Century Casinos(US:CNTY)2025-03-13 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consolidated revenue for Q4 2024 was $137.8 million, a decrease of 4% from the previous year's Q4. Adjusted EBITDA was $21.1 million, down 17% [4] - U.S. operations saw a revenue decline of 3% and an EBITDA decrease of 8% [4] - The net debt to EBITDA ratio at the end of Q4 was 5.5 times, and 6.9 times on a lease-adjusted basis [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The new land-based facility in Caruthersville, Missouri, opened on November 1, 2024, with revenue and EBITDA up 2732% in the four months since opening, exceeding initial expectations [5][6] - The Central Casino Hotel Cape Girardeau reported an 11% increase in revenue and a 7% increase in EBITDA, driven by the new hotel and solid food and beverage sales [9] - The East segment, including Mountaineer Casino and Rocky Gap Casino Resort, experienced a revenue decline of 7% and EBITDA down 29% [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Colorado, carded revenue grew by 12%, while uncarded revenue decreased by 30%, leading to an overall revenue decline of 7% [13] - The Nugget Casino Resort in Nevada saw a 10% decline in gaming revenue, impacted by low slot hold, although local credit play increased by 5% [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on operational discipline and efficiency improvements, with a clear path to higher EBITDA for 2025 and beyond [23] - There are plans to finalize partnership agreements for sports betting in Missouri, expected to deliver incremental high-margin EBITDA [12] - The company is considering divesting non-U.S. properties, particularly in Poland and Canada, as part of its strategic focus on North American assets [19][74] Management Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the low-end consumer segment remains weak due to macroeconomic factors, impacting overall performance [5][27] - The company anticipates significant EBITDA and cash flow improvements in 2025, driven by recent growth capital initiatives [24] - Management expressed caution regarding capital allocation due to ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty, emphasizing the need to refinance or pay down high-rate debt [50] Other Important Information - The company has no significant capital expenditures planned for 2025, expecting to spend only $4 million on growth projects and $14 million on maintenance CapEx [22] - The company has a strong cash position with no debt maturities until 2029, allowing for flexibility in growth initiatives [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the main driver of the lower estimates for 2025? - Management indicated that the primary driver is the weakness in the low-end consumer segment, which significantly impacts certain properties [27] Question: How is the conference pipeline building for the Nugget? - Management noted that while large conferences are difficult to secure in the short term, they are successfully attracting smaller events and local customers [32] Question: What impact will the Alberta Gaming Commission's suspension of gaming machine purchases have? - Management does not expect a meaningful negative impact, estimating it to be around 0.5% to 1% [35] Question: Can you elaborate on the performance of the Caruthersville property? - Management confirmed that the property has exceeded expectations, particularly in reaching customers from further distances [46] Question: What is the strategy for online gaming and sports betting? - The company plans to partner with third parties for online gaming and sports betting, providing licenses and receiving revenue percentages [63] Question: Is there a consideration for insider buying or stock buybacks? - Management expressed interest in buybacks but noted restrictions due to insider laws and blackout periods [83]