Caesars Entertainment, Inc. current report, 23 July 2015

Business Context and Reporting Period

This Form 8-K is a current report filed by Eldorado Resorts, Inc. on July 23, 2015. The filing details a significant capital restructuring involving the entry into material definitive agreements, the creation of new financial obligations, and the issuance of senior notes. The company is a Nevada corporation with principal executive offices in Reno, NV.

Key Financial Metrics and Debt Structure

The filing outlines a comprehensive refinancing and acquisition funding strategy. Key financial instruments and metrics include:

  • New Credit Facility: A total of $575 million in new debt capacity, comprising a $425 million 7-year term loan and a $150 million 5-year revolving credit facility.
  • Initial Borrowing: $40 million was immediately drawn under the New Revolving Credit Facility on July 23, 2015.
  • New Senior Notes: Issuance of $375 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Senior Notes due 2023.
  • Interest Rates:
    • New Term Loan: LIBOR + 3.25% (1.0% floor) or Base Rate + 2.25%.
    • New Revolving Facility: LIBOR + 2.5% to 3.25% or Base Rate + 1.5% to 2.25% (based on leverage ratio).
    • Senior Notes: 7% fixed interest, payable semi-annually.
  • Financial Covenants:
    • Through Dec 31, 2015: Max leverage 6.75:1.00; Min interest coverage 2.50:1.00.
    • Jan 1, 2016 – Dec 31, 2017: Max leverage 6.00:1.00; Min interest coverage 2.75:1.00.
    • Jan 1, 2017 and thereafter: Max leverage 5.00:1.00; Min interest coverage 3.00:1.00.

The filing does not provide specific revenue, profit, cash flow, or margin figures for the reporting period.

Material Changes and Restructuring

The company executed a major restructuring of its existing debt and asset base:

  • Debt Refinancing: Supplemental indentures were executed to eliminate substantially all restrictive covenants and release collateral securing the existing 8.625% Senior Secured Notes (Resorts Notes) and 11.50% Senior Secured Second Lien Notes (MTR Notes).
  • Use of Proceeds: Net proceeds from the $375 million Notes offering are designated to:
    • Redeem all outstanding Resorts Notes and MTR Notes.
    • Fund the acquisition of Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno and the remaining 50% interest in the Silver Legacy Joint Venture.
    • Repay the Silver Legacy Joint Venture credit facility.
    • Cover transaction fees and costs.
  • Escrow Arrangement: $50 million of the Notes proceeds (plus interest) is held in escrow, contingent on the completion of the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy Purchase by April 1, 2016. If the purchase is not consummated by this date, $50 million of the Notes will be mandatorily redeemed.

Outlook, Risks, and Contingencies

Management commentary is limited to the terms of the new agreements. Key risks and contingencies include:

  • Acquisition Contingency: The mandatory redemption of $50 million in Notes if the Circus Reno/Silver Legacy acquisition is not completed by April 1, 2016.
  • Covenant Compliance: The company must adhere to strict leverage and interest coverage ratios. A default on financial ratio covenants becomes an event of default under the Term Loan only if lenders under the Revolving Facility take affirmative action.
  • Events of Default: Standard triggers include non-payment, bankruptcy, loss of gaming licenses, and cross-defaults to other indebtedness.
  • Change of Control: The Notes include a change of control repurchase offer at 101% of principal plus accrued interest.
  • Asset Sale Repurchase: If assets are sold under certain circumstances and proceeds are not used for specified purposes, the company must offer to repurchase the Notes at 100% of principal.

Investor Verification Checklist

  • Verify the closing status of the Circus Circus Hotel Casino Reno and Silver Legacy Joint Venture acquisitions to determine if the $50 million escrow will be released or if a mandatory redemption will occur.
  • Confirm the total outstanding principal of the existing Resorts Notes and MTR Notes to ensure the $375 million new issuance is sufficient for full redemption.
  • Review the company's current leverage ratio and interest coverage ratio to assess immediate compliance with the 6.75:1.00 and 2.50:1.00 covenants effective through December 31, 2015.
  • Examine the specific terms of the "New Credit Facility Guarantors" to understand the scope of assets pledged as collateral.
  • Monitor regulatory approvals required for the gaming license transfers associated with the Circus Reno acquisition.