CENTURY CASINOS INC /CO/ - Quarter Report: 2014 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 10-Q

 

☑  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)

OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014

 

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 number          0-22900

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter) 

 

DELAWARE84-1271317

(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

incorporation or organization)

 

455 E Pikes Peak Ave, Suite 210, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903

(Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

 

(719) 527-8300

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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

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

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

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

24,381,057 shares of common stock, $0.01 par value per share, were outstanding as of November 7, 2014.

 

 

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INDEX

 

 

 

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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1.  CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited)

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

Continued -

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF EARNINGS (Unaudited)

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE EARNINGS (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY (Unaudited)

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited)

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (continued)

 

 

 

 

See notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

1.DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

Century Casinos, Inc. (“CCI” or the “Company”) is an international casino entertainment company. As of September 30, 2014, the Company owned casino operations in North America, managed cruise ship-based casinos on international and Alaskan waters, held a majority ownership interest in nine casinos throughout Poland, had a management contract to manage the casino in the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa and was developing a Racing Entertainment Center (“REC”) in Canada. 

 

As of September 30, 2014 the Company owned, operated and managed the following casinos through wholly-owned subsidiaries in North America:

 

In March 2007, the Company’s subsidiary Century Casinos Europe GmbH (“CCE”) acquired 33.3% of the outstanding shares issued by Casinos Poland Ltd (“CPL” or “Casinos Poland”) and the Company accounted for the investment under the equity method. In April 2013, CCE acquired from LOT Polish Airlines an additional 33.3% ownership interest in CPL. As of the date of acquisition, the Company began consolidating its 66.6% ownership of CPL as a majority-owned subsidiary for which it has a controlling financial interest. Polish Airports Company (“Polish Airports”) owns the remaining 33.3% of CPL. The Company accounts for and reports the 33.3% Polish Airports ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest. See Note 3 for additional information related to CPL.

 

The Company operates 16 ship-based casinos onboard the ships of the following five cruise lines: Oceania Cruises, TUI Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Nova Star Cruises Ltd.  

In May 2014, Windstar Cruises launched the Star Pride, the first of three newly acquired all suite cruise ships. The Company operates the ship-based casino onboard this 212 passenger ship. Windstar Cruises is planning to begin operations on the other two vessels during the second quarter of 2015, and we expect to operate the ship-based casinos onboard each ship.

 

In February 2014, the Company signed an exclusive agreement with Nova Star Cruises Ltd. to operate a ship-based casino onboard the Nova Star, a round trip cruise ferry service connecting Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The ferry began operations on May 15, 2014 and operates on a seasonal basis from May to November.  In September 2014, Nova Star Cruises Ltd. announced that it was shortening its 2014 sailing season with the final round trip ending on October 14, 2014.

 

In June 2014, TUI Cruises launched the Mein Schiff 3 and the Company currently operates the ship-based casino onboard this ship.

 

In December 2010, the Company entered into a long-term management agreement to direct the operation of the casino at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa. The Company receives a management fee consisting of a fixed fee plus a percentage of the casino’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

 

On November 30, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary CCE signed credit and management agreements with United Horsemen of Alberta Inc. dba Century Downs Racetrack and Casino ("CDR") in connection with the development and operation of a REC in Balzac, north metropolitan area of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which the Company will operate as Century Downs Racetrack and Casino. On November 29, 2013, CCE and CDR amended the credit agreement. Under the amended credit agreement, CCE owns 15% of CDR, controls the CDR board of directors, manages the development of the REC project and has the right to convert CAD 11 million that the Company plans to loan to CDR into an additional 60% ownership interest in CDR. The Company began consolidating CDR as a minority owned subsidiary for which it has a controlling financial interest on November 29, 2013. Unaffiliated shareholders own the remaining 85% of CDR, and the Company accounts for and reports the 85% CDR ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest. See Note 3 for additional information related to CDR.  

 

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The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) for interim financial reporting, the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission which apply to interim financial statements and the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 8-03 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP have been condensed or omitted. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.

 

In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows of the Company have been included. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The results of operations for the period ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for the full year.

 

Presentation of Foreign Currency Amounts

 

The Company’s functional currency is the U.S. dollar (“USD” or “$”).  Foreign subsidiaries with a functional currency other than the U.S. dollar translate assets and liabilities at current exchange rates at the end of the reporting periods, while income and expense accounts are translated at average exchange rates for the respective periods.  The Company and its subsidiaries enter into various transactions made in currencies different from their functional currencies.  These transactions are typically denominated in the Canadian dollar (“CAD”), Euro (“EUR”) and Polish zloty (“PLN”).  Gains and losses resulting from changes in foreign currency exchange rates related to these transactions are included in income from operations as they occur. 

 

The exchange rates to the U.S. dollar used to translate balances at the end of the reported periods are as follows:

 

 

 

The average exchange rates to the U.S. dollar used to translate balances during each reported period are as follows:

 

 

 

 

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2. RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

 

In July 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2013-11, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (“ASU 2013-11”).  The objective of ASU 2013-11 is to provide guidance on financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists.  ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013.  The Company has assessed and implemented the new standard as of January 1, 2014. The adoption of the standard had no impact on the Company’s financial statements. 

 

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (“ASU 2014‑09”).  The objective of ASU 2014-09 is to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue and to develop a common revenue standard for US GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.  ASU 2014‑09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2016.  Early adoption of ASU 2014-09 is not permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2014‑09, but does not expect the standard to have a significant effect on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, Presentation of Financial Statements – Going Concern (“ASU 2014-15”). The objective of ASU 2014-15 is to provide guidance on management’s responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about a company’s ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. ASU 2014-15 is effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2016, and annual and interim periods thereafter. The Company assessed the new standard as of September 30, 2014. Management does not expect this standard to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

 

3.ACQUISITIONS

 

Casinos Poland

On April 8, 2013, the Company’s subsidiary CCE acquired from LOT Polish Airlines an additional 33.3% ownership interest in CPL for cash consideration of $6.8 million. The acquisition of CPL furthers the Company’s strategy to grow and develop mid-size casinos. CPL is the owner and operator of nine casinos throughout Poland with a total of 471 slot machines and 73 gaming tables. The Company paid for the purchase through borrowings under its credit agreement (“BMO Credit Agreement”) with the Bank of Montreal (“BMO”) (Note 6). There was no contingent consideration related to the transaction.

 

Prior to April 8, 2013, the Company owned 33.3% of CPL and accounted for the ownership interest as an equity investment. The Company currently owns a 66.6% interest in CPL and on April 8, 2013 began consolidating CPL as a majority-owned subsidiary for which the Company has a controlling financial interest. As a result, the Company changed its accounting for CPL from an equity method investment to a consolidated subsidiary. CPL contributed a total of $34.8 million in net operating revenue and less than $0.1 million in net earnings from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2013 and $37.1 million in net operating revenue and $0.6 million in net losses from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. Polish Airports owns the remaining 33.3% ownership interest in CPL and the Company accounts for and reports the Polish Airports ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest.

 

Upon consolidation, the fair value of the Company’s initial 33.3% equity investment in CPL was determined to be $5.2 million as of the acquisition date. The $5.2 million was greater than the carrying value of the equity investment, resulting in a gain of $2.1 million, net of foreign currency translation. The Company recorded the gain in “Gain on business combination” in the 2013 consolidated statement of earnings. The fair value was determined based on the controlling interest obtained through the additional 33.3% interest acquired and on the Company’s internal valuation of CPL using the following methods, which the Company believes provide the most appropriate indicators of fair value: 

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Details of the purchase in the table below are based on final fair values of assets and liabilities as of April 8, 2013, the date of acquisition. The measurement period to make any adjustments to the fair value of the assets and liabilities recognized as a result of the acquisition ended a year after the date of acquisition on April 8, 2014.  

 

 

 

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The assets and liabilities recognized as a result of the acquisition are as follows:

 

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The Company accounted for the transaction as a step acquisition, and accordingly, CPL's assets of $27.6 million (including $2.4 million in cash) and liabilities of $18.5 million were included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at April 8, 2013. The goodwill is attributable to the expected synergies and economies of scale of incorporating CPL with the Company.  The acquisition also combines the specialties of the Company’s management expertise in the gaming industry with the brand awareness of Casinos Poland. Goodwill is not a tax deductible item for the Company. 

 

Non-controlling interest

The Company recognized the Polish Airports’ non-controlling interest in CPL at its fair value as of the acquisition date. The Company estimated the fair value of the non-controlling interest by determining the value of a controlling interest in the entity. Having control over a company gives additional rights to the holder of the controlling interest as opposed to the holder of the non-controlling interest. The Company applied a 22.5% discount for lack of control to determine the value of the non-controlling interest. The discount for lack of control was estimated based on an analysis of the transactions in the casinos and gaming industry in the past five years. The resulting value of the non-controlling interest was PLN 16.5 million ($5.2 million). 

 

The following table provides information regarding the purchase consideration paid for the Company’s acquisition of an additional 33.3% interest in CPL:

 

Purchase Consideration – cash outflow

 

 

 

Acquisition-related costs

The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $0.1 million in connection with the CPL acquisition. These costs include legal, accounting and valuation fees and were recorded as general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2013.

 

Contingent liability 

In March 2011, the Polish Internal Revenue Service (“Polish IRS”) conducted a tax audit of CPL to review the calculation and payment of personal income tax by CPL employees. There is no specific Polish law or regulation regarding how casinos should treat tips given by customers to casino employees.

 

Based on the March 2011 audit, the Polish IRS concluded that CPL should calculate, collect and remit to the Polish IRS personal income tax on tips received by CPL employees from casino customers for the periods from December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008,  January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009 and January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011.

 

After proceedings between CPL and the Polish IRS, the Director of the Tax Chamber in Warsaw upheld the decision of the Polish IRS on November 30, 2012 for review of the period from January 1, 2011 to January 31, 2011. CPL paid PLN 0.1 million (less than $0.1 million) to the Polish IRS for taxes and interest owed resulting from this decision. CPL appealed the decision to the Regional Administrative Court in Warsaw in December 2012. In September 2013, the Regional Administrative Court in Warsaw denied CPL’s appeal. CPL appealed the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court and expects a decision in 2015.  

 

After further proceedings and appeals between CPL and the Polish IRS, the Director of the Tax Chamber in Warsaw also upheld the decision of the Polish IRS on December 30, 2013 for review of the periods from December 1, 2007 to December 31, 2008 and from January 1, 2009 to December 31, 2009. CPL paid PLN 3.5 million ($1.2 million) to the Polish IRS for taxes and interest owed on December 31, 2013. CPL filed an appeal of this decision in January 2014 to the Voivodship Administrative Court. In September 2014, the Voivodship Administrative Court denied CPL’s appeal.  CPL plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Administrative Court. 

 

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Management has evaluated the likelihood that the litigation will be unfavorable for CPL using a probability weighted cash flow analysis and recorded a liability at estimated fair value in purchase accounting. As a result, the balance of the potential liability for all open periods as of September 30, 2014 is estimated at PLN 14.8 million ($4.7 million).

 

Pro Forma Results

The following table provides unaudited pro forma information of the Company as if the acquisition of CPL had occurred on January 1, 2013. This pro forma information is not necessarily indicative of the combined results of operations that actually would have been realized had the acquisition been consummated during the period for which the pro forma information is presented, or of future results.

 

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

On November 30, 2012, the Company’s subsidiary CCE signed credit and management agreements with CDR in connection with the development of a  REC project in Balzac, north metropolitan area of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which the Company will operate as Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.

 

On November 29, 2013, CCE finalized an amended credit agreement with CDR in connection with the development of the REC project. Under the amended credit agreement, CCE agreed to loan to CDR a total of CAD 24 million in two separate loans, Loan A and Loan B. Loan A would be for CAD 13 million and Loan B would be for CAD 11 million. Loan A has an interest rate of BMO prime plus 600 basis points and a term of five years, and CAD 11 million of the loan is convertible at CCE’s option into an additional ownership position in CDR of up to 60%. Loan B has an interest rate equivalent to the rate charged under the BMO Credit Agreement plus an administrative fee and a term of five years. CCE will not advance funds from Loan B to CDR until CCE has advanced all monies from Loan A. Both loans are secured by a leasehold mortgage on the REC property and a pledge of CDR’s stock by the majority of the CDR shareholders. Both loans are for the exclusive use of developing and operating the REC project. CCE intends to fund both loans with additional borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement (Note 6).   

 

Under the amended credit agreement with CDR, CCE acquired 15% of CDR, controls the CDR board of directors, manages the development and operation of the REC project and has the right to convert CAD 11 million of Loan A into an additional 60% ownership interest in CDR. Once the REC is developed and operational and for as long as CCE has not converted the CDR loan into a majority ownership position in CDR, CCE will receive 60% of CDR’s net profit before tax as a management fee. However, as a condition of licensing by the Alberta Gaming and Liquor Commission (“AGLC”), the Company anticipates converting the loan to a majority ownership interest on or before the REC is operational.

 

As of November 29, 2013, the Company began consolidating CDR as a minority owned subsidiary for which it has a controlling financial interest. Unaffiliated shareholders own the remaining 85% of CDR. The Company accounts for and reports the remaining 85% CDR ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest. CDR contributed a total of less than $0.1 million in net operating revenue and less than $0.1 million in net losses from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2013 and $0.5 million in net operating revenue and less than $0.1 million in net losses from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.

 

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The REC project will be the only horse race track in the Calgary area and will consist of a 5.5 furlongs (0.7 miles) racetrack, a gaming floor with 550 proposed slot machines, a bar, a lounge, restaurant facilities, an off-track-betting area and an entertainment area. The AGLC has approved development of the project and a preliminary license. The AGLC will not issue a final license until the REC opens. Horse Racing Alberta, the governing authority for horseracing in Alberta, has approved the REC project and approved a license.

 

The Company accounted for the transaction as a business combination, and accordingly, CDR’s assets of $22.9 million (including $0.1 million in cash) and liabilities of $20.5 million were included in the Company's consolidated balance sheet at November 29, 2013. Goodwill of $0.2 million is attributable to the expected business expansion opportunity for the Company. The acquisition leverages the Company’s management specialties and expertise in the gaming industry to the horse racing industry, and the REC project, once completed, will be one of the Company’s largest scale properties. Goodwill is not a tax deductible item for the Company. 

 

Upon consolidation, the fair value of the Company’s 15% ownership interest was determined to be $0.4 million as of the acquisition date. Since the Company did not give any cash consideration for the 15% ownership interest, it recorded the $0.4 million as a gain in “Gain on business combination” in the 2013 consolidated statement of earnings. The fair value was determined based on the controlling interest obtained and on the Company’s valuation of CDR using the following methods, which the Company believes provide the most appropriate indicators of fair value: 

 

Details of the purchase in the table below are based on estimated fair values of assets and liabilities as of November 29, 2013. Allocation of the purchase consideration is preliminary and subject to adjustment as the Company obtains additional information during the measurement period (a period up to one year).

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Non-controlling interest

The Company recognized the non-controlling interest of the non-affiliated shareholders in CDR at its fair value of $2.3 million as of November 29, 2013.

 

Acquisition-related costs

The Company incurred acquisition costs of approximately $0.4 million in connection with the CDR acquisition. These costs include legal, accounting, and valuation fees and were recorded as general and administrative expenses as of September 30, 2014.  

 

Land

Prior to the Company’s acquisition, CDR purchased various plots of land on which the REC project will be constructed.  CDR sold a portion of this land consisting of 71.99 acres to 1685258 Alberta Ltd (“Rosebridge”) and leased  back 51.99 acres of the land. The Company began accounting for the lease using the financing method as of the date of acquisition. Under the financing method, the Company accounts for the land subject to lease as an asset and the lease payments as interest on the financing obligation. As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding balance on the financing obligation was $17.4 million and the implicit interest rate was 10.0%.

 

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Contingent Liability

In February 2013, 1369454 Alberta Ltd filed a lawsuit against CDR for previously owed money not paid by CDR.  The case was settled in April 2013, and CDR issued a promissory note to pay 1369454 Alberta Ltd. CAD 0.2 million  ($0.2 million based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014).  

 

Financing

Prior to November 29, 2013, the Company loaned $1.4 million to CDR for deferred financing costs related to legal fees incurred for the CDR loan  and various expenditures relating to the development of the REC. As of the date of consolidation, the Company began eliminating the loan as an intercompany transaction.

 

Restricted Cash

The Company’s subsidiary CCE loaned $0.2 million to CDR in December 2013 to pay outstanding Canadian federal tax owed by CDR. The unsecured note is due and payable on December 31, 2014 and has a 4% interest rate. The note will be repaid once $0.5 million of restricted cash is released from escrow held with Rosebridge in connection with the land lease.

 

Pro Forma Results

Pro forma information is not included because the limited operating activities of CDR during the comparable 2013 periods presented are immaterial.

 

 

4.GOODWILL AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS

 

Goodwill

We test goodwill for impairment as of October 1 each year, or more frequently as circumstances indicate it is necessary.  Testing compares the estimated fair values of our reporting units to the reporting units’ carrying values.  Our reporting units with goodwill balances as of September 30, 2014 include our Edmonton casino property, our CPL casino operations, and CDR’s REC project development activities.  We consider a variety of factors when estimating the fair value of our reporting units, including estimates about the future operating results of each reporting unit, multiples of earnings, various market analyses, and recent sales of comparable businesses, if such information is available to us.  The Company makes a variety of estimates and judgments about the relevance and comparability of these factors to the reporting units in estimating their fair values.   If the carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its estimated fair value, the fair value of each reporting unit is allocated to the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities to determine the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill and whether impairment is necessary.  No impairment charges related to goodwill were recorded during 2013 or during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Changes in the carrying amount of goodwill related to the Company’s Edmonton property, CPL casino operations and CDR’s REC project development activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

 

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Intangible Assets

 

Trademarks

The Company currently owns two trademarks, the Century Casinos trademark and the Casinos Poland trademark. As of April 8, 2013, the Company began reporting the Casinos Poland trademark as an intangible asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Changes in the carrying amount of trademarks for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

 

The Company has determined both trademarks have indefinite useful lives and therefore the Company does not amortize trademarks. Rather, the Company tests its trademarks for impairment annually or more frequently as circumstances indicate it is necessary. The Company tests trademarks for impairment using the relief-from-royalty method. If the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, the Company would recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference. No impairment charges related to trademarks were recorded during 2013 or during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Casino Licenses

 

Casinos Poland

Casinos Poland currently has nine casino licenses, each with an original term of six years. As of April 8, 2013, the Company began reporting the Polish casino licenses as finite-lived intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. On June 30, 2014, the Casinos Poland management board decided to suspend operations at the Sosnowiec casino for a period of five months. During the preceding year, the board replaced staff, changed the exterior appearance of the casino, increased marketing efforts and modified the floor plan of the casino. However, the casino had not achieved profitability. Based on the decision to suspend operations, the Company evaluated the carrying amount of the Sosnowiec casino license and determined that it no longer had value. Therefore, the Company wrote down the Sosnowiec casino license to zero and charged $0.2 million to operating costs and expenses.  Changes in the carrying amount of the Casinos Poland licenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 are as follows:

 

 

 

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As of September 30, 2014, estimated amortization expense for the CPL casino licenses over the next five years is as follows:

 

 

 

 

Such estimates do not reflect the impact of future foreign exchange rate changes or the renewal of the licenses. The weighted average period before the next renewal is 3.4 years.

 

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

CDR currently has one casino license pending final approval from the AGLC for the REC project. The AGLC has approved development of the REC project and a preliminary license. However, the AGLC will not issue a final license until the REC opens. As of November 29, 2013, the Company began reporting the CDR license as an intangible asset on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. As of September 30, 2014, the carrying amount of the license was $2.8 million. No impairment charges related to the license have been recorded during 2013 or during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

 

 

 

5.PROMOTIONAL ALLOWANCES

 

Hotel accommodations, bowling, food and beverage furnished without charge to customers are included in gross revenue at retail value and are deducted as promotional allowances to arrive at net operating revenue. The Company also issues coupons to customers for the purpose of generating future revenue. The value of coupons redeemed is applied against the revenue generated on the day of the redemption. The estimated cost of provided promotional allowances is as follows:

 

 

 

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Members of the Company’s casinos’ player clubs earn points based on, among other things, their volume of play at the Company’s casinos. Players can accumulate points over time that they may redeem at their discretion under the terms of the program. The Company records a liability based on the points earned multiplied by the redemption value, and records a corresponding reduction in casino revenue. Points can be redeemed for cash, free play and/or various amenities at the casino, such as meals, hotel stays and gift shop items. The value of the points is offset against the revenue in the period in which the points were earned. The value of unused or unredeemed points is included in accrued liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. The expiration of unused points results in a reduction of the liability. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance of this liability was $1.0 and $0.9 million, respectively.

 

 

6. LONG-TERM DEBT

 

Long-term debt as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 consisted of the following:

 

 

*The financing obligation represents the land lease with CDR. Prior to the Company’s acquisition, CDR purchased various plots of land on which the REC project will be constructed. CDR sold a portion of the land consisting of 71.99 acres to Rosebridge and leased back 51.99 acres of the land. The Company began accounting for the lease using the financing method as of the date of the CDR acquisition. Under the financing method, the Company accounts for the land subject to lease as an asset and the lease payments as interest on the financing obligation. Under the land lease, CDR has four options to purchase the land. The first option date is July 1, 2023.

 

As of September 30, 2014, scheduled maturities related to Bank of Montreal and Casinos Poland long-term debt are as follows:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Due to the nature of the CDR land lease financing obligation, there are no principal payments due until the Company exercises its option to purchase the land. Lease payments are applied to interest only, and any change in the outstanding balance of the financing obligation relates to foreign currency translation.

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The consolidated weighted average interest rate on all Company debt was 7.7% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The Company pays a floating interest rate on its borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement and the current interest rate is approximately 3.75%. The Company pays a weighted average interest rate of 5.60% on its borrowings under the CPL loan agreements. The weighted average interest rate on all Company debt is higher than the 3.75% interest rate of the BMO Credit Agreement and the weighted average interest of 5.60% on the CPL loan agreements due to the CDR financing obligation, on which the Company pays an implicit interest rate of 10.0%.  

 

Credit Agreement – Bank of Montreal

In May 2012, the Company, through its Canadian subsidiaries, entered into the CAD 28.0 million credit agreement with the Bank of Montreal. On August 15, 2014, the Company, through its Canadian subsidiaries, entered into an amended and restated BMO Credit Agreement that increased the principal amount of the loan to CAD 39.1 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had borrowed CAD 17.5 million, of which the outstanding balance was CAD 15.5 million  ($13.8 million based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) and the Company had approximately CAD 21.6 million ($19.3 million based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) available under the BMO Credit Agreement. The outstanding borrowings cannot be re-borrowed once they are repaid. The Company has used borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement primarily to repay the Company’s mortgage loan related to the Edmonton property, pay for the additional 33.3% investment in CPL (Note 3) and pay for development costs related to the REC project (Note 3). The Company can also use the loan proceeds to pursue the development or acquisition of new gaming opportunities and for general corporate purposes. Borrowings bear interest at fixed rates or at BMO’s floating rate plus a margin.  Any funds not drawn down under the BMO Credit Agreement are subject to standby fees ranging from 0.50% to 0.75% payable quarterly in arrears. The BMO Credit Agreement has a term of five years through August 2019 and is guaranteed by the Company. The shares of the Company’s subsidiaries in Edmonton and Calgary and the Company’s 15% interest in CDR are pledged as collateral for the BMO Credit Agreement. The BMO Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to the Canadian subsidiaries, in addition to covenants restricting their incurrence of additional debt. The Company was in compliance with all covenants of the BMO Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

Amortization expenses relating to deferred financing charges were $0.1 million for the period ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. These costs are included in interest expense in the consolidated statements of earnings.

 

Casinos Poland

As of September 30, 2014, CPL had debt totaling $7.4 million. The debt includes two credit agreements,  one credit facility and 12 capital lease agreements.

 

The first credit agreement is with mBank (formerly known as BRE Bank).  Under this credit agreement, CPL entered into the 3 year term loan in November 2013 at an interest rate of Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (“WIBOR”) plus 1.75%. Proceeds from the loan were used to repay the balance of the Bank Pocztowy loan related to the CPL properties, invest in slot equipment and relocate the Company’s Poznan, Poland casino. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding on the term loan was $3.1 million. CPL has no further borrowing availability under the loan, and the loan matures in November 2016. The mBank credit agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt by CPL. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of this mBank agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

The second credit agreement is also with mBank. Under this credit agreement, CPL entered into the 3 year term loan on September 15, 2014 at an interest rate of WIBOR plus 1.70%. Proceeds from the loan were used to repay balances outstanding under a prior credit agreement that matured in September 2014 and to finance current operations. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding on the term loan was $0.9 million. CPL has no further borrowing availability under the loan, and the loan matures in September 2017. The mBank credit agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of this mBank agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

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The credit facility is a short-term line of credit with BPH Bank used to finance current operations. The bank line of credit bears an interest rate of WIBOR plus 1.85%. The credit facility terminates on February 13, 2016. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding was $3.2 million and CPL has approximately $0.1 million available under the facility. The BPH Bank facility contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt by CPL. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of the BPH Bank line of credit as of September 30, 2014.

 

CPL’s remaining debt consists of 12 capital lease agreements for various vehicles. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding was $0.1 million.

 

In addition, under Polish gaming law, CPL is required to maintain PLN 4.8 million in the form of deposits or bank guarantees for payment of casino jackpots and gaming tax obligations.  mBank issued guarantees to CPL for this purpose totaling PLN 4.8 million ($1.5 million based on the exchange rate in effect as of September 30, 2014). The mBank guarantees terminate on October 31, 2019.  As of September 30, 2014, CPL maintained $0.4 million in deposits for this purpose.

 

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

Prior to the Company’s acquisition, CDR purchased various plots of land on which the REC project will be constructed. CDR sold a portion of this land consisting of 71.99 acres to Rosebridge and leased back 51.99 acres of the land. The Company began accounting for the lease using the financing method as of the date of acquisition. Under the financing method, the Company accounts for the land subject to lease as an asset and the lease payments as interest on the financing obligation. As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding balance on the financing obligation was $17.4 million and the implicit interest rate was 10.0%.  

 

7.INCOME TAXES 

 

The Company’s pre-tax income (loss), income tax expense (benefit) and effective tax rate by jurisdiction are summarized in the table below:

 

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company recognized income tax expense of $0.8 million on pre-tax income of $0.4 million, representing an effective income tax benefit rate of 208.5% compared to an income tax expense of $0.7 million on pre-tax income of $7.3 million, representing an effective income tax rate of 9.4% for the same period in 2013.

 

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The increase in the effective tax rate compared to the same period in 2013 is primarily the result of a pre-tax loss in the United States and lower pre-tax income in Austria and Poland for the third  quarter of 2014. Since the Company maintains a full valuation allowance on all of its U.S. and Austrian deferred tax assets, income tax expense is recorded relative to the jurisdictions that recognize book earnings.  In addition, the movement of exchange rates for intercompany loans denominated in U.S. dollars further impacts the Company’s effective income tax rate. Therefore, the Company’s overall effective income tax rate can be significantly impacted by foreign currency gains or losses.

 

8.EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The calculation of basic earnings per share considers only weighted average outstanding common shares in the computation. The calculation of diluted earnings per share gives effect to all potentially dilutive securities. The calculation of diluted earnings per share is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, plus, if dilutive, the assumed exercise of stock options using the treasury stock method. Weighted average shares outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows:

 

 

 

 

The following stock options are anti-dilutive and have not been included in the weighted average shares outstanding calculation:

 

 

 

9. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

 

The Company follows fair value measurement authoritative accounting guidance for all assets and liabilities measured at fair value. That authoritative accounting guidance defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Market or observable inputs are the preferred sources of values, followed by assumptions based on hypothetical transactions in the absence of market inputs. The fair value hierarchy for grouping these assets and liabilities is based on the significance level of the following inputs:

 

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A financial instrument’s categorization within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement.  The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.  The Company reflects transfers between the three levels at the beginning of the reporting period in which the availability of observable inputs no longer justifies classification in the original level. 

 

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

We had no assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. 

 

Nonrecurring Fair Value Measurements

We have applied the provisions of the fair value measurement standard to our nonrecurring, non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value.  These assets and liabilities consist of those acquired by the Company in connection with our increased ownership in CPL and CDR. These assets are not measured at fair value on an ongoing basis, but are subject to fair value measurement only in certain circumstances. The following table presents information about our non-financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands),  aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those assets fall.

 

 

 

 

The Company used the following methods to estimate the fair values of the assets and liabilities in the table above:

 

Contingent liability – Level 3 fair value measurements include the measurement of the contingent liability recorded for CPL. The Company measures the fair value of the contingent liability using a probability weighted cash flow analysis. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurements of the liability, such measurements have been classified as Level 3.

 

Noncontrolling interests - Noncontrolling interests are measured primarily by a market comparables analysis that considers key financial inputs and recent public and private transactions and other available measures.

 

Trademark – The Company measured the Casinos Poland trademark acquired from CPL by using the relief from royalty method. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurements of the asset, such measurements have been classified as Level 3.

 

Property and equipment, net –The Company measured the fair value of property and equipment by using the direct market value approach and the direct and indirect cost approach. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurements of the liability, such measurements have been classified as Level 3.

 

Casino licenses– The Company measured casino licenses acquired from CPL by using a replacement cost method. Because of the significance of the unobservable inputs in the fair value measurements of the asset, such measurements have been classified as Level 3.

 

 

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On June 30, 2014, the Casinos Poland management board decided to suspend operations at the Sosnowiec casino for a period of five months. During the preceding year, the board replaced staff, changed the exterior appearance of the casino, increased marketing efforts and modified the floor plan of the casino. However, the casino had not achieved profitability. Based on the decision to suspend operations, the Company evaluated the carrying amount of the Sosnowiec casino license and determined that it no longer had value. The Company also evaluated the carrying amount of the leasehold improvements, which are reported as property and equipment on the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet, at the Sosnowiec casino and determined that the asset no longer had value. Therefore, the Company wrote down the Sosnowiec casino license and the Sosnowiec casino leasehold improvements to zero and charged $0.7 million to operating costs and expenses for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

 

Long-Term Debt – The carrying value of the Company’s BMO Credit Agreement approximates fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 because it bears interest at the lenders’ variable rate.  The carrying value of the CPL debt approximates fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 because a substantial portion of the debt is short-term with a primarily variable interest rate and CPL recently negotiated the debt with the lender. Based on prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, the estimated fair values of the outstanding balances under the Company’s BMO Credit Agreement and CPL debt are designated as Level 2 measurements in the fair value hierarchy. The carrying value of the CDR debt approximates fair value as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 because the debt bears interest at a rate implicit in the CDR land lease with the third party lessor at the time of the recent CDR acquisition.  Based on the unobservable inputs used in the CDR land lease, the estimated fair value of the Company’s CDR debt is designated as a Level 3 measurement in the fair value hierarchy.

 

Other Estimated Fair Value Measurements – The estimated fair value of our other assets and liabilities, such as cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and accrued liabilities have been determined to approximate carrying value based on the short-term nature of those financial instruments. As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no cash equivalents. 

 

10.SEGMENT INFORMATION

 

The Company’s chief operating decision maker is an executive management committee, comprised of two individuals.  These two individuals are our Co-CEOs. The Company’s casino properties provide gaming, hotel accommodations, dining facilities and other amenities to the Company’s customers. Management views each property as an operating segment based on its business activities, financial information and operating results, which are used by our chief operating decision maker function to assess performance and allocate resources within the Company. The Company’s operating segments have been aggregated into one reporting segment based on the similarities among economic characteristics, the nature of the products and services provided, types of customers, the methods used to distribute our products and services, the regulatory environments in which they operate and their management and reporting structure. All significant intercompany transactions have been eliminated. 

 

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The Company's principal operating activities occur in four geographic areas: the United States, Canada, Europe and in international waters. The following summary provides information regarding the Company’s principal geographic areas:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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11. EQUITY

 

Austrian Depository Certificates (“ADCs”)

On August 22, 2014, the Company announced that it had initiated delisting of the ADCs of the Company from the Vienna Stock Exchange effective September 30, 2014 due to consistently low trading volume on that exchange. On August 25, 2014 the Vienna Stock Exchange approved the delisting of the ADCs. On September 30, 2014, the ADCs of the Company traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange were automatically converted into the corresponding number of shares of the Company’s common stock tradable on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The NASDAQ Capital Market, where the Company’s common stock has been listed since 1994, remains as the exclusive stock exchange for the Company.

 

 

 

 

12.SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On October 31, 2014, CCE entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (“Joint Venture”) with Gambling and Entertainment LLC and Gambling and Entertainment International Corp. and its shareholders, pursuant to which CCE purchased 7.5% of the shares of Mendoza Central Entretenimientos S.A., a company formed in Argentina (“MCE”), for $1 million. Through the Joint Venture, CCE will work with MCE to utilize MCE’s exclusive concession agreement with Instituto Provincial de Juegos y Casinos to lease slot machines and provide related services to Mendoza Casino, a casino located in Mendoza, Argentina, and owned by the Province of Mendoza. The Joint Venture may also pursue other gaming opportunities. Under the Joint Venture, CCE has the right to appoint one director to MCE’s Board of Directors. In addition, CCE has a three-year option to purchase up to 50% of the shares of MCE and to appoint additional directors to MCE’s Board of Directors based on its ownership percentage of MCE. On October 31, 2014, CCE and MCE also entered into a Consulting Service Agreement in which CCE will provide advice on casino matters. Through the Consulting Service Agreement, CCE will receive a service fee consisting of a fixed fee plus a percentage of MCE’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

 

On November 5, 2014, the Company announced that it had amended its concession agreement with TUI Cruises to include the Mein Schiff 4. The new 2,500-passenger ship is currently being built and is scheduled to commence operations in June 2015.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Item 2.  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

 

Forward-Looking Statements, Business Environment and Risk Factors

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. In addition, Century Casinos, Inc. (together with its subsidiaries, the “Company”) may make other written and oral communications from time to time that contain such statements. Forward-looking statements include statements as to industry trends and future expectations of the Company and other matters that do not relate strictly to historical facts and are based on certain assumptions by management at the time such statements are made.  These statements are often identified by the use of words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “estimate,” or “continue,” and similar expressions or variations. These statements are based on the beliefs and assumptions of the management of the Company based on information currently available to management. Such forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from future results expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements include, among others, the risks described in the section entitled “Risk Factors” under Item 1A in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. We caution the reader to carefully consider such factors. Furthermore, such forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which such statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

References in this item to “we,” “our,” or “us” are to the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis unless the context otherwise requires. The term “CAD” refers to Canadian dollars and the term “PLN” refers to Polish zloty. Certain terms used in this Item 2 without definition are defined in Item 1.

 

Amounts presented in this Item 2 are rounded. As such, rounding differences could occur in period over period changes and percentages reported throughout this Item 2.

 

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

 

Overview

 

Since our inception in 1992, we have been primarily engaged in developing and operating gaming establishments and related lodging, restaurant and entertainment facilities. Our primary source of revenue is from the net proceeds of our gaming machines and tables, with ancillary revenue generated from hotel, restaurant, bowling and entertainment facilities that are a part of the casinos.

 

We currently own, operate and manage the following casinos through wholly-owned subsidiaries:

 

In 2007, our subsidiary CCE acquired 33.3% of the outstanding shares issued by CPL and we accounted for the investment under the equity method. In April 2013, CCE acquired from LOT Polish Airlines an additional 33.3% ownership interest in CPL. As of April 2013, we began consolidating our 66.6% ownership of CPL as a majority-owned subsidiary for which we have a controlling financial interest. Polish Airports owns the remaining 33.3% of CPL. We account for and report the 33.3% Polish Airports ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest.

 

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CPL has been in operation since 1989 and is the owner and operator of nine casinos throughout Poland with a total of 471 slot machines and 73 gaming tables. The following table summarizes the Polish cities in which CPL operated as of September 30, 2014, each casino’s location and the number of slots and tables at each casino. 

 

 

*Operations at the Sosnowiec casino were suspended as of June 30, 2014.

 

We also operate 16 ship-based casinos onboard ships of the following  five cruise lines: Oceania Cruises, TUI Cruises, Windstar Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Nova Star Cruises, Ltd. As of September 30, 2014, we had a total of 556 slot machines and 65 tables aboard the 16 cruise ships where we operated ship-based casinos. The following table summarizes the cruise lines for which we have entered into agreements and the associated ships on which we operated ship-based casinos as of September 30, 2014.

 

 

* Our casino operation onboard Insignia was suspended on April 5, 2012 as Oceania Cruises leased the vessel to a different cruise line. The Insignia rejoined Oceania Cruises in May 2014, at which time we again began operating this ship-based casino. We did not operate this ship-based casino while Oceania Cruises leased it to a different cruise line.

 

** In June 2014, TUI Cruises launched the Mein Schiff 3 and we currently operate the ship-based casino onboard this ship.

 

*** In May 2014, Windstar Cruises launched the Star Pride, the first of three newly acquired all suite cruise ships. We operate the ship-based casino onboard this ship. Windstar Cruises is planning to begin operations on the other two vessels during the second quarter of 2015, and we expect to operate the planned ship-based casinos onboard each ship.

 

**** In February 2014, we signed an exclusive agreement with Nova Star Cruises Ltd. to operate a ship-based casino onboard the Nova Star, a round trip cruise ferry service connecting Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. The ferry began operations on May 15, 2014 and operates on a seasonal basis from May to November.  In September 2014, Nova Star Cruises Ltd. announced that it was shortening its 2014 sailing season with the final round trip ending on October 14, 2014.

 

In November 2014, we amended our concession agreement with TUI Cruises to include the Mein Schiff 4, a new 2,500-passenger ship that is currently being constructed. TUI Cruises plans to launch the Mein Schiff 4 in June 2015.

 

In December 2010, we entered into a long-term management agreement to direct the operation of the casino at the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa. We receive a management fee consisting of a fixed fee, plus a percentage of the casino’s EBITDA.

 

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino - Calgary, Canada 

 

On November 30, 2012, our subsidiary CCE signed credit and management agreements with CDR in connection with the development and operation of a REC project in Balzac, north metropolitan area of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, which we will operate as Century Downs Racetrack and Casino.

 

The REC project will be the only horse race track in the Calgary area and will consist of a 5.5 furlongs (0.7 miles) racetrack, a gaming floor with 550 proposed slot machines, a bar, a lounge, restaurant facilities, an off-track-betting area and an entertainment area. The REC license is the only license still available in any metropolitan area of Alberta. The license application for this REC project pre-dates a three year moratorium imposed by the AGLC on new casinos and RECs that runs until 2015. The AGLC also has an option to extend the moratorium for an additional two years.

 

The project is located less than one mile north of the city limits of Calgary and 4.5 miles from the Calgary International Airport. The location will allow the REC to capture both the north and the northwest Calgary markets, where there is not currently a casino. The REC will be located approximately 17 miles from Century Casino Calgary and will serve what we believe is a different customer base, including customers who also are interested in horse racing.

 

The AGLC has approved development of the project and a preliminary license. The AGLC will not issue a final license until the REC opens. Horse Racing Alberta, the governing authority for horse racing in Alberta, has approved the REC project and approved a license. Construction commenced in March 2014 and we anticipate that CDR will complete the REC by the first quarter of 2015.

 

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On November 29, 2013, CCE finalized an amended credit agreement with CDR in connection with the development of the REC project. Under the amended credit agreement, CCE agreed to loan to CDR a total of CAD 24 million in two separate loans, Loan A and Loan B. Loan A would be for CAD 13 million and Loan B would be for CAD 11 million. Loan A has an interest rate of BMO prime plus 600 basis points and a term of five years, and CAD 11 million of the loan is convertible at CCE’s option into an ownership position in CDR of up to 60%. Loan B has an interest rate equivalent to the rate charged under the BMO Credit Agreement plus an administrative fee and a term of five years. CCE will not advance funds from Loan B to CDR until CCE has advanced all monies from Loan A. Both loans are secured by a leasehold mortgage on the REC property and a pledge of CDR’s stock by the majority of the CDR shareholders. Both loans are for the exclusive use of developing and operating the REC project. CCE intends to fund both loans with additional borrowings under our BMO Credit Agreement.     

 

Under the amended credit agreement with CDR, CCE acquired 15% of CDR, controls the CDR board of directors, manages the development and operation of the REC project and has the right to convert CAD 11 million of Loan A into an additional 60% ownership interest in CDR. Once the REC is developed and operational and for as long as CCE has not converted the CDR loan into a majority ownership position in CDR, CCE will receive 60% of CDR’s net profit before tax as a management fee. However, as a condition of AGLC licensing, the Company anticipates converting the loan to a majority ownership interest on or before the REC is operational.

 

As of November 29, 2013, the Company began consolidating CDR as a minority owned subsidiary for which we have a controlling financial interest. Unaffiliated shareholders own the remaining 85% of CDR. The Company accounts for and reports the remaining 85% CDR ownership interest as a non-controlling financial interest.

Other Projects under Development

On June 10, 2013, we announced that we were one of four companies applying for a 15-year casino license at the Hotel InterContinental in Vienna, Austria. On July 27, 2014, we announced that the Austrian authorities awarded the casino license to another applicant.

On October 31, 2014, CCE entered into a Joint Venture Agreement (“Joint Venture”) with Gambling and Entertainment LLC and Gambling and Entertainment International Corp. and its shareholders, pursuant to which CCE purchased 7.5% of the shares of Mendoza Central Entretenimientos S.A., a company formed in Argentina (“MCE”), for $1 million. Through the Joint Venture, CCE will work with MCE to utilize MCE’s exclusive concession agreement with Instituto Provincial de Juegos y Casinos to lease slot machines and provide related services to Mendoza Casino, a casino located in Mendoza, Argentina, and owned by the Province of Mendoza. The Joint Venture may also pursue other gaming opportunities. Under the Joint Venture, CCE has the right to appoint one director to MCE’s Board of Directors. In addition, CCE has a three-year option to purchase up to 50% of the shares of MCE and to appoint additional directors to MCE’s Board of Directors based on its ownership percentage of MCE.  On October 31, 2014, CCE and MCE also entered into a Consulting Service Agreement in which CCE will provide advice on casino matters.  Through the Consulting Service Agreement, CCE will receive a service fee consisting of a fixed fee plus a percentage of MCE’s earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

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Presentation of Foreign Currency Amounts - The average exchange rates to the U.S. dollar used to translate balances during each reported period are as follows:

 

 

 

We recognize in our statement of earnings foreign currency transaction gains or losses resulting from the translation of casino operations and other transactions that are denominated in a currency other than U.S. dollars. Our casinos in Canada and Poland represent a significant portion of our business, and the revenue generated and expenses incurred by these operations are generally denominated in Canadian dollars and Polish zloty. A decrease in the value of these currencies in relation to the value of the U.S. dollar would decrease the earnings from our foreign operations when translated into U.S. dollars, and an increase in the value of these currencies in relation to the value of the U.S. dollar would increase the earnings from our foreign operations when translated into U.S. dollars.

 

 

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DISCUSSION OF RESULTS

Consolidated results are discussed in further detail in the following pages.

Century Casinos, Inc. and Subsidiaries

 

 

The period over period increase in net operating revenue and decrease in net earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily relate to the inclusion of operating results for Casinos Poland for the full nine months ended September 30, 2014, as opposed to only including operating results for Casinos Poland beginning April 8, 2013 through September 30, 2013 for the same period in 2013. On April 8, 2013, we purchased an additional 33.3% ownership interest in CPL and began consolidating CPL as a majority-owned subsidiary for which we have a controlling financial interest. Prior to the acquisition of this additional interest in CPL, we owned 33.3% of CPL and accounted for the CPL ownership interest as an equity investment. CPL contributed $37.1 million in net operating revenue and $0.6 million in net losses from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014. In addition, the consolidation of CDR as of November 29, 2013 as a minority owned subsidiary for which we have a controlling financial interest affects the comparability of 2014 and 2013 financial results. CDR contributed $0.5 million in net operating revenue and less than $0.1 million in net losses from January 1, 2014 through September 30, 2014.

 

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Net operating revenue decreased by ($0.7) million, or (2.4%), and increased by $13.6 million, or 18.1%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Following is a breakout of net operating revenue by property or category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:  

 

*We acquired a controlling interest in Casinos Poland on April 8, 2013.

 

Operating costs and expenses decreased by less than ($0.1) million, or (0.2%), and increased by $17.2 million, or 24.8%, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014  compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Following is a breakout of total operating costs and expenses by property or category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013: 

 

*We acquired a controlling interest in Casinos Poland on April 8, 2013.

 

Earnings from operations decreased by ($0.7) million, or  (47.8%), and ($3.5) million, or (63.3%), for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Following is a breakout of earnings from operations by property or category for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013: 

 

*We acquired a controlling interest in Casinos Poland on April 8, 2013.

 

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Net earnings decreased by ($0.3) million, or (25.8%), and ($4.9) million, or (77.1%), for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. Items deducted from or added to earnings from operations to arrive at net earnings include interest income, interest expense, gains on foreign currency transactions, gain on business combination, income tax expense and non-controlling interests.

 

Reportable Segments

 

We have aggregated our operating segments into one reportable segment based on similarities among the nature of economic characteristics, services, customers and regulatory environments in which each segment operates.  Management views each property as an operating segment based on its business activities, financial information, and operating results, which our chief operating decision maker function uses to assess performance and allocate resources within the Company. Our properties provide gaming, hotel accommodations, dining facilities and other amenities to our customers, which we utilize to drive customer volume. Our operating results are highly dependent on the volume of customers at our resorts and customer volume affects the price we can charge for our hotel rooms, dining and other amenities. Our operating results are significantly affected by our ability to generate operating revenue.

 

We have additional business activities including certain other corporate and management operations. We report our operations that we do not segregate into operating segments as "corporate and other" in our consolidated results.

 

The following discussion provides further detail of consolidated results by operating segment.

 

Casinos

Edmonton

 

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Edmonton increased by less than $0.1 million, or 0.7%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net operating revenue increased by 0.4 million, or 5.6%, due to increases in all revenue categories except other revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in other revenue of less than CAD (0.1) million, or (2.5%), was due to a decrease in ticket revenue as a result of fewer shows being offered in the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in gaming and food and beverage revenue of CAD 0.4 million, or 6.0%, was primarily due to a 7.0% increase in customer volumes and expanded table games hours allowed by the AGLC for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  Effective April 1, 2014, the AGLC began allowing casino table games to operate up to a maximum of 17 consecutive hours commencing at 10:00 a.m. and ending no later than 3:00 a.m. 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by less than ($0.1) million, or (2.0%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, total operating costs and expenses increased by 0.1 million, or 2.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to additional payroll related to the expanded table games hours.  

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased by $0.1 million, or 6.6%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. In CAD, earnings from operations increased by 0.2 million, or 11.9%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

Net earnings increased by $0.2 million, or 13.2%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net earnings increased by less than 0.1 million, or 0.6%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.   The increase in net earnings of less than CAD 0.1 million compared to the increase in net earnings of $0.2 million was due to foreign currency losses of CAD 0.2 million.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Edmonton decreased by ($0.3) million, or (1.4%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in gaming revenue was due to a decrease in the average exchange rate between the U.S. dollar and Canadian dollar of 6.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 (the “6.9% exchange rate decrease”).

In CAD, net operating revenue increased by 1.0 million, or 5.4%, due to increases in all revenue categories for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The increase in revenue was primarily due to an increase in table games play as a result of expanded table games hours allowed by the AGLC effective April 1, 2014, which resulted in increased revenue of CAD 0.5 million, or 9.4%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.   The increased revenue from slot machine play, hotel, food and beverage of CAD 0.5 million, or 4.0%, is a result of increased customer volumes of 3.5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by ($0.3) million, or (2.1%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to the 6.9% exchange rate decrease.  

In CAD, total operating costs and expenses increased by 0.6 million, or 4.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to increased hourly wages of CAD 0.4 million, or 9.4%, as a result of the increase in the minimum wage and expanded table games hours.  

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Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased by less than $0.1 million, or 0.2%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. In CAD, earnings from operations increased by 0.4 million, or 7.0%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

Net earnings increased by less than $0.1 million, or 0.5%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net earnings increased by 0.4 million, or 9.2%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The increase in net earnings of CAD 0.4 million compared to the increase in net earnings of less than $0.1 million was primarily due to the 6.9% exchange rate decrease.

Calgary

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Calgary increased by $0.1 million, or 6.8%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net operating revenue increased by 0.2 million, or 12.0%, due to increases in table game and food and beverage revenue for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. Gaming revenue increased by CAD 0.2 million, or 4.7%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 due to increased table game play and the addition of an off track betting parlor, which opened in May 2014.  Food and beverage revenue increased by less than CAD 0.1 million, or 9.1%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to the addition of a bar on the gaming floor.

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by less than ($0.1) million, or (1.3%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

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In CAD, total operating costs and expenses increased by 0.1 million, or 3.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to increased wages of CAD 0.1 million, or 4.7%, from the addition of the off track betting parlor and the Infinity Bar along with extended gaming hours for table games. Effective April 1, 2014, the AGLC began allowing casino table games to operate up to a maximum of 17 consecutive hours commencing at 10:00 a.m. and ending no later than 3:00 a.m.

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased by $0.2 million, or 85.0%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. In CAD, earning from operations increased by 0.2 million, or 84.5%, for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

Net earnings increased by $0.2 million, or 134.5%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net earnings decreased by (0.3) million, or (714.3%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net earnings of CAD (0.3) million compared to the increase in net earnings of  $0.2 million was due to an increase in foreign currency losses of CAD 0.5 million offset by a decrease in income tax expense of CAD 0.1 million.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Calgary increased by $0.2 million, or 2.5%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net operating revenue increased by 0.6 million, or 9.5%, due to increases in table game, food and beverage revenue offset by a decrease in slot revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Table game revenue increased CAD 0.5 million, or 3.0%, primarily due to an increase in table games play from the expanded table games hours allowed by the AGLC for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  Food and beverage revenue increased by CAD 0.2 million, or 13.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to the addition of the Infinity Bar on the gaming floor. The decrease in slot revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 of CAD (0.1) million, or (2.5%), was due to a decrease in slot hold percentage.

Total operating costs and expenses increased by less than $0.1 million, or 0.0%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, total operating costs and expenses increased by 0.5 million, or 7.1%, due to increased marketing expenses of CAD 0.1 million, or 15.8%, to advertise the addition of live music at the casino on weekends and the off track betting parlor, higher utility costs of less than CAD 0.1 million, or 16.3%, and increased payroll costs of CAD 0.2 million, or 4.0%, associated with the addition of the off track betting parlor and the Infinity Bar along with extended gaming hours for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations increased by $0.2 million, or 176.1%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. In CAD, earnings from operations increased by 0.2 million, or 184.5%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

Net earnings increased by $0.2 million, or 1744.4%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

In CAD, net earnings decreased by less than (0.1) million, or (2.2%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net earnings of less than CAD (0.1) million compared to the increase in net earnings of $0.2 million  was due to an increase in foreign currency losses of CAD 0.2 million.

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Central City

 

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Central City decreased by ($0.5) million, or (11.2%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net operating revenue was due to a decrease in gaming revenue of ($0.3) million, or (5.3%), as a result of lower customer volumes of 3.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net operating revenue was also a result of an increase in promotional allowances of $0.3 million, or 23.9%, as a result of an increased level of free play granted to Player’s Club members during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

The decrease in customer volumes was due to a declining Central City market that lost market share to Black Hawk and the closure of the Central City Parkway, one of the main entrances to Central City, due to a rockslide.  The parkway was closed from August 12-15, 2014 and was reopened to weekday evening and weekend traffic only through October 10, 2014. The Central City market decreased by 7.6% whereas the Central City/Black Hawk market increased by 2.5% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. Although the overall Central City market decreased, our property’s share of the Central City market increased by 2.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by ($0.2) million, or (4.2%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in total operating costs and expenses was due to a decrease in gaming taxes of less than ($0.1) million, or (15.1%), as a result of lower gaming revenue and decreased marketing expenses during the three months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by ($0.3) million, or (55.8%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013, and net earnings decreased by ($0.2) million, or (55.8%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

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Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Central City decreased by ($1.3) million, or (10.0%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net operating revenue was due to a decrease in gaming revenue of ($1.2) million, or (8.1%), as a result of lower customer volumes of 7.6% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

The decrease in customer volumes was due to a declining Central City market and ongoing road construction on Interstate 70 along with the closure of the Central City Parkway, the main thoroughfares connecting Denver to Central City. The parkway was closed from August 12-15, 2014 and was reopened to weekday evening and weekend traffic only through October 10, 2014. The Central City market decreased by 8.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. We believe the Central City market decreased due to lost market share to the Black Hawk market. The Central City/Black Hawk market decreased by 0.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Although the overall Central City market decreased, our property’s share of the Central City market increased by 1.2% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by ($0.6) million, or (5.3%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in total operating costs and expenses was due to a decrease in gaming taxes of ($0.4) million, or (20.7%), as a result of lower gaming revenues and decreased marketing expenses for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by ($0.7) million, or (42.9%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013, and net earnings decreased by ($0.5) million, or (42.9%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

Cripple Creek

 

 

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Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Cripple Creek decreased by ($0.1) million, or (3.2%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net operating revenue was due to an increase in promotional allowances of $0.2 million, or 27.2%, as a result of an increased level of free play granted to Player’s Club members during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The Cripple Creek market declined by 1.5% during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. Our property’s share of the Cripple Creek market increased by 1.8% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by ($0.1) million, or (3.8%),  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to decreased marketing expenses.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by less than ($0.1) million, or (0.2%), and net earnings increased by $0.1 million, or 0.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue at our property in Cripple Creek decreased by ($1.0) million, or (10.6%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease in net operating revenue was due to a decrease in gaming revenue of ($0.9) million, or (8.7%), as a result of lower customer volumes of 6.3% in the declining Cripple Creek market. The Cripple Creek market declined by 4.4% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Our property’s share of the Cripple Creek market decreased by 4.3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  The decrease in net operating revenue was also due to the increase of promotional allowances of $0.2 million, or 10.7%, as a result of an increased level of free play granted to Player’s Club members for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by ($0.2) million, or (2.4%),  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to decreased gaming taxes of ($0.1) million, or 20.9%, due to lower gaming revenue and decreased marketing expenses.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by ($0.8) million, or (49.8%), and net earnings decreased by ($0.5) million, or (49.8%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

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Casinos Poland

 

*We acquired a controlling interest in Casinos Poland on April 8, 2013.

Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue from Casinos Poland decreased by ($0.7) million, or (6.2%), for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

In PLN, net operating revenue decreased by PLN (2.7) million, or (7.5%), due to the decrease in table game revenue of PLN (5.6) million, or (24%), as a result of competitors offering high quality live games similar to CPL’s.  The decline in table games revenue was offset by an increase in slot revenue of PLN 3.0 million, or 25%, as a result of CPL increasing the number of slot machines and offering a higher quality selection of slot machines throughout their properties for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Total operating costs and expenses decreased by $0.2 million, or (1.6%), for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

In PLN, total operating costs and expenses decreased by PLN (1.2) million, or (3.2%), due to decreased gaming taxes of PLN (1.4) million, or (8%), and payroll expenses of PLN (0.2) million, or (2%), as a result of decreased revenue, offset by higher marketing expenses of PLN 0.2 million, or 25%, and additional rent expense of less than PLN 0.1 million, or 1.7%, from rent on both the new Poznan casino location at the Hotel Andersia and the old Poznan casino location at the NH Hotel. The Poznan casino began operations in the new location on April 12, 2014.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by ($0.5) million, or (894.7%), and net earnings decreased by ($0.3) million, or (495.2%) for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

In PLN, earnings from operations decreased by PLN (1.5) million, or (552.0%), and net earnings decreased by PLN (7.0) million, or (196.4%), for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

The management board of CPL continues to evaluate Casinos Poland operations to determine whether CPL will make further strategic changes to any of the other casinos or cities in which CPL operates.

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Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013*

Net operating revenue from Casinos Poland increased by $15.1 million, or 68.7%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

In PLN, net operating revenue increased by PLN 43.5 million, or 61.71%, due to the inclusion of net operating revenue for Casinos Poland for the full nine months ended September 30, 2014, as opposed to only including net operating revenue for Casinos Poland beginning April 8, 2013 through September 30, 2013. The increase in net operating revenue was also due to the addition of 102 high quality slot machines and increased revenue from the Poznan, Plock and Warsaw LIM Center casinos during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.

 

Total operating costs and expenses increased by $16.7 million, or 77.8%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. 

 

In PLN, total operating costs and expenses increased by PLN 48.5 million, or 70.3%, primarily due to the inclusion of operating costs and expenses for Casinos Poland for the full nine months ended September 30, 2014, as opposed to only including operating costs and expenses for Casinos Poland beginning April 8, 2013 through September 30, 2013. Total operating costs and expenses also increased due to increased gaming taxes as a result of increased revenue and higher marketing expenses. In addition, PLN 2.2 million ($0.7 million) related to the impairment of the leasehold improvements and casino license at the Sosnowiec casino and one-time costs of approximately PLN 0.3 million ($0.1 million) associated with relocating the Poznan casino were charged to operating costs and expenses during the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations decreased by ($1.6) million, or (330.2%), and net earnings decreased by ($1.0) million, or (242.0%) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

In PLN, earnings from operations decreased by PLN (5.0) million, or (335.7%), and net earnings decreased by PLN (3.4) million, or (262.5%), for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

 

The management board of CPL continues to evaluate Casinos Poland operations to determine whether CPL will make further strategic changes to any of the other casinos or the cities in which CPL operates.

 

*We acquired a controlling interest in Casinos Poland on April 8, 2013.

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Century Downs Racetrack and Casino 

 

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2014

Net operating revenue from CDR was $0.1 million and $0.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Revenue was derived from off track betting parlor commissions and fees paid by neighboring developers for the use of infrastructure on CDR land. Total operating costs and expenses related to managing the construction of the project offset by insurance proceeds received due to a barn that was damaged by fire were $0.1 million and $0.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively. Losses from operations were $0.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.  Construction of the REC project began in March 2014, and we anticipate that CDR will complete the project by the first quarter of 2015.

Cruise Ships & Other

 

 

Three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue from our ship-based casinos and Aruba management agreement increased by $0.4 million, or 20.0%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was primarily due to the addition of four new ship-based casinos, Mein Schiff 3, Insignia, Star Pride and Nova Star, along with the increased gaming revenue on the Nautica and Mariner ship-based casinos.

Total operating costs and expenses increased by $0.3 million, or 16.9%,  for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013 due to additional concession fees, payroll costs and travel costs associated with the addition of the four new ship-based casinos.

 

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Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations and net earnings each increased by $0.1 million, or 57.0% and 59.2%, respectively.  

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

Net operating revenue from our ship-based casinos and Aruba management agreement increased by $0.5 million, or 9.0%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The increase was primarily due to the addition of the Mein Schiff 3, Insignia, Star Pride and Nova Star ship-based casinos offset by lower revenue from the Voyager ship-based casino during the first quarter of 2014.

Total operating costs and expenses increased by $0.5 million, or 11.2%,  for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013 due to additional concession fees, payroll costs and travel costs associated with the addition of the four new ship-based casinos and additional gaming taxes to operate on Alaskan waters.

 

Because of the foregoing, earnings from operations and net earnings each decreased by ($0.1) million, or (12.1%) and (14.5%), respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013.  

Corporate Other

 

Three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013

General and administrative expenses for Corporate Other consist primarily of legal and accounting fees, corporate travel expenses, corporate payroll, the amortization of stock-based compensation and other expenses not directly related to any of our individual properties. General and administrative expenses increased by $0.1 million, or 5.0%, and $0.5 million, or 10.3%, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to higher payroll costs. 

 

Non-Operating Income (Expense)

Non-operating income (expense) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows:

 

 

 

Gain on business combination

We recognized a gain of $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 because of measuring at fair value our 33.3% equity interest in CPL held prior to the acquisition date. 

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Interest income

Interest income is directly related to interest earned on our cash reserves and interest earned on a $0.5 million loan in connection with a proposed casino project in Southeast Asia that we decided not to pursue following our diligence investigation. The loan was paid in full in July 2014.

 

Interest expense

The increase in interest expense of $0.5 million and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 was due to interest expense paid on CDR’s debt.

 

Taxes

Our pre-tax income by jurisdiction is summarized in the table below:

 

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recognized income tax expense of $0.8 million on pre-tax income of $0.4 million, representing an effective income tax benefit rate of 208.5% compared to an income tax expense of $0.7 million on pre-tax income of $7.3 million, representing an effective income tax rate of 9.4% for the same period in 2013.

 

The increase in the effective tax rate compared to the same period in 2013 is primarily the result of a pre-tax loss in the United States and lower pre-tax income in Austria and Poland for the third quarter of 2014. Since the Company maintains a full valuation allowance on all of its U.S. and Austrian deferred tax assets, income tax expense is recorded relative to the jurisdictions that recognize book earnings.  In addition, the movement of exchange rates for intercompany loans denominated in U.S. dollars further impacts the Company’s effective income tax rate. Therefore, the Company’s overall effective income tax rate can be significantly impacted by foreign currency gains or losses.

 

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

 

Cash Flows

 

Our business is capital intensive, and we rely heavily on the ability of our casinos to generate operating cash flow. We use the cash flows that we generate to maintain operations, fund reinvestment in existing properties for both refurbishment and expansion projects, repay third party debt, and pursue additional growth via new development and acquisition opportunities. When necessary and available, we supplement the cash flows generated by our operations with either cash on hand or funds provided by bank borrowings or other debt or equity financing activities.

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Credit Agreement – Bank of Montreal

In May 2012, the Company, through its Canadian subsidiaries, entered into the CAD 28.0 million credit agreement with the Bank of Montreal. On August 15, 2014, the Company, through its Canadian subsidiaries, entered into an amended and restated BMO Credit Agreement that increased the principal amount of the loan to CAD 39.1 million. As of September 30, 2014, the Company had borrowed CAD 17.5 million, of which the outstanding balance was CAD 15.5 million ($13.8 million based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) and the Company had approximately CAD 21.6 million ($19.3 million based on the exchange rate in effect on September 30, 2014) available for borrowing under the BMO Credit Agreement.  The outstanding borrowings cannot be re-borrowed once they are repaid. The Company has used borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement primarily to repay the Company’s mortgage loan related to the Edmonton property, pay for the additional 33.3% investment in CPL and pay for development costs related to the REC project.  The Company can also use the loan proceeds to pursue the development or acquisition of new gaming opportunities and for general corporate purposes. Borrowings bear interest at fixed rates or at BMO’s floating rate plus a margin. Any funds that are not drawn down under the BMO Credit Agreement are subject to standby fees ranging from 0.50% to 0.75% payable quarterly in arrears. The BMO Credit Agreement has a term of five years through August 2019 and is guaranteed by the Company.  The shares of the Company’s subsidiaries in Edmonton and Calgary and the Company’s 15% interest in CDR are pledged as collateral for the BMO Credit Agreement.  The BMO Credit Agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to the Canadian subsidiaries, in addition to covenants restricting their incurrence of additional debt.  The Company was in compliance with all covenants of the BMO Credit Agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

Casinos Poland

As of September 30, 2014, CPL had debt totaling $7.4 million. The debt includes two credit agreements, one credit facility and 12 capital lease agreements.

 

The first credit agreement is with mBank (formerly known as BRE Bank). Under this credit agreement, CPL entered into the 3 year term loan in November 2013 at an interest rate of Warsaw Interbank Offered Rate (“WIBOR”) plus 1.75%. Proceeds from the loan were used to repay the balance of the Bank Pocztowy loan related to the CPL properties, invest in slot equipment and relocate the Company’s Poznan, Poland casino. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding on the term loan was $3.1 million. CPL has no further borrowing availability under the loan, and the loan matures in November 2016. The mBank credit agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt by CPL. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of this mBank agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

The second credit agreement is also with mBank. Under this credit agreement, CPL entered into the 3 year term loan on September 15, 2014 at an interest rate of WIBOR plus 1.70%. Proceeds from the loan were used to repay balances outstanding under a prior credit agreement with mBank that matured in September 2014 and to finance current operations. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding was $0.9 million. CPL has no further borrowing availability under the loan and the loan matures in September 2017. The mBank credit agreement contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of this mBank agreement as of September 30, 2014.

 

The credit facility is a short-term line of credit used to finance current operations. The line of credit is with BPH Bank, is a short-term revolving credit facility with an interest rate of WIBOR plus 1.85%. The credit facility terminates on February 13, 2016. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding was $3.2 million and CPL has approximately $0.1 million available under the facility. The BPH Bank facility contains a number of financial covenants applicable to CPL, in addition to covenants restricting incurrence of additional debt by CPL. CPL was in compliance with all covenants of the BPH Bank line of credit as of September 30, 2014.

 

CPL’s remaining debt consists of 12 capital lease agreements for various vehicles. As of September 30, 2014, the amount outstanding was $0.1 million.

 

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In addition, under Polish gaming law, CPL is required to maintain PLN 4.8 million in the form of deposits or bank guarantees for payment of casino jackpots and gaming tax obligations.  mBank has issued guarantees to CPL for this purpose totaling PLN 4.8 million ($1.5 million based on the exchange rate in effect as of September 30, 2014). The mBank guarantees terminate on October 31, 2019.  As of September 30, 2014, CPL also maintained $0.4 million in deposits for this purpose.

 

Century Downs Racetrack and Casino

Prior to the Company’s acquisition, CDR purchased various plots of land on which the REC project will be constructed. CDR sold a portion of this land consisting of 71.99 acres to Rosebridge and leased back 51.99 acres of the land. The Company began accounting for the lease using the financing method as of the date of acquisition. Under the financing method, the Company accounts for the land subject to lease as an asset and the lease payments as interest on a financing obligation. As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding balance on the financing obligation was $17.4 million and the implicit interest rate was 10.0%.

 

Cash and cash equivalents totaled $27.3 million at September 30, 2014, and we had working capital (current assets minus current liabilities) of $5.4 million compared to cash and cash equivalents of $27.4 million and working capital of $5.6 million at December 31, 2013. The decrease in cash and cash equivalents is due to $8.2 million for various capital expenditures, as described further below under investing activities, and a $0.3 million distribution to non-controlling interests in CDR. These uses of cash were offset by $2.2 million of cash provided by operating activities and $6.4 million in proceeds from borrowings net of principal payments.

 

Net cash provided by operating activities was $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Our cash flows from operations have historically been positive and sufficient to fund ordinary operations. Trends in our operating cash flows tend to follow trends in earnings from operations, excluding non-cash charges. Please refer to the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows in Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q and to management’s discussion of the results of operations above in this Item 2 for a discussion of earnings from operations.

 

Net cash used in investing activities of $8.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of $2.6 million to remodel the new Poznan location, make improvements to the Katowice location, convert slot machines from cash to TITO machines and purchase new slot machines for Casinos Poland, $3.7 million for development costs related to the REC project, $0.8 million to purchase slot machines, surveillance systems and various gaming equipment for the Mein Schiff 3, Insignia and Nova Star ship based casinos, $0.4 million to remodel hotel rooms in our Cripple Creek property, $0.1 million to purchase slot machines for our Central City property, $0.1 million to replace slot chairs in our Edmonton property, $0.1 million to remodel the slot bar at our Calgary property and $0.9 million in cumulative additions at our properties. The capital expenditures were offset by proceeds from the repayment of a $0.5 million loan made by the Company in connection with the proposed casino project in Southeast Asia that the Company decided not to pursue following its diligence investigation. 

 

Net cash used in investing activities of $7.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of $4.6 million used to acquire CPL, $0.5 million loaned to pursue the proposed casino project in Southeast Asia, $0.5 million to install new carpet at the properties in Edmonton, Calgary and Central City, $0.5 million to purchase slot machines for our properties in Central City, Cripple Creek and for CPL, $0.3 million to lease vehicles for CPL, $0.3 million to upgrade our slot monitoring systems at our properties in Central City and Cripple Creek, $0.2 million to upgrade hotel rooms for our properties in Central City and Cripple Creek and $0.3 million in cumulative additions at our remaining properties.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities of $6.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 consisted of $6.7 million received from various loan agreements net of principal repayments offset by a $0.3 million distribution to non-controlling interests in CDR.

 

Net cash provided by financing activities of $6.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of $6.5 million received from the BMO Credit Agreement and two CPL bank loans net of principal repayments.

 

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Common Stock Repurchase Program

 

Since 2000, we have had a discretionary program to repurchase our outstanding common stock. In November 2009, we increased the amount available to be repurchased to $15.0 million. We did not repurchase any common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2014. The total amount remaining under the repurchase program was $14.7 million as of September 30, 2014. The repurchase program has no set expiration or termination date.

 

Potential Sources of Liquidity, Short-Term Liquidity

 

Historically, our primary sources of liquidity and capital resources have been cash flow from operations, bank borrowings, sales of existing casino operations and proceeds from the issuance of equity securities.

 

We expect that the primary source of cash will be from our gaming operations and additional borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement. In addition to the payment of operating costs, expected uses of cash within one year include capital expenditures for our existing properties, interest and principal payments on outstanding debt and potential new projects or dividends, if declared by the board of directors. If necessary, we may seek to obtain further term loans, mortgages or lines of credit with commercial banks or other debt or equity financings to supplement our working capital and investing requirements.

 

We believe that our cash at September 30, 2014, as supplemented by cash flows from operations and additional borrowings under the BMO Credit Agreement to fund the REC project, will be sufficient to fund our anticipated operating costs, capital expenditures at existing properties and current debt repayment obligations for at least the next 12 months. We will continue to evaluate our planned capital expenditures at each of our existing locations in light of the operating performance of the facilities at such locations. From time to time we expect to have cash needs for the development or purchase of new properties that exceed our current borrowing capacity and we may be required to seek additional debt, equity or bank financing.

 

In addition, we expect our U.S. domestic cash resources will be sufficient to fund our U.S. operating activities and cash commitments for investing and financing activities. While we currently do not have an intent nor foresee a need to repatriate funds, we could require more capital in the U.S. than is generated by our U.S. operations for operations, capital expenditures or significant discretionary activities such as acquisitions or businesses and share repurchases. If so, we could elect to repatriate earnings from foreign jurisdictions or raise capital in the U.S. through debt or equity issuances, which could have adverse tax consequences, as we have not accrued taxes for un-repatriated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries. We estimate that approximately $22.9 million of our total $27.3 million in cash and cash equivalents at September 30, 2014 is held by our foreign subsidiaries and is not available to fund U.S. operations unless repatriated. The determination of the additional deferred taxes that would be provided for undistributed earnings has not been determined because the hypothetical calculation is not practicable.

 

Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk. 

 

We had no significant changes in our exposure to market risks from that previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Item 4.    Controls and Procedures.

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures –  Our management, with the participation of our principal executive officers and principal financial/accounting officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Exchange Act, for the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our principal executive officers and principal financial/accounting officer have concluded that as of such date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. 

 

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Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting –There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the three months ended September 30, 2014 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

On May 14, 2013, the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) issued an updated version of its Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013 Framework). Originally issued in 1992 (1992 Framework), the framework helps organizations design, implement and evaluate the effectiveness of internal control concepts and simplify their use and application. The 1992 Framework remains available during the transition period, which extends to December 15, 2014, after which time COSO will consider it as superseded by the 2013 Framework. As of September 30, 2014, we continued to utilize the 1992 Framework during the transition to the 2013 Framework by the end of 2014.

 

PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds 

In March 2000, our board of directors approved a discretionary program to repurchase up to $5.0 million of our outstanding common stock. In November 2009, our board of directors approved an increase of the amount available to be repurchased under the program to $15.0 million. The repurchase program has no set expiration or termination date and had approximately $14.7 million remaining as of September 30, 2014. There were no repurchases of common stock during the three months ended September 30, 2014.  

 

Item 5.  Other Information

On August 22, 2014, the Company announced that it had initiated delisting of the Austrian Depositary Certificates (“ADCs”) of the Company from the Vienna Stock Exchange effective September 30, 2014 due to consistently low trading volume on that exchange. On August 25, 2014 the Vienna Stock Exchange approved the delisting of the ADCs.  On September 30, 2014, the ADCs of the Company traded on the Vienna Stock Exchange were automatically converted into the corresponding number of shares of the Company’s common stock tradable on the NASDAQ Capital Market. The NASDAQ Capital Market, where the Company’s common stock has been listed since 1994, remains as the exclusive stock exchange for the Company. 

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Item 6.    Exhibits

 

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

SIGNATURES

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CENTURY CASINOS, INC.

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

* Filed herewith.

** Furnished herewith.

 

 

 

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