Release Date: November 04, 2024
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
Positive Points
- Century Casinos Inc (CNTY, Financial) reported a consolidated EBITDAR margin increase from 20.6% to 21.1%, indicating improved operational efficiency.
- The reopening of a key casino in Poland is expected to restore the region to a normal EBITDAR run rate of $10 million to $12 million annually.
- The new land-based casino and hotel in Carville, Missouri, opened with a record-setting weekend, showing strong initial performance and potential for future growth.
- The Nugget Casino Resort in Reno showed significant sequential growth, with revenue up 40% and EBITDAR doubling compared to Q2.
- The company has a strong liquidity position with $119 million in cash and no debt maturities until 2029, providing financial stability and flexibility.
Negative Points
- Net revenue decreased by 3% compared to Q3 of last year, primarily due to the temporary closure of a casino in Poland.
- Non-rated play was down across the portfolio, attributed to macroeconomic factors and consumer wallet softness.
- The Midwest segment experienced a 5% decline in EBITDAR, impacted by disruptions from the development of the new facility in Carville.
- The Nugget Casino Resort faced a decline in hotel and F&B revenue due to fewer group room nights, affecting overall performance.
- The Canadian segment saw a decrease in net operating revenue, particularly at the Century Downs casino, due to increased competition and the absence of a large event.
Q & A Highlights
Q: Can you provide an update on the status of the casino licenses in Poland?
A: Peter Hoetzinger, President and Co-CEO, explained that some licenses expired because the officials did not start the relicensing process in time. However, the important licenses that generate significant revenue have been granted again, including the one in Roslov, which reopened 10 days ago. Two smaller licenses were not relicensed, but this does not have a meaningful impact on EBITDAR. Poland is back to normal operations with an expected annual EBITDAR of $10 million to $12 million.
Q: Does the lack of relicensing for two properties in Poland affect your plans to sell those properties?
A: Peter Hoetzinger stated that the fluctuation in licenses is normal and does not change their plans to sell the properties. The core operations are intact, and there is no change in interest from investors due to the small licenses.
Q: Can you provide more details on the performance of the Nugget Casino in Reno during Q3 and into October?
A: Erwin Haitzmann, Chairman and Co-CEO, noted that the negative impact was mainly from July, with August and September showing strong improvements. The trend continued into October, and they are optimistic about the future. They are focusing on operational efficiencies and increasing group business, although group bookings are planned years in advance.
Q: What drove the revenue decline in your Canadian assets, and do you expect a similar consumer trend as seen in the US markets?
A: Erwin Haitzmann explained that the decline was mainly due to the Century Downs casino, which saw a $1 million decrease in net operating revenue. This was partly due to not hosting the Chuckwagon racing event and increased competition from a nearby casino. However, market shares have stabilized, and they expect a positive trend moving forward.
Q: Regarding the illustrative guidance for 2025, how should we think about the EBITDAR growth from 2024 to 2025?
A: Peter Hoetzinger mentioned that the growth will primarily come from the Crothersville opening, Cape Girardeau ramp, and Reno improvements. The full potential on the EBITDAR line will likely be realized more in the second half of 2025, starting from the second quarter.
For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.
