Caesars Entertainment, Inc. - Quarter Report: 2023 September (Form 10-Q)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
(Mark One)
| ☒ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2023
OR
| ☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 | ||||
For the transition period from to
Commission File No. 001-36629
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
| Delaware | 46-3657681 | ||||
| (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | ||||
100 West Liberty Street, 12th Floor, Reno, Nevada 89501
(Address and zip code of principal executive offices)
(775) 328-0100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)
N/A
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
| Title of each class | Trading Symbol(s) | Name of each exchange on which registered | ||||||
Common Stock, $0.00001 par value | CZR | NASDAQ Stock Market | ||||||
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 every Interactive Data File required to be submitted 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 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.
| Large accelerated filer | ☒ | Accelerated filer | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Non-accelerated filer | ☐ | Smaller reporting company | ☐ | |||||||||||
| Emerging growth company | ☐ | |||||||||||||
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 October 26, 2023 was 215,710,686.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
| Page | ||||||||
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Unaudited Financial Statements
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
| (In millions) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| ASSETS | |||||||||||
| CURRENT ASSETS: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 841 | $ | 1,038 | |||||||
| Restricted cash | 130 | 131 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | 555 | 611 | |||||||||
| Inventories | 45 | 59 | |||||||||
| Prepayments and other current assets | 289 | 263 | |||||||||
| Total current assets | 1,860 | 2,102 | |||||||||
| Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates | 91 | 94 | |||||||||
| Property and equipment, net | 14,700 | 14,598 | |||||||||
| Goodwill | 11,004 | 11,004 | |||||||||
| Intangible assets other than goodwill | 4,640 | 4,714 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax asset | 50 | — | |||||||||
| Other assets, net | 884 | 1,015 | |||||||||
| Total assets | $ | 33,229 | $ | 33,527 | |||||||
| LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | |||||||||||
| CURRENT LIABILITIES: | |||||||||||
| Accounts payable | $ | 371 | $ | 314 | |||||||
| Accrued interest | 246 | 318 | |||||||||
| Accrued other liabilities | 1,879 | 1,928 | |||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | 65 | 108 | |||||||||
| Total current liabilities | 2,561 | 2,668 | |||||||||
| Long-term financing obligations | 12,725 | 12,610 | |||||||||
| Long-term debt | 12,230 | 12,659 | |||||||||
| Deferred tax liability | 99 | 987 | |||||||||
| Other long-term liabilities | 872 | 852 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities | 28,487 | 29,776 | |||||||||
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7) | |||||||||||
| STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY: | |||||||||||
| Caesars stockholders’ equity | 4,604 | 3,713 | |||||||||
| Noncontrolling interests | 138 | 38 | |||||||||
| Total stockholders’ equity | 4,742 | 3,751 | |||||||||
| Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 33,229 | $ | 33,527 | |||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| REVENUES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 1,620 | $ | 1,605 | $ | 4,789 | $ | 4,446 | |||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 443 | 411 | 1,305 | 1,172 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 553 | 544 | 1,581 | 1,446 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 378 | 327 | 1,028 | 936 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 2,994 | 2,887 | 8,703 | 8,000 | |||||||||||||||||||
| EXPENSES: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | 831 | 838 | 2,476 | 2,727 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 266 | 240 | 775 | 684 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 146 | 142 | 426 | 391 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 118 | 105 | 336 | 298 | |||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 528 | 529 | 1,536 | 1,545 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | 74 | 63 | 239 | 208 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 320 | 304 | 943 | 910 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction and other costs, net | (13) | 7 | 36 | (14) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | 2,270 | 2,228 | 6,767 | 6,749 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Operating income | 724 | 659 | 1,936 | 1,251 | |||||||||||||||||||
| OTHER EXPENSE: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | (581) | (569) | (1,761) | (1,680) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (3) | (33) | (200) | (33) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other income (loss) | (1) | 4 | 5 | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other expense | (585) | (598) | (1,956) | (1,660) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | 139 | 61 | (20) | (409) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (47) | (8) | 904 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations, net of income taxes | 92 | 53 | 884 | (362) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations, net of income taxes | — | — | — | (386) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | 92 | 53 | 884 | (748) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (18) | (1) | (26) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 74 | $ | 52 | $ | 858 | $ | (751) | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per share - basic and diluted: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Basic income (loss) per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.99 | $ | (1.70) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic loss per share from discontinued operations | — | — | — | (1.80) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic income (loss) per share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.99 | $ | (3.50) | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.97 | $ | (1.70) | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations | — | — | — | (1.80) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Diluted income (loss) per share | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.97 | $ | (3.50) | |||||||||||||||
| Weighted average basic shares outstanding | 215 | 214 | 215 | 214 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average diluted shares outstanding | 216 | 215 | 216 | 214 | |||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 92 | $ | 53 | $ | 884 | $ | (748) | |||||||||||||||
| Foreign currency translation adjustments | — | 110 | 1 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Change in fair market value of interest rate swaps, net of tax | — | 3 | — | 23 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other | (1) | — | 4 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | (1) | 113 | 5 | 57 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) | 91 | 166 | 889 | (691) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests | (18) | (1) | (26) | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 73 | $ | 165 | $ | 863 | $ | (694) | |||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
(UNAUDITED)
| Caesars Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Amount | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2021 | — | $ | — | 214 | $ | — | $ | 6,877 | $ | (2,410) | $ | 36 | $ | (23) | $ | 61 | $ | 4,541 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 25 | — | — | — | — | 25 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | (680) | — | — | — | (680) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | (20) | — | — | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (20) | — | — | — | — | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2022 | — | $ | — | 214 | $ | — | $ | 6,882 | $ | (3,090) | $ | 16 | $ | (23) | $ | 61 | $ | 3,846 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | — | — | — | — | — | (123) | — | — | 2 | (121) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | (36) | — | — | (36) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (3) | — | — | — | — | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (1) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2022 | — | $ | — | 214 | $ | — | $ | 6,905 | $ | (3,213) | $ | (20) | $ | (23) | $ | 62 | $ | 3,711 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | 1 | — | 27 | — | — | — | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 52 | — | — | 1 | 53 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | 113 | — | — | 113 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (3) | — | — | — | — | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | (9) | (9) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2022 | — | $ | — | 215 | $ | — | $ | 6,929 | $ | (3,161) | $ | 93 | $ | (23) | $ | 54 | $ | 3,892 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Preferred Stock | Common Stock | Treasury Stock | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Shares | Amount | Shares | Amount | Paid-in Capital | Accumulated Deficit | Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) | Amount | Noncontrolling Interests | Total Stockholders’ Equity | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, December 31, 2022 | — | $ | — | 215 | $ | — | $ | 6,953 | $ | (3,309) | $ | 92 | $ | (23) | $ | 38 | $ | 3,751 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 27 | — | — | — | — | 27 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | — | — | — | (136) | — | — | — | (136) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | 6 | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (13) | — | — | — | — | (13) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, March 31, 2023 | — | $ | — | 215 | $ | — | $ | 6,967 | $ | (3,445) | $ | 98 | $ | (23) | $ | 38 | $ | 3,635 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | — | — | 29 | — | — | — | — | 29 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 920 | — | — | 8 | 928 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (1) | — | — | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 76 | 76 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, June 30, 2023 | — | $ | — | 215 | $ | — | $ | 6,995 | $ | (2,525) | $ | 98 | $ | (23) | $ | 122 | $ | 4,667 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation | — | — | 1 | — | 26 | — | — | — | — | 26 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income | — | — | — | — | — | 74 | — | — | 18 | 92 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | — | — | — | — | (1) | — | — | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shares withheld related to net share settlement of stock awards | — | — | — | — | (11) | — | — | — | — | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transactions with noncontrolling interests | — | — | — | — | (29) | — | — | — | (2) | (31) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance, September 30, 2023 | — | $ | — | 216 | $ | — | $ | 6,981 | $ | (2,451) | $ | 97 | $ | (23) | $ | 138 | $ | 4,742 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(UNAUDITED)
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 884 | $ | (748) | |||||||
| Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | |||||||||||
| Loss from discontinued operations | — | 386 | |||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 943 | 910 | |||||||||
| Amortization of deferred financing costs and discounts | 155 | 234 | |||||||||
| Provision for doubtful accounts | 29 | 14 | |||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 200 | 33 | |||||||||
| Non-cash lease amortization | 45 | 42 | |||||||||
| (Gain) loss on investments | (2) | 48 | |||||||||
| Stock compensation expense | 82 | 77 | |||||||||
| Loss on sale of business and disposal of property and equipment | 12 | 8 | |||||||||
| Deferred income taxes | (904) | (47) | |||||||||
| Gain on derivatives | — | (73) | |||||||||
| Other non-cash adjustments to net income (loss) | 22 | (70) | |||||||||
| Change in operating assets and liabilities: | |||||||||||
| Accounts receivable | (17) | (63) | |||||||||
| Prepaid expenses and other assets | 11 | (43) | |||||||||
| Income taxes payable | (24) | (4) | |||||||||
| Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities | (135) | (235) | |||||||||
| Net cash provided by operating activities | 1,301 | 469 | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Purchase of property and equipment | (895) | (717) | |||||||||
| Acquisition of gaming rights and trademarks | (30) | (11) | |||||||||
| Proceeds from sale of business, property and equipment, net of cash sold | 1 | 21 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from the sale of investments | 3 | 121 | |||||||||
| Proceeds from insurance related to property damage | — | 36 | |||||||||
| Other | 40 | — | |||||||||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (881) | (550) | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Proceeds from long-term debt and revolving credit facilities | 5,300 | 750 | |||||||||
| Repayments of long-term debt and revolving credit facilities | (5,930) | (1,761) | |||||||||
| Financing obligation payments | (7) | (1) | |||||||||
| Debt issuance and extinguishment costs | (79) | — | |||||||||
Payments to acquire ownership interest in subsidiary | (66) | — | |||||||||
| Contributions from noncontrolling interest owners | 100 | — | |||||||||
| Distributions to noncontrolling interest | (1) | — | |||||||||
| Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | (25) | (26) | |||||||||
| Net cash used in financing activities | (708) | (1,038) | |||||||||
| CASH FLOWS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS: | |||||||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | — | (18) | |||||||||
| Cash flows from investing activities | — | 386 | |||||||||
| Cash flows from financing activities | — | — | |||||||||
| Net cash from discontinued operations | — | 368 | |||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||
| Effect of foreign currency exchange rates on cash | — | (29) | |||||||||
Decrease in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | (288) | (780) | |||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 1,303 | 2,021 | |||||||||
| Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 1,015 | $ | 1,241 | |||||||
| RECONCILIATION OF CASH, CASH EQUIVALENTS AND RESTRICTED CASH TO AMOUNTS REPORTED WITHIN THE CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED BALANCE SHEETS: | |||||||||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 841 | $ | 944 | |||||||
| Restricted cash | 130 | 136 | |||||||||
| Restricted and escrow cash included in other assets, net | 44 | 161 | |||||||||
| Total cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash | $ | 1,015 | $ | 1,241 | |||||||
| SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION: | |||||||||||
| Cash interest paid for debt | $ | 749 | $ | 679 | |||||||
| Cash interest paid for rent related to financing obligations | 959 | 892 | |||||||||
| Income taxes paid, net | 23 | 18 | |||||||||
| NON-CASH INVESTING AND FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | |||||||||||
| Payables for capital expenditures | 193 | 118 | |||||||||
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated condensed financial statements.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
The accompanying consolidated condensed financial statements include the accounts of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries which may be referred to as the “Company,” “CEI,” “Caesars,” “we,” “our,” or “us” within these financial statements.
This Form 10-Q should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022 (the “2022 Annual Report”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Form 10-Q have the same meanings as in the 2022 Annual Report.
We also refer to (i) our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as our “Financial Statements,” (ii) our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as our “Balance Sheets,” (iii) our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as our “Statements of Operations,” and (iv) our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows as our “Statements of Cash Flows.”
Note 1. Organization and Description of Business
Organization
The Company is a geographically diversified gaming and hospitality company that was founded in 1973 by the Carano family with the opening of the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada. Beginning in 2005, the Company grew through a series of acquisitions, including the acquisition of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. in 2014, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. in 2017, Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. in 2018, Caesars Entertainment Corporation in 2020 and William Hill PLC on April 22, 2021. The Company’s ticker symbol on the NASDAQ Stock Market is “CZR.”
Description of Business
The Company owns, leases, brands or manages an aggregate of 53 domestic properties in 18 states with approximately 52,500 slot machines, video lottery terminals and e-tables, approximately 2,700 table games and approximately 46,900 hotel rooms as of September 30, 2023. The Company operates and conducts sports wagering across 30 jurisdictions in North America, 24 of which offer mobile sports betting, and operates regulated online real money gaming businesses in six jurisdictions in North America. In addition, we have other domestic and international properties that are authorized to use the brands and marks of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., as well as other non-gaming properties. The Company’s primary source of revenue is generated by our casino properties’ gaming operations, retail and online sports betting, online gaming, and the Company utilizes its hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, racing, retail shops and other services to attract customers to its properties.
The Company’s operations for retail and mobile sports betting, online casino, and online poker are included under the Caesars Digital segment. As part of the Caesars Digital segment, the Company has made significant investments into the interactive business in recent years, including the acquisition of William Hill PLC and strategic expansions into new markets as legalization permits. The Company has utilized significant marketing campaigns with distinguished actors, athletes and media personalities promoting the Caesars Sportsbook app. The Company expects to continue to expand its operations in the Caesars Digital segment as new jurisdictions legalize retail and online gaming and sports betting.
Divestitures
We periodically divest of assets in order to raise capital, as a result of a determination that the assets are not core to our business, or due to regulatory requirements. A summary of recently completed divestitures of our properties as of September 30, 2023 is as follows:
| Segment | Property | Date Sold | Sales Price | |||||||||||||||||
| Regional | Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel (“Baton Rouge”) | May 5, 2022 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A | William Hill International | July 1, 2022 | £2.0 billion | |||||||||||||||||
____________________
*Not meaningful.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following information presents the net revenues and net loss of recently completed divestitures:
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Baton Rouge | William Hill International | Baton Rouge | William Hill International | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 6 | $ | 820 | |||||||||||||||
| Net loss | — | — | (1) | (448) | |||||||||||||||||||
Note 2. Basis of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies
Basis of Presentation
The accompanying unaudited Financial Statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) 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 GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Financial Statements contain all adjustments, all of which are normal and recurring, considered necessary for a fair presentation. 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. Additionally, certain reclassifications of prior year presentations have been made to conform to the current period presentation.
The presentation of financial information herein for the periods before the Company’s divestitures of various properties is not fully comparable to the periods after the sale dates.
Consolidation of Subsidiaries and Variable Interest Entities
Our Financial Statements include the accounts of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. and its subsidiaries after elimination of all intercompany accounts and transactions.
We consolidate all subsidiaries in which we have a controlling financial interest and variable interest entities (“VIEs”) for which we or one of our consolidated subsidiaries is the primary beneficiary. Control generally equates to ownership percentage, whereby (i) affiliates that are more than 50% owned are consolidated; (ii) investments in affiliates of 50% or less but greater than 20% are generally accounted for using the equity method where we have determined that we have significant influence over the entities; and (iii) investments in affiliates of 20% or less are generally accounted for as investments in equity securities.
We consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have both the power to direct the activities that most significantly affect the results of the VIE and the right to receive benefits or the obligation to absorb losses of the entity that could be potentially significant to the VIE. We review investments for VIE consideration if a reconsideration event occurs to determine if the investment qualifies, or continues to qualify, as a VIE. If we determine an investment qualifies, or no longer qualifies, as a VIE, there may be a material effect to our Financial Statements.
Transactions with Horseshoe Baltimore
On July 10, 2023, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 24.2% equity ownership in Horseshoe Baltimore, utilizing cash on hand, for a total of $66 million.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
Cash equivalents include highly-liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less at the date of purchase including investments in money market funds that 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. Cash and cash equivalents also include cash maintained for gaming operations. The carrying amounts approximate the fair value because of the short maturity of those instruments (Level 1).
Restricted Cash
Restricted cash includes certificates of deposit and similar instruments that are subject to remeasurement on a recurring basis, as well as cash deposits which are restricted under certain operating agreements, regulatory requirement, or for future capital expenditures in the normal course of business.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Use of Estimates
The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Advertising
Advertising costs are expensed in the period the advertising first occurs. Advertising costs for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 were $65 million and $114 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $185 million and $490 million, respectively, and are included within operating expenses. Advertising costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 included significant television, radio and internet marketing campaigns promoting our Caesars Sportsbook. Advertising costs related to the Caesars Digital segment are primarily recorded in Casino expense.
Interest Expense, Net
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense | $ | 597 | $ | 580 | $ | 1,798 | $ | 1,707 | |||||||||||||||
| Capitalized interest | (13) | (8) | (27) | (19) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest income | (3) | (3) | (10) | (8) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total interest expense, net | $ | 581 | $ | 569 | $ | 1,761 | $ | 1,680 | |||||||||||||||
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Pronouncements to Be Implemented in Future Periods
In October 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-06 Disclosure Improvements: Codification Amendments In Response to the SEC’s Disclosure Update and Simplification Initiative to clarify or improve disclosure and presentation requirements on a variety of topics and align the requirements in the FASB accounting standard codification with the Securities and Exchange Commission regulations. This guidance is effective for the Company no later than June 30, 2027. We do not expect the amendments in this update to have a material impact on our Financial Statements.
Note 3. Investments in and Advances to Unconsolidated Affiliates
Pompano Joint Venture
In April 2018, the Company entered into a joint venture with Cordish Companies (“Cordish”) to plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the casino at the Company’s Pompano property. As the managing member, Cordish will operate the business and manage the development, construction, financing, marketing, leasing, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the various phases of the project. Additionally, Cordish will be responsible for the development of the master plan for the project with the Company’s input and will submit it for the Company’s review and approval.
While the Company holds a 50% variable interest in the joint venture, it is not the primary beneficiary; as such, the investment in the joint venture is accounted for using the equity method. The Company participates evenly with Cordish in the profits and losses of the joint venture, which are included in Transaction and other costs, net on the Statements of Operations. As of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the Company’s investment in the joint venture was $80 million and is recorded in Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the Balance Sheets. The Company has no further obligation to contribute additional real estate or cash as of September 30, 2023.
NeoGames
The Company held an investment in NeoGames S.A., a global leader of iLottery solutions and services to national and state-regulated lotteries, and other investments. On March 14, 2022, the Company sold its investment at fair value for $26 million and recorded a loss of $34 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, which is included within Other income (loss) on the Statements of Operations.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 4. Property and Equipment
| (In millions) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Land | $ | 2,088 | $ | 2,092 | |||||||
| Buildings, riverboats, and leasehold and land improvements | 13,365 | 13,094 | |||||||||
| Furniture, fixtures, and equipment | 2,352 | 2,054 | |||||||||
| Construction in progress | 682 | 351 | |||||||||
| Total property and equipment | 18,487 | 17,591 | |||||||||
| Less: accumulated depreciation | (3,787) | (2,993) | |||||||||
| Total property and equipment, net | $ | 14,700 | $ | 14,598 | |||||||
A portion of our property and equipment is subject to various operating leases for which we are the lessor. Leased property includes our hotel rooms, convention space and retail space through various short-term and long-term operating leases.
| Depreciation Expense | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation expense | $ | 284 | $ | 260 | $ | 835 | $ | 758 | |||||||||||||||
Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the related lease.
Note 5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net
The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. The Company determines the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, such excess is recorded as goodwill.
| Changes in Carrying Value of Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| Non-Amortizing Intangible Assets | |||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Amortizing Intangible Assets | Goodwill | Other | ||||||||||||||
Balances as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 1,060 | $ | 11,004 | $ | 3,654 | |||||||||||
| Amortization expense | (108) | — | — | ||||||||||||||
| Acquisition of gaming rights and trademarks | 30 | — | 4 | ||||||||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2023 | $ | 982 | $ | 11,004 | $ | 3,658 | |||||||||||
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
| Gross Carrying Value and Accumulated Amortization of Intangible Assets Other Than Goodwill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Useful Life | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | Gross Carrying Amount | Accumulated Amortization | Net Carrying Amount | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Amortizing intangible assets | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Customer relationships | 3 - 7 years | $ | 587 | $ | (339) | $ | 248 | $ | 587 | $ | (276) | $ | 311 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaming rights and other | 10 - 34 years | 242 | (25) | 217 | 212 | (16) | 196 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | 15 years | 313 | (87) | 226 | 313 | (73) | 240 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reacquired rights | 24 years | 250 | (25) | 225 | 250 | (17) | 233 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technology | 6 years | 110 | (44) | 66 | 110 | (30) | 80 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| $ | 1,502 | $ | (520) | 982 | $ | 1,472 | $ | (412) | 1,060 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Non-amortizing intangible assets other than Goodwill | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trademarks | 1,998 | 1,998 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Gaming rights | 1,137 | 1,133 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Rewards | 523 | 523 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3,658 | 3,654 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total amortizing and non-amortizing intangible assets other than Goodwill, net | $ | 4,640 | $ | 4,714 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization expense with respect to intangible assets for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $36 million and $44 million, respectively, and for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 totaled $108 million and $152 million, respectively, which is included in Depreciation and amortization in the Statements of Operations.
| Estimated Five-Year Amortization | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining 2023 | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | 2028 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated annual amortization expense | $ | 36 | $ | 130 | $ | 122 | $ | 122 | $ | 80 | $ | 43 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Note 6. Fair Value Measurements
Items Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis
The following table sets forth the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, by input level, in the Balance Sheets:
| September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets at fair value | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 2 | |||||||||||||||
| December 31, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
| Assets: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Marketable securities | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 4 | |||||||||||||||
| Total assets at fair value | $ | 2 | $ | 2 | $ | — | $ | 4 | |||||||||||||||
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Marketable Securities
Marketable securities consist primarily of trading securities held by the Company’s captive insurance subsidiary and deferred compensation plans. 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 the Company would expect to receive if the Company sold these marketable securities.
Restricted Cash
The estimated fair values of the Company’s restricted cash 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 the Company would expect to receive if the Company sold the instruments classified as restricted cash. Restricted cash classified as Level 1 includes cash equivalents held in short-term certificate of deposit accounts or money market type funds. Restricted cash that is not subject to remeasurement on a recurring basis is not included in the table above.
Derivative Instruments
The Company does not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Forward Contracts
The Company entered into several foreign exchange forward contracts with third parties to hedge the risk of fluctuations in the foreign exchange rates between USD and GBP. During the nine months ended September 30, 2022, the Company recorded gains of $76 million related to forward contracts, which have been recorded in Other income (loss) on the Statements of Operations. All forward contracts were settled as of July 1, 2022.
Interest Rate Swap Derivatives
The Company used interest rate swaps to manage the mix of debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. The term of the last interest rate swaps ended on December 31, 2022.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)
The changes in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component, net of tax, for the periods through September 30, 2023 and 2022 are shown below.
| (In millions) | Unrealized Net Gains on Derivative Instruments | Foreign Currency Translation Adjustments | Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of December 31, 2021 | $ | 73 | $ | (36) | $ | (1) | $ | 36 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 5 | (33) | — | (28) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 8 | — | — | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 13 | (33) | — | (20) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of March 31, 2022 | $ | 86 | $ | (69) | $ | (1) | $ | 16 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | 1 | (44) | 1 | (42) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 6 | — | — | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | 7 | (44) | 1 | (36) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of June 30, 2022 | $ | 93 | $ | (113) | $ | — | $ | (20) | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | 1 | 110 | — | 111 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income | 2 | — | — | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax | 3 | 110 | — | 113 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2022 | $ | 96 | $ | (3) | $ | — | $ | 93 | |||||||||||||||
Balances as of December 31, 2022 | $ | 94 | $ | (1) | $ | (1) | $ | 92 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications | — | 2 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive income, net of tax | — | 2 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of March 31, 2023 | $ | 94 | $ | 1 | $ | 3 | $ | 98 | |||||||||||||||
| Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications | — | (1) | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | — | (1) | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Balances as of June 30, 2023 | $ | 94 | $ | — | $ | 4 | $ | 98 | |||||||||||||||
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications | — | — | (1) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Total other comprehensive loss, net of tax | — | — | (1) | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
Balances as of September 30, 2023 | $ | 94 | $ | — | $ | 3 | $ | 97 | |||||||||||||||
Note 7. Litigation, Commitments and Contingencies
Litigation
General
We are party to various legal proceedings, which have arisen in the normal course of our business. Such proceedings can be costly, time consuming and unpredictable and, therefore, no assurance can be given that the final outcome of such proceedings will not materially impact our consolidated financial condition or results of operations. Estimated losses are accrued for these proceedings when the loss is probable and can be estimated. While we maintain insurance coverage that we believe is adequate to mitigate the risks of such proceedings, no assurance can be given that the amount or scope of existing insurance coverage will be sufficient to cover losses arising from such matters. The current liability for the estimated losses associated with these proceedings 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.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
COVID-19 Insurance Claims
The COVID-19 public health emergency had a significant impact on the Company’s business and employees, as well as the communities where the Company operates and serves. The Company purchased broad property insurance coverage to protect against “all risk of physical loss or damage” and resulting business interruption, unless specifically excluded by policies. The Company submitted claims for losses incurred as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency which exceed $2 billion. The insurance carriers under the Company’s insurance policies have asserted that the policies do not cover losses incurred by the Company as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency and have refused to make payments under the applicable policies.
In March of 2021, the Company filed a lawsuit against certain of its insurance carriers in the state court in Clark County, Nevada relating to insurance policies that were potentially governed by Nevada law. The Company’s lawsuit was stayed pending the outcome of a separate but similar lawsuit pending in the Nevada Supreme Court. In September of 2023, the Nevada Supreme Court issued an adverse ruling in the separate but similar lawsuit. The Nevada Supreme Court decision negatively affects the Company’s claims in its Nevada lawsuit and will likely result in a dismissal of the Company’s claims with respect to insurance policies that are governed by Nevada law. There are other insurance policies issued to the Company that are governed by other state laws, including, but not limited to, New York and New Jersey. The viability of potential claims under those policies will depend on the result of decisions from the courts in those jurisdictions in lawsuits brought by other claimants. There can be no assurance as to the outcome of any such proceedings.
Cybersecurity Incident
On September 14, 2023, we announced that an unauthorized actor had gained access to our information technology network as a result of a social engineering attack on an outsourced IT support vendor used by the Company, and acquired a copy of, among other data, our loyalty program database (“Data Incident”).
As a result of the Data Incident, we have become subject to multiple lawsuits. Between September 15 and October 26, 2023, thirteen class actions have been filed against us in U.S. federal and state courts in Nevada, New Jersey, and California, purporting to represent various classes of persons whose personal information was affected by the Data Incident. These class actions assert a variety of common law and statutory claims based on allegations that the Company failed to use reasonable security procedures and practices to safeguard customers’ personal information, and seek monetary and statutory damages, injunctive relief and other related relief. Caesars is seeking consolidation of the cases that have been filed into a single case.
In addition, the Company has received inquiries from state regulators related to the Data Incident. We are responding to these inquiries and cooperating fully with regulators.
While we believe it is reasonably possible that we may incur losses associated with the above described proceedings, it is not possible to estimate the amount of loss or range of loss, if any, that might result from adverse judgments, settlements, or other resolution given the stage of these proceedings, the absence of specific allegations regarding the alleged damages, the uncertainty as to the certification of a class or classes and the size of any certified class, if applicable, and/or the lack of resolution of significant factual and legal issues.
Additional lawsuits and claims related to the Data Incident may be asserted by or on behalf of customers, shareholders or others seeking damages or other related relief, and governmental agencies may open additional inquiries or investigations into the Data Incident. The Company is pursuing insurance coverage in relation to costs and liabilities incurred due to the Data Incident.
We have incurred, and may continue to incur, certain expenses related to the Data Incident, including expenses to respond to, remediate and investigate this matter. The full scope of the costs and related impacts of this incident, including the extent to which these costs will be offset by our cybersecurity insurance or potential indemnification claims against third parties, has not been determined. We are unable to predict the full impact of this incident and its impact on guest behavior in the future, including whether a change in our guests’ behavior could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations on an ongoing basis. As of the date of this report, there has not been a material effect on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations and we currently do not expect that it will have such an effect in the future.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Contractual Commitments
Capital Commitments
Harrah’s New Orleans
In April 2020, the Company and the State of Louisiana, by and through the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, entered into an Amended and Restated Casino Operating Contract. Additionally, the Company, New Orleans Building Corporation and the City entered into a Second Amended and Restated Lease Agreement. Based on these amendments related to Harrah’s New Orleans, the Company is required to make a capital investment of $325 million on or around Harrah’s New Orleans by July 15, 2024. The capital investment will involve the rebranding of the property to Caesars New Orleans which includes a renovation and full interior and exterior redesign, updated casino floor, new culinary experiences and a new 340-room hotel tower. The project has a current capital plan of approximately $430 million, and as of September 30, 2023, total capital expenditures have been $239 million since the project began.
Atlantic City
As required by the New Jersey Gaming Control Board, in 2020, the Company funded $400 million in escrow to provide funds for a three year capital expenditure plan in the state of New Jersey. The capital plan includes significant room renovations at both Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Atlantic City, as well as the addition of new restaurants with celebrity partners. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the restricted cash balance remaining in the escrow account was $21 million and $118 million, respectively. This amount is currently included in restricted cash in Other assets, net.
Sports Sponsorship/Partnership Obligations
The Company has agreements with certain professional sports leagues and teams, sporting event facilities and media companies for tickets, suites, advertising, marketing, promotional and sponsorship opportunities including communication with partner customer databases. Additionally, a selection of such partnerships provides Caesars with exclusivity to access the aforementioned rights within the casino and/or sports betting category. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, obligations related to these agreements were $639 million and $898 million, respectively, with contracts extending through 2040. These obligations include leasing of event suites that are generally considered short-term leases for which the Company does not record a right of use asset or lease liability. The Company recognizes expenses in the period services are received in accordance with the various agreements. In addition, assets or liabilities may be recorded related to the timing of payments as required by the respective agreement.
Self-Insurance
The Company is self-insured for workers compensation and other risk insurance, as well as health insurance and general liability. The Company’s total estimated self-insurance liability as of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, was $208 million and $203 million, respectively, which is included in Accrued other liabilities in our Balance Sheets.
The assumptions utilized by our actuaries are subject to significant uncertainty and if outcomes differ from these assumptions or events develop or progress in a negative manner, the Company could experience a material adverse effect and additional liabilities may be recorded in the future.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 8. Long-Term Debt
| September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | Final Maturity | Rates | Face Value | Book Value | Book Value | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Secured Debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Revolving Credit Facility | 2028 | variable | $ | — | $ | — | $ | — | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Term Loan A | 2028 | variable | 722 | 719 | 747 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Term Loan B | 2030 | variable | 2,487 | 2,437 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRC Senior Secured Notes | 2025 | 5.75% | 989 | 982 | 979 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025 | 2025 | 6.25% | 3,399 | 3,370 | 3,360 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 | 2030 | 7.00% | 2,000 | 1,978 | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baltimore Revolving Credit Facility | N/A | N/A | — | — | — | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Baltimore Term Loan | N/A | N/A | — | — | 262 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Convention Center Mortgage Loan | N/A | N/A | — | — | 400 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRC Incremental Term Loan | N/A | N/A | — | — | 972 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CRC Term Loan | N/A | N/A | — | — | 3,243 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unsecured Debt | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Senior Notes due 2027 | 2027 | 8.125% | 1,611 | 1,592 | 1,589 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| CEI Senior Notes due 2029 | 2029 | 4.625% | 1,200 | 1,187 | 1,186 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Special Improvement District Bonds | 2037 | 4.30% | 45 | 45 | 47 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term notes and other payables | 2 | 2 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total debt | 12,455 | 12,312 | 12,787 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Current portion of long-term debt | (65) | (65) | (108) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Deferred finance charges associated with the CEI Revolving Credit Facility | — | (17) | (20) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Long-term debt | $ | 12,390 | $ | 12,230 | $ | 12,659 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Unamortized discounts and deferred finance charges | $ | 160 | $ | 318 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Fair value | $ | 12,167 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Annual Estimated Debt Service Requirements as of September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Remaining | Years Ended December 31, | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2024 | 2025 | 2026 | 2027 | Thereafter | Total | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Annual maturities of long-term debt | $ | 16 | $ | 65 | $ | 4,453 | $ | 65 | $ | 1,676 | $ | 6,180 | $ | 12,455 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Estimated interest payments | 100 | 870 | 830 | 540 | 530 | 820 | 3,690 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total debt service obligation (a) | $ | 116 | $ | 935 | $ | 5,283 | $ | 605 | $ | 2,206 | $ | 7,000 | $ | 16,145 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)Debt principal payments are estimated amounts based on contractual maturity and scheduled repayment dates. Interest payments are estimated based on the forward-looking SOFR curve, where applicable. Actual payments may differ from these estimates.
Current Portion of Long-Term Debt
The current portion of long-term debt as of September 30, 2023 includes the principal payments on the term loans, other unsecured borrowings, and special improvement district bonds that are contractually due within 12 months. The Company may, from time to time, seek to repurchase or prepay its outstanding indebtedness. Any such purchases or repayments may be funded by existing cash balances or the incurrence of debt. The amount and timing of any repurchase will be based on business and market conditions, capital availability, compliance with debt covenants and other considerations.
Debt Discounts or Premiums and Deferred Finance Charges
Debt discounts or premiums and deferred finance charges incurred in connection with the issuance of debt are amortized to interest expense based on the related debt agreements primarily using the effective interest method. Unamortized discounts are written off and included in our gain or loss calculations to the extent we extinguish debt prior to the original maturity or scheduled payment dates.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Fair Value
The fair value of debt has been calculated primarily based on the borrowing rates available as of September 30, 2023 and based on market quotes of our publicly traded debt. We classify the fair value of debt within Level 1 and Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
Terms of Outstanding Debt
CEI Term Loans and CEI Revolving Credit Facility
CEI is party to a credit agreement, dated as of July 20, 2020, with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent, U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent, and certain banks and other financial institutions and lenders party thereto (the “CEI Credit Agreement”), which, as amended, provides for the CEI Revolving Credit Facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.25 billion (the “CEI Revolving Credit Facility”). The CEI Revolving Credit Facility contains reserves of $40 million which are available only for certain permitted uses.
On October 5, 2022, Caesars entered into a third amendment to the CEI Credit Agreement (the “Third Amendment”) pursuant to which the Company (a) incurred a senior secured term loan in an aggregate principal amount of $750 million (the “CEI Term Loan A”) as a new term loan under the credit agreement, (b) amended and extended the CEI Revolving Credit Facility under the CEI Credit Agreement (the CEI Revolving Credit Facility, as so amended, the “Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the CEI Term Loan A, the “Senior Credit Facilities”), (c) increased the aggregate principal amount of the CEI Revolving Credit Facility to $2.25 billion, and (d) made certain other amendments to the CEI Credit Agreement. Both the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility and the new CEI Term Loan A mature on January 31, 2028, subject to a springing maturity in the event certain other long-term debt of Caesars is not extended or repaid. The Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility includes a letter of credit sub-facility of $388 million. The CEI Term Loan A requires scheduled quarterly payments in amounts equal to 1.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the CEI Term Loan A, with the balance payable at maturity. The Company may make voluntary prepayments of the CEI Term Loan A at any time prior to maturity at par.
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities bear interest, paid monthly, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (a) a forward-looking term rate based on Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) for the applicable interest period plus an adjustment of 0.10% per annum (“Adjusted Term SOFR”), subject to a floor of 0% or (b) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) determined by reference to the highest of (i) the rate of interest per annum last quoted by The Wall Street Journal as the “Prime Rate” in the United States, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and (iii) the one-month Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.00% per annum, in each case, plus an applicable margin. Such applicable margin is 2.25% per annum in the case of any Adjusted Term SOFR loan and 1.25% per annum in the case of any Base Rate loan, subject to three 0.25% step-downs based on the Company’s net total leverage ratio. In addition, on a quarterly basis, the Company is required to pay each lender under the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility a commitment fee in respect of any unused commitments under the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility in the amount of 0.35% per annum of the principal amount of the unused commitments of such lender, subject to three 0.05% step-downs based on the Company’s net total leverage ratio.
On February 6, 2023, Caesars entered into an Incremental Assumption Agreement No. 2 pursuant to which the Company incurred a new senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.5 billion (the “CEI Term Loan B” and, together with the CEI Term Loan A, the “CEI Term Loans”) as a new term loan under the CEI Credit Agreement. The CEI Term Loan B requires scheduled quarterly amortization payments in amounts equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the CEI Term Loan B, with the balance payable at maturity. Borrowings under the CEI Term Loan B bear interest, paid monthly, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (a) a forward-looking term rate based on the Adjusted Term SOFR, subject to a floor of 0.50% or (b) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) determined by reference to the highest of (i) the Prime Rate in the United States, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and (iii) the one-month Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.00% per annum, in each case, plus an applicable margin. Such applicable margin is 3.25% per annum in the case of any Adjusted Term SOFR loan and 2.25% per annum in the case of any Base Rate loan, subject to one 0.25% step-down based on the Company’s net total leverage ratio. The CEI Term Loan B was issued at a price of 99.0% of the principal amount and will mature in February 2030.
The net proceeds from the CEI Term Loan B, along with the net proceeds from the issuance of the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 described below, were used to repay the outstanding principal balance, including accrued and unpaid interest, of both the CRC Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company utilized and fully repaid the CEI Revolving Credit Facility. Such activity is presented in the financing section in the Statements of Cash Flows. As of September 30, 2023, the Company had $2.1 billion of available borrowing capacity under the CEI Revolving Credit Facility, after consideration of $71 million in outstanding letters of credit, $46 million committed for regulatory purposes, and the reserves described above.
CRC Senior Secured Notes due 2025
On July 6, 2020, Colt Merger Sub, Inc. (the “Escrow Issuer”) issued $1.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 5.75% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 pursuant to an indenture, dated July 6, 2020 (the “CRC Senior Secured Notes”), by and among the Escrow Issuer, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee and Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as collateral agent. The CRC Senior Secured Notes rank equally with all existing and future first priority lien obligations of CRC, CRC Finco, Inc. and the subsidiary guarantors. The CRC Senior Secured Notes will mature on July 1, 2025, with interest payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.
CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025
On July 6, 2020, the Escrow Issuer issued $3.4 billion in aggregate principal amount of 6.25% Senior Secured Notes due 2025 pursuant to an indenture dated July 6, 2020 (the “CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025”), by and among the Escrow Issuer, U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025 rank equally with all existing and future first-priority lien obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025 will mature on July 1, 2025, with interest payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year. On April 5, 2023, the Company purchased $1 million in principal amount of the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025.
CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030
On February 6, 2023, concurrently with the issuance of the CEI Term Loan B, the Company issued $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior secured notes (the “CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030”) pursuant to an indenture by and among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto from time to time, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 rank equally with all existing and future first-priority lien obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 will mature in February 2030, with interest paid semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2023.
Baltimore Term Loan and Baltimore Revolving Credit Facility
On July 17, 2023, following the acquisition of the remaining 24.2% equity interest in Horseshoe Baltimore, the Company permanently repaid the outstanding principal balance of Horseshoe Baltimore’s senior secured term loan facility (the “Baltimore Term Loan”) by utilizing the CEI Revolving Credit Facility, which was also repaid as of September 30, 2023. In connection with the repayment, the Company recognized a $3 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt. The Baltimore Term Loan was subject to a variable rate of interest calculated as London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) plus 4.00% until May 1, 2023, when the Baltimore Term Loan’s benchmark interest rate was amended from LIBOR to the Adjusted Term SOFR plus an applicable adjustment for the applicable period. In addition, Horseshoe Baltimore’s senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Baltimore Revolving Credit Facility”) matured on July 7, 2023. The Baltimore Revolving Credit Facility had borrowing capacity of up to $10 million, subject to a variable rate of interest calculated as Term SOFR plus 4.00%.
Convention Center Mortgage Loan
On September 18, 2020, the Company entered into a loan agreement with a subsidiary of VICI Properties L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“VICI”), to borrow a 5-year, $400 million Forum Convention Center mortgage loan (the “Mortgage Loan”). The Mortgage Loan bears interest at a rate of, initially, 7.7% per annum, which escalates annually on the anniversary of the closing date to a maximum interest rate of 8.3% per annum. On May 1, 2023, the Company elected to prepay the outstanding $400 million Mortgage Loan utilizing cash on hand. In connection with the repayment, the Company extended VICI’s call right relating to the CAESARS FORUM convention center from December 31, 2026 to December 31, 2028.
CRC Term Loan and CRC Incremental Term Loan
Caesars Resort Collection (“CRC”) was party to a credit agreement, dated as of December 22, 2017 (as amended, the “CRC Credit Agreement”), which provided for, among other things, an initial $4.7 billion seven-year senior secured term loan (the “CRC Term Loan”), and an incremental $1.8 billion five-year senior secured term loan (the “CRC Incremental Term Loan”).
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The CRC Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan were subject to the terms described below prior to repayment. The Company repaid the $3.4 billion outstanding principal amount of the CRC Term Loan and the $1.0 billion outstanding principal amount of the CRC Incremental Term Loan on February 6, 2023, with proceeds from a new CEI Term Loan B and new CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030, both of which are described above. Upon the termination of the CRC Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $197 million.
Borrowings under the CRC Credit Agreement were subject to interest at a rate equal to either (a) LIBOR adjusted for certain additional costs, subject to a floor of 0% or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (i) the federal funds rate plus 0.50%, (ii) the prime rate as determined by Credit Suisse AG, Cayman Islands Branch, as administrative agent under the CRC Credit Agreement and (iii) the one-month adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.00%, in each case plus an applicable margin. Such applicable margin shall be (a) with respect to the CRC Term Loan, 2.75% per annum in the case of any LIBOR loan or 1.75% per annum in the case of any base rate loan and (b) with respect to the CRC Incremental Term Loan, 3.50% per annum in the case of any LIBOR loan or 2.50% in the case of any base rate loan.
CEI Senior Notes due 2027
On July 6, 2020, the Escrow Issuer issued $1.8 billion in aggregate principal amount of 8.125% Senior Notes due 2027 pursuant to an indenture, dated July 6, 2020 (the “CEI Senior Notes due 2027”), by and between the Escrow Issuer and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The CEI Senior Notes due 2027 rank equally with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The CEI Senior Notes due 2027 will mature on July 1, 2027, with interest payable semi-annually in cash in arrears on January 1 and July 1 of each year.
CEI Senior Notes due 2029
On September 24, 2021, the Company issued $1.2 billion in aggregate principal amount of 4.625% Senior Notes due 2029 (the “CEI Senior Notes due 2029”) pursuant to an indenture dated as of September 24, 2021, between the Company and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee. The CEI Senior Notes due 2029 rank equally with all existing and future senior unsecured indebtedness of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The CEI Senior Notes due 2029 will mature on October 15, 2029, with interest payable on April 15 and October 15 of each year.
Debt Covenant Compliance
The Senior Credit Facilities, the CEI Term Loan B, and the indentures governing the CRC Senior Secured Notes, the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025, the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030, the CEI Senior Notes due 2027, and the CEI Senior Notes due 2029 contain covenants which are standard and customary for these types of agreements. These include negative covenants, which, subject to certain exceptions and baskets, limit the Company’s and its subsidiaries’ ability to (among other items) incur additional indebtedness, make investments, make restricted payments, including dividends, grant liens, sell assets and make acquisitions.
Following the Third Amendment, the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility and the CEI Term Loan A include a maximum net total leverage ratio financial covenant of 7.25:1 until December 31, 2024 and 6.50:1 from and after December 31, 2024. In addition, the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility and the CEI Term Loan A include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant of 1.75:1 until December 31, 2024 and 2.0:1 from and after December 31, 2024. From and after the repayment of the CEI Term Loan A, the financial covenants applicable to the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility will be tested solely to the extent that certain testing conditions are satisfied. Failure to comply with such covenants could result in an acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness outstanding under the relevant debt document.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company was in compliance with all of the applicable financial covenants described above.
Guarantees
The Senior Credit Facilities, the CEI Term Loan B, the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025 and the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each existing and future material wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of the Company (subject to certain exceptions including CRC and its subsidiaries) and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of the Company and its subsidiary guarantors (subject to certain exceptions). The CEI Senior Notes due 2027 and the CEI Senior Notes due 2029 are guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by such subsidiaries.
The CRC Senior Secured Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by each existing and future material wholly-owned domestic subsidiary of CRC (subject to certain exceptions) and are secured by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of CRC and its subsidiary guarantors (subject to certain exceptions). The CRC Senior Secured Notes are also guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 9. Revenue Recognition
The Company’s Statements of Operations present net revenue disaggregated by type or nature of the good or service. A summary of net revenues disaggregated by type of revenue and reportable segment is presented below. Refer to Note 14 for additional information on the Company’s reportable segments.
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Las Vegas | Regional | Caesars Digital | Managed and Branded | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 323 | $ | 1,111 | $ | 186 | $ | — | $ | — | $ | 1,620 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 285 | 158 | — | — | — | 443 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 341 | 212 | — | — | — | 553 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 171 | 84 | 29 | 98 | (4) | 378 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 1,120 | $ | 1,565 | $ | 215 | $ | 98 | $ | (4) | $ | 2,994 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Las Vegas | Regional | Caesars Digital | Managed and Branded | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 323 | $ | 1,096 | $ | 187 | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | 1,605 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 264 | 147 | — | — | — | 411 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 335 | 209 | — | — | — | 544 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 155 | 78 | 25 | 70 | (1) | 327 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 1,077 | $ | 1,530 | $ | 212 | $ | 70 | $ | (2) | $ | 2,887 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Las Vegas | Regional | Caesars Digital | Managed and Branded | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 945 | $ | 3,247 | $ | 599 | $ | — | $ | (2) | $ | 4,789 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 868 | 437 | — | — | — | 1,305 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 1,067 | 514 | — | — | — | 1,581 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 499 | 217 | 70 | 239 | 3 | 1,028 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 3,379 | $ | 4,415 | $ | 669 | $ | 239 | $ | 1 | $ | 8,703 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Las Vegas | Regional | Caesars Digital | Managed and Branded | Corporate and Other | Total | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 929 | $ | 3,264 | $ | 255 | $ | — | $ | (2) | $ | 4,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 775 | 397 | — | — | — | 1,172 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 959 | 487 | — | — | — | 1,446 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 470 | 200 | 56 | 210 | — | 936 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 3,133 | $ | 4,348 | $ | 311 | $ | 210 | $ | (2) | $ | 8,000 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounts Receivable, Net | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Casino | $ | 215 | $ | 259 | |||||||
| Food and beverage and hotel | 137 | 144 | |||||||||
| Other | 203 | 208 | |||||||||
| Accounts receivable, net | $ | 555 | $ | 611 | |||||||
Contract and Contract-Related Liabilities
The Company records contract or contract-related liabilities related to differences between the timing of cash receipts from the customer and the recognition of revenue. The Company generally has three types of liabilities related to contracts with customers: (1) outstanding chip liability, which represents the amounts owed in exchange for gaming chips held by customers, (2) Caesars Rewards player loyalty program obligations, which represent the deferred allocation of revenue relating to reward credits granted to Caesars Rewards members based on certain types of customer spend, including online and retail gaming,
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
hotel, dining, retail shopping, and player loyalty program incentives earned, and (3) customer deposits and other deferred revenue, which primarily represents funds deposited by customers related to gaming play and advance payments received for goods and services yet to be provided (such as advance ticket sales, deposits on rooms and convention space, unpaid wagers, iGaming deposits, or future sports bets). These liabilities are generally expected to be recognized as revenue within one year of being purchased, earned, or deposited and are recorded within Accrued other liabilities on the Company’s Balance Sheets. Liabilities expected to be recognized as revenue beyond one year of being purchased, earned, or deposited are recorded within Other long-term liabilities on the Company’s Balance Sheets.
The following table summarizes the activity related to contract and contract-related liabilities:
| Outstanding Chip Liability | Caesars Rewards | Customer Deposits and Other Deferred Revenue | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at January 1 | $ | 45 | $ | 48 | $ | 87 | $ | 91 | $ | 693 | $ | 560 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Balance at September 30 | 38 | 40 | 93 | 95 | 661 | 662 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Increase / (decrease) | $ | (7) | $ | (8) | $ | 6 | $ | 4 | $ | (32) | $ | 102 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Lease Revenue
Lodging Arrangements
Lodging arrangements are considered short-term and generally consist of lease and nonlease components. The lease component is the predominant component of the arrangement and consists of the fees charged for lodging. The nonlease components primarily consist of resort fees and other miscellaneous items. As the timing and pattern of transfer of both the lease and nonlease components are over the course of the lease term, we have elected to combine the revenue generated from lease and nonlease components into a single lease component based on the predominant component in the arrangement. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized approximately $553 million and $544 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized approximately $1.6 billion and $1.4 billion, respectively, which is included in Hotel revenues in the Statements of Operations.
Conventions
Convention arrangements are considered short-term and generally consist of lease and nonlease components. The lease component is the predominant component of the arrangement and consists of fees charged for the use of meeting space. The nonlease components primarily consist of food and beverage and audio/visual services. Revenue from conventions is included in Food and beverage revenue in the Statements of Operations and during the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, lease revenue related to conventions was approximately $5 million and $4 million, respectively, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, lease revenue related to conventions was approximately $31 million and $23 million, respectively.
Real Estate Operating Leases
Real estate lease revenue is included in Other revenue in the Statements of Operations. During the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized approximately $42 million for both periods, and during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, we recognized approximately $122 million and $125 million, respectively, of real estate lease revenue.
Real estate lease revenue includes $14 million and $17 million of variable rental income for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, and $44 million and $45 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
Note 10. Earnings per Share
The following table illustrates the reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of the basic and diluted net income (loss) per share computations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions, except per share data) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to Caesars, net of income taxes | $ | 74 | $ | 52 | $ | 858 | $ | (365) | |||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations, net of income taxes | — | — | — | (386) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 74 | $ | 52 | $ | 858 | $ | (751) | |||||||||||||||
| Shares outstanding: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – basic | 215 | 214 | 215 | 214 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Effect of dilutive securities: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation awards | 1 | 1 | 1 | — | |||||||||||||||||||
| Weighted average shares outstanding – diluted | 216 | 215 | 216 | 214 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Basic income (loss) per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.99 | $ | (1.70) | |||||||||||||||
| Basic loss per share from discontinued operations | — | — | — | (1.80) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders – basic: | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.99 | $ | (3.50) | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted income (loss) per share from continuing operations | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.97 | $ | (1.70) | |||||||||||||||
| Diluted loss per share from discontinued operations | — | — | — | (1.80) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) per common share attributable to common stockholders – diluted: | $ | 0.34 | $ | 0.24 | $ | 3.97 | $ | (3.50) | |||||||||||||||
For a period in which the Company generated a net loss from continuing operations, the Weighted average shares outstanding - basic was used in calculating Diluted loss per share because using diluted shares would have been anti-dilutive to loss per share.
| Weighted-Average Number of Anti-Dilutive Shares Excluded from the Calculation of Earnings per Share | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation awards | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total anti-dilutive common stock | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Note 11. Stock-Based Compensation and Stockholders’ Equity
Stock-Based Awards
The Company maintains long-term incentive plans which allow for granting stock-based compensation awards to directors, employees, officers, and consultants or advisers who render services to the Company or its subsidiaries, based on Company Common Stock, including stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSUs”), performance stock units (“PSUs”), market-based performance stock units (“MSUs”), stock appreciation rights, and other stock-based awards or dividend equivalents. Forfeitures are recognized in the period in which they occur.
Total stock-based compensation expense in the accompanying Statements of Operations totaled $26 million during both of the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 and $82 million and $77 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. These amounts are included in Corporate expense in the Company’s Statements of Operations.
2015 Equity Incentive Plan (“2015 Plan”)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as part of the annual incentive program, the Company granted 1.5 million RSUs to eligible participants with an aggregate fair value of $76 million and a ratable vesting period of to three years. Each RSU represents the right to receive payment in respect of one share of the Company’s Common Stock.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company also granted 192 thousand PSUs that are scheduled to cliff vest over a period of to three years. On the vesting date, recipients will receive between 0% and 200% of the target number of PSUs granted, in the form of Company Common Stock, based on the achievement of specified performance and service conditions. The fair value of the PSUs is based on the market price of our common stock when a mutual understanding of the key terms and conditions of the awards between the Company and recipient is achieved. The awards are remeasured each period until such an understanding is reached. The aggregate value of PSUs granted during the year was $9 million as of September 30, 2023.
In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, the Company granted 379 thousand MSUs that are scheduled to cliff vest over a period of to three years. On the vesting date, recipients will receive between 0% and 200% of the target number of MSUs granted, in the form of Company Common Stock, based on the achievement of specified market and service conditions. The grant date fair value of the MSUs was determined using a Monte-Carlo simulation model. Key assumptions for the Monte-Carlo simulation model are the risk-free interest rate, expected volatility, expected dividends and correlation coefficient. The effect of market conditions is considered in determining the grant date fair value, which is not subsequently revised based on actual performance. The aggregate value of MSUs granted during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 was $31 million.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, there were no grants of stock options and 88 stock options were exercised. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2023, 1.1 million, 243 thousand and 140 thousand of RSUs, PSUs and MSUs, respectively, vested under the 2015 Plan.
Outstanding at End of Period
| September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Quantity | Wtd-Avg (a) | Quantity | Wtd-Avg (a) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Stock options | — | $ | — | 88 | $ | 30.63 | |||||||||||||||||
| Restricted stock units | 2,148,409 | 60.64 | 1,863,481 | 66.87 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Performance stock units | 327,835 | 46.35 | 383,157 | 51.73 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Market-based stock units | 871,284 | 85.11 | 741,803 | 83.24 | |||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)Represents the weighted-average exercise price for stock options, weighted-average grant date fair value for RSUs, weighted-average grant date fair value for PSUs where the grant date has been achieved, the price of CEI common stock as of the balance sheet date for PSUs where a grant date has not been achieved, and the grant date fair value of the MSUs determined using the Monte-Carlo simulation model.
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $150 million common stock repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which the Company may, from time to time, repurchase shares of common stock on the open market (either with or without a 10b5-1 plan) or through privately negotiated transactions. The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. There is no minimum number of shares of common stock that the Company is required to repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program.
As of September 30, 2023, the Company has acquired 223,823 shares of common stock under the Share Repurchase Program at an aggregate value of $9 million and an average of $40.80 per share. No shares were repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Note 12. Income Taxes
The Company’s provision for income taxes during interim reporting periods has historically been calculated by applying an estimate of the annual effective tax rate for the full year to “ordinary” income or loss (pre-tax income or loss excluding unusual or infrequently occurring discrete items) for the reporting period. However, the Company utilized a discrete effective tax rate method, as allowed by ASC 740-270 “Income Taxes, Interim Reporting,” to calculate taxes for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. The Company determined that small changes in estimated “ordinary” income would result in significant changes in the estimated annual effective tax rate, and therefore, the historical method would not provide a reliable estimate for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
| Income Tax Allocation | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes | $ | 139 | $ | 61 | $ | (20) | $ | (409) | |||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (47) | (8) | 904 | 47 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Effective tax rate | 33.8 | % | 13.1 | % | * | 11.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
____________________
* Not meaningful.
The Company classifies accruals for uncertain tax positions within Other long-term liabilities on the Balance Sheets, separate from any related income tax payable or deferred income taxes. Reserve amounts relate to any potential income tax liabilities resulting from uncertain tax positions as well as potential interest or penalties associated with those liabilities.
Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use existing deferred tax assets. During the second quarter of 2023, the Company evaluated its forecasted adjusted taxable income and objectively verifiable evidence and placed substantial weight on its 2022 and 2023 quarterly earnings, adjusted for non-recurring items, including the interest expense disallowed under current tax law. Accordingly, the Company determined it was more likely than not that a portion of the federal and state deferred tax assets will be realized and, as a result, during the second quarter of 2023, the Company reversed the valuation allowance related to these deferred tax assets and recorded an income tax benefit of $940 million. The Company is still carrying a valuation allowance on certain federal and state deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized in the future. The Company has assessed the changes to the valuation allowance, including realization of the disallowed interest expense deferred tax asset, using the integrated approach.
The income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the expected income tax provision based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to an increase in federal and state valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets for excess business interest expense. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the expected income tax benefit based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to the partial release of federal and state valuation allowances.
The income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2022 differed from the expected income tax provision based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to a decrease in the state deferred tax liabilities as a result of a reduction in tax rates in Pennsylvania and Iowa. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 differed from the expected income tax benefit based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to a deferred tax adjustment related to the tax impact of the settlement of preexisting relationships upon the acquisition of William Hill PLC in 2021 and nondeductible expenses.
The Company, including its subsidiaries, files tax returns with federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. The Company does not have tax sharing agreements with the other members within its consolidated group. The Company is subject to exam by various state and foreign tax authorities. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to US federal or state and local tax assessments by tax authorities for years before 2019, and it is possible that the amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could change during the next 12 months.
Note 13. Related Affiliates
REI
As of September 30, 2023, Recreational Enterprises, Inc. (“REI”) owned approximately 4.0% of the outstanding common stock of the Company. The directors of REI are the Company’s Executive Chairman of the Board, Gary L. Carano, its Chief Executive Officer and Board member, Thomas R. Reeg, and its Vice President of Player Development, Gene Carano. In addition, Gary L. Carano also serves as the Vice President of REI and Gene Carano also serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of REI. Members of the Carano family, including Gary L. Carano and Gene Carano, own the equity interests in REI. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, there were no related party transactions between the Company and the Carano family other than compensation, including salary and equity incentives, and the CSY Lease listed below.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
C. S. & Y. Associates
The Company owns the entire parcel on which Eldorado Reno is located, except for approximately 30,000 square feet which is leased from C. S. & Y. Associates (“CSY”) which is an entity partially owned by REI (the “CSY Lease”). The CSY Lease expires on June 30, 2057. Annual rent pursuant to the CSY Lease is currently $0.6 million, paid monthly. Annual rent is subject to periodic rent escalations through the term of the lease. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, there were no amounts due to or from CSY.
CVA Holdco, LLC
In May 2023, the Company entered into a joint venture, CVA Holdco, LLC, with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (“EBCI”) and an additional minority partner, to construct, own and operate a gaming facility in Danville, Virginia (“Caesars Virginia”). Caesars Virginia opened in a temporary facility on May 15, 2023 which will be replaced by a permanent facility that is currently under construction and is estimated to open in late 2024. As the managing member, the Company will operate the business and manage the development, construction, financing, marketing, leasing, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the various phases of the project.
While the Company holds a 49.5% variable interest in the joint venture, it is the primary beneficiary; as such, the joint venture’s operations are included in the Financial Statements, with a minority interest recorded reflecting the operations attributed to the other partners. The Company participates ratably, based on ownership percentage, with the partners in the profits and losses of the joint venture. As of September 30, 2023, the Company has received $100 million in contributions for the project and EBCI and the other minority partners are obligated to contribute additional cash totaling $24 million to the joint venture.
Note 14. Segment Information
The executive decision maker of the Company reviews operating results, assesses performance and makes decisions on a “significant market” basis. Management views each of the Company’s casinos 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. The Company’s principal operating activities occur in four reportable segments. The reportable segments are based on the similar characteristics of the operating segments with the way management assesses these results and allocates resources, which is a consolidated view that adjusts for the effect of certain transactions between these reportable segments within Caesars: (1) Las Vegas, (2) Regional, (3) Caesars Digital, and (4) Managed and Branded, in addition to Corporate and Other. See table below for a summary of these segments. Also, see Note 4 and Note 5 for a discussion of any impairment of intangible assets or long-lived assets related to certain segments, when applicable.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth certain information regarding our properties (listed by segment in which each property is reported) as of September 30, 2023:
| Las Vegas | Regional | Managed and Branded | ||||||||||||||||||
Caesars Palace Las Vegas | Caesars Atlantic City | Harveys Lake Tahoe | Managed | |||||||||||||||||
The Cromwell | Caesars Virginia (b) | Horseshoe Baltimore | Harrah’s Ak-Chin | |||||||||||||||||
Flamingo Las Vegas | Circus Circus Reno | Horseshoe Black Hawk | Harrah’s Cherokee | |||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Las Vegas | Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs | Horseshoe Bossier City | Harrah’s Cherokee Valley River | |||||||||||||||||
Horseshoe Las Vegas | Eldorado Resort Casino Reno | Horseshoe Council Bluffs | Harrah’s Resort Southern California | |||||||||||||||||
The LINQ Hotel & Casino | Grand Victoria Casino | Horseshoe Hammond | Caesars Windsor | |||||||||||||||||
Paris Las Vegas | Harrah’s Atlantic City | Horseshoe Indianapolis | Caesars Dubai (d) | |||||||||||||||||
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino | Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska (c) | Horseshoe Lake Charles | Branded | |||||||||||||||||
Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino (a) | Harrah’s Council Bluffs | Horseshoe St. Louis | Caesars Southern Indiana | |||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Gulf Coast | Horseshoe Tunica | Harrah’s Northern California | ||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino | Isle Casino Bettendorf | ||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | Harrah’s Joliet | Isle of Capri Casino Boonville | ||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Lake Tahoe | Isle of Capri Casino Lula | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Laughlin | Isle Casino Waterloo | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Metropolis | Lady Luck Casino - Black Hawk | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s New Orleans | Silver Legacy Resort Casino | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s North Kansas City | Trop Casino Greenville | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Philadelphia | Tropicana Atlantic City | |||||||||||||||||||
Harrah’s Pompano Beach | Tropicana Laughlin Hotel & Casino | |||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)As of October 2, 2023, Caesars no longer operates the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino and all operations were assumed by the lessor.
(b)Temporary gaming facility opened on May 15, 2023. The construction of the permanent facility of Caesars Virginia is expected to be completed in late 2024.
(c)Temporary gaming facility opened on June 12, 2023. The construction of the permanent facility of Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska is expected to be completed in the first half of 2024.
(d)On November 16, 2023, the Company expects to exit the management agreement associated with Caesars Dubai and the property will be renamed under new ownership.
Certain of our properties operate off-track betting locations, including Harrah’s Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, which operates Winner’s Circle Indianapolis and Winner’s Circle New Haven, and Horseshoe Indianapolis, which operates Winner’s Circle Clarksville. The LINQ Promenade is an open-air dining, entertainment, and retail promenade located on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip next to The LINQ Hotel & Casino (the “LINQ”) that features the High Roller, a 550-foot observation wheel, and the Fly LINQ Zipline attraction. We also own the CAESARS FORUM convention center, which is a 550,000 square feet conference center with 300,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, two of the largest pillarless ballrooms in the world and direct access to the LINQ.
Corporate and Other includes certain unallocated corporate overhead costs and other adjustments, including eliminations of transactions among segments, to reconcile to the Company’s consolidated results.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, certain operating data for the Company’s four reportable segments, in addition to Corporate and Other:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Las Vegas: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 1,120 | $ | 1,077 | $ | 3,379 | $ | 3,133 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 482 | 480 | 1,527 | 1,427 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Regional: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 1,565 | 1,530 | 4,415 | 4,348 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 575 | 570 | 1,531 | 1,542 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 215 | 212 | 669 | 311 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 2 | (38) | 9 | (661) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Managed and Branded: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | 98 | 70 | 239 | 210 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 20 | 22 | 58 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | (4) | (2) | 1 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | (36) | (22) | (117) | (86) | |||||||||||||||||||
Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Caesars to Adjusted EBITDA by Segment
Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a measure of the Company’s performance. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as revenues less certain operating expenses and is comprised of net income (loss) before (i) interest income and interest expense, net of interest capitalized, (ii) income tax (benefit) provision, (iii) depreciation and amortization, and (iv) certain items that we do not consider indicative of our ongoing operating performance at an operating property level.
In evaluating Adjusted EBITDA you should be aware that, in the future, we may incur expenses that are the same or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation. The presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that future results will be unaffected by unusual or unexpected items.
Adjusted EBITDA is a financial measure commonly used in our industry and should not be construed as an alternative to net income (loss) as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity (as determined in accordance with GAAP). Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies within the industry. Adjusted EBITDA is included because management uses Adjusted EBITDA to measure performance and allocate resources, and believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with additional information consistent with that used by management.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC.
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
(UNAUDITED)
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 74 | $ | 52 | $ | 858 | $ | (751) | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 18 | 1 | 26 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss from discontinued operations | — | — | — | 386 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit) provision for income taxes | 47 | 8 | (904) | (47) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) loss (a) | 1 | (4) | (5) | (53) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 3 | 33 | 200 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 581 | 569 | 1,761 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 320 | 304 | 943 | 910 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transaction costs and other, net (b) | (27) | 23 | 47 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 26 | 26 | 82 | 77 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,043 | $ | 1,012 | $ | 3,008 | $ | 2,286 | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA by Segment: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Las Vegas | $ | 482 | $ | 480 | $ | 1,527 | $ | 1,427 | |||||||||||||||
| Regional | 575 | 570 | 1,531 | 1,542 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | 2 | (38) | 9 | (661) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Managed and Branded | 20 | 22 | 58 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate and Other | (36) | (22) | (117) | (86) | |||||||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)Other (income) loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily represents the net change in fair value of investments held by the Company, foreign exchange forward contracts, and changes in the fair value of a disputed claim liability.
(b)Transaction costs and other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily includes (i) net proceeds received in exchange for participation rights in a potential insurance recovery, (ii) proceeds received for the termination of the Caesars Dubai management agreement and (iii) costs related to non-cash losses on the write down and disposal of assets, pre-opening costs in connection with new temporary facility openings and non-cash changes in equity method investments. Transaction costs and other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily represents professional services for integration activities and various contract exit or termination costs partially offset by a gain resulting from insurance proceeds received in excess of the respective carrying value of damaged assets associated with the Lake Charles property.
| Total Assets - By Segment | |||||||||||
| (In millions) | September 30, 2023 | December 31, 2022 | |||||||||
| Las Vegas | $ | 23,965 | $ | 23,547 | |||||||
| Regional | 15,206 | 14,908 | |||||||||
| Caesars Digital | 1,086 | 1,200 | |||||||||
| Managed and Branded | 206 | 140 | |||||||||
Corporate and Other (a) | (7,234) | (6,268) | |||||||||
| Total | $ | 33,229 | $ | 33,527 | |||||||
____________________
(a)Includes eliminations of transactions among segments, to reconcile to the Company’s consolidated results.
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following discussion and analysis of the financial position and operating results of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its consolidated subsidiaries, which may be referred to as the “Company,” “CEI,” “Caesars,” “we,” “our,” or “us,” for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022 should be read in conjunction with the unaudited consolidated condensed financial statements and the notes thereto and other financial information included elsewhere in this Form 10-Q as well as our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (the “2022 Annual Report”). Capitalized terms used but not defined in this Form 10-Q have the same meanings as in the 2022 Annual Report.
We refer to (i) our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements as our “Financial Statements,” (ii) our Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets as our “Balance Sheets,” (iii) our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Operations and Consolidated Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) as our “Statements of Operations,” and (iv) our Consolidated Condensed Statements of Cash Flows as our “Statements of Cash Flows.” References to numbered “Notes” refer to “Notes to Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements” included in Item 1, “Unaudited Financial Statements,” unless otherwise noted.
The statements in this discussion regarding our expectations of our future performance, liquidity and capital resources, and other non-historical statements are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties. Our actual results may differ materially from those contained in or implied by any forward-looking statements. See “CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION” in this report.
Objective
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) is intended to be a narrative explanation of the financial statements and other statistical data that should be read in conjunction with the accompanying financial statements to enhance an investor’s understanding of our financial condition, changes in financial condition and results of operations. Our objectives are: (i) to provide a narrative explanation of our financial statements that will enable investors to see the Company through the eyes of management; (ii) to enhance the overall financial disclosure and provide the context within which financial information should be analyzed; and (iii) to provide information about the quality of, and potential variability of, our earnings and cash flows so that investors can ascertain the likelihood of whether past performance is indicative of future performance.
Overview
We are a geographically diversified gaming and hospitality company that was founded in 1973 by the Carano family with the opening of the Eldorado Hotel Casino in Reno, Nevada. Beginning in 2005, we grew through a series of acquisitions, including the acquisition of MTR Gaming Group, Inc. in 2014, Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. in 2017, Tropicana Entertainment, Inc. in 2018, Caesars Entertainment Corporation in 2020, and William Hill PLC on April 22, 2021. Our ticker symbol on the NASDAQ Stock Market is “CZR.”
We own, lease, brand, or manage an aggregate of 53 domestic properties in 18 states with approximately 52,500 slot machines, video lottery terminals and e-tables, approximately 2,700 table games and approximately 46,900 hotel rooms as of September 30, 2023. In addition, we have other domestic and international properties that are authorized to use the brands and marks of Caesars Entertainment, Inc., as well as other non-gaming properties. Our primary source of revenue is generated by our casino properties’ gaming operations, our retail and online sports betting, as well as our online gaming, and we utilize our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment, racing, retail shops and other services to attract customers to our properties.
As of September 30, 2023, we owned 22 of our casinos and leased 25 casinos in the U.S. We lease 18 casinos from VICI Properties L.P., a Delaware limited partnership (“VICI”), pursuant to a regional lease, a Las Vegas lease and a Joliet lease (the “VICI Leases”). In addition, we lease six casinos from GLP Capital, L.P., the operating partnership of Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. (“GLPI”) pursuant to a Master Lease (as amended, the “GLPI Master Lease”) and a Lumière lease associated with our Horseshoe St. Louis property (together with the GLPI Master Lease, the “GLPI Leases”) and leased the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino from a separate third party until October 2, 2023, at which time operations were assumed by the lessor.
We also operate and conduct sports wagering across 30 jurisdictions in North America, 24 of which offer mobile sports betting, and operate regulated online real money gaming in six jurisdictions in North America. Our Caesars Sportsbook app operates on the Liberty platform. The map below illustrates Caesars Digital’s presence as of September 30, 2023:
In 2022, we partnered with NYRABets LLC, the official online wagering platform of the New York Racing Association, Inc., and launched the Caesars Racebook app which operates in 18 states as of September 30, 2023. The Caesars Racebook app provides access for pari-mutuel wagering at over 300 racetracks around the world as well as livestreaming of races. Wagers placed can earn credits towards our Caesars Rewards loyalty program or points which can be redeemed for free wagering credits.
We are also in the process of expanding our Caesars Digital footprint into other states in the near term with our Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Racebook and iGaming mobile apps as jurisdictions legalize or provide necessary approvals. No customers under 21 years old are allowed to wager on any of our Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Racebook and iGaming mobile apps.
We periodically divest of assets in order to raise capital, as a result of a determination that the assets are not core to our business, or due to regulatory requirements. A summary of recently completed divestitures of our properties as of September 30, 2023 is as follows:
| Segment | Property | Date Sold | Sales Price | |||||||||||||||||
| Regional | Belle of Baton Rouge Casino & Hotel | May 5, 2022 | * | |||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations: | ||||||||||||||||||||
| N/A | William Hill International | July 1, 2022 | £2.0 billion | |||||||||||||||||
____________________
*Not meaningful.
Investments and Partnerships
Pompano Joint Venture
In April 2018, we entered into a joint venture with Cordish Companies (“Cordish”) to plan and develop a mixed-use entertainment and hospitality destination expected to be located on unused land adjacent to the casino at our Pompano property. As the managing member, Cordish will operate the business and manage the development, construction, financing, marketing, leasing, maintenance and day-to-day operation of the various phases of the project. Additionally, Cordish will be responsible for the development of the master plan for the project with our input and will submit it for our review and approval.
While we hold a 50% variable interest in the joint venture, we are not the primary beneficiary; as such, the investment in the joint venture is accounted for using the equity method. We participate evenly with Cordish in the profits and losses of the joint venture, which are included in Transaction and other costs, net on our Statements of Operations. As of both September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, our investment in the joint venture was $80 million and is recorded in Investments in and advances to unconsolidated affiliates on the Balance Sheets. We have no further obligation to contribute additional real estate or cash as of September 30, 2023.
NeoGames
We held an investment in NeoGames S.A., a global leader of iLottery solutions and services to national and state-regulated lotteries, and other investments. On March 14, 2022, we sold our investment at fair value for $26 million and recorded a loss of $34 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, which is included within Other income (loss) on the Statements of Operations.
Reportable Segments
Segment results in this MD&A are presented consistent with the way our management reviews operating results, assesses performance and makes decisions on a “significant market” basis. Management views each of the Company’s casinos 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. Our principal operating activities occur in four reportable segments: (1) Las Vegas, (2) Regional, (3) Caesars Digital, and (4) Managed and Branded, in addition to Corporate and Other.
Presentation of Financial Information
The presentation of financial information herein for the periods after the sale of our completed divestitures, described above, is not fully comparable to the periods prior to their respective sale dates.
This MD&A is intended to provide information to assist in better understanding and evaluating our financial condition and results of operations. Our historical operating results may not be indicative of our future results of operations because of the factors described in the preceding paragraph and the changing competitive landscape in each of our markets, including changes in market and societal trends, as well as by factors discussed elsewhere herein. We recommend that you read this MD&A in conjunction with our unaudited Financial Statements and the notes to those statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
Key Performance Metrics
Our primary source of revenue is generated by our gaming operations, our retail and online sports betting, as well as our online gaming. Additionally, we utilize our hotels, restaurants, bars, entertainment venues, retail shops, racing and other services to attract customers to our properties. Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume and quality of customers staying at, or visiting, our properties and using our sports betting and iGaming applications.
Key performance metrics include volume indicators such as drop or 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. Slot win percentage is typically in the range of approximately 9% to 11% of slot handle for both the Las Vegas and Regional segments. Table game hold percentage is typically in the range of approximately 16% to 23% of table game drop in both the Las Vegas and Regional segments. Sports betting hold is typically in the range of 5% to 10% and iGaming hold typically ranges from 3% to 5%. In addition, hotel occupancy, which is the average percentage of available hotel rooms occupied during a period, is a key indicator for our hotel business in the Las Vegas segment. See “Results of Operations” section below. Complimentary and discounted rooms are treated as occupied rooms in our calculation of hotel occupancy. The key metrics we utilize to measure our profitability and performance are Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin.
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, 2023 and 2022:
•New Developments and Re-openings – During the construction of the permanent facilities for Caesars Virginia and Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska, we opened temporary gaming facilities during the second quarter of 2023. Caesars Virginia’s temporary facility opened on May 15, 2023 and Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska’s temporary facility opened on June 12, 2023. In addition to the temporary facilities, the reopening of Horseshoe Lake Charles in December 2022 has contributed to the Regional segment’s performance when compared to the prior year period.
•Economic Factors Impacting Discretionary Spending – Gaming and other leisure activities we offer represent discretionary expenditures which may be sensitive to economic downturns, such as the resurgence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 that negatively impacted the first quarter of 2022. We also monitor recent trends, including higher inflation and interest rates, and the related effects on our customers, and our operations.
•Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Racebook and iGaming mobile apps – During the three months ended September 30, 2023, we launched Caesars Sportsbook in new jurisdictions, we migrated our sports betting platform to Liberty in the state of Nevada, and we launched our new online and mobile iGaming application, Caesars Palace Online Casino. During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, promotional and marketing expenses have significantly decreased as compared to the prior year period. As new states and jurisdictions have legalized sports betting, we have made varying degrees of upfront investments which have been executed through marketing campaigns and promotional incentives to acquire new customers and establish our presence in the new state or jurisdiction. In connection with the launch of our Caesars Sportsbook app in the state of New York and Louisiana in January 2022, we experienced negative net revenue in the first quarter of 2022 resulting from a substantial amount of bonus cash and matched deposits issued to customers as sign-on incentives, which exceeded our gaming win. We continue to adjust our level of investment during the launch period in new jurisdictions based, in part, on prior experience and do not expect such investment to continue at elevated levels subsequent to the initial launch period.
•Income Taxes – Management assesses the available positive and negative evidence to estimate if sufficient future taxable income will be generated to use existing deferred tax assets. During the second quarter of 2023, we evaluated our forecasted adjusted taxable income and objectively verifiable evidence and placed substantial weight on our 2022 and 2023 quarterly earnings, adjusted for non-recurring items, including the interest expense disallowed under current tax law. Accordingly, we determined it was more likely than not that a portion of the federal and state deferred tax assets will be realized and, as a result, during the second quarter of 2023, we reversed the valuation allowance related to these deferred tax assets and recorded an income tax benefit of $940 million. We are still carrying a valuation allowance on certain federal and state deferred tax assets that are not more likely than not to be realized in the future. We have assessed the changes to the valuation allowance, including realization of the disallowed interest expense deferred tax asset, using the integrated approach.
•Divestitures and Discontinued Operations – See “Overview” section above for detail on properties divested, including related discontinued operations.
Results of Operations
The following table highlights the results of our operations:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Las Vegas | $ | 1,120 | $ | 1,077 | $ | 3,379 | $ | 3,133 | |||||||||||||||
| Regional | 1,565 | 1,530 | 4,415 | 4,348 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | 215 | 212 | 669 | 311 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Managed and Branded | 98 | 70 | 239 | 210 | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other (a) | (4) | (2) | 1 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 2,994 | $ | 2,887 | $ | 8,703 | $ | 8,000 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) | $ | 92 | $ | 53 | $ | 884 | $ | (748) | |||||||||||||||
Adjusted EBITDA (b): | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Las Vegas | $ | 482 | $ | 480 | $ | 1,527 | $ | 1,427 | |||||||||||||||
| Regional | 575 | 570 | 1,531 | 1,542 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | 2 | (38) | 9 | (661) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Managed and Branded | 20 | 22 | 58 | 64 | |||||||||||||||||||
Corporate and Other (a) | (36) | (22) | (117) | (86) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 1,043 | $ | 1,012 | $ | 3,008 | $ | 2,286 | |||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) margin | 3.1 | % | 1.8 | % | 10.2 | % | (9.4) | % | |||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 34.8 | % | 35.1 | % | 34.6 | % | 28.6 | % | |||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)Corporate and Other includes revenues related to certain licensing arrangements and various revenue sharing agreements. Corporate and Other Adjusted EBITDA includes corporate overhead costs, which consist of certain expenses, such as: payroll, professional fees and other general and administrative expenses.
(b)See the “Supplemental Unaudited Presentation of Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022” discussion later in this MD&A for a definition of Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA.
Consolidated comparison of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Net Revenues
Net revenues were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 1,620 | $ | 1,605 | $ | 15 | 0.9 | % | $ | 4,789 | $ | 4,446 | $ | 343 | 7.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 443 | 411 | 32 | 7.8 | % | 1,305 | 1,172 | 133 | 11.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 553 | 544 | 9 | 1.7 | % | 1,581 | 1,446 | 135 | 9.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 378 | 327 | 51 | 15.6 | % | 1,028 | 936 | 92 | 9.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 2,994 | $ | 2,887 | $ | 107 | 3.7 | % | $ | 8,703 | $ | 8,000 | $ | 703 | 8.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Consolidated net revenues increased for the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same prior year period primarily due to the Regional segment which benefited from the opening of two temporary gaming facilities, Caesars Virginia on May 15, 2023 and Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska on June 12, 2023, as well as the reopening of Horseshoe Lake Charles in December 2022. Net revenues for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 improved primarily due to gaming revenues in the Caesars Digital segment from additional state launches of our online and retail Caesars Sportsbooks. Promotional allowances offered during launches in new jurisdictions have been significantly reduced year over year. In addition, hotel occupancy rates within the Las Vegas segment continue to improve as compared to the prior year periods. Notably, the Omicron variant of COVID-19 negatively impacted prior year results during the first quarter of 2022 across substantially all of our properties, including disruptions to group and conventions, banquets, and scheduled concert events. These results were
partially offset by increased competition associated with new casino resorts opening in some of our regional markets, construction disruptions, and inclement weather across the country, particularly in northern Nevada, which restricted travel in the first quarter of 2023. The Company continues to expand partnerships with iconic entertainers to host concerts and performances, and celebrity chefs to offer new food and beverage venues.
Operating Expenses
Operating expenses were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 831 | $ | 838 | $ | (7) | (0.8) | % | $ | 2,476 | $ | 2,727 | $ | (251) | (9.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 266 | 240 | 26 | 10.8 | % | 775 | 684 | 91 | 13.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 146 | 142 | 4 | 2.8 | % | 426 | 391 | 35 | 9.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 118 | 105 | 13 | 12.4 | % | 336 | 298 | 38 | 12.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General and administrative | 528 | 529 | (1) | (0.2) | % | 1,536 | 1,545 | (9) | (0.6) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Corporate | 74 | 63 | 11 | 17.5 | % | 239 | 208 | 31 | 14.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 320 | 304 | 16 | 5.3 | % | 943 | 910 | 33 | 3.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Transaction and other costs, net | (13) | 7 | (20) | * | 36 | (14) | 50 | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Total operating expenses | $ | 2,270 | $ | 2,228 | $ | 42 | 1.9 | % | $ | 6,767 | $ | 6,749 | $ | 18 | 0.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
* Not meaningful.
Casino expenses consist principally of salaries and wages associated with our gaming operations, gaming taxes and marketing and advertising costs attributable to our Caesars Digital segment. Food and beverage expenses consist principally of salaries and wages and costs of goods sold associated with our food and beverage operations. Hotel expenses consist principally of salaries, wages and supplies associated with our hotel operations. Other expenses consist principally of salaries and wages, costs of goods sold and professional talent fees associated with our retail, entertainment and other operations.
Casino expenses decreased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same prior year period due to a reduction in advertising costs, attributable to our Caesars Digital segment, from the promotion of our Caesars Sportsbook app and its expansion into new jurisdictions, particularly in the first quarter of 2022. Food and beverage and hotel expenses have increased in connection with increased revenues; however, we continue to focus on labor efficiencies to manage rising labor costs and strategically manage our marketing and advertising spend to reduce our casino expenses. Similarly, we continue to manage recent increases in food costs by focusing on efficiencies within food and beverage venues and menu options.
General and administrative expenses include items such as information technology, facility maintenance, utilities, property and liability insurance, expenses for administrative departments such as accounting, compliance, purchasing, human resources, legal, internal audit, property taxes and marketing expenses indirectly related to our gaming and non-gaming operations.
Transaction and other costs, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily includes non-cash losses on the write down and disposal of assets, pre-opening costs in connection with new temporary facility openings and non-cash changes in equity method investments. Offsetting these costs is a gain of $29 million associated with proceeds received from the sale of a potential insurance recovery. Transaction and other costs, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily represents professional services for integration activities and various contract exit or termination costs, offset by a $38 million gain in the first quarter of 2022 resulting from insurance proceeds received in excess of the respective carrying value of damaged assets associated with our Lake Charles property.
Other income (expenses)
Other income (expenses) were as follows:
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | $ | (581) | $ | (569) | $ | (12) | (2.1) | % | $ | (1,761) | $ | (1,680) | $ | (81) | (4.8) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | (3) | (33) | 30 | 90.9 | % | (200) | (33) | (167) | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other income (loss) | (1) | 4 | (5) | * | 5 | 53 | (48) | (90.6) | % | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Benefit (provision) for income taxes | (47) | (8) | (39) | * | 904 | 47 | 857 | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
* Not meaningful.
Interest expense, net increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same prior year period due to annual escalators in our financing obligations related to our VICI Leases, including escalators based on the Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) that take effect in November of each year. In addition, rising interest rates have negatively impacted our borrowing rates, however, our efforts to reduce outstanding debt has resulted in a decrease of interest expense related to debt service for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the same prior year period.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, loss on extinguishment of debt was primarily related to the prepayments of the Caesars Resort Collection (“CRC”) Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan. On July 17, 2023, we repaid the Baltimore Term Loan and recognized a $3 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt.
Other income decreased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same prior year period, mainly due to a change in the fair value of foreign exchange forward contracts and a gain related to the resolution of a disputed claim liability, offset by the change in fair value of investments, all of which were recorded in the prior year.
The income tax provision for the three months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the expected income tax provision based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to an increase in federal and state valuation allowances against the deferred tax assets for excess business interest expense. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 differed from the expected income tax benefit based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to the partial release of federal and state valuation allowances.
The income tax benefit for the three months ended September 30, 2022 differed from the expected income tax provision based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to a decrease in the state deferred tax liabilities as a result of a reduction in tax rates in Pennsylvania and Iowa. The income tax benefit for the nine months ended September 30, 2022 differed from the expected income tax benefit based on the federal tax rate of 21% primarily due to a deferred tax adjustment related to the tax impact of the settlement of preexisting relationships upon the acquisition of William Hill PLC in 2021 and nondeductible expenses.
During the second quarter of 2023, we reversed the valuation allowance related to certain deferred tax assets and recorded a one-time income tax benefit of $940 million, as we determined it was more likely than not that a portion of our federal and state deferred tax assets would be realized.
Segment comparison of the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Las Vegas Segment
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 323 | $ | 323 | $ | — | — | % | $ | 945 | $ | 929 | $ | 16 | 1.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 285 | 264 | 21 | 8.0 | % | 868 | 775 | 93 | 12.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 341 | 335 | 6 | 1.8 | % | 1,067 | 959 | 108 | 11.3 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 171 | 155 | 16 | 10.3 | % | 499 | 470 | 29 | 6.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net Revenues | $ | 1,120 | $ | 1,077 | $ | 43 | 4.0 | % | $ | 3,379 | $ | 3,133 | $ | 246 | 7.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Table game drop | $ | 840 | $ | 890 | $ | (50) | (5.6) | % | $ | 2,596 | $ | 2,594 | $ | 2 | 0.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Table game hold % | 24.7 | % | 22.2 | % | 2.5 pts | 22.5 | % | 21.6 | % | 0.9 pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Slot handle | $ | 2,715 | $ | 2,599 | $ | 116 | 4.5 | % | $ | 8,207 | $ | 7,756 | $ | 451 | 5.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel occupancy | 96.6 | % | 93.6 | % | 3.0 pts | 96.5 | % | 91.1 | % | 5.4 pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 482 | $ | 480 | $ | 2 | 0.4 | % | $ | 1,527 | $ | 1,427 | $ | 100 | 7.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 43.0 | % | 44.6 | % | (1.6) pts | 45.2 | % | 45.5 | % | (0.3) pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Caesars | $ | 238 | $ | 245 | $ | (7) | (2.9) | % | $ | 792 | $ | 726 | $ | 66 | 9.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Las Vegas segment’s net revenues increased for the three months ended September 30, 2023, as compared to the same prior year period, primarily related to food and beverage and entertainment. Food and beverage revenues are driven by higher restaurant covers and improved product mix with additions of casual and premier dining venues. Other revenue increased primarily due to entertainment related revenues from headliner performances in the current year compared to prior year. These increases have been offset, in part, by increases in overall wages and headcount within union and non-union team members. Additionally, our Las Vegas segment continues to face access challenges related to construction disruption and roadwork on and around the Las Vegas Strip. As a result, Las Vegas segment’s net income and Adjusted EBITDA margin decreased slightly and Adjusted EBITDA remained consistent for the three months ended September 30, 2023 compared to the prior year period.
Las Vegas segment’s net revenues, net income and Adjusted EBITDA increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2023. In addition to the third quarter results described above, during the first quarter of 2022, the resurgence of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 had a significant negative impact on visitation, group and conventions, and scheduled concert events. As a result, on a year-to-date basis, Las Vegas segment has experienced increased visitation which has driven higher hotel occupancy, improved room rates, higher food and beverage revenues and additional entertainment revenues as compared to the prior year period.
For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, slot win percentage in the Las Vegas segment was within our typical range.
Regional Segment
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | 1,111 | $ | 1,096 | $ | 15 | 1.4 | % | $ | 3,247 | $ | 3,264 | $ | (17) | (0.5) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Food and beverage | 158 | 147 | 11 | 7.5 | % | 437 | 397 | 40 | 10.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hotel | 212 | 209 | 3 | 1.4 | % | 514 | 487 | 27 | 5.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 84 | 78 | 6 | 7.7 | % | 217 | 200 | 17 | 8.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 1,565 | $ | 1,530 | $ | 35 | 2.3 | % | $ | 4,415 | $ | 4,348 | $ | 67 | 1.5 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Table game drop | $ | 1,144 | $ | 1,151 | $ | (7) | (0.6) | % | $ | 3,166 | $ | 3,268 | $ | (102) | (3.1) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Table game hold % | 21.6 | % | 21.0 | % | 0.6 pts | 21.8 | % | 22.0 | % | (0.2) pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Slot handle | $ | 11,477 | $ | 11,280 | $ | 197 | 1.7 | % | $ | 32,850 | $ | 32,621 | $ | 229 | 0.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 575 | $ | 570 | $ | 5 | 0.9 | % | $ | 1,531 | $ | 1,542 | $ | (11) | (0.7) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 36.7 | % | 37.3 | % | (0.6) pts | 34.7 | % | 35.5 | % | (0.8) pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to Caesars | $ | 176 | $ | 211 | $ | (35) | (16.6) | % | $ | 375 | $ | 480 | $ | (105) | (21.9) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Regional segment’s net revenues increased for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023, primarily related to incremental net revenues generated from the reopening of Horseshoe Lake Charles in the fourth quarter of 2022 and the opening of our temporary gaming facilities at Caesars Virginia on May 15, 2023 and Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska on June 12, 2023. These increases were partially offset by competition associated with new casino resorts opening in some of our regional markets, construction disruption from renovation projects at certain of our properties and inclement weather across the country, particularly in northern Nevada, which restricted travel in the first quarter of 2023. In addition, wage and headcount increases resulted in higher labor costs for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023. As a result, Adjusted EBITDA remained relatively consistent as compared to the prior year periods. Increased interest expense associated with our VICI Leases and additional depreciation expense related to our new gaming facilities led to a decline in net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to prior year.
Slot win percentage in the Regional segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 was within our typical range.
Caesars Digital Segment
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino (a) | $ | 186 | $ | 187 | $ | (1) | (0.5) | % | $ | 599 | $ | 255 | $ | 344 | 134.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | 29 | 25 | 4 | 16.0 | % | 70 | 56 | 14 | 25.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 215 | $ | 212 | $ | 3 | 1.4 | % | $ | 669 | $ | 311 | $ | 358 | 115.1 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports betting handle (b) | $ | 2,320 | $ | 2,029 | $ | 291 | 14.3 | % | $ | 8,213 | $ | 9,350 | $ | (1,137) | (12.2) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Sports betting hold % | 6.5 | % | 7.9 | % | (1.4) pts | 6.3 | % | 5.4 | % | 0.9 pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iGaming handle | $ | 2,472 | $ | 1,787 | $ | 685 | 38.3 | % | $ | 7,542 | $ | 6,054 | $ | 1,488 | 24.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| iGaming hold % | 3.1 | % | 3.5 | % | (0.4) pts | 3.0 | % | 3.3 | % | (0.3) pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 2 | $ | (38) | $ | 40 | * | $ | 9 | $ | (661) | $ | 670 | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 0.9 | % | (17.9) | % | * | 1.3 | % | * | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net loss attributable to Caesars | $ | (29) | $ | (63) | $ | 34 | 54.0 | % | $ | (83) | $ | (755) | $ | 672 | 89.0 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
* Not meaningful.
(a)Includes total promotional and complimentary incentives related to sports betting, iGaming, and poker of $52 million and $48 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $184 million and $487 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Promotional and complimentary incentives for poker were $4 million and $5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $11 million and $18 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively.
(b)Caesars Digital generated an additional $205 million and $220 million of sports betting handle, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $745 million and $824 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, which is not included in this table, for select wholly-owned and third-party operations for which Caesars Digital provides services and we receive all, or a share of, the net profits. Hold related to these operations was 8.9% and 14.0%, for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and 10.1% for both of the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022. Sports betting handle includes $11 million and $12 million for the three months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, and $35 million and $39 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to horse racing and pari-mutuel wagers.
Caesars Digital reflects the operations for retail and mobile sports betting, online casino, poker, and horse racing, which includes our Caesars Sportsbook, Caesars Racebook and iGaming mobile apps.
Caesars Digital’s net revenues, net loss, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin improved for the three months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same prior year period. During the third quarter of 2023, we completed the migration of sports betting operations in the state of Nevada to the Liberty platform and launched our new Caesars Palace Online Casino application in states and territories where we operate iGaming. In addition, we completed the launch of mobile sports betting in Kentucky and Puerto Rico. Strong sports betting and iGaming handle was slightly offset by decreased hold during the period and we significantly reduced marketing expenses which drove the improvement in net loss, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin during the third quarter of 2023.
Caesars Digital’s net revenues, net loss, Adjusted EBITDA, and Adjusted EBITDA margin improved for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 as compared to the same prior year period, primarily due to lower year over year promotional and marketing expenses for launches in new states and jurisdictions, coupled with higher sports betting hold. We experienced negative net revenue in the first quarter of 2022 as a result of increased promotional offerings for new state launches in New York and Louisiana. We have refined our promotional intensity during the launch period in new jurisdictions based, in part, on prior experience and do not expect such investments to continue at elevated levels subsequent to initial launch periods.
As sports betting and online casinos expand through increased state or jurisdictional legalization, new product launches, and customer adoption, variations in hold percentages and increases in promotional and marketing expenses in highly competitive markets during promotional periods may negatively impact Caesars Digital’s net revenues, net income, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin in comparison to current or prior periods.
Sports betting and iGaming hold percentages in the Caesars Digital segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 were within our typical range.
Managed and Branded Segment
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | $ | 98 | $ | 70 | $ | 28 | 40.0 | % | $ | 239 | $ | 210 | $ | 29 | 13.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | 98 | $ | 70 | $ | 28 | 40.0 | % | $ | 239 | $ | 210 | $ | 29 | 13.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 20 | $ | 22 | $ | (2) | (9.1) | % | $ | 58 | $ | 64 | $ | (6) | (9.4) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 20.4 | % | 31.4 | % | (11.0) pts | 24.3 | % | 30.5 | % | (6.2) pts | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 45 | $ | 22 | $ | 23 | 104.5 | % | $ | 83 | $ | (321) | $ | 404 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Not meaningful.
We manage several properties and license rights to the use of certain of our brands. These revenue agreements typically include reimbursement of certain costs that we incur directly. Such costs are primarily related to payroll costs incurred on behalf of the properties under management. The revenue related to these reimbursable management costs has a direct impact on our evaluation of Adjusted EBITDA margin which, when excluded, reflects margins typically realized from such agreements. The table below presents the amount included in net revenues and total operating expenses related to these reimbursable costs. In September 2023, we recorded $25 million of additional other revenue related to the termination of the Caesars Dubai management agreement, which has been excluded from Adjusted EBITDA.
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reimbursable management revenue | $ | 53 | $ | 48 | $ | 5 | 10.4 | % | $ | 156 | $ | 146 | $ | 10 | 6.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Reimbursable management cost | 53 | 48 | 5 | 10.4 | % | 156 | 146 | 10 | 6.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate & Other
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | Nine Months Ended September 30, | Percent Change | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (Dollars in millions) | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | 2023 | 2022 | Variance | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Revenues: | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Casino | $ | — | $ | (1) | $ | 1 | 100.0 | % | $ | (2) | $ | (2) | $ | — | — | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other | (4) | (1) | (3) | * | 3 | — | 3 | * | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Net revenues | $ | (4) | $ | (2) | $ | (2) | (100.0) | % | $ | 1 | $ | (2) | $ | 3 | * | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | (36) | $ | (22) | $ | (14) | (63.6) | % | $ | (117) | $ | (86) | $ | (31) | (36.0) | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
____________________
* Not meaningful.
Supplemental Unaudited Presentation of Consolidated Adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (“Adjusted EBITDA”) for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 and 2022
Adjusted EBITDA (described 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 our ongoing operating results. Management has historically used Adjusted EBITDA when evaluating operating performance because we believe that the inclusion or exclusion of certain recurring and non-recurring items is necessary to provide a full understanding of our core operating results and as a means to evaluate period-to-period results. Adjusted EBITDA represents net income (loss) before interest income or interest expense net of interest capitalized, (benefit) provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, (gain) loss on investments and marketable securities, stock-based compensation, impairment charges, equity in (income) loss of unconsolidated affiliates, (gain) loss on the sale or disposal of property and equipment, (gain) loss related to divestitures, changes in the fair value of certain derivatives and transaction costs associated with our acquisitions and divestitures such as (gain) loss on sale, sign-on
and retention bonuses, severance expense, business integration and optimization costs, contract exit or termination costs, certain litigation awards and settlements, and certain regulatory settlements. Adjusted EBITDA also excludes the expense associated with certain of our leases as these transactions were accounted for as financing obligations and the associated expense is included in interest expense. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of performance or liquidity calculated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). It 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, payments under our leases with affiliates of GLPI and VICI 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 Adjusted 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 tables summarize our Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, in addition to reconciling net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA in accordance with GAAP (unaudited):
| Three Months Ended September 30, | Nine Months Ended September 30, | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Net income (loss) attributable to Caesars | $ | 74 | $ | 52 | $ | 858 | $ | (751) | |||||||||||||||
| Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests | 18 | 1 | 26 | 3 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Discontinued operations, net of income taxes | — | — | — | 386 | |||||||||||||||||||
| (Benefit) provision for income taxes | 47 | 8 | (904) | (47) | |||||||||||||||||||
Other (income) loss (a) | 1 | (4) | (5) | (53) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Loss on extinguishment of debt | 3 | 33 | 200 | 33 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Interest expense, net | 581 | 569 | 1,761 | 1,680 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Depreciation and amortization | 320 | 304 | 943 | 910 | |||||||||||||||||||
Transaction costs and other, net (b) | (27) | 23 | 47 | 48 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Stock-based compensation expense | 26 | 26 | 82 | 77 | |||||||||||||||||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | $ | 1,043 | $ | 1,012 | $ | 3,008 | $ | 2,286 | |||||||||||||||
____________________
(a)Other income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily represents the net change in fair value of investments held by the Company, foreign exchange forward contracts, and changes in the fair value of a disputed claim liability.
(b)Transaction costs and other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 primarily includes (i) net proceeds received in exchange for participation rights in a potential insurance recovery, (ii) proceeds received for the termination of the Caesars Dubai management agreement and (iii) costs related to non-cash losses on the write down and disposal of assets, pre-opening costs in connection with new temporary facility openings and non-cash changes in equity method investments. Transaction costs and other, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2022 primarily represents professional services for integration activities and various contract exit or termination costs partially offset by a gain resulting from insurance proceeds received in excess of the respective carrying value of damaged assets associated with the Lake Charles property.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
We are a holding company, and our only significant assets are ownership interests in our subsidiaries. Our ability to fund our obligations depends on existing cash on hand, cash flows from our subsidiaries and our ability to raise capital. Our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources are existing cash on hand, cash flows from operations, availability of borrowings under our revolving credit facility, proceeds from the issuance of debt and equity securities and proceeds from completed asset sales. Our cash requirements may fluctuate significantly depending on our decisions with respect to business acquisitions or divestitures and strategic capital and marketing investments.
As of September 30, 2023, our cash on hand and revolving borrowing capacity was as follows:
| (In millions) | September 30, 2023 | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 841 | |||
Revolver capacity (a) | 2,210 | ||||
| Revolver capacity committed to letters of credit | (71) | ||||
| Revolver capacity committed as regulatory requirement | (46) | ||||
| Total | $ | 2,934 | |||
____________________
(a)Revolver capacity includes $2.25 billion under our CEI Revolving Credit Facility, maturing in January 2028, less $40 million reserved for specific purposes.
During the nine months ended September 30, 2023, our operating activities generated cash inflows of $1.3 billion, as compared to operating cash inflows of $469 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2022, due to the results of operations described above.
On February 6, 2023, we entered into an Incremental Assumption Agreement No. 2 pursuant to which we incurred a new senior secured term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount of $2.5 billion (the “CEI Term Loan B” and, together with the CEI Term Loan A, the “CEI Term Loans”) as a new term loan under the CEI Credit Agreement. The CEI Term Loan B requires scheduled quarterly amortization payments in amounts equal to 0.25% of the original aggregate principal amount of the CEI Term Loan B, with the balance payable at maturity. Borrowings under the CEI Term Loan B bear interest, paid monthly, at a rate equal to, at the Company’s option, either (a) a forward-looking term rate based on the Adjusted Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”), subject to a floor of 0.50% or (b) a base rate (the “Base Rate”) determined by reference to the highest of (i) the Prime Rate in the United States, (ii) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% per annum and (iii) the one-month Adjusted Term SOFR plus 1.00% per annum, in each case, plus an applicable margin. Such applicable margin is 3.25% per annum in the case of any Adjusted Term SOFR loan and 2.25% per annum in the case of any Base Rate loan, subject to one 0.25% step-down based on our net total leverage ratio. The CEI Term Loan B was issued at a price of 99.0% of the principal amount and will mature in February 2030.
On February 6, 2023, concurrently with the issuance of the CEI Term Loan B, we issued $2.0 billion in aggregate principal amount of 7.00% senior secured notes (the “CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030”) pursuant to an indenture by and among the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto from time to time, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as trustee, and U.S. Bank National Association, as collateral agent. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 rank equally with all existing and future first-priority lien obligations of the Company and the subsidiary guarantors. The CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 will mature in February 2030, with interest paid semi-annually on February 15 and August 15 of each year, commencing August 15, 2023.
The net proceeds from the CEI Term Loan B, along with the net proceeds from the issuance of the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030 described above, were used to repay the outstanding principal balance, including accrued and unpaid interest, of both the CRC Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan. Upon the termination of the CRC Term Loan and the CRC Incremental Term Loan, we recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt of $197 million.
On May 1, 2023, we elected to prepay the outstanding $400 million Convention Center Mortgage Loan utilizing cash on hand.
On July 10, 2023, we completed the acquisition of the remaining 24.2% equity ownership in Horseshoe Baltimore, utilizing cash on hand, for a total of $66 million. On July 17, 2023, we permanently repaid the remaining outstanding principal balance of the Baltimore Term Loan, utilizing the CEI Revolving Credit Facility, which was repaid as of September 30, 2023. In connection with the repayment, we recognized a $3 million loss on the early extinguishment of debt.
We expect that our primary capital requirements going forward will relate to the expansion and maintenance of our properties, taxes, servicing our outstanding indebtedness, and rent payments under our GLPI Master Lease, the VICI Leases and other leases. We make capital expenditures and perform continuing refurbishment and maintenance at our properties to maintain our quality standards. Our capital expenditure requirements for the remainder of 2023 include expansion projects, the rebranding of certain properties and continued investment into new markets with our Caesars Sportsbook and iGaming applications in our Caesars Digital segment. In addition, we may, from time to time, seek to repurchase or prepay our outstanding indebtedness. Any such purchases or prepayments may be funded by existing cash balances or the incurrence of debt. The amount and timing of any repurchase will be based on business and market conditions, capital availability, compliance with debt covenants and other considerations.
We continue to expand into new markets with projects such as our partnership with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians to build and develop Caesars Virginia which is estimated to open a permanent facility in late 2024. The permanent development has a budget of $650 million and is expected to include a premier destination resort casino along with a 320 room hotel and world-class casino floor including 1,300 slot machines, 85 live table games, a WSOP Poker Room, a Caesars Sportsbook, a live entertainment theater and 40,000 square feet of meeting and convention space. Additionally, Caesars is developing Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska which is a casino development expected to feature a new one-mile horse racing surface, a 40,000-square-foot-casino and sportsbook with more than 400 slot machines and 20 table games, as well as a restaurant and retail space. In the second quarter of 2023, temporary gaming facilities for Caesars Virginia and Harrah’s Columbus Nebraska opened while the permanent facilities are being constructed.
In 2020, we funded $400 million in escrow to provide funds for a three year capital expenditure plan in the state of New Jersey. The capital plan includes significant room renovations at both Caesars Atlantic City and Harrah’s Atlantic City, as well as the addition of new restaurants with celebrity partners. As of September 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, the restricted cash
balance remaining in the escrow account was $21 million and $118 million, respectively. This amount is currently included in restricted cash in Other assets, net.
As a condition of the extension of the casino operating contract and ground lease for Harrah’s New Orleans, we are also required to make a capital investment of $325 million on or around Harrah’s New Orleans by July 15, 2024. The capital investment will involve the rebranding of the property to Caesars New Orleans which includes a renovation and full interior and exterior redesign, updated casino floor, new culinary experiences and a new 340-room hotel tower. The project has a current capital plan of approximately $430 million and, as of September 30, 2023, total capital expenditures have been $239 million since the project began.
Cash spent for capital expenditures totaled $895 million and $717 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022, respectively, related to our growth, renovation, maintenance, and other capital projects. The following table summarizes our capital expenditures for the nine months ended September 30, 2023, and an estimated range of capital expenditures for the remainder of 2023:
| Nine Months Ended September 30, 2023 | Estimate of Remaining Capital Expenditures for 2023 | ||||||||||||||||
| (In millions) | Actual | Low | High | ||||||||||||||
| Atlantic City | $ | 97 | $ | 20 | $ | 20 | |||||||||||
| Indiana racing operations | 3 | — | 10 | ||||||||||||||
| Total estimated capital expenditures from restricted cash | 100 | 20 | 30 | ||||||||||||||
| Growth and renovation projects | 315 | 105 | 125 | ||||||||||||||
| Caesars Digital | 77 | 25 | 35 | ||||||||||||||
| Maintenance projects | 286 | 70 | 90 | ||||||||||||||
| Total estimated capital expenditures from unrestricted cash | 678 | 200 | 250 | ||||||||||||||
Caesars Virginia (a) | 117 | 65 | 85 | ||||||||||||||
| Total | $ | 895 | $ | 285 | $ | 365 | |||||||||||
____________________
(a)We expect to receive approximately $300 million from the combination of our temporary casino operations and contributions from our joint venture partners to support the development of Caesars Virginia.
A significant portion of our liquidity needs are for debt service and payments associated with our leases. Our estimated debt service (including principal and interest) is approximately $116 million for the remainder of 2023. We also lease certain real property assets from third parties, including VICI and GLPI. The VICI Leases are subject to annual escalations, that take effect in November of each year, based on the CPI. The increase in the CPI over the prior year resulted in an increase in our annual lease payments to VICI. We estimate our lease payments to VICI and GLPI to be approximately $325 million for the remainder of 2023.
We have periodically divested assets to raise capital or, in previous cases, to comply with conditions, terms, obligations or restrictions imposed by antitrust, gaming and other regulatory entities. If an agreed upon selling price for future divestitures does not exceed the carrying value of the assets, we may be required to record additional impairment charges in future periods which may be material.
We expect that our current liquidity, including availability of borrowings under our committed credit facility and cash flows from operations will be sufficient to fund our operations, capital requirements and service our outstanding indebtedness for the next twelve months.
Debt and Master Lease Covenant Compliance
The Senior Credit Facilities, the CEI Term Loan B, and the indentures governing the CRC Senior Secured Notes, the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2025, the CEI Senior Secured Notes due 2030, the CEI Senior Notes due 2027 and the CEI Senior Notes due 2029 contain covenants which are standard and customary for these types of agreements. These include negative covenants, which, subject to certain exceptions and baskets, limit our ability to (among other items) incur additional indebtedness, make investments, make restricted payments, including dividends, grant liens, sell assets and make acquisitions.
Following the Third Amendment, the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility and the CEI Term Loan A include a maximum net total leverage ratio financial covenant of 7.25:1 until December 31, 2024 and 6.50:1 from and after December 31, 2024. In addition, the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility and the CEI Term Loan A include a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio financial covenant of 1.75:1 until December 31, 2024 and 2.0:1 from and after December 31, 2024. From and after the repayment of the CEI Term Loan A, the financial covenants applicable to the Amended CEI Revolving Credit Facility will be tested solely to the extent that certain testing conditions are satisfied. Failure to comply with such covenants could result in an acceleration of the maturity of indebtedness outstanding under the relevant debt document.
The GLPI Leases and VICI Leases contain certain covenants requiring minimum capital expenditures based on a percentage of net revenues along with maintaining certain financial ratios.
As of September 30, 2023, we were in compliance with all of the applicable financial covenants described above.
Share Repurchase Program
In November 2018, our Board of Directors authorized a $150 million common stock repurchase program (the “Share Repurchase Program”) pursuant to which we may, from time to time, repurchase shares of common stock on the open market (either with or without a 10b5-1 plan) or through privately negotiated transactions. The Share Repurchase Program has no time limit and may be suspended or discontinued at any time without notice. There is no minimum number of shares of common stock that we are required to repurchase under the Share Repurchase Program.
As of September 30, 2023, we have acquired 223,823 shares of common stock under the Share Repurchase Program at an aggregate value of $9 million and an average of $40.80 per share. No shares were repurchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 and 2022.
Contractual Obligations
There have been no other material changes during the nine months ended September 30, 2023 to our contractual obligations as disclosed in Part II, Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. See Note 7 to our unaudited Financial Statements, which is included elsewhere in this report, for additional information regarding contractual obligations.
Other Liquidity Matters
We are faced with certain contingencies, from time to time, involving litigation, claims, assessments, environmental remediation or compliance. These commitments and contingencies are discussed in greater detail in “Part II, Item 1. Legal Proceedings” and Note 7 to our unaudited Financial Statements, both of which are included elsewhere in this report. See “Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business” which is included elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our critical accounting policies disclosures are included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. There have been no material changes since December 31, 2022. 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 those described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We do not currently have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
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 are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily from variable rate long-term debt arrangements and foreign exchange risks associated with certain transactions.
As of September 30, 2023, long-term variable-rate borrowings totaled $3.2 billion under the CEI Term Loans and no amounts were outstanding under the CEI Revolving Credit Facility. Long-term variable-rate borrowings under the CEI Term Loans represented approximately 26% of consolidated long-term debt as of September 30, 2023. As of September 30, 2023, the weighted average interest rates on our variable and fixed rate debt were 8.33% and 6.47%, respectively.
All of our variable rate debt instruments are subject to Term SOFR interest rates plus a reasonable margin.
We evaluate our exposure to market risk by monitoring interest rates in the marketplace and have, on occasion, utilized derivative financial instruments to help manage this risk. We do not utilize derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. There were no other material quantitative changes in our market risk exposure, or how such risks are managed, for the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
(a)Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
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 our management, including our principal executive officer and principal 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.
(b)Changes in Internal Controls
There were no significant 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.
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
For a discussion of our “Legal Proceedings,” refer to Note 7 to our Consolidated Condensed Financial Statements located elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and Note 11 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022.
Cautionary Statements 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. Specifically, forward-looking statements may include, among others, statements concerning:
•projections of future results of operations or financial condition;
•expectations regarding our business and results of operations of our existing casino properties and prospects for future development;
•the impact of economic trends, inflation and the COVID-19 public health emergency on our business and financial condition;
•expectations regarding trends that will affect our market and the gaming industry generally, including expansion of internet betting and gaming, and the impact of those trends on our business and results of operations;
•our ability to comply with the covenants in the agreements governing our outstanding indebtedness and leases;
•our ability to meet our projected debt service obligations, operating expenses, and maintenance capital expenditures;
•expectations regarding availability of capital resources;
•our intention to pursue development opportunities and additional acquisitions and divestitures;
•the impact of regulation on our business and our ability to receive and maintain necessary approvals for our existing properties and future projects and operation of online sportsbook, poker and gaming;
•the impact of the Data Incident on our business, financial conditions and results of operations; and
•factors impacting our ability to successfully operate our digital betting and iGaming platform and expand its user base.
Any forward-looking statements are based upon underlying assumptions, including any assumptions mentioned with the specific statements that are in turn based upon internal estimates and analyses of market conditions and trends, management plans and strategies, economic conditions and other factors. Such forward-looking statements are only predictions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and are subject to change. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend upon future circumstances that may not occur. These risks and uncertainties include: (a) the impacts of economic and market conditions; (b) our ability to successfully operate our digital betting and iGaming platform and expand its user base; (c) risks associated with our leverage and our ability to reduce our leverage; (d) the effects of competition on our business and results of operations; (e) the effects of inflation, supply chain constraints and continuing impacts of COVID-19; and (f) additional factors discussed in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and our most recent Annual Reports on Form 10-K as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such statements and forward-looking statements should not be regarded as a representation by us or any other person that the forward-looking statements will be achieved.
In addition, these forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statement is made, even if subsequently made available on our website or otherwise, and 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.
You should also be aware that while we, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts, we do not disclose to them any material non-public information, internal forecasts or other confidential business information. Therefore, you should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst, irrespective of the content of the statement or report.
To the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain projections, forecasts or opinions, those reports are not our responsibility and are not endorsed by us.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
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, 2022. Except as set forth below, there have been no material changes to those risk factors during the nine months ended September 30, 2023.
Compromises of our information systems or unauthorized access to confidential information or our customers’ personal information could materially harm our reputation and business.
We collect and store confidential, personal information relating to our customers for various business purposes, including marketing and financial purposes, and credit card information for processing payments. For example, we handle, collect and store personal information in connection with our customers staying at our hotels and enrolling in Caesars Rewards. We may share this personal and confidential information with vendors or other third parties in connection with processing of transactions, operating certain aspects of our business, or for marketing purposes. Our collection and use of personal data are governed by state and federal privacy laws and regulations as well as the applicable laws and regulations in other countries in which we operate. Privacy law is subject to frequent changes and varies significantly by jurisdiction. We may incur significant costs in order to ensure compliance with the various applicable privacy requirements. In addition, privacy laws and regulations may limit our ability to market to our customers.
We assess and monitor the security of collection, storage, and transmission of customer information on an ongoing basis, including utilizing commercially available software and technologies to monitor, assess and secure our network. Further, some of the systems currently used for transmission and approval of payment card transactions and the technology utilized in payment cards themselves, all of which can put payment card data at risk, are determined and controlled by the payment card industry, and other such systems are determined and controlled by us. Although we had taken steps designed to safeguard our customers’ confidential personal information and important internal company data, on September 14, 2023, we announced that we identified suspicious activity in our information technology network resulting from a social engineering attack on one of our outsourced IT support vendors and that we determined that the unauthorized actor acquired a copy of, among other data, our loyalty program database, which includes driver’s license numbers and/or social security numbers for a significant number of members in the database (the “Data Incident”). We took steps to ensure that the stolen data was deleted by the unauthorized actor and we believe we have taken appropriate steps, working with industry-leading third-party IT advisors, to harden our systems and implement corrective measures to protect against future attacks that could pose a threat to our systems. We have also taken steps to ensure that the specific outsourced IT support vendor involved in this matter has implemented corrective measures to protect against future attacks that could pose a threat to our systems. While we took these actions, we cannot assure that the stolen data was deleted by the unauthorized actor or that our network and other systems and those of third parties, such as service providers, will not be compromised, damaged, or disrupted by a third-party breach of our system security or that of a third-party provider or as a result of purposeful or accidental actions of third parties, our employees, or those employees of a third party, power outages, computer viruses, system failures, natural disasters, or other catastrophic events in the future.
Our third-party information system service providers face risks relating to cybersecurity similar to ours, and we do not directly control any of such parties’ information security operations. As an example, the Data Incident arose from a social engineering attack on one of our outsourced IT vendors. Advances in computer and software capabilities, encryption technology, new tools, and other developments may increase the risk of a future security breach. As a result of the Data Incident, customer information and other data was accessed by an unauthorized actor. Any future security breach, may also result in customer information or other proprietary data being accessed or transmitted by or to a third party. Despite the measures we have implemented to safeguard our information, including actions taken following the Data Incident, there can be no assurance that we are adequately protecting our information.
As a result of the Data Incident, we have become subject to multiple lawsuits and inquiries from state regulators and we may become subject to additional lawsuits, claims and inquiries related to the Data Incident. While the Data Incident did not impact our customer-facing operations, we are unable to predict the full impact of the Data Incident, including any regulatory effects or changes in guest behavior in the future, including whether a change in our guests’ behavior could negatively impact our financial condition and results of operations on an ongoing basis.
We have cybersecurity insurance to respond to a breach which is designed to cover expenses associated with a cybersecurity incident, including costs related to notification, credit monitoring, investigation, crisis management, public relations and legal advice. We also carry other insurance which may cover ancillary aspects of cybersecurity events. While we have submitted claims for insurance coverage relating to the costs incurred as a result of the Data Incident, we are not certain of the extent to which such coverage or third-party indemnification will cover such costs.
Any future data security breaches giving rise to a loss, disclosure of, misappropriation of, or access to customers’ or other proprietary information or other breach of our information security could result in additional legal claims or legal proceedings, including regulatory investigations and actions, or liability for failure to comply with privacy and information security laws, including for failure to protect personal information or for misusing personal information could damage our reputation, and expose us to additional claims from customers, financial institutions, regulators, payment card associations, employees, and other persons, any of which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations, and cash flow.
Any such damages and claims arising from a future breach may not be completely covered or may exceed the amount of any insurance available.
Our operations, and particularly our digital betting and gaming operations, are reliant on information technology and other systems and services, and any failures, errors, defects or disruptions in our systems or services could adversely affect our operations.
Our technology infrastructure is critical to the performance of our digital betting and gaming operations and to user satisfaction and we rely significantly on our computer systems and software to receive and properly process internal and external data, including data related to Caesars Rewards. We devote significant resources to our technology infrastructure, but our systems may not be adequate to avoid performance delays or outages that could be harmful to our online business. In addition, while we believe we have taken appropriate steps, working with industry-leading third-party IT advisors, to harden our systems following the Data Incident and implement corrective measures to protect against future attacks that could pose a threat to our systems. we cannot assure you that such measures or any additional measures we take to prevent cyber-attacks and protect our systems, data and user information and to prevent outages, data or information loss, fraud and to prevent or detect security breaches will be sufficient to ensure uninterrupted operation of our digital platform and provide absolute security. We have experienced, and we may in the future experience, website disruptions, outages and other performance problems due to a variety of factors, including infrastructure changes, human or software errors and capacity constraints. Disruptions from unauthorized access to, fraudulent manipulation of, or tampering with our computer systems and technological infrastructure, or those of third parties that provide support to our operations, could result in a wide range of negative outcomes, each of which could materially adversely affect the operation of our online business and our financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Additionally, our computer systems and software may fail or may contain errors, bugs, flaws or corrupted data, and these defects may only become apparent after the launch of our online products. These types of issues could disrupt our operations or render a product unavailable when users attempt to access it or cause access to our offerings to be slower than our users expect. Inaccessibility or slow access to our products could make users less likely to return to our digital platform as often, if at all, or to recommend our offerings to other potential users, which could harm our brand perception, cause our users to stop utilizing our online offerings, divert our resources and delay market acceptance of our online offerings.
Our information systems are not fully redundant and our disaster recovery planning cannot account for all eventualities. If our systems are damaged, breached, attacked, interrupted, or otherwise cease to function properly, we may have to make a significant investment to repair or replace them, and may experience loss or corruption of critical data as well as suffer interruptions in our business operations in the interim.
We expect that we will continue to expand our online betting and gaming offerings as our user base grows and we enter into new markets, which will require an enhancement of our technical infrastructure, including network capacity and computing power, and may require additional reliance on third party providers to support the growth of our digital business and to satisfy our users’ needs. Such infrastructure expansion may be complex and costly, and unanticipated delays in completing these projects or availability of components may lead to increased project costs, operational inefficiencies, or interruptions in the delivery or degradation of the quality of our offerings. In addition, there may be issues related to our online infrastructure that are not identified during the testing phases of design and implementation and become evident after we have started to fully use the underlying equipment or software, which could impact the user experience or increase our costs. An inability to effectively scale our technical infrastructure to accommodate increased demands could adversely impact our ability to grow our digital betting and gaming business.
Work stoppages and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits.
As of December 31, 2022, we had collective bargaining agreements covering approximately 21,000 employees. The collective bargaining agreement with the Culinary Workers Union covering approximately 11,000 of our Las Vegas employees expired on September 15, 2023 and members of the Culinary Workers Union voted to authorize a strike. While we continue to negotiate the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with the Culinary Workers Union, there can be no assurance regarding the terms or the timing of such an agreement. A lengthy strike or other work stoppages at any of our casino properties could have an adverse effect on our business and results of operations. From time to time, we have also experienced attempts by labor organizations to organize certain of our non-union employees. These efforts have achieved some success to date. We cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and successful union activity in the future. The impact of this union activity is undetermined and could negatively impact our results of operations.
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
None.
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5. Other Information
Rule 10b5-1 Trading Plans
For the three months ended September 30, 2023, none of our directors or officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f) of the Exchange Act) adopted, modified or terminated a “Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement” or “non-Rule 10b5-1 trading arrangement,” as defined in Item 408 of Regulation S-K.
Item 6. Exhibits
Exhibit Number | Description of Exhibit | Method of Filing | ||||||||||||
| 3.1 | Previously filed on Form 8-K filed on June 16, 2023. | |||||||||||||
| 3.2 | Previously filed on Form 8-K filed on August 1, 2022. | |||||||||||||
| 31.1 | Filed herewith. | |||||||||||||
| 31.2 | Filed herewith. | |||||||||||||
| 32.1 | Filed herewith. | |||||||||||||
| 32.2 | Filed herewith. | |||||||||||||
| 99.1 | Filed herewith. | |||||||||||||
| 101.1 | Inline XBRL Instance Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 101.2 | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 101.3 | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 101.4 | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 101.5 | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 101.6 | Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
| 104 | Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Inline XBRL document) | Filed herewith. | ||||||||||||
\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.
| CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT, INC. | |||||
| Date: October 31, 2023 | /s/ Thomas R. Reeg | ||||
Thomas R. Reeg Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) | |||||
| Date: October 31, 2023 | /s/ Bret Yunker | ||||
Bret Yunker Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer) | |||||