GDEN Golden Entertainment Inc

Golden Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ:GDEN) (“Golden Entertainment” or the “Company”), today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2017, as summarized below.

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016   % Change (Unaudited, in thousands)   Net revenues Nevada Distributed Gaming $ 67,078 $ 64,552 3.9 % Montana Distributed Gaming (1)   15,181   4,032   276.5 % Total Distributed Gaming 82,259 68,584 19.9 % Nevada Casinos 9,093 8,730 4.2 % Maryland Casino   15,215   13,683   11.2 % Total Casinos 24,308 22,413 8.5 % Corporate and other   79   37   113.5 % Net revenues $ 106,646 $ 91,034   17.1 %   Net income (loss) Nevada Distributed Gaming $ 7,529 $ 5,660 33.0 % Montana Distributed Gaming (1)   692   267   159.2 % Total Distributed Gaming 8,221 5,927 38.7 % Nevada Casinos 2,046 1,404 45.7 % Maryland Casino   2,681   1,591   68.5 % Total Casinos 4,727 2,995 57.8 % Corporate and other   (7,606 )   (6,683 )   13.8 % Net income $ 5,342 $ 2,239   138.6 %   Adjusted EBITDA (2) Nevada Distributed Gaming $ 11,000 $ 9,440 16.5 % Montana Distributed Gaming (1)   2,106   781   169.7 % Total Distributed Gaming 13,106 10,221 28.2 % Nevada Casinos 2,891 2,321 24.6 % Maryland Casino   3,411   2,443   39.6 % Total Casinos 6,302 4,764 32.3 % Corporate and other   (5,839 )   (4,437 )   31.6 % Adjusted EBITDA $ 13,569 $ 10,548   28.6 %

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(1)   Represents the results from the Montana distributed gaming businesses acquired in January and April 2016 from their respective acquisition dates. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and definitions and disclosures, including reconciliations, are included at the end of the press release.

Blake L. Sartini, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Golden Entertainment, commented, “Golden Entertainment’s record 2017 first quarter financial results were driven by significant year-over-year growth across our distributed gaming and casino businesses. We generated first quarter consolidated net revenue and net income growth of 17.1% and 138.6%, respectively, and reflecting the strong operating leverage in our model, Adjusted EBITDA rose 28.6%. The first quarter 2017 financial performance of our distributed gaming segment benefited from last year’s Montana acquisitions as well as contributions from our new tavern openings. In March, we opened the first of our seven planned taverns for this year and our three casinos in Pahrump and Rocky Gap continued to benefit from our recent investments.

“Looking ahead to the balance of 2017, Golden Entertainment remains fully focused on scaling our business and positioning the Company for continued growth. We remain on schedule to open a total of seven new Las Vegas taverns in 2017 and believe these taverns are one of the most attractive ways we can invest our capital given the positive macroeconomic trends seen in Nevada. In addition, the Governor of Maryland recently signed a bill into law that will provide us with a 10% reduction in the slot tax conditioned on our purchase of the currently State-owned slot machines at our Rocky Gap casino resort. Once the games are purchased, we expect property Adjusted EBITDA to increase approximately $3 million on an annualized basis. We intend to complete the purchase of these machines by July 1, 2017.

“With the strong start to 2017 and prospects for continued growth, our team continues to evaluate strategic opportunities to further expand our distributed gaming and casino businesses to support our goal of further enhancing shareholder value.”

Results for the Three Months Ended March 31, 2017

Beginning with the first quarter of 2017, the Company is now disclosing net revenue, net income and Adjusted EBITDA for both of its Nevada and Montana distributed gaming businesses as well as for its Nevada and Maryland casino operations.

Consolidated net revenues for the 2017 first quarter were $106.6 million, compared to $91.0 million in the prior-year quarter. The increase in net revenues was driven primarily by the inclusion of a full quarter of revenue from the Company’s Montana distributed gaming business versus the prior-year period, which included a partial quarter of revenue from only one of the acquired Montana operations. The Company’s Nevada distributed gaming business grew net revenue 3.9% year-over-year to $67.1 million. Net revenues for the Company’s Nevada and Maryland casino operations grew 4.2% and 11.2%, respectively, over the prior-year period to $9.1 million and $15.2 million, respectively.

For the first quarter of 2017, net income was $5.3 million, or $0.23 per diluted share, compared to $2.2 million, or $0.10 per diluted share, in the prior-year quarter. During the first quarter of 2017, the Company incurred $0.3 million in preopening expenses compared to $0.6 million in the prior-year period. Golden’s Nevada distributed gaming business grew net income 33.0% year-over-year while net income for the Company’s Nevada and Maryland casino operations grew 45.7% and 68.5%, respectively, year-over-year.

Adjusted EBITDA for the 2017 first quarter was $13.6 million, compared to $10.5 million for the prior-year period. The increase in Adjusted EBITDA was driven primarily by the growth in consolidated net revenue, continued operating enhancements at the Company’s casino businesses, a full quarter of results from the Montana distributed gaming operations and operating leverage. Golden’s Nevada distributed gaming business grew Adjusted EBITDA 16.5% year-over-year while Adjusted EBITDA for the Company’s Nevada and Maryland casino operations grew 24.6% and 39.6%, respectively, year-over-year.

Balance Sheet and Liquidity

As of March 31, 2017, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $45.2 million and total outstanding debt of approximately $181 million. Outstanding debt under the Company’s senior credit facility included $147 million in senior secured term loans and $27 million in borrowings under the Company’s revolving credit facility. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $23 million of additional availability under its revolving credit facility. The weighted average effective interest rate on outstanding borrowings under these facilities for the quarter was approximately 3.3%. Both the Company’s term loans and revolving credit facilities mature in July 2020.

Charles H. Protell, Chief Strategy Officer and Chief Financial Officer, commented, “Our record first quarter of 2017 financial performance allowed us to further reinvest in our business and reduce leverage. We reduced total borrowings on our credit facility by $6.0 million while completing $5.7 million of capital expenditures across our businesses. In addition to our organic reinvestment plan, we continue to evaluate strategic opportunities to grow both our casino and distributed gaming businesses in 2017 and beyond.”

Investor Conference Call and Webcast

The Company will host a webcast and conference call today, May 9, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, to discuss the first quarter 2017 results. The conference call may be accessed live by dialing 844/465-3054 or 480/685-5227 for international callers and entering the passcode 6829188. A replay will be available beginning at 8:00 p.m. ET on May 9, 2017 and may be accessed by dialing 855/859-2056 or 404/537-3406 for international callers; the passcode is 6829188. The replay will be available until May 12, 2017. The call will also be webcast live through the “Investors” section of the Company’s website, www.goldenent.com. A replay of the audio webcast will also be archived on the Company’s website, www.goldenent.com.

If you have questions about Golden Entertainment or are interested in conducting a conference call with Golden Entertainment management, please contact JCIR at 212/835-8500 or gden@jcir.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

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

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

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

The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA” as earnings before interest and other non-operating income (expense), income taxes, depreciation and amortization, preopening expenses, Merger expenses, share-based compensation expenses, executive severance and sign-on bonuses, impairments and other gains and losses. Adjusted EBITDA for a particular segment or operation is Adjusted EBITDA before corporate overhead, which is not allocated to each segment or operation. The Company defines “Adjusted EBITDA margins” for the Company or a particular segment or operation as Adjusted EBITDA divided by net revenues for the Company or such segment or operation, as applicable.

About Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Golden Entertainment, Inc. owns and operates gaming properties across two divisions – distributed gaming and resort and casino operations. Golden Entertainment operates approximately 12,000 gaming devices and nearly 30 table games in Nevada, Maryland and Montana. The Company owns four casino properties, more than 50 taverns and operates approximately 960 distributed gaming locations in multiple jurisdictions. Golden Entertainment is focused on maximizing the value of its portfolio by leveraging its scale, leadership position and proven management capabilities across its two divisions. For more information, visit www.goldenent.com.

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Unaudited, in thousands, except per share data)

    Three Months Ended March 31, 2017   March 31, 2016 Revenues Gaming $ 91,522 $ 78,472 Food and beverage 15,650 13,341 Rooms 1,578 1,555 Other operating   3,385   2,212 Gross revenues 112,135 95,580 Less: Promotional allowances   (5,489 )   (4,546 ) Net revenues   106,646   91,034   Expenses Gaming 62,887 55,491 Food and beverage 9,606 8,127 Rooms 309 260 Other operating 3,200 779 Selling, general and administrative 18,502 16,234 Merger expenses — 41 Preopening expenses 272 573 Depreciation and amortization   6,552   5,792 Total expenses   101,328   87,297 Income from operations   5,318   3,737   Non-operating income (expense) Interest expense, net (1,683 ) (1,457 ) Other, net   —   18 Total non-operating expense, net   (1,683 )   (1,439 ) Income before income tax benefit (provision) 3,635 2,298 Income tax benefit (provision)   1,707   (59 ) Net income $ 5,342 $ 2,239   Weighted-average common shares outstanding Basic 22,238 21,960 Dilutive impact of stock options and restricted stock units   529   296 Diluted   22,767   22,256 Net income per share Basic $ 0.24 $ 0.10 Diluted $ 0.23 $ 0.10    

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Unaudited, in thousands)

      March 31, 2017 December 31, 2016 ASSETS Current assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 45,170 $ 46,898 Accounts receivable, net 5,939 6,697 Income taxes receivable 193 2,340 Prepaid expenses 9,567 9,761 Inventories 3,151 2,605 Other   1,517   1,346 Total current assets   65,537   69,647   Property and equipment, net 140,643 137,581   Other assets Goodwill 105,655 105,655 Customer relationships, net 69,807 71,168 Other intangible assets, net 26,931 27,435 Deferred income taxes 1,678 — Other   8,595   7,592 Total other assets   212,666   211,850 Total assets $ 418,846 $ 419,078   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities Current portion of long-term debt $ 15,055 $ 15,752 Accounts payable 8,985 11,739 Accrued taxes, other than income taxes 2,744 3,024 Accrued payroll and related 3,647 3,478 Other accrued expenses   4,021   3,846 Total current liabilities   34,452   37,839   Long-term debt, net 163,724 167,690 Deferred income taxes — 38 Other long-term obligations   4,318   4,085 Total liabilities   202,494   209,652 Commitments and contingencies   Shareholders' equity Common stock, $.01 par value; authorized 100,000 shares; 22,251 and 22,232 common shares issued and outstanding, respectively 223 223 Additional paid-in capital 291,741 290,157 Accumulated deficit   (75,612 )   (80,954 ) Total shareholders' equity   216,352   209,426 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 418,846 $ 419,078    

Golden Entertainment, Inc.

Reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

  Three Months Ended March 31, 2017 (In thousands) Adjusted EBITDA   Depreciation/ amortization   Other operating expenses (1)   Non-

operating expenses (2)

  Income tax benefit   Net

income (loss)

Nevada Distributed Gaming $ 11,000 $ (3,345 ) $ (85 ) $ (41 ) $ - $ 7,529 Montana Distributed Gaming   2,106   (1,289 )   (124 )   (1 )   -   692 Total Distributed Gaming   13,106   (4,634 )   (209 )   (42 )   -   8,221 Nevada Casinos 2,891 (844 ) - (1 ) - 2,046 Maryland Casino   3,411   (727 )   -   (3 )   -   2,681 Total Casinos   6,302   (1,571 )   -   (4 )   -   4,727 Corporate and other   (5,839 )   (347 )   (1,490 )   (1,637 )   1,707   (7,606 ) Consolidated total $ 13,569 $ (6,552 ) $ (1,699 ) $ (1,683 ) $ 1,707 $ 5,342   Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 (In thousands) Adjusted EBITDA Depreciation/ amortization Other operating expenses (1) Non-

operating expenses (2)

Income tax provision Net

income (loss)

Nevada Distributed Gaming $ 9,440 $ (3,369 ) $ (376 ) $ (35 ) $ - $ 5,660 Montana Distributed Gaming   781   (330 )   (184 )   -   -   267 Total Distributed Gaming   10,221   (3,699 )   (560 )   (35 )   -   5,927 Nevada Casinos 2,321 (917 ) - - - 1,404 Maryland Casino   2,443   (852 )   -   -   -   1,591 Total Casinos   4,764   (1,769 )   -   -   -   2,995 Corporate and other   (4,437 )   (324 )   (459 )   (1,404 )   (59 )   (6,683 ) Consolidated total $ 10,548 $ (5,792 ) $ (1,019 ) $ (1,439 ) $ (59 ) $ 2,239

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(1)   Other operating expenses includes gain on disposal of property and equipment, preopening expenses, share-based compensation and merger expenses. Corporate and Other included share-based compensation expenses of $1.4 million and $0.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. (2) Non-operating expenses includes interest expense, net and other income (expense), net. Corporate and Other included interest expense, net of $1.6 million and $1.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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Investor RelationsJCIRJoseph Jaffoni, Richard Land, James Leahy212/835-8500gden@jcir.comorMedia RelationsGolden Entertainment, Inc.Howard Stutz, 702/495-4490Vice President Corporate Communicationshstutz@goldenent.com