Financial Position

We generally operate with minimal or negative levels of working capital in order to minimize borrowings and related interest costs. Our cash and cash equivalents balances were $304.3 million and $283.5 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. In addition, we held restricted cash balances of $3.7 million and $11.6 million at December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. Our working capital deficit at December 31, 2023 and 2022 was $67.0 million and $107.9 million, respectively.

We believe that current cash balances together with the available borrowing capacity under our Revolving Credit Facility (as defined in "Indebtedness" below) and cash flows from operating activities will be sufficient to meet our liquidity and capital resource needs for the next twelve months, including our projected operating requirements and maintenance capital expenditures. See "Indebtedness", below, for further detail regarding funds available through our Credit Facility.

The Company may also seek to secure additional working capital, repay respective current debt maturities, or fund respective development projects, in whole or in part, through incremental bank financing and additional debt or equity offerings, to the extent such offerings are allowed under our debt agreements. 

Cash Flows from Operating Activities

During 2023 and 2022, we generated net operating cash flow of $914.5 million and $976.1 million, respectively. Operating cash flows for 2023 declined due to $12.6 million in business interruption insurance proceeds received related to Hurricane Laura during 2022. Additionally, cash flows decreased over the prior year due primarily to a $23.6 million increase in income taxes paid and a $22.7 million increase in interest expense paid offset by a $12.0 million increase in interest income received.

Cash Flows from Investing Activities

Our industry is capital intensive, and we use cash flows for acquisitions, facility expansions, investments in future development or business opportunities and maintenance capital expenditures.

During 2023, we incurred net cash outflows for investing activities of $264.3 million comprised of capital expenditures of $374.0 million, primarily related to our Treasure Chest land-based casino project, Fremont food hall and slot floor expansion and renovation, various guest room remodels, IT equipment and building projects at various properties offset by $113.6 million in payments received related to the outstanding principal on the Wilton Note.

During 2022, we incurred net cash outflows for investing activities of $422.3 million comprised of capital expenditures of $269.2 million, primarily related to a casino expansion at our Fremont property, inclusive of incremental slot capacity, a FanDuel branded sportsbook and contemporary food hall, as well as new slot machines for all our properties, guest room remodels, IT equipment and various furniture and equipment purchases and building projects at our properties. Investing cash outflow was also impacted by net cash paid of $167.9 million related to the acquisition of Boyd Interactive, offset by $22.0 million in proceeds from the disposition of excess land. 

Cash Flows from Financing Activities

We rely upon our financing cash flows to provide funding for investment opportunities, repayments of obligations and ongoing operations.

The net cash outflows of $637.2 million for financing activities in 2023 is primarily driven by $412.7 million in share repurchases and $63.6 million in dividends paid, reflecting the priority of our capital return program and focus on returning capital to shareholders. Other significant financing activities during 2023 include $141.5 million in net payments on our Revolving Credit Facility (see "Indebtedness") as we used cash flow from operations to paydown amounts borrowed in 2022 to fund the Boyd Interactive acquisition.

The net cash outflows of $615.9 million for financing activities in 2022 is primarily driven by $541.6 million in share repurchases and $48.2 million in dividends paid. Other significant financing activities during 2022 include the retirement of the remaining $300.0 million 8.625% Senior Notes and related premium fees, offset by $319.9 million in net borrowings as we borrowed on our Revolving Credit Facility (see "Indebtedness") to finance the acquisition of Boyd Interactive and to support share repurchase activity.

The amount of current maturities include certain non-extending balances scheduled to be repaid within the next twelve months under the Credit Facility.

Credit Facility

Credit Agreement

On March 2, 2022 (the "Closing Date"), the Company entered into a credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement") among the Company, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors (the "Guarantors"), Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, collateral agent and letter of credit issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as swingline lender, and certain other financial institutions party thereto as lenders. The Credit Agreement replaced the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated as of August 14, 2013 (the "Prior Credit Facility"), among the Company, certain direct and indirect subsidiaries of the Company as guarantors, Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and letter of credit issuer, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as swingline lender, and certain other financial institutions party thereto as lenders.

The Credit Agreement provides for (i) a $1,450.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility") and (ii) an $880.0 million senior secured term A loan (the "Term A Loan," collectively with the Revolving Credit Facility, the "Credit Facility"). The Revolving Credit Facility and the Term A Loan mature on the fifth anniversary of the Closing Date (or earlier upon the occurrence or non-occurrence of certain events). The Term A Loan was fully funded on the Closing Date. Proceeds from the Credit Agreement were used to refinance all outstanding obligations under the Prior Credit Facility, including a senior secured term loan A facility and senior secured term loan B facility (the "Prior Refinancing Term B Loan"), to fund transaction costs in connection with the Credit Agreement, and for general corporate purposes.

The outstanding principal amounts under the Credit Facility are comprised of the following:

With a total revolving credit commitment of $1,450.0 million available under the Credit Facility, $180.0 million and $63.3 million in borrowings outstanding on the Revolving Credit Facility and the Swing Loan, respectively, and $13.4 million allocated to support various letters of credit, there is a remaining contractual availability under the Credit Facility of $1,193.3 million as of December 31, 2023.

Interest and Fees

The interest rate on the outstanding balance of the Revolving Credit Facility and the Term A Loan is based upon, at the Company’s option, either: (i) a rate based on the Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") administered by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, or (ii) the base rate, in each case, plus an applicable margin. Such applicable margin is a percentage per annum determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio and ranges from 1.25% to 2.25% (if using SOFR) and from 0.25% to 1.25% (if using the base rate). A fee of a percentage per annum (which ranges from 0.20% to 0.35% and is determined in accordance with a specified pricing grid based on the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio) will be payable on the unused portions of the Revolving Credit Facility. The rates based on SOFR will be determined based upon, at the Company’s option, either: (i) a forward-looking SOFR term rate administered by CME Group Benchmark Administration Limited or any successor administrator, and based on interest periods of one, three or six months or such other interest period that is twelve months or less subject to the consent of lenders and the administrative agent, or (ii) a daily SOFR rate published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, and will include credit spread adjustments as set forth in the Credit Agreement. The "base rate" under the Credit Agreement is the highest of (x) Bank of America’s publicly-announced prime rate, (y) the federal funds rate published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York plus 0.50%, or (z) the SOFR rate for a one month interest period plus 1.00%.

The blended interest rate for outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility was 7.2% and 6.2% at December 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.

Optional and Mandatory Prepayments

Pursuant to the terms of the Credit Agreement (i) the loans under the Term A Loan will amortize in an annual amount equal to 5.00% of the original principal amount thereof, commencing June 30, 2022, payable on a quarterly basis, and (ii) the Company is required to use a portion of its annual excess cash flow to prepay loans outstanding under the Credit Agreement if the Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) exceeds certain thresholds set forth in the Credit Agreement.

Amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement may be prepaid without premium or penalty, and the unutilized portion of the commitments may be terminated without penalty, subject to certain conditions.

Subject to certain exceptions, the Company may be required to repay the amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement in connection with certain asset sales and issuances of certain additional non-permitted or refinancing indebtedness.

Guarantees and Collateral

The Company’s obligations under the Credit Agreement, subject to certain exceptions, are guaranteed by certain of the Company’s subsidiaries and are secured by the capital stock of certain subsidiaries. In addition, subject to certain exceptions, the Company and each of the guarantors granted the administrative agent first priority liens and security interests on substantially all of their real and personal property (other than gaming licenses and subject to certain other exceptions) as additional security for the performance of the secured obligations under the Credit Agreement.

The Credit Agreement includes an accordion feature which permits the incurrence of one or more new tranches of revolving credit commitments or term loans and increases to the Revolving Credit Facility and Term A Loan in an aggregate amount up to the sum of (i) $1,000.0 million, (ii) the amount of certain voluntary prepayments of senior secured indebtedness of the Company, and (iii) the maximum amount of incremental commitments which, after giving effect thereto, would not cause the Consolidated First Lien Net Leverage Ratio (as defined in the Credit Agreement) to exceed 3.00 to 1.00 on a pro forma basis, in each case, subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions.

Financial and Other Covenants

The Credit Agreement contains certain financial and other covenants, including, without limitation, various covenants (i) requiring the maintenance of a minimum consolidated interest coverage ratio on a quarterly basis of 2.50 to 1.00, (ii) requiring the maintenance of a maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio on a quarterly basis, (iii) imposing limitations on the incurrence of indebtedness and liens, (iv) imposing limitations on transfers, sales and other dispositions, and (v) imposing restrictions on investments, dividends and certain other payments.

The maximum permitted Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio is calculated as Consolidated Net Indebtedness to twelve-month trailing Consolidated EBITDA, as defined by the Credit Agreement. Beginning with the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2023, the maximum Consolidated Total Net Leverage Ratio must be no higher than 4.50 to 1.00 and prior to that was 5.00 to 1.00.

Senior Notes

We currently have two issuances of senior notes (the "Senior Notes") outstanding as described below.

4.750% Senior Notes due June 2031

On June 8, 2021, we issued $900.0 million aggregate principal amount of 4.750% Senior Notes due June 2031 ("4.750% Senior Notes due 2031"). The 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 require semi-annual interest payments on March 15 and September 15 of each year. The 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 will mature on June 15, 2031 and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by certain of our current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned by us. The net proceeds from the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 and cash on hand were used to finance the redemption of our outstanding $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.375% Senior Notes due 2026 ("6.375% Senior Notes") and $700.0 million aggregate principal amount of 6.000% Senior Notes due 2026 ("6.000% Senior Notes").

In conjunction with the issuance of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031, we incurred approximately $13.5 million in debt financing costs that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 using the effective interest method.

At any time prior to June 15, 2026, we may redeem the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031, in whole or in part, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest, if any, up to, but excluding, the applicable redemption date, plus a make whole premium. In addition, at any time prior to June 15, 2024, we may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 at a redemption price (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) equal to 104.750%, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest.

4.750% Senior Notes due December 2027

On December 3, 2019, we issued $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount of 4.750% senior notes due December 2027 ("4.750% Senior Notes due 2027"). The 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 require semi-annual interest payments on June 1 and December 1 of each year. The 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 will mature on December 1, 2027 and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by certain of our current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned by us. The net proceeds from the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 were used to finance the redemption of all of its outstanding 6.875% senior notes due 2023 and prepay a portion of our Prior Refinancing Term B Loan.

In conjunction with the issuance of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027, we incurred approximately $15.7 million in debt financing costs that have been deferred and are being amortized over the term of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 using the effective interest method.

At any time after December 1, 2022, we may redeem all or a portion of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 at redemption prices (expressed as percentages of the principal amount) ranging from 102.375% to 100% in 2024 and thereafter, plus accrued and unpaid interest and Additional Interest.

In connection with the private placement of the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027, we entered into a registration rights agreement with the initial purchasers in which we agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission to permit the holders to exchange or resell the 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027. We filed the required registration statement and commenced the exchange offer in July 2020. The exchange offer was completed on August 20, 2020 and our obligations under the registration agreement have been fulfilled.

Senior Notes Restrictive Covenants

The indentures governing the notes issued by the Company contain provisions that allow for the incurrence of additional indebtedness, if after giving effect to such incurrence, the coverage ratio (as defined in the respective indentures, essentially a ratio of the Company's consolidated EBITDA to fixed charges, including interest) for the Company's trailing four quarter period on a pro forma basis would be at least 2.0 to 1.0. Should this provision prohibit the incurrence of additional debt, the Company may still borrow under its existing credit facility. At December 31, 2023, the available borrowing capacity under our Credit Facility was $1,193.3 million.

Covenant Compliance

As of December 31, 2023, we were in compliance with the financial and other covenants of our debt instruments.

Guarantor Financial Information

In connection with the issuance of our 4.750% Senior Notes due 2027 and our 4.750% Senior Notes due 2031 (collectively, the "Guaranteed Notes" or "Senior Notes"), certain of the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries (the "Guarantors") provide guarantees of those indentures. These Guaranteed Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, by certain of our current and future domestic restricted subsidiaries, all of which are 100% owned by us. 

Summarized combined balance sheet information for the parent company and the Guarantors is as follows:

Summarized combined results of operations information for the parent company and the Guarantors is as follows:

Share Repurchase Program

Subject to applicable laws, repurchases under our share repurchase program may be made at such times and in such amounts as we deem appropriate. We are subject to certain limitations regarding the repurchase of common stock, such as restricted payment limitations related to our outstanding Senior Notes and our Credit Facility. Purchases under our share repurchase program can be discontinued at any time that we feel additional purchases are not warranted. We intend to fund the repurchases under the stock repurchase program with existing cash resources, cash generated from operations and availability under our Credit Facility.

On October 21, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program of $300.0 million (the "Share Repurchase Program"). In addition, our Board of Directors authorized increases to the Share Repurchase Program of $500.0 million on June 1, 2022, and $500.0 million on May 4, 2023. We are not obligated to repurchase any shares under this program and repurchases under the Share Repurchase Program can be discontinued at any time at our sole discretion. We repurchased 6.5 million shares and 9.4 million shares during the years ended December 31, 2023 and 2022, respectively. As of December 31, 2023, we are authorized to repurchase up to an additional $326.3 million of our common stock under the Share Repurchase Program.

We have in the past, and may in the future, acquire our debt or equity securities through open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, tender offers, exchange offers, redemptions or otherwise, upon such terms and at such prices as we may determine.

Other Items Affecting Liquidity

We anticipate funding our capital requirements using cash on hand, cash generated from operations and availability under our Credit Facility, to the extent availability exists after we meet our working capital needs for the next twelve months. Any additional financing that is needed may not be available to us or, if available, may not be on terms favorable to us. The outcome of the specific matters discussed herein, including our commitments and contingencies, may also affect our liquidity.

Commitments

Capital Spending and Development

We continually perform ongoing refurbishment and maintenance at our facilities to maintain our standards of quality. Certain of these maintenance costs are capitalized, if such improvement or refurbishment extends the life of the related asset, while other maintenance costs that do not so qualify are expensed as incurred. The commitment of capital and the related timing thereof are contingent upon, among other things, negotiation of final agreements and receipt of approvals from the appropriate regulatory bodies. We must also comply with covenants and restrictions set forth in our debt agreements.

We currently estimate that our annual cash capital requirements to perform ongoing refurbishment and maintenance at our properties to maintain our quality standards ranges from between $200 million and $250 million. In addition, we expect to spend an additional $100 million in 2024 for hotel room renovation projects at four of our gaming entertainment properties. We intend to fund such capital expenditures through cash on hand, our Credit Facility and operating cash flows.

In addition to the maintenance capital spending discussed above, we continue to pursue other potential development projects that may require us to invest significant amounts of capital. In 2024, we expect to spend an additional $100 million in growth projects, which includes the completion of the new land-based facility at Treasure Chest.

Other Opportunities

We regularly investigate and pursue additional expansion opportunities in markets where casino gaming, including online gaming, is currently permitted. We also pursue expansion opportunities in jurisdictions where casino gaming and online gaming is not currently permitted in order to be prepared to develop projects upon approval of casino and online gaming. Such expansions will be affected and determined by several key factors, which may include the following:

Additional projects may require us to make substantial investments or may cause us to incur substantial costs related to the investigation and pursuit of such opportunities, which investments and costs we may fund through cash flow from operations or availability under our Credit Facility. To the extent such sources of funds are not sufficient, we may also seek to raise such additional funds through public or private equity, debt financings or from other sources. No assurance can be given that additional financing will be available or that, if available, such financing will be obtainable on terms favorable to us. Moreover, we can provide no assurances that any expansion opportunity will result in a completed transaction.

Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

Our off balance sheet arrangements consist of the following:

Indemnification

We have entered into certain agreements that contain indemnification provisions involving certain of our executive officers and directors. These agreements provide indemnity insurance pursuant to which directors and officers are indemnified or insured against liability or loss under certain circumstances, which may include liability or related loss under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act. In addition, our Restated Articles of Incorporation and Restated Bylaws contain provisions that provide for indemnification of our directors, officers, employees and other agents to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Outstanding Letters of Credit

At December 31, 2023, we had outstanding letters of credit totaling $13.4 million.

Other Arrangements

We have not entered into any transactions with special purpose entities, nor have we engaged in any derivative transactions.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

Our discussion and analysis of our results of operations and liquidity and capital resources are based on our consolidated financial statements which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP. In accordance with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts included in our consolidated financial statements. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. On an ongoing basis, management reviews and refines those estimates, the following of which could materially impact our consolidated financial statements: the recoverability of long-lived assets; valuation of indefinite-lived intangible assets; valuation of goodwill; accounting for leases; provisions for deferred tax assets, certain tax liabilities and uncertain tax positions; and application of acquisition method of accounting.

Judgments are based on information including, but not limited to, historical experience, industry trends, conventional practices, expert opinions, terms of existing agreements and information from outside sources. Judgments are subject to an inherent degree of uncertainty, and therefore actual results could differ from these estimates.

We believe the following critical accounting estimates require a higher degree of judgment and complexity, the sensitivity of which could result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Recoverability of Long-Lived Assets

Our long-lived assets, excluding indefinite-lived intangible assets and goodwill (both of which are discussed further below), were carried at $3.5 billion at December 31, 2023, or 56.2% of our consolidated total assets. We evaluate the carrying value of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of such assets may not be recoverable. If triggering events are identified, we then compare the estimated undiscounted future cash flows of the asset to the carrying value of the asset. The asset is not impaired if the undiscounted future cash flows exceed its carrying value. If the carrying value exceeds the undiscounted future cash flows, then an impairment charge is recorded, typically measured using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") model, which is based on the estimated future results of the relevant asset group discounted using our weighted-average cost of capital and market indicators of terminal year free cash flow multiples.

A long-lived asset shall be tested for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that its carrying amount may not be recoverable. The following are examples of such events or changes in circumstances:

We reconsider changes in circumstances on a frequent basis, and if a triggering event related to potential impairment has occurred, we may solicit third party valuation expertise to assist in the valuation of our investment. There are three generally accepted approaches available in developing an opinion of value: the sales comparison, cost and income approaches. We generally consider each of these approaches in developing a recommendation of the fair value of the asset; however, the reliability of each approach is dependent upon the availability and comparability of the market data uncovered, as well as the decision-making criteria used by market participants when evaluating a property. We will bifurcate our investment and apply the most indicative approach to overall fair valuation, or in some cases, a weighted analysis of any or all of these methods.

Developing an opinion of land value is typically accomplished using a sales comparison approach by analyzing recent sales transactions of similar sites. Potential comparables are researched and the pertinent facts are confirmed with parties involved in the transaction. This process fosters a general understanding of the potential comparable sales and facilitates the selection of the most relevant comparables by the appraiser. Valuation is typically accomplished using a unit of comparison such as price per square foot of land or potential building area. Adjustments are applied to the unit of comparison from an analysis of comparable sales, and the adjusted unit of comparison is then used to derive a value for the property.

The cost approach is based on the premise that a prudent investor would pay no more for an asset of similar utility than its replacement or reproduction cost. The cost to replace the asset would include the cost of constructing a similar asset of equivalent utility at prices applicable at the time of the valuation date. To arrive at an estimate of the fair value using the cost approach, the replacement cost new is determined and reduced for depreciation of the asset. Replacement cost new is defined as the current cost of producing or constructing a similar new item having the nearest equivalent utility as the property being valued.

The income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of the asset. The underlying premise of this approach is that the value of an asset can be measured by the present worth of the net economic benefit (cash receipts less cash outlays) to be received over the life of the subject asset. The steps followed in applying this approach include estimating the expected undiscounted net cash flows attributable to the asset over its life and converting these expected net cash flows to present value through capitalization or discounting. The process uses a rate of return that accounts for both the time value of money and risk factors. There are two common methods for converting expected income into value. Those methods are the direct capitalization and DCF methods. Direct capitalization is a method used to convert an estimate of a single year's income expectancy into an indication of value in one direct step by dividing the income estimate by an appropriate capitalization rate. Under the DCF method, anticipated future cash flows and a reversionary value are discounted to an opinion of net present value at a specific internal rate of return or a yield rate, because net operating income of the subject property is not fully stabilized.

Estimates of expected cash flows are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates, potentially resulting in an impairment charge in a future period.

Gaming license rights represent the value of the license to conduct gaming in certain jurisdictions, which is subject to highly extensive regulatory oversight and a limitation on the number of licenses available for issuance with these certain jurisdictions. Gaming license rights are tested for impairment using a DCF approach. The value of gaming licenses is determined using a multi-period excess earnings method, which is a specific DCF model, and cost approach. The value is determined at an amount equal to the present value of the incremental after-tax cash flows attributable only to future gaming revenue, discounted to present value at a risk-adjusted rate of return. With respect to the application of this methodology, we used the following significant projections of future cash flows, assumptions and estimates: gaming revenues; gaming operating expenses; general and administrative expenses; tax expense; terminal value; and discount rate. These projections are modeled for a five-year period and a terminal period.

Trademarks are based on the value of our brand, which reflects the level of service and quality we provide and from which we generate repeat business. Trademarks are valued using the relief from royalty method, which presumes that without ownership of such trademarks, we would have to make a stream of payments to a brand or franchise owner in return for the right to use their name. By virtue of this asset, we avoid any such payments and record the related intangible value of our ownership of the brand name. We used the following significant projections of future cash flows, assumptions and estimates to determine value under the relief from royalty method: revenue from gaming and hotel activities; royalty rate; tax expense; terminal growth rate; discount rate; and the present value of tax benefit. The projections underlying this DCF model were forecasted for five years and a terminal value calculated using a model which divides the normalized cash flow stream by a capitalization rate. Applying the selected pretax royalty rates to the applicable revenue base in each period yielded pretax income for each property's trademarks and trade name. These pretax totals were tax effected utilizing the applicable tax rate to arrive at net, after-tax cash flows. The net, after-tax cash flows and the terminal value were then discounted to present value utilizing an appropriate discount rate. The present value of the after-tax cash flows was then added to the present value of the amortization tax benefit (considering the 15-year amortization of intangible assets pursuant to income tax regulations) to arrive at the recommended fair values for the trademarks and trade names.

Gaming license rights and trademarks are indefinite-lived intangible assets and are not subject to amortization, but are subject to an annual impairment test and between annual test dates in certain circumstances. The guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment, referred to as "Step Zero," of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. We utilized this option for our 2023 annual impairment test for certain of our indefinite-lived intangible assets. If the fair value of an indefinite-lived intangible asset is less than its carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference. As part of our annual impairment testing, management assesses the likelihood of impairment by performing a qualitative ("Step Zero") analysis for our indefinite-lived intangibles to determine if it is more likely than not that the fair values of such intangibles exceeded their carrying values by a substantial margin. We solicit third party valuation expertise to assist in the valuation of those indefinite-lived intangible assets that are deemed to have a greater likelihood of impairment. Our annual impairment test, performed as of October 1, 2023, resulted in a gaming license right impairment charge of $13.1 million. 

We evaluate on a quarterly basis whether any triggering events or changes in circumstances would indicate an impairment condition may exist. This evaluation requires significant judgment, including consideration of whether there have been any significant adverse changes in legal factors or in our business climate, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel or likely sale or disposal of all or a significant portion of a reporting unit. As a result of our fourth quarter 2023 triggering event review, we recorded gaming license right impairment charges of $8.2 million. If an event described above occurs, and results in a significant impact to our revenue and profitability projections, or any significant assumption in our valuation methods is adversely impacted, the impact could result in a material impairment charge in the future.

Management makes significant judgments and estimates as part of these analyses that are inherent in evaluating these assets for impairment. In particular, future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. In addition, capitalization rates and the discount rates used in the impairment tests are highly judgmental and dependent in large part on expectations of future market conditions. If certain future operating results do not meet current expectations it could cause carrying values of the intangibles to exceed their fair values in future periods, resulting in an impairment charge of trademarks and gaming license rights in an amount up to its book value of $1.3 billion. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $21.3 million of gaming license right impairments, as noted above, related to two gaming license rights in the Midwest & South segment that had estimated fair values that did not exceed their respective carrying values. Additionally, trademarks and gaming license rights in the Midwest & South segment had estimated fair values that did not significantly exceed their respective carrying values.

Valuation of Goodwill

The authoritative guidance related to goodwill impairment requires goodwill to be tested for impairment at the reporting unit level at least annually. The Company has determined that each of its properties is a reporting unit for goodwill impairment testing, since discrete financial information is available at the property level. The guidance permits an entity to make a qualitative assessment, referred to as "Step Zero," of whether it is more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying amount. If the carrying value of the goodwill is considered impaired, a loss is measured as the excess of the reporting unit's carrying value over the fair value, with a limit of the goodwill allocated to that reporting unit.

As part of our annual impairment testing, management first performs a qualitative "Step Zero" analysis and assesses the likelihood of impairment. Management solicits third party valuation expertise to assist in valuations of goodwill for those reporting units that are deemed to have a greater likelihood of impairment. We perform the test annually as of October 1 using a weighting of two different approaches to determine fair value: (i) the income approach; and (ii) the market approach.

In the valuation of a reporting unit's goodwill, the income approach focuses on the income-producing capability of the reporting unit. The underlying premise of this approach is that the value of a reporting unit can be measured by the present worth of the net economic benefit (cash receipts less cash outlays) to be received over the life of the reporting unit. The steps followed in applying this approach include estimating the expected after-tax cash flows attributable to the reporting unit over its life and converting these after-tax cash flows to present value through "discounting." The discounting process uses a rate of return which accounts for both the time value of money and investment risk factors. Finally, the present value of the after-tax cash flows over the life of the reporting unit is totaled to arrive at an indication of the fair value of the reporting unit.

The market approach is comprised of the guideline company method, which focuses on comparing the subject company to selected reasonably similar, or "guideline", publicly-traded companies. Under this method, valuation multiples are: (i) derived from the operating data of selected guideline companies; (ii) evaluated and adjusted based on the strengths and weaknesses of the subject company relative to the selected guideline companies; and (iii) applied to the operating data of the subject company to arrive at an indication of value. In the valuation of a reporting unit, the market approach measures value based on what typical purchasers in the market have paid for assets which can be considered reasonably similar to those being valued. When the market approach is utilized, data is collected on the prices paid for reasonably comparable assets. Adjustments are made to the similar assets to compensate for differences between reasonably similar assets and the asset being valued. The application of the market approach results in an estimate of the price reasonably expected to be realized from the sale of the reporting unit.

The two methodologies were weighted 50.0% toward the income approach and 50.0% toward the market approach, to arrive at an overall fair value. Our annual impairment test as of October 1, 2023, resulted in goodwill impairment charges of $82.0 million. We evaluate quarterly whether any triggering events or changes in circumstances have occurred that would indicate an impairment condition more than likely would not exist. This evaluation requires significant judgment, including consideration of whether there had been any significant adverse changes in legal factors or in our business climate, adverse action or assessment by a regulator, unanticipated competition, loss of key personnel or likely sale or disposal of all or a significant portion of a reporting unit. Based upon this quarterly evaluation, we concluded that there had been a triggering event or change in circumstances that indicated an impairment condition existed during the first quarter of 2023, and we recorded goodwill impairment charges of $4.5 million as part of our first quarter 2023 impairment review.

Although we satisfied the impairment analysis requirements for each reporting unit tested, changes to certain underlying assumptions and variables, many of which are derived from external factors, could greatly impact the results of future tests. We cannot control or influence the impact of these factors from a fair valuation perspective, but they could nonetheless have a material effect on the results of valuation, particularly the guideline company method under the market approach, in the future.

Additionally, several of the assumptions underlying the DCF method under the income approach could pose a high degree of sensitivity to the resulting fair value. These factors include, but are not limited to, the following significant projections of future cash flows, assumptions and estimates to determine value under the DCF method: total revenue, operating expenses, depreciation expense, depreciation overhang, tax expense and effective rates, debt-free net working capital, capital additions, terminal year growth factor, discount rate and the capitalization rate. A change in any of these variables that cause our discounted cash flows or terminal value or both to adversely and materially change could result in the failure of the impairment test, and a resulting impairment of our goodwill in an amount up to its book value of $947.3 million. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded $82.0 million of goodwill impairments related to the Online segment and a $4.5 million goodwill impairment related to the Managed & Other category. Additionally, a reporting unit in the Midwest & South segment had an estimated fair value that did not significantly exceed its carrying value.

Management makes significant judgments and estimates as part of these analyses that are inherent in evaluating these reporting units for impairment. In particular, future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and actual results may differ materially from our estimates. In addition, the determination of multiples, capitalization rates and the discount rates used in the impairment tests are highly judgmental and dependent in large part on expectations of future market conditions. If certain future operating results do not meet current expectations it could cause carrying values of the intangibles to exceed their fair values in future periods, potentially resulting in an impairment charge.

Accounting for Leases

The determination of lease liabilities requires us to estimate the present value of our future lease commitments over their reasonably certain remaining lease term using a weighted average incremental borrowing rate commensurate with the rate of interest we would have to pay to borrow on a collateralized basis over a similar term an amount equal to our future lease payments in a similar economic environment. The determination of the incremental borrowing rate could materially impact our lease liabilities.

We estimate the expected term of a lease by assuming the exercise of renewal options, in addition to the initial non-cancelable lease term, if the renewal is reasonably certain. Generally, "reasonably certain" relates to our contractual right to renew and the existence of an economic penalty that would preclude the abandonment of the lease at the end of the initial non-cancelable lease term. The determination of the expected term could also materially impact our lease liabilities. 

The determination of the expected term of a lease requires us to apply judgment and estimates concerning the number of renewal periods that are reasonably certain. If a lease is terminated prior to reaching the end of the expected term, this may result in the acceleration of depreciation or impairment of the lease right-of-use asset and related long-lived assets.

Provisions for Deferred Tax Assets, Certain Tax Liabilities and Uncertain Tax Positions

Income taxes are recorded under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance, if based on the available evidence it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on more-likely-than-not realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with the usability of operating loss and tax credit carryforwards before expiration, and tax planning alternatives. For the year ended December 31, 2023, the Company recorded a $35.9 million release of state tax valuation allowances that favorably impacted the income tax provision for 2023. If certain future operating results do not meet current expectations it could cause us to establish an additional valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets.

The Company's income tax returns are subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") and other tax authorities in the locations where it operates. The Company assesses potentially unfavorable outcomes of such examinations based on accounting standards for uncertain income taxes, which prescribe a minimum recognition threshold a tax position is required to meet before being recognized in the financial statements.

We recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only when it is more likely than not, based on the technical merits of the position, that the tax position will be sustained upon examination, including the resolution of any related appeals or litigation. The tax benefits recognized in the consolidated financial statements from such a position are measured as the largest benefit that has a greater than fifty percent likelihood of being realized upon ultimate resolution. While we believe our uncertain tax benefits, if any, are adequate to cover reasonably expected tax risks, there can be no assurance that, in all instances, an issue raised by a taxing authority will be resolved at a financial cost that does not exceed its related reserve.

Application of Acquisition Method of Accounting

We follow the guidance of Accounting Standards Codification 805 to account for our acquisitions. We completed the acquisition of Boyd Interactive in 2022, as described in Note 2, Acquisition, to our consolidated financial statements presented in Part II, Item 8, for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $175.2 million. For purposes of these consolidated financial statements, we have allocated the purchase price to the assets acquired and the liabilities assumed based on their fair values as determined by us with the assistance from third-party specialists. The excess of the purchase price over those fair values was recorded as goodwill.

The assets and liabilities of the acquisition are included in our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2023 and 2022, and the results of its operations and cash flows are reported in our consolidated statements of operations and cash flows, respectively, from the November 1, 2022 date of acquisition through December 31, 2023.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

For information with respect to recent accounting pronouncements and the impact of these pronouncements on our consolidated financial statements, see Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements and Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.