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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549

 


 

FORM 10-Q

 


 

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2004 or

 

or

 

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

For the transition period from              to             

 

Commission file number 0-14050

 


 

THE SANDS REGENT

(exact name of registrant as specified in charter)

 


 

Nevada   88-0201135

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

 

345 North Arlington Avenue, Reno, Nevada   89501
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (775) 348-2200

 


 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

 

On November 10, 2004, the registrant had outstanding 5,707,904 shares of its common stock, $.10 par value.

 



Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

FORM 10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

          Page No.

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION     

Item 1.

  

Financial Statements

   1-3
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited)

   1
    

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (unaudited)

   2
    

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (unaudited)

   3
    

Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)

   4-8

Item 2.

  

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

   9-19

Item 3.

  

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

   19

Item 4.

  

Controls and Procedures

   19
PART II OTHER INFORMATION     

Item 1.

  

Legal Proceedings

   20

Item 2.

  

Changes in Securities

   20

Item 3.

  

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

   20

Item 4.

  

Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

   20

Item 5.

  

Other Information

   20

Item 6.

  

Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

   20
SIGNATURES    21
CERTIFICATIONS    22-24


Table of Contents

PART I FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Financial Statements

 

THE SANDS REGENT

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (unaudited)

 

    

THREE MONTHS

ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,


 

(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)


   2003

    2004

 

Operating revenues

                

Gaming

   $ 7,030     $ 12,424  

Lodging

     3,074       3,054  

Food and beverage

     1,729       3,047  

Fuel and convenience store

     4,597       4,703  

Other

     457       479  
    


 


Gross revenues

     16,887       23,707  

Promotional allowances

     967       1,832  
    


 


Net revenues

     15,920       21,875  
    


 


Operating expenses

                

Gaming

     3,040       4,995  

Lodging

     1,091       1,105  

Food and beverage

     1,137       1,938  

Fuel and convenience store

     4,304       4,473  

Other

     145       157  

Maintenance and utilities

     1,121       1,492  

General and administrative

     2,497       3,045  

Depreciation and amortization

     915       1,545  
    


 


       14,250       18,750  
    


 


Income from operations

     1,670       3,125  
    


 


Other income (expense)

                

Interest expense

     (218 )     (606 )

Collections on previously reserved note receivable

     230       —    

Other, net

     (47 )     (46 )
    


 


       (35 )     (652 )
    


 


Income before income taxes

     1,635       2,473  

Income tax provision

     (553 )     (833 )
    


 


Net income

   $ 1,082     $ 1,640  
    


 


Net income per share

                

Basic

   $ 0.22     $ 0.29  

Diluted

   $ 0.20     $ 0.27  

Weighted average of shares outstanding

                

Basic

     4,982,968       5,646,555  

Diluted

     5,278,486       6,118,804  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

1


Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (unaudited)

 

(Dollars in thousands except share data)


   JUNE 30,
2004


    SEPTEMBER 30,
2004


 

ASSETS

                

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 5,443     $ 5,316  

Accounts receivable, net

     714       633  

Inventories

     775       737  

Prepaid expenses and other assets

     2,014       1,775  
    


 


Total current assets

     8,946       8,461  
    


 


Property and equipment:

                

Land

     10,007       10,007  

Buildings and improvements

     42,823       43,039  

Equipment, furniture and fixtures

     24,634       25,108  

Construction in progress

     387       112  
    


 


Total property and equipment

     77,851       78,266  

Less accumulated depreciation and amortization

     37,993       39,011  
    


 


Property and equipment, net

     39,858       39,255  
    


 


Other assets:

                

Goodwill

     28,674       28,717  

Other intangibles

     13,011       12,888  

Other

     1,104       1,131  
    


 


Total other assets

     42,789       42,736  
    


 


Total assets

   $ 91,593     $ 90,452  
    


 


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

                

Accounts payable

   $ 3,380     $ 3,285  

Accrued salaries, wages and benefits

     2,384       1,587  

Other accrued expenses

     465       504  

Federal income tax payable

     768       706  

Deferred federal income tax liability

     258       194  

Current maturities of long-term debt

     3,144       3,272  
    


 


Total current liabilities

     10,399       9,548  

Long-term debt

     33,799       31,647  

Deferred federal income tax liability

     1,852       2,011  
    


 


Total liabilities

     46,050       43,206  
    


 


Common stock ($.10 par value, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 8,049,555 issued)

     805       805  

Additional paid-in capital

     17,018       17,081  

Retained earnings

     50,078       51,718  
    


 


       67,901       69,604  

Treasury stock (at cost; 2,403,000 shares)

     (22,358 )     (22,358 )
    


 


Total stockholders’ equity

     45,543       47,246  
    


 


Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity

   $ 91,593     $ 90,452  
    


 


 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

2


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THE SANDS REGENT

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (unaudited)

 

     THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,


 

(Dollars in thousands)


   2003

    2004

 

Operating Activities

                

Net income

   $ 1,082     $ 1,640  

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

                

Depreciation and amortization

     915       1,545  

Loss on disposal of property and equipment

     47       46  

(Increase) decrease in accounts receivable, net

     (55 )     81  

(Increase) decrease in inventories

     (28 )     38  

Decrease in prepaid expenses and other current assets

     157       239  

Decrease in other assets

     —         55  

Increase (decrease) in accounts payable

     (460 )     67  

Decrease in accrued expenses

     (282 )     (758 )

Change in federal income taxes payable/receivable

     1,062       (62 )

Change in deferred federal income taxes

     (127 )     95  
    


 


Net cash provided by operating activities

     2,311       2,986  
    


 


Investing Activities

                

Investment in property and equipment

     (395 )     (774 )

Payment for prior year purchases of property and equipment

     (181 )     (295 )

Proceeds from sale of assets

     153       3  
    


 


Net cash used in investing activities

     (423 )     (1,066 )
    


 


Financing Activities

                

Payments on long-term debt

     (2,302 )     (2,024 )

Payment of costs relative to the issuance of long-term debt

     —         (41 )

Issuance of Company common stock

     91       18  
    


 


Net cash used in financing activities

     (2,211 )     (2,047 )
    


 


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (323 )     (127 )

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     3,965       5,443  
    


 


Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 3,642     $ 5,316  
    


 


Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information

                

Interest paid, net of amount capitalized

   $ 211     $ 606  

Federal income taxes paid

   $ —       $ 800  

Supplemental disclosure of non-cash investing and financing activities

                

Property and equipment acquired by accounts payable

   $ 497     $ 133  

 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 1 - BASIS OF PRESENTATION

 

The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Sands Regent (the “Company”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries: Zante, Inc. (“Zante”), Last Chance, Inc. (“Last Chance”), and Plantation Investments, Inc. (“Plantation”). The Company and its subsidiaries are incorporated in Nevada. Zante owns and operates the Sands Regency Casino/Hotel (“Sands Regency”) in downtown Reno, Nevada. Last Chance owns and operates the Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort in Verdi, Nevada, and California Prospectors, Ltd. (“California Prospectors”), a Nevada limited liability company, which operates a California lottery station. Together, Last Chance and California Prospectors are presented as “Gold Ranch”. On May 1, 2004, the Company acquired 100% of the common stock of Plantation (see Note 7). Plantation owns and operates the Rail City Casino (“Rail City”) in Sparks, Nevada.

 

The accounting policies followed in the preparation of the financial information herein are the same as those summarized in the Company’s 2004 Annual Report on Form 10-K. The condensed consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2004, was derived from the audited consolidated financial statements at that date. The interim condensed consolidated financial information is unaudited and should be read in conjunction with the Company’s 2004 Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments and normally recurring accruals necessary to fairly present the financial condition of the Company as of September 30, 2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the three months ended September 30, 2004, and 2003 have been included. Interim results of operations are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year due to seasonality and other factors. Certain

prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

 

NOTE 2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

 

The Company reports “basic” earnings per share and “diluted” earnings per share in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 128, “Earnings Per Share”. Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing reported net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the additional dilution for all potentially dilutive securities such as stock options. On March 25, 2004, the Company issued $1.6 million in convertible debt, which can be converted into 246,012 shares of common stock, and issued a warrant, which can be exercised for 100,000 shares of common stock (see Note 6). For the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, the dilutive effect of the Company’s stock options have been used in determining dilutive earnings per share. For the three months ended September 30, 2004, the dilutive effect of the convertible debt and the warrant also have been used in determining dilutive earnings and dilutive earnings per share. The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares (denominator) used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations (shares in thousands):

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,

 
     2003

    2004

 
     Shares

   Per Share
Amount


    Shares

   Per Share
Amount


 

Basic net income per share

   4,983    $ 0.22     5,647    $ 0.29  

Effect of dilutive securities, convertible debt and warrant

   295      (0.02 )   472      (0.02 )
    
  


 
  


Diluted net income per share

   5,278    $ 0.20     6,119    $ 0.27  
    
  


 
  


 

In the quarters ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, there were no antidilutive stock options.

 

4


Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 3 - BUSINESS SEGMENTS

 

The Company reports business segment information based on geographic location. The following is a breakdown of relevant data by location. (Dollars in thousands)

 

     THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,


 
     2003

    2004

 

Net revenues

                

Sands Regency Casino/Hotel

   $ 9,184     $ 9,002  

Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort

     6,736       6,803  

Rail City Casino

     —         6,070  
    


 


     $ 15,920     $ 21,875  
    


 


Income from operations

                

Sands Regency Casino/Hotel

   $ 1,323     $ 1,323  

Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort

     725       680  

Rail City Casino

     —         1,449  

Corporate

     (378 )     (327 )
    


 


     $ 1,670     $ 3,125  
    


 


Depreciation and amortization

                

Sands Regency Casino/Hotel

   $ 811     $ 876  

Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort

     104       138  

Rail City Casino

     —         487  

Corporate

     —         44  
    


 


     $ 915     $ 1,545  
    


 


 

NOTE 4- ADOPTION OF RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENT

 

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity.” This Statement establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. Financial instruments that are within the scope of the statement, which previously were often classified as equity, must now be classified as liabilities. This statement is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise shall be effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of this statement did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations or financial position.

 

5


Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

NOTE 5 - STOCK OPTION AND STOCK INCENTIVE PLANS

 

The Company accounts for its stock option plans under the recognition and measurement principles of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees” and related interpretations. No stock-based compensation expense was reflected in net income, as all options granted under these plans had an exercise price equal to the market value of the underlying common stock on the date of the grant. If the Company had elected to recognize compensation cost based on their estimated fair market value using the Black-Scholes pricing model at the grant dates, consistent with the method prescribed by SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” as amended by SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure”, net income and earnings per share would have been as follows:

 

     THREE MONTHS
ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,


 
     2003

    2004

 

Net income as reported

   $ 1,082     $ 1,640  

Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair-value method for all awards, net of the related income tax benefits

     (28 )     (33 )
    


 


Pro forma net income

   $ 1,054     $ 1,607  
    


 


Basic earnings per share:

                

As reported

   $ 0.22     $ 0.29  

Pro forma

     0.21       0.28  

Diluted earnings per share:

                

As reported

   $ 0.20     $ 0.27  

Pro forma

     0.20       0.26  

 

NOTE 6 - CONVERTIBLE DEBT AND WARRANT

 

On March 25, 2004, the Company completed a financing arrangement by which it issued to David R. Belding, a private investor, 500,000 shares of common stock for $5.22 per share. As part of the transaction, the Company obtained an additional $1.6 million from Mr. Belding and issued him a secured convertible note convertible into 246,012 shares of common stock (at $6.52 per share). Also, as part of the transaction, Mr. Belding was issued a warrant to purchase up to 100,000 shares of common stock at an exercise price of $7.82 per share.

 

NOTE 7 - RAIL CITY CASINO ACQUISITION

 

On May 1, 2004, the Company completed the acquisition of 100% of the outstanding common stock of Plantation Investments, Inc. d/b/a Rail City Casino, a Nevada corporation, pursuant to a Stock Purchase Agreement, dated December 5, 2003 (the “Purchase Agreement”). The preliminary purchase price of $38.2 million (including acquisition costs) was calculated based on EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) for Rail City for the twelve months preceding the closing date of the acquisition as prescribed in the agreement. The cash paid in connection with the transaction came from three new loans totaling $42.9 million, which funded the entire acquisition as well as refinanced the balance of the previous bank debt, which had an outstanding balance of $2.4 million as of the closing date.

 

6


Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

The preliminary purchase price of Rail City was allocated based on the fair market value of assets acquired net of liabilities assumed. The Company commissioned third-party asset valuation professionals. The purchase price amount in excess of net assets acquired was allocated to goodwill. The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition, May 1, 2004:

 

Current assets

   $ 2,701  

Property, plant, and equipment, net

     6,657  

Intangible assets

     11,800  

Goodwill

     17,699  
    


Total assets acquired

     38,857  
    


Current liabilities

     (664 )
    


Total liabilities assumed

     (664 )
    


Net assets acquired

   $ 38,193  
    


 

The Rail City transaction was consummated using a Section 338 (h) (10) election for tax purposes, as such, the Company anticipates all goodwill and intangible assets to be deductible for tax purposes.

 

NOTE 8 - INTANGIBLES AND GOODWILL

 

Intangible Balances

 

     June 30, 2004

   September 30, 2004

(Dollars in thousands)


   Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net

   Gross
Carrying
Amount


   Accumulated
Amortization


   Net

Finite-lived intangible assets:

                                         

Customer list/relationships

   $ 1,190    $ 110    $ 1,080    $ 1,190    $ 260    $ 930

Under-market land lease

     448      3      445      448      8      440
    

  

  

  

  

  

       1,638      113      1,525      1,638      268      1,370
    

  

  

  

  

  

Indefinite-lived intangible assets:

                                         

Grandfathered gaming license

     7,205      —        7,205      7,205      —        7,205

Trademark/tradename

     4,271      —        4,271      4,303      —        4,303

Other

     10      —        10      10      —        10
    

  

  

  

  

  

       11,486      —        11,486      11,518      —        11,518
    

  

  

  

  

  

Total

   $ 13,124    $ 113    $ 13,011    $ 13,156    $ 268    $ 12,888
    

  

  

  

  

  

 

Amortization of Intangibles

 

The aggregate amortization expense was $-0-, and $155,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003 and 2004, respectively. Estimated annual amortization expense for the current and succeeding fiscal years is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)


   Fiscal
year


   Amortization

     2005    $ 618
     2006      285
     2007      137
     2008      71
     2009      42

 

7


Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Unaudited)

 

Goodwill Changes and Balance by Segment

 

(Dollars in thousands)


   Gold
Ranch


  

Rail

City


   Total

Balance at beginning of year

   $ 11,018    $ 17,656    $ 28,674

Rail City acquisition

     —        43      43
    

  

  

Balance at September 30, 2004

   $ 11,018    $ 17,699    $ 28,717
    

  

  

 

NOTE 9 - RECENTLY SECURED CREDIT FACILITIES

 

In connection with the acquisition of Rail City, the Company executed a syndicated financing arrangement (“Credit Agreement”) through Wells Fargo Bank. The Credit Agreement provides for a 5-year, $20,000,000 term loan collateralized by substantially all property and equipment of Zante, Inc. and Plantation Investments, Inc., and the furniture, fixtures, and equipment of Last Chance, Inc. The balance of the term loan was $19,250,000 at June 30, 2004 and $18,500,000 at September 30, 2004. The loan has a variable interest rate based on LIBOR or the U.S. Prime Index plus an applicable margin as detailed in the Credit Agreement. The interest rate at June 30, 2004 and at September 30, 2004, was LIBOR plus 4% or Prime plus 2.5%. The loan assumes a 5-year amortization schedule, and matures on May 1, 2009, with interest and any unpaid principal due and payable on that date. Additionally, as part of the Credit Agreement, the Company secured a Wells Fargo Bank syndicated, 5-year,

$22,000,000 revolving credit facility with collateralization and terms which are substantially similar to the term loan. The balance of the revolving credit facility was $15,500,000 at June 30, 2004 and $14,250,000 at September 30, 2004. The credit facility requires interest-only payments and matures on May 1, 2009, with interest and any unpaid principal due and payable on that date. Together, the bank term loan and revolving credit facility requires the Company to be in compliance with certain financial and other covenants, restricts future encumbrances, and limits situations where a change in control in the Company may occur. The financial covenants include the requirement that a minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and certain other financial ratios be maintained. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all covenants and restrictions at September 30, 2004. For a more complete description of the credit facilities, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2004.

 

NOTE 10 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

 

On October 7, 2004, Mr. David R. Belding, a private investor referenced in Note 6 above, converted $400,000 of debt held by him into 61,349 shares of Company common stock at $6.52 per share. He now holds 561,349 of the Company common shares outstanding, or 9.8%. Mr. Belding is prohibited by agreement of holding more than 9.9% of the Company’s common shares

outstanding.

 

On November 9, 2004, the Company announced that it has agreed to sell 1,120,000 shares of its common stock to institutional investors for $8.25 per share in cash in a private placement transaction. The gross proceeds will be $9.24 million and are expected to be used to repay outstanding debt and for general working capital purposes. Also, in connection with the sale of the common stock, the Company will issue warrants to the investors to purchase up to 336,000 additional shares of the Company’s common stock at a price of $10.66, exercisable beginning six months from the date of the closing and for a period of five years thereafter.

 

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Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

 

The Sands Regent and its subsidiaries (the “Company”, “we”,”our”, or “us”) operate the Sands Regency Casino Hotel (the “Sands”) in downtown Reno, Nevada, the Gold Ranch Casino and RV Resort (the “Gold Ranch”) on Interstate-80 in Verdi, Nevada, and Rail City Casino (“Rail City”) in Sparks, Nevada. The Sands has 832 hotel rooms and 5 restaurants, including Tony Roma’s Famous for Ribs, Mel’s the Original diner, and Arby’s. It has a full selection of gaming options, including 595 slot machines, 19 table games, keno, bingo, and a sportsbook operated by Leroy’s Race and Sportsbooks. Additionally, the Sands

has a Just for Laughs’ comedy club, a cabaret lounge, and a health spa.

 

On June 1, 2002, the Company acquired Gold Ranch. Gold Ranch’s gaming options include 256 slot machines, a California lottery station on Gold Ranch’s property which straddles the Nevada/California border, and a Leroy’s sportsbook. Additionally, Gold Ranch has a 105-space RV park, 2 restaurants (a 24-hour family style restaurant and a Jack-in-the-Box), and an ARCO gas station and convenience store.

 

On May 1, 2004, the Company acquired Rail City in Sparks, Nevada. Rail City has approximately 16,600 square feet of gaming space housing 629 slots, 6 table games, keno, a CalNeva sportsbook, a 24-hour family-style restaurant and a bar. Consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 include a full three months of operations for Rail City, whereas the consolidated financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2003, do not.

 

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

 

The Company prepares its consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Certain of the Company’s policies, including the estimated lives assigned to long-lived assets, asset impairment, goodwill and other intangibles impairment, the adequacy of our allowance for uncollectible receivables, self insurance reserves, litigation reserves, and customer rewards program liability requires that the Company apply significant judgment in defining the appropriate assumptions for calculating financial estimates. By their nature, these judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty. The Company’s judgments are based on historical experience, terms of existing contracts, observations of trends in the industry, information provided by customers and information available from other outside sources, as appropriate. There can be no assurance that actual results will not differ from Company estimates.

 

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Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Results of Operations- Quarter ended September 30, 2004, as compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2003.

 

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004, the Company’s consolidated net revenues increased from $15.9 million to $21.9 million, or 37.4%, from the quarter ended September 30, 2003. On a by-property basis, the net revenues for the Sands decreased 2.0% from the corresponding quarter of the prior year, while net revenues increased 1.0% at Gold Ranch. In its first full quarter of operations under the Company, Rail City contributed $6.1 million to net revenues and accounted for all of the Company’s consolidated net revenues increase.

 

Consolidated income from operations was $3.1 million for the quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1.7 million for the same quarter of the prior year. At the Sands, despite a 2% net revenue decrease for quarter ended September 30, 2004, compared to the quarter ended September 30, 2003, income from operations remained stable at $1.3 million. Gold Ranch’s income from operations decreased by $45,000, or 6.2%, despite a 1.0% net revenue increase, as higher fuel prices had a negligible effect

on profitability. Rail City had income from operations of $1.5 million in its first full quarter of operations under the Company.

 

Consolidated net income was $1.6 million, or $.29 per share ($.27 diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared to $1.1 million, or $.22 per share ($.20 diluted) for the three months ended September 30, 2003.

 

SANDS REGENCY HOTEL AND CASINO. The Sands had net revenues of $9.0 million in the current fiscal quarter compared with $9.2 million in the comparable quarter of the prior year. Gaming, lodging, food, and beverage net revenues were all substantially equivalent to last year. Gaming net revenues were $84,000 lower due to the Sands leasing its keno operations to a third-party in the current fiscal quarter. Additionally, the Sands net revenues were lower because promotional allowances, which offset revenues, were $74,000 higher in the current quarter than the same quarter of last year. The Sands used promotional offers to drive revenue center volumes, which were assisted by a heavy advertising campaign last year. The Sands did sell 1,000 more rooms nights in the current fiscal quarter with an occupancy of 91.7% for the quarter compared to last year’s occupancy of 90.4%.

 

The Sands continues to benefit from former patrons of the Sundowner Casino, which closed in December 2003, and is situated adjacent to the Sands. Additionally, nearly 300 of the hotel rooms and much of the convention space of another direct downtown Reno competitor, CalNeva Virginian, closed in October 2004, which may help increase business levels at the Sands. Further, the Sands may benefit from the Downtown Reno Events Center, which is scheduled to open in December 2004. However, factors moderating the downtown Reno property’s business levels in the quarter ended September 30, 2004, included, and may continue to include, negative perceptions of closed casinos in downtown Reno, the ongoing work on the railroad trench (ReTRAC project), increased competition from Native American casinos, and high fuel prices.

 

The Sands’ income from operations for the quarter was the same as last year, $1.3 million. The expense margin for the Sands improved from 85.6% to 85.3% in the quarter-to-quarter comparison mainly due to $201,000 higher marketing expenses last year than in the current fiscal quarter. Last year, during the quarter ended September 30, 2003, the Sands had expenses related to a two-pronged advertising campaign aimed at maintaining our marketing presence in the Northern California feeder market as a response to the opening of the Thunder Valley Casino, and maintaining the Sands local marketing presence to counter traffic and parking problems associated with ongoing roadwork nearby related to construction of the new downtown railroad trench.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table highlights the Sands’ sources of revenues and expenses for the:

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED
SEPTEMBER 30,


 

(dollars in thousands)


   2003

    2004

    PERCENT

 

Gaming revenues

   $ 5,431     $ 5,390     -0.8 %

Gaming expenses

   $ 2,431     $ 2,424     -0.3 %

Expense margin

     44.8 %     45.0 %      

Lodging revenues

   $ 2,875     $ 2,847     -1.0 %

Lodging expenses

   $ 1,034     $ 1,040     0.6 %

Expense margin

     36.0 %     36.5 %      

Food and beverage revenues

   $ 1,278     $ 1,310     2.5 %

Food and beverage expenses

   $ 850     $ 817     -3.9 %

Expense margin

     66.5 %     62.4 %      

Total net revenues

   $ 9,184     $ 9,002     -2.0 %

Total operating expenses

   $ 7,861     $ 7,679     -2.3 %

Expense margin

     85.6 %     85.3 %      

Maintenance and utilities

   $ 944     $ 940     -0.4 %

Percent of net revenues

     10.3 %     10.4 %      

General and Administrative

   $ 1,646     $ 1,444     -12.3 %

Percent of net revenues

     17.9 %     16.0 %      

 

GOLD RANCH CASINO AND RV RESORT. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004, Gold Ranch had net revenues of $6.8 million compared to $6.7 million in the quarter ended September 30, 2003. Gold Ranch fuel revenues were $227,000 higher during the current fiscal quarter, higher specifically due to fuel prices, which averaged $2.03 per gallon versus $1.81 in the year-ago quarter. Gasoline gallons sold were actually down 6.0% for the quarter compared to last year due in part to malfunctioning fuel pumps. The fuel pumps are scheduled to be replaced by December 2004.

 

Gaming revenue for Gold Ranch, comprised principally of slot machine revenue, decreased from $1.6 million in the September 2003 quarter, to $1.5 million for the quarter ended September 2004. The Company believes there is a relationship between gasoline gallons sold and gaming revenue and attributes fewer customers at the fuel pumps as a primary reason for the gaming revenue shortfall.

 

Gold Ranch income from operations for the quarter ended September 30, 2004 was $680,000, a $45,000 decrease from $725,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2003. The decline in Gold Ranch’s income from operations was due primarily to the lower gaming revenues. Gold Ranch benefited from structural changes made in its gaming departments, which bettered its gaming expense margin from 38.1% in the prior year quarter to 29.9% in the current year quarter. Specifically, the security function was brought in-house and a generous coupon promotion was scaled back, among other changes.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The following table highlights Gold Ranch’s sources of revenues and expenses for the:

 

     THREE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30,

 

(dollars in thousands)


   2003

    2004

    PERCENT

 

Gaming revenues

   $ 1,599     $ 1,541     -3.6 %

Gaming expenses

   $ 609     $ 460     -24.5 %

Expense margin

     38.1 %     29.9 %      

Lodging revenues

   $ 199     $ 207     4.0 %

Lodging expenses

   $ 58     $ 65     12.1 %

Expense margin

     29.1 %     31.4 %      

Food and beverage revenues

   $ 451     $ 461     2.2 %

Food and beverage expenses

   $ 287     $ 318     10.8 %

Expense margin

     63.6 %     69.0 %      

Fuel and convenience store revenues

   $ 4,597     $ 4,703     2.3 %

Fuel and convenience store expenses

   $ 4,298     $ 4,473     4.1 %

Expense margin

     93.5 %     95.1 %      

Total net revenues

   $ 6,736     $ 6,803     1.0 %

Total operating expenses

   $ 6,011     $ 6,123     1.9 %

Expense margin

     89.2 %     90.0 %      

Maintenance and utilities

   $ 177     $ 182     2.8 %

Percent of net revenues

     2.6 %     2.7 %      

General and Administrative

   $ 472     $ 481     1.9 %

Percent of net revenues

     7.0 %     7.1 %      

 

RAIL CITY CASINO. The Company acquired Rail City in May 2004. For the quarter ended September 30, 2004, Rail City had $5.5 million of gaming revenues, which in contrast to the Company’s other properties, is a slightly softer season than winter. Rail City’s other material revenue center is food and beverage, which is comprised of one restaurant and one bar. Food and beverage revenues for the current year quarter were $1.3 million.

 

Rail City had income from operations of $1.5 million and an operating expense margin of 76.1%. The following table highlights Rail City’s sources of revenues and expenses for the:

 

(dollars in thousands)


  

THREE MONTHS ENDED

SEPTEMBER 30, 2004


 

Gaming revenues

   $ 5,493  

Gaming expenses

   $ 2,111  

Expense margin

     38.4 %

Food and beverage revenues

   $ 1,276  

Food and beverage expenses

   $ 803  

Expense margin

     62.9 %

Total net revenues

   $ 6,070  

Total operating expenses

   $ 4,621  

Expense margin

     76.1 %

Maintenance and utilities

   $ 370  

Percent of net revenues

     6.1 %

General and administrative

   $ 837  

Percent of net revenues

     13.8 %

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

CORPORATE COSTS. Corporate costs include the salaries and benefits of corporate officers and management, public company reporting costs, and related legal and accounting fees. Corporate costs were $378,000 in the quarter ended 2003, which compares to $327,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2004. With the acquisition of a third casino property, the Company has redefined in the current year what costs are considered corporate. Reclassifications of costs have been made to the prior year for comparison purposes.

 

The $51,000 reduction in corporate costs is primarily the result of certain management bonuses accrued during the prior fiscal year. We do not anticipate corporate costs to continue lower than the prior year. The Company has hired a senior staff person at the corporate level and intends to utilize consultants on a limited basis to assist in internal control requirements mandated by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

INTEREST EXPENSE. Interest expense was $606,000 in the quarter ended September 30, 2004, versus $218,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2003. With the May 2004 acquisition of Rail City, our long-term debt balance increased from $11.1 million at September 30, 2003 to $34.9 million at September 30, 2004.

 

COLLECTIONS ON PREVIOUSLY RESERVED NOTE RECEIVABLE. In the quarter ended September 30, 2003, we recognized a $230,000 gain on debt service payments received by us on a promissory note held in connection with a December 1998 sale of our interest in the Copa Casino (“Copa”) in Gulfport, Mississippi. We had approximately $5.6 million of the original $8.0 million note reserved due to collectability concerns. Our interest in the Copa was settled in full on November 28, 2003, when the

Company received a negotiated $4.0 million cash payment. By December 2003, the Company had recognized $4.6 million of the $5.6 million originally reserved, with $1.0 million forgiven due to early payment.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Capital Resources and Liquidity

 

At September 30, 2004, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents were $5.3 million, a decrease from $5.4 million as of July 1, 2004, the beginning of the fiscal year. We had negative working capital of $1.1 million at September 30, 2004, consistent with our policy to use any available cash, which is not needed in operations, to pay down our line of credit and minimize interest expense. At September 30, 2004, the Company had $7.8 million of credit lines available under its revolving credit facility.

 

Cash flow from operations provided $3.0 million during the three month period ended September 30, 2004, compared to $2.3 million for the corresponding period of the prior year. This was attributable to cash generated from Rail City, our new casino. Investing activities accounted for a $1.1 million use of cash for the three months ended September 30, 2004, compared with $423,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2003. The difference was the result of the additional maintenance capital needs of an additional casino. Financing activities accounted for $2.0 million of cash outflows during the three month period ended September 30, 2004, compared to $2.2 million for the three month period ended September 30, 2003. Substantially all of these financing outflows during both comparable periods represented an accelerated pay down of the Company’s bank debt.

 

Effective with the acquisition of Rail City Casino in May 2004, the Company has new credit facilities and a substantially different credit structure. For a description of the long-term debt structure of the Company prior to the Rail City acquisition and after, refer to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the period ended June 30, 2004. At September 30, 2003, we had $11.1 million of outstanding long-term debt and at September 30, 2004, our long-term debt balance had increased to $34.9 million.

 

Our bank term loan and revolving credit facility, which totaled $42.0 million when entered into in May 2004, requires the Company to be in compliance with certain financial and other covenants, restricts future encumbrances, and limits situations where a change in control in the Company may occur. The financial covenants include the requirement that a minimum EBITDA (earnings before interest expense, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and certain other financial ratios be maintained. The Company believes that it is in compliance with all covenants and restrictions at September 30, 2004.

 

Further, the Company believes that its cash funds, cash generated from operations, and available borrowing capacity will be sufficient to fund its operations, meet current debt obligations, and fulfill its capital expenditure obligations for the foreseeable future; however, the Company’s operations are subject to financial, economic, competitive, regulatory, and other factors, many of which are beyond its control. If the Company is unable to generate sufficient cash flow, it could be required to adopt one or more alternatives, such as reducing or delaying planned capital expenditures, selling assets, restructuring debt, or obtaining additional equity capital.

 

On November 9, 2004, the Company announced that it has agreed to sell 1,120,000 shares of its common stock to institutional investors for $8.25 per share in cash in a private placement transaction. The Company anticipates the gross proceeds will be $9.24 million (see Note 10 for additional information).

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Commitments and Contingencies

 

The following table summarizes the Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2004.

 

          Payments due by period

     Total

   Less than 1 year

   1 - 3 years

   4 - 5 years

   After 5 years

Long term debt

   $ 34,919,000    $ 3,271,667    $ 12,995,083    $ 18,652,250    $ —  

Interest on long-term debt (1)

     12,128,497      3,104,712      5,448,260      3,575,525      —  

Operating leases (2)

     4,552,083      575,000      1,150,000      1,150,000      1,677,083

Other (3)

     1,493,780      188,688      377,376      377,376      550,340
    

  

  

  

  

     $ 53,093,360    $ 7,140,067    $ 19,970,719    $ 23,755,151    $ 2,227,423
    

  

  

  

  


(1) Interest is calculated by assuming the Company keeps its line of credit fully advanced and the table assumes a weighted average interest rate of of 7.5% until maturity. All long-term debt matures within 5 years.
(2) Represents contractual lease obligations to Prospector Gaming Enterprises (“PGE”) on real property in connection with the Gold Ranch acquisition agreement. Amounts reflect a minimum base payment schedule. The lease is subject to escalation based on the property meeting certain revenue thresholds. Management does not believe these thresholds will be met without major expansion of the gaming facilities.
(3) Represents management fees due to PGE in connection with the RV park at Gold Ranch. Future amounts payable are subject to adjustment based on changes in interest rates.

 

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements

 

This quarterly report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements contains words such as “may,” “will,” “project,” “might,” “expect,” “believe,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “could,” “would,” “estimate,” “continue” or “pursue,” or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. In particular, they include statements relating to, among other things, future actions, strategies, future performance, and future financial results. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations and projections about future events. Any forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and, as such, speak only as of the date made. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

We caution the reader that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified and, consequently, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the following factors described below under “Risks Related to our Business”, as well as other factors described from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission:

 

Risks Relating to our Business

 

An investment in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. You should consider the risks described below and the other information contained in this report carefully before deciding to invest in the Company. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, financial condition and operating results would be materially harmed. As a result, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you could lose a part or all of your investment.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our business may be adversely impacted if the Reno economy declines.

 

We heavily market to and rely upon business from Reno area residents. In recent years, Reno has enjoyed robust business growth and has attracted a number of technology, product distribution and marketing companies. These businesses have created jobs and helped fuel residential development, including the Reno metropolitan area. Should there be negative changes in the business and job conditions in Reno, our locals business, which is a substantial part of our overall business, could be adversely impacted.

 

We may be unable to successfully integrate the operations of Rail City and/or experience significant charges to earnings as a result of the acquisition that may adversely affect our stock price and financial condition.

 

Acquisitions typically entail many risks and could result in difficulties in integrating the operations and personnel of acquired companies. If we are not able to successfully integrate Rail City, we may not obtain the advantages that the acquisition was intended to create, which may adversely affect our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows and the market price of our stock. In addition, in connection with acquisition, we could experience disruption in our business or employee base.

 

In addition, as a result of the Rail City acquisition we have experienced, and will likely continue to experience, significant charges to earnings for merger and related expenses that may include transaction costs or closure costs. These costs may include substantial fees for investment bankers, attorneys, accountants and financial printing costs. Charges that we may incur in connection with acquisition could adversely affect our results of operations for particular quarterly or annual periods.

 

Increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our future operations.

 

The gaming industry is highly competitive. As competitive pressures from California Native American casinos increase, other Reno area casinos may intensify their targeting of the Reno area resident market, which is one of our key markets. Increased competitive pressures in the local market could adversely impact our ability to continue to attract local residents to our facilities, or require us to use more expensive and therefore less profitable promotions to compete more efficiently. In addition, Native American gaming facilities in California and other jurisdictions in some instances operate under regulatory requirements less

stringent than those imposed on Nevada licensed casinos, which could afford them a competitive advantage in our markets.

 

Our business may be adversely impacted by expanded Native American gaming operations in other states.

 

Our largest sources of tourist customers are California and the Pacific Northwest, including a large number who drive to Reno from the San Francisco and Sacramento metropolitan areas. The expansion of Native American casinos in California, Oregon, and Washington continues to have an impact on casino revenues in Nevada in general, and some analysts have predicted the impact will be significant on the Reno-Tahoe market. For example, Thunder Valley Casino, a large new Native American casino managed by Station Casinos, Inc., opened June 9, 2003, 110 miles west of Reno in Rocklin, California. California’s well-documented budgetary problems have state officials renegotiating certain compacts with Native American tribes. Some Native American casino compacts have already been changed to allow for additional slot machines. The effect of increased gaming in California and other states is difficult to predict. However, our business would be adversely impacted if Thunder Valley and other casinos attract patrons who would otherwise travel to Reno. In addition, a significant portion of our customer base is made up of Reno area residents. If other Reno area casinos lose business due to competition from Native American casinos, they may intensify their marketing efforts to Reno area residents as well, which could materially and adversely impact our business and financial results.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Adverse winter weather conditions in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Reno-Lake Tahoe area could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

 

Adverse winter weather conditions, particularly snowfall, can deter our customers from traveling or make it difficult for them to frequent our facilities. Adverse winter weather would most significantly affect our drive-in customers from northern California and the Pacific Northwest. If the Reno area itself were to experience prolonged adverse winter weather conditions, our results of operations and financial condition could also be materially adversely affected.

 

Terrorist attacks may seriously harm our business.

 

The terrorist attacks that took place in the United States on September 11, 2001, were unprecedented events that created economic and business uncertainties, especially for the travel and tourism industry. The potential for future terrorist attacks, the national and international responses, and other acts of war or hostility have created economic and political uncertainties that could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition in ways we currently cannot predict.

 

If we lose key personnel, our business could be materially adversely affected

 

We depend on the continued performance of our Chief Executive Officer and his management team. If we lose the services of our senior management personnel, and cannot replace such persons in a timely manner, our business could be materially adversely affected.

 

Our business is subject to restrictions and limitations imposed by regulatory authorities that could adversely affect us.

 

The ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities are subject to extensive state and local regulation. The State of Nevada and the applicable local authorities require various licenses, registrations, permits and approvals to be held by us. The Nevada Gaming Commission may, among other things, limit, condition, suspend, or revoke or decline to renew a license for any cause deemed reasonable by such licensing authority. If we violate gaming laws or regulations, substantial fines could be levied against us and we could be forced to forfeit a portion of our assets. The suspension, revocation or non-renewal of any of our licenses or the levy on us of substantial fines or forfeiture of assets would have a material and adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.

 

If the State of Nevada or other entities increase gaming taxes or fees, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

State and local authorities raise a significant amount of revenue through taxes and fees on gaming activities. From time to time, legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax laws, or in the administration of such laws, affecting the gaming industry. In addition, worsening economic conditions could intensify the efforts of state and local governments to raise revenues through increases in gaming taxes. If the State of Nevada, the Cities of Reno or Sparks, or Washoe County were to increase gaming taxes and fees, our results of operations could be adversely affected.

 

Our operations can be negatively affected by the ongoing construction of the downtown Reno railroad trench project.

 

Work began in the Fall of 2003 on a project to build a trench through downtown Reno for the purpose of constructing a below grade rail transport corridor and large-scale excavation is currently underway. Known as ReTRAC (Reno Transportation Railroad Access Corridor), the project has a late 2006 completion date. Previously, Union Pacific’s railroad tracks bisected the Sands’ parking facilities. The ReTRAC project has temporarily adversely affected the utility of nearly 300 of the Sands parking spaces. and the Company has been informed that a small number of parking spaces will be permanently lost. Further, our pedestrian

structure over the railroad tracks has now been demolished.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

The law requires that the Sands be given alternate parking or compensation for spaces and structures permanently or temporarily lost due to the project. In July 2003, the Sands received compensation amounting to approximately $582,000 for its contribution to the project. The Company is amortizing $428,000 of the proceeds over the anticipated length of the project (May 2003 through November 2006). Part of the proceeds, $154,000, represents land, specifically parking spaces, that were effectively sold to the City of Reno. The Company feels it was not adequately compensated for its contribution to the project and filed a lawsuit in January 2004. Negotiations are continuing for a replacement bridge and additional parking, and as of the date of this report, the Company is in active negotiations with ReTRAC, and reviewing its alternatives.

 

The effect of trench construction on downtown Reno’s business levels, and specifically the business levels of the Sands, is hard to quantify, as any potential downside due to customer inconvenience could be somewhat offset by opportunities, such as the effect this major construction project will have on the Reno area economy. In light of these uncertainties, the Company feels this project could still have an adverse material impact on the business levels of its downtown Reno property during the construction period.

 

Recently issued standards, rules and regulations of governing agencies and bodies could result in material increases to our corporate expense which could adversely affect our financial results.

 

We keep abreast of new generally acceptable accounting principles and rules and regulations issued or adopted by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, the Securities and Exchange Commission, the NASDAQ and other standard setting agencies. These principles, rules and regulations often require us to expend funds in order to meet additional requirements. As a result, our expenses could materially increase, which could adversely affect our financial results. Recently issued accounting standards affecting our financial results are described in Note 4 to our financial statements.

 

Our substantial indebtedness after the Rail City acquisition could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

 

On May 1, 2004, the Company acquired Rail City Casino in Sparks, Nevada. The major considerations given as to why Rail City was a good acquisition for the Company include, but not limited to:

 

  customer diversification and property expansion potential;

 

  management and marketing efficiencies of having a third casino in close proximity to others;

 

  an inherent market niche that complements the Company’s previous customer base; and

 

  a proven industry performer with an efficient cost structure.

 

However, the future success of the Company’s acquisition of Rail City will depend on a number of factors, including the successful integration of the operations of Rail City. The difficulties of combining the operations of Rail City with that of the Company include, among others:

 

  retaining key employees;

 

  consolidating administrative infrastructures;

 

  coordinating sales and marketing functions; and

 

  minimizing the diversion of management’s attention from ongoing business concerns.

 

In addition, even if the Company is able to integrate Rail City’s operations successfully, this integration may not result in the realization of the full benefits and growth opportunities that we expect or these benefits may not be achieved within the anticipated time frame.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Our outstanding debt before the Rail City acquisition was approximately $3.7 million. After the Rail City acquisition, our debtincreased to in excess of $44 million. As a result of this increase in debt, demands on our cash resources will increase. The increased levels of debt could, among other things:

 

  require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing funds available for working capital, capital expenditures, dividends, acquisitions and other purposes;

 

  increase our vulnerability to, and limit flexibility in planning for, adverse economic and industry conditions;

 

  create competitive disadvantages compared to other companies with lower debt levels; and

 

  limit our ability to apply proceeds from an offering or asset sale to purposes other than the repayment of debt.

 

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

 

With the Credit Agreement executed in April 2004 in connection with the acquisition of Rail City, the Company has substantial variable interest rate debt. The Company does not use interest rate derivative instruments to manage exposure to interest rate changes. Assuming the reducing credit facilities are fully advanced, a principal amount currently equal to $40.5 million, the Company would be subject to substantial market interest rate risks. A one percent increase in interest rates would result in an increase in interest expense of approximately $400,500 annually.

 

Additionally, terms of the Company’s RV park management agreement with Prospector Gaming Enterprises (“PGE”), referenced as “(3)” in the Commitments and Contingencies section of this report, state that the Company pay monthly an amount equal to 120% of PGE’s debt service on the underlying RV park note, which varies directly with changes in the Prime index. The financial impact to the Company of a full one percent increase in the Prime index is less than $25,000 per year.

 

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

 

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, our management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and our management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures.

 

As required by SEC rule 13a–15(b), we carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on the foregoing, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at the reasonable assurance level.

 

There has been no change in our internal controls over financial reporting during our most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal controls over financial reporting.

 

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THE SANDS REGENT

PART II OTHER INFORMATION

 

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

 

The Company is party to various lawsuits, which have arisen in the normal course of its business. At the time of this filing, the liability arising from unfavorable outcomes of lawsuits is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or financial results.

 

Item 2. Changes in Securities

 

None

 

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

 

None

 

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

 

None

 

Item 5. Other Information

 

None

 

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

 

( a ) Exhibits

 

Exhibit 31.1    Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
Exhibit 31.2    Certification of Chief Financial and Principal Accounting Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Exhibit 32    Certification pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

( b ) Reports on Form 8-K

 

Form 8-K filed November 5, 2004 with the SEC. Material definitive agreement related to shareholder approval of an equity incentive plan.

 

Form 8-K filed November 9, 2004 with the SEC. Other Events- Equity financing involving the sale of 1,120,000 shares of its common stock and the issuance of warrants to institutional investors for $8.25 per share in cash in a private placement transaction.

 

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Table of Contents

THE SANDS REGENT

SIGNATURES

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

THE SANDS REGENT                                                 
(Registrant)                                                                   

 

Date: November 13, 2004

 

By:

 

/S/ Ferenc B. Szony


       

Ferenc B. Szony, President and Chief Executive Officer

   

By:

 

/S/ Robert J. Medeiros


Date: November 13, 2004

     

Robert J. Medeiros, Chief Financial and Principal Accounting Officer

 

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