Q3 2025 Gaming & Leisure Properties Inc Earnings Call
Speaker #1: Greetings, and welcome to the Gaming and Leisure Properties Incorporated third quarter 2025 earnings conference call and webcast. At this time, all participants are in a listen-only mode.
Operator: Greetings and welcome to the Gaming and Leisure Properties, Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call and Webcast. At this time, all participants are in the listen-only mode. A question-and-answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad. As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to your host today, Joseph Jaffoni, Investor Relations. Please proceed.
Speaker #1: A question and answer session will follow the formal presentation. If anyone should require operator assistance during the conference, please press star zero on your telephone keypad.
Speaker #1: As a reminder, this conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the conference over to your host today, Jo Jaffoni, Investor Relations.
Speaker #1: Please proceed.
Speaker #2: Thank you, Latania, and good morning, everyone, and thank you for joining Gaming and Leisure Properties third quarter 2025 earnings call and webcast. The press release distributed yesterday afternoon is available in the Investor Relations section on our website at www.glpropinc.com.
Joseph Jaffoni: Thank you, Latanya, and good morning, everyone. Thank you for joining Gaming and Leisure Properties Third Quarter 2025 Earnings Call and Webcast. The press release distributed yesterday afternoon is available in the Investor Relations section on our website at www.glpropinc.com. In addition to the Third Quarter press release, GLPI also posted a supplemental earnings presentation, which highlights the events of the quarter, recent developments, and future considerations that can also be accessed at www.glpropinc.com. On today's call, management's prepared remarks and answers to your questions may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed today. Forward-looking statements may include those related to revenue, operating income, and financial guidance, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as FFO and AFFO.
Speaker #2: In addition to the third quarter press release, GLPI also posted a supplemental earnings presentation which highlights the events of the quarter, recent developments, and future considerations that can also be accessed at www.glpropinc.com.
Speaker #2: On today's call, management's prepared remarks and answers to your questions may contain forward-looking statements as defined in the private securities litigation reform act of 1995.
Speaker #2: Forward-looking statements address matters that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those discussed today. Forward-looking statements may include those related to revenue, operating income, and financial guidance, as well as non-GAAP financial measures such as FFO and AFFO.
Speaker #2: As a reminder, forward-looking statements represent management's current estimates, and the company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in the future. We encourage listeners to review the more detailed discussions related to the risk factors in the SEC, including its 10-Q and in the earnings release, as well as the definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the company's earnings release.
Joseph Jaffoni: As a reminder, forward-looking statements represent management's current estimates, and the company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements in the future. We encourage listeners to review the more detailed discussions related to the risk factors and forward-looking statements contained in the company's filings with the SEC, including its 10-Q and in the earnings release, as well as the definitions and reconciliations of non-GAAP financial measures contained in the company's earnings release. On this morning's call, we are joined by Peter Carlino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Gaming and Leisure Properties. Also joining today's call are Brandon Moore, President and Chief Operating Officer; Desiree Burke, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer; Steve Ladany, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer; and Carlo Santarelli, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations. With that, it's my pleasure to turn the call over to Peter Carlino. Peter, please go ahead.
Speaker #2: On this morning's call, we are joined by Peter Carlino, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Gaming and Leisure Properties. Also joining today's call are Brandon Moore, President and Chief Operating Officer, Desiree Burke, Chief Financial Officer, and Treasurer, Steve Ladany, Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer, and Carlos Santorelli, Senior Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations.
Speaker #2: With that, it's my pleasure to turn the call over to Peter Carlino. Peter, please go ahead.
Speaker #3: Well, thank you, Joe, and good morning, everyone. We are particularly pleased to announce a really terrific quarter in which I think a lot of really good things have come together.
Brandon Moore: Thank you, Joe, and good morning, everyone. We are particularly pleased to announce a really terrific quarter in which I think a lot of really good things have come together. As always, these have been thoroughly detailed in our earnings release. Nonetheless, there are three items that I think are worthy of spending just a little bit of time this morning that represent important elements of the GLPI story today. The first topic I'd like to highlight is our pipeline and our recent transactions. Very simply, in the last 60 days, we have announced three transactions, and while the market has given us little credit for these deals, each of these has been accretive and allowed us to deploy $875 million of capital at a blended cap rate of 9.3%.
Speaker #3: just a little bit of time this morning. They represent important elements of the GLPI story today. The first topic I'd like to highlight is our pipeline, and our recent transactions.
Speaker #3: When completed, these transactions will add over 5% to our current annualized cash rent. While also expanding partnerships with two existing tenants, and furthering our initiatives in the area of tribal gaming.
Brandon Moore: When completed, these transactions will add over 5% to our current annualized cash rent while also expanding partnerships with two existing tenants and furthering our initiatives in the area of tribal gaming. The second item is funding, which is something we get lots of questions about. We currently have over $3 billion of announced transaction activity in our pipeline. As you saw in our Third Quarter results announcement, we executed on $363 million of forward equity in this period at an average price of $48. Despite the size of our current funding commitments, given our current leverage profile, it is worth pointing out that we can fund the entirety of our future commitments solely with debt financing and still remain at approximately 5.1 times leverage, the low end of our five to five and a half range.
Speaker #3: 5.5 range. The second item So given the current valuation of our equity, the pair, this path appears to be most appealing. As it unlikely will be tapping the equity market in this current pathetic range.
Brandon Moore: Given the current valuation of our equity, this path appears to be most appealing as it is unlikely we will be tapping the equity market in this current pathetic range. Number three, the third item, is Bally's. We get lots of questions about that, and I'd like to talk a little bit about our relationship with them. We have two very strong, well-covered leases with Bally's: a development in Chicago, a ground lease on a soon-to-be-developed prime parcel of Las Vegas real estate, which you would know is the new home of the Las Vegas A's. Since we last spoke, a lot has transpired with Bally's, all of which has been very positive from our perspective. Bally's successfully completed its international iGaming transaction with Interlock, positioning the company very well from a liquidity perspective. Additionally, as we last spoke, Bally's has become one of three remaining bidders for.
Speaker #3: Number three, the third item is ballies. We get lots of questions about that. And I'd like to talk a little bit about our relationship with them.
Speaker #3: We have two very strong well-covered leases. With ballies, the development in Chicago, a ground lease on a soon-to-be-developed prime parcel of Las Vegas real estate, which you would know is the new home of the Las Vegas A's.
Speaker #3: Since we last spoke, a lot has transpired with Ballies, all of which has been very positive from our perspective. Ballies successfully completed its international iGaming transaction with Interlot, positioning the company very well from a liquidity perspective.
Speaker #3: Additionally, as we last spoke, ballies have become one of three remaining bidders for three potential licenses very lucrative licenses in New York. Which, whether we participate or not, is a very good thing for them.
Brandon Moore: Three potential licenses, very lucrative licenses in New York. Whether we participate or not, it is a very good thing for them. Lastly, of core importance to us, significant progress has been made in Chicago in the development of that project. We extended our first tranche of capital for the development earlier this month. We step back and look at the value relationship. We like the assets that we have. Coverage on our existing leases is very good. The Chicago development has a very, very strong ROI framework. We see tremendous potential and opportunity in land in Las Vegas, and we see New York, as I said earlier, potentially material value-enhancing opportunity for us or for Bally's, with or without us. These have been very positive developments. I would like to point out that the progress in Chicago is significant, and the pace of construction has picked up dramatically.
Speaker #3: And lastly, of core importance to us, significant progress has been made in Chicago in the development of that project. And we extended our first tranche of capital in the for the development earlier this month.
Speaker #3: So we step back and look at the value relationship. We like the assets that we have. Coverage on our existing leases is very good.
Speaker #3: And the Chicago development has a very, very strong ROI framework. We see tremendous potential and opportunity in land in Las Vegas, and we see New York as, as I said earlier, potentially material value-enhancing opportunity for us or for ballies with or without us.
Speaker #3: So these have been very positive developments. I would like to point out that the progress in Chicago is significant, and the pace of construction has picked up dramatically.
Speaker #3: To that end, we published photographs that give any interested among you an idea of just how things are looking. We've gone vertical, and we're going to keep that those photographs and the storyline updated so you know at any moment where we are in Chicago.
Brandon Moore: To that end, we publish photographs that give any interested among you an idea of just how things are looking. We've gone vertical, and we're going to keep those photographs and the storyline updated so you know at any moment where we are in Chicago. In Las Vegas, Bally's has published a site plan that encompasses what may be possible at the site. We are very pleased with what they have discovered or what they have laid out. We may or may not participate as opportunities arise. It is unlikely that we will finance the entire project, but there are elements of that, profit-making elements, that I think we could participate in. Stay tuned in Las Vegas as well. It is in a very good place at the moment. With that, I'm going to turn it over to Desiree to give you things that really matter.
Speaker #3: In Las Vegas, your Ballies has published a site plan that encompasses what may be possible at the site. We are very pleased with what they have discovered or what they have laid out.
Speaker #3: And we may or may not participate as opportunities. It's unlikely that we will finance the entire project, but there are elements of that profit-making elements that I think we could participate in.
Speaker #3: So I'd stay tuned in Las Vegas as well. It's a very good place at the moment. So with that, I'm going to turn it over to Desiree to give you things that really matter.
Speaker #2: Thanks, Peter. Good morning. For the third quarter of 2025, our total income from real estate exceeded the third quarter of 2024 by over $12 million.
Desiree Burke: Thanks, Peter. Good morning. For the third quarter 2025, our total income from real estate exceeded the third quarter 2024 by over $12 million. The growth was primarily driven by increases in our cash rent of $20 million. Those are related to our acquisition of Bally's Kansas City and Shreveport, which increased cash rent by $8 million. The Chicago land lease increased cash income by $3.9 million. Bally's Tropicana funding increased it by $0.6 million, and the Bell Development increased cash rent by $1.6 million. The I Own Loan increased cash income by $0.9 million. The Juliet funding increased our cash income by $1.7 million, and the recognition of our escalators and percentage rent adjustments increased cash income by about $4.2 million. The combination of our non-cash revenue growth subs, investment and lease adjustments, and straight-line rent adjustments partially offset those increases, driving a collective year-over-year decrease of $8.4 million.
Speaker #2: The growth was primarily driven by increases in our cash rent of $20 million. These increases are related to our acquisition of Ballies, Kansas City, and Shreveport, which raised cash rent by $8 million.
Speaker #2: The Chicago land lease increased cash income by $3.9 million. Ballies Tropicana Funding increased it by $600,000. And the Bell Development increased cash rent by $1.6 million.
Speaker #2: The I own loan increased cash income by $900,000. The Juliet Funding increased our cash income by $1.7 million. And the recognition of our escalators and percentage rent adjustments increased cash income by about 4.2 million.
Speaker #2: The combination of our non-cash revenue gross ups, investment in lease adjustments, and straight line rent adjustments partially offset those increases, driving a collective year-over-year decrease of 4.8.4 million.
Speaker #2: Our operating expenses decreased 53.5 million, mainly resulting from non-cash adjustments in the provision for credit losses. Due to a less pessimistic forward-looking economic forecast as compared to the prior quarter, as well as the fact that 2024, the provision included a charge for the establishment of the Tropicana Reserve.
Desiree Burke: Our operating expenses decreased $53.5 million, mainly resulting from non-cash adjustments in the provision for credit losses due to a less pessimistic forward-looking economic forecast as compared to the prior quarter, as well as the fact that in 2024, the provision included a charge for the establishment of the Tropicana Reserve for the company. Just a reminder that we capitalize interest and defer all rent during the development period for financial reporting purposes. However, we add that rent back and deduct the capital interest in deriving our AFFO. Included in today's release is an increase in GLPI's full-year 2025 AFFO guidance ranging from $3.86 to $3.88 per diluted share in OP units. Please note that this guidance does not include the impact of future transactions.
Speaker #2: For the company.
Speaker #3: Just a reminder that we capitalize interest and deferral rent during the development period for financial reporting purposes. However, we add that rent back and deduct the capital interest in deriving our AFFO.
Speaker #3: Included in today's release is an increase in GLPI's full year 2025 AFFO guidance ranging from 386 to 388 per dilutive share and OP unit.
Speaker #3: Please note that this guidance does not include the impact of future transactions. However, it does include our anticipated funding of $150 million for the M Resort Tower expected to occur next month, and approximately $280 million of funding for development projects expected to occur during the fourth quarter, of which $125 million was funded for Chicago in October.
Desiree Burke: However, it does include our anticipated funding of $150 million for the M Resort Tower expected to occur next month and approximately $280 million of funding for development projects expected to occur during the fourth quarter, of which $125 million was funded for Chicago in October. From a balance sheet perspective, and this is probably the most important part of my comments, during the quarter, we sold 7.6 million shares under a forward sale agreement to raise $363.3 million, or $47.87 per share. Additionally, we issued $1.3 billion in new bonds and redeemed our sole 2026 maturity of $975 million, thereby raising in excess of $680 million of capital for our development and acquisition pipeline. Our leverage ratio is at 4.4 times, well below our target and historical levels.
Speaker #3: From a balance sheet perspective, and this is probably most important part of my comments, during the quarter, we sold 7.6 million shares under a forward sale agreement to raise $363.3 million or $47.87 per share.
Speaker #3: Additionally, we issued $1.3 billion in new bonds and redeemed our sole 2026 maturity of $975 million, thereby raising an excess of $680 million of capital for our development and acquisition pipeline.
Speaker #3: Our leverage ratio is at 4.4 times, well below our target and historical levels. Given our current balance sheet position, the several-year runway to fund our development projects, and our annual free cash flow over that timeframe, we have the optionality to fund our future creative commitments.
Desiree Burke: Given our current balance sheet position, the several-year runway to fund our development projects, and our annual free cash flow over that timeframe, we have optionality to fund our future accretive commitments. As a reminder, our significant development projects pay us cash rent upon funding. In October, we extended the company's option and call right to acquire the real property assets of Bally's Twin River Lincoln by two years from 2028 to 2026. Our rent coverage ratios on our master leases are ranging from 1.69 to 2.78 as of the end of the prior quarter end. With that, I will turn it back to Peter.
Brandon Moore: Thank you, Desiree. With that, operator, can we open the call to questions?
Operator: Thank you. At this time, we will conduct a question-and-answer session. If you would like to ask a question, please press Star 1 on your telephone keypad. A confirmation tone will indicate your line is in the question queue. You may press Star 2 if you would like to remove your question from the queue. For participants using speaker equipment, it may be necessary to pick up your handset before pressing the Star keys. One moment while we pull for the first question. The first question comes from Daniel Guglielmo with Mizuho. Please proceed.
Brandon Moore: Hey there. Good morning. Thanks for taking my question. Desiree, I wanted to follow up on your comments on the balance sheet. Looks like you're well covered in terms of sources for your uses for now. I guess, how comfortable are you? Looks like leverage is going to tick up over the near term as you deploy capital. I guess how comfortable are you with your current liquidity profile and how much would you be comfortable with letting leverage tick up here in the near term?
Desiree Burke: Right. If I funded everything I have out there in the pipeline with debt, which obviously that's not exactly what we intend to do, however, if our equity remains where it is, we may just do that. We only get to 5.1 times leverage, once everything is annualized in. I'd be very comfortable at that range. You can see in our supplemental, historically, we've been over that, up to 5.5 times is our maximum range of leverage. I am very comfortable with our current liquidity position and the funding of the transactions that we've announced to date.
Brandon Moore: Got it. Appreciate that. I guess just more broadly, curious on the regional gaming trends during the quarter: foot traffic, revenue in light of the slowing macro, and I guess some broader commentary on how do you expect regional gaming to perform in this environment? Thank you.
Peter Carlino: Any number of us could take that question. I mean, look, generally, regional gaming has held up very well, and our coverage has remained pretty protected. Seen no threat to the industry whatsoever. I mean, look, given time, who knows what will evolve. Right now, the regional business is very, very strong. Carlo, do you want to add something to that?
Well, any number of us, could take that question. I mean look generally Regional gaming has held up very well and uh our coverage is a remain pretty protected and uh um see no threat to the industry whatsoever. I mean look given time who knows what will evolve but right now the regional business is very, very strong.
Steve Ladany: Sure. It's Carlo. I think when you look across our tenants who've reported to date and some who haven't, when you look across those who have reported to date, you had a good regional report from obviously MGM, a good regional report from Caesars. I think when you look at the state-level data, it all appears very solid and very steady. I know there were some concerns around promotional activity in those markets, but certainly not showing up in EBITDA and has not showed up in coverage for those who've reported thus far.
Brandon Moore: Foot traffic?
In ebar and, and has not showed up in in coverage for those who've reported thus far.
And and foot traffic.
Steve Ladany: I think foot traffic remains fairly steady as well. In regionals, I think there's a broader malaise around the space that's created by numerous other things. I think in regional markets, there hasn't been a dramatic change in demand as far as we can see.
Yeah I I think foot traffic remains fairly steady as well in regionals. I think there's a broader malaise around the space. That's you know created by a numerous other things. But I think in Regional markets there hasn't been a dramatic change in in demand as as far as we can see.
Brandon Moore: Thank you. I'll use it.
Thank you.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from Richard Hightower with Barclays. Please proceed.
Thank you. Next question. Comes from Rich. Hi Tower with Barkley's please receive
[Analyst]: Hey, good morning, guys. Thanks for taking the questions here. My first question just has to do with some of the puts and takes in expected fourth-quarter development funding. I think there were some questions last night as to kind of what changed versus what the expectation was 90 days ago or even more recently. Just help us understand what changed, including obviously the impact of Chicago within that mix.
Desiree Burke: Right. The biggest take, I would say, is that we reduced our Chicago development funding by about $25 million and pushed that into 2026. It's really just a timing adjustment. My $338 million is now $280 million. Obviously, we funded about $35 million for the quarter, and that has declined $25 million. That's it. It's really just timing of coming out of 2025 and going into 2026.
Hey, good morning guys. Um, thanks for taking the questions here. So, my first question, um, just has to do with some of the puts and takes in expected fourth quarter development, funding. I think there were, there were some questions last night as to kind of what changed versus what the expectation was 90 days ago or or even more recently. So just help us understand what changed including obviously the impact of Chicago within that mix.
Right, so really the biggest, um,
Take, I would say, is that we reduced our show.
Development funding by about 25 million dollars and pushed that into 2026. So it's really just a timing adjustment. So, my 3338 is now 280, um, obviously, we funded about 35 million for the quarter and so that has defined 25 million, that's it. But it's really just timing of coming out of 25 and going into
Peter Carlino: I think it's safe to add that some delay in the actual first payment or advance had to do with just papering the transaction. I'm looking at Brandon sitting across the table who spent a lot of time working on the details to make sure it was all right and perfect given the scale of what's happening and so forth. Now that they're underway, the advances have begun. I think you can expect a regular flow of capital investment going forward.
[Analyst]: Okay. Great. Thanks for that. Obviously, we all noticed the extension of the purchase option at Lincoln. Just tell us your latest thoughts, if you don't mind, on that asset and maybe some of the pressures that asset might be facing over the next couple of years and how it factors into the timing and even the purchase price itself, if you don't mind.
To 26. I look, I think it's safe to add that um, some delay in the actual first payment or or Advanced had to do with just papering the transaction. I'm looking at at Brandon sitting across the table, uh who spent a lot of time working on the details to make sure it was, all right and perfect given the scale of what's happening and so forth. But now that they're underway the advances have begun. I think you can expect a regular uh, flow of of capital investment going forward.
Peter Carlino: I'll take part of it, and we'll spread around the second half. I think in the end, you know perfectly well, as I think well publicized, that getting approval from their lenders to get release on that property has been challenging. Though we had a call, we're not about to put our tenant, our partner, if you will, under pressure and demand something that just simply is not in their best interest. We're perfectly happy to wait. It's fine to assist in that manner. It was nothing more than just simply taking pressure off that story and moving it down the road in some comfortable timeframe.
Okay, great. Um, thanks for that. And then, you know, obviously we all noticed the extension of the, um, purchase option at Lincoln. So just tell us your latest thoughts. If you don't mind on that asset and and maybe, you know, some of the pressures that asset might be facing over the next couple of years and how it factors into the timing and, you know, even the purchase price itself, if you don't mind.
Well, I'll take part of it and we'll spread around the second half. Um, look, I think the end, you know perfectly well, as I think, well publicized, that getting approval from their lenders to get released on that property has been challenging.
Um, and I look through we had a call, right?
We're not about to put our our tenants, our partner, if you will, uh, under pressure and and demand something that this simply is not in their best interest. Uh, we're perfectly happy to wait. Uh, and it it's fine fine to assist in that manner. So, there was nothing more than just simply taking pressure off. That story and moving it down the road. Uh, and then some comfortable time frame.
Brandon Moore: Yeah, Rich, I mean, I think on the second half, the Lincoln asset has had some stress because of road closures, bridge closures, and the competing First Light project, which is being expanded somewhat, we understand. I think that this is mutually beneficial to the two companies. For us, we'll push Lincoln out. We'll get a better look at that market and what's going on. We've got plenty of growth in place for 2026 and 2027, and pushing this out doesn't hurt us at all. We have our hands full for the next year, 18 months. As Peter said, for the reasons it was beneficial for Bally's, it certainly isn't detrimental to GLPI. I think this was a win-win accommodation to push it out to 2028.
Peter Carlino: Yeah, it's kind of an ace in the hole that we've got it, and we'll get it when the time is right. We feel good about that.
Yeah Rich. I mean I I think on the second half you know the Lincoln asset you has had some stress because of road closures Bridge closures and the competing first light project which is being expanded somewhat. We understand, I think that there's this mutually beneficial to the 2 companies for us. We'll push Lincoln out. We'll get a better look at that market and what's going on? We've got plenty of growth in place for 26 and 27. Uh, and pushing this out doesn't hurt us at all. We have our hands full for the next year, 18 months. Uh and so so as Peter said to the reasons it was beneficial for B's, it certainly isn't detrimental to glpi and um so I think this was a win-win accommodation to push it out to 28. Yeah. It's kind of an Ace in the Hole that we've got it and we'll get it when it's the time is, right?
We feel good about that.
[Analyst]: Okay, thank you, guys.
Okay, thank you guys.
Operator: The next question comes from Jay Kornreich with Cantor Fitzgerald. Please proceed.
The next question comes from Jay Con, right with Cancer Fitzgerald. Please proceed.
[Analyst]: Hey, good morning. I guess, just first off, there's been a number of announced deals lately from you in the past two months, as you mentioned. I'm curious if there's been anything that's really been driving that for you, or is it kind of just more coincidence that many transactions you've been working on just all got done around the same two-month time?
Peter Carlino: Why don't you take that, Brandon?
Hey, good morning I guess you know just first off there's been a number of announced deals Lately from you in the past 2 months, as you mentioned. And I'm curious, if there's been anything that's really been driving that for you, or is it kind of more coincidence that many transactions? You've been working on? Just all got done around the same. 2-month time.
Brandon Moore: Okay. I'm happy to address that. I think that's easy. I think it's the latter. A lot of hard work came together at about the same time. All those deals, while very different, were things we had been working on for a very long time and just came together in the quarter. As you know, from our business, it can be a little lumpy from time to time. This was a quarter where we just had a lot of things come in at the same time.
You take that brand.
Okay. Yeah, I'm happy to happy to address that. I think that's easy. I think it's the latter. A lot of hard work came together at about the same time and so all those deals while very different were things, we had been working on for a very long time and just came together in the quarter. So as you know from our business it can be a little Lumpy from time to time and and this was a quarter where we just had a lot of things come in at the same time.
[Analyst]: Okay. If I could just follow up on the funding for the Chicago Bally's development, are you able to comment on how much funding you expect in 2026 and what portion may spill into 2027?
How much funding you expect in 2026 and what portion May spell into 2027?
Desiree Burke: I'm not prepared to comment on that. I will tell you that it will spill into 2027, the funding, and we have said that. When we come out with fourth quarter, when we come out with 2026 guidance in February of next year, we will give you as much information on the timing of the funding for that project as possible.
Peter Carlino: Yeah. Every day that goes by gives us a better focus on kind of where the project is. We stay very close to that construction process, have our people in place, keeping an eye on how things are going. It's going well, but it's a large project. As I say, the further we get down the road, the better we'll understand kind of what the final day will be. I know they're focused on getting the casino open as early as possible.
The 2027 the funding, and we have said that. And when we come out with fourth quarter, when we come out with 2026 guidance, in February of next year, we will give you as much information on the timing of the funding for that project as possible.
Yeah, every day go goes that goes by gives us a, a better focus on kind of where the project is. We stay very close to that construction process, have people our people in place, keeping an eye on how things are going. It's going well. But, uh, but it's a, it's a large project. And, uh, every as I say further, we get down the road, the better, we'll understand kind of what the final final day will be
I know they're focused on getting the casino open as early as possible.
[Analyst]: Okay. All right. I'll hold it there. Thank you.
Okay. All right. I'll I'll hold it there. Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from Barry Jonas with Truist Securities. Please proceed.
The next question comes from Barry Jones with Truist. Please proceed.
Steve Ladany: Hey, guys. You've now announced two tribal deals. How would you characterize the pipeline for tribal deals from here? Curious how the education process has been. Resonating. Thank you.
Peter Carlino: You want to take that, Steve?
Hey guys, uh, you've now announced 2 tribal deals. How would you characterize the pipeline for tribal deals from here? Curious, how the education process has been uh, has been resonating. Thank you.
Steve Ladany: Sure. Look, I think from a tribal perspective, the education process is ongoing. I will say we're getting many more inbounds, and we're still placing outbounds, but I think that the cadence of those discussions is somewhat starting to turn. Part of that is just the ongoing reality that other folks and advisors in that marketplace are starting to see transactions occur and access to capital being afforded to their clients. They're starting to call us more frequently. I think we'll continue to pursue transactions in that space. One thing we are focused on is availing the marketplace to the reality that our structure and our capital can be utilized in more than just a greenfield sense in the tribal landscape.
You want to take that Steve sure. Um, um, I look I think from a tribal perspective. Um, the education process is ongoing, I will say we we're we're getting we're getting many more inbounds uh, and we're still placing outbounds, but I think that the Cadence of those discussions is somewhat starting to to turn part of that is just the ongoing um reality that that other folks. And advisors in that Marketplace are starting to see transactions occur and access to Capital being afforded to their clients. So they're starting to call us more frequently. I think we'll continue to to continue to pursue transactions in that space.
Steve Ladany: I think that's something we are focused on, trying to find uses that are either mature assets and people are looking to diversify into other areas of business, other lines of business, or looking to refinance maybe debt that they have in place as opposed to just simply funding a greenfield project. Not saying we won't continue to look at greenfield projects, but we are continuing to try to find other uses for the capital that can be demonstrated to that marketplace to continue to further the education process. Great. Just as a follow-up, we just talked a little bit about the regional markets, but curious to get your wider views on the Strip today, given the recent softness we've been seeing. You commented on Bally's project there, but would you be open to meaningfully increasing your Vegas exposure if the right opportunity came along? Thank you.
I think 1 thing we are focused on is um is is availing the marketplace to the reality that that our structure and uh our Capital can be utilized in more than just uh Greenfield sense in the tribal uh, landscape. So I think that's something we are focused on trying to find uses, uh, that are, you know, either mature assets. And people are looking to diversify into other areas of business other lines of business or, or looking to refinance, maybe debt that they have in place as opposed to just simply funding a green field project. So not saying we won't continue to look at Greenfield projects but we will, we are continued to try to find other uh uses for the capital that can be demonstrated to that Marketplace to continue the further the education process.
Peter Carlino: I mean, the simple answer is yes. You said it right. The right opportunity, whatever that might be. We're not looking for anything there. We have a wonderful project in hand that offers us an opportunity to participate at some level should we choose. Look, we're always in the market for the next thing.
Great. And then just as a follow-up, you know, we we we just talked a little bit about the regional markets but curious to get your wider views on uh on the Strip today. Given the recent softness we've been seeing uh you you you you commented on valleys project there but would you be open to meeting your Vegas exposure? If the right opportunity came uh came along, thank you.
Steve Ladany: Barry, this is Carlo. Look, I mean, you've covered the space for a long time. You've seen the Las Vegas Strip go through many cycles, and this feels like just another one of those cycles. When you're thinking long-term like we are, I don't think a couple of choppy quarters in a row coming off of a very strong period like we saw coming out of COVID really changes the thinking much around investment into that market. Perfect. Appreciate it. Thanks.
Well, yeah, I mean, simple. The answer is yes. You said it right? The right opportunity, whatever that might be. We're not looking for anything there. We have a wonderful project in hand that offers us an opportunity to participate at some level, should we choose. But look, we're always in the market for the next thing.
And Barry, this is Carla. Look, I mean you've covered the space for a long time. You've seen the Las Vegas Strip go through many cycles, and this feels like just another one of those cycles. So when you're thinking long-term like we are, I don't think a couple of choppy quarters in a row, coming off of a very strong period like we saw coming out of COVID, really changes the thinking much around investment into that market.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Perfect. Appreciate it. Thanks.
Operator: The next question comes from John Toltowski with Wells Fargo. Please proceed.
Thank you.
[Analyst]: Good morning out there. Thank you. My first question is just on the New York City casinos. How has your appetite to participate in those casinos changed given the developments that we've seen in the quarter? There's been some news flow recently, and I don't know if there's been any more progressive conversations being had, or are we in the same place that we were a quarter ago?
The next question comes from John talsky with Wells Fargo, please proceed.
Good morning out there. Thank you. My, uh, first question is just on the New York City casinos. You know, how is your appetite to participate in those casinos change? Given the developments that we've seen the quarter? There's been some news, Well recently, and I don't know if there's been any more Progressive conversations being had, or are we in the same place that we were a quarter ago?
Brandon Moore: I think we're in a little bit different place than we were a quarter ago, given that there are now three left standing and three licenses to provide. There is no telling whether New York will actually issue the three licenses or whether they'll be issued to the folks that are still standing or some other change in process might occur that we saw back when resorts eventually came out in Queens. I think that the appetite for New York is strong in the sense that these are really strong projects that promise a lot of EBITDA coming out of that market. If we can participate in a prudent way in those projects, we'll certainly seek to do that. As most of you probably know, we do have a ROFR associated with the Bally's project, so we'll see how that plays out.
Well, I think we're in a little bit different place than we were a quarter ago. Given that there are now 3 left standing and 3 licenses to provide, no, no telling whether New York will actually issue the 3 licenses or whether they'll be issued to the folks that are still standing or some other change in process might occur that we saw back when uh Resorts eventually came out in Queens.
Brandon Moore: I think it's a little early in the game for us to tell you if and at what level we might commit capital to that market, but it obviously remains a very attractive expansion market to not only GLPI, I'm sure everybody that's looking at investing in gaming.
Peter Carlino: I probably should underline that there's no shortage of money chasing that opportunity. I can't speak for Bally's, but I can well surmise that they're getting calls from all over the place, people wanting a piece of that opportunity. It's a big deal. Good for them. We could take us apart if the right opportunity appears, but we're certainly not going to be the sole source of what they're going to require there.
Strong projects that promise a lot of ibida coming out of that market and if we can participate in a prudent way in those projects we'll certainly seek to do. That is most of you probably know. We do have a row for associated with the Valley's project so we'll see how that plays out. I think it's a little early in the game for us to tell you if and at what level we might commit Capital to that market but it obviously remains a very attractive expansion Market to not only glpi. I'm sure everybody that that's looking at investing in gaming and I probably should underline that there's no shortage of money chasing that opportunity. And I I can I can't speak for BS, but I can well surmise that they're getting calls from uh, from all over the place. People wanting to a piece of that opportunity. So it's a big deal good for them. Uh, we could take us apart if the right opportunity appears but uh, we we're certainly not going to be the sole source of what, what they're going to require their.
[Analyst]: Okay. Very helpful. My second one is back on the tribal deal. Could you just talk more about the return hurdles that you're looking for for a tribal deal where there's less protections maybe involved versus the construction that you're working on or the fee simple acquisitions that you've been targeting?
Okay, very helpful. And then my second 1 is back on the uh, the tribal deal. Could you just talk more about the return hurdles that you're looking for for, you know, a tribal deal where there's less protections maybe involved versus the construction that you're working on, or the feasible Acquisitions that you've been targeting
Brandon Moore: Yeah. I think from an underwriting standpoint, each of them are going to be a little bit unique because each one will present a different credit profile, just as in commercial gaming we face that. I think at the end of the day, the difference between the risk on the tribal and the commercial may not be as wide as some folks believe. I think when you dig into it, you can see that there are some challenges to tribal gaming, but they may not be as steep as you think. There are some very well-capitalized tribes. Clearly, we're looking at a wider spread to the cost of capital than what we do with commercial gaming, whether it's 50 basis points or 100 basis points or 150 basis points. It's going to depend on the credit quality of the tribe and the opportunity.
Brandon Moore: I think we're also looking for increased coverage on those assets. Because of the nature of that investment, we want to make sure that the coverage is even stronger than what we have in our commercial deals. As I think most of you know, we've always focused on coverage. We've done that since day one here. We've known that creating a healthy tenant-landlord relationship for the term of the lease is very important. While we look at two-to-one coverage generally on commercial assets, if not better, you can assume with tribal, we're looking to be much higher. That's kind of where we are in the underwriting process on tribals as we sit here today. I think each deal will be a little bit different. With Dry Creek, we went into a project that had some cash flow with an existing facility. It has some history to it.
Yeah, I think from an underwriting standpoint, each of them is or are going to be a little bit unique because because each 1 will present a different credit profile, just just, as in commercial gaming, we we face that. And, and I think at the end of the day, the difference between the risk on the tribal and the commercial may not be as wide as some folks. Believe I think when you dig into it, you can see that that there are some challenges to tribal gaming but they may not be as steep as you think and there are some very well capitalized tribes. So, um, clearly we're looking at a wider spread to the cost of capital than what we do with commercial gaming, whether it's 50 basis points or 100 basis points or 150 basis points, it's going to depend on the credit quality of the tribe and the opportunity. And I think we're also looking for increased coverage on those assets because of the nature of that investment, we want to make sure that the coverage is even stronger than what we have in our commercial deals. And as I think most of, you know, we've always focused on coverage, we've done that. Since day 1 here, we've known that, uh, creating
Brandon Moore: It has a very strong partner in Caesars, branding it their top brand, Caesars Republic, and a strong market in California. You see what kind of rates we got for that transaction and what kind of coverage we wanted for that transaction. I think it's demonstrative of how we'll view tribal gaming as we continue to roll this out.
A healthy tenant-landlord relationship for the term of the lease is very important. And so, while we look at 2 to 1 coverage generally on commercial assets, if not better, you can assume with tribal, we're looking to be much higher. So that's kind of where we are in the underwriting process on tribals as we sit here today. Um, and I think each deal will be a little bit different. With Dry Creek, we went into a project that has some cash flow with an existing facility. It has some history to it; it has a very strong part.
Partner and Caesars branding at their top brands, Caesar's Republic and a strong, uh, Market in California. And, and you see what kind of rates we got for that transaction. And what kind of coverage we wanted for that transaction? And I think it's demonstrative of how we'll view tribal gaming as we, as we continue to roll this out.
[Analyst]: Very helpful. Thank you.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Very well. Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from Greg McGinniss with Scotiabank. Please proceed.
Thank you.
The next question comes from, Greg mcginness with Scotia Bank, please proceed.
[Analyst]: Hey, good morning. I guess just quickly speaking on coverage, is the expected run coverage at Live Virginia in that two-to-one range? How did you go about underwriting that project to determine the expectations?
Hey, good morning. Um, so I guess just quickly speaking, I'm covering, um, is the expected run coverage at Live Virginia in that 2 to 1 range? And how did you go about underwriting that project to determine the expectations?
Desiree Burke: As we always do, we go through a rigorous process to do diligence on what we think the market can do and what the demographics of the market are, the drive times around the property. We do expect in the line of two-to-one rent coverage on that property as it opens.
To, uh, rigorous process to due diligence on what we think. The market can do and what the, um, demographics of the market are the drive times, you know, uh, around the property and we do expect in the line of 2 to 1 rent coverage on that property. Um,
Peter Carlino: Yeah. Let me add. We're talking about the Quarties organization. These guys are highly capable, highly successful, the kind of folks you'd want to sign up for every deal imaginable given the opportunity. It doesn't get any better. There's no better opportunity to partner with any entity on the planet than the Quarties organization. We're delighted to be part of that project. No worries whatsoever.
As it opens.
Brandon Moore: Yeah. I think in that market, we also did a lot of work on the legislative side, on the regulatory side to understand what the potential for expansion is going to be in that market. We're pretty comfortable that that Richmond market is pretty well protected at the moment. As Peter said, the Quarties have a demonstrated ability to deliver projects on time and on budget. That's a project that's easy for us to get behind in that market with that kind of partner. I would just add a two-to-one. I think it's more of a downside base case scenario. If you ask the Quarties folks, I think they tell you that they think coverage is going to be much higher at that facility. We don't underwrite on the hope certificate. We underwrite on the conservative side.
Brandon Moore: At two-to-one, we think we're going to be very well protected in that market.
[Analyst]: Yeah, I guess given where their other leases are, that makes sense.
Base case scenario. If you if you ask the quartus folks, I think they tell you that they think coverage is going to be much higher at that facility but you know we don't underwrite on the Hope certificate we underwrite on the on the conservative side and so at 2 to 1, we think we're going to be very well protected in that market.
Peter Carlino: That's right.
[Analyst]: Just to follow up on, I guess, a point of clarification on the Lincoln deal. If Bally's were to receive approval from the term loan lenders, the few remaining that they need it from, do you expect they'd elect to do that deal earlier, or do they prefer not to have to pay off the $500 million of debt that would require?
Brandon Moore: I think that asks us to crawl into the minds of Bally's, which we obviously can't do, but I will acknowledge that you're correct in the way that the option works. If they solve the lender consent issue, Lincoln can come in well before 2028. There's been no change in the terms of how the option works, only the dates. If Bally's can solve that and they think it's prudent to bring that capital in, they'll likely come to us and ask for that. I can tell you that we've done a lot of work in the market. We have our own views on how the market's going to perform and what's happening in that market. If we're called upon to exercise Lincoln earlier than 2028, we'll be prepared to make that decision and have that discussion.
Yeah, I guess given where there are other leases, that makes sense. Um, that's right. And then just a follow-up on, I guess a point of clarification on the Lincoln deal. If B's were to receive approval from the term loan lenders, you know, the few remaining that they need it from, do you expect they'd elect to do that deal earlier? Or do they prefer not to have to pay off the $500 million of debt that would require?
[Analyst]: Great. Thank you.
I think that asks us to crawl into the minds of valleys, which we, we obviously can't do, but I will, I will acknowledge that you're correct in the way that the option works. If they solve the lender consent issue Lincoln can come in. Well, before 2028, there's been no change in the terms of how the option works, only the dates. So if valleys, um, can solve that, and they think it's prudent to bring that capital in, they'll likely come to us and ask for that. Um, I can tell you that, we've done a lot of work in the market. We have our own views on how the Market's going to perform and what's happening in that market. And if we're called upon to exercise Lincoln earlier than 2028, we'll be prepared to make that decision and have that discussion.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Great. Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from Ronald Kamdem with Morgan Stanley. Please proceed.
Joseph Jaffoni: Hey, just two quick ones. Going back to the Chicago project, I think you guys are providing a lot more transparency. I believe some of the upcoming activities were you talked about going vertical, construction on the hotel, vertical construction on the casino, and then sort of the cranes being delivered, cranes number two and three. Just any sort of update on that piece of any of those progress?
Thank you. The next question comes from. Ronald Camden with Morgan. Stanley. Please proceed.
Hey, just, uh, two quick ones. Going back to the, uh, Chicago project. And, you know, I think you guys are providing a lot more transparency. Um, I believe some of the upcoming activities were, you know, you talked about going vertical.
Uh, construction on the hotel.
Steve Ladany: Yeah. There are three cranes now working on the project, steel's getting erected. The hotel, I think there's four or five levels of concrete that have been poured. It's approaching the first floor guest room height. There's definitely a lot of ongoing construction taking place on the property. If you pull up the camera to take a peek, or if you happen to be in Chicago, you can swing by. There are plenty of people, and there's plenty of action taking place every day there.
Um, vertical construction on the casino, and then sort of the cranes being delivered cranes, number 2 and 3, just any sort of update on on on that piece of it in those progress.
Yeah, there's there. There are 3, there are 3 cranes now. Uh, working on the projects deals, getting erected. Um, the hotel I think is is there's 4 or 5 levels of concrete that have that have been poured. Uh, so it's it's approaching the first floor of guest room, uh, height. Um, so there there's definitely a lot of ongoing construction taking place on the on the property. And if you pull up the, the, um, camera to take a peek, or if you happen to be in Chicago, you can swing by there's, there are there are plenty of people and there's plenty of action, uh, taking place uh, every day there.
Joseph Jaffoni: Great. Helpful. My second one was just the cost of financing, if you can remind us where you think you can issue 10-year, and how is that impacting, or is that even impacting how you're sort of underwriting return hurdles for new deals in the pipeline? Just how is that shifting? Thanks so much.
Desiree Burke: Sure. Obviously, as you know, the 10-year Treasury is moving quite a bit lately. The last I looked, it was around 4.1%, which means we would be issuing somewhere around 5% to 6%, the 5% to 6% range. I think it bumped up over the last few minutes, hours. It keeps changing on me. That's about where we would fund, and it is pretty consistent. We've been somewhere around the Treasury of right around 4%, and our spreads to that haven't changed significantly. Our funding and our spreads that we're expecting to our cost of capital are really only changing on the equity side more so, not necessarily the debt side.
Great helpful. And then my, my second 1 was just, uh, just a cost of financing if you can remind us where you think, you can issue 10 year and and how's that impacting? Or is that even impacting? How you're sort of underwriting uh return hurdles for uh, for new deals in the pipeline just house that shifting? Yeah, thanks so much.
Sure. So um obviously as you know, the 10-year treasury is moving quite a bit lately. So um, the last I looked it was around 41 which means we would be issuing somewhere around 5 6 to 56 range. Um, I think it bumped up over the last um,
Steve Ladany: We are very hopeful that the market will realize that 160 or 165 basis points spread between the equity dividend yield and the 10-year issuance cost will be recognized by investors and correct.
A few minutes ago, it keeps changing on me, but that’s about where we would fund. It is pretty consistent; you know, we’ve been somewhere around the treasury of right around 4%, and our spreads to that haven’t changed significantly. So, our funding and the spreads that we’re expecting to our cost of capital are really only changing on the equity side more, so not necessarily the debt side. We’re very hopeful that the market will realize that 160 or 165 basis points spread between the equity dividend yield and the 10-year issuance cost will be recognized by investors and will correct.
Joseph Jaffoni: Helpful. Thanks so much. That's it for me.
Helpful. Thanks so much. That's it for me.
Peter Carlino: Said, Steve.
Well, well said, Steve.
Operator: The next question comes from Chad Beynon with Macquarie. Please proceed.
[Analyst]: Hi, good morning. Thanks for taking my questions and congrats on the recent activity. On the gaming calls this quarter and last quarter, there's been a lot of focus on the overall benefit from the one big beautiful bill on the construction side and the CapEx side, obviously, accelerated depreciation. I wanted to ask how important is this, I guess, in your conversations with current or potential counterparties, just kind of the urgency and the benefit of spending money, I guess, in the next year or two? Could that lead to more funding or lease deals in the near term? Thank you.
The next question comes from Chad Bond with McCoy. Please proceed.
Hi, good morning. Uh, thanks for taking my questions and, uh, congrats on the recent activity.
On the gaming calls this quarter. And last quarter, there's been a lot of focus on the overall benefit from the 1, big beautiful bill um on the construction side and and the capex side obviously accelerated depreciation. So I wanted to ask if
Desiree Burke: It doesn't really come up in our conversations. Obviously, there is a tax benefit to our tenants to do that under the one big beautiful bill. It's a tax benefit. It's not a free cash flow issue for them, so it's not part of our discussions as to them wanting to do it quickly.
Peter Carlino: I don't think it's what's driving capital investment decisions at the gaming operators primarily. It may be something that if it's on the margin or on the edge, they might tip it over. I think they're making those decisions based on the return of capital, not on tax depreciation. As Desiree said, I don't think we've seen any of that, Steve.
Steve Ladany: Most of our transactions, as you're aware, we're funding the hard cost, and we're owning the hard cost. The tenants are not in position where they own that physical property to be able to take the accelerated depreciation. I think what you're hearing is the tenants in our discussions have been more focused on cost of capital and the rate at which they can access capital from us versus a lender, and therefore making the decision based on the cost of capital afforded them, not necessarily on a tax deduction they can get.
So you know, it doesn't really come up in our conversations. Obviously there is a tax benefit to our tenants to do that under the 1, big, beautiful bill. Um, but it's, you know, it's a tax benefit. It's not a free cash flow issue for them. So it's not part of our discussions as to them, wanting to do it quick. Yeah, I don't think it's what's driving capital investment decisions? It's a gaming operators, primarily it may be something that if it's on the margin or on the edge. They might tip it over, but I, I think they're they're, they're making those decisions based on the return of capital. Not, not on tax tax depreciation, but as desri said, I don't think we've seen any of that. Steve, but most of our transactions as you're aware, we're funding the hard cost, and we're owning the hard cost. So the the tenants are are not in position where they own that, that physical property to be able to take the accelerated depreciation. So it I think what you're hearing is the tenants in, in our discussions, have been more focused on cost of capital.
And the rate at which they can access capital from U.S. versus A lender, and therefore, making the decision based on the cost of capital afforded them, not necessarily on a tax deduction. They can get...
[Analyst]: Great. I appreciate that. On the strategic deal that was done, maybe just a broader one in terms of assets, country that maybe generate less than $50 million or less than $40 million of EBITDA and finding homes for these operators, do you think there's going to be additional M&A or kind of changing of properties that could help some of these smaller regional gaming operators that you either work with or could work with in the near term? Thanks.
Great, appreciate that. Um, and then on the strategic deal that was done, maybe just a broader one in terms of assets in the country that may be generating, you know, less than $50 million or less than, you know, $40 million of EBITDA and finding homes for these.
Steve Ladany: This is Steve. Two things. One, you might not have been going there, but if you were, I did see one note overnight talking about the $40 million EBITDA ROFER with Strategic. That was an aggregate number, so they've exceeded that through this deal. If that was part of where you were going, I just wanted to clarify that for you. Separately, with respect to smaller assets and smaller operators, I do think we will see an acceleration of opportunities for them. The opportunity will be in sellers' willingness to get rid of what used to be called, four or five years ago by everybody, non-core divestitures. I think that will become in vogue again. The larger regional folks will look to sell off some of the smaller ones. One of the things that will be complicated for the smaller possible buyer will be access to capital.
For these operators. Um, do you think there's going to be additional uh m&a or kind of changing of properties? That could help some of these uh, smaller Regional gaming operators that that you either work with or or could work with uh, in the near term. Thanks.
So, so, uh, this is Steve. Two things: 1. If, uh, and you might not have been going there, but if you were, I did see one note overnight talking about the $40 million road, $40 million i-bidder roofer, uh, with strategic. That was an aggregate number, so they've exceeded that through this deal. So, if that was part of where you were going, I just want to clarify for you separately. Um, with respect to smaller assets and smaller operators, I do think we will see an acceleration of opportunities for them.
Um, the opportunity will be in sellers' willingness to get rid of what used to be called, you know, 4 or 5 years ago, by everybody, non-core divestitures. I think that will become en vogue again. So the larger regional folks will look to sell off some of the smaller ones. Um, I think one of the things that will be complicated for the small...
Steve Ladany: I do think, given the right partner and the right relationship, if we have a number of smaller operators that we're comfortable working with, there will be opportunities for those businesses to grow. As you see, looking across the space right now, capital is constrained from some parties, and I don't think they'll be able to take advantage of the non-core divestitures in those cases.
Smaller possible. Buyer will have access to capital. So, I do think given the right partner and the right relationship, if we have a number of smaller operators that we're comfortable, um, you know, working with, I do think there will be opportunities for those businesses to grow. Um, but as you see, looking across the space right now, um, capital is constrained from some parties, and I don't think they'll be able to take advantage of the non-court investors in those cases.
[Analyst]: Thank you very much.
Thank you very much.
Operator: The next question comes from Daniel Guglielmo with Capital One. Please proceed.
The next question comes from, Daniel glemaud with capital 1, please proceed.
Operator: Hi everyone. Thank you for taking my questions. At REIT World last fall, there was a lot of discussion around the new administration and potential for gaming M&A. It didn't materialize in the first half, but it has picked up some in the second half. From your seat, what conditions do you think have led to that pickup, and do you expect them to carry through to next year?
Hi everyone. Thank you for taking my questions.
At Reed World last fall, there was a lot of discussion around the new administration and the potential for gaming M&A. It didn't materialize in the first half, but it has picked up some in the second half from your seat. What conditions do you think have led to that pickup, and do you expect them to carry through the next year?
Steve Ladany: Most of the transactions you're seeing have been worked on for a number of months. They're not things that just happened in the second half of this year. I don't think there's a perfect read-through for you on that front. The other thing I would tell you is most of the transactions that have been announced, either by us or others in the space, are more bespoke, and they're one-off transactions. I think what you will see maybe now going forward is maybe more broadly marketed competitive bidding type process transactions, which historically aren't the ones that we typically are passionately winning. I do think you'll start to see maybe some more broadly marketed type transactions that will feed off of the REIT world assumptions, I guess.
I think most of the, I think most of the transactions you're seeing have have been worked on for, for a number of months. They're not things that that just happened in the second half of this year. So, um, so I I don't think there's a perfect read through, for you on on that, on that front. The other thing I would tell you is most of the transactions that have been announced either by us or others in the space are are more bespoke. Um and they're they're 1-off trans.
Transactions. I think what you will see, maybe now going forward. Um, is maybe maybe more, broadly marketed, uh, competitive bidding type process transactions, which historically aren't the ones that we typically are, are passionately, uh, winning. Um, but I do think you'll start to see maybe some more, uh, broadly marketed type transactions that will will feed off of of the Reit World, um, assumptions, I guess.
Operator: Great. I appreciate that. The second one, you mentioned that lease coverages have held up well. For leases where coverage ratios are coming down, when you dig into those properties and talk with the operator, can you just give us a sense of if it's revenues lagging, labor coming in hot, both? Anything you have there would be helpful.
Desiree Burke: Our ring coverage is really, when we say ticked down, I think they were like 1 to 2 basis points. It wasn't like we haven't seen any large changes. What we did see earlier this year was a decrease on the Pinnacle lease that we have with Penn, and that was more due to competition than really what was happening in any regional market.
Are coming down when you dig into those properties and talk with the operator. Can you just give us a sense of it if its revenues lagging labor coming in, hot both. Um anything you have, there would be would be helpful.
Peter Carlino: Yeah. Look, our coverages are strong. It's a long way to the bottom. There's nothing that gives us any pause at all, quite candidly.
And so everyone coverages really, when we say tick down, I think they were like, you know, 1 to 2 basis points. It wasn't like we we haven't seen any large uh changes. What we did see earlier this year was a decrease on the Pinnacle lease, you know, that we have with pain and that was more due to competition than really. Um, what was happening in any regional market? Yeah. Look at our coverages are strong. It's a Long Way to the bottom so there's nothing that that we we're that gives us any pause at all quite candidly.
Operator: Okay, thank you.
Okay, thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from John DeCree with CBRE. Please proceed.
The next question comes from John decree with CBR, please proceed?
Joseph Jaffoni: Hi everyone. I think we talked quite a bit about some deal terms, coverage, underwriting, but maybe some of the less exciting ones like initial lease term and master lease or single asset. So the Cordish transaction in Virginia, can you talk a little bit about the negotiation or thoughts on keeping that as a single asset lease versus combining it with the other leases? The initial term, 39 years, is what you've done with Cordish in the past, but it's quite a bit higher than some of the other leases we've seen in gaming. Curious your thoughts there if that's a significant negotiating point or not.
Hi everyone.
I think we talked quite a bit about um some some deal terms coverage, Etc underwriting. But maybe some of the the less exciting ones like initial lease term and, um, Master Lease or single assets. So, you know, the court is transaction of Virginia. Um, you know, can you talk a little bit about, you know, the negotiation or, or thoughts on keeping that as a single asset lease versus combining it? Um, with the other leases and then, uh, the initial term 39 years is what you've done with the course. And the
But it's quite a bit higher than, uh, than some of the other leases we've seen in gaming. So, you know, curious your thoughts there. If that's, you know, a significant negotiating point or not,
[Analyst]: Yeah. Thanks, John. I think to your latter point, the longer lease term is mutually beneficial. I think it shows that Cordish is investing in these deals for the long term, and it's a generational investment rather than a quick in and out. They're looking for long-term certainty in the lease, and we are as well. I think that's a mutually beneficial lease term to have, the longer leases. Your initial question on negotiation with the Cordishes, I'm sorry, John, what was the question there?
Joseph Jaffoni: The decision or negotiating point to keep it a single asset lease versus combining it with Maryland and Pennsylvania?
Yeah, thanks John. I mean I I think to your latter Point, um, the longer lease term is mutually beneficial. I think it shows that cordish is investing in these deals for the long term and it's a generational investment rather than a quick in and out. And so they're looking for long-term certainty in the lease and we are, we are as well. So I think that's a mutually beneficial lease term to have is, is is the longer leases? Um, your initial question on negotiation with the with the Cortes? I'm sorry. John. What was the what was the question there?
[Analyst]: That's more just structural. The Cordishes have a different partnership in Virginia with the Bruce Smith Enterprise. There's not an overlap, a perfect overlap of the partners in those deals, and therefore Cordish can't combine those deals and have one risk the other because there's not the same ownership structure. That's just not a possibility for those transactions.
The decision or or negotiate point to keep it a single asset versus combining it with Maryland and Pennsylvania.
Peter Carlino: That applies even in Maryland versus Pennsylvania and previously as well.
[Analyst]: That's correct.
Peter Carlino: Partnership group.
[Analyst]: That's correct. The Pennsylvania master lease, the Maryland lease, and the Virginia lease will all be separate single-tenant leases. Pennsylvania obviously has Westmoreland and Philadelphia in it, and those cross-collateralize each other. The ownership groups in Maryland and Virginia are different.
Yeah, that that's more. Just structural the Cortes have a different partnership in Virginia with the Bruce Smith Enterprise. And so, there's not there's not an overlap, uh, a perfect overlap of the partners, in those deals. And therefore, cordish can't combine those deals and have 1 risk the other because there there's not the same, there's not the same ownership structure. So, so that's just not a possibility for for those that apply to even in Maryland versus Pennsylvania and previously as well. That's correct partnership group, that's correct. So Pennsylvania Master at least the Maryland lease and
Joseph Jaffoni: Thanks, Brian. I appreciate it, guys. I'll leave it there. Thank you.
Virginia lease will all be separate single tenant, leases, uh, you know, Pennsylvania has West Moreland in Philadelphia in it and those cross collateralize each other, but the ownership groups in Maryland and Virginia are different. So
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Okay, I appreciate it, guys. I'll leave it there. Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from Chris Darling with Green Street. Please proceed.
Thank you.
The next question comes from, Chris darling with Green Street. Please proceed.
Operator: Thanks. Good morning. I'd love to get your thoughts on regional casino values and how they might have evolved over the course of the last year. As I think back through the past several commercial sale-leaseback deals you've done, they've all kind of been in roughly that 8.25% cap rate range. I wonder if that really reflects just competitive market dynamics or it's more a reflection of GLPI being one of maybe the only bidder in some of these cases.
Thanks, good morning.
Um, I'd love to get your thoughts on, uh, regional casino values and how they might have evolved over the course of the last year. As I think back through the past several commercial sale-leaseback deals you've done, they've all kind of been in roughly that 8% to 9% cap rate range. And, you know, I wonder if that really reflects just competitive market dynamics or if it's more a reflection of GLPI being, you know, one of maybe the only bidders in some of these cases.
Steve Ladany: I think it's going to be deal specific, but I think in many cases, the pricing pressure that you would get, whether you were the only bidder or a competitive bid, is only probably slightly different from our perspective. We're going to be a disciplined buyer either way. The market is not unintelligent. Everyone's banked by someone who knows where all the comps have been and where everything else is traded. Whether someone brings us a deal and says, "Hey, you're our favorite guy. We'd love you to buy this," before we go shop it, they're still not going to then give us a 200 basis point spread because we're nice. The market's going to dictate where pricing goes. We all recognize where that should be, and we're always going to look to get a spread to our cost of capital. That's just kind of how things will evolve.
Uh I think it's going to be uh deal specific, but I I think in in many cases I think that the the pricing pressure that you would get whether you were the only bidder or a competitive bid um is only probably slightly different from our perspective. We're going to be disciplined by our either way. The market is, is not unintelligible. They that everyone's banked by someone who knows where all the comps have been and where everything else is traded. So, whether someone brings us a deal and says, hey, you're our favorite guy. We'd love you to buy this, uh, before we go shop it, they're still not going to then give us a, you know, 200 basis points spread because we're nice.
Peter Carlino: Look, I think you've heard us say before, we don't like auctions. I like to think the winner loses often, and it's never our goal to be the high bidder on anything. There's a range of things that we would consider and that we would offer that make us desirable, but the absolute lowest or highest price, if you will, is never our goal.
Um so the the the Market's going to dictate where pricing goes, we all recognize where that that should be. And we we're always going to look to get a spread to our cost of capital so um that's just kind of how things will will evolve.
So there's a range of things that we would consider and that we would offer that they got desirable, but the absolute lowest or highest price, if you will, is never our goal.
Operator: All right. Fair enough. Maybe just a quick point of clarification on something mentioned earlier. You discussed a view around your share price, your equity cost of capital today. Does that impact your willingness to pursue incremental new deals from this point going forward, or does it really just influence how you would finance any future deals?
All right, fair enough. And then, um, you know, maybe just a quick point of clarification on something mentioned earlier, uh, you discussed a view around your share price, your Equity cost of capital today, does that impact your willingness to pursue incremental, new deals from this point going forward? Or does it really just, you know, influence how you would Finance any future deals?
Desiree Burke: I think it really just influences how we would finance future deals or what the spread we would be looking for to our cost of capital.
I think it really just influences how we would Finance future deals or what the spread we would be looking for to our cost capital.
Operator: Okay. That's all from me. Thank you.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Okay. Uh, that's all from me. Thank you.
Operator: The next question comes from David Katch with Jefferies. Please proceed.
Well, thank you.
The next question comes from David Katz with Jeffrey's. Please proceed.
[Analyst]: Morning, everybody. Thanks for taking my question. Covered a lot already, but I wanted to go back to New York, if I may. The concession there is, or the license is 15 years, I believe, instead of 30, right? I'd love just your perspective on what that does to the parameters of your participation. I think, Peter, you mentioned earlier there's any number of sources of capital that might be available to them, right? They have a partner in that bid who I assume is a funding partner too. How does that sort of change your opportunity set also, please?
Good morning, everybody. Thanks for taking my question. We've covered a lot already, but I wanted to go back to New York. If I'm, uh, the concession there is, or the license is, you know, 15 years, I believe, instead of 30.
Right. And, you know, I'd love just your perspective on what that does to the parameters of your participation and you know, I think Peter you mentioned earlier, there's, you know, any number of sources of capital that might be available to them, right? They, they have a partner in that bid, you know, who I assume you know, is, is a funding partner too. Um, you know, how how does that sort of change your opportunity set? Also please.
Peter Carlino: Go ahead.
[Analyst]: I'll comment on the first part, David, on the licensing. I haven't dug into that in tremendous detail, but I will point out that licenses in many jurisdictions renew every three years, every five years, every ten years. The fact that you have a 15-year initial license period, I guess I'm not reading too much into that. In other words, if you put $4 billion, $8 billion into the ground, the thought that you'd lose a license in 15 years and they'd relocate that or do something with that license seems outlandish even in a smaller market where you might invest $400 million. It's inconsistent with how any other state regulator has approached a renewal of a gaming license.
[Analyst]: We're going to take a closer look at that, given that that's been highlighted as a rationale for why MGM might not want to do Yonkers or didn't want to do Yonkers. On its face, I think that we're less concerned with that than we are of getting the spend right, getting the facility right, understanding what the market is and the EBITDA that's coming out of it, what the competition is going to be. I think all those things may be more important than that 15-year term. That being said, we are going to dig into that and take a closer look to make sure it's not something more than what we think it is. Understood. Thank you.
Go ahead, I'll comment on the first part, David on the, on the licensing. You know, I haven't dug into that in tremendous detail, but I will point out that licenses in many jurisdictions, renew, every 3 years, every 5 years every 10 years. So the fact that you have a 15 year initial license period, um, I I guess I'm not reading too much into that. In other words, if you put 4 billion 8 billion dollars into the grounds that the, the thought that you lose a license in 15 years and they'd relocate that, or do something with that. License seems Seems outlandish in even in, even in a smaller Market, where you might invest, 400 million, and it's inconsistent with how any other state regulator has approached a renewal of a gaming license. So, what we're, we're going to take a closer look at that. Given that that's been highlighted as a rationale for why MGM might not want to do Yonkers or didn't want to do Yonkers, but on its face,
I think that we're less concerned with that than we are of getting to spend right getting the facility, right? Understanding what the market is and the ibida that's coming out of what the competition is going to be. I think all those things may be more important than that 15 year term. That being said, you know, we are going to dig into that and take a closer look to make sure it's not something more than what we think it is.
Peter Carlino: Second part.
Uh, understood. Thank you. Yes, second part.
Operator: The next question comes from Smedes Rose with Citi. Please proceed.
The next question comes from SME. Rose with City. Please proceed.
Joseph Jaffoni: Hi, thanks. I've covered a lot of territory, but I just had a couple of quick ones here. I noticed that Bally's added a corporate guarantee for the Chicago casino, and I was just wondering, was there something in particular that triggered that, or is that something you were pushing for, or what was—I mean, I think it's positive for you, right? Just kind of curious about what caused that.
Hi thanks. Um, covered a lot of territory but I just had, um, a couple of just quick ones here and noticed, um, that the, uh, B's added. A corporate guarantee for the Chicago casino. And I was just wondering, um, was there something in particular that, that triggered that or is that something you were pushing for or kind of what what was I mean? I, I think it's positive for you, right? But just kind of curious kind of what caused that.
[Analyst]: Contractually triggered, Smedes. That was a negotiated term that when the Chicago came into the restricted group, which is what they did following the Interlock Gamesys merger, we were to get a corporate guarantee on that. That was already pre-negotiated.
Contractually triggered to me that, that was a negotiated term that when Chicago came into the restricted group, which is what they did following the interlock games this merger. We were to get a corporate guarantee on that, so that was already pre-negotiated.
Joseph Jaffoni: Okay. I just wanted to go back. You talked about funding at the beginning of the call and how you could use all debt, but presumably you'd want to have an equity mix in there, I guess. I was just thinking, can you just remind us how you guys think about issuing equity? Some companies are kind of—they have an internal estimate of NAV, and they don't want to issue below that. Others, it might be below NAV, but it's still accretive. Just how do you think about equity issuance?
Okay, and then I just wanted to get back uh, you know you talked about funding at the beginning of the call on how you could use all debt. But you know, presumably you'd want to have an equity mix in there, I guess. Um, I was just thinking, how do you use your money? Is how you guys think about issuing Equity? Um, you know, some companies are kind of, um, you know, they have an internal estimate of NAD and they don't want to issue below that. Others are, you know, it might be below NAD, but it's still a creative. Um, and just, how do you think about, um, Equity issues?
Desiree Burke: Yeah, we do look at it very opportunistically, right? We do look at the cap rate of where we're trading and what that spread would yield to whatever we are attempting to finance. I wouldn't say that we put a floor on it per se, but certainly I can tell you at these levels, we have zero interest in funding with equity.
Yeah, so we do look at it very opportunistically, right? So we do look at the cap rate of where we're trading and what, you know, that spread would yield to whatever we are attempting to finance. Um, I wouldn't say that we put a floor on it per se, but certainly I can tell you that at these levels, we have zero interest in funding with equity.
Joseph Jaffoni: Smedes, I'll add to that. You saw, obviously, we executed. Forward,
Operator: Closer to $48. Since that, subsequent to that, we've announced a couple of transactions that are AFFO accretive. You could kind of think about that floor as, you know, potentially moving higher in the absence of an immediate need for equity, which we don't have, as Desiree outlined earlier.
Closer to 48. Um, since that subsequent to that we've, we've announced a couple transactions that are afo creative. So you could kind of think about that floor. As, you know, potentially moving higher in the absence of an immediate need for for equity which we don't have as Desiree outlined earlier.
Peter Carlino: Okay, thank you, guys. Appreciate it.
Okay. Thank you, guys. Appreciate it.
Joseph Jaffoni: The next question comes from David Hargreaves with Barclays. Please proceed.
Brandon Moore: Hi, I apologize if this is really a simple question, but you guys had given us a range of rent coverage. I'm just wondering if that's calculated based on reported EBITDAR or some adjusted EBITDAR, or are you just using cash rent? Are you making adjustments to these numbers? How do you—what's the com—?
The next question comes from David harjes with Barkley's, please proceed.
Hi, I apologize if this is really a simple question, but you guys had given us a range of rent coverage, and I'm just wondering if that's calculated based on reported EBITR.
Desiree Burke: Okay. Those are contractually, they must be reported to us by our tenants, and they are based off of their actual EBITDA as defined in each of the leases, and the actual total rent that's being paid. There's a small adjustment in the Pinnacle lease because there's an asset that is not included in their coverage ratio, but it's a very minor adjustment on that lease. All the other leases are all of the properties, all of their EBITDA, divided by the total rent that's being paid.
How do you do? What's the cam?
Brandon Moore: Is this just the property-level EBITDAR, or are you looking at it on a consolidated basis?
All right, so those the they're um contractually they must be reported To Us by our tenants and they are based off of their actual Evar as defined in each of the lease. Um, and the actual total rent that's being paid. There's a small adjustment in the Pinnacle lease because there's an asset that you know, is not included in their coverage ratio, but it's it's very minor adjustment on that lease. But all the other leases are all of the properties, all of the rebar and divided by the total rent. That's being paid.
Desiree Burke: It's the properties that are in that lease. If it's a master lease, it's all of the properties that are in that lease. It is not at a corporate level.
But is this just the property-level eBAR, or are you looking at it on a consolidated basis?
Brandon Moore: For example, with Bally's, it wouldn't have been factoring in any contribution from Gamesys or anything like that?
It's the properties that are in that lease. So, if it's a master lease, it's all the properties that are in that lease; it is not at a corporate level.
Desiree Burke: That's correct.
Brandon Moore: Okay. Great. Thank you very much.
So, for example, with valleys, it wouldn't have been factoring in any contribution from game sis or anything like that. That's correct.
Okay, great. Thank you very much.
Peter Carlino: Thank you.
Joseph Jaffoni: The next question comes from Robin Farley with UBS. Please proceed.
Operator: Great. Thanks. I just wanted to circle back to the New York project. I know you mentioned you're sort of evaluating how to weigh a 15-year term. I know other operators that pulled out of bidding cited the risk of New York legalizing iGaming. I guess just, you know, given some of those factors, how would you think about the rent coverage ratio that you would need in New York compared to maybe a typical 2x? Thanks.
The next question comes from Robin Farley with UBS. Please proceed.
Great, thanks. Um, I just wanted to Circle back to the New York project. I know you mentioned you're sort of evaluating, um, how to weigh a 15-year term. And I know, uh, other operators that pulled out of bidding cited. The risk of New York legalizing, I gaming, I guess, just, you know, giving some of those factors would you, um, how would you think about the rent coverage ratio that you would need in New York compared to maybe a typical 2 times? Thanks.
Steve Ladany: We're looking around the table to see who wants to take that one.
[Analyst]: I can tell you, I don't envision us doing anything upfront in New York that would be based on anything close to two times. I think we all know that there are a lot of things that are at play here. There's construction schedules, construction budgets, the number of years it could take to build in New York. If we were asked by anyone to do something in a very accretive way upfront, it would be massively more coverage than two times. We would never consider doing something at that level. I think beyond that, once you get out, when we're all sitting here on the call four years from now, I think we'll have a much better vantage point into whether iGaming has transpired, has not transpired, what the profitability is of those businesses.
You're looking around, we're looking around the table to see who wants to take that 1. I can tell, I can tell you, I, I don't, I don't Envision us doing anything upfront. Um, in New York, that would be based on anything close to 2 times. Um, I think our uh we we all know that there's there are a lot of things that are that are at play here. There's construction schedules. There's construction budgets the number of years. It could take to build
In New York. So I I think if if we were asked by anyone to, to do something in a very accretive way up front, it would be massively more uh, coverage than than 2 times. We would never consider doing something at that level. Uh, I think beyond that. Once you get out I think 1 Word when we're all sitting here on the call 4 years from now.
[Analyst]: I would still venture to say, based on what we've seen in Las Vegas as far as the need to refresh these massive mega resort casino resort properties, we would look at New York to be a pretty similar experience with these massive mega casino resort properties. We would continue to have a level of cushion that we would build into our rent coverage underwriting. I also think a lot of the projects that you've seen fall by the wayside in New York failed the Community Action Committee hurdle. That ended up being a much bigger hurdle than maybe even New York had realized it would be. Therefore, a lot of those folks would still be interested despite iGaming and unknown tax rates and things like that, had they passed that hurdle. That was the last and final for many of these applicants.
Much better Vantage Point into whether I gaming has transpired has not transpired what the profitability is of those businesses. And I would still venture to say, based on what we've seen in Las Vegas, as far as the need to refresh these massive Mega Resort Casino Resort properties. I think we would look at New York to be a pretty similar experience with these, massive Mega Casino Resort properties. So, I think we, we would continue to have a, a level of of, uh,
Of cushion that we would build into our rent coverage underwriting.
Yeah, I also think a lot of the projects that you've seen Fall by the wayside in New York failed. The community action committee uh, hurdle. So, I think that ended up being a much bigger hurdle than maybe even New York had realized it would be. And therefore, a lot of those folks I think, would still be interested despite I gaming and unknown, tax rates, and things like that, uh, had had, they passed that hurdle. And and that, that was the last and final for many of these applicants.
Operator: Great. That's very helpful. Thank you.
Great. That's very helpful. Thank you.
Joseph Jaffoni: Thank you. At this time, I would like to turn the call back to Mr. Peter Carlino for closing comments.
Thank you. At this time. I would like to turn the call back to Mr. Peter carlino for closing comments.
Steve Ladany: Thank you all who have dialed in this morning. I think and hope you get the idea that we're quite happy with the way things have been going here at GLPI. We were anxious to tell our story, and we'll see how it plays out. Stay tuned. I think there's good things ahead. With that, operator and all, thank you very much. Have a great day.
Joseph Jaffoni: Thank you. This does conclude today's teleconference. You may disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation and have a great day.
Well, thank you all who have dialed in uh this morning. Uh, I I think and hope you get the idea that we're quite happy with the way things have been going here at glpi. And um we were anxious to tell our story and we'll see how it plays out but uh stay tuned. I think there's good. Things ahead with that operator and all thank you very much. Have a great day.
May disconnect your lines at this time. Thank you for your participation, and have a great day.