Mohegan -- The Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority, which operates Mohegan Sun in Uncasville and Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., announced late this afternoon that it earned a profit of $46.7 million in the quarter that ended Sept. 30, but has yet to finalize a crucial refinancing of its debt.

The authority reported a net loss of $26.3 million in the same quarter of the previous fiscal year.

"We could not be more pleased with our earnings for the quarter," Mitchell Etess, the authority's chief executive officer, said in a statement. "These results were quite impressive, particularly given the impact of Hurricane Irene and persisting economic concerns. The growth in adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) and margin is extremely rewarding and demonstrates the commitment and dedication of our entire team."

The authority reported its adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $90.5 million, compared to $73.1 million in the same three months (July, August and September) of 2010.

Etess said the authority was "also pleased with the progress made in recent weeks" on the refinancing plan. The authority had a debt load of $1.6 million as of Sept. 30, about half of which is scheduled to mature in 2012.

"Though we were not able to complete the plan during our first quarter of fiscal 2012 and, as a result, our auditors issued a 'going concern' opinion on our 2011 financial statements, we have obtained a waiver from our bank group addressing the opinion which we believe reflects the group's continued confidence in and support of the Authority and the Mohegan Tribe," Etess said.

The authority will discuss its fourth-quarter and fiscal year results with investors and analysts in a conference call scheduled for Jan. 4.