Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q4 2024, the company generated revenue of $164 million and EBITDA of $39 million, bringing full-year revenue to $667 million and EBITDA to $155 million [8][10] - Compared to the prior year, Q4 results were lower year-over-year but showed significant improvement from Q3, which was noted as the low point in quarterly performance [8][10] - The company repurchased approximately 1.1 million shares at an average price of $32.65, totaling $36 million in Q4 [16] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The STRAT's weekend occupancy remained flat at 95% year-over-year, while mid-week occupancy decreased by 6%, leading to an overall occupancy of 75% for Q4 [11] - The Nevada Locals Casinos saw increased revenue and EBITDA compared to last year, with EBITDA margins improving to 46% [13] - The performance of the Nevada Tavern segment was negatively impacted by recent acquisitions, but same-store revenue improved by 6% from Q3 to Q4 [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - January 2025 showed broad strength in gaming revenue, with a 4% increase compared to the prior year, while February was expected to decline due to tough comparisons from the previous Super Bowl [10] - Las Vegas visitation reached nearly 42 million, marking the fourth consecutive year of growth, although still below 2019 levels [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company streamlined its portfolio by selling non-core assets, generating over $600 million in proceeds, which were used to optimize capital structure and return capital to shareholders [6][7] - The company is focused on operational efficiency, investing in its assets, and exploring M&A opportunities while maintaining a low leverage profile [18][19] - Future growth is anticipated from improved performance at The STRAT and stabilized revenues in new taverns, supported by Nevada's favorable economic trends [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer health is stabilizing, particularly in the locals market, with improvements in visitation and spending from the top tier of their database [42][44] - The company expects continued organic growth in 2025, driven by improved performance at The STRAT and the overall strength of Nevada's economy [18][44] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong balance sheet with total funded debt of approximately $400 million and net leverage of 2.3x EBITDA [15] - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders, having returned nearly $190 million through share repurchases and dividends in the past two years [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has the company's thinking around M&A changed? - Management stated that their approach remains proactive in pursuing opportunities to grow shareholder value [22] Question: How did the F1 promotional activities trend? - Management noted that they did not expect the dramatic fall-off in F1 and experienced challenges with occupancy rates [25] Question: What is the recovery status at The STRAT? - Management indicated that The STRAT's occupancy is currently at 75%, with expectations for improvement as convention business returns [30] Question: What are the expectations for operational expenses in 2025? - Management expects sequential growth in taverns and is focused on managing labor inflation as a headwind [36][37] Question: How is the consumer behavior stabilizing post-election? - Management observed improvements in the locals market, particularly among higher-tier customers, with a moderation in declines from lower-tier customers [42][44] Question: What are the company's thoughts on expanding geographically? - Management is open to expanding outside of Nevada but would focus on multiple properties rather than single asset acquisitions [75][76]