Operator News
US – Mohegan Gaming falls in its second quarter
By Phil - 13 May 2019
Mohegan Gaming & Entertainment saw revenues fall to $307.7m from $332m, marking a 7.3 per cent decrease in its second fiscal quarter ended March 31.
The decline was driven by lower gaming revenues at Mohegan Sun and Mohegan Sun Pocono largely driven by unfavorable hold in the quarter at both properties. These declines were partially offset by improved non-gaming revenue growth, including entertainment and hotel revenues, at Mohegan Sun, as well as stronger Corporate Adjusted EBITDA, driven by tighter expense management and improved financial performance at ilani Casino Resort.
“Volume trends across our portfolio remain inline to better than expected as overall gaming volumes at our flagship property, Mohegan Sun, remain robust despite completing our second full quarter of increased competitive pressure in the Northeast,” said Mario Kontomerkos, President & Chief Executive Officer. “Adjusting for unusually low table hold, overall MGE EBITDA would have been largely in line with our expectations, flat with last year’s comparable period, and well ahead of recent fiscal year 1Q19 performance. At the same time, non-gaming results continue to be healthy and remain a driving factor for our growth at Mohegan Sun. These revenue enhancements have been driven, in part, by the recent adoption of our $100m revenue and cost improvement program – a plan we remain committed to delivering over the next several years.
“Outside of the Northeast, cash flows from our managed portfolio grew strongly, up 86 per cent year over year,” said Mr. Kontomerkos. “Looking ahead, in June we expect to assume operational control of two major Niagara Falls, Canada assets which will mark the first international operations for MGE and will provide increased earnings and cash flow diversity for our stakeholders. Similarly, we have begun to mobilize construction at our development site in Incheon, South Korea, having completed our negotiations with our general contractor and following the receipt of all necessary construction permits and approvals.”
