We initiated a position in Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (PNK, Financial) during the quarter. Pinnacle is a regional gaming company with casinos in Louisiana, Missouri and Indiana. It is in the process of acquiring Ameristar Casinos, which should be highly accretive for the company and increase its diversity of assets and cash flow. Assuming the Ameristar acquisition closes this year and that the company completes its $580 million Lake Charles casino and $200 million Ohio racetrack with slot machines in 2014, the combined entity can almost triple its earnings. Management has indicated it will use its cash flow to repay debt. This would add significant value given the leverage post acquisition. (David Baron)
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 letter.
From Baron Funds’ first quarter 2013 letter.
