MNTG Mtr Gaming Grp., Inc. (MM)

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (NasdaqGS:MNTG) today announced financial results for the third quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Strategic Development

On September 9, 2013, the Company and Eldorado HoldCo, LLC entered into a definitive agreement under which MTR will combine with Eldorado in a strategic business combination.

Third Quarter 2013 Results

For the third quarter of 2013, the Company’s total net revenues were $128.9 million, a decrease of 11.5% compared to $145.6 million in the same period of 2012. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2013 was $22.5 million (including strategic transaction costs of $2.7 million), a decrease of 28.2% from the prior-year period, and adjusted EBITDA margin from continuing operations was 17.5%, a decrease of 400 basis points from the prior-year period.

“Scioto Downs continued to maintain a strong market position but the overall market growth in Columbus fell short of our expectations in the quarter,” said Joseph L. Billhimer, President and Chief Operating Officer of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. “Additionally, our results at Mountaineer Park and Presque Isle Downs were impacted by the aggressive marketing and promotional environment from our competitors, along with the general uncertainty in the economy. We remain extremely confident in the Columbus market and will continue to improve our existing operations through targeted marketing programs, thoughtful capital improvements and cost containment initiatives that do not affect the guest service for which our properties are known.”

The Company reported a net loss of $3.6 million for the quarter, or $0.13 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.3 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, in the same period of 2012. Excluding $2.7 million in costs associated with MTR’s strategic initiatives, the loss from continuing operations in the third quarter of 2013 would have been $0.9 million, or $0.03 per diluted share.

Net revenues at Scioto Downs decreased 13.1% to $36.2 million during the third quarter of 2013 compared to $41.7 million in the third quarter of 2012, and decreased $1.4 million or 3.6% sequentially from the second quarter of 2013. The property saw adjusted EBITDA decrease to $11.6 million from $15.1 million in the comparable quarter of 2012, while the adjusted EBITDA margin at Scioto Downs decreased to 32.1% compared to 36.2% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2013 was primarily attributable to the addition of a competitor in the Columbus gaming market in October 2012. However, Scioto Downs has been able to maintain an approximate 50% share of the Columbus slot market.

Net revenues at Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort decreased 10.4% to $50.6 million in the third quarter of 2013 compared to $56.5 million in the third quarter of 2012, and decreased $1.1 million or 2.2% sequentially from the second quarter of 2013. Revenues from slots decreased by $5.2 million, while revenue from table gaming decreased by $0.6 million, compared to the same quarter of 2012. The property saw adjusted EBITDA decrease to $9.7 million from $11.2 million in the comparable quarter of 2012, while the adjusted EBITDA margin at Mountaineer decreased to 19.1% compared to 19.9% in the prior-year quarter. The decrease in table gaming revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2013 was primarily attributable to ongoing competition from Ohio gaming facilities.

Net revenues at Presque Isle Downs & Casino decreased 11.4% to $42.0 million during the third quarter of 2013 compared to $47.5 million during the third quarter of 2012, and were flat sequentially with the second quarter of 2013. Revenues from slots and table gaming decreased by $4.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively, compared to the same quarter of 2012. The property generated adjusted EBITDA of $6.2 million compared to $8.6 million in the same quarter of 2012, with the adjusted EBITDA margin decreasing to 14.7% compared to 18.1% in the prior-year period. The decrease in net revenues and adjusted EBITDA for the third quarter of 2013 was also primarily attributable to increased gaming competition from Ohio gaming facilities.

Corporate overhead costs totaled $5.0 million during the third quarter of 2013 compared to $3.5 million in the prior-year period, with the increase due primarily to costs of $2.7 million associated with strategic initiatives.

Nine Month Results

For the nine months ended September 30, 2013, MTR’s total net revenues increased 3.2% to $383.0 million from $371.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2012. Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations increased 3.2% to $75.0 million (including $2.7 million in strategic initiative costs) from $72.6 million (including $2.7 million of project-opening costs) in the same period last year, while the adjusted EBITDA margin was 19.6% as compared to 19.5% in the prior-year period. The 2013 year-to-date net loss was $2.0 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, and includes $2.7 million in strategic initiative costs. In the same period last year, the Company reported a net loss of $0.2 million, or $0.01 per diluted share, which included $2.7 million of project-opening costs and a loss of $0.3 million from discontinued operations.

See attached tables, including a reconciliation of net income (loss), a GAAP financial measure, to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of adjusted EBITDA margin, each of which are non-GAAP financial measures.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of September 30, 2013, MTR had $86.1 million in cash and cash equivalents, $4.1 million in restricted cash and $558.3 million in total debt, net of discount. In addition, the Company has $20.0 million available for borrowing under its revolving credit facility.

Reconciliation of GAAP Measures to Non-GAAP Measures

Adjusted EBITDA represents earnings (losses) before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, gain (loss) on the sale or disposal of property, other regulatory gaming assessment costs, loss on asset impairment, loss on debt modification and extinguishments and equity in loss of unconsolidated joint venture, to the extent that such items existed in the periods presented. Adjusted EBITDA margin represents the calculation of adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin are not measures of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), are unaudited and should not be considered as an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income (loss) or operating margin as indicators of our operating performance, or cash flows from operating activities, as a measure of liquidity. Adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin have been presented as supplemental disclosures because they are widely used measures of performance and basis’ for valuation of companies in our industry. Management of the Company uses adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA margin as primary measures of the Company’s operating performance and as components in evaluating the performance of operating personnel. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as an analytical tool, should not be viewed as a substitute for net revenues determined in accordance with GAAP, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of the Company’s results as reported under GAAP, nor is it necessarily comparable to non-GAAP performance measures that may be presented by other companies. Management believes that this non-GAAP supplemental information will be helpful in understanding the Company’s ongoing operating results. 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. Moreover, other companies that provide EBITDA and/or adjusted EBITDA information may calculate EBITDA and/or adjusted EBITDA differently than we do. A reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of adjusted EBITDA margin, is included in the financial tables accompanying this release.

Conference Call

Management will conduct a conference call focusing on the financial results and corporate developments today at 4:30 p.m. EST. Interested parties may participate in the call by dialing (888) 471-3843. Please call in 10 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin and ask for the MTR Gaming call (conference ID # 3671718).

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

A replay of the call will be available two hours following the end of the call through midnight EST on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at www.mtrgaming.com and by telephone at (877) 870-5176; passcode 3671718.

About MTR Gaming Group

MTR Gaming Group, Inc. is a hospitality and gaming company that through subsidiaries owns and operates Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in Chester, West Virginia; Presque Isle Downs & Casino in Erie, Pennsylvania; and Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio. For more information, please visit www.mtrgaming.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Except for historical information, this press release contains forward-looking statements concerning, among other things the prospects for improving the results of our operations at Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs, including the successful operation of video lottery terminals at Scioto Downs. Such statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause the statements made to be incorrect and/or for actual results to differ materially. Those risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the impact of new competition for Mountaineer, Presque Isle Downs and Scioto Downs (including casino gaming and video lottery terminals in Ohio), the successful integration and operation of video lottery terminals at Scioto Downs, the effectiveness of our marketing programs, the enactment of future gaming legislation in the jurisdictions in which we operate, changes in, or failure to comply with, laws, regulations or the conditions of our gaming licenses, accounting standards or environmental laws, including adverse changes in the gaming tax rates that the Company currently pays in its various jurisdictions, general economic conditions, disruption (occasioned by weather conditions or work stoppages) of our operations, our ability to maintain or improve our operating margins, our continued suitability to hold and obtain renewals of our gaming and racing licenses, our ability to fulfill our obligations and comply with the covenants associated with our various debt instruments and/or our ability to obtain additional debt and/or equity financing, if and when needed, and other factors described in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company does not intend to update publicly any forward-looking statements, except as may be required by law. The cautionary advice in this paragraph is permitted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

MTR GAMING GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) (unaudited)         Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2013 2012 2013 2012   Revenues: Gaming $ 115,268 $ 132,020 $ 349,223 $ 339,664 Pari-mutuel commissions 4,133 3,824 8,932 8,347 Food, beverage and lodging 11,255 11,105 31,551 27,765 Other   3,791     3,583     9,582     8,141   Total revenues 134,447 150,532 399,288 383,917 Less promotional allowances   (5,584 )   (4,955 )   (16,321 )   (12,715 ) Net revenues   128,863     145,577     382,967     371,202     Operating expenses: Costs of operating departments: Gaming Operating 68,089 76,420 204,624 203,988 Other regulatory assessments (16 ) 210 (279 ) 18 Pari-mutuel commissions 3,703 3,831 8,931 8,746 Food, beverage and lodging 8,614 8,604 24,409 21,112 Other 2,679 2,358 6,519 5,596 Marketing and promotions 4,187 4,986 11,948 10,325 General and administrative 16,351 17,799 48,861 46,119 Strategic transaction costs 2,723 - 2,723 - Project opening costs - 222 - 2,718 Depreciation 7,691 7,880 22,782 19,979 Loss (gain) on the sale or disposal of property   161     -     68     (4 ) Total operating expenses   114,182     122,310     330,586     318,597     Operating income 14,681 23,267 52,381 52,605   Other income (expense): Interest income 4 25 26 159 Interest expense   (17,393 )   (17,227 )   (52,176 )   (50,642 )   (Loss) income from continuing operations before income taxes (2,708 ) 6,065 231 2,122 Provision for income taxes   (921 )   (729 )   (2,260 )   (2,077 )   (Loss) income from continuing operations   (3,629 )   5,336     (2,029 )   45     Discontinued operations: Loss from discontinued operations before income taxes - (23 ) - (278 ) Provision for income taxes   -     -     -     -   Loss from discontinued operations   -     (23 )   -     (278 )   Net (loss) income $ (3,629 ) $ 5,313   $ (2,029 ) $ (233 )   Net (loss) income per share - basic: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ 0.19 $ (0.07 ) $ - Loss from discontinued operations $ -   $ -   $ -   $ (0.01 ) Net (loss) income $ (0.13 ) $ 0.19   $ (0.07 ) $ (0.01 )   Net (loss) income per share - diluted: (Loss) income from continuing operations $ (0.13 ) $ 0.19 $ (0.07 ) $ - Loss from discontinued operations $ -   $ -   $ -   $ (0.01 ) Net (loss) income $ (0.13 ) $ 0.19   $ (0.07 ) $ (0.01 )   Weighted average number of shares outstanding: Basic   28,379,199     28,047,046     28,234,350     27,997,360   Diluted   28,379,199     28,416,008     28,234,350     28,322,893    

(a) The classification of costs related to discretionary coupons previously reported within marketing and promotions has been revised to report such costs as a component of promotional allowances for the 2013 and 2012 periods presented. The revision is not material to our financials statements, as the net effect of the revision did not impact our operating income, net income, stockholders' equity, cash flows or Adjusted EBITDA.

MTR GAMING GROUP, INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)         Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2013 2012 2013 2012   Net revenues: Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort $ 50,606 $ 56,467 $ 151,507 $ 172,961 Presque Isle Downs & Casino 42,038 47,452 121,706 143,835 Scioto Downs 36,219 41,658 109,754 54,373 Corporate   -     -     -     33   Consolidated net revenues $ 128,863   $ 145,577   $ 382,967   $ 371,202       Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations: Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort $ 9,682 $ 11,229 $ 27,858 $ 36,311 Presque Isle Downs & Casino 6,199 8,569 19,857 29,284 Scioto Downs 11,641 15,065 37,218 16,042 Corporate   (5,005 )   (3,506 )   (9,981 )   (9,039 )

Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA from continuing operations

$ 22,517 $ 31,357 $ 74,952 $ 72,598   Adjusted EBITDA from discontinued operations   -     (23 )   -     (278 )   Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 22,517   $ 31,334   $ 74,952   $ 72,320     _______________________________________________________________________   The following tables set forth a reconciliation of income (loss) from continuing operations and income (loss) from discontinued operations, GAAP financial measures, to Adjusted EBITDA, as well as the calculation of Adjusted EBITDA margin, non-GAAP financial measures. _______________________________________________________________________     Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2013 2012 2013 2012   Adjusted EBITDA:   Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort: Net income $ 7,452 $ 8,469 $ 21,210 $ 27,941 Interest income - - (2 ) - Benefit for income taxes - (13 ) - (13 ) Depreciation 2,251 2,773 6,701 8,388 Gain on the sale or disposal of property   (21 )   -     (51 )   (5 ) Adjusted EBITDA $ 9,682   $ 11,229   $ 27,858   $ 36,311   Net revenues $ 50,606   $ 56,467   $ 151,507   $ 172,961   Adjusted EBITDA margin   19.1 %   19.9 %   18.4 %   21.0 %   Presque Isle Downs & Casino: Net income $ 3,373 $ 5,824 $ 12,294 $ 20,337 Interest income and capitalized interest (1 ) (12 ) (2 ) (41 ) Provision for income taxes 621 608 1,862 1,861 Depreciation 2,040 1,939 5,863 7,108 Other regulatory gaming assessments (16 ) 210 (279 ) 18 Loss on the sale or disposal of property   182     -     119     1   Adjusted EBITDA $ 6,199   $ 8,569   $ 19,857   $ 29,284   Net revenues $ 42,038   $ 47,452   $ 121,706   $ 143,835   Adjusted EBITDA margin   14.7 %   18.1 %   16.3 %   20.4 %     MTR GAMING GROUP, INC. SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION (continued) (dollars in thousands) (unaudited)   Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30 September 30 2013 2012 2013 2012 Adjusted EBITDA (continued):   Scioto Downs: Net income $ 7,942 $ 11,901 $ 25,968 $ 12,593 Interest expense (capitalized interest) 22 (107 ) 61 (1,227 ) Provision for income taxes 287 113 997 227 Depreciation   3,390     3,158     10,192     4,449   Adjusted EBITDA $ 11,641   $ 15,065   $ 37,218   $ 16,042   Net revenues $ 36,219   $ 41,658   $ 109,754   $ 54,373   Adjusted EBITDA margin   32.1 %   36.2 %   33.9 %   29.5 %   Corporate: Net loss $ (22,396 ) $ (20,858 ) $ (61,501 ) $ (60,826 ) Interest expense, net of interest income 17,368 17,321 52,093 51,751 Provision (benefit) for income taxes 13 21 (599 ) 2 Depreciation   10     10     26     34   Adjusted EBITDA $ (5,005 ) $ (3,506 ) $ (9,981 ) $ (9,039 )   Discontinued operations: Net loss $ - $ (23 ) $ - $ (278 ) Provision for income taxes   -     -     -     -   Adjusted EBITDA $ -   $ (23 ) $ -   $ (278 )   MTR Gaming Group, Inc. (consolidated): Net (loss) income $ (3,629 ) $ 5,313 $ (2,029 ) $ (233 ) Interest expense, net of interest income and capitalized interest 17,389 17,202 52,150 50,483 Provision for income taxes 921 729 2,260 2,077 Depreciation 7,691 7,880 22,782 19,979 Other regulatory gaming assessments (16 ) 210 (279 ) 18 Loss (gain) on the sale or disposal of property   161     -     68     (4 ) Consolidated Adjusted EBITDA $ 22,517   $ 31,334   $ 74,952   $ 72,320   Net revenues $ 128,863   $ 145,577   $ 382,967   $ 371,202   Adjusted EBITDA margin   17.5 %   21.5 %   19.6 %   19.5 %   MTR GAMING GROUP, INC. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (dollars in thousands)     September 30 December 31 2013 2012 (unaudited) ASSETS   Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 86,075 $ 115,113 Restricted cash 4,064 4,088 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $213 in 2013 and $350 in 2012 5,192 3,934 Amounts due from West Virginia Lottery Commission - 17 Inventories 4,345 4,305 Deferred financing costs 1,642 1,642 Prepaid expenses and other current assets   8,240     5,582   Total current assets 109,558 134,681   Property and equipment, net 375,749 387,015 Other intangible assets 136,116 136,094 Deferred financing costs, net of current portion 7,176 8,407 Deposits and other 1,918 1,908 Non-operating real property 10,789 10,789 Assets of discontinued operations   181     181   Total assets $ 641,487   $ 679,075     LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY   Current liabilities: Accounts payable $ 3,883 $ 3,719 Accounts payable - gaming taxes and assessments 9,017 11,077 Accrued payroll and payroll taxes 6,440 5,776 Accrued interest 10,937 27,369 Accrued income taxes 273 743 Other accrued liabilities 17,128 13,579 Construction project and equipment liabilities 38 481 License fee payable - 25,000 Deferred income taxes 1,472 1,472 Liabilities of discontinued operations   116     123   Total current liabilities 49,304 89,339   Long-term debt 558,305 556,716 Other regulatory gaming assessments 4,714 5,319 Long-term compensation 695 871 Deferred income taxes 15,176 12,620 Other long-term liabilities   514     517   Total liabilities   628,708     665,382     Stockholders' equity: Common stock - - Additional paid-in capital 64,905 63,822 Accumulated deficit (52,041 ) (50,012 ) Accumulated other comprehensive loss   (309 )   (341 ) Total stockholders' equity of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. 12,555 13,469 Non-controlling interest of discontinued operations   224     224   Total stockholders' equity   12,779     13,693   Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 641,487   $ 679,075    

For Additional Information, Please Contact:MTR Gaming Group, Inc.www.mtrgaming.comJohn W. Bittner, Jr., 724-933-8122Executive Vice President and Chief Financial OfficerJbittner@mtrgaming.com