Consolidated results led by strength in social and mobile games and new hospitality offerings were offset by unfavorable hold at Caesars Palace and increased operating expenses

Caesars Entertainment;

Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ:  CZR) yesterday reported the following fourth quarter and full year 2014 results and recent developments: 

  • Consolidated net revenues increased 6% year-over-year driven by growth at CGP LLC and CERP
  • Consolidated results led by strength in social and mobile games and new hospitality offerings were offset by unfavorable hold at Caesars Palace and increased operating expenses
  • CEOC announced comprehensive debt restructuring plan on December 19, which includes a significant reduction in CEOC's long-term debt and annual interest payments 
  • Caesars Acquisition Company and Caesars Entertainment announced on December 22 an agreement to merge in a combined company that will be positioned for sustainable long-term growth and value creation

Summary Financial Data

The table below highlights certain GAAP and non-GAAP financial measures on a consolidated basis:

Three Months Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable)

Years Ended December 31,

Percent

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable) 

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

2014

2013

2014

2013

Casino revenues (1)

$

1,371

$

1,350

1.6%

$

5,418

$

5,529

(2.0)%

Net revenues (1)

2,131

2,004

6.3%

8,516

8,220

3.6%

Loss from operations (1)

(402)

(1,777)

77.4%

(452)

(2,026)

77.7%

Loss from continuing operations, net of income taxes (1)

(1,055)

(1,655)

36.3%

(2,674)

(2,733)

2.2%

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(15)

(97)

84.5%

(192)

(207)

7.2%

Net loss attributable to Caesars

(1,011)

(1,757)

42.5%

(2,771)

(2,948)

6.0%

Basic and diluted loss per share

(7.00)

(12.83)

45.4%

(19.45)

(22.93)

15.2%

Property EBITDA (2)

359

386

(7.0)%

1,689

1,877

(10.0)%

Adjusted EBITDA (3)

372

406

(8.4)%

1,693

1,855

(8.7)%

(1) - (3) See footnotes following Cash and Available Revolver Capacity 

 

Management Commentary

"Ongoing strength in the interactive business, new hospitality offerings and sequential improvement in same-store regional results were key drivers of our fourth quarter performance despite the continuation of exceptionally unfavorable hold at Caesars Palace," said Gary Loveman, chairman, chief executive officer and president of Caesars Entertainment. "As we begin 2015, we are highly focused on enhancing performance at CEOC through a series of cost initiatives and the implementation of the previously announced financial restructuring plan. With more than 80% of first lien noteholders supporting the plan, we are committed to working with additional creditor groups to build greater consensus and complete the restructuring process as quickly as possible."

Other Key Matters During the Quarter        

In the discussion below, the words "Company," "Caesars," "Caesars Entertainment," "CEC," "we," and "our" refer to Caesars Entertainment Corporation and its consolidated entities, unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise.

Fourth quarter Adjusted EBITDA for Caesars Entertainment Corporation was $372 million. Top-line results benefited from the addition of The Cromwell, Horseshoe Baltimore, and the High Roller as well as new hospitality offerings.  Furthermore, strong growth in CIE provided over $60 million in incremental revenue in the quarter.  These increases to revenue were negatively impacted by approximately $60 million of unfavorable year-over-year hold at Caesars Palace, higher start-up costs from new properties as well as new food and beverage outlets, and increased overhead expenses.  

The Company is intensely focused on ensuring operating costs are aligned with the current environment to enhance CEC's profitability. To that end, the Company is acting aggressively to reduce expenses and increase EBITDA across the Company through a variety of identified initiatives in operations, marketing and corporate expenses. CEC will no longer consolidate CEOC beginning with the CEOC bankruptcy filing on January 15, 2015.  Including CEOC and the entities (CES, CERP, CGP LLC and their consolidated subsidiaries) that will remain in CEC's consolidated results subsequent to CEOC's bankruptcy filing, we expect to produce an incremental $250 to $300 million of EBITDA in 2015 as a result of these actions, with the overwhelming majority of this increase to be driven by cost savings. During the fourth quarter, the Company realized approximately $9 million in cost savings but the real benefits from these efforts will be seen beginning in the first quarter of 2015.

On December 19, 2014, CEOC reached an agreement with certain of CEOC's first lien noteholders regarding terms of a financial restructuring plan, which would significantly reduce long-term debt and annual interest payments, and result in a stronger balance sheet for CEOC. The restructuring support agreement has now been signed by over 80% of the first lien noteholders.

Additionally, on December 22, 2014, Caesars Entertainment and Caesars Acquisition Company announced a definitive agreement to merge in an all-stock transaction. The planned merger will position the combined company to support the restructuring of CEOC without the need for any significant outside financing.

To implement the financial restructuring, CEOC and certain of its U.S. subsidiaries voluntarily filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois in Chicago on January 15, 2015. All Caesars Entertainment properties, including those owned by CEOC, are open for business and are continuing to operate in the ordinary course. The restructuring is conditioned upon the release of all pending and potential litigation claims against Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Acquisition Company and related parties. The proposed restructuring plan remains subject to approval by the Bankruptcy Court and the receipt of required gaming regulatory approvals.           

Financial Results

The financial results presented below leverage a management view and include Caesars with its four reportable segments and Parent/Other. Segment results are presented consistent with the way CEC management assesses these results, which is a consolidated view that adjusts for the impact of certain transactions between reportable segments within Caesars, as described below.  As a result, the results of certain reportable segments presented in this release differ from the financial statement information presented in their separate filings.

Segment Net Revenues(9) 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/

(Unfavorable)

Years Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable)

(Dollars in millions)

2014

2013

2014

2013

CEOC (4)

$

1,149

$

1,221

(5.9)%

$

4,812

$

4,985

(3.5)%

CERP (5)

500

463

8.0%

2,065

1,979

4.3%

CGP LLC Casinos (6)

371

265

40.0%

1,281

1,040

23.2%

CIE (7)

156

95

64.2%

587

317

85.2%

Parent / Other(8)

(45)

(40)

(12.5)%

(229)

(101)

(126.7)%

Total

$

2,131

$

2,004

6.3%

$

8,516

$

8,220

3.6%

Segment Income/(loss) from Operations(9)

Three Months Ended December 31,

Percent

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable)

Years Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/

(Unfavorable)

(Dollars in millions)

2014

2013

2014

2013

CEOC (4)

$

(102)

$

(863)

88.2%

$

(323)

$

(1,344)

76.0%

CERP (5)

(122)

(981)

87.6%

(32)

(804)

96.0%

CGP LLC Casinos (6)

(208)

(115)

(80.9)%

(139)

(3)

*

CIE (7)

(4)

100.0

21

(9)

*

Parent / Other(8)

30

186

(83.9)%

21

134

(84.3)%

Total

$

(402)

$

(1,777)

77.4%

$

(452)

$

(2,026)

77.7%

Cash and Available Revolver Capacity

Each of the entities comprising Caesars Entertainment's consolidated financial statements have separate debt agreements with restrictions on usage of the respective entity's capital resources. CGP LLC is a variable interest entity that is consolidated by Caesars Entertainment, but is controlled by its sole voting member, Caesars Acquisition Company ("CAC"). CAC is a managing member of CGP LLC and therefore, controls all decisions regarding the liquidity and capital resources of CGP LLC.

December 31, 2014

(In millions)

CEOC(10)

CERP

CES

CGP LLC

Parent

Cash and cash equivalents

$

1,194

$

189

$

70

$

944

$

409

Revolver capacity

270

150

Revolver capacity drawn or committed to letters of credit

(180)

Total cash and revolver capacity

$

279

$

70

$

1,094

$

409

 

Not meaningful

(1)

Casino revenues, net revenues, income from operations, and loss from continuing operations, net of income taxes for all periods presented in the table above exclude the results of Alea Leeds casino (closed in March 2013), Golden Nugget casino (closed in February 2014), Harrah's Tunica casino (closed in June 2014), CIE RMG BEL (closed in August 2014), Showboat casino (closed in August 2014) and the subsidiaries that held the Company's land concession in Macau (sold in November 2013) because all of these are presented as discontinued operations. 

(2)

Property EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined and reconciled to its most comparable GAAP measure later in this release. Property EBITDA is included because the Company's management uses Property EBITDA to measure performance and allocate resources, and believes that Property EBITDA provides investors with additional information consistent with that used by management.

(3)

Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is defined and reconciled to its most comparable GAAP measure later in this release. Adjusted EBITDA is included because management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with additional information that allows a better understanding of the results of operational activities separate from the financial impact of decisions made for the long-term benefit of the Company.

(4) 

CEOC results present the sales of The LINQ promenade and Octavius Tower (to CERP in 2013); Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino (to CGP LLC in October 2013); Horseshoe Baltimore (to CGP LLC in October 2013) and The Cromwell, Bally's Las Vegas, The LINQ Hotel, and Harrah's New Orleans (to CGP LLC in May 2014) as if they had occurred as of the earliest period presented, consistent with internal management presentation.

(5) 

CERP includes The LINQ promenade and Octavius Tower in all periods presented.

(6) 

CGP LLC Casinos is comprised of all subsidiaries of CGP LLC excluding CIE.

(7)

CIE is comprised of the subsidiaries that operate its social and mobile gaming operations and WSOP.

(8) 

Parent/Other includes consolidating adjustments, eliminating adjustments and other adjustments to reconcile to consolidated CEC results and CEC Parent level activity.

(9) 

As consolidated, and adjusted

(10)

CEOC is unable to draw on its remaining revolver capacity subsequent to its voluntary filing for reorganization under Chapter 11.

About Caesars

Caesars Entertainment is the world's most diversified casino-entertainment provider and the most geographically diverse U.S. casino-entertainment company. CEC is mainly comprised of the following three entities: the majority owned operating subsidiary Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, wholly owned Caesars Entertainment Resort Properties and Caesars Growth Partners, in which we hold a variable economic interest. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada, 77 years ago, CEC has grown through development of new resorts, expansions, and acquisitions, and its portfolio of subsidiaries now operate 49 casinos in 14 U.S. states and five countries. The Company's resorts operate primarily under the Caesars®, Harrah's®, and Horseshoe® brand names. CEC's portfolio also includes the London Clubs International family of casinos. CEC is focused on building loyalty and value with its guests through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence, and technology leadership. The Company is committed to environmental sustainability and energy conservation and recognizes the importance of being a responsible steward of the environment. 

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In millions, except per share data)

Three Months Ended

 December 31,

Years Ended December 31,

2014

2013

2014

2013

Revenues

Casino

$

1,371

$

1,350

$

5,418

$

5,529

Food and beverage

378

347

1,522

1,451

Rooms

292

279

1,207

1,167

Management fees

13

15

58

57

Other

306

228

1,197

855

Reimbursable management costs

55

65

252

268

Less: casino promotional allowances

(284)

(280)

(1,138)

(1,107)

Net revenues

2,131

2,004

8,516

8,220

Operating expenses

Direct

Casino

840

783

3,253

3,112

Food and beverage

178

151

694

639

Rooms

74

71

315

296

Property, general, administrative, and other

625

544

2,306

2,035

Reimbursable management costs

55

65

252

268

Depreciation and amortization

165

168

636

701

Write-downs, reserves, and project opening costs, net of recoveries

24

59

120

104

Impairment of goodwill

407

695

104

Impairment of intangible and tangible assets

39

1,885

299

2,727

Corporate expense

90

47

282

161

Acquisition and integration costs and other

36

8

116

99

Total operating expenses

2,533

3,781

8,968

10,246

Loss from operations

(402)

(1,777)

(452)

(2,026)

Interest expense

(716)

(574)

(2,670)

(2,252)

Other gains/(losses)

(1)

(43)

(95)

28

Loss from continuing operations before income taxes

(1,119)

(2,394)

(3,217)

(4,250)

Income tax benefit

64

739

543

1,517

Loss from continuing operations, net of income taxes

(1,055)

(1,655)

(2,674)

(2,733)

Discontinued operations

Loss from discontinued operations

(25)

(88)

(213)

(239)

Income tax benefit/(provision)

10

(9)

21

32

Loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes

(15)

(97)

(192)

(207)

Net loss

(1,070)

(1,752)

(2,866)

(2,940)

Net (income)/loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

59

(5)

95

(8)

Net loss attributable to Caesars

$

(1,011)

$

(1,757)

$

(2,771)

$

(2,948)

Loss per share - basic and diluted

Loss per share from continuing operations

$

(6.90)

$

(12.13)

$

(18.10)

$

(21.32)

Loss per share from discontinued operations

(0.10)

(0.70)

(1.35)

(1.61)

Net loss per share

$

(7.00)

$

(12.83)

$

(19.45)

$

(22.93)

 

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED CONDENSED SUMMARY BALANCE SHEETS

(UNAUDITED)

(In millions)

 

December 31, 2014

December 31, 2013

Assets

Current assets

           Cash and cash equivalents

$

2,806

$

2,771

           Restricted cash

76

88

           Other current assets

791

911

Total current assets

3,673

3,770

Property and equipment, net

13,456

13,238

Goodwill and other intangible assets

5,516

6,551

Restricted cash

109

337

Other long-term assets

781

793

Total assets

$

23,535

$

24,689

Liabilities and Stockholders' Deficit

Current liabilities

           Current portion of long-term debt

$

15,779

$

197

           Other current liabilities

2,501

2,334

Total current liabilities

18,280

2,531

Long-term debt

7,434

20,918

Other long-term liabilities

2,563

3,144

Total liabilities

28,277

26,593

Total Caesars stockholders' deficit

(4,998)

(3,122)

Noncontrolling interests

256

1,218

Total deficit

(4,742)

(1,904)

Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit

$

23,535

$

24,689

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

TO PROPERTY EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

Property earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA") is presented as a supplemental measure of the Company's performance.  Property EBITDA is defined as revenues less property operating expenses and is comprised of net income/(loss) before (i) interest expense, net of interest capitalized and interest income; (ii) (benefit)/provision for income tax; (iii) depreciation and amortization; (iv) corporate expenses; and (v) certain items that management does not consider indicative of the Company's ongoing operating performance at an operating property level.  In evaluating Property EBITDA, you should be aware that, in the future, the Company may incur expenses that are the same or similar to some of the adjustments in this presentation.  The presentation of Property EBITDA should not be construed as an inference that future results will be unaffected by unusual or unexpected items.

Property EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure commonly used in our industry and should not be construed as an alternative to net income/(loss) as an indicator of operating performance or as an alternative to cash flow provided by operating activities as a measure of liquidity (as determined in accordance with GAAP).  Property EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies within the industry.  Property EBITDA is included because management uses Property EBITDA to measure performance and allocate resources and believes that Property EBITDA provides investors with additional information consistent with that used by management.

Adjusted EBITDA is defined as Property EBITDA further adjusted to exclude certain non-cash and other items required or permitted in calculating covenant compliance under the agreements governing CEOC, CERP, and CGP LLC's secured credit facilities.

Adjusted EBITDA is presented as a supplemental measure of the Company's performance and management believes that Adjusted EBITDA provides investors with additional information and allows a better understanding of the results of operational activities separate from the financial impact of decisions made for the long-term benefit of the Company.

Because not all companies use identical calculations, the presentation of Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies. The following tables reconcile net income/(loss) attributable to the companies presented to Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

Property EBITDA(a)

Three Months Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable) 

Years Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable) 

(Dollars in millions)

2014

2013

2014

2013

CEOC

$

174

$

263

(33.8)%

$

886

$

1,290

(31.3)%

CERP

116

104

11.5%

519

530

(2.1)%

CGP LLC

64

65

(1.5)%

324

304

6.6%

Other

5

(46)

*

(40)

(247)

83.8%

Total

$

359

$

386

(7.0)%

$

1,689

$

1,877

(10.0)%

Adjusted EBITDA(a) 

Three Months Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable) 

Years Ended December 31,

Percent 

Favorable/ 

(Unfavorable) 

(Dollars in millions)

2014

2013

2014

2013

CEOC

$

171

$

274

(37.6)%

$

888

$

1,272

(30.2)%

CERP

103

95

8.4%

467

493

(5.3)%

CGP LLC

103

85

21.2%

416

339

22.7%

Other

(5)

(48)

89.6%

(78)

(249)

68.7%

Total

$

372

$

406

(8.4)%

$

1,693

$

1,855

(8.7)%

*   

Not meaningful

(a)  

Property EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are presented on a legal entity basis consistent with agreements governing applicable secured credit facilities.

 

CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION

RECONCILIATION OF NET LOSS ATTRIBUTABLE TO CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

TO PROPERTY EBITDA AND ADJUSTED EBITDA

 

Three Months Ended December 31, 2014

Three Months Ended December 31, 2013

(In millions)

CEOC(i)

CERP(j)

CGP LLC(k)

Other(l)

CEC

CEOC(i)

CERP(j)

CGP LLC/ Predecessor(k)

Other(l)

CEC

Net income/(loss) attributable to company

$

(739)

$

(217)

$

(247)

$

192

$

(1,011)

$

(1,385)

$

(696)

$

(114)

$

438

$

(1,757)

Net income/(loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests

5

(18)

(46)

(59)

2

(5)

8

5

Net income/(loss)

(734)

(217)

(265)

146

(1,070)

(1,383)

(696)

(119)

446

(1,752)

Net (income)/loss from discontinued operations

24

(9)

15

93

4

97

Net income/(loss) from continuing operations

(710)

(217)

(265)

137

(1,055)

(1,290)

(696)

(119)

450

(1,655)

Income tax (benefit)/provision

41

(6)

17

(116)

(64)

(68)

(409)

19

(281)

(739)

Income/(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes

(669)

(223)

(248)

21

(1,119)

(1,358)

(1,105)

(100)

169

(2,394)

Other (gains)/losses(a)

2

(1)

1

(6)

37

(45)

57

43

Interest expense

561

101

49

5