ISLE Isleworth Healthcare Acquisition Corporation

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 4,  2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. (NASDAQ: ISLE) (the "Company") today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2014 ended July 28, 2013 and other Company-related news. 

Consolidated Results

The following table outlines the Company's financial results (dollars in millions, except per share data, unaudited):

Virginia McDowell, President and Chief Executive Officer, commented "Our operating results continue to be impacted by the soft regional gaming trends and several of our properties were impacted by flooding and spring storms that occurred in the Midwest during May and June.  These items contributed to a decrease in same store casino revenues of $4.5 million, or 1.9%. Adjusted EBITDA at properties open for more than one year decreased $3.8 million, or 7.4%, as our same store operating results have become particularly sensitive to revenue trends. Partially offsetting the softness were Pompano, Black Hawk, and Lake Charles which all experienced year over year increases in net revenue and combined adjusted EBITDA flow through of 60%.

"In Cape Girardeau we continue to refine our business model in order to ramp up the property.  Sequentially, from the fourth quarter of fiscal 2013 adjusted EBITDA at the property increased from $1.6 million to $2.1 million while net revenue decreased from $16.7 million to $13.8 million.  The increased adjusted EBITDA is a reflection of improved operating efficiencies and improved promotional spending.

"Our newest property, Lady Luck Nemacolin opened on July 1, and generated net revenue of $2.6 million and adjusted EBITDA of $(0.6) million during the period.  While customer feedback regarding the property has been extremely positive, initial results have not met our expectations.  Many local customers have told us they are having difficulty accepting the mandatory purchase requirement, which they view as an admission charge, that doesn't exist at other casinos in the region. We are exploring alternatives to make access to the casino more appealing and least disruptive to customers as possible. In addition we are making operating changes to match the level of customer demand."

McDowell continued "We continue to strive to operate all of our properties as efficiently as possible in this tough operating environment and have a continuous focus on managing costs."

Financial Highlights

Net loss per share from continuing operations was $(0.12) for the quarter ended July 28, 2013 compared to net income per share from continuing operations of $0.12 in the prior year quarter.  Operating results in the most recent quarter were impacted by $3.9 million in preopening expenses associated with Lady Luck Nemacolin and a $1.0 million gain on the sale of the Company's corporate aircraft. Without the impact of these two items, the loss per share for the current quarter would have been $(0.05).

Additionally, a valuation allowance of $2.3 million, or ($0.06) per share, was recorded against the normal tax benefit associated with the net loss for the quarter due to the Company's overall tax position.

Net revenues for the current quarter were $247.7 million compared to $235.8 million in the prior year quarter, and consolidated adjusted EBITDA was $43.3 million compared to $45.0 million for the quarter compared to the same quarter of the prior fiscal year. At properties open more than one year, net revenues were $231.1 million compared to $235.6 million and adjusted property EBITDA was $48.2 million compared to $52.1 million for the first quarter compared to the prior year quarter.  The Company's Cape Girardeau and Nemacolin properties contributed combined net revenues of $16.4 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million in the current quarter.

Operating Results

Black Hawk – Net revenues increased $1.3 million to $32.7 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.8 million, or 11.2%, to $8.4 million.  Black Hawk benefited from increased gaming and non-gaming revenues compared to the prior year, as well as decreased expenses, attributable to recent facility enhancements and marketing programs that have driven the property's market share to its highest level since August 2009.

Pompano – Net revenues increased $2.7 million to $37.4 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased $1.5 million, or 33.3%, to $6.0 million.  Results in Pompano led to a margin increase of 310 basis points compared to prior year, as both gaming and non-gaming revenues increased during the period.  We believe our focus on efficient marketing and quality non-gaming amenities has increased our competitive position and market share for the property.  In addition, the property has benefitted from the removal of electronic gaming devices in internet cafes in south Florida.

Iowa – Net revenues decreased $2.1 million to $57.2 million, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.6 million to $13.9 million. In Davenport, the property was severely impacted by flooding and road closures during the period, which contributed to adjusted EBITDA decreasing $0.7 million to $1.4 million.  Results in Marquette were also impacted by the severe weather during the period, offset by decreased expenses that led to adjusted EBITDA and margin improvement. 

Lake Charles – Net revenues increased $0.1 million to $33.7 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.1 million to $5.6 million.  Net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA were stable in Lake Charles, despite an overall market decline of 3.2%.  We have been successful in maintaining operating results through a variety of facility enhancements, new marketing programs and cost savings initiatives.

Missouri – Net revenues increased $10.8 million to $58.3 million, and Adjusted EBITDA increased $0.4 million to $13.6 million.  Increases in net revenues and Adjusted EBITDA were driven by the introduction of our Cape Girardeau property, which was not open in the previous year and generated net revenue and adjusted EBITDA of $13.8 million and $2.1 million respectively.  Results in Boonville were negatively impacted by three power outages and ongoing construction disruption during the period to the casino floor and main bar, which are now complete.  Results in Caruthersville, while impacted by Cape Girardeau, were more positive than expected, as the property successfully continues to build its presence in the Tennessee market.  In Kansas City, increased marketing pressure led to decreased net revenues, which were partially offset by cost efficiencies.

Mississippi - Net revenues decreased $3.5 million to $25.7 million, and Adjusted EBITDA decreased $3.0 million to $2.8 million.  The decrease in revenues and earnings were primarily driven by continued market pressures on our properties in Lula and Natchez.  At Vicksburg, net revenues and market share increased during the period, while an aggressive promotional environment led to decreased Adjusted EBITDA at the property.  In addition, visitation was impacted by road construction between Vicksburg and Jackson, MS, a primary feeder market.

Pennsylvania – Net revenues were $2.6 million, and Adjusted EBITDA was ($0.6) million.  Lady Luck Casino at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort was open for only the month of July during the quarter.

Corporate Expenses

Corporate and development expenses were $6.7 million for the quarter, a decrease of $1.8 million compared to prior year.  The current quarter benefitted from a $1.0 million gain from the sale of our airplane. 

Non-cash stock compensation expense was $1.1 million for the quarter compared to $1.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

Development

Sale of Rhythm City Casino Davenport – In June 2013 we entered into an agreement with Kehl Development-Scott County LLC, providing Kehl Development with an option to purchase Rhythm City for $51 million subject to certain terms and conditions.  Kehl Development continues to work with the City of Davenport and our non-profit partner, the Riverboat Development Authority, to negotiate development and operating agreements for its planned new development.  Including extensions, Kehl Development has until October 15, 2013 to exercise the option to purchase Rhythm City. 

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – On February 1, 2013, we entered into an agreement with Tower Entertainment, LLC, to operate the proposed $700 million casino entertainment complex, dubbed The Provence, in Philadelphia, if selected for licensure by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.  As proposed the 1.25 million square foot project is expected to include a 125-room hotel, a casino featuring approximately 3,000 electronic gaming machines and 150 table games, as well as a rooftop village, concert hall, 8 restaurants, private swim club, night club, retail shopping and meeting and event space.  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has held public input hearings for the competitors for Pennsylvania's final remaining slot machine and table games licenses.  The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board has not announced a timeline for suitability hearings or eventual licensure.

Capital Structure and Capital Expenditures

As of July 28, 2013, the Company had:

• $66.6 million in cash and cash equivalents, excluding $9.8 million in restricted cash and investments;
• $1.2 billion in total debt; and
• $95 million in net line of credit availability.

First quarter capital expenditures (including the $7.5 million table games license fee for Nemacolin) were $29.8 million, including capital expenditures of $21.3 million at Nemacolin.  The Company expects to have approximately $46 million to $49 million in additional capital expenditures for the balance of the fiscal year, including approximately $9 million for Lady Luck Nemacolin.

Conference Call Information

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. will host a conference call on Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at 9:00 am Central Time during which management will discuss the financial and other matters addressed in this press release.  The conference call can be accessed by interested parties via webcast through the investor relations page of the Company's website, www.islecorp.com, or, for domestic callers, by dialing 866-652-5200.  International callers can access the conference call by dialing 412-317-6060.  The conference call will be recorded and available for review starting at 11:59 pm central on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, until midnight central on Wednesday, September 11, 2013, by dialing 877-344-7829; International: 412-317-0088 and access number 10033258.

About Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.

Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. is a leading regional gaming and entertainment company dedicated to providing guests with exceptional experience at each of the 16 casino properties that it owns or operates, primarily under the Isle and Lady Luck brands.  The Company currently operates gaming and entertainment facilities in Mississippi, Louisiana, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, Florida and Pennsylvania. More information is available at the Company's website, www.islecorp.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may be deemed to contain forward-looking statements, which are subject to change. These forward-looking statements may be significantly impacted, either positively or negatively by various factors, including without limitation, licensing, and other regulatory approvals, financing sources, development and construction activities, costs and delays, weather, permits, competition and business conditions in the gaming industry. The forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the statements herein.

Additional information concerning potential factors that could affect the Company's financial condition, results of operations and expansion projects, is included in the filings of the Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, its Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.

CONTACTS:
Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.,
               Dale Black, Chief Financial Officer-314.813.9327
               Jill Alexander, Senior Director of Corporate Communication-314.813.9368

www.islecorp.com

SOURCE Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.