstanding under the Company’s Prior Credit Facility and (v) pay fees and costs associated with the Isle Acquisition and such financing transactions.

The Company’s obligations under the New Revolving Credit Facility will mature on April 17, 2022. The Company’s obligations under the New Term Loan Facility will mature on April 17, 2024. The Company was required to make quarterly principal payments in an amount equal to $3.6 million on the New Term Loan Facility on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning on June 30, 2017. The Company satisfied this requirement as a result of the principal prepayment of $444.5 million on September 13, 2017 in conjunction with the issuance of the additional 6% Senior Notes. In addition, the Company is required to make mandatory payments of amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility with the proceeds of certain casualty events, debt issuances, and asset sales and, depending on its consolidated total leverage ratio, the Company is required to apply a portion of its excess cash flow to repay amounts outstanding under the New Credit Facility.

The interest rate per annum applicable to loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility are, at our option, either (i) LIBOR plus a margin ranging from 1.75% to 2.50% or (ii) a base rate plus a margin ranging from 0.75% to 1.50%, which margin is based on our total leverage ratio. The interest rate per annum applicable to the loans under the New Term Loan Facility is, at our option, either (i) LIBOR plus 2.25%, or (ii) a base rate plus 1.25%; provided, however, that in no event will LIBOR be less than zero or the base rate be less than 1.00% over the term of the New Term Loan Facility or the New Revolving Credit Facility. Additionally, the Company pays a commitment fee on the unused portion of the Revolving Credit Facility not being utilized in the amount of 0.50% per annum.

The New Credit Facility is secured by substantially all of the Company’s personal property assets and substantially all personal property assets of each subsidiary that guaranties the New Credit Facility (other than certain subsidiary guarantors designated as immaterial) (the “New Credit Facility Guarantors”), whether owned on the closing date of the New Credit Facility or thereafter acquired, and mortgages on the real property and improvements owned or leased us or the New Credit Facility Guarantors. The New Credit Facility is also secured by a pledge of all of the equity owned by us and the New Credit Facility Guarantors (subject to certain gaming law restrictions). The credit agreement governing the New Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s ability and the ability of the New Credit Facility Guarantors to incur additional indebtedness, create liens on collateral, engage in mergers, consolidations or asset dispositions, make distributions, make investments, loans or advances, engage in certain transactions with affiliates or subsidiaries or make capital expenditures.

The New Credit Facility contains a number of customary covenants that, among other things, restrict, subject to certain exceptions, the Company’s ability and the ability of the subsidiary guarantors to incur debt; create liens on collateral; engage in mergers, consolidations or asset dispositions; pay dividends or make distributions; make investments, loans or advances; engage in certain transactions with affiliates or subsidiaries; or modify their lines of business.

The New Credit Facility also includes certain financial covenants, including the requirements that we maintain throughout the term of the New Credit Facility and measured as of the end of each fiscal quarter, and solely with respect to loans under the New Revolving Credit Facility, a maximum consolidated total leverage ratio of not more than 6.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning on the closing date and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, 6.00 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2019 and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and 5.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2020 and thereafter. The Company will also be required to maintain an interest coverage ratio in an amount not less than 2.00 to 1.00 measured on the last day of each fiscal quarter beginning on the closing date, and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2018, 2.50 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2019 and ending with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2019, and 2.75 to 1.00 for the period beginning with the fiscal quarter beginning January 1, 2020 and thereafter.

The New Credit Facility contains a number of customary events of default, including, among others, for the non-payment of principal, interest or other amounts, the inaccuracy of certain representations and warranties, the failure to perform or observe certain covenants, a cross default to our other indebtedness including the Notes, certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency; certain ERISA

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events, the invalidity of certain loan documents, certain changes of control and the loss of certain classes of licenses to conduct gaming. If any event of default occurs, the lenders under the New Credit Facility would be entitled to take various actions, including accelerating amounts outstanding thereunder and taking all actions permitted to be taken by a secured creditor. As of September 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with the covenants under the New Credit Facility.

Contractual Obligations

Other than the previously discussed 6% Senior Notes, New Credit Facility and Isle leases for real estate and various equipment, there have been no material changes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 to our contractual obligations as disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Other Liquidity Matters

We are faced with certain contingencies involving litigation and environmental remediation and compliance. These commitments and contingencies are discussed in “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings” and Note 10 to our unaudited consolidated financial statements, both of which are included elsewhere in this report. In addition, new competition may have a material adverse effect on our revenues, and could have a similar adverse effect on our liquidity. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business” which is included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016 and “Part II, Item IA. Risk Factors” which is included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2017.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our critical accounting policies disclosures are included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2016. Except as described in footnotes 1 and 3 to the accompanying condensed notes of these consolidated financial statements, we believe there have been no material changes since December 31, 2016. We have not substantively changed the application of our policies and there have been no material changes in assumptions or estimation techniques used as compared to prior periods.

Off‑Balance Sheet Arrangements

We are not party to any off‑balance sheet arrangements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward‑Looking Information

This report includes “forward‑looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward‑looking statements include statements regarding our strategies, objectives and plans for future development or acquisitions of properties or operations, as well as expectations, future operating results and other information that is not historical information. When used in this report, the terms or phrases such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “projects,” “plans,” “intends,” “expects,” “might,” “may,” “estimates,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “will likely continue,” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward‑looking statements. Forward‑looking statements in this report include, among other things, statements concerning:

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Any forward‑looking statement is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us, is inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, many of which are beyond our control, and are subject to change. Actual results of operations may vary materially from any forward‑looking statement made herein. Forward‑looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the forward‑looking statements will be achieved. Undue reliance should not be placed on any forward‑looking statements. Some of the contingencies and uncertainties to which any forward‑looking statement contained herein is subject include, but are not limited to, the following:

In light of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward‑looking events discussed in this report might not occur. Any forward‑looking statement speaks only as of the date on which that statement is made. We do not intend to update publicly any forward‑looking statement to reflect events or circumstances that occur after the date on which the statement is made, except as may be required by law.

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Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. We do not hold any market risk sensitive instruments for trading purposes. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk, specifically long‑term U.S. treasury rates and the applicable spreads in the high‑yield investment risk, short‑term and long‑term LIBOR rates, and short‑term Eurodollar rates, and their potential impact on our long‑term debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our long‑term fixed‑rate borrowings and short‑term borrowings under the Credit Facility. We do not currently utilize derivative financial instruments for trading or speculative purposes. (See also “Liquidity and Capital Resources” above for additional information related to the refinancing of our long‑term debt.)

As of September 30, 2017, our long‑term variable‑rate borrowings totaled $1.0 billion under the New Term Loan and represented approximately 44% of our long‑term debt. In conjunction with the issuance of $500 million of additional 6% Senior Notes and the retirement of variable rate debt, this percentage declined from 54% as of December 31, 2016. Based on these changes, as of September 30, 2017 the weighted average interest rate on our variable and fixed rate debt was 3.63% and 6.3%, respectively.

There was no material change in interest rate risk for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 other than as previously discussed in Liquidity and Capital Resources section in Item 2.

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our reports that we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the SEC, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer), of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a‑ 15(e) and 15d‑15(e)) as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q. Based on this evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q are effective to ensure that the information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized, evaluated and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms and that such information is accumulated and communicated to management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Except as noted below, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form 10‑Q that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

On May 1, 2017, we completed the acquisition of Isle. See Part I, Item 1, Condensed Notes to Unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements, Note 2: Isle Acquisition and Preliminary Purchase Price Accounting, for a discussion of the acquisition and related financial data. The Company is in the process of integrating Isle and our internal controls over financial reporting. As a result of these integration activities, certain controls will be evaluated and may be changed. Excluding the Isle Acquisition, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonable likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II

OTHER INFORMATION

We are a party to various lawsuits, which have arisen in the normal course of our business. Estimated losses are accrued for these lawsuits and claims when the loss is probable and can be estimated. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with those lawsuits is not material to our consolidated financial condition and those estimated losses are not expected to have a material impact on our results of operations.

Legal matters are discussed in greater detail in “Part I, Item 3. Legal Proceedings” and Note 16 to our Consolidated Financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2016.

A description of our risk factors can be found in “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10‑K for the year ended December 31, 2016. There have been no material changes to those risk factors during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, except for the following additional risk factors related to the Isle Acquisition.

We face substantial competition in the hotel and casino industry and expect that such competition will continue

The gaming industry is characterized by an increasingly high degree of competition among a large number of participants, including land‑based casinos, dockside casinos, riverboat casinos, casinos located on racing tracks and casinos located on Native American reservations and other forms of legalized gaming. We also compete, to a lesser extent, with other forms of legalized gaming and entertainment such as online computer gambling, bingo, pull tab games, card parlors, sports books, fantasy sports websites, “cruise-to-nowhere” operations, pari-mutuel or telephonic betting on horse racing and dog racing, state-sponsored lotteries, jai-alai, and, in the future, may compete with gaming at other venues. In addition, we compete more generally with other forms of entertainment for the discretionary spending of our customers.

Gaming competition is intense in most of the markets in which we operate. States that already have legalized casino gaming may further expand gaming, and other states that have not yet legalized gaming may do so in the future. Legalized casino gaming in these states and on Native American reservations near our markets or changes to gaming laws in states in which we have operations and in states surrounding our operations could increase competition and could adversely affect our operations. There has been significant competition in our markets as a result of the expansion of facilities by existing market participants, the entrance of new gaming participants into a market or legislative changes in prior years. For example, in Pennsylvania – a jurisdiction in which we currently operate two casinos – the Governor signed legislation in October 2017 expanding gaming to allow for up to ten (10) additional casino locations, video gaming terminals (VGTs) at truck stops, interactive gaming (iGaming), gaming at airports and potentially sports wagering. This expansion could have a material adverse effect on Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in Farmington and Presque Isle Downs in Erie and our gaming operations at Mountaineer and Scioto Downs. Additionally, gaming facilities in Ohio that commenced operations in recent years present significant competition for Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs.

Casino gaming is currently prohibited in several jurisdictions from which the Shreveport/Bossier City market draws customers, primarily Texas. The Texas legislature has from time to time considered proposals to legalize gaming, and there can be no assurance that casino gaming will not be approved in Texas in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on Eldorado Shreveport. Additionally, since visitors from California comprise a significant portion of our customer base in Reno, we also compete with Native American gaming operations in California. Native American tribes are allowed to operate slot machines, lottery games and banking and percentage games on Native American lands. Although many existing Native American gaming facilities in northern California are modest compared to the Nevada properties, a number of Native American tribes have established large‑scale gaming facilities in California. In addition, various forms of internet gaming have been approved in Nevada, New Jersey and Delaware, and legislation permitting internet gaming has been proposed by the federal government and other states.  The expansion of internet gaming in Nevada and other jurisdictions could result in significant additional competition.

Increased competition may require us to make substantial capital expenditures to maintain and enhance the competitive positions of our properties to increase the attractiveness and add to the appeal of our facilities. Because we are highly leveraged, after satisfying our obligations under our outstanding indebtedness, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient funds to undertake these expenditures or that we will be able to obtain sufficient financing to fund such expenditures. If we are unable to make such expenditures, our competitive position could be negatively affected.

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Our operations in certain jurisdictions depend on agreements with third parties.

Our operations in several jurisdictions depend on agreements with third parties. If we are unable to renew these agreements on satisfactory terms as they expire, our business may be disrupted and, in the event of disruptions in multiple jurisdictions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. For example, Iowa law requires that each gambling venue in Iowa must have a licensed “Qualified Sponsoring Organization,” or QSO, which is a tax-exempt non-profit organization. The QSO must donate the profits it receives from casino operations to educational, civic, public, charitable, patriotic or religious uses. Each of our three Iowa properties has an agreement with a local QSO. We have the right to renew our agreements for Bettendorf and Waterloo when they expire in 2025 and 2018, respectively.

We have a management agreement with Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, the owner of the gaming license issued by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board allowing operation of a casino at the resort. Under the terms of this agreement, we constructed and currently operate a casino at the resort. Our management agreement is subject to a buy-out provision on or after December 31, 2021, as well as other terms and conditions which could result in termination of the management agreement. The base term of the agreement is ten years, with four, five-year renewal options. Additionally, each party to the management agreement has certain termination rights. If the management agreement is terminated, we will no longer have the right to manage our casino at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort.

Our information technology and other systems are subject to cyber security risk including misappropriation of customer information or other breaches of information security.

We collect information relating to our guests and employees for various business purposes, including marketing and promotional purposes. The collection and use of personal data are governed by privacy laws and regulations enacted in the United States. We rely on information technology and other systems to maintain and transmit this personal and financial information, credit card settlements, credit card funds transmissions, mailing lists and reservations information. Our information and processes are subject to the ever-changing threat of compromised security, in the form of a risk of potential breach, system failure, computer virus, or unauthorized or fraudulent use by customers, company employees, or employees of third party vendors. The steps we take to deter and mitigate these risks may not be successful, and any resulting compromise or loss of data or systems could adversely impact, operations or regulatory compliance and could result in remedial expenses, fines, litigation, and loss of reputation, potentially impacting our financial results.

In addition, third party service providers and other business partners process and maintain proprietary business information and data related to our guests, suppliers and other business partners. Our information technology and other systems that maintain and transmit this information, or those of service providers or business partners, may also be compromised by a malicious third party penetration of our network security or that of a third party service provider or business partner, or impacted by intentional or unintentional actions or inactions by our employees or those of a third party service provider or business partner. As a result, our business information, guest, supplier, and other business partner data may be lost, disclosed, accessed or taken without their consent.

Any such loss, disclosure or misappropriation of, or access to, guests’ or business partners’ information or other breach of our information security can result in legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, may have a serious impact on our reputation and may adversely affect our businesses, operating results and financial condition. Furthermore, the loss, disclosure or misappropriation of our business information may adversely affect our reputation, businesses, operating results and financial condition.

Some of our casinos are located on leased property. If we default on one or more leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected casino.  

We lease certain parcels of land on which several of our properties are located. As a ground lessee, we have the right to use the leased land; however, we do not hold fee ownership in the underlying land. Accordingly, with respect to the leased land, we will have no interest in the land or improvements thereon at the expiration of the ground leases. Moreover, since we do not completely control the land underlying the property, a landowner could take certain actions to disrupt our rights in the land leased under the long-term leases which are beyond our control. If the entity owning any leased land chose to disrupt our use either permanently or for a significant period of time, then the value of our assets could be impaired and our business and operations could be adversely affected. If we were to default on any one or more of these leases, the applicable lessors could terminate the affected leases and we could lose possession of the affected land and any improvements on the land, including the hotels and casinos. This would have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations as we would then be unable to operate all or portions of the affected facilities and may result in the default under our New Credit Facility.

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None.

None.

Not applicable.

None.

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

 

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