FULL HOUSE RESORTS INC - Quarter Report: 2008 September (Form 10-Q)
Table of Contents
UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-Q
(Mark One)
þ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2008
or
o | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the transition period from
to
Commission File No. 1-32583
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 13-3391527 | |
(State or other jurisdiction | (I.R.S. Employer | |
of incorporation or organization) | Identification No.) | |
4670 S. Fort Apache, Ste. 190 | 89147 | |
Las Vegas, Nevada | (Zip Code) | |
(Address of principal executive offices) |
(702) 221-7800
(Registrants telephone number, including area code)
(Registrants 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 þ No o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated
filer, or a non-accelerated filer, or smaller reporting company. See definition of large
accelerated filer, accelerated filer and small reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange
Act. (Check one):
Large Accelerated Filer o | Accelerated Filer o | Non Accelerated Filer o | Smaller reporting company þ |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of
the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ
As of November 7, 2008, there were 18,540,264 shares of Common Stock, $.0001 par value per
share, outstanding.
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC.
INDEX
INDEX
Page | ||||||||
PART I. Financial Information |
||||||||
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements |
||||||||
3 | ||||||||
4 | ||||||||
5 | ||||||||
6 | ||||||||
15 | ||||||||
28 | ||||||||
28 | ||||||||
29 | ||||||||
29 | ||||||||
29 | ||||||||
30 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 31.2 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.1 | ||||||||
Exhibit 32.2 |
2
Table of Contents
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
ASSETS |
||||||||
Current assets |
||||||||
Cash |
$ | 6,620,762 | $ | 7,975,860 | ||||
Accounts receivable, net |
631,714 | 319,865 | ||||||
Income tax refund receivable |
248,868 | | ||||||
Prepaid expenses |
401,567 | 351,658 | ||||||
Deposits and other current assets |
133,604 | 172,120 | ||||||
Assets held for sale |
45,000 | 6,960,762 | ||||||
8,081,515 | 15,780,265 | |||||||
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $4,689,462 and $3,848,439 |
8,756,455 | 9,227,113 | ||||||
Long-term assets related to tribal casino projects |
||||||||
Notes receivable |
4,985,177 | 12,178,481 | ||||||
Contract rights, net of accumulated amortization of $714,019 and $670,927 |
16,810,761 | 14,761,133 | ||||||
21,795,938 | 26,939,614 | |||||||
Other long-term assets |
||||||||
Goodwill |
10,308,520 | 10,308,520 | ||||||
Deposits and other |
840,850 | 868,265 | ||||||
11,149,370 | 11,176,785 | |||||||
$ | 49,783,278 | $ | 63,123,777 | |||||
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY |
||||||||
Current liabilities |
||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
$ | 221,086 | $ | 259,124 | ||||
Accounts payable |
287,153 | 274,411 | ||||||
Accrued expenses |
1,055,378 | 1,364,293 | ||||||
1,563,617 | 1,897,828 | |||||||
Long-term liabilities |
||||||||
Long-term debt due to joint venture affiliate, including accrued interest of
$113,580 and $17,231 |
2,968,070 | 1,272,709 | ||||||
Other long-term debt, net of current portion |
3,753,590 | 21,693,314 | ||||||
Deferred income tax liability |
1,041,869 | 359,023 | ||||||
9,327,146 | 25,222,874 | |||||||
Noncontrolling interest in consolidated joint venture |
4,713,515 | 4,232,775 | ||||||
Stockholders equity |
||||||||
Common stock, $.0001 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized; 19,350,276 shares
issued and 19,230,605 shares outstanding in 2008, and 19,342,276 shares issued
and outstanding in 2007 |
1,935 | 1,934 | ||||||
Additional paid-in capital |
42,716,771 | 42,702,372 | ||||||
Treasury stock, 119,671 shares in 2008 |
(182,010 | ) | | |||||
Deferred compensation |
(515,135 | ) | (1,145,329 | ) | ||||
Deficit |
(6,278,944 | ) | (7,890,849 | ) | ||||
35,742,617 | 33,668,128 | |||||||
$ | 49,783,278 | $ | 63,123,777 | |||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
3
Table of Contents
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||
Casino |
$ | 1,925,134 | $ | 2,031,271 | $ | 5,694,645 | $ | 5,385,458 | ||||||||
Food and beverage |
498,175 | 587,103 | 1,633,989 | 1,452,885 | ||||||||||||
Other operating income |
21,017 | 14,223 | 72,285 | 333,108 | ||||||||||||
2,444,326 | 2,632,597 | 7,400,919 | 7,171,451 | |||||||||||||
Operating costs and expenses |
||||||||||||||||
Casino |
541,732 | 584,205 | 1,819,068 | 1,664,040 | ||||||||||||
Food and beverage |
599,502 | 534,368 | 1,754,819 | 1,407,200 | ||||||||||||
Project development costs |
62,392 | 102,541 | 133,024 | 348,274 | ||||||||||||
Selling, general and administrative |
1,534,118 | 1,446,772 | 4,866,210 | 5,254,049 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
306,889 | 326,874 | 902,123 | 932,568 | ||||||||||||
3,044,633 | 2,994,760 | 9,475,244 | 9,606,131 | |||||||||||||
Operating gains (losses) |
||||||||||||||||
Equity in net income of unconsolidated joint
venture, and
related guaranteed payments |
1,372,168 | 1,022,340 | 3,566,950 | 3,096,045 | ||||||||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) on notes receivable,
tribal governments |
137,356 | (209,106 | ) | 1,974,040 | 719,195 | |||||||||||
Impairment loss, land previously held for development |
| | (85,000 | ) | | |||||||||||
1,509,524 | 813,234 | 5,455,990 | 3,815,240 | |||||||||||||
Income from continuing operations before other income
(expense) and noncontrolling interest in net income
(loss) of consolidated joint venture and income taxes |
909,217 | 451,071 | 3,381,665 | 1,380,560 | ||||||||||||
Other income (expense) |
||||||||||||||||
Interest and other income |
33,196 | 378,057 | 128,873 | 664,536 | ||||||||||||
Interest expense |
(122,381 | ) | (329,330 | ) | (420,767 | ) | (952,605 | ) | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations before
noncontrolling interest in net income (loss) of
consolidated joint venture and income taxes |
820,032 | 499,798 | 3,089,771 | 1,092,491 | ||||||||||||
Noncontrolling interest in net (income) loss of
consolidated joint venture |
94,506 | (12,044 | ) | (480,740 | ) | (123,634 | ) | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations before income taxes |
914,538 | 487,754 | 2,609,031 | 968,857 | ||||||||||||
Income taxes |
(374,865 | ) | 33,077 | (1,035,268 | ) | (251,324 | ) | |||||||||
Income from continuing operations |
539,673 | 520,831 | 1,573,763 | 717,533 | ||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax |
| 83,960 | 38,142 | 214,461 | ||||||||||||
Net income |
$ | 539,673 | $ | 604,791 | $ | 1,611,905 | $ | 931,994 | ||||||||
Income from continuing operations per common share |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
$ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.04 | ||||||||
Income from discontinued operations per common share |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
$ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.00 | $ | 0.01 | ||||||||
Net income per common share |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
$ | 0.03 | $ | 0.03 | $ | 0.08 | $ | 0.05 | ||||||||
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding |
||||||||||||||||
Basic and diluted |
19,332,356 | 19,342,276 | 19,338,969 | 19,291,437 | ||||||||||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
4
Table of Contents
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Nine months ended | ||||||||
September 30, | ||||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Net cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 1,550,235 | $ | 2,150,515 | ||||
Investing activities: |
||||||||
Deposits and other cash costs of the Stockmans Casino
acquisition, net of cash acquired of $920,824 |
| (8,317,493 | ) | |||||
Acquisition of contract rights and other assets |
(2,092,720 | ) | (402,261 | ) | ||||
Purchase of property and equipment |
(379,517 | ) | (157,510 | ) | ||||
Advances to tribal governments, net of $2,124 and $33,277 expensed |
(86,123 | ) | (308,323 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from sale of assets |
6,961,020 | 900 | ||||||
Proceeds from repayment of tribal advances |
9,253,467 | | ||||||
Other |
(700 | ) | | |||||
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities |
13,655,427 | (9,184,687 | ) | |||||
Financing activities: |
||||||||
Payments on long-term debt |
(17,977,762 | ) | (4,721,790 | ) | ||||
Proceeds from borrowings from joint venture affiliate |
1,599,012 | | ||||||
Purchase of treasury stock |
(182,010 | ) | | |||||
Dividends paid |
| (3,042,084 | ) | |||||
Net cash used in financing activities |
(16,560,760 | ) | (7,763,874 | ) | ||||
Net decrease in cash |
(1,355,098 | ) | (14,798,046 | ) | ||||
Cash, beginning of period |
7,975,860 | 22,117,482 | ||||||
Cash, end of period |
$ | 6,620,762 | $ | 7,319,436 | ||||
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
5
Table of Contents
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (UNAUDITED)
1. | BASIS OF PRESENTATION |
The interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Full House Resorts, Inc. and its
subsidiaries (collectively, the Company) included herein reflect all adjustments that are,
in the opinion of management, necessary to present fairly the financial position and results
of operations for the interim periods presented. Certain information normally included in
annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America has been omitted pursuant to the interim financial
information rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in
conjunction with the annual audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto
included in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-KSB/A (Amendment No. 1), filed April 1,
2008, for the year ended December 31, 2007, from which the balance sheet information as of
that date was derived. Certain minor reclassifications to amounts previously reported have
been made to conform to the current period presentation, none of which affected previously
reported net income or earnings per share. The results of operations for the period ended
September 30, 2008, are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the
year ending December 31, 2008.
The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its
wholly-owned subsidiaries, including Stockmans Casino (Stockmans). Gaming Entertainment
(Michigan), LLC (GEM), a 50%-owned investee of the Company that is jointly owned by RAM
Entertainment, LLC (RAM) (Note 10), has been consolidated pursuant to the guidance in
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities. The Company accounts for its investment in Gaming Entertainment
(Delaware), LLC (GED) (Note 3) using the equity method of accounting. All material
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.
2. | SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION |
For the three months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the Company recognized share-based
compensation expense of $223,959 and $228,844, respectively, related to the amortization of
restricted stock grants in prior years and a stock grant in July 2008, which is included in
selling, general and administrative expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008
and 2007, share-based compensation expense recognized was $644,594 and $1,364,060,
respectively. At September 30, 2008, the Company had deferred share-based compensation of
$515,135, which is expected to be amortized through February 2010 using the straight-line
method, by employee. Specifically, the Company expects to recognize share-based
compensation expense of $209,561 in the fourth quarter of 2008, $288,885 in 2009 and $16,689
in 2010.
3. | INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED JOINT VENTURE |
The Companys investment in unconsolidated joint venture is comprised of a 50% ownership
interest in GED, a joint venture between the Company and Harrington Raceway Inc (HRI).
GED has a management agreement with Harrington Raceway and Casino (Harrington) (formerly
known as Midway Slots and Simulcast), which is located in Harrington, Delaware. GED has no
non-operating income or expenses, is treated as a partnership for income tax purposes and
consequently recognizes no federal or state income tax provision. As a result, income from
operations for GED is equal to net income for each period presented, and there are no
material differences between its income for financial and tax reporting purposes.
6
Table of Contents
On June 18, 2007, the Company restructured its joint venture agreement with HRI to allow HRI
greater flexibility in GEDs management of the facility while providing the Company with
guaranteed growth in its share of GEDs net income for the remaining term of the management
contract. Under the terms of the
restructured joint venture agreement, the Company is to receive the greater of 50% of GEDs
net income as currently prescribed under the joint venture agreement, or an 8% increase in
its 50% share of GEDs 2007 net income. The 8% guaranteed growth factor applied to the 2007
net income takes into account the expansion at Harrington that was completed in February
2008, and resets to an annual 5% growth rate in 2009 through the expiration of the GED
management contract in August 2011. As a result of the restructured joint venture
agreement, the Company has received or accrued additional guaranteed payments of $474,118
and 681,742 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, which is
included in the equity in net income of GED in the accompanying consolidated financial
statements.
Unaudited summary information for GEDs operations is as follows:
Three months ended | Nine months ended | |||||||||||||||
September 30, | September 30, | |||||||||||||||
2008 | 2007 | 2008 | 2007 | |||||||||||||
Management fee
revenues |
$ | 1,891,311 | $ | 2,177,901 | $ | 6,072,794 | $ | 6,561,511 | ||||||||
Net income |
1,796,144 | 2,044,678 | 5,770,416 | 6,192,088 |
4. | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS |
On January 1, 2008, the Company adopted the methods of fair value accounting described in
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No.
157), to value its financial assets that were previously carried at estimated fair value.
The adoption of SFAS No. 157 in the first quarter of 2008 did not have any effect on the
Companys previously used fair value estimation methodology or on net income. Financial
Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of Financial
Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (FSP FAS 157-3) was issued in October
2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The
implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Companys valuation
techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
To date, the Company has chosen not to elect the fair value option as offered by Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 159, The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Financial Liabilities including an amendment of FAS 115, for its financial assets and
liabilities that had not been previously carried at fair value. Therefore, material
financial assets and liabilities not carried at fair value are still reported on a
historical cost basis.
The Companys financial assets that are measured at estimated fair value use inputs from
among the three levels of the fair value hierarchy set forth in SFAS No. 157 as follows:
Level 1 inputs: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or
liabilities, which prices are available at the measurement date.
Level 2 inputs: Include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active
markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets and liabilities in markets that
are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or
liability (i.e. interest rates, yield curves, etc.) and inputs that are derived
principally from or corroborated by observable market data by correlation or other means
(marked corroborated inputs).
Level 3 inputs: Unobservable inputs that reflect managements estimates about the
assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.
Management develops these inputs based on the best information available, including
internally-developed data.
7
Table of Contents
The Company has no financial assets that are measured using level 1 or 2 inputs. Due to the
absence of observable market quotes on the Companys notes receivable from tribal
governments (Note 5), the Company utilizes valuation models that rely exclusively on Level 3
inputs, including those that are based on managements estimates of expected cash flow
streams, future interest rates, casino opening dates and discount rates. The estimated
casino opening dates used in the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances
such as ongoing litigation, the status of required regulatory approvals, construction
periods and other factors. Factors considered in the determination of an appropriate
discount rate include discount rates typically used by gaming industry investors and
appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada, and discount rates
produced by the widely-accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM). The following key
assumptions are used in the CAPM:
| S&P 500, average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk
premiums); |
||
| Risk free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day
treasury bills; |
||
| Investment beta factor equal to the average of a peer group of similar entities
in the hotel and gaming industry; |
||
| Project-specific adjustments based on the status of the project (i.e.,
litigation, regulatory approvals, tribal politics, etc.), and typical size premiums
for micro-cap and low-cap companies. |
A tabular summary of the current period activity related to notes receivable from tribal
governments, is presented in Note 5.
5. | NOTES RECEIVABLE, TRIBAL GOVERNMENTS |
The Company has notes receivable related to advances to tribes to fund tribal operations and
development expenses related to potential casino projects. Repayment of these notes is
contingent upon the development of the projects, and ultimately, the successful operation of
the facilities. The Companys agreements with the tribes provide for the reimbursement of
these advances plus applicable interest either from the proceeds of any outside financing of
the development, the actual operation itself or in the event that the Company does not
complete the development, from the revenues of the tribal gaming operation following
completion of development activities undertaken by others.
As of September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, notes receivable from tribal governments as
follows:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 * | |||||||
Contractual (stated) amount (including interest) |
||||||||
FireKeepers
Development |
||||||||
Authority |
$ | 5,000,000 | $ | 14,250,815 | ||||
Other |
1,281,329 | 1,308,859 | ||||||
$ | 6,281,329 | $ | 15,559,674 | |||||
Estimated fair value of notes
receivable related to tribal
casino projects: |
||||||||
FireKeepers
Development |
||||||||
Authority |
$ | 3,931,389 | $ | 11,189,359 | ||||
Other |
1,053,788 | 989,122 | ||||||
$ | 4,985,177 | $ | 12,178,481 |
* | Presentation of contractual amounts as of December 31, 2007, has been revised to conform
to the current year presentation, and now include accrued interest of $1,475,574. The
inclusion of interest in the 2007 period was solely for comparability and did not change
previously reported net income, since the related receivables, including accrued interest,
are presented at their estimated fair values. |
8
Table of Contents
On May 6, 2008, the FireKeepers Development Authority (the Authority) closed on the sale
of $340 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35 million equipment financing facility to
fund the development and construction of the Authoritys FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On
the same date, GEM received a payment
of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority which resulted in
an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8
million recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5.0
million is to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to there being
adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are insufficient
funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the balance
in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, with
interest at prime plus 1%.
As of September 30, 2008, management extended its estimate of the opening date for the
Montana casino from the fourth quarter of 2009 to the second quarter of 2010. Management
had expected that the tribe would receive key federal and state approvals during the third
quarter which were not received. Management also expects that a pending change in the
federal administration will further delay the approval process until the second quarter of
next year. The effect of the change in the estimated opening date reduced the estimated
fair value of the note receivable related to the Montana project by $51,364 as of September
30, 2008.
In March 2008, management formally decided to discontinue pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project.
However, the Pueblo has affirmed its responsibility to repay reimbursable development
advances of approximately $662,000, plus interest at prime plus 2%, out of any future gaming
revenues, if any. Management currently believes that the Nambé Pueblo intends to develop a
slot machine operation with approximately 200 devices, which would be attached to its travel
center and provide the Nambé Pueblo with the financial wherewithal to repay the amounts owed
to the Company. Accordingly, management has estimated the fair value of the note receivable
from the Nambé Pueblo at $484,874 as of September 30, 2008.
The following table summarizes the changes in the estimated fair value of notes receivable
from tribal governments, determined using Level 3 fair value inputs,
from January 1, 2008, to
September 30, 2008:
FireKeepers | ||||||||||||
Development | ||||||||||||
Total | Authority | Other tribes | ||||||||||
Balances, January 1, 2008 |
$ | 12,178,481 | $ | 11,189,359 | $ | 989,122 | ||||||
Total advances |
108,029 | | 108,029 | |||||||||
Advances allocated to contract rights |
(24,030 | ) | | (24,030 | ) | |||||||
Advances expensed as period costs |
2,124 | 2,124 | | |||||||||
Repayment of notes receivable |
(9,253,467 | ) | (9,253,467 | ) | | |||||||
Unrealized gains (losses) included
in earnings |
1,974,040 | 1,993,373 | (19,333 | ) | ||||||||
Balances, September 30, 2008 |
$ | 4,985,177 | $ | 3,931,389 | $ | 1,053,788 | ||||||
6. | CONTRACT RIGHTS |
At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, contract rights consist of the following:
Accumulated | ||||||||||||
September 30, 2008 | Cost | Amortization | Carrying value | |||||||||
FireKeepers project, initial cost |
$ | 4,155,213 | $ | | $ | 4,155,213 | ||||||
FireKeepers project, additional |
13,210,373 | (714,019 | ) | 12,496,354 | ||||||||
Other projects |
159,194 | | 159,194 | |||||||||
$ | 17,524,780 | $ | (714,019 | ) | $ | 16,810,761 | ||||||
Accumulated | ||||||||||||
December 31, 2007 | Cost | Amortization | Carrying Value | |||||||||
FireKeepers project, initial cost |
$ | 4,155,213 | $ | | $ | 4,155,213 | ||||||
FireKeepers project, additional |
11,141,683 | (670,927 | ) | 10,470,756 | ||||||||
Other projects |
135,164 | | 135,164 | |||||||||
$ | 15,432,060 | $ | (670,927 | ) | $ | 14,761,133 | ||||||
9
Table of Contents
In connection with the Authoritys financing of the FireKeepers Casino development in the
second quarter of 2008, GEM funded $2,068,690 of financing costs on behalf of the Authority,
as required by the management agreement, which was recorded as additional contract rights
related to the FireKeepers project. The financing costs paid by GEM were funded equally by
the Company and by RAM.
In the fourth quarter of 2007, the Company recorded impairment losses related to the Navajo
Nation (Manuelito) and Nambé Pueblo contract rights of $200,000 and $207,534,
respectively, based on managements decision to discontinue pursuing these projects. During
the second quarter of 2008, management formally approved and began executing a plan to sell
land purchased for the development of the Manuelito project. As a result, as of June 30,
2008, the land was classified as a current asset held for sale and adjusted to its estimated
net realizable value of $45,000, resulting in an additional impairment loss of $85,000
recognized in the second quarter of 2008.
7. | LONG-TERM DEBT |
At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, long-term debt consists of the following:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Long-term debt, due to joint venture affiliate: |
||||||||
Promissory note, expected to mature in 2011,
interest at 1% above the prime rate (6.00% at
September 30, 2008 and 8.25% at December 31,
2007) |
$ | 2,968,070 | $ | 1,272,709 | ||||
Long-term debt, other: |
||||||||
Reducing revolving loan, $16.0 million limit
on January 31, 2007, due January 31, 2022,
interest at 2.1% above the five year
LIBOR/Swap rate, adjusted annually (7.39% at
September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007) |
$ | 3,093,275 | $ | 11,401,000 | ||||
Long-term obligation to Green Acres related to
the acquisition of additional contract rights
related to the Michigan project |
| 9,500,000 | ||||||
Promissory note to Peters Family Trust, $1.25
million on January 31, 2007, due February 1,
2012, interest at a fixed annual rate of 7.44% |
881,401 | 1,051,438 | ||||||
3,974,676 | 21,952,438 | |||||||
Less current portion |
(221,086 | ) | (259,124 | ) | ||||
$ | 3,753,590 | $ | 21,693,314 | |||||
Reducing Revolving Loan (the Revolver). The maximum amount permitted to be outstanding
under the Revolver decreases $312,000 semiannually on January 1 and July 1 of each year and
any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each such date. Draws
on the Revolver are payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based on the five year
LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA
ratio of Stockmans with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rates. Stockmans
assets are pledged as collateral for the loan. The Revolver also contains certain customary
financial representations and warranties and requires that Stockmans maintain specified
financial covenants, including a fixed charge coverage ratio, a funded debt to EBITDA ratio
and a minimum tangible net worth. In addition, the Revolver provides restrictions on certain
distributions and capital expenditures by Stockmans, and also provides for customary events
of default including payment defaults and covenant defaults. Management is not aware of any
covenant violations through the date of this filing.
During the first quarter of 2008, proceeds from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in
Fallon, Nevada were applied against outstanding balances payable on the Revolver. The
outstanding balance was reduced from $10.9 million to $3.9 million and the Companys
availability under the Revolver increased to approximately
$5.3 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rata basis.
As of September 30, 2008, there are no additional required principal payments due on the
Revolver until January 2017.
10
Table of Contents
Green Acres. Effective May 15, 2007, GEM entered into an agreement with Green Acres Casino
Management, Inc. (Green Acres) whereby GEM acquired all of Green Acres interests in the
Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi casino project in Michigan for $10 million. GEMs
members equally funded an initial deposit of $500,000. The remaining obligation of $9.5
million, although unsecured, was recorded as a long-term liability once the management
agreement between GEM and the Authority was approved in December 2007. On May 6, 2008, in
conjunction with the financing of the FireKeepers Casino, the Company applied the proceeds
of the $9.3 million tribal receivable reimbursement to pay off the remaining balance of the
$9.5 million Green Acres liability.
Peters Family Trust Promissory Note. The promissory note in the amount of $1.25 million,
payable to the seller of Stockmans, is payable in 60 monthly installments of principal and
interest and is secured by a second lien in the real estate of Stockmans.
Scheduled maturities of long-term debt (including obligations to joint venture affiliate) are
as follows:
Annual periods ending September 30, | ||||
2009 |
$ | 221,086 | ||
2010 |
258,962 | |||
2011 |
3,246,970 | |||
2012 |
122,454 | |||
2013 |
| |||
Thereafter |
3,093,274 | |||
$ | 6,942,746 | |||
In 2013, there is no scheduled long-term debt maturing since the Peters promissory note
matures in 2012 and there are no required principal payments due on the Revolver until
January 2017.
8. | INCOME TAXES |
FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes (FIN 48), was adopted
by the Company in the first quarter of 2007. Based on managements assessment of its tax
positions in accordance with FIN 48, there was no effect on its opening retained earnings or
the current periods results of operations as a result of the adoption of FIN 48.
For the periods ended September 30, 2008, and 2007, the difference between the Companys
estimated effective and the federal statutory tax rate was primarily due to a state tax
provision applicable to GED, net of the related federal benefit.
9. | SEGMENT REPORTING |
Since the acquisition of Stockmans in January 2007, the Company has been composed of three
primary business segments. The following tables reflect selected segment information for
the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007. The operations segment includes
the Stockmans Casino operation in Fallon, Nevada, and until February 2008, included the
operation of the Holiday Inn Express, which was sold. Accordingly, the operating results of
the hotel are included in discontinued operations in all periods presented, and are
therefore excluded from the table below. The development/management segment includes costs
associated with tribal casino projects and the Delaware joint venture. The Corporate segment
includes general and administrative expenses of the Company.
11
Table of Contents
Selected statement of operations data (from continuing operations) for the three months
ended September 30,
Casino | Development/ | |||||||||||||||
Operations | Management | Corporate | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 2,442,926 | $ | | $ | 1,400 | $ | 2,444,326 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense |
480,799 | 135,154 | 918,165 | 1,534,118 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
271,413 | 14,364 | 21,112 | 306,889 | ||||||||||||
Operating gains |
| 1,509,524 | | 1,509,524 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
other income (expense) and noncontrolling
interest in net income (loss) of consolidated
joint venture and income taxes |
549,481 | 1,347,814 | (988,078 | ) | 909,217 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
551,049 | 780,256 | (791,632 | ) | 539,673 | |||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 2,632,597 | $ | | $ | | $ | 2,632,597 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative expense |
490,999 | 22,137 | 933,636 | 1,446,772 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
310,806 | 14,364 | 1,704 | 326,874 | ||||||||||||
Operating gains |
| 813,234 | | 813,234 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
other income (expense) and noncontrolling
interest in net income (loss) of consolidated
joint venture and income taxes |
712,219 | 711,395 | (972,543 | ) | 451,071 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing operations |
768,358 | 946,176 | (1,193,703 | ) | 520,831 |
12
Table of Contents
Selected statement of operations data (from continuing operations) for the nine months ended
September 30,
Casino | Development/ | |||||||||||||||
Operations | Management | Corporate | Consolidated | |||||||||||||
2008 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 7,399,461 | $ | | $ | 1,458 | $ | 7,400,919 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative
expense |
1,386,315 | 316,935 | 3,162,960 | 4,866,210 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
810,696 | 43,092 | 48,335 | 902,123 | ||||||||||||
Operating gains |
| 5,455,990 | | 5,455,990 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before other income
(expense) and noncontrolling
interest in net income (loss) of
consolidated joint venture and
income taxes |
1,628,562 | 5,014,461 | (3,261,358 | ) | 3,381,665 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
1,658,564 | 4,667,024 | (4,751,825 | ) | 1,573,763 | |||||||||||
2007 |
||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
$ | 6,887,897 | $ | | $ | 283,554 | $ | 7,171,451 | ||||||||
Selling, general and administrative
expense |
1,164,904 | 137,684 | 3,951,461 | 5,254,049 | ||||||||||||
Depreciation and amortization |
879,011 | 47,664 | 5,893 | 932,568 | ||||||||||||
Operating gains |
| 3,815,240 | | 3,815,240 | ||||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing
operations before other
income(expense) and noncontrolling
interest in net income (loss) of
consolidated joint venture and
income taxes |
1,772,741 | 3,321,331 | (3,713,512 | ) | 1,380,560 | |||||||||||
Income (loss) from continuing
operations |
1,911,096 | 3,299,476 | (4,493,039 | ) | 717,533 |
Selected balance sheet data (related to continuing operations) as of September 30,
Casino | Development/ | ||||||||||||||||
Operations | Management | Corporate | Consolidated | ||||||||||||||
2008 |
|||||||||||||||||
Assets |
$ | 20,578,005 | $ | 22,555,490 | $ | 6,649,783 | $ | 49,783,278 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
8,549,403 | 1,732 | 205,320 | 8,756,455 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill |
10,308,520 | | | 10,308,520 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities |
629,358 | 5,338,693 | 3,359,095 | 9,327,146 | |||||||||||||
2007 |
|||||||||||||||||
Assets |
$ | 23,841,691 | $ | 17,744,988 | $ | 7,699,063 | $ | 49,285,742 | |||||||||
Property and equipment, net |
9,758,287 | | 13,665 | 9,771,952 | |||||||||||||
Goodwill |
12,041,668 | | | 12,041,668 | |||||||||||||
Liabilities |
503,132 | 2,292,694 | 16,665,444 | 19,461,270 |
13
Table of Contents
10. | CONTINGENCIES |
Uninsured cash deposits. The Company frequently has cash on deposit substantially in excess
of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to such concentrations may be
increasing as a result of recent economic developments. However, the extent of loss, if any,
to be sustained as a result of the Companys uninsured deposits is not subject to estimation
at this time.
Legal
matters. On October 20, 2008, the Company and certain officers individually were
served with a complaint filed by RAM and Robert A. Mathewson alleging breach of contract and
other claims related to the resolution in 2005 of claims by Gaming Entertainment
(California) LLC, an inactive investee of the Company, against the Torres-Martinez Tribe of
California. Due to the recent filing of the complaint, none of the parties have commenced
discovery and management is currently unable to estimate the range of loss and likelihood of
a potential outcome related to this matter. Accordingly, no provision for loss has been
provided in connection therewith. However, management believes that the allegations in the
complaint are without merit and will vigorously defend the action.
11. | STOCK REPURCHASE PLAN |
On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the Repurchase Plan).
Under the Repurchase Plan, the Companys board of directors authorized the repurchase of up
to $1,000,000 of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated
transactions from time to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and
Exchange Act of 1934, subject to market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other
factors. On October 14, 2008, the Companys board of directors authorized the repurchase
of an additional $1,000,000 of the Companys common stock, and extended the expiration of
the Repurchase Plan to April 30, 2009. Through September 30, 2008, the Company had
repurchased 119,671 shares at a weighted average-price per share of $1.49, costing
$182,010, (including commissions and other related transaction costs). As of November 7,
2008, the Company has repurchased an aggregate of 810,012 shares of treasury stock at a
weighted-average price of $1.28 per share, costing $1,061,850, (including commissions and
other related transaction costs). The Repurchase Plan does not obligate the Company to
acquire any particular amount of common stock and may be suspended at any time at
managements discretion.
14
Table of Contents
Item 2. Managements Discussion and Analysis or Plan of Operation.
Overview
Full House Resorts, Inc. (we, us, our, Full House, or the Company), principally
develops, manages and/or invests in gaming related opportunities. The Company continues to actively
investigate, individually and with partners, new business opportunities including commercial and
tribal gaming operations. The Company seeks to expand through acquiring, managing, or developing
casinos in profitable markets. We are currently a 50% noncontrolling investor in Gaming
Entertainment (Delaware), LLC (GED), a joint venture with Harrington Raceway, Inc. (HRI). GED
has a management contract through 2011 with Harrington Raceway and Casino, formerly known as Midway
Slots and Simulcast, at the Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, Delaware (Harrington
Casino). Harrington Casino has approximately 2,100 gaming devices, a 450-seat buffet, a 50-seat
diner, a gourmet steakhouse and an entertainment lounge area. In February 2008, an expansion and
renovation of Harrington Casino was completed increasing the number of gaming devices from 1,580 to
approximately 2,100, and improving the pre-existing food and beverage outlets.
On June 18, 2007, the Company restructured its joint venture agreement with HRI to allow HRI
greater flexibility in GEDs management of Harrington Casino, while providing the Company with
guaranteed growth in its adjusted fee entitlement of GEDs management fee for the remaining term of
the management contract. Under the terms of the restructured management agreement, the Company is
to receive the greater of 50% of GEDs 2008 management fees as currently prescribed under the
management agreement or an 8% increase in its share of GEDs management fees earned in 2007. The 8%
guaranteed growth factor takes into account the expansion at Harrington Casino that was completed
in February 2008, and it resets to an annual 5% growth rate in 2009 through the expiration of the
GED management contract in August 2011.
We also own 50% of Gaming Entertainment (Michigan), LLC (GEM), a controlled (and, therefore,
consolidated) joint venture with RAM Entertainment, LLC (RAM), a privately-held investment
company. GEM has a management agreement with the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians (the
Michigan tribe), for the development and management of the FireKeepers Casino near Battle Creek,
Michigan. The initial version of the management agreement was approved by the National Indian
Gaming Commission (NIGC) on December 14, 2007, and an amended version containing provisions
required by the project financing investors was approved by the NIGC on April 21, 2008. The
FireKeepers casino is currently being constructed, and it is expected to open during the third
quarter of 2009.
Effective May 15, 2007, GEM entered into an agreement with Green Acres Casino Management, Inc.
(Green Acres) to acquire all of Green Acres interests in the FireKeepers Casino project for $10
million. Prior to the execution of the agreement, Green Acres had a right to receive royalty
payments based on numerous metrics, which would approximate in excess of 15% of the total
management fee to be received by GEM from the operation of the FireKeepers Casino. GEMs members
(RAM and the Company) equally funded an initial deposit of $500,000 and the remaining obligation
became due once financing was obtained as part of the project funding for the casino. On May 6,
2008, the FireKeepers Development Authority of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Michigan
tribe (the Authority) closed on $340 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35 million equipment
financing facility to fund the development and construction of the tribes FireKeepers Casino. In
connection with the Michigan project financing, GEM received partial reimbursement of its tribal
notes receivable in the amount of $9.3 million, which was used to repay the remaining obligation to
Green Acres. With financing in place, construction has commenced and is progressing on schedule. We
continue to expect the casino to open in the third quarter of 2009. The casino is expected to have
more than 3,000 gaming positions.
On January 31, 2007, we acquired all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of Stockmans
Casino, located in Fallon, Nevada, which has approximately 8,400 square feet of gaming space with
approximately 260 slot machines, four table games and keno, a bar, fine dining restaurant and a
coffee shop. On October 1, 2007, we entered into an agreement to sell the adjoining Holiday Inn
Express hotel, which was acquired as part of the stock purchase. The sale was consummated in
February 2008, resulting in net cash proceeds of approximately $7.0 million, which were used to
repay long-term debt. Operations of the Holiday Inn Express hotel have been accounted for in the
Companys consolidated financial statements as discontinued.
15
Table of Contents
In addition, the Company has development and management agreements with the Northern Cheyenne
Nation of Montana (the Montana tribe) for the development and management of a 25,000 square foot
gaming facility to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The management
agreement is subject to approval by the NIGC, while the development agreement obligates the Montana
tribe to reimburse any development advances from future gaming revenue in the event the management
agreement is not approved.
Critical accounting estimates and policies
Although our financial statements necessarily make use of certain accounting estimates by
management, we believe that, except as discussed below, no matters that are the subject of such
estimates are so highly uncertain or susceptible to change as to present a significant risk of a
material impact on our financial condition or operating performance.
The significant accounting estimates inherent in the preparation of our financial statements
primarily include managements fair value estimates related to notes receivable from tribal
governments, and the related evaluation of the recoverability of our investments in contract
rights. Various assumptions, principally affecting the timing and, to a lesser extent, the
probability of completing our various projects under development and getting them open for
business, and other factors underlie the determination of these significant estimates. The process
of determining significant estimates is fact- and project-specific and takes into account factors
such as historical experience and current and expected legal, regulatory and economic conditions.
We regularly evaluate these estimates and assumptions, particularly in areas, if any, where changes
in such estimates and assumptions could have a material impact on our results of operations,
financial position and, generally to a lesser extent, cash flows. Where recoverability of these
assets or planned investments are contingent upon the successful development and management of a
project, we evaluate the likelihood that the project will be completed, the prospective market
dynamics and how the proposed facilities should compete in that setting in order to forecast future
cash flows necessary to recover the recorded value of the assets or planned investment. In most
cases, we engage independent valuation consultants to assist management in preparing and
periodically updating market and/or feasibility studies for use in the preparation of forecasted
cash flows. We review our conclusions as warranted by changing conditions.
Assets related to tribal casino projects
We account for the advances made to tribes as in-substance structured notes at estimated fair
value in accordance with the guidance contained in EITF Issue No. 96-12, Recognition of Interest
Income and Balance Sheet Classification of Structured Notes.
Because our right to recover our advances and development costs with respect to Indian gaming
projects is limited to, and contingent upon, the future net revenues of the proposed gaming
facilities, we evaluate the financial opportunity of each potential service arrangement before
entering into an agreement to provide financial support for the development of an Indian project.
This process includes (1) determining the financial feasibility of the project assuming the project
is built, (2) assessing the likelihood that the project will receive the necessary regulatory
approvals and funding for construction and operations to commence, and (3) estimating the expected
timing of the various elements of the project including commencement of operations. When we enter
into a service or lending arrangement, management has concluded, based on feasibility analyses and
legal reviews, that there is a high probability that the project will be completed and that the
probable future economic benefit is sufficient to compensate us for our efforts in relation to the
perceived financial risks. In arriving at our initial conclusion of probability, we consider both
positive and negative evidence. Positive evidence ordinarily consists not only of project-specific
advancement or progress, but the advancement of similar projects in the same and other
jurisdictions, while negative evidence ordinarily consists primarily of unexpected, unfavorable
legal, regulatory or political developments such as adverse actions by legislators, regulators or
courts. Such positive and negative evidence is reconsidered at least quarterly. No asset,
including notes receivable or contract rights, related to an Indian casino project is recorded on
our books unless it is considered probable that the project will be built and will result in an
economic benefit sufficient for us to recover the asset.
In initially assessing the financial feasibility of the project, we analyze the proposed
facilities and their location in relation to market conditions, including customer demographics and
existing and proposed competition for the
project. Typically, independent consultants are also hired to prepare market and financial
feasibility reports. These reports are reviewed by management and updated periodically as
conditions change.
16
Table of Contents
We also consider the status of the regulatory approval process including whether:
| the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) recognizes the tribe; |
||
| the tribe has the right to acquire land to be used as a casino site; |
||
| the Department of the Interior has put the land into trust as a casino site; |
||
| the tribe has a gaming compact with the state government; |
||
| the NIGC has approved a proposed management agreement; and |
||
| other legal or political obstacles exist or are likely to occur. |
The development phase of each relationship commences with the signing of the respective
agreements and continues until the casinos open for business. Thereafter, the management phase of
the relationship, governed by the management contract, typically continues for a period of between
five to seven years. We make advances to the tribes, recorded as notes receivable, primarily to
fund certain portions of the projects, which bear no interest or below market interest until
operations commence. Repayment of the notes receivable and accrued interest is only required if
the casino is successfully opened and distributable profits are available from the casino
operations. Under the management agreement, we typically earn a management fee calculated as a
percentage of the net income of the gaming facility. In addition, repayment of the loans and the
managers fees are subordinated to certain other financial obligations of the respective
operations. Generally, the order of priority of payments from the casinos cash flows is as
follows:
| a certain minimum monthly priority payment to the tribe; |
||
| repayment of various senior debt associated with construction and equipping of the
casino with interest accrued thereon; |
||
| repayment of various debt with interest accrued thereon due to us; |
||
| management fee to us; |
||
| other obligations; and |
||
| the remaining funds distributed to the tribe. |
Notes
receivable. We account for and present our notes receivable from and management
contracts with the tribes as separate assets. Under the contractual terms, the notes do not become
due and payable unless and until the projects are completed and operational. However, if our
development activity were to be terminated prior to completion, we generally would retain the right
to collect on our notes receivable in the event a casino project is completed by another developer.
Because we ordinarily do not consider the stated rate of interest on the notes receivable to be
commensurate with the risk inherent in these projects (prior to commencement of operations), the
estimated fair value of the notes receivable is generally less than the amount advanced. At the
date of each advance, the difference between the estimated fair value of the note receivable and
the actual amount advanced is recorded as either an intangible asset (contract rights), or if the
rights were acquired in a separate, unbundled transaction, expensed as period costs of retaining
such rights.
Subsequent to its effective initial recording at estimated fair value, the note receivable
portion of the advance is adjusted to its current estimated fair value at each balance sheet date,
using Level 3 inputs, which are defined in Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157,
Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157), as unobservable inputs that reflect managements
estimates about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or
liability. Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair
Value of Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (FSP FAS 157-3) was issued
in October 2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The
implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Companys valuation
techniques, financial position, results of operations and cash flows.
Due to the absence of observable market quotes on our notes receivable from tribal
governments, management develops inputs based on the best information available, including
internally-developed data, such as estimates of future interest rates, discount rates and casino
opening dates as discussed below.
17
Table of Contents
The estimated fair value of our notes receivable related to tribal casino projects make up
approximately 10% of our total assets, and are the only assets in our financial statements that are
reported at estimated fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value of our notes receivable are
reported as unrealized gains (losses), which affect reported net income, but do not affect cash
flows.
The following table reflects selected key assumptions and information used to estimate the
fair value of the notes receivable for all projects at September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007:
September 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007* | |||||||
Aggregate face amount of the
notes receivable (including
interest) |
$ | 6,281,329 | $ | 15,559,674 | ||||
Estimated years until opening
of casino: |
||||||||
FireKeepers |
1.00 | 1.50 | ||||||
Montana |
1.75 | 1.75 | ||||||
Discount rate: |
||||||||
FireKeepers |
17.0 | % | 17.5 | % | ||||
Montana |
23.5 | % | 22.5 | % | ||||
Estimated probability of the
casino opening as expected: |
||||||||
FireKeepers |
96 | % | 96 | % | ||||
Montana |
70 | % | 80 | % |
* | Presentation of contractual amounts as of December 31, 2007, has been revised to conform
to the current year presentation, and now include accrued interest of $1,475,574. The
inclusion of interest in the 2007 period was solely for comparability and did not change
previously reported net income, since the related receivables are presented, including
accrued interest, at their estimated fair values. |
For the portion of the notes not repaid prior to the commencement of operations, management
estimates that the stated interest rates during the loan repayment terms will be commensurate with
the inherent risk at that time. The estimated probability rates have been re-evaluated and
modified accordingly, based on project-specific risks such as delays of regulatory approvals for
the projects and review of the financing environment. The estimated casino opening dates used in
the valuations take into account project-specific circumstances such as ongoing litigation, the
status of required regulatory approvals, construction periods and other factors.
Factors that we consider in arriving at a discount rate include discount rates typically used
by gaming industry investors and appraisers to value individual casino properties outside of Nevada
and discount rates produced by the widely accepted Capital Asset Pricing Model, or CAPM, using the
following key assumptions:
| S&P 500, 10 and 15-year average benchmark investment returns (medium-term horizon risk
premiums); |
||
| Risk-free investment return equal to the trailing 10-year average for 90-day Treasury
Bills; |
||
| Investment beta factor equal to the unlevered five-year average for the hotel/gaming
industry; and |
||
| Project-specific adjustments based on typical size premiums for micro-cap and
low-cap companies using 10 and 15-year averages, and the status of outstanding required
regulatory approvals and/or litigation, if any. |
Management believes that under the circumstances, essentially three critical dates and events
that impact the project specific discount rate adjustment when using CAPM are: (1) the date that
management completes its feasibility assessment and decides to invest in the opportunity; (2) the
date that construction financing has been obtained after all legal obstacles have been removed; and
(3) the date that operations commence.
18
Table of Contents
We do not adjust notes receivable to an estimated fair value that exceeds the face value of
the note plus accrued interest, if any. Due to the uncertainties surrounding the projects, no
interest income is recognized in the consolidated financial statements during the development
period, but changes in estimated fair value of the notes receivable are recorded as unrealized
gains or losses in our statement of operations.
Upon opening of the casino, the difference, if any, between the then-recorded estimated fair
value of the notes receivable, subject to any appropriate impairment adjustments made pursuant to
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 114, Accounting by Creditors for Impairment of a
Loan, and the amount contractually due under the notes would be amortized into income using the
effective interest method over the remaining term of the note.
Contract
rights. Contract rights are recognized as intangible assets related to the
acquisition of the management agreements and periodically evaluated for impairment based on the
estimated cash flows from the management contract on an undiscounted basis and amortized using the
straight-line method over the lesser of seven years or contractual lives of the agreements,
typically beginning upon commencement of casino operations. In the event the carrying value of the
intangible assets were to exceed the undiscounted cash flow, the difference between the estimated
fair value and net carrying value of the assets would be charged to operations.
The cash flow estimates for each project were developed based upon published and other
information gathered pertaining to the applicable markets. We have many years of experience in
making these estimates and also utilize independent appraisers and feasibility consultants to
assist management in developing our estimates. The cash flow estimates are initially prepared (and
periodically updated) primarily for business planning purposes with the tribes and are secondarily
used in connection with our impairment analysis of the carrying value of contract rights, land held
for development, and other capitalized costs, if any, associated with our tribal casino projects.
The primary assumptions used in estimating the undiscounted cash flow from the projects include the
expected number of Class III gaming devices, table games, and poker tables, and the related
estimated win per unit per day (WPUD). Generally, within reasonably possible operating ranges,
our impairment decisions are not particularly sensitive to changes in these assumptions because
estimated cash flows greatly exceed the carrying value of the related intangibles and other
capitalized costs. We believe that the primary competitors to our Michigan project are the Four
Winds Casino in southwestern Michigan, five northern Indiana riverboats and three downtown Detroit
casinos, whose published WPUD has consistently averaged above the $255 used in our undiscounted
cash flow analysis. Our Michigan project is located approximately 120 miles west of Detroit and
approximately 100 driving miles northeast of Four Winds Casino, which opened in August 2007 near
New Buffalo, Michigan.
Summary of assets related to tribal casino projects
At September 30, 2008, and December 31, 2007, long-term assets associated with tribal casino
projects are summarized as follows, with notes receivable presented at their estimated fair value:
September 30, | December 31, | |||||||
2008 | 2007 | |||||||
Michigan project: |
||||||||
Notes receivable, tribal governments |
$ | 3,931,389 | $ | 11,189,359 | ||||
Contract rights, net |
16,651,567 | 14,625,969 | ||||||
20,582,956 | 25,815,328 | |||||||
Other projects: |
||||||||
Notes receivable, tribal governments |
1,053,788 | 989,122 | ||||||
Contract rights, net |
159,194 | 135,164 | ||||||
1,212,982 | 1,124,286 | |||||||
$ | 21,795,938 | $ | 26,939,614 | |||||
19
Table of Contents
As previously noted, the FireKeepers project comprises the majority of long-term assets
related to Indian casino projects. We have an approved management agreement with the Authority for
the development and operation of
the FireKeepers Casino, which provides that we will receive, only from the operations and
financing of the project, reimbursement for all advances we have made to the Authority and a
management fee equal to 26% of the net revenues of the casino (defined effectively as net income
prior to management fees) for a period of seven years commencing upon opening. The terms of an
amended management agreement were approved by the NIGC in April 2008. In May 2008, in connection
with the funding of project financing, $9.3 million of the notes receivable was repaid, which
resulted in an increase in the estimated fair value of the notes receivable of approximately $1.8
million, which was recorded as an unrealized gain in the first quarter of 2008. The remaining $5
million of the note receivable is expected to be repaid 180 days following opening of the casino,
provided there are sufficient funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there
are insufficient fund remaining in the construction disbursement account, the balance becomes
payable in 60 equal monthly installments beginning 180 days after the commencement of operations of
the casino, plus interest at prime plus 1%.
In connection with the Authoritys financing of the FireKeepers Casino development, GEM funded
its portion of the financing costs totaling $2,068,690 which was recorded as additional contract
rights related to the FireKeepers project in the second quarter of 2008. The financing costs were
funded equally by the Company and RAM.
In arriving at the estimated opening date for the Michigan project, which we believe will be
in the third quarter of 2009, we considered the status of the following conditions and estimated
the time necessary to complete the construction:
| the tribe is federally recognized; |
||
| adequate land for the proposed casino resort has been placed in trust; |
||
| the tribe has a valid gaming compact with the State of Michigan; |
||
| the NIGC approved the management agreement; |
||
| the BIA issued a record of decision approving the final environmental impact statement
in September 2006; |
||
| project financing was obtained in May 2008; |
||
| construction commenced, with an anticipated construction period of approximately 15
months; and |
||
| construction to date has
progressed on schedule. |
At September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007, the sensitivity of changes in the key assumptions
(discussed in greater detail below) related to the FireKeepers project are illustrated by the
following increases (decreases) in the estimated fair value of the note receivable:
September 30, 2008 | December 31, 2007 | ||||||||||
| Discount rate increases 2.5% |
$ | (117,164 | ) | $ | (347,790 | ) | ||||
| Discount rate decreases 2.5% |
123,594 | 366,793 | ||||||||
| Forecasted opening date delayed one quarter |
(144,467 | ) | (442,085 | ) | ||||||
| Forecasted opening date accelerated one quarter |
150,251 | 460,273 |
The Company extended its estimated opening date for the Montana casino from the fourth quarter
of 2009 to the second quarter of 2010. The Company had expected that the tribe would receive key
federal and state approvals during the third quarter which were not received and the pending change
in the federal administration is expected to further delay the approval process until the second
quarter of next year. The effect of the change in the estimated opening date reduced the estimated
fair value of the note receivable related to the Montana project by $51,364 as of September 30,
2008.
In March 2008, we announced that we are no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project. No tribal
advances or payment of costs have been made since January 2008. Pursuant to the terms of the
development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized its obligation to reimburse all of the Companys
development advances for the project. To date, we have advanced $662,453 for the development of
the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms.
In addition, the Company expects to negotiate payment from the Pueblo or its new developer for the
value of the exclusive gaming rights granted to the Company by the Pueblo. However, as of December
31, 2007, the Company recorded an impairment loss associated with the related contract rights of
$207,534, pending a resolution with the Pueblo. The estimated fair value of the receivable from the
Pueblo is now based on the assumption that the
Pueblo will develop a smaller scope project and will repay the advances over a five-year
period after the project opens with interest at prime plus 2%. However, the collectability
ultimately depends on the successful development and operation of the project, which we have no
influence over, and accordingly, we have discounted the payment stream using a 20.5% discount rate.
20
Table of Contents
Advances to tribes are expected to be repaid prior to commencement of operations, or within
the repayment term of typically between five and seven years, commencing 30 to 180 days after the
opening of the project. At September 30, 2008, we estimate the following potential exposure
resulting from a project not reaching completion:
September 30, 2008 | FireKeepers | New Mexico | Montana | Total | ||||||||||||
Notes receivable |
$ | 3,931,389 | $ | 484,875 | $ | 568,913 | $ | 4,985,177 | ||||||||
Contract rights |
16,651,567 | | 159,194 | 16,810,761 | ||||||||||||
Total |
$ | 20,582,956 | $ | 484,875 | $ | 728,107 | $ | 21,795,938 | ||||||||
Amortization of contract rights is expected to be provided on a straight-line basis over the
contractual lives of the assets. The contractual lives may include, or not begin until after a
development period and/or the term of the subsequent management agreement. Because the development
period may vary based on evolving events, the estimated contractual lives may require revision in
future periods. The contract rights are owned solely by us and are expected to be assigned to the
appropriate operating subsidiary when the related project is operational and, therefore, the
contract rights are not currently included in the balance of non-controlling interests.
Due to our current financing arrangement for the development of the Michigan project through a
50%-owned joint venture, we believe we are exposed to the majority of risk of economic loss from
the joint ventures activities. Therefore, in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board
(FASB) Interpretation No. 46 (Revised), Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (FIN 46(R)),
we consider the joint venture to be a variable interest entity that requires consolidation in our
financial statements.
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
In September 2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair Value Measurements (SFAS No. 157).
SFAS No. 157 defines fair value and establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands
disclosures about fair value measurements. In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, The Fair
Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities including an amendment of FAS 115
(SFAS No. 159). SFAS No. 159 allows entities to choose, at specified election dates, to measure
eligible financial assets and liabilities at fair value in situations when they are not required to
be measured at fair value. Although SFAS No. 157 is effective now (and has been adopted) for
financial assets and liabilities carried at estimated fair value, it will become effective in 2009
for any nonfinancial assets and liabilities so carried, but we have none. Adoption of SFAS No. 159
is optional, and we have no present intent to adopt it. Therefore, no future effect of the
non-financial provisions of SFAS No. 157 or SFAS No.159 on our future financial position, results
of operations or cash flows is expected.
Financial Accounting Standards Board Staff Position FAS 157-3, Determining the Fair Value of
Financial Asset when the market for that asset is not active, (FSP FAS 157-3) was issued in
October 2008 and was retroactively effective for the quarter ended September 30, 2008. The
implementation of FSP FAS 157-3 did not have a material impact on the Companys valuation
techniques, financial disposition, results of operations and cash flows.
In December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 160, Non-controlling Interests in Consolidated
Financial Statements-an amendment of ARB No. 51 (SFAS No. 160), which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for the non-controlling interest in a subsidiary and for the deconsolidation of
a subsidiary. SFAS No. 160 is effective for us for 2009, and early adoption is prohibited. Among
the effects of SFAS No. 160 will be the future exclusion from net income (loss) of the
non-controlling interest therein and the relocation of such non-controlling interest to the
stockholders equity section of the balance sheet. We are currently evaluating the effects that
SFAS No. 160 will have on our future financial position, results of operations and operating cash
flows.
21
Table of Contents
Also in December 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 141 (Revised 2007), Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141R). SFAS No. 141R will significantly change the accounting for business combinations
for which the acquisition date is in 2009 or thereafter. We are currently evaluating how SFAS 141R
will impact our financial statements should we enter into any business combination transactions
after 2008. We currently have no announced or pending business combination transactions.
Results of continuing operations
Three Months Ended September 30, 2008, Compared to Three Months Ended September 30, 2007
Operating revenues. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, total operating revenues
from continuing operations decreased by $188,271, or 7.2%, as compared to the prior year. In
addition, Stockmans current year revenues were down $189,671, or 7.2%, primarily due to a decrease
in slot revenue of $129,321, or 6.3%, and a decline in food and beverage revenues, due to continued
economic weakness in the United States, generally, and Nevada, specifically. For the first two
months of the third quarter of 2008, Churchill County (the county in which Stockmans is located)
slot revenues were down 2.9% and our market share of slot revenue declined from 36.4% last year to
35.6% for the same period this year. Management believes that the decline in market share was due
to a temporary reduction in the number of slot machines on our casino floor. We continue to
maintain a strong market share premium over our fair share of slot units and our market share has
been steadily improving in recent months as our slot count has increased and we have made
adjustments in some of our marketing programs. In August 2008, our market share of slot revenue
was 37.1% compared with 37.0% in the prior year. August 2008 results were benefited by the early
Labor Day weekend; therefore it is expected to have a negative impact on the County revenues in
September, which have not yet been released for Churchill County. Current quarter food and beverage
revenues were down $88,928 compared to the prior years quarter. We had a significant decrease in
food and beverage activity in the last half of the third quarter of 2008, which we believe to be
consistent with a market-wide trend.
Operating costs and expenses. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, total operating
costs and expenses increased $49,873, or 1.7%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to an
increase in payroll expenses of $87,346 related to GEM for the staffing of the Firekeepers project.
In addition, the Company has experienced pricing pressure on food and beverage products at
Stockmans, which we believe is consistent with general economic trends.
Project development costs. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, project development
costs decreased by $40,149 or 39.2%, as compared to the prior year, due to lower expenses related
to new business development and reduced expenses for the tribal projects resulting primarily from
reduced activity on the Northern Cheyenne development, and the termination of the Nambé project in
the first quarter of 2008.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the three months ended September 30, 2008,
selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $87,346, or 6.1%, as compared to the 2007
period mainly due to increased payroll and travel related expenses for GEM, resulting from the
commencement of the FireKeepers Casino construction.
Operating gains. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, operating gains increased by
$696,290, or 85.6%. The increase is comprised of a $349,828 increase in the equity in net income
of unconsolidated joint venture and related guaranteed payments in GED due to the restructuring of
the related joint venture agreement discussed elsewhere in this report. In addition, the increase
over the prior year includes an increase of $346,462 in unrealized gains on notes receivable, due
primarily to the progress made on the FireKeepers casino through the third quarter of 2008, which
increased the estimated fair value of the related notes receivable.
Other income (expense). For the three months ended September 30, 2008, other expenses
increased by $137,912, or 283.0%. Interest expense decreased due to the significant reduction in
long-term debt in 2008 as compared to 2007. The interest and other income for the three months
ended September 30, 2007, includes non-recurring revenues of $272,138 of income related to a
release of a payment guarantee for the Michigan projects architects.
Income taxes. For the three months ended September 30, 2008, the estimated effective income
tax rate is approximately 41.0%, compared to 1.7% for the same period in 2007. During the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, a $380,516 adjustment was made to reduce income tax expense related to a
change in estimate of the annual estimated tax provision.
22
Table of Contents
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2008 Compared to Nine Months Ended September 30, 2007
Operating revenues. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, total operating revenues
from continuing operations increased by $229,468 or 3.2%, as compared to the prior year. The 2007
period included a one-time payment of $283,554 received from the Hard Rock Casino in Biloxi,
Mississippi, in connection with a buyout agreement. On a comparative basis to the same nine-month
period in the prior year, Stockmans revenues were higher than the prior year because the 2007
results include only eight months of operations of Stockmans due to its acquisition by the Company
in January 2007. Stockmans slot revenue increased $211,129, or 4.2%, table games revenue
increased by $66,053, or 29.0%, and keno revenue increased $32,007 or 37.8%, compared to the same
nine-month period in the prior year. Food and beverage revenue increased by $181,104, or 12.5%,
compared to the same nine-month period in the prior year. The Company completed a significant
renovation of Stockmans café and steakhouse in December 2007 and January 2008. We had a
significant decrease in food and beverage activity in the last half of the third quarter, which we
believe to be consistent with a market-wide trend.
Operating costs and expenses. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, total operating
costs and expenses decreased $130,887, or 1.4%, as compared to the prior year, primarily due to a
decrease in general and administrative expense of $387,839, or 7.4%, offset by an increase in
casino and food and beverage expenses of $502,647, or 16.4%, due to nine months of operations in
2008 compared to eight months of operations in 2007. In addition, Stockmans has experienced
pricing pressure on food and beverage products, which we believe is consistent with general
economic trends.
Project development costs. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, project development
costs decreased by $215,250, or 61.8%, as compared to the prior year, due to lower expenses related
to new business development and reduced expenses for the tribal projects resulting primarily from
the bridge financing facility obtained by the Michigan tribe in the second quarter of 2007, which
provided alternative funding of project development costs for the Michigan project, and the
termination of the Nambé project in the current year.
Selling, general and administrative expense. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008,
selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by $387,839, or 7.4%, as compared to 2007.
Corporate expenses declined by $788,501 or 20.0% primarily due to a decrease in stock compensation
expense of $719,466 or 52.7%. The decrease in corporate expense was partially offset by an
increase of $221,411, or 19.0%, in expenses at Stockmans due in part to the one extra month
included in the 2008 results.
Operating gains. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, operating gains increased by
$1,640,750 or 43.0%. The increase is comprised of a $470,905 increase in the equity in net income
of unconsolidated joint venture and related guaranteed payments in GED due to the restructuring of
the related joint venture agreement discussed elsewhere in this report. In addition, the increase
over the prior year includes $1,254,845 in unrealized gains on notes receivable, due primarily to
the progress made on the FireKeepers casino in the second and third quarters of 2008 which
increased the estimated fair value of the related notes receivable. This gain was partially offset
by an $85,000 impairment loss reflected in the current year related to land previously held for
tribal development in New Mexico.
Other income (expense). For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, other expenses increased
by $3,825, or 1.3%, which includes a decrease in interest expense of $531,838 or 55.8% and a
decrease of interest and other income of $535,663 or 80.6%. The decrease in interest expense is
related to the significant reduction in long-term debt in 2008 as compared to 2007. The interest
and other income of $664,536 for the nine months ended September 30, 2007 includes $272,138 of
income related to a the release of a payment guarantee for the Michigan projects architects, which
is not included in the current year.
Income taxes. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, the estimated effective income tax
rate is approximately 39.6%,compared to 28.0% for the same period in 2007. During the quarter
ended September 30, 2007, a $380,516 adjustment was made to reduce income tax expense, related to a
change in estimate of the annual estimated tax provision.
23
Table of Contents
Liquidity and capital resources
The Delaware joint venture and Stockmans Casino operation are currently our primary source of
recurring income and significant positive cash flow. Distributions from the Delaware operation are
governed by the terms of the applicable joint venture agreement and management reorganization
agreement. We will continue to receive management fees as currently prescribed under the joint
venture agreement, with a minimum guaranteed growth factor over the prior year of 8% in 2008 and 5%
in years 2009 through August 2011.
On a consolidated basis, for the nine months ended September 30, 2008, cash provided by
operations decreased by $600,280 from the same period in 2007, due to the sale of the hotel in
2007, which resulted in reduced cash flow for 2008, lower profits at Stockmans and higher GEM
expenses. Cash provided by investing activities increased by $22,840,114 from the same nine-month
period of last year, primarily consisting of cash proceeds generated from the sale of the Holiday
Inn Express in February 2008 of $6,961,020 and the repayment of tribal advances related to the
FireKeepers project of $9,253,467 in April 2008, partially
offset by $2,068,690 in cash used to
acquire additional Michigan contract rights in the second quarter. In the prior-year period, the
primary use of cash for investing activities related to the acquisition of Stockmans Casino. Cash
used in financing activities increased $8,796,886, primarily due to repayment of long-term debt
using the net proceeds received from investing activities. As of September 30, 2008, the Company
had approximately $6.6 million in cash and availability on its revolving credit facility of $5.3
million.
Our future cash requirements include funding the remaining near and long-term cash
requirements of our development expenses for the Michigan and Montana projects, selling, general
and administrative expenses, capital expenditures primarily at Stockmans and debt service. We
believe that adequate financial resources will be available to execute our current growth plan from
a combination of operating cash flows and external debt and equity financing. However, continued
downward pressure on cash receipts due to, among other reasons, the adverse effects of the current
negative macro economic environment and/or the lack of available funding sources due to, among
other reasons, the recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit increases
uncertainty with respect to our development and growth plans.
Subject to the foregoing uncertainty about credit availability and a significant national
downward trend in casino gaming activity due to recent economic developments, we believe that our
casino development projects currently in progress will likely be constructed and ultimately, will
achieve profitable operations; however, no assurance can be made that this will occur or how long
it will take. If our casino development projects currently in progress are not completed, or upon
completion, if we fail to successfully compete within a reasonable timeframe in the highly
competitive and currently declining market for gaming activities, we may lack the funds to compete
for and develop future gaming or other business opportunities.
On May 6, 2008, the FireKeepers Development Authority, (the Authority), closed on the sale
of $340 million of Senior Secured Notes and a $35 million equipment financing facility to fund the
development and construction of the tribes FireKeepers Casino in Michigan. On the same date, GEM
received a payment of approximately $9.3 million on its notes receivable from the Authority, with
the remaining $5.0 million to be paid 180 days following the opening of the casino, subject to
there being adequate funds remaining in the construction disbursement account. If there are
insufficient funds to repay the remaining balance, the Authority will be obligated to repay the
balance in 60 monthly installments beginning 180 days following the opening of the casino, plus
interest at prime plus 1%. On the same day, GEM funded $2,068,690 in financing costs on behalf of
the Authority, as required by the management agreement, which was recorded as additional gaming
rights related to the Michigan project. The Company and RAM each contributed one-half of the funds
to GEM for GEM to make this funding.
Long-term debt includes a reducing revolving loan from Nevada State Bank. The maximum amount
permitted to be outstanding under the reducing revolving loan decreases $312,000 semiannually on
January 1 and July 1, and any outstanding amounts above such reduced maximum must be repaid on each
such date. The reducing revolving loan is payable over 15 years at a variable interest rate based
on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate plus 2.1%. This rate, which was 7.39% per annum as of September
30, 2008 and September 30, 2007, adjusts annually based on the funded debt to EBITDA ratio of
Stockmans, with adjustments based on the five-year LIBOR/Swap rate occurring every five years.
With the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in February 2008, the balance on the loan was reduced from
$10.9 million to
$3.9 million, and the Companys availability under the facility increased to approximately
$5.3 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on a pro-rate basis, with no
required principal payments until January 2017. On October 23, 2008, the Company paid additional
principal of $624,000, increasing the line of credit availability to $6.0 million.
24
Table of Contents
On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the Repurchase Plan). Under
the Repurchase Plan, the Companys board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000
of shares of our common stock in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time
to time, in compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to
market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. On October 14, 2008, the
Companys board of directors authorized the repurchase of an additional $1,000,000 of the Companys
common stock, and extended the expiration of the Repurchase Plan to April 30, 2009. Through
September 30, 2008, the Company had repurchased 119,671 shares at a weighted-average price per
share of $1.49, costing $182,010, (including commissions and other related transaction costs). As
of November 7, 2008, the Company has repurchased an aggregate of 810,012 shares of treasury stock
at a weighted-average price of $1.28 per share, costing $1,061,850 (including commissions and other
related transaction costs). The Repurchase Plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any
particular amount of common stock and may be suspended at any time at managements discretion.
As of September 30, 2008, the Company held $3.8 million in a U. S. Government money market
account, included in total cash of 6.6 million. On September 29, 2008 the US Treasury announced a
Temporary Guarantee Program for US Registered Money Market Funds. Under this new Treasury
Department program, investments in a money market fund as of September 19, 2008, will be
temporarily insured to enable shareholders to receive a net asset value of $1.00 per share if the
fund is liquidated. The program is designed to address current market conditions and will
initially exist only for a three-month period. The Treasury Department can extend the program for
up to an additional nine months, as needed. We believe it is unlikely that the insurance will be
necessary for our U.S. Government money market fund, as investments in the fund continue to adhere
to strict credit quality, liquidity and diversification guidelines.
FireKeepers project
GEM, our FireKeepers Casino joint venture, has the exclusive right to arrange the financing
and provide casino management services to the Michigan tribe in exchange for a management fee of
26% of net revenues (defined effectively as net income before management fees) for seven years
commencing upon opening of the FireKeepers Casino. The terms of our management agreement were
approved by the NIGC in December 2007 and a revised management agreement was approved in April 2008
to incorporate the terms of the project financing.
In 2007, GEM acquired all of Green Acres interests in the FireKeepers project for $10.0
million. GEMs members equally funded an initial deposit of $500,000 in the second quarter of 2007,
and the remaining balance was paid in May 2008. The repayment was funded with $9.3 million of
proceeds received from a partial payment on the notes receivable related to the FireKeepers
project, which was tied to the construction financing for the project. The remaining $5 million of
notes receivable from the Authority are now expected to be paid from the construction disbursement
account 180 days after the opening of the casino. However, if there are insufficient funds in the
construction disbursement account, the Authority is obligated to repay the $5 million in 60 equal
monthly installments, with interest at prime plus 1%, beginning 180 days after the casino opens.
In 2002, in exchange for funding a portion of the development costs, RAM advanced us
$2,381,260, which was partially convertible into a capital contribution to the GEM joint venture
upon federal approval of the land into trust application and federal approval of the management
agreement with the Authority, subsequently, RAM exercised its conversion option on its $2.4 million
loan to the Company. As a result, $2.0 million of the loan was converted to a capital contribution
to the GEM joint venture, and the loan balance of $381,260, plus $611,718 of accrued interest on
the original loan, became a liability of GEM. At September 30, 2008, GEMs total long-term
liabilities to RAM were approximately $2.9 million, which bear interest at prime plus 1%, and are
expected to mature in 2011. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, both we and RAM loaned
$453,900 to GEM to fund current operating expenses.
25
Table of Contents
Other projects
In 2005, we entered into development and management agreements with the Montana tribe for a
proposed casino to be built approximately 28 miles north of Sheridan, Wyoming. The Montana tribe
currently operates the Charging Horse casino in Lame Deer, Montana, consisting of 125 gaming
devices, a 300-seat bingo hall and restaurant. As part of the agreements, we have committed on a
best efforts basis to arrange financing for the costs associated with the development and
furtherance of this project up to $18.0 million. Our agreements with the tribe provide for the
reimbursement of these advances either from the proceeds of the financing of the development, the
actual operation itself or, in the event that we do not complete the development, from the revenues
of the tribal gaming operation undertaken by others. The management agreement and related contracts
have been submitted to the NIGC for approval.
In 2005, we signed gaming development and management agreements with the Nambé Pueblo of New
Mexico to develop a 50,000 square foot facility including gaming, restaurants, entertainment and
other amenities as part of the tribes multi-phased master plan of economic development. In March
2008, management announced that the Company was no longer pursuing the Nambé Pueblo project.
Pursuant to the terms of the development agreement, the Pueblo has recognized the obligation to
reimburse all of the Companys development advances for the project. Full House currently has
advanced $661,600 for the development of the project, all of which is expected to be reimbursed by
the Pueblo on yet to be negotiated terms. In addition, management expects to negotiate payment from
the Pueblo or its new developer for the value of the exclusive gaming rights granted to the Company
by the Pueblo. The receivable from the Pueblo is valued based on the present value of a five-year
collection period and a 20.5% discount rate. The collectability ultimately depends on the quality
and timing of the project development which we are monitoring, but have no influence over.
Additional projects are considered based on their forecasted profitability, development
period, regulatory and political environment and the ability to secure the funding necessary to
complete the development, among other considerations. As part of our agreements for tribal
developments, we typically fund costs associated with projects which may include legal, civil
engineering, environmental, design, training, land acquisition and other related advances while
assisting the tribes in securing financing for the construction of the project. The majority of
these costs are advanced to the tribes and are reimbursable to us, pursuant to management and
development agreements, as part of the financing of the projects development. While each project
is unique, we forecast these costs when determining the feasibility of each opportunity. Such
agreements to finance costs associated with the development and furtherance of projects are typical
in this industry and have become expected of tribal gaming developers.
Our agreements with the various Indian tribes contain limited waivers of sovereign immunity
and, in many cases, provide for arbitration to enforce the agreements. Generally, our only recourse
for collection of funds under these agreements is from revenues, if any, of prospective casino
operations.
Presently, we are not obligated to fund the construction phase of our Northern Cheyenne
project in Montana. The FireKeepers casino development financing has been secured by the Tribe.
The recent unprecedented global contraction in available credit significantly decreases the
likelihood that financing could be obtained on favorable terms if at all for the Montana project
this year. We believe that credit markets will improve sufficiently in order for the Montana tribe
to fund the project when we are expected to commence construction later next year. However, if
the Montana tribe is unable to obtain funding on acceptable terms, we believe we could either sell
our rights to the Montana project, find a partner with funding, or abandon the Montana project and
have our receivables reimbursed from the gaming operations, if any, developed by another party.
However, if we were to discontinue the Montana project, the related receivables and intangibles
would then be evaluated for impairment. At September 30, 2008, the notes receivable from Indian
tribes have been discounted approximately $1.3 million below the contractual value of the notes
(including accrued interest) and the related contract rights are valued substantially below the
anticipated cash flow from the management fees of the projects.
During the first quarter of 2008, proceeds from the sale of the Holiday Inn Express in Fallon,
Nevada were applied against outstanding balances payable on the Revolver. The outstanding balance
was reduced from $10.9 million to $3.9 million and the Companys availability under the Revolver
increased to approximately $5.3 million. In addition, periodic payment requirements were reduced on
a pro-rata basis. As of September 30, 2008, there are no additional
required principal payments due on the Revolver until January 2017, although additional
principal payments were made in July and October 2008, increasing the Companys availability under
the Revolver to $6 million.
26
Table of Contents
Safe harbor provision
This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, relating to our financial
condition, profitability, liquidity, resources, business outlook, market forces, corporate
strategies, contractual commitments, legal matters, capital requirements and other matters. The
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe harbor for forward-looking
statements. We note that many factors could cause our actual results and experience to change
significantly from the anticipated results or expectations expressed in our forward-looking
statements. When words and expressions such as: believes, expects, anticipates, estimates,
plans, intends, objectives, goals, aims, projects, forecasts, possible, seeks,
may, could, should, might, likely, enable, or similar words or expressions are used in
this Form 10-Q, as well as statements containing phrases such as in our view, there can be no
assurance, although no assurance can be given, or there is no way to anticipate with
certainty, forward-looking statements are being made.
Various risks and uncertainties may affect the operation, performance, development and results
of our business and could cause future outcomes to change significantly from those set forth in our
forward-looking statements, including the following factors:
| our growth strategies; |
||
| our development and potential acquisition of new facilities; |
||
| risks related to development and construction activities; |
||
| anticipated trends in the gaming industries; |
||
| patron demographics; |
||
| general market and economic conditions; |
||
| access to capital and credit, including our ability to finance future business
requirements; |
||
| the availability of adequate levels of insurance; |
||
| changes in federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including
environmental and gaming license legislation and regulations; |
||
| regulatory approvals; |
||
| competitive environment; |
||
| risks, uncertainties and other factors described from time to time in this and
our other SEC filings and reports. |
We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements as a
result of future developments, events or conditions. New risk factors emerge from time to time and
it is not possible for us to predict all such risk factors, nor can we assess the impact of all
such risk factors on our business or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may
cause actual results to differ significantly from those forecast in any forward-looking statements.
Seasonality
We believe that our casino operations will be affected by seasonal factors, including
holidays, weather and travel conditions. Our cash flow from GED is affected by our management
agreement with Harrington where GEDs second quarter cash flow has been reduced by a rebate of
management fees which forms the basis of GEDs on-going cash flow according to the amended
management agreement.
Regulation and taxes
We and our casino projects are subject to extensive regulation by state gaming authorities. We
will also be subject to regulation, which may or may not be similar to current state regulations,
by the appropriate authorities in any
jurisdiction where we may conduct gaming activities in the future. Changes in applicable laws
or regulations could have an adverse effect on us.
27
Table of Contents
The gaming industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to regulators. From time
to time, various federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax law, or in the
administration of such law, affecting the gaming industry. It is not possible to determine the
likelihood of possible changes in tax law or in the administration of such law. Such changes, if
adopted, could have a material adverse effect on our future financial position, results of
operations and cash flows.
Off-balance sheet arrangements
We have no off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current
or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues or expenses,
results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that is material to
investors.
Item 3. Quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk
Market risk is the risk of loss from changes in market rates or prices, such as interest rates
and commodity prices. We are exposed to market risk in the form of changes in interest rates and
the potential impact such changes may have on our variable rate debt. We have not invested in
derivative based financial instruments.
Our cash and cash equivalents are not subject to significant interest rate risk due to the
short maturities of these instruments. As of September 30, 2008, the carrying value of our cash and
cash equivalents approximates fair value. However, we have cash on deposit with financial
institutions substantially in excess of federally-insured limits, and the risk of losses related to
such concentrations may be increasing as a result of economic developments.
Of our total outstanding debt including accrued interest of approximately $6.9 million at
September 30, 2008, $5.9 million is subject to variable interest rates, which averaged 6.72% during
the current quarter. The applicable interest rates are based on the prime lending rate or the
five-year LIBOR/Swap rate; and therefore, the interest rate will fluctuate as the index lending
rates change. Based on our outstanding variable rate debt at September 30, 2008, a hypothetical
100 basis point (1%) change in rates would result in an annual interest expense change of
approximately $59,478. At this time, we do not anticipate that either inflation or interest rate
variations will have a material impact on our future operations.
Item 4(T). Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures As of September 30, 2008, we completed an
evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design and operation of
our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 Rule
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief
Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective at a
reasonable assurance level in timely alerting them to material information relating to us which is
required to be included in our periodic Securities and Exchange Commission filings.
Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting There have been no changes during the
last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect,
our internal control over financial reporting.
28
Table of Contents
PART II OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1. Legal Proceedings
On October 20, 2008, the Company was served with a complaint in the Second Judicial District
Court of Nevada in and for Washoe County by RAM Entertainment, LLC and Robert A. Mathewson alleging
breach of contract and other claims related to the resolution of claims by Gaming Entertainment
(California) LLC (GEC), a consolidated investee of the Company, against the Torres-Martinez tribe
of California. Certain officers were named as individual defendants as well. The complaint
alleges that the Company, and in some cases the other individual defendants (i) breached an oral
promise to share with RAM the $1,050,893 settlement proceeds received by GEC in 2005 following a
successful arbitration against the tribe. (ii) wrongfully distributed such settlement proceeds to
the Company and (iii) failed to disclose material information to RAM regarding GEC, including debts
owed by GEC to the Company. Due to recent filing of the complaint, none of the parties have
commenced discovery. The Company believes that the allegations in the complaint are without merit
and will vigorously defend the action.
Item 2. Unregistered sales of equity securities and use of proceeds
Approximate dollar | ||||||||||||||||
Total number of shares | value of shares that | |||||||||||||||
Total number | Weighted- | purchased as part of | may yet be purchased | |||||||||||||
of shares | average price | publicly announced plan | under the plans or | |||||||||||||
Period | purchased | paid per share | (1) | programs | ||||||||||||
07/01/2008
07/31/2008 |
| | | $ | 1,000,000 | |||||||||||
08/01/2008 08/31/2008 |
8,600 | $ | 1.64 | 8,600 | $ | 985,872 | ||||||||||
09/01/2008 09/30/2008 |
111,071 | 1.48 | 111,071 | $ | 821,637 | |||||||||||
Total |
119,671 | $ | 1.49 | 119,671 |
(1) | On July 7, 2008, the Company announced a stock repurchase plan (the
Repurchase Plan). Under the Repurchase Plan, the Companys board of directors
authorized the repurchase of up to $1,000,000 worth of shares of our common stock in
the open market or in privately negotiated transactions from time to time, in
compliance with Rule 10b-18 of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, subject to
market conditions, applicable legal requirements and other factors. The Repurchase
Plan does not obligate the Company to acquire any particular amount of common stock
and the plan may be suspended at any time at managements discretion. On October 14,
2008, the Companys board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to an
additional $1,000,000 worth of shares of the Companys common stock and extended the
expiration of the Repurchase Plan until April 30, 2009. |
Item 6. Exhibits
31.1 | Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
31.2 | Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
32.1 | Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
32.2 | Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
* | Filed herewith |
29
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Company
has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized.
FULL HOUSE RESORTS, INC. |
||||
Date: November 12, 2008 | By: | /s/ MARK MILLER | ||
Mark Miller | ||||
Chief Financial Officer (on behalf of the Registrant and as principal financial officer) |
30
Table of Contents
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit No. | Description | |||
31.1 | Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18
U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
31.2 | Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18
U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 302 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
32.1 | Certification of principal executive officer pursuant to 18
U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
|||
32.2 | Certification of principal financial officer pursuant to 18
U.S.C. section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002* |
* | Filed herewith |
31