e424b3
Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(3)
File No. 333-144239
PROSPECTUS
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
TROPICANA FINANCE
CORP.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
ALL OUTSTANDING
95/8%
SENIOR SUBORDINATED
NOTES DUE
2014 FOR
95/8%
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2014
The exchange
offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on
November 19, 2007, the 32nd day following the date of
this prospectus, unless we extend the exchange offer in our sole
and absolute discretion.
Tropicana
Entertainment, LLC and Tropicana Finance Corp., or the
co-issuers, are offering to exchange up to $960.0 million
aggregate principal amount of their currently outstanding
95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014 issued in a private offering on
December 28, 2006, or the outstanding notes, which are
subject to certain transfer restrictions, for up to
$960.0 million aggregate principal amount of their
registered
95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014, or the exchange notes. We refer to
the outstanding notes and the exchange notes collectively as the
notes.
The exchange notes
will be substantially identical to the outstanding notes except
that the exchange notes will be registered under the federal
securities laws, and therefore will not bear any legend
restricting their transfer, and the holders of the exchange
notes will not be entitled to most of the rights under the
registration rights agreement further described herein. The
exchange notes will represent the same debt as the outstanding
notes and will be issued under the same indenture (which we
refer to as the indenture) under which the outstanding notes
were issued.
The exchange notes
will bear interest from the most recent interest payment date
for which interest has been paid on the outstanding notes.
Interest on the exchange notes will be paid on June 15 and
December 15 of each year, commencing on December 15, 2007.
The exchange notes will mature on December 15, 2014. Prior
to December 15, 2010, we may redeem some or all of the
exchange notes at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, and the
make-whole premium set forth in this prospectus. On
or after December 15, 2010, we may redeem some or all of
the exchange notes at the redemption prices set forth in this
prospectus. We may also redeem up to 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of the exchange notes using net proceeds from
certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
December 15, 2009 at the redemption price set forth in this
prospectus. In addition, the exchange notes are subject to
mandatory disposition and redemption requirements following
certain determinations by gaming authorities.
The exchange notes
will be the co-issuers unsecured senior subordinated
obligations. The obligations of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC and
Tropicana Finance Corp. with respect to the exchange notes will
be joint and several. The exchange notes will be guaranteed by
certain of the co-issuers existing and future domestic
subsidiaries, as well as by (i) CP Laughlin Realty, LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, and Columbia Properties
Vicksburg, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company, each of
which is an affiliate of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC but not a
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, and (ii) JMBS
Casino LLC, a Mississippi limited liability company which is an
affiliate of the Yung family but not a subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment, LLC. The exchange notes will not be guaranteed by
Greenville Riverboat, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability
company and a direct subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC
that it does not wholly own, although Greenville Riverboat, LLC
is subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the
indenture. In addition, the exchange notes will not be
guaranteed by the subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment, LLC
that hold the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Resort and Casino Las Vegas.
The exchange notes
and the guarantees will rank junior in right of payment to all
of the co-issuers and the guarantors existing and
future senior indebtedness, including indebtedness under the
senior secured credit facility further described herein. The
exchange notes and the guarantees will rank equally in right of
payment with any of the co-issuers and the
guarantors existing and future unsecured senior
subordinated indebtedness, including the outstanding notes, and
will rank senior in right of payment to all of the
co-issuers and the guarantors existing and future
unsecured subordinated indebtedness. The exchange notes and the
guarantees will be effectively subordinated to all of the
co-issuers and the guarantors secured indebtedness
to the extent of the value of the assets securing such
indebtedness.
We will exchange the
exchange notes for all outstanding notes that are validly
tendered and not withdrawn pursuant to the exchange offer. You
may withdraw tendered outstanding notes at any time prior to the
expiration of the exchange offer. The exchange of outstanding
notes for exchange notes should not be a taxable transaction for
U.S. federal income tax purposes, but you should see the
discussion under the caption Certain U.S. Federal
Income Tax Considerations for more information. We will
not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. Holders of
outstanding notes will not have any appraisal or
dissenters rights in connection with the exchange offer.
Outstanding notes not exchanged in the exchange offer will
remain outstanding and be entitled to the benefits of the
indenture, but, except under certain circumstances, will have no
further exchange or registration rights under the registration
rights agreement. We do not intend to apply for listing of the
exchange notes on any securities exchange or to arrange for them
to be quoted on any quotation system. There is no established
trading market for the exchange notes.
See the section
entitled Risk Factors for a discussion of risks you
should consider prior to tendering your outstanding notes for
exchange.
Each broker-dealer
that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the
exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.
The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities
Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from
time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with
resales of exchange notes received in exchange for outstanding
notes where such outstanding notes were acquired by such
broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of
180 days after the expiration of the exchange offer, we
will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use
in connection with any such resale. See Plan of
Distribution.
NONE OF THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION, ANY GAMING AUTHORITY OR ANY
STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED OF THESE
SECURITIES OR PASSED UPON THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS
PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
OFFENSE.
The date of this
prospectus is October 18, 2007.
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
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F-1
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THIS PROSPECTUS INCORPORATES IMPORTANT BUSINESS AND FINANCIAL
INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMPANY THAT IS NOT INCLUDED OR DELIVERED
WITH THIS PROSPECTUS. SUCH INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE WITHOUT
CHARGE TO SECURITY HOLDERS UPON WRITTEN OR ORAL REQUEST TO DONNA
MORE, TROPICANA ENTERTAINMENT, LLC AND TROPICANA FINANCE CORP.,
740 CENTRE VIEW BLVD., CRESTVIEW HILLS, KENTUCKY 41017,
(859) 669-1500.
TO OBTAIN TIMELY DELIVERY SECURITY HOLDERS MUST REQUEST THIS
INFORMATION AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE, BUT IN ANY EVENT NO LATER
THAN FIVE BUSINESS DAYS PRIOR TO THE EXPIRATION OF THE EXCHANGE
OFFER.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. The letter of transmittal delivered with this
prospectus states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a
prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it
is an underwriter within the meaning of the
Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of exchange notes received in
exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were
acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making
activities or other trading activities. See Plan of
Distribution.
You should rely only on the information contained in this
prospectus or to which we have referred you. We have not
authorized anyone to provide you with information that is
different. This prospectus may only be used where it is legal to
sell the securities offered hereby. This prospectus does not
constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy
any securities other than the registered securities to which it
relates, nor does this prospectus constitute an offer to sell or
a solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction
to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation in such jurisdiction. The information in this
prospectus may only be accurate as of the date on the front
cover of this prospectus.
Industry and market data used throughout this prospectus were
obtained through company research, surveys and studies conducted
by third parties and industry and other publications. While we
believe that such third-party industry and market data are
reasonable and reliable, we have not independently verified the
same. Similarly, our internal research is based upon our
understanding of industry conditions, and such information has
not been verified by any independent sources.
ii
FORWARD
LOOKING STATEMENTS
This prospectus includes forward looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and
Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, or the Exchange Act, including, without limitation, the
statements under Prospectus Summary, Risk
Factors, each Managements Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
section and Business. Management has based these
forward looking statements on its current expectations about
future events. The words believes,
anticipates, plans, expects,
intends, estimates and similar
expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements.
These forward looking statements involve known and unknown
risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our
actual results, performance and achievements, or industry
results, to be materially different from any future results,
performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward
looking statements. In addition to the risk factors identified
elsewhere in this prospectus, important factors that could cause
actual results or events to differ materially from those
contemplated by such forward looking statements include, without
limitation:
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the financial performance of our business;
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legislative and regulatory matters, changes in government
regulation and regulatory action, including, without limitation,
potential (1) legalization of gaming in additional states
or (2) tax increases in our states of operation;
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increased competition in our markets;
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general business conditions, including competitive practices and
changes in customer demand, and general economic conditions that
impact the performance of our operations;
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the cyclical nature of the gaming and hospitality
businesses; and
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adverse outcomes of legal proceedings and the development of,
and changes in, claims or litigation reserves.
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All forward looking statements included in this prospectus are
based on information available to us on the date of this
prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or
revise any forward looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. All subsequent written
and oral forward looking statements attributable to us or
persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their
entirety by the cautionary statements contained throughout this
prospectus.
PRESENTATION
OF INFORMATION
In this prospectus, unless the context otherwise requires:
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Acquisition Financing Transactions refers to the
offering of the outstanding notes and the entering into of, and
initial borrowings under, the senior secured credit facility and
the Las Vegas secured loan.
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affiliate guarantors refers to Realty and CP
Vicksburg, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment but not
subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment that guarantee the
outstanding notes and will guarantee the exchange notes, and
JMBS Casino, an affiliate of the Yung family but not a
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment that guarantees the
outstanding notes and will guarantee the exchange notes.
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Aztar refers to Aztar Corporation.
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Aztar Acquisition refers to the acquisition of Aztar.
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Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company refers to
Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, L.L.C., which holds
Casino Aztar Caruthersville in Caruthersville, Missouri.
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iii
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Columbia Sussex refers to Columbia Sussex
Corporation, an affiliate of Tropicana Entertainment that is
controlled by Mr. William J. Yung, III, who indirectly
holds all of the equity interests in Tropicana Entertainment.
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CP Vicksburg refers to Columbia Properties
Vicksburg, LLC, an affiliate guarantor.
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JMBS Casino refers to JMBS Casino LLC, an affiliate
guarantor.
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JMBS Trust refers to JMBS Casino Trust, a trust
created for the benefit of the children of Mr. William J.
Yung, III that is subject to the control of his children.
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Realty refers to CP Laughlin Realty, LLC, an
affiliate guarantor.
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restricted group refers to those entities that are
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
The restricted group includes the affiliate guarantors and
Tropicana Entertainment and its consolidated subsidiaries other
than the subsidiaries that hold the assets and operations
relating to the Tropicana Resort and Casino Las
Vegas.
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Transactions refers to the Aztar Acquisition, the
Acquisition Financing Transactions (including the refinancing of
certain of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Aztars and
the affiliate guarantors indebtedness) and the corporate
reorganization described under Prospectus
Summary Corporate Reorganization and under
Business Corporate Reorganization.
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Tropicana Entertainment refers to Tropicana
Entertainment, LLC. Tropicana Entertainment, LLC was formerly
named Wimar OpCo, LLC. On February 12, 2007, its name was
changed to Tropicana Entertainment, LLC.
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Tropicana Finance refers to Tropicana Finance Corp.,
a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment and
a co-issuer of the notes. Tropicana Finance Corp. was formerly
named Wimar OpCo Finance Corp. On February 12, 2007, its
name was changed to Tropicana Finance Corp.
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we, us, our and the
company refer to Tropicana Entertainment together with,
unless the context otherwise requires, all of its consolidated
subsidiaries (and, unless the context otherwise requires, such
references give effect to the Aztar Acquisition and the
contribution of certain gaming operations by Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts to Tropicana Entertainment substantially
concurrently with the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition
pursuant to the corporate reorganization described under
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and Business Corporate
Reorganization) and the affiliate guarantors.
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Tropicana Entertainment Holdings refers to Tropicana
Entertainment Holdings, LLC, a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, and the direct parent of
Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings. Tropicana
Entertainment Holdings, LLC was formerly named Wimar OpCo
Holdings, LLC. On February 12, 2007, its name was changed
to Tropicana Entertainment Holdings, LLC.
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Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings refers
to Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings, LLC, the
direct parent of Tropicana Entertainment. Tropicana
Entertainment Intermediate Holdings, LLC was formerly named
Wimar OpCo Intermediate Holdings, LLC. On February 12,
2007, its name was changed to Tropicana Entertainment
Intermediate Holdings, LLC.
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Tropicana Casinos and Resorts refers to Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, Inc., Tropicana Entertainments
ultimate parent. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was formerly
named Wimar Tahoe Corporation. On February 12, 2007, its
name was changed to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc.
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iv
FINANCIAL
STATEMENT PRESENTATION
This prospectus includes interim financial statements of
Tropicana Entertainment for the six months ended June 30,
2007. In addition, this prospectus includes historical financial
statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent company and predecessor. In
connection with the corporate reorganization conducted by
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts as described under the caption
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and Business Corporate
Reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
to Tropicana Entertainment substantially all of its gaming
properties. In the corporate reorganization, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts did not contribute to Tropicana Entertainment
(i) the assets relating to its subsidiary that owns its
riverboat casino formerly located in New Orleans, Louisiana and
then named the Belle of Orleans (which has since been re-branded
as the Amelia Belle Casino and which we refer to as the New
Orleans riverboat), which was temporarily decommissioned as a
result of damage it sustained during Hurricane Katrina in August
2005 and was subsequently redeployed in Amelia, Louisiana in May
2007, and (ii) the gaming assets and operations at the
Casuarina Las Vegas Casino, a casino located in leased space in
a hotel property that is managed by Columbia Sussex and owned by
an affiliate of Columbia Sussex. Accordingly, the historical
financial statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts reflect
the New Orleans riverboat and the gaming assets and operations
at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino as discontinued operations.
See Note 1 to the audited consolidated financial statements
of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
This prospectus also includes historical financial statements of
Aztar. Immediately following the Aztar Acquisition, Tropicana
Entertainment distributed the membership interests of Aztar
Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, which holds the Casino Aztar
Caruthersville in Caruthersville, Missouri and was formerly a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Aztar, to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts. On June 10, 2007, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
sold Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company to Isle of Capri
Casinos, Inc., or Isle of Capri. As a result, Aztar Missouri
Riverboat Gaming Company is not a subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment and is no longer a subsidiary of Aztar or
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. Accordingly, the historical
financial statements of Aztar reflect Aztar Missouri Riverboat
Gaming Company as a discontinued operation. See Note 17 to
the audited consolidated financial statements of Aztar included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
This prospectus also includes separate interim financial
statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and
historical financial statements of CP Vicksburg and JMBS Casino,
affiliate guarantors that guarantee the outstanding notes, and
will guarantee the exchange notes, but that are not subsidiaries
of Tropicana Entertainment.
This prospectus also includes separate interim financial
statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007 and
historical financial statements of Realty, an affiliate
guarantor that guarantees the outstanding notes, and will
guarantee the exchange notes, but that is not a subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment. However, as Realty is a variable
interest entity of which Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was the
primary beneficiary prior to the corporate reorganization and of
which Tropicana Entertainment became the primary beneficiary
thereafter, historical financial information with respect to
Realty is already reflected in the consolidated financial
statements of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts included elsewhere in this prospectus.
This prospectus also includes separate historical financial
statements of Argosy of Baton Rouge, which Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts acquired in October 2005 and thereafter renamed the
Belle of Baton Rouge, from January 1, 2004 to
October 24, 2005, the last date on which the property was
owned and operated by the seller. The results of operations of
the Belle of Baton Rouge for that portion of the year ended
December 31, 2005 following its acquisition, and for the
entire year ended December 31, 2006 are reflected in
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts audited consolidated
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2005
and December 31, 2006 respectively. In connection with the
corporate reorganization conducted by Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts as described under the caption Prospectus
Summary Corporate Reorganization and
Business Corporate Reorganization,
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed the Belle of Baton
Rouge to Tropicana Entertainment on January 3, 2007.
Accordingly, the
v
results of operations of the Belle of Baton Rouge are reflected
in Tropicana Entertainments consolidated financial
statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
This prospectus also includes a separate statement of direct
revenues and expenses of Desert Palace, Inc., the former owner
of Caesars Tahoe, for the period from January 1, 2005 to
June 10, 2005. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired the
Caesars Tahoe property in June 2005 and thereafter renamed it
the MontBleu. The results of operations of the MontBleu for that
portion of the year ended December 31, 2005 following its
acquisition, and for the entire year ended December 31,
2006 are reflected in Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
audited consolidated financial statements for the years ended
December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2006 respectively.
In connection with the corporate reorganization conducted by
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts as described under the caption
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and Business Corporate
Reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
the MontBleu to Tropicana Entertainment on January 3, 2007.
Accordingly, the results of operations of the MontBleu are
reflected in Tropicana Entertainments consolidated
financial statements for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
This prospectus does not include stand-alone historical
financial statements for the restricted group presented on a
consolidated basis as such a consolidated presentation would not
comply with generally accepted accounting principles in the
United States, or GAAP. In addition, this prospectus does not
present financial information for the restricted group on a
combined basis. Instead, as described above, this prospectus
presents financial information independently for each of the
affiliate guarantors and Tropicana Entertainment or, for certain
historical periods, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. However,
financial information for Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts presented in this prospectus does not
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Resort and Casino Las Vegas, which are
not part of the restricted group. Accordingly, the financial
information for Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts contained in this prospectus should not be
understood to represent the financial performance of the
restricted group.
Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures included
in this prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments.
Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not
be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them,
and figures expressed as percentages in the text may not total
100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be the
arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.
vi
The following summary highlights significant aspects of our
business and this offering, but you should read this entire
prospectus, including the information set forth under the
heading Risk Factors and the financial statements
and related notes, before electing to participate in the
exchange offer or making an investment decision with respect to
the exchange notes. Unless otherwise indicated, the figures
contained herein regarding the amenities and features of our
casino properties are approximations prepared as of
June 30, 2007.
Our
Company
Background
Information
As part of our campaign to expand our national footprint and
diversify our gaming operations, on January 3, 2007,
affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment acquired all of the
outstanding equity interests in Aztar for approximately
$2.1 billion in cash. In the corporate reorganization
completed substantially concurrently with the acquisition, Aztar
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. For
more information concerning the Aztar Acquisition, see
The Aztar Acquisition and
Business The Aztar Acquisition. The
Aztar Acquisition added four casino properties located in
Nevada, New Jersey and Indiana to the holdings of Tropicana
Entertainment.
Overview
We are among the largest privately-held gaming entertainment
providers in the United States and a leading domestic casino
operator as determined by revenue. We own 11 casino properties
in eight distinct gaming markets, including Las Vegas, Laughlin
and South Lake Tahoe (Stateline), Nevada; Atlantic City, New
Jersey; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Greenville and Vicksburg,
Mississippi; and Evansville, Indiana. Our casino properties have
an aggregate of 548,359 square feet of gaming space housing
12,244 gaming machines and 510 table games, as well as an
aggregate of 8,282 hotel rooms.
On a pro forma basis giving effect to the Transactions, the
aggregate net operating revenue of Tropicana Entertainment for
the year ended December 31, 2006 would have been
$1,183 million. The aggregate net operating revenue of
Tropicana Entertainment for the six months ended June 30,
2007 was $554.1 million.
At each of our gaming properties, we strive to provide our
customers with a high-quality casino entertainment and
hospitality experience at attractive prices. To develop and
maintain customer loyalty, we emphasize customer service and
seek to offer a comfortable gaming environment along with a
variety of amenities, including quality hotel rooms, varied
dining choices and appealing entertainment options. We plan to
continue to regularly invest in our facilities to maintain and
enhance their quality, appeal and competitiveness.
1
The following table sets forth certain information about our
properties as of June 30, 2007. Except as otherwise
indicated, we wholly own and operate the following casinos:
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Acquisition
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Approx. Casino
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Slot
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Table
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Hotel
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Parking
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Property Name
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Location
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Date
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Square Footage
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Machines
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Games
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Rooms
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Spaces
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Legacy Properties
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Belle of Baton Rouge
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Baton Rouge, LA
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Oct. 2005
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29,500
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1,019
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22
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300
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1,803
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River Palms Hotel and Casino
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Laughlin, NV
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Sept. 2003
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63,850
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1,061
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28
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1,001
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1,834
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Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino and Resort
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South Lake Tahoe, NV
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Jan. 1990
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43,000
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712
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32
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|
539
|
|
|
|
1,396
|
|
MontBleu Casino
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South Lake Tahoe, NV
|
|
June 2005
|
|
|
40,585
|
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
440
|
|
|
|
1,547
|
|
Lighthouse Point Casino(1)(2)
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|
Greenville, MS
|
|
Nov. 1996(3)
|
|
|
22,000
|
|
|
|
725
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
386
|
|
Jubilee Casino(4)
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|
Greenville, MS
|
|
March 2002
|
|
|
28,500
|
|
|
|
712
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
512
|
|
Vicksburg Horizon Casino(5)
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|
Vicksburg, MS
|
|
Oct. 2003
|
|
|
20,909
|
|
|
|
696
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
889
|
|
Recently Acquired Properties
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City
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Atlantic City, NJ
|
|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
147,248
|
|
|
|
3,480
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
2,129
|
|
|
|
5,477
|
|
Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino
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|
Laughlin, NV
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|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
53,680
|
|
|
|
1,075
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
1,495
|
|
|
|
2,253
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
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|
Evansville, IN
|
|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
38,360
|
|
|
|
1,132
|
|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
346
|
|
|
|
2,100
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas(2)
|
|
Las Vegas, NV
|
|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
60,727
|
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
1,876
|
|
|
|
2,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,359
|
|
|
|
12,244
|
|
|
|
510
|
|
|
|
8,282
|
|
|
|
20,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(1)
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Tropicana Entertainment indirectly
holds a 79% voting interest and an 84% economic interest in
Greenville Riverboat, LLC, which manages the Lighthouse Point
Casino. A wholly-owned subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment
owns the riverboat on which the Lighthouse Point Casino conducts
its operations.
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(2)
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Greenville Riverboat, LLC and the
subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment that hold the assets and
operations relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas are not
guarantors of the outstanding notes or of the senior secured
credit facility and will not be guarantors of the exchange
notes, although Greenville Riverboat, LLC is subject to the
restrictive covenants contained in the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility.
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(3)
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The Lighthouse Point Casino was
developed (as opposed to acquired) and commenced operations in
November 1996.
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(4)
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JMBS Casino, one of the affiliate
guarantors, owns and operates the Jubilee Casino.
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(5)
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CP Vicksburg, one of the affiliate
guarantors, owns and operates the Vicksburg Horizon Casino.
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Our
History
Columbia Sussex, which was founded in 1972 by William J.
Yung, III, has grown to become one of the largest
privately-held hospitality companies in the United States with
approximately $970.0 million in revenues in 2006. As of
June 30, 2007, Columbia Sussex and its affiliates owned and
operated 70 hotel properties across the United States, Canada
and the Caribbean, which are marketed under brands including
Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Sheraton, Renaissance, Wyndham and
Doubletree.
In 1990, Mr. William Yung made his initial investment in
the gaming industry when he formed Wimar Tahoe Corporation,
which has since been renamed Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, to
acquire the Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino and Resort, or the Tahoe
Horizon. Since obtaining a gaming license in 1990,
Mr. William Yung and the Yung family have built a record of
successful gaming acquisitions and development, while generating
growth and operational improvements.
Our
Competitive Strengths
Geographic Diversity. We believe we are one of
the largest and most diversified gaming operators in the United
States. We own and operate 11 casino facilities in eight
distinct gaming markets and six states, including five casinos
in Nevada, three casinos in Mississippi and one casino in each
of New Jersey, Louisiana and Indiana. We believe this geographic
diversity helps reduce our dependence on any one geographic
market.
2
Beneficial Relationship with Columbia
Sussex. Our relationship with Columbia Sussex
provides us with several advantages, including the following:
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Cost-Effective Administrative Services. We
share corporate offices with Columbia Sussex and many corporate
functions, such as human resources, accounting, administration,
purchasing, marketing, hotel management and supervision, risk
management, contracting, construction and development, treasury
and maintenance-related services, are performed for certain of
Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries and the affiliate
guarantors by Columbia Sussex pursuant to the terms of service
agreements, which are subject to gaming regulatory approval.
Gaming regulatory approval of the terms of one service agreement
has not yet been obtained with respect to our Tropicana Atlantic
City property. The service agreements extend by their terms
until we elect to terminate them, which we are permitted to do
at any time with 60 days written notice. Under the terms of
these service agreements, subject to certain conditions,
Columbia Sussex provides corporate services on behalf of our
gaming properties that have received regulatory approval to date
for a total amount of approximately $1.9 million per year,
subject to modest price increases each year starting in 2008. We
believe the service agreements enable us to obtain corporate
services at costs that are more favorable than we would be able
to obtain on a stand-alone basis. We have also entered into
agreements with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for the provision
to certain of Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries and
the affiliate guarantors of casino services, such as the
supervision of casino operations, staffing, marketing and
advertising and accounting, which agreements are subject to
gaming regulatory approval. Gaming regulatory approval of the
terms of one of these agreements has not yet been obtained with
respect to our Tropicana Atlantic City property. Under these
agreements, we have agreed to pay Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
our allocated portion of the corporate overhead costs for these
services. For a more detailed description of the agreements
described in this paragraph, see Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions.
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Integrated Marketing Programs. The
compatibility of Columbia Sussexs extensive portfolio of
70 hotels and our network of casino properties has provided us
with a number of opportunities to develop integrated marketing
programs. We expect to develop joint programs whereby guests of
our casinos can receive discounts on stays at Columbia Sussex
hotel properties. In addition, we and Columbia Sussex are able
to pool our respective customer databases to develop direct
marketing campaigns targeting a broad group of prospective
customers, and to more effectively promote these programs by
sharing a centralized marketing platform. We believe that our
acquisition of Aztar has provided us with additional
opportunities for these types of joint marketing efforts.
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Extensive Construction and Development
Experience. Throughout our history, we have
engaged in a number of property renovation, refurbishment and
development projects, and we have a number of additional
projects underway or slated to commence in the near term. As a
developer of hotel properties, Columbia Sussex has over
30 years of experience in planning, financing and executing
hotel improvement and development programs. We have been able to
leverage this experience when undertaking our development
projects, which we believe has allowed us to develop and enhance
our gaming assets in a cost-effective manner, while meeting
target completion dates and development expectations.
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Experienced Management Team. Mr. William
Yung, who founded both Tropicana Entertainment and Columbia
Sussex, has over 30 years of gaming and hospitality
experience. The balance of our senior management team also has
significant experience operating, developing, acquiring and
integrating hotel and gaming properties and related amenities,
with an average tenure in the gaming or hospitality industries
among its members of more than 15 years. Mr. William
Yung and his management team have grown gaming operations
through strategic acquisitions and targeted development, with
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts net operating revenues
growing from $75.5 million to $288.9 million between
2001 and 2006 and operating income growing from
$14.0 million to $58.6 million during that same
period. In addition, Mr. William Yung and the management
team have made use of conservative financial management focused
on cost control and prudent capital deployment in order to
improve results.
3
Our
Business Strategy
We seek to continue growing in a profitable manner by pursuing
the following strategies:
Successfully Integrate Acquisitions. Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts acquired the MontBleu Casino, or the
MontBleu, in June 2005 and the Belle of Baton Rouge in October
2005, both of which properties it contributed to Tropicana
Entertainment in the corporate reorganization. The Aztar
Acquisition added four additional gaming properties to our
portfolio, resulting in six of our 11 casino properties having
been acquired within the past two years. As such, we believe
there is significant potential to realize efficiencies as we
integrate Aztar, and further integrate other recently acquired
casino properties, into our operations. Specifically, we expect
to eliminate redundant overhead costs at Aztar by leveraging
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts administrative
infrastructure. In addition, in markets such as Laughlin and
South Lake Tahoe, Nevada where we own more than one property, we
believe we will also be able to realize additional operational
synergies and cost savings by consolidating duplicative
back-office functions.
Enhance Marketing and Promotion
Activities. The Aztar Acquisition significantly
increased our geographic footprint and scale of operations. In
conjunction with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and Columbia
Sussex, we will benefit from an integrated marketing platform
that will provide us with cross-selling opportunities among more
than 80 hotel and casino properties. Our expanded customer base
will enable us to develop cross-marketing initiatives across our
properties, which may include a player rewards program linking
selected gaming facilities. We believe a uniform player rewards
program will encourage customers traveling among different
markets to patronize our properties and will build increased
customer loyalty. In addition, in July 2007, we re-branded the
former Ramada Express in Laughlin, Nevada as the Tropicana
Express. We also plan to re-brand a number of our other
gaming properties under the Tropicana name. We believe this
re-branding will help to develop a strong, recognizable identity
for our properties.
Benefit from Recent Investments and Near-Term Growth
Opportunities. We believe we will benefit
significantly from recent capital investments made in our
properties. In addition, we have significant near-term growth
opportunities as a result of projects currently being developed,
as well as other development opportunities. These investments
and growth opportunities include the following:
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Tropicana Atlantic City: In November 2004,
Aztar completed a $285.0 million expansion to the Tropicana
Resort and Casino Atlantic City, or the Tropicana
Atlantic City, which included a 200,000-square-foot
entertainment, restaurant and retail complex known as The
Quarter at Tropicana, which we refer to as The Quarter. We
intend to proceed with a plan developed by Aztar, which we
expect will cost approximately $55.0 million, to enhance
the Tropicana Atlantic City by refurbishing its casino floors
and hotel towers so that they are similar in quality and
appearance to The Quarter. The three-phase refurbishment project
commenced in December 2005. During phase one of the project,
Aztar made enhancements to the north tower hotel rooms and
certain non-gaming amenities, which phase was completed during
the fourth quarter of 2006. During phase two of the project, we
refurbished half of the casino floor and the south tower hotel
rooms, which phase was completed during the second quarter of
2007. In phase three of the project, we will refurbish the other
half of the casino floor and two restaurants at the property. We
expect to complete the third phase in the first quarter of 2008.
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Casino Aztar Evansville: Construction was
completed in 2007 at the Casino Aztar Evansville on a
$32.6 million expansion that includes a 96-room boutique
hotel, multi-venue dining and entertainment complex and
associated infrastructure. We believe that the expansion has
increased the attractiveness of the property and expanded
customer reach through the availability of additional hotel
rooms. In addition, in August 2007, the City of
Evansvilles Redevelopment Commission approved our
preliminary plan to build a 1,046-seat theater at the Casino
Aztar Evansville. The venue, construction of which is currently
projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008 at an
approximate cost of $4.0 million, is expected to offer live
entertainment for patrons of the property and residents of
Evansville.
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4
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Belle of Baton Rouge: The Belle of Baton Rouge
benefited from the population increase in the Baton Rouge area
following the displacement of residents of New Orleans as a
result of Hurricane Katrina, although that benefit has since
somewhat subsided. To accommodate the increased demand for
gaming in this market and to build market share, we have
developed plans to build a 330-space parking structure adjacent
to the casino. We will endeavor to complete construction of the
parking structure, which is designed to increase casino traffic
and is estimated to cost approximately $12.5 million, by
the second quarter of 2008.
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MontBleu Casino: In the summer of 2006, we
completed a $21.0 million program to re-brand and
reposition the former Caesars Lake Tahoe as the MontBleu. We
introduced new
on-site
amenities and entertainment options at the MontBleu to appeal to
a younger clientele, while continuing to focus on the value
conscious customer in the South Lake Tahoe, Nevada market at our
sister property, the Tahoe Horizon. We intend to increase our
efforts to effectively market the MontBleu as we seek to
strengthen our customer base.
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Tropicana Express: We have completed the
$11.0 million program to renovate the hotel rooms at the
Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino, or the Tropicana Express,
which we believe will help solidify our position in the Laughlin
market. In addition, the Tropicana Express is situated less than
one mile from the River Palms, which we believe will allow us to
achieve operational synergies and cost savings by consolidating
duplicative back-office and other support functions, including
the sharing of laundry facilities and employees to reduce
overtime pay.
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Lighthouse Point Casino and Jubilee Casino: We
expect to invest between $7.0 million and $8.0 million
at the Lighthouse Point Casino and the Jubilee Casino, our two
casinos in Greenville, Mississippi, in order to renovate the
casino floors and public areas of the properties so as to better
position them to meet the competitive challenges posed by the
expected introduction of a new gaming property to the market in
late 2007. We will add up to 850 new and converted slot
machines, making all of the slot machines at the properties
ticket-in ticket-out and upgrade the slot tracking
systems. We will also make improvements to the restaurant at the
Lighthouse Point Casino.
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Redevelop the Tropicana Las Vegas Site. To
capitalize on its premium location on the Las Vegas
Strip, we expect to redevelop the Tropicana Resort
and Casino Las Vegas, or the Tropicana Las Vegas, by
refurbishing one of its two existing hotel towers and its
existing showroom (we expect to raze the other existing tower
and all of the other remaining structures on the site other than
the casino floor) and redeveloping the remainder of its
34-acre
site. Our preliminary plan for this redevelopment effort
envisions approximately 10,200 new and refurbished hotel rooms
of which approximately 500 will be refurbished hotel rooms in
the existing hotel tower to be retained, approximately
600,000 square feet of new meeting space, an increase in
the size of the casino floor to approximately
120,000 square feet, a more modern casino floor layout and
a new approximately 250,000-square-foot retail plaza. We plan to
complete this redevelopment in 2010. The redevelopment is
expected to be funded by a construction financing transaction
independent of the financing transactions that funded the Aztar
Acquisition and, if necessary, by additional capital
contributions from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent.
The outstanding notes are not, and the exchange notes will not
be, guaranteed by the subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment
that hold the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Las Vegas.
Our
Properties
Legacy
Properties
Belle of Baton Rouge. The Belle of Baton Rouge
is located on the Mississippi River in the downtown historic
district of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The three-deck dockside
riverboat features 29,500 square feet of casino space
housing 1,019 slot machines and 22 table games. The Belle of
Baton Rouge is also located directly adjacent to the
300-room Sheraton Baton Rouge Convention Center Hotel,
which we own. The hotel offers three restaurants, a lounge and a
70-seat sports bar, approximately 150,000 square feet of
available retail space, approximately 40,000 square feet of
meeting space, a small entertainment venue, an
5
approximately 50,000-square-foot glass-enclosed atrium and a
parking garage and surface parking lot, together offering
parking for 1,803 vehicles. The Baton Rouge market is located
approximately 75 miles to the northwest of New Orleans.
This market, which primarily caters to local patrons,
experienced a 37.2% increase in its gaming revenues for the
period between June 30, 2005 and June 30, 2006 as
compared to the period between June 30, 2004 and
June 30, 2005. This increase in revenue was primarily
attributable to the population shift from New Orleans to Baton
Rouge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina, although it appears that
some of the transient population caused by the hurricane has
begun to shift back to New Orleans and other Gulf Coast
communities, which has resulted in these increased revenues
subsiding somewhat while remaining above pre-Hurricane Katrina
levels.
River Palms Hotel and Casino. The River Palms
Hotel and Casino, or the River Palms, is located on
approximately 35 acres in Laughlin, Nevada. The property,
which underwent renovation in 2004, features 1,001 rooms and
suites and a 63,850-square-foot casino space boasting 1,061 slot
machines and 28 table games. In addition, the River Palms has
four dining facilities, two bars, two lounges, one nightclub, a
spa, a salon, approximately 10,500 square feet of meeting
and convention space and a 1,834-space parking facility.
Situated on the Colorado River at Nevadas southern tip,
Laughlin is approximately 225 miles from Phoenix and
285 miles from Los Angeles. The River Palms benefits from
approximately 1,300 feet of frontage on the Colorado River
and on Casino Drive, Laughlins principal thoroughfare.
Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino and Resort. The
Tahoe Horizon is located at the southeastern end of Lake Tahoe
in Stateline, Nevada, an area also known as South Lake Tahoe.
The property, which underwent an extensive remodeling in 1999,
features 539 hotel rooms and a 43,000-square-foot casino housing
712 slot machines and 32 table games. Other notable amenities
include South Lake Tahoes largest outdoor pool, an
eight-screen movie theater, four restaurants, a Starbucks
café, two entertainment venues, a game arcade,
11,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and a
1,396-space parking facility. The South Lake Tahoe market,
approximately 100 miles from Sacramento and 185 miles
from the San Francisco Bay area, is situated in a popular
domestic vacation destination and attracts visitors with a wide
range of year-round recreational activities.
MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa. The MontBleu
is situated on approximately 21 acres in South Lake Tahoe,
Nevada, immediately adjacent to the Tahoe Horizon. In May 2006,
we completed an extensive re-branding and refurbishment of the
propertys casino, lobby, retail facilities, restaurants
and nightclub. The property features 440 hotel rooms and a
40,585-square-foot casino that houses 638 slot machines, 52
table games and a new poker room. The property also offers
patrons a choice of four restaurants and various non-gaming
amenities, including a shopping galleria, a nightclub targeted
to younger visitors, a 1,500-seat auditorium, approximately
13,899 square feet of meeting and convention space and a
1,547-space parking facility.
Lighthouse Point Casino. The Lighthouse Point
Casino is a 210-foot riverboat operation located in Greenville,
Mississippi. The riverboat features an approximately
22,000-square-foot, three-floor casino housing 725 slot machines
and nine table games. The property also features a 386-space
parking facility. Lighthouse Point Casino, which draws the
majority of its customers from local markets, is located
approximately 90 miles from Vicksburg, Mississippi.
Greenville Riverboat, LLC, or Greenville Riverboat, which owns
and manages the Lighthouse Point Casino, is not a guarantor of
the outstanding notes and will not be a guarantor of the
exchange notes, however, it is subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture.
Bayou Caddys Jubilee Casino. Bayou
Caddys Jubilee Casino, or the Jubilee Casino, is a
240-foot riverboat located in Greenville, Mississippi. The
Jubilee Casino is owned and operated by JMBS Casino, one of the
affiliate guarantors. The riverboat features a
28,500-square-foot casino housing 712 slot machines and 13 table
games. The property has parking capacity to accommodate 512
vehicles. JMBS Casino also owns and operates the Greenville
Inn & Suites, a hotel located less than one mile from
the Jubilee Casino offering 39 suites and free shuttle service
to and from the Jubilee Casino.
Vicksburg Horizon Casino. The Vicksburg
Horizon Casino, or Vicksburg Horizon, is a 297-foot multi-level
antebellum style riverboat located in downtown Vicksburg,
Mississippi. The Vicksburg Horizon
6
is owned and operated by CP Vicksburg, one of the affiliate
guarantors. The property features a three-floor,
20,909-square-foot casino housing 696 slot machines and 19 table
games and a hotel with 117 guest rooms. Additional amenities
include two restaurants, a sports bar, two covered parking
garages and an additional parking lot with free valet service,
which provide a total of 889 parking spaces. The Vicksburg
Horizon attracts patrons primarily from western and central
Mississippi and eastern Louisiana.
Recently
Acquired Properties
Tropicana Resort and Casino Atlantic
City. The Tropicana Atlantic City is situated on
a 14 acre site with approximately 660 feet of ocean
frontage along the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. The
Tropicana Atlantic City features 2,129 hotel rooms and suites,
the most rooms offered by any gaming property in the Atlantic
City market, and 147,248 square feet of casino space with
3,480 slot machines and 209 table games. The Quarter, a
200,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style indoor dining, entertainment
and retail center with a Havana-inspired theme, is the
centerpiece of a $285.0 million expansion, which was
completed in November 2004. The property is currently undergoing
a two-phase renovation of its casino floor and hotel towers,
which is scheduled to be completed in 2007. In addition to The
Quarter, the Tropicana Atlantic City also boasts a 2,000-seat
theatrical show room, a health club, swimming pools and tennis
courts, approximately 99,000 square feet of meeting,
convention and banquet space and parking facilities to
accommodate 5,477 vehicles. Atlantic City is the second largest
commercial gaming market in the United States. Although the
Atlantic City market has historically been patronized primarily
by day-trippers, we believe that the market is
continuing to evolve into a regional destination for overnight
visitors as a result of recent significant capital investment
and the introduction of improved amenities. The market attracts
patrons primarily from New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino. The
Tropicana Express is situated in close proximity to our River
Palms property on an approximately
31-acre site
in Laughlin, Nevada. The Tropicana Express features 1,495 guest
rooms and a 53,680-square-foot casino housing 1,075 slot
machines and 39 table games. The property also features a
novelty working train for use by its patrons. Other non-gaming
amenities include a train-shaped, heated outdoor swimming pool
and attached spa, five restaurants, an entertainment lounge, a
premium lounge for high-end players and parking accommodations
for 2,253 vehicles. We are nearing completion of an
approximately $11.0 million program to renovate the hotel
rooms at the Tropicana Express. We expect the renovation to be
completed in 2007.
Casino Aztar Evansville. The Casino Aztar
Evansville riverboat is located on the Ohio River adjacent to
approximately 15 acres of landside development in
metropolitan Evansville, Indiana. The Casino Aztar Evansville
features two hotels boasting an aggregate of 346 guest rooms and
approximately 38,360 square feet of casino space with 1,132
slot machines and 52 table games. In addition, the property has
a 44,000-square-foot passenger pavilion that has four
restaurants, an entertainment lounge, a gift shop, a
full-service Starbucks café, an executive conference center
and a 2,100-space parking structure. Construction has been
completed on a $32.6 million expansion that includes a
96-room boutique hotel, a multi-venue dining and entertainment
complex, improvements to an existing park and the infrastructure
required to support the expansion project. The new dining and
entertainment complex opened in November 2006 and the new
boutique hotel opened in December 2006. Casino Aztar Evansville
is the sole gaming facility in Evansville. It primarily attracts
patrons from the local tri-state area of southern Indiana,
northwestern Kentucky and southeastern Illinois.
Tropicana Resort and Casino Las
Vegas. The Tropicana Las Vegas is located on an
approximately
34-acre
parcel on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together
with the MGM Grand, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, the Luxor,
the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and the New York-New York
Hotel and Casino, the Tropicana Las Vegas is located at the
intersection known as the Four Corners at Las Vegas
Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. The properties situated at the
Four Corners collectively offer over 18,000 hotel rooms. The
Tropicana Las Vegas features 1,876 hotel rooms and suites and a
60,727-square-foot casino housing 994 slot machines and 35 table
games. Other amenities include seven restaurants, one of the
worlds largest indoor-outdoor swimming pools, a
five-acre
water oasis and tropical garden, approximately
106,358 square feet of convention and exhibit space and
parking to accommodate 2,388 vehicles. We believe
7
the propertys central location enables it to benefit from
a cluster effect, which produces increased
pedestrian traffic, visitation and gaming play. The outstanding
notes are not, and the exchange notes will not be, guaranteed by
the subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment that hold the assets
and operations relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas.
The Aztar
Acquisition
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment
acquired Aztar for approximately $2.1 billion in cash. As
part of the corporate reorganization completed substantially
concurrently with the acquisition, Aztar became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. The Aztar Acquisition was
consummated pursuant to an Agreement and Plan of Merger (which
we refer to as the Aztar Merger Agreement), dated as of
May 19, 2006, among Aztar and Tropicana
Entertainments affiliates Columbia Sussex, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts and WT-Columbia Development, Inc.
Outstanding shares of Aztars common stock and
Series B preferred stock were acquired in exchange for
$54.3996 per share and $575.3546 per share in cash,
respectively. Following the Aztar Acquisition, Aztars
common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and
deregistered.
In accordance with the Aztar Merger Agreement, Aztar attempted
to divest the Casino Aztar Caruthersville prior to the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition. Aztar located a
prospective buyer, however, the proposed sale was terminated
because the Missouri Gaming Commission, by resolution dated
October 25, 2006, determined that the licensure of the
proposed buyer would not occur on or before the proposed closing
date of the Aztar Acquisition. The Aztar Merger Agreement
contemplated that if the sale of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville
was not completed by the proposed closing date of the Aztar
Acquisition, the casino would be shut down because Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts would not have the necessary licenses to own
and operate a casino in Missouri. In order to avoid the
potential closure of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, the
Missouri Gaming Commission entered into an agreement with Aztar
Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company and Aztar on November 3,
2006 permitting Tropicana Casinos and Resorts to own the Casino
Aztar Caruthersville on an interim basis during which time the
property was operated under the supervision of the Missouri
Gaming Commission. The agreement required Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts to either sell the Casino Aztar Caruthersville within
nine months of the date of its execution or discontinue the
casinos operations at that time. In accordance with the
agreement, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts divested the Casino
Aztar Caruthersville to Isle of Capri on June 10, 2007. All
proceeds from the disposition of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville
were retained by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and we are not
entitled to any of these proceeds.
On December 12, 2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
acquired all of the equity interests of Tropicana Pennsylvania,
LLC (which we refer to as Tropicana Pennsylvania), a subsidiary
of Aztar formed to file an application to develop a gaming
property in Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley gaming market at a
site in Allentown, for a cash purchase price of
$6.9 million, which represented the estimated net total
assets of Tropicana Pennsylvania on the date the acquisition was
consummated. Following its acquisition by Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Tropicana Pennsylvania became a direct subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. Tropicana Pennsylvania is not
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
In addition, LV Rec, Inc. and LV Red, LLC (which entities we
refer to collectively with Tropicana Pennsylvania as the
Tropicana Pennsylvania entities), subsidiaries of Aztar involved
in its erstwhile effort to develop a gaming property in
Allentown, Pennsylvania but that do not hold any material
assets, were distributed to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
immediately following the Aztar Acquisition. Neither LV Rec,
Inc. nor LV Red, LLC is a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment
and neither of these entities is subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture. On December 21, 2006,
the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awarded the right to
develop a gaming property in Lehigh Valley to the Las Vegas
Sands Corp., or Sands, which had competed with Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts for the gaming license. Sands will develop a site in
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts is
currently contemplating a sale of a portion of the real property
held by the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities in Allentown,
Pennsylvania to a third party which would make use of such real
property for non-gaming purposes.
8
Substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition, Tropicana Entertainment caused Aztar to call for
redemption its $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of
77/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014 and $175.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 9% senior subordinated notes due 2011
by irrevocably depositing with the trustees for such notes
amounts sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of
interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness
outstanding under such series of notes, including principal,
premium and liquidated damages, if any, and accrued interest to
February 2, 2007, the date on which such series of notes
were redeemed. In addition, on January 3, 2007, Tropicana
Entertainment caused Aztar to repay in full all outstanding term
loans and revolving loans, together with interest and all other
amounts due in connection with such repayment, under
Aztars then outstanding credit agreement. The credit
agreement was comprised of a $675 million senior secured
credit facility consisting of a five-year revolving credit
facility of up to $550 million and a five-year term loan
facility of $125 million.
For more information concerning the Aztar Acquisition, see
Business The Aztar Acquisition.
The
Acquisition Financing Transactions
We financed the Aztar Acquisition and the refinancing of
Aztars outstanding indebtedness, along with the
refinancing of Tropicana Casino and Resorts then
outstanding credit facility and certain additional indebtedness
of the affiliate guarantors, with:
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the net proceeds of the offering of the outstanding notes;
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a senior secured credit facility (which we refer to as the
senior secured credit facility), which was made available to
Tropicana Entertainment and provided for $1,530.0 million
in aggregate principal amount of term loans, $229.8 million
in aggregate principal amount of which we have since repaid
resulting in $1,300.2 million in aggregate principal amount
of such term loans being outstanding as of September 30,
2007, and a $180.0 million revolving credit facility under
which we presently have approximately $170.3 million in
additional availability net of approximately $9.7 million
of outstanding letters of credit;
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a secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of
$440.0 million (which we refer to as the Las Vegas secured
loan), which was made available to Tropicana Las Vegas Resort
and Casino, LLC (which we refer to as the Las Vegas Borrower), a
newly formed indirect subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment that
holds the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana Las
Vegas, including its
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip;
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the approximately $241.8 million remaining of a
$313.0 million deposit plus accrued interest made by
Columbia Sussex on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts into
a custodial account upon the execution of the Aztar Merger
Agreement;
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cash-on-hand
of ours and Aztar; and
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an additional equity contribution of approximately
$152.0 million from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent.
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For more information on the terms of the senior secured credit
facility and the Las Vegas secured loan, see Description
of Other Indebtedness.
Corporate
Reorganization
In order to facilitate the Transactions, we undertook an
internal corporate reorganization. As part of this
reorganization, Tropicana Entertainment, a co-issuer of the
notes and the borrower under the senior secured credit facility,
was formed on June 8, 2006. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent, contributed to
Tropicana Entertainment substantially all of its gaming
properties. Substantially concurrently with the consummation of
the Aztar Acquisition, Aztar became a direct wholly-owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts holds its equity interests in Tropicana Entertainment
through two holding companies, Tropicana Entertainment Holdings
9
and its direct subsidiary Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate
Holdings, Tropicana Entertainments immediate parent. All
of the capital stock of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts is held by
Mr. William Yung.
In the corporate reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
did not contribute to Tropicana Entertainment the assets
relating to two gaming properties: (1) its subsidiary that
owns the New Orleans riverboat, which was temporarily
decommissioned as a result of damage it sustained during
Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and was subsequently redeployed
in Amelia, Louisiana in May 2007, and (2) the gaming assets
and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino, a casino
located in leased space in a hotel property that is managed by
Columbia Sussex and owned by a subsidiary of Columbia Sussex.
The assets relating to the New Orleans riverboat are held by
Belle of Orleans, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts which is not a subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment, and the gaming assets and operations
relating to the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino are held by LV Casino
LLC, a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts which is not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment.
In addition, on December 12, 2006 and January 3, 2007,
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired all of the equity
interests in the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities, which are not
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
Furthermore, Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, which owns
the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, became a wholly-owned direct
subsidiary of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, and not a
subsidiary of Aztar, as a result of the consummation of the
corporate reorganization. On June 10, 2007, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts completed the sale of Aztar Missouri
Riverboat Gaming Company to Isle of Capri. See
Recent Developments Sale of Aztar Missouri Riverboat
Gaming Company.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment with nominal assets and
which conducts no operations, are co-issuers of the outstanding
notes and will be co-issuers of the exchange notes. Tropicana
Entertainment is also the borrower under the senior secured
credit facility. The outstanding notes and the obligations under
the senior secured credit facility are, and the exchange notes
will be, guaranteed by certain of Tropicana Entertainments
existing and future domestic subsidiaries. In addition, the
outstanding notes and the obligations under the senior secured
credit facility are, and the exchange notes will be, guaranteed
by Realty and CP Vicksburg, each of which is an affiliate of
Tropicana Entertainment but not a subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment, and JMBS Casino, an affiliate of the Yung family
that is not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. Realty,
which is held indirectly by Columbia Sussex and a trust created
for the benefit of Mr. William Yungs children, owns
the real estate on which our River Palms in Laughlin, Nevada is
situated, as well as substantially all of the non-gaming assets
associated with the property. CP Vicksburg is owned by
Mr. William Yung and the JMBS Trust, and operates our
Vicksburg Horizon in Vicksburg, Mississippi. JMBS Casino is
owned by the JMBS Trust and is subject to the control of
Mr. William Yungs children. In addition, any amount
in excess of $100.0 million drawn under the senior secured
credit facilitys revolving loan facility will be
guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by Columbia Sussex.
The outstanding notes and the obligations under the senior
secured credit facility are not, and the exchange notes will not
be, guaranteed by Greenville Riverboat, a direct subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment in which Tropicana Entertainment holds
an 84% economic interest and a 79% voting interest. However,
Greenville Riverboat is subject to the restrictive covenants
contained in the indenture. The remaining interests in
Greenville Riverboat are held by Rainbow Entertainment, Inc., or
Rainbow, an unrelated party, and Mr. William Yung.
Greenville Riverboat operates the Lighthouse Point Casino in
Greenville, Mississippi. However, Tropicana Entertainments
wholly-owned subsidiary St. Louis Riverboat Entertainment
Inc., or St. Louis Riverboat Entertainment, is the owner of
the vessel on which the Lighthouse Point Casino conducts its
operations, and is a guarantor of the outstanding notes and the
senior secured credit facility, and will be a guarantor of the
exchange notes. The outstanding notes and the senior secured
credit facility are not, and the exchange notes will not be,
guaranteed by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, and, respectively,
are not and will not be guaranteed by Belle of Orleans, LLC, LV
Casino LLC or the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities, each of which
is outside of the group subject to the restrictive covenants
contained in the indenture.
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The outstanding notes and the obligations under the senior
secured credit facility are also not, and the exchange notes
will not be, guaranteed by any of Tropicana Entertainments
subsidiaries that hold the assets and operations relating to the
Tropicana Las Vegas, including the
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip. These
subsidiaries are the obligors in respect of the
$440.0 million aggregate principal amount Las Vegas secured
loan, and the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Las Vegas, including its site on the Strip, have
been pledged as collateral to secure the Las Vegas secured loan.
We expect that the Las Vegas secured loan will be refinanced
with a construction financing loan to fund our planned
redevelopment of the Tropicana Las Vegas and the real estate on
which it is situated.
The following chart summarizes our ownership, corporate
structure and indebtedness:
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(1)
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Provides a first-priority pledge of
all of the equity interests in Tropicana Entertainment
Intermediate Holdings to secure the Las Vegas secured loan.
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(2)
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Guarantees the obligations in
respect of the senior secured credit facility. Also provides a
first-priority pledge of all of the equity interests in
Tropicana Entertainment to secure the senior secured credit
facility.
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(3)
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Guarantee the outstanding notes and
the obligations in respect of the senior secured credit facility
and will guarantee the exchange notes. Also provide
first-priority pledges of substantially all of their tangible
and intangible assets to secure the senior secured credit
facility.
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(4)
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Tropicana Finance guarantees the
obligations in respect of the senior secured credit facility.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance provide a
first-priority pledge of substantially all of their tangible and
intangible assets to secure the senior secured credit facility.
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(5)
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Greenville Riverboat does not
guarantee the outstanding notes or secure the obligations in
respect of the senior secured credit facility and will not
guarantee the exchange notes, although it is subject to the
restrictive covenants of the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility.
Tropicana Entertainment holds an 84% economic interest and a 79%
voting interest in Greenville Riverboat and Tropicana
Entertainments wholly-owned subsidiary St. Louis
Riverboat Entertainment, which is a guarantor of the outstanding
notes and the senior secured credit facility and will be a
guarantor of the exchange notes, is the owner of the vessel on
which the Lighthouse Point Casino conducts its operations.
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(6)
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Guarantees the obligations in
respect of the Las Vegas secured loan. Also provides a perfected
first-priority pledge of all of the equity interests in the Las
Vegas Borrower to secure the Las Vegas secured loan. Does not
guarantee the outstanding notes or guarantee or secure the
obligations in respect of the senior secured credit facility and
will not guarantee the exchange notes.
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(7)
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The subsidiaries of the Las Vegas
Borrower guarantee the obligations in respect of the Las Vegas
secured loan. The Las Vegas Borrower and its subsidiary
guarantors provide first-priority pledges of substantially all
of their tangible and intangible assets to secure the Las Vegas
secured loan. The Las Vegas Borrower and its subsidiaries do not
guarantee the outstanding notes or guarantee or secure the
obligations in respect of the senior secured credit facility,
nor will they guarantee the exchange notes.
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Recent
Developments
Casino
Queen Developments
On April 20, 2006, CP St. Louis Casino, LLC and CP
St. Louis Acquisition, LLC (affiliates of Tropicana
Entertainment) entered into an agreement (which we refer to as
the Casino Queen Acquisition Agreement) to acquire Casino Queen,
Inc., or Casino Queen, for $200.0 million in cash, less the
aggregate amount of its outstanding indebtedness at the closing
of the acquisition and subject to certain purchase price
adjustments. Due to reasons beyond our control, the conditions
to the closing of the acquisition set forth in the Casino Queen
Acquisition Agreement were not satisfied by February 28,
2007, the outside date for the consummation of the transaction,
and accordingly the Casino Queen Acquisition Agreement was
terminated on March 9, 2007.
On March 14, 2007, $5.0 million (plus accrued interest
thereon) of a $10.0 million deposit that Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts previously made in connection with the contemplated
acquisition was returned to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts by
Casino Queen. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, in turn, paid these
funds to us as an additional capital contribution. Casino Queen,
however, retained $5.0 million of the original deposit,
plus the accrued interest thereon, despite Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts demand that Casino Queen return the entire
original deposit, plus the accrued interest thereon. On
June 20, 2007, certain subsidiaries of Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts initiated an action against Casino Queen in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of
Illinois seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of
$5.0 million. In the complaint, these subsidiaries allege,
among other things, that Casino Queen is liable for breach of
contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, violations of the Illinois
Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and violations of the
federal securities laws. The action is ongoing. No trial date
has been set. Any future proceeds derived from, or costs
required to pursue, this action will be retained or paid, as the
case may be, by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and we are not
entitled to any such prospective proceeds, nor will we be
responsible for any such future costs.
In addition, as a result of the fact that the Casino Queen
Acquisition Agreement was terminated, on March 14, 2007 and
March 30, 2007, we repaid $167.9 million in aggregate
principal amount of the term loan under the senior secured
credit facility, which funds had been set aside to fund the
acquisition of Casino Queen.
Sale
of Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company
On June 10, 2007, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts completed
the sale of Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, which holds
the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, to Isle of Capri for
$45.0 million in cash. The sale was consummated in
accordance with the terms of a purchase agreement entered into
on March 16, 2007 between Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and
Isle of Capri. All proceeds from the disposition of Aztar
Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company were retained by Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts and we are not entitled to any of these
proceeds.
12
Departure
of Chief Financial Officer and Appointment of
Successor
On July 13, 2007, Richard M. FitzPatrick resigned from his
positions as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and
Treasurer of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance to
pursue other interests. On August 2, 2007, Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Finance named John G. Jacob Senior
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance, which appointment
became effective on August 23, 2007, following the
completion of interim gaming regulatory reviews. Certain
applicable gaming regulatory authorities have not yet granted
Mr. Jacob final approval or, as the case may be, made a
final determination with respect to his suitability.
Departure
of Senior Vice President, Casino Operations and Appointment of
Successor
On June 14, 2007, Howard Reinhardt resigned from his
position as Senior Vice President, Casino Operations of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance to pursue other
career opportunities. Shortly thereafter, Kevin E. Preston was
named Senior Vice President, Casino Operations of Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Finance, succeeding
Mr. Reinhardt in such post. Certain applicable gaming
regulatory authorities have not yet granted Mr. Preston
final approval or, as the case may be, made a final
determination with respect to his suitability.
Departure
of President and Chief Operating Officer of the Tropicana
Atlantic City and Appointment of Successor
On August 9, 2007, in a move designed to unify and
streamline the management of its casino property in New Jersey,
Tropicana Entertainment named Mark Giannantonio President and
General Manager of the Tropicana Atlantic City. With the
appointment of Mr. Giannantonio, Tropicana Entertainment
also announced that Fred Buro, who had served as President and
Chief Operating Officer of the Tropicana Atlantic City, decided
to leave those positions effective August 8, 2007 to pursue
other business opportunities.
Settlement
of Tropicana Atlantic City Garage Collapse
Litigation
On April 4, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment settled with its
insurers with respect to out-of-pocket costs it and Aztar
incurred in connection with the collapse of a parking garage at
the Tropicana Atlantic City in 2003 and, as a result, Tropicana
Entertainment received approximately $18.3 million in
insurance proceeds net of a portion of the gross insurance
proceeds allocated to a contractor under an existing settlement
agreement. On April 11, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment
became a party to a settlement agreement that resolved all of
the construction accident related liability claims against Aztar
and Aztars claims against the contractors involved in the
Atlantic City garage collapse. The settlement amount was within
Tropicana Entertainments insurance policy limits. On
August 20, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment reached a partial
settlement with various insurers of business interruption claims
arising out of the Atlantic City garage collapse and received
$5.0 million as a result. For more information concerning
the settlements referred to above and the litigation underlying
them, see Business Legal
Proceedings Litigation matters relating to
Aztars October 30, 2003 garage collapse
accident.
13
Summary
Description of the Exchange Offer
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Outstanding Notes |
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95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014, which we issued on
December 28, 2006. |
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Exchange Notes |
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95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014, the issuance of which has been
registered under the Securities Act. The form and the terms of
the exchange notes will be identical in all material respects to
those of the outstanding notes, except that the transfer
restrictions and registration rights relating to the outstanding
notes will not apply to the exchange notes. |
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Exchange Offer |
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We are offering to issue up to $960.0 million aggregate
principal amount of the exchange notes in exchange for a like
principal amount of the outstanding notes to satisfy our
obligations under the registration rights agreement that we
entered into when the outstanding notes were issued in
transactions in reliance upon the exemptions from registration
provided by Rule 144A and Regulation S under the
Securities Act. |
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Expiration Date; Tenders |
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The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City
time, on November 19, 2007, the 32nd day following the date
of this prospectus, unless extended in our sole and absolute
discretion. By tendering your outstanding notes, you represent
to us that: |
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you are not our affiliate, as defined in
Rule 405 under the Securities Act or if you are our
affiliate as defined in Rule 405 under the
Securities Act and you are engaging in or intend to engage in or
have an arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in a distribution of the exchange notes to be
acquired pursuant to the exchange offer, you will not rely on
the applicable interpretations of the SEC and will comply with
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the
Securities Act in connection with any resale transaction;
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any exchange notes you receive in the exchange offer
are being acquired by you in the ordinary course of your
business;
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at the time of the commencement of the exchange
offer, neither you nor anyone receiving exchange notes from you,
has any arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities
Act, of the exchange notes in violation of the Securities Act;
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if you are a broker-dealer, you will receive the
exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding
notes that were acquired by you as a result of your
market-making or other trading activities and that you will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the
exchange notes you receive. For further information regarding
resales of the exchange notes by participating broker-dealers,
see the discussion under the caption Plan of
Distribution; and
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if you are not a broker-dealer, you are not engaged
in, and do not intend to engage in, the distribution of the
exchange notes, as defined in the Securities Act.
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Withdrawal; Non-Acceptance |
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You may withdraw any outstanding notes tendered in the exchange
offer at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time,
on November 19, 2007. To be effective, a written notice of
withdrawal must be received by U.S. Bank National Association in
its capacity as exchange agent, or the exchange agent, at the
address set forth under the caption The Exchange
Offer Exchange Agent. The notice must specify: |
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the name of the person or entity having tendered the
outstanding notes to be withdrawn;
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the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the
principal amount of such outstanding notes; and
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where certificates for outstanding notes have been
transmitted, the name in which such outstanding notes are
registered, if different from that of the withdrawing holder.
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If we decide for any reason not to accept any outstanding notes
tendered for exchange, the outstanding notes will be returned to
the registered holder at our expense promptly after the
expiration or termination of the exchange offer. In the case of
the outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the
exchange agents account at The Depository
Trust Company, which we sometimes refer to in this
prospectus as DTC, any withdrawn or unaccepted outstanding notes
will be credited to the tendering holders account at DTC.
For further information regarding the withdrawal of any tendered
outstanding notes, see The Exchange Offer
Withdrawal Rights. |
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Conditions to the Exchange Offer |
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The exchange offer is subject to customary conditions, which we
may waive in our discretion. See the discussion below under the
caption The Exchange Offer Conditions to the
Exchange Offer for more information regarding the
conditions to the exchange offer. |
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Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes |
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Unless you comply with the procedures described below under the
caption The Exchange Offer Guaranteed Delivery
Procedures, you must do one of the following on or prior
to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer to
participate in the exchange offer: |
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tender your outstanding notes by sending the
certificates for your outstanding notes, in proper form for
transfer, a properly completed and duly executed letter of
transmittal, with any required signature guarantees, and all
other documents required by the letter of transmittal, to the
exchange agent, at the address listed below under the caption
The Exchange Offer Exchange Agent; or
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tender your outstanding notes by using the
book-entry transfer procedures described below and transmitting
a properly
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completed and duly executed letter of transmittal, with any
required signature guarantees, or an agents message
instead of the letter of transmittal, to the exchange agent. In
order for a book-entry transfer to constitute a valid tender of
your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, the exchange agent
must receive a confirmation of book-entry transfer of your
outstanding notes into the exchange agents account at DTC
prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.
For more information regarding the use of book-entry transfer
procedures, including a description of the required agents
message, see the discussion below under the caption The
Exchange Offer Book-Entry Transfers. |
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Guaranteed Delivery Procedures |
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If you are a registered holder of outstanding notes and wish to
tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, but |
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the outstanding notes are not immediately available;
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time will not permit your outstanding notes or other
required documents to reach the exchange agent before the
expiration or termination of the exchange offer; or
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the procedure for book-entry transfer cannot be
completed prior to the expiration or termination of the exchange
offer;
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then you may tender your outstanding notes by following the
procedures described below under the caption The Exchange
Offer Guaranteed Delivery Procedures. |
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Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners |
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If you are a beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are
registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank,
trust company or other nominee and you wish to tender your
outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you should promptly
contact the person in whose name the outstanding notes are
registered and instruct that person to tender them on your
behalf. If you wish to tender in the exchange offer on your own
behalf, prior to completing and executing the letter of
transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, you must
either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of
the outstanding notes in your name, or obtain a properly
completed bond power from the person in whose name the
outstanding notes are registered. |
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Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax Considerations |
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The exchange of the outstanding notes for exchange notes in the
exchange offer should not be a taxable transaction for United
States federal income tax purposes. See the discussion below
under the caption Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations for more information regarding the United
States federal income tax consequences to you of the exchange
offer. |
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Accounting Treatment |
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Tropicana Entertainment will record the exchange notes at the
same carrying value as the outstanding notes as reflected in its
accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly,
Tropicana Entertainment will not recognize any gain or loss for
accounting purposes as a result of the exchange offer. The |
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expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over the term
of the exchange notes. |
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Use of Proceeds |
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We will not receive any proceeds from the exchange offer. In
consideration for issuing the exchange notes in exchange for the
outstanding notes as described in this prospectus, we will
receive, retire and cancel the outstanding notes. See Use
of Proceeds. |
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Exchange Agent |
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U.S. Bank National Association is the exchange agent for the
exchange offer. You can find the address and telephone number of
the exchange agent below under the caption The Exchange
Offer Exchange Agent. |
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Resales |
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Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth
in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that
the exchange notes you receive in the exchange offer may be
offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred by you
without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act. However, you will not be
able to freely transfer the exchange notes if: |
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you are our affiliate, as defined in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act;
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you are not acquiring the exchange notes in the
exchange offer in the ordinary course of business;
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you have an arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in the distribution, as defined in the
Securities Act, of the exchange notes you will receive in the
exchange offer;
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you are holding outstanding notes that have or are
reasonably likely to have the status of an unsold allotment in
the initial offering; or
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you are a broker-dealer that received exchange notes
for its own account in the exchange offer in exchange for
outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of
market-making or other trading activities.
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If you fall within one of the exceptions listed above, you must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction involving the exchange notes. See the discussion
below under the caption The Exchange Offer
Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes for more
information. |
|
Broker-Dealers |
|
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will
not be deemed to admit that it is an underwriter within the
meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be
amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a
broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes
received in exchange for outstanding notes which were received |
17
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by the broker-dealer as a result of market making or other
trading activities. See Plan of Distribution for
more information. |
|
Registration Rights Agreement |
|
When we issued the outstanding notes in December 2006, we
entered into a registration rights agreement with Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC, as representative of the several initial
purchasers of the outstanding notes. See The Exchange
Offer Purpose of the Exchange Offer. Under the
terms of the registration rights agreement, we agreed to file a
registration statement with the SEC (which we refer to herein,
together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, as the
Registration Statement) with respect to a registered offer to
exchange the outstanding notes for the publicly registered
exchange notes. Under some circumstances set forth in the
registration rights agreement, holders of outstanding notes,
including holders who are not permitted to participate in the
exchange offer or who may not freely sell exchange notes
received in the exchange offer, may require us to file and cause
to become effective, a shelf registration statement covering
resales of the outstanding notes by these holders. |
|
|
|
A copy of the registration rights agreement is attached as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this prospectus
is a part. |
Consequences
of Not Exchanging Your Outstanding Notes
If you do not exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange
offer, you will continue to be subject to the restrictions on
transfer described in the legend on the certificate for your
outstanding notes. In general, you may offer or sell your
outstanding notes only:
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if they are registered under the Securities Act and applicable
state securities laws;
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if they are offered or sold under an exemption from registration
under the Securities Act and applicable state securities
laws; or
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|
|
if they are offered or sold in a transaction not subject to the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
|
We do not intend to register the outstanding notes under the
Securities Act. Under some circumstances set forth in the
registration rights agreement, however, holders of the
outstanding notes, including holders who are not permitted to
participate in the exchange offer or who may not freely sell
exchange notes received in the exchange offer, may require us to
file, and to cause to become effective, a shelf registration
statement covering resales of the outstanding notes by these
holders. For more information regarding the consequences of not
tendering your outstanding notes and our obligations to file a
shelf registration statement, see The Exchange
Offer Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to
Exchange Outstanding Notes.
18
Summary
Description of the Exchange Notes
|
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|
Issuers |
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Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, and Tropicana Finance Corp., a Delaware corporation. |
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Notes Offered |
|
Up to $960,000,000 in aggregate principal amount of
95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014. |
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Maturity Date |
|
December 15, 2014. |
|
Interest |
|
95/8%
per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15 and
December 15, commencing on December 15, 2007. |
|
Guarantees |
|
The exchange notes will be guaranteed, jointly and severally, by
certain of Tropicana Entertainments existing and future
domestic subsidiaries, as well as by (i) Realty and CP
Vicksburg, each of which is an affiliate of Tropicana
Entertainment but not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment,
and (ii) JMBS Casino, an affiliate of the Yung family that
is not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. The exchange
notes will not be guaranteed by Greenville Riverboat, a direct
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment that it does not wholly
own, although Greenville Riverboat is subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture. The exchange notes will
not be guaranteed by any of Tropicana Entertainments
subsidiaries that hold the assets and operations relating to the
Tropicana Las Vegas, including its
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip. |
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Ranking |
|
The exchange notes and the guarantees will be the
co-issuers and the guarantors senior subordinated
obligations and will rank: |
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junior to all of the co-issuers and the
guarantors existing and future senior indebtedness,
including all indebtedness under the senior secured credit
facility;
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equally with any of the co-issuers and the
guarantors existing and future unsecured senior
subordinated indebtedness, including indebtedness in respect of
the outstanding notes; and
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senior to all of the co-issuers and the
guarantors existing and future unsecured subordinated
indebtedness.
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As of September 30, 2007: |
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Tropicana Entertainment and its consolidated
subsidiaries had approximately $1,740.2 million of senior
indebtedness outstanding, $1,300.2 million of which
consisted of secured indebtedness under the senior secured
credit facility and $440.0 million of which consisted of
secured indebtedness under the Las Vegas secured loan;
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the guarantors had approximately
$1,300.2 million of senior indebtedness outstanding, all of
which consisted of their respective guarantees of senior
indebtedness of Tropicana Entertainment under the senior secured
credit facility;
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Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries that are
not guarantors had $440.0 million of indebtedness
outstanding, all of which
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19
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consisted of indebtedness under the Las Vegas secured loan; and |
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Tropicana Finance had no senior indebtedness
outstanding other than in respect of its guarantee of senior
indebtedness of Tropicana Entertainment under the senior secured
credit facility.
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Optional Redemption |
|
On or after December 15, 2010, we may redeem some or all of
the exchange notes at the redemption prices set forth in this
prospectus. In addition, prior to December 15, 2010, we may
redeem some or all of the exchange notes at a price equal to
100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, and the make-whole premium set
forth in this prospectus. We may also redeem up to 35% of the
aggregate principal amount of the exchange notes using the net
proceeds from certain equity offerings completed on or prior to
December 15, 2009 at the redemption price set forth in this
prospectus. |
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The exchange notes will be subject to mandatory disposition and
redemption requirements following certain determinations by
gaming authorities. See Description of the Exchange
Notes Gaming Redemption. |
|
Change of Control |
|
Upon a change of control, we will be required to make an offer
to purchase each holders exchange notes at a price of 101%
of the then outstanding principal amount thereof, plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the date of purchase. See
Description of the Exchange Notes Change of
Control. |
|
Certain Covenants |
|
The indenture governing the exchange notes contains covenants
that will, among other things, limit the co-issuers
ability and the ability of the guarantors, and certain of the
co-issuers and the guarantors subsidiaries, to: |
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incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;
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pay dividends and make other restricted payments;
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transfer or sell assets;
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make certain investments;
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create or incur certain liens;
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transfer all or substantially all of their assets or
enter into merger or consolidation transactions; and
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enter into transactions with affiliates.
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If we do not comply with the covenants described above, a
default or an event of default could result under the indenture.
The covenants described above are subject to a number of
important limitations and exceptions as discussed under
Description of the Exchange Notes Certain
Covenants. |
|
Amendment |
|
The indenture may be amended in the manner described under the
caption Description of the Exchange Notes
Amendments and Waivers. |
20
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Trustee |
|
U.S. Bank National Association is the trustee for the notes. See
Description of the Exchange Notes Concerning
the Trustee. |
Risk
Factors
Participation in the exchange offer involves substantial risks.
You should carefully consider the information under the caption
Risk Factors and all other information included in
this prospectus before participating in the exchange offer or
investing in the exchange notes.
Additional
Information
Our principal executive offices are located at 740 Centre View
Blvd., Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017. Our telephone number is
(859) 669-1500.
21
Summary
Unaudited Pro Forma Financial Data
The following summary unaudited pro forma financial data have
been prepared by (i) making pro forma adjustments to
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts historical consolidated
financial statements to give effect to the corporate
reorganization that occurred immediately prior to the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition in which Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts contributed to Tropicana Entertainment substantially
all of its gaming properties, other than its New Orleans
riverboat and the gaming assets and operations of the Casuarina
Las Vegas Casino and (ii) further adjusting these amounts
to give effect to the Aztar Acquisition and the related
Acquisition Financing Transactions. The summary unaudited pro
forma income statement data give effect to the foregoing
transactions as if they had occurred on January 1, 2006.
The summary unaudited pro forma financial data have been derived
from the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial data
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
The pro forma adjustments are based upon available information
and assumptions that we consider reasonable. The summary
unaudited pro forma financial data have been presented for
informational purposes only, and do not purport to represent
what results of operations actually would have been had the
transactions reflected been consummated on the dates indicated
or to project results of operations for any future period.
The information in the table below does not represent data for
the restricted group under the indenture as it does not include
data with respect to the affiliate guarantors, nor does it
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas.
The information presented below should be read in conjunction
with Use of Proceeds, Capitalization,
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Statements, Selected Historical Consolidated
Financial Data Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Aztar and the financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
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|
|
|
|
Pro Forma for
|
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|
|
|
|
Aztar Acquisition
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma for
|
|
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and
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
Financing
|
|
|
|
Reorganization
|
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Transactions
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
Year
|
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
Ended
|
|
|
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December 31,
|
|
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December 31,
|
|
|
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2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
$
|
288,863
|
|
|
$
|
1,183,199
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
968,545
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
214,654
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
|
|
10,767
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(16,641
|
)
|
|
|
(248,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(7,723
|
)
|
|
|
(234,788
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before minority interest
|
|
|
50,855
|
|
|
|
(20,134
|
)
|
Minority interest in net income in consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
47,631
|
|
|
$
|
(23,358
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
18,033
|
|
|
$
|
81,030
|
|
Capital expenditures excluding acquisitions
|
|
$
|
40,924
|
|
|
$
|
117,038
|
|
22
Summary
Financial Information of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts
The following financial data for the years ended
December 31, 2006 and 2005 are derived from the audited
consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent company
and predecessor. The selected historical income statement data
for the six month period ended June 30, 2006 have been
derived from the consolidated financial statements of Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts which, in the opinion of management, include
all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
information for those periods. In connection with the corporate
reorganization conducted by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
described under Corporate
Reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
to Tropicana Entertainment substantially all of its gaming
properties. In the corporate reorganization, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts did not contribute to Tropicana Entertainment the
assets relating to its New Orleans riverboat or the gaming
assets and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino in Las
Vegas, Nevada, a casino located in leased space in a hotel
property that is managed by Columbia Sussex and owned by an
affiliate of Columbia Sussex. Accordingly, the historical
consolidated financial data of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts set
forth in the table below reflect the New Orleans riverboat and
the gaming assets and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas
Casino as discontinued operations. In addition, in accordance
with FASB Interpretation No. 46R, Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities, the selected historical
consolidated financial data of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts include the results of Realty, one
of the affiliate guarantors, a variable interest entity of which
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was the primary beneficiary prior
to the corporate reorganization and of which Tropicana
Entertainment became the primary beneficiary thereafter. For a
more detailed presentation of Realtys results, see the
financial statements of Realty included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
The selected historical income statement for the six month
period ended June 30, 2007 and the selected historical
balance sheet data as of June 30, 2007 have been derived
from the unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Tropicana Entertainment included elsewhere in this prospectus
which, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments
necessary for a fair presentation of the information for those
periods.
The information in the table below does not represent data for
the restricted group under the indenture as it does not include
data with respect to the affiliate guarantors, nor does it
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas.
The historical results set forth below do not necessarily
indicate results expected for any future period, and the results
of any future period do not necessarily indicate results that
may be expected for any other period or the full fiscal year.
The following historical consolidated financial information
should be read in conjunction with Use of Proceeds,
Capitalization, Unaudited Pro Forma
Consolidated Financial Statements, Selected
Historical Consolidated Financial Data Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Selected Historical Consolidated Financial
Data Aztar, Managements Discussion
and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Aztar and the financial statements
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
23
|
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|
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|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007(1)
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
|
and Resorts
|
|
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and Resorts
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|
and Resorts
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|
|
Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
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(In millions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
$
|
186.6
|
|
|
$
|
288.9
|
|
|
$
|
147.8
|
|
|
$
|
554.1
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
146.9
|
|
|
|
230.3
|
|
|
|
112.6
|
|
|
|
433.5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
39.7
|
|
|
|
58.6
|
|
|
|
35.2
|
|
|
|
120.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
0.5
|
|
|
|
8.9
|
|
|
|
0.9
|
|
|
|
6.5
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(6.0
|
)
|
|
|
(35.6
|
)
|
|
|
(8.0
|
)
|
|
|
(114.1
|
)
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2.8
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(5.5
|
)
|
|
|
(26.7
|
)
|
|
|
(7.1
|
)
|
|
|
(110.4
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest
|
|
|
34.2
|
|
|
|
31.9
|
|
|
|
28.1
|
|
|
|
10.2
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(3.4
|
)
|
|
|
(3.2
|
)
|
|
|
(1.8
|
)
|
|
|
(2.3
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations, before income tax
benefit
|
|
|
30.8
|
|
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
|
26.3
|
|
|
|
7.9
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384.7
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
|
30.8
|
|
|
|
28.7
|
|
|
|
26.3
|
|
|
|
392.6
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
(9.0
|
)
|
|
|
4.7
|
|
|
|
(2.1
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
21.8
|
|
|
$
|
33.4
|
|
|
$
|
24.2
|
|
|
$
|
392.6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
$
|
9.6
|
|
|
$
|
18.0
|
|
|
$
|
6.4
|
|
|
$
|
43.4
|
|
Capital expenditures excluding acquisitions
|
|
$
|
24.2
|
|
|
$
|
63.8
|
|
|
$
|
21.1
|
|
|
$
|
41.5
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Includes Aztars results of
operations from January 3, 2007, the date of its
acquisition.
|
24
You should carefully consider the risks described below as
well as the other information contained in this prospectus
before participating in the exchange offer or making an
investment decision with respect to the exchange notes. The
risks described below are not the only risks we face. Additional
risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we
currently deem to be immaterial may also materially adversely
affect our business, financial condition or results of
operations. Any of the following risks could materially
adversely affect our business, financial condition or
results of operations. In such case, you may lose all or
part of your original investment.
Risks
Related to Our Business, the Aztar Acquisition and the Gaming
Industry
Intense
competition could result in our loss of market share or
profitability.
We face intense competition in each of the markets in which our
gaming facilities are located. All of our casinos primarily
compete with other casinos in their respective geographic
markets and, to a lesser degree, with casinos in other
locations, including on Native American lands and on cruise
ships, and with other forms of legalized gaming in the United
States, including state sponsored lotteries, racetracks, jai
alai, off-track wagering, video lottery and video poker
terminals and card parlors. We expect this competition to
intensify as new gaming operators enter some of the markets in
which we operate and existing competitors expand their
operations. For example, Revel Entertainment Group has announced
a two-phase plan to develop a $2.0 billion casino hotel
project in Atlantic City. The property, which is tentatively
scheduled to open in 2011, is expected to feature nearly 4,000
guestrooms and various retail and entertainment attractions. In
addition, Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., or Pinnacle, and MGM
Mirage have recently unveiled plans to build new upscale casino
resorts in the Atlantic City market. We expect that these new
projects, when completed, will exert acute competitive pressure
on our Tropicana Atlantic City property. See
Business Competition and Information About
Gaming Markets Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Moreover, we expect that our Lighthouse Point Casino and Jubilee
Casino, both of which are located in Greenville, Mississippi,
will face significant competitive pressure in that market once
Southwest Gaming LLC completes construction of its planned
single-level dockside casino facility in Greenville. See
Business Competition and Information About
Gaming Markets Greenville, Mississippi. In
addition, some of our competitors have significantly greater
financial resources than we do and as a result we may not be
able to successfully compete with them in the future.
Several states have considered legalizing casino gaming and
others may in the future. Legalization of large-scale, unlimited
casino gaming in or near any major metropolitan area or
increased gaming in other areas could have an adverse economic
impact on the business of any or all of our gaming facilities by
diverting our customers to competitors in those areas. In
particular, the expansion of casino gaming in or near any
geographic area from which we attract or expect to attract a
significant number of customers could have a material adverse
effect on us.
In addition, online gaming, despite its illegality in the United
States, is a growing sector in the gaming industry. Online
casinos offer a variety of games, including slot machines,
roulette, poker and blackjack. Web-enabled technologies allow
individuals to game using credit or debit cards. We are unable
to assess the impact that online gaming will have on our
operations in the future and there is no assurance that the
impact will not be material.
Competition from other casino and hotel operators involves not
only the quality of casino, hotel room, restaurant,
entertainment and convention facilities, but also hotel room,
food and beverage prices. Our operating results can be adversely
affected by significant cash outlays for advertising and
promotions and complimentary services to patrons, the amount and
timing of which are partially dictated by the policies of our
competitors and our efforts to keep pace with them. If our
operating revenues are insufficient to allow management the
flexibility to match the promotions of competitors, the number
of our casino patrons may decline, which may have an adverse
effect on our financial performance.
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Our ability to successfully compete will also be dependent upon
our ability to develop and implement strong and effective
marketing campaigns both at our individual properties and across
our business. To the extent we are unable to successfully
develop and implement these types of marketing initiatives, we
may not be successful in competing in our markets and our
financial position could be adversely affected. See
Business Competition and Information About
Gaming Markets.
The
recent acquisition of Aztar presents many risks and we may not
realize the financial and strategic goals that we contemplated
at the time affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment agreed to
acquire Aztar.
On January 3, 2007, the Aztar Acquisition was completed.
The risks we may face in connection with the Aztar Acquisition
include:
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we have limited experience operating a full-scale casino resort
in the Atlantic City or Las Vegas markets;
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we have limited experience operating the gaming properties
acquired from Aztar;
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upon the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, the amount of
our indebtedness increased substantially, which may constrain
our future operations and strategic development;
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our results of operations may not meet our expectations, which
would then make it difficult to service the debt we incurred to
consummate the transaction;
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given its size, operating Aztar may strain our management
resources and the integration of Aztar may divert the attention
of our management team from our other important business
concerns;
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we may be unable to achieve the contemplated operational
synergies or other cost savings and benefits that we had
anticipated in connection with the Aztar Acquisition in the
expected timeframe or at all;
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we may experience adverse accounting consequences as a result of
efforts to conform Aztars accounting policies to those of
Tropicana Entertainment;
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we may experience difficulties and incur expenses in connection
with applying our internal control procedures to Aztars
operations; and
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we may experience some or all of the risks described under
We may not be able to successfully complete
strategic transactions or integrate new businesses into our
business, which may prevent us from implementing strategies to
grow our business.
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We
have incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial costs to
integrate Aztar into our operations.
The acquisition of Aztar involves a complex integration process
necessitating significant administrative resources. We have
incurred, and will continue to incur, substantial costs and
committed significant management resources in order to
integrate, among other things, Aztars operations,
information technology, communications and other systems and
personnel into our Company. The integration of Aztar into our
business will cause us to incur cash outflows, including with
respect to:
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fees and expenses of professionals and consultants involved in
completing the integration process;
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settling existing liabilities of the acquired business;
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integrating information technology systems and
personnel; and
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other transaction costs associated with the Aztar Acquisition.
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We may
not be able to successfully complete other strategic
transactions or integrate new businesses into our operations,
which may prevent us from implementing strategies to grow our
business.
We have grown our business through a number of strategic
acquisitions and intend to continue to evaluate and pursue other
strategic transactions that we believe can broaden our customer
base, provide
26
enhanced geographic presence and provide complementary technical
and commercial capabilities. Successful completion of any
strategic transaction we identify depends on a number of factors
that are not entirely within our control, including our ability
to negotiate acceptable terms and satisfactory agreements and
obtain all necessary regulatory approvals. In addition, we may
need to finance any strategic transaction that we identify, and
may not be able to obtain the necessary financing on
satisfactory terms and within the timeframe that would permit a
transaction to proceed. We may also fail to discover liabilities
of a business or operating or other problems prior to completing
a transaction. We could experience adverse accounting and
financial consequences, such as the need to make large
provisions against the acquired assets or to write down acquired
assets. We might also experience a dilutive effect on our
earnings. In addition, we may be unable to successfully
integrate the operations of newly acquired companies or assets
into our business. Moreover, depending on how any such
transaction is structured, there may be an adverse impact on our
capital structure, including through the incurrence of
significant additional indebtedness. We may incur significant
costs arising from our efforts to engage in strategic
transactions, and such costs may exceed the returns that we
realize from a given transaction. Furthermore, these
expenditures may not result in the successful completion of a
transaction.
Our
expansion, development and renovation projects face significant
risks inherent in such projects, including the possibility of
incurring cost overruns and potential difficulties in obtaining
necessary governmental approvals.
We regularly evaluate expansion, development and renovation
opportunities, and develop plans to pursue such opportunities.
For example, we have planned construction and redevelopment
projects for the Tropicana Atlantic City, Casino Aztar
Evansville, Belle of Baton Rouge, Tropicana Las Vegas, Tropicana
Express and Lighthouse Point Casino, the expected costs and
development timetables associated with which are described in
greater detail in Prospectus Summary Our
Business Strategy Benefit from Recent Investments
and Near-Term Growth Opportunities and Prospectus
Summary Our Business Strategy Redevelop
the Tropicana Las Vegas Site. These projects, in addition
to similar projects we may execute in the future, are subject to
significant development and construction risks, any one of which
could cause unanticipated schedule delays and significant cost
overruns. In particular, we may experience:
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shortages of energy, material and skilled labor;
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labor disputes and work stoppages;
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disputes with contractors or subcontractors;
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delays in obtaining or inability to obtain necessary permits,
licenses and approvals;
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changes to plans or specifications;
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engineering, geological, excavation, regulatory and equipment
problems;
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changes in statutes, regulations, policies and agency
interpretations of laws applicable to gaming projects;
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environmental and real property issues;
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weather interference or delays;
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unanticipated delays and cost increases; and
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fires, earthquakes, floods and other natural disasters that
disrupt development.
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Our anticipated costs and construction timetables for projects
are based upon budgets, conceptual design documents and
construction schedule estimates prepared by us in consultation
with our architects and contractors. The cost of any project may
vary significantly from initial expectations, and we may have a
limited amount of capital resources to fund cost overruns on any
project. If we cannot finance cost overruns on a timely basis,
the completion of one or more projects may be delayed until
adequate funding is available. The completion dates of any of
our projects could also differ significantly from expectations
for
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construction-related or other reasons. We cannot assure you that
any project will be completed, if at all, on time or within
established budgets. Significant delays or cost overruns in
connection with our projects could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations, financial condition and
ability to satisfy our obligations under the notes.
We may commence construction before all design documents are
finalized, which could result in inefficiencies or subsequent
modifications to the plans and may cause actual construction
costs to exceed budgeted amounts. For example, certain items may
need to be modified or replaced after they have been purchased,
constructed or installed in order to conform with the final
design documents or building code requirements. There can be no
assurance that changes in the scope of any project will not be
required, and if such changes are required, they may result in
additional costs.
The scope of the approvals required for our contemplated
development projects could be extensive, and may include the
need to obtain gaming approvals, state and local land-use
permits, building and zoning permits. Unexpected changes or
conditions imposed by local, state or federal regulatory
authorities could involve significant additional costs and delay
the scheduled openings of the facilities. We may not receive the
necessary permits, licenses and approvals or obtain the
necessary permits, licenses and approvals within the anticipated
time frame.
In addition, although we seek to design our redevelopment
projects so as to permit operations at our properties to
continue during construction and renovation, we cannot assure
that we will always be able to achieve this objective. Moreover,
even if operations at our properties continue during the course
of our redevelopment projects, various areas of such properties
may not be fully operational or accessible during periods of the
construction and renovation process, or the construction and
development process may disrupt the ongoing activities in the
functioning areas not under construction or renovation.
Accordingly, our redevelopment projects may result in decreased
hotel occupancy and use of our casino facilities at certain
sites, and we cannot ensure that this will not have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results
of operations.
When
we redevelop Tropicana Las Vegas, we could encounter problems
during the development and construction process that may
substantially increase costs or delay completion of the
redevelopment project.
We have begun undertaking a major redevelopment project at
Tropicana Las Vegas. Construction projects of this magnitude are
typically subject to significant development and construction
risks, any of which could cause unanticipated cost increases and
delays that could have a material adverse effect on our
financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
Specifically, we may experience some or all of the risks
described under Our expansion, development and
renovation projects face significant risks inherent in such
projects, including the possibility of incurring cost overruns
and potential difficulties in obtaining necessary government
approvals.
In addition, our Tropicana Las Vegas redevelopment project
presents a number of special risks, including:
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by the time we complete our planned Tropicana Las Vegas
redevelopment effort, the Las Vegas market may be saturated with
newly constructed casino resorts of the type we intend to offer.
Among others, Sands expansion project, the
Palazzo, Wynn Resorts latest full-scale resort
project, the Encore, and Boyd Gamings new
hotel-casino-shopping complex, Echelon Place, are
scheduled to open in the coming years, any of which may
adversely affect customer demand for the Tropicana Las Vegas
once we have completed redeveloping the property;
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there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain
sufficient financing to execute the redevelopment project as
presently envisaged, particularly in light of the recent
weakening in the credit markets. If we are unable to obtain
sufficient financing to fund the redevelopment project or obtain
such funding on terms or at prices acceptable to us, we may have
to adopt one or more
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alternatives, such as reducing the scope or delaying the
construction of the planned redevelopment project or certain
capital expenditures associated with it;
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the indebtedness we expect to incur to fund the redevelopment
project is anticipated to be significant, and will exceed the
$440.0 million of indebtedness under the Las Vegas secured
loan incurred by the Las Vegas Borrower in connection with the
Aztar Acquisition (which indebtedness would be refinanced with
the construction financing that we expect to obtain to fund the
redevelopment);
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although we intend to design the project to minimize disruption
to our existing business operations, we expect portions of the
existing operations at the Tropicana Las Vegas to be closed or
disrupted during the redevelopment project, which may have a
significant adverse effect on our results of operations;
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we may incur additional design and construction costs associated
with redeveloping the Tropicana Las Vegas by building around
selected existing structures instead of razing all of the
existing structures on the property;
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recent increases in the cost of raw materials for construction,
driven in part by demand in Las Vegas, may also cause the cost
of the project to exceed our budgeted amount; and
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as a result of the many other development and expansion projects
currently being carried out and planned for the near term in the
Las Vegas market, we may experience shortages of qualified
contractors or the skilled labor required to complete the
redevelopment project or retaining the services of such
contractors or labor may cost significantly more than we
presently anticipate that it will.
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As a result of these and other factors, our redevelopment of the
Tropicana Las Vegas may not be completed on time or within
budget, which could have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations, financial condition and prospects.
The
State of New Jersey provided us with only interim casino
authorization to operate the Tropicana Atlantic City. If we do
not subsequently obtain approval and plenary qualification to
operate the Tropicana Atlantic City, we will be required to
dispose of our interests in the Tropicana Atlantic
City.
The State of New Jersey subjects casino operators to rigorous
regulatory scrutiny, and the acquisition of Aztar and our
consequent operation of the Tropicana Atlantic City required us
to obtain a license from the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission. We have obtained an Interim Casino Authorization
(which we refer to as an ICA), which permitted us to consummate
the Aztar Acquisition and enables us to operate the Tropicana
Atlantic City on an interim basis.
Since we have obtained an ICA, we are now required to qualify as
holding
and/or
intermediary companies of a casino licensee under the New Jersey
Casino Control Act. Findings of qualification are made within
the discretion of the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, and
the grant of an ICA does not mean that we will ultimately be
found qualified. Pending receipt of plenary qualification, we
were required to place Tropicana Entertainments interests
in the Tropicana Atlantic City in an ICA Trust approved by the
New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
The qualification criteria for New Jersey casino licensees, as
well as for officers, directors and shareholders of New Jersey
casino licensees, include good character, honesty, integrity,
financial stability, responsibility and sufficient business
ability and experience to operate a casino. Financial stability
is one of the primary criteria considered by the New Jersey
Casino Control Commission in its qualification evaluation, and
to be considered financially stable, a licensee must establish
the ability to pay winning wagers, achieve annual gross
operating profits, pay all taxes when due, make necessary
capital and maintenance expenditures and pay, exchange,
refinance or extend debts which will mature or become due and
payable during the license term. Additionally, New Jersey casino
licensees must establish the integrity and adequacy of any of
their financial resources that bear a relation to the casino
facility. Financial sponsors
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of a casino licensee must be found qualified or have such
qualification requirement waived. Banks and other licensed
lending institutions may be exempt from the qualification
requirement or have the qualification requirement with respect
to them waived. Also, certain types of institutional investors
may have the qualification requirement with respect to them
waived. However, the identity of institutional investors holding
debt and equity securities may be subject to disclosure to the
regulatory authorities.
The ICA was set to expire in November 2007, but, on
September 5, 2007, our petition to extend the expiration
date to January 2008 was approved. The filing of a petition to
extend the expiration date of the ICA is in keeping with
customary practice under New Jersey gaming regulations. We
anticipate that a hearing with respect to plenary qualification
for the Tropicana Atlantic City will be held in November 2007.
There can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy the
New Jersey Casino Control Commissions evaluation criteria
and be granted a casino license to operate the Tropicana
Atlantic City. If we fail to obtain a license, the trustee for
the ICA Trust will be required to dispose of Tropicana
Entertainments interests in the Tropicana Atlantic City.
In the event of any such sale, we cannot predict the existence
or interest of potential buyers or the purchase price that could
be obtained. Further, the gaming laws of the State of New Jersey
would limit the amount of proceeds that we may recognize from
any such sale, and there can be no assurance that, if any such
sale is required, we would receive proceeds in an amount that
reflects the value of the Tropicana Atlantic City at the time of
such sale. Finally, in such event, we would not be entitled to
exercise any rights of ownership or receive any income from the
operation of Tropicana Atlantic City during the period between
our denial of plenary licensure and sale by the ICA Trustee.
Our
operations depend significantly on the results of Tropicana
Atlantic City. Accordingly, any material adverse effect on the
operations of Tropicana Atlantic City could have a material
adverse effect on us.
On a pro forma basis after giving effect to the Transactions,
approximately 35.9% of Tropicana Entertainments
consolidated net operating revenues for the twelve months ended
December 31, 2006 would have been derived from the
operations of Tropicana Atlantic City. Because of the importance
of Tropicana Atlantic City to our results, poor performance at
Tropicana Atlantic City could have a material adverse effect on
us. Tropicana Atlantic City experiences seasonal fluctuations in
casino play that we believe are typical of casino hotel
operations in Atlantic City. Operating results indicate that
casino play is higher from May through October. Consequently,
Tropicana Atlantic Citys revenues during the first and
fourth quarters have generally been lower than for the second
and third quarters, and from time to time it has experienced
losses in the first and fourth quarters. Any event that
adversely affects the operating results of Tropicana Atlantic
City could have a material adverse effect on our results of
operations and financial condition. Given Atlantic Citys
location, it is also subject to occasional adverse weather
conditions, including storms and hurricanes that could impede
access to that market and adversely affect our results of
operations. In addition, competition has intensified in the
Atlantic City market in light of recent and proposed expansion
and new development activities. Specifically, the Atlantic City
market faces increased internal competition from new development
projects within the market and increased external competition
from competitors in Pennsylvania and New York State, especially
in light of the emergence of new entrants in the Pennsylvania
gaming market following the first gaming facility commencing
operations in Pennsylvania in late 2006 as well as the continued
expansion of existing, and the development of new, gaming
facilities in New York. Moreover, the imposition in April 2007
of a partial ban on smoking at gaming facilities in New Jersey
has adversely affected the results of operations of the
Tropicana Atlantic City.
Alleged
defaults under our leases with Park Cattle could have a material
adverse effect on us.
In October 2005, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent, received a default notice
from Park Cattle Co. (which we refer to as Park Cattle), the
landlord for the two ground leases for our Tahoe Horizon
property, arising from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
alleged failure to maintain the Tahoe Horizon hotel and casino
facilities as required by the leases. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts has operated the Tahoe Horizon on the leased premises
since 1990. In response to this default notice, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts filed a Complaint for Declaratory Relief,
Injunctive Relief and Damages in the Ninth Judicial District
Court in Douglas County, Nevada seeking relief from the court in
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the form of an order declaring that Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts is not in default under the leases and enjoining Park
Cattle from terminating the leases or attempting to retake the
leased premises. Park Cattle filed a counterclaim seeking a
declaration from the court that Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
breached the leases by failing to maintain the Tahoe Horizon in
a first class condition competitive with other
casino hotels in South Lake Tahoe, and that the leases should
therefore be considered terminated due to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts alleged failure to cure the alleged defaults. The
parties attempted to settle the dispute through mediation but
were not successful in their efforts to do so. Written and
deposition discovery is ongoing. Numerous discovery disputes are
in the process of being resolved and trial preparation has
begun. Trial is set to begin in January 2008.
Although Tropicana Casinos and Resorts rejects Park
Cattles allegations that the Tahoe Horizon is not being
maintained in accordance with the terms of the leases, it made
and will continue to make various repairs to the property,
including repairs to the parking garage during 2005, ongoing
work to replace several sections of the roof, the outer surface
of the casino and the windows and outer surface of the main
hotel tower. Further, since July 2005, Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts has been engaged in an ongoing effort to update the
propertys electrical infrastructure.
As part of the internal corporate reorganization that was
executed in order to facilitate the Transactions (see
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and Business Corporate
Reorganization), on September 18, 2006, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts informed Park Cattle that it intended to
assign the two ground leases for the Tahoe Horizon property to
Tahoe Horizon, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment and owns and operates the Tahoe Horizon. On
November 17, 2006, as part of the existing litigation
dispute regarding the Tahoe Horizon leases, Park Cattle filed a
motion with the court seeking a temporary restraining order and
a preliminary injunction prohibiting Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts from assigning the ground leases to Tahoe Horizon, LLC.
While the terms of the ground leases provide that assignments to
entities controlled by Mr. William Yung, such as Tahoe
Horizon, LLC, may be made without obtaining the consent of Park
Cattle, Park Cattle nevertheless contended that its rights and
remedies under the leases would be impaired by the assignment
and that the assignment would therefore contravene the terms of
the leases. On November 22, 2006, the court denied Park
Cattles motion for a temporary restraining order and
preliminary injunction, refusing to set a hearing or briefing
schedule with respect to the preliminary injunction Park Cattle
sought. The court ordered Tropicana Casinos and Resorts to
provide it with certain financial information regarding
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and Tahoe Horizon, LLC, and to
provide a schedule by which financial experts of each party
could review this information. The schedule outlined by the
court with respect to these matters was such that it did not
impede or prevent the lease assignments or the closing of the
corporate reorganization and the Aztar Acquisition, which was
completed in January 2007. However, Park Cattle was allowed to
amend its counterclaim to include various allegations that the
corporate reorganization and the Aztar Acquisition were
completed in an effort to defraud Park Cattle.
Although we believe that Park Cattles allegations
regarding the maintenance of the Tahoe Horizon and the Aztar
Acquisition are without merit, we cannot predict the outcome of
the ongoing litigation. If we and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
cannot successfully defend against the default notices or reach
a reasonable settlement with Park Cattle, our leases governing
the Tahoe Horizon property may be adversely affected or we may
incur significant additional costs in order to address Park
Cattles allegations. Potential adverse outcomes relating
to this matter could include the unwinding of part of the
internal reorganization to facilitate the transactions, payment
of significant damages sought by Park Cattle in the litigation,
including attorneys fees and costs should Park Cattle
prevail, the termination of the ground leases and the forfeiture
of our casino property located on the leased premises, or the
incurrence by us of additional expenses to cure the alleged
lease defaults. We are also expending significant resources in
the form of legal fees to contest the allegations made by Park
Cattle.
Our MontBleu property is also subject to a lease with Park
Cattle. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has not received a default
notice from Park Cattle with respect to the MontBleu lease and
is not currently party to any litigation with Park Cattle with
respect to this lease. However, in early 2005, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts began receiving notices from Park Cattle requesting
that specific repairs be made at the MontBleu
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property. Although we have not received any new notices relating
to the MontBleu since mid-2006, we cannot assure you that Park
Cattle will not allege defaults under the MontBleu lease.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired MontBleu (which was
formerly named Caesars Tahoe) from Harrahs
Entertainment, Inc., or Harrahs, in June 2005. Under the
terms of the acquisition agreement with Harrahs,
Harrahs agreed to indemnify us in an amount not to exceed
$10.0 million for capital expenditures we are required to
make at the MontBleu property and has paid for certain repairs
to the parking garage and roof of the property pursuant to this
indemnity arrangement in an aggregate amount of
$4.7 million. However, we cannot assure you that
Harrahs will indemnify us up to the remaining amount or
that the remaining amount of the Harrahs indemnity will be
sufficient to cover any further expenditures that we may be
required to make to the MontBleu property in response to
requests from Park Cattle.
We are
subject to litigation which, if adversely determined, could
cause us to incur substantial losses.
We are, from time to time, during the normal course of operating
our businesses, subject to various litigation claims and legal
disputes, including contract and employment claims and claims
made by visitors to our properties. In addition, there are
litigation risks inherent in the construction and development of
our casino properties.
Certain litigation claims may not be covered entirely by our
insurance policies, or at all, or our insurance carriers may
seek to deny coverage. In addition, litigation claims can be
expensive to defend and may divert the attention of our
management from the operations of our business. Further,
litigation involving visitors to our properties, even if
meritless, can attract adverse media attention. As a result,
litigation can have a material adverse effect on our business
and, because we cannot predict the outcome of any action, it is
possible that adverse judgments or settlements could
significantly reduce our earnings or result in losses.
For more information, see Business Legal
Proceedings.
Union
organization activity could significantly increase our labor
costs.
Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries that operate the
Tropicana Atlantic City, Tropicana Las Vegas, MontBleu and Belle
of Baton Rouge are parties to various collective bargaining
agreements with certain unions. The unions with which Tropicana
Entertainments subsidiaries have collective bargaining
agreements or other unions could seek to organize employees at
our non-union properties or groups of employees at our union
properties that are not currently represented by unions. In this
connection, we note that the approximately 950 full-time
and part-time table games dealers and race book writers employed
by the Tropicana Atlantic City voted on August 25, 2007 to
be represented by the United Auto Workers union, which we refer
to as the UAW, in a National Labor Relations Board election. As
a consequence, we are required to recognize the UAW as the
representative of the table games dealers and race book writers
employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City and negotiate in good
faith to reach a collective bargaining agreement with it. We
will soon enter into collective bargaining negotiations with the
UAW and expect that the table games dealers and race book
writers at the Tropicana Atlantic City will ultimately be
covered by a contract with the union. The Atlantic City UAW
organizing effort appears to be part of a broader UAW campaign
to organize table games dealers throughout Atlantic City. So
far, the UAW has won National Labor Relations Board elections at
three Atlantic City casinos, and lost at two. At the three where
the UAW won, there has been little progress to date toward
settlement of a union contract. In addition, the table games
dealers employed by Casino Aztar Evansville have notified us of
their intent to unionize. The table games dealers at Casino
Aztar Evansville have also filed a petition with the National
Labor Relations Board requesting a union election at which they
are expected to determine whether to be to be represented by the
UAW.
On October 10, 2007, approximately 140 security officers
employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City voted against union
representation by the Security Police and Fire Professionals
Association. However, the vote has not yet been certified and
the Security Police and Fire Professionals Association may
pursue legal challenges to the validity of the vote. Also,
approximately 53 slot technicians employed by the Tropicana
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Atlantic City are scheduled to vote in a National Labor
Relations Board election on October 22, 2007 to determine
whether to be represented by the UAW. Accordingly, it is
possible that either or both of these groups will ultimately be
represented by unions.
Union organization efforts such as those described above, or
other similar union organization efforts that may occur in the
future, could cause disruptions in our business and result in
our incurrence of significant costs, both of which could have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and
financial condition. In addition, union activities may result in
labor disputes, including work stoppages, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
In addition, unfavorable union contract settlements could cause
significant increases in our labor costs, which could have a
material adverse effect on our business and financial condition.
We may also face an increased risk of union activity as a result
of the Aztar Acquisition due to the comparatively high profile
of the Tropicana brand.
Work
stoppages, labor problems and unexpected shutdowns may limit our
operational flexibility and negatively impact our future
profits.
Any work stoppage at one or more of our casino properties,
including our construction projects, could require us to spend
significant amounts to hire replacement workers, and qualified
replacement labor may not be available. Strikes and work
stoppages could also result in adverse media attention or
otherwise discourage customers from visiting our casinos.
Strikes and work stoppages involving laborers at our
construction projects could result in construction delays and
increases in construction costs. As a result, a strike or other
work stoppage at one of our casino properties or construction
projects could have an adverse effect on our business and
results of operations. There can be no assurance that we will
not experience a strike or work stoppage at one or more of our
casino properties or construction projects in the future. In
this connection, we note that the approximately
950 full-time and part-time table games dealers and race
book writers employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City voted on
August 25, 2007 to be represented by the UAW in a National
Labor Relations Board election. As a consequence, we are
required to recognize the UAW as the representative of the table
games dealers and race book writers employed by the Tropicana
Atlantic City and negotiate in good faith to reach a collective
bargaining agreement with it. We will soon enter into collective
bargaining negotiations with the UAW and expect that the table
games dealers and race book writers at the Tropicana Atlantic
City will ultimately be covered by a contract with the union.
The Atlantic City UAW organizing effort appears to be part of a
broader UAW campaign to organize table games dealers throughout
Atlantic City. So far, the UAW has won National Labor Relations
Board elections at three Atlantic City casinos, and lost at two.
At the three where the UAW won, there has been little progress
to date toward settlement of a union contract. In addition, the
table games dealers employed by Casino Aztar Evansville have
notified us of their intent to unionize. The table games dealers
at Casino Aztar Evansville have also filed a petition with the
National Labor Relations Board requesting a union election at
which they are expected to determine whether to be to be
represented by the UAW. On October 10, 2007, approximately
140 security officers employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City
voted against union representation by the Security Police and
Fire Professionals Association. However, the vote has not yet
been certified and the Security Police and Fire Professionals
Association may pursue legal challenges to the validity of the
vote. Also, approximately 53 slot technicians employed by the
Tropicana Atlantic City are scheduled to vote in a National
Labor Relations Board election on October 22, 2007 to
determine whether to be represented by the UAW. Accordingly, it
is possible that either or both of these groups will ultimately
be represented by unions. There can be no assurance that any
negotiations we conduct with the table games dealers at the
Tropicana Atlantic City or Casino Aztar Evansville will result
in an agreement, or that any agreement reached will not cause us
to incur significant increases in our labor costs. In addition,
if we are unable to reach an agreement on mutually acceptable
terms with the table games dealers at the Tropicana Atlantic
City or Casino Aztar Evansville, the affected employees could
engage in a work stoppage, which could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
Further, certain of our collective bargaining agreements have
expired, as a result of which we are seeking to renegotiate
those agreements. The collective bargaining agreements between
Tropicana Las
33
Vegas and each of the Culinary Local 226 union and the
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving
Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United
States, its Territories and Canada Local No. 720 (which we
refer to as IATSE Local No. 720) both expired on
May 31, 2007. While we have begun negotiations with the
Culinary Local 226 union and the IATSE Local No. 720 union
aimed at entering into new collective bargaining agreements with
each of them to replace the agreements that expired on
May 31, 2007 and we and these unions have agreed to
continue to perform under the terms of the expired contracts
while negotiations continue among the parties, there can be no
assurance that we will be able to successfully renegotiate such
agreements without incurring significant increases in our labor
costs. In addition, if we are unable to renegotiate these
agreements on mutually acceptable terms, the affected employees
may engage in a strike instead of continuing to operate under
the expired contracts, which could have a material adverse
effect on our results of operations and financial condition.
In addition, any unexpected shutdown of one of our casino
properties or construction projects could have an adverse effect
on our business and results of operations. There can be no
assurance that we will be adequately prepared for unexpected
events, including political or regulatory actions, that may lead
to a temporary or permanent shutdown of any of our casino
properties. For example, due to the New Jersey state
legislatures failure to pass a budget on time in 2006, the
state government shut down all non-essential government
functions in July 2006, such as the services of gambling
inspectors at Atlantic Citys casinos, including the
Tropicana Atlantic City. This forced casinos in Atlantic City to
suspend their operations for several days in July 2006.
We are
subject to extensive governmental regulation and taxation
policies, the enforcement of which could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of
operations.
Regulation by Gaming Authorities. We are
subject to extensive regulation with respect to our ownership
and operation of gaming facilities. State and local gaming
authorities require us to hold various licenses, qualifications,
findings of suitability, registrations, permits and approvals.
The various gaming regulatory authorities, including the Nevada
Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, the
New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Indiana Gaming
Commission, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board and the
Mississippi Gaming Commission have broad powers with respect to
the licensing of casino operations and may deny, revoke,
suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose
substantial fines, temporarily suspend casino operations and
take other actions, any one of which could adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
To date, we have applied for or obtained all material
governmental licenses, qualifications, registrations, permits
and approvals that we believe to be materially necessary for the
operation of our gaming facilities as operations at such
facilities are presently conducted (other than certain findings
of suitability with respect to recently appointed officers and
managers). There can be no assurance that we can obtain any new,
or renew any existing, licenses, qualifications, findings of
suitability, registrations, permits or approvals that may be
required in the future or that existing ones will not be
suspended or revoked. If we expand any of our current gaming
facilities or enter new jurisdictions, we must obtain all
additional licenses, qualifications, findings of suitability,
registrations, permits and approvals of the applicable gaming
authorities in such jurisdictions. Indiana and New Jersey
regulators have initiated staffing reviews in response to
staffing reductions we implemented at our properties in those
jurisdictions. We can neither predict the outcome of these
staffing reviews nor what, if any, formal action may be taken by
these regulatory agencies.
Potential Changes in Legislation and
Regulation. From time to time, legislators and
special interest groups propose legislation that would expand,
restrict or prevent gaming operations in the jurisdictions in
which we operate. Further, from time to time individual
jurisdictions have considered or enacted legislation and
referendums, such as bans on smoking in casinos and other
entertainment and dining facilities, that could adversely affect
our operations.
Any restriction on or prohibition relating to our gaming
operations or enactment of other adverse legislation or
regulatory changes could have a material adverse effect on our
operating results. Legislative proposals have been offered in
New Jersey to authorize video lottery terminals at certain race
tracks, which
34
proposals are currently being considered and evaluated by the
New Jersey legislature. If such proposals are enacted into law,
we may experience decreased visitation levels at the Tropicana
Atlantic City and our business, financial condition and results
of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, in April
2007, the Indiana General Assembly enacted legislation that
allows 2,000 slot machines at each of the states two horse
tracks, which are located in Shelbyville and Anderson. Although
the closest of these horse tracks is located over 200 miles
from Casino Aztar Evansville, this new legislation could
adversely affect our financial condition and results of
operations by introducing additional competition in one of our
market regions. It is anticipated that the horse tracks will
commence slot operations in the first quarter of 2008.
Taxation and Fees. The casino entertainment
industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the
various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. Gaming companies
are currently subject to significant state and local taxes and
fees in addition to the federal and state income taxes that
typically apply to corporations, and such taxes and fees could
increase at any time. From time to time, various state and
federal legislators and officials have proposed changes in tax
laws, or in the administration of such laws, including increases
in tax rates, which would affect the industry. For example, the
federal government has considered a federal tax on casino
revenues and may consider adopting such a tax in the future. In
addition, in June 2002, the legislature in Indiana changed the
gaming and admission tax rates for casino operators. Then, in
its 2003 legislative session, the Indiana General Assembly
imposed a retroactive wagering tax on all riverboat casinos,
moving the effective date of the 2002 graduated wagering tax
from August 1, 2002 to July 1, 2002. The Indiana
Department of Revenue has assessed this retroactive tax on
riverboat casinos without providing an offset for taxes paid at
a higher tax rate during that one-month period. In addition, in
April 2007, the Indiana General Assembly increased the maximum
wagering tax rate to 40% on adjusted gross receipts, which we
refer to as AGR, in excess of $600 million, but left other
tax rates on gaming proceeds unchanged. This increased maximum
wagering tax rate went into effect July 1, 2007. The other
tax rates on gaming proceeds in Indiana remained as follows:
(i) 15% on AGR on the first $25 million; (ii) 20%
on AGR in excess of $25 million but less than
$50 million; (iii) 25% on AGR in excess of
$50 million but not exceeding $75 million;
(iv) 30% on AGR in excess of $75 million but not
exceeding $150 million; and (v) 35% on AGR in excess
of $150 million but not exceeding $600 million.
Worsening economic conditions could intensify the efforts of
state and local governments to raise revenues through increases
in gaming taxes and fees. In addition, state or local budget
shortfalls could prompt tax or fee increases. Any material
increase in assessed taxes, or the adoption of additional taxes
or fees in any of our markets, could have a material adverse
effect on our financial results.
Compliance With Other Laws. We are also
subject to a variety of other rules and regulations, including
zoning, environmental, construction and land-use laws and
regulations governing the sale of alcoholic beverages. Failure
to comply with these laws could have a material adverse effect
on our business, financial condition or results of operations.
Our
riverboats are subject to extensive regulations.
The riverboat gaming and support facilities that we operate
must, in certain jurisdictions, including Louisiana and Indiana,
comply with U.S. Coast Guard requirements as to boat
design, on-board facilities, equipment, personnel and safety or
requirements of state and local law, including the requirements
of state gaming authorities, or both. If any of our riverboat
gaming and support facilities fail to meet these requirements,
we might be forced to stop operating the casino on it or
connected with it. Each of our floating riverboat facilities
must hold a Certificate of Inspection or must be approved by the
American Bureau of Shipping for stabilization and flotation, and
may also be subject to local zoning and building codes, as well
as additional requirements mandated by state law or the relevant
gaming regulatory authority. The U.S. Coast Guard
requirements establish design standards, set limits on the
operation of the vessels and require individual licensing of all
personnel involved with the operation of the vessels. Loss of a
Certificate of Inspection or American Bureau of Shipping
approval or other approval mandated by state law or by the
gaming regulatory authority with respect to our riverboat
facilities would preclude its use as a casino. In addition,
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require a hull inspection at a
U.S. Coast Guard-approved dry docking facility or an
underwater hull survey for all riverboats at five-year intervals
and state and local
35
authorities may have additional inspection requirements. The
costs of travel to and from such docking facility, as well as
the time required for inspections, could be significant. The
loss of a dockside casino or riverboat casino from service for
any period of time could adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
We are
subject to environmental, health and safety regulations, and any
liabilities arising out of noncompliance with applicable laws,
or the implementation of significant regulatory change, could
adversely affect our results of operations.
As the owner, operator and developer of real property we have to
address, and may be liable for, hazardous materials or
contamination of these sites. Some of our properties currently
have or had in the past underground fuel storage tanks and
construction materials containing asbestos. We have in the past,
and may in the future, become liable for contamination of our
properties that was caused by former owners or operators. For
sites that we acquire for development, we typically conduct
environmental assessments to identify potential adverse impacts
of former activities, including the improper storage or disposal
of hazardous substances, and the existence of
asbestos-containing materials. We may not always identify
environmental problems through this process and may become
liable for historical contamination not previously discovered.
For sites that we have sold, we may retain all or a portion of
any residual environmental liability. In order to receive
governmental approvals prior to engaging in site development, we
must conduct assessments of the environmental impact of our
proposed operations. Our ongoing operations are subject to
stringent regulations relating to protection of the environment
and handling of waste, particularly with respect to the
management of wastewater from our facilities. Any failure to
comply with existing laws or regulations, the adoption of new
laws or regulations with additional or more rigorous compliance
standards or the more vigorous enforcement of environmental laws
or regulations could significantly harm our business by
increasing our expenses and limiting our future opportunities.
Our
operations could be adversely affected due to the adoption of
certain anti-smoking regulations.
In November 2006, voters in the State of Nevada adopted a
referendum prohibiting smoking in indoor places of employment
including, but not limited to, bars, taverns, grocery stores,
drug stores and convenience stores, and giving future control
over smoking regulation to individual counties and
municipalities. While Nevada casino floors are exempt from the
new law, the restaurants, lounges and bars adjacent, or
connected, to our casinos are not exempt. Accordingly, this
smoking restriction could result in decreased customer traffic
at our casinos and have an adverse effect on our operating
results.
New Jersey recently adopted the Smoke Free Air Act, which
prohibits smoking in indoor public places and indoor places of
work. New Jersey casinos were previously exempt from the smoking
ban. However, effective April 15, 2007, an ordinance passed
by the City Council of Atlantic City eliminated the exemption
provided to casinos and currently limits smoking at gaming
establishments to no more than 25% of the casino floor. The city
ordinance will eventually require casinos in New Jersey to build
enclosures with ventilation systems to remove smoke from the
air. Casinos were required to submit their plans for such
enclosures to the state Department of Community Affairs by
September 15, 2007 and will have 90 days after state
approval of such plans to begin constructing the enclosures. In
part as a result of the city ordinance eliminating the smoking
exemption formerly provided to casinos, we believe we have
experienced decreased visitation levels at the Tropicana
Atlantic City and consequently our business, financial condition
and results of operations have been adversely affected.
Compliance
with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the disclosure requirements
under the indenture will likely increase our operating
expenses.
Concurrently with the filing of the Registration Statement
containing this prospectus, many provisions of the
Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (as well as rules subsequently
promulgated by the SEC to implement the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002, which we refer to collectively as the Sarbanes-Oxley Act),
became applicable to us. In addition, the indenture requires us
to file periodic reports, such as annual reports on
Form 10-K
and quarterly reports on
Form 10-Q,
with the SEC. These requirements require us to carry out
36
activities that we have not done previously, and will result in
the incurrence by us of additional administrative, legal and
accounting costs.
The Sarbanes-Oxley Act will require changes to some of our
corporate governance practices. For example, under
Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which under current
regulations we do not expect to be applicable to us until our
first fiscal year ending on or after December 31, 2008, we
will be required to document and test our internal control
procedures, our management will need to assess and report on our
internal control over financial reporting and our registered
public accounting firm will need to issue an opinion on that
assessment and the effectiveness of those internal controls.
Further, if we identify any issues in complying with those
requirements (for example, if we or our registered public
accounting firm identify a material weakness in our internal
controls over financial reporting), we could incur additional
costs in rectifying those issues, and the existence of those
issues could adversely affect us, including our ability to
execute additional financing transactions or acquisitions, our
reputation or the trading price or rating of the notes. We also
expect that the applicability of these rules and regulations to
our company could make it more difficult for us to attract and
retain qualified executive officers.
The
owner of Tropicana Entertainments equity interests may
take actions that conflict with your interests.
Mr. William Yung indirectly owns all of the outstanding
equity securities of Tropicana Entertainment, including 100% of
its outstanding voting equity securities. See Security
Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Thus, Mr. William Yung controls the election of Tropicana
Entertainments Board of Managers (of which he is presently
the sole member), the election of Tropicana Finances Board
of Directors (of which he is presently the sole director) and
the appointment of members of Tropicana Entertainments
management team, and can approve or disapprove any other matters
requiring the approval of Tropicana Entertainments Board
of Managers or Tropicana Finances Board of Directors, such
as mergers, acquisitions, sales of all or substantially all of
the assets of Tropicana Entertainment and change of control
transactions. Further, Tropicana Entertainments Board of
Managers and Tropicana Finances Board of Directors are
empowered to make decisions affecting Tropicana
Entertainments capital structure, including decisions to
issue additional capital stock, repurchase capital stock and
declare dividends.
The interests of Mr. William Yung as Tropicana
Entertainments indirect controlling equity holder, the
sole member of Tropicana Entertainments Board of Managers
and the sole director of Tropicana Finances Board of
Directors could conflict with your interests. For example, if
Tropicana Entertainment encounters financial difficulties or is
unable to pay its debts as they mature, the interests of
Mr. William Yung as a holder of its equity might conflict
with your interests as a holder of the notes. Mr. William
Yung may also have an interest in pursuing acquisitions,
divestitures, financings or other transactions that, in his
judgment, would enhance the value of his equity position in
Tropicana Entertainment, even though such transactions might
involve risks to you as a holder of the notes. Further,
Mr. William Yung has no obligation to provide Tropicana
Entertainment with any additional equity or debt financing.
In addition to being Tropicana Entertainments indirect
controlling equity holder and the sole member of its Board of
Managers and Tropicana Finances Board of Directors,
Mr. William Yung is also the controlling shareholder of
Columbia Sussex and his interests with respect to our company
and Columbia Sussex may conflict. Your interests as a holder of
our notes may be harmed as a result of these conflicts. For
example, Columbia Sussex is an operator of hotel properties and
future business opportunities may arise that would be
advantageous for either us or Columbia Sussex to pursue. Under
such circumstances, Mr. William Yung may take actions which
are more favorable to Columbia Sussex than to us and, under most
circumstances, would not owe you, in your capacity as a holder
of the notes, any fiduciary duties with respect to such actions.
Mr. William Yung also controls gaming assets that are not
subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment or any of the affiliate
guarantors. Specifically, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts directly
holds the operations of its New Orleans riverboat and the gaming
assets and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino. In
addition, Columbia Sussex owns a resort in St. Maarten that
contains a casino. There can be no assurance
37
that Mr. William Yung will pursue future business
opportunities in the gaming industry through us rather than one
of his other gaming development platforms.
In addition, Mr. William Yung holds a 1% ownership interest
and a 100% voting interest in CP Vicksburg, an affiliate
guarantor, and is its sole manager. See Security Ownership
of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management. Accordingly,
Mr. William Yung exercises control over CP Vicksburg and
his interests could conflict with your interests in the ways
described above with respect to Tropicana Entertainment.
Mr. William
Yung does not control JMBS Casino, one of the guarantors of the
notes that is not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment, and
the managers of, or holders of membership interests in, JMBS
Casino could take actions that conflict with your interests or
conflict with the interests of Tropicana
Entertainment.
JMBS Casino, one of the affiliate guarantors, is wholly-owned by
the JMBS Trust. Unlike CP Vicksburg and Realty, the other
affiliate guarantors, Mr. William Yung does not control the
business or operations of JMBS Casino. Each of Mr. William
Yungs children serves as a manager of JMBS Casino and, in
such capacities, they collectively have full and exclusive power
to manage and control the business and affairs of JMBS Casino.
JMBS Casino has agreed to guarantee the notes and has agreed to
be subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the
indenture. However, JMBS Casino and its managers are not
obligated to otherwise operate the business of JMBS Casino in a
way that benefits Tropicana Entertainment or the holders of its
debt obligations. Further, JMBS Casino is controlled by
Mr. William Yungs children, and their interests could
conflict with your interests in a manner similar to the
potential conflicts of interest described under
The owner of Tropicana Entertainments
equity interests may take actions that conflict with your
interests.
We
depend upon our key employees and certain members of our
management.
Our success is substantially dependent upon the efforts and
skills of Mr. William Yung, our Chief Executive Officer and
President, and members of our senior management team. We will
rely on senior managements experience in opening and
operating casinos in the markets in which we presently operate
and intend to operate in the future. If we were to lose the
services rendered by Mr. William Yung or other members of
our senior management team, our operations could be adversely
affected. In addition, we compete with other potential employers
for employees, and we may not succeed in hiring and retaining
the executives and other employees that we need. In New Jersey
and Nevada, for example, there is intense competition to hire
and retain high-level gaming executives and managerial
personnel. An inability to hire and retain qualified employees
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations. See Management.
Our
dockside and riverboat facilities are subject to additional
risks.
Dockside and riverboat facilities are subject to risks in
addition to those associated with land-based casinos, including
loss of service due to casualty, mechanical failure, extended or
extraordinary maintenance, flood, hurricane or other severe
weather. Our riverboats face additional risks from the movement
of vessels on waterways, such as collisions with other vessels
or damage from debris in the water. Reduced patronage and the
loss of a dockside or riverboat casino from service for any
period of time could adversely affect our results of operations.
The
concentration and evolution of the slot machine manufacturing
industry could impose additional costs on us.
A majority of our gaming revenue is attributable to slot
machines operated by us at our gaming facilities. It is
important, for competitive reasons, that we offer the most
popular and technologically advanced slot machine games to our
customers. We believe that a substantial majority of the slot
machines
38
sold in the United States in recent years were manufactured by a
limited number of companies. A deterioration in our commercial
arrangements with any of these slot machine manufacturers could
result in our being unable to acquire the slot machines desired
by our customers, or could result in manufacturers significantly
increasing the cost of these machines. Alternatively,
significant industry demand for new slot machines may result in
our being unable to acquire the desired number of new slot
machines or result in manufacturers increasing the cost of these
machines. The inability to obtain new and up-to-date slot
machine games could impair our competitive position and result
in decreased gaming revenues at our casinos. In addition,
increases in the costs associated with acquiring slot machine
games could adversely affect our profitability.
In recent years, the prices of new slot machines have risen more
rapidly than the domestic rate of inflation. Furthermore, in
recent years, slot machine manufacturers have frequently refused
to sell slot machines featuring the most popular games, instead
requiring gaming operators to execute participation lease
arrangements in order for them to be able to offer such machines
to patrons. Participation slot machine leasing arrangements
typically require the payment of a fixed daily rental fee. Such
agreements may also include a percentage payment to the
manufacturer of coin-in or net win.
Generally, a slot machine participation lease is more expensive
over the long term than the cost of purchasing a new slot
machine. We have slot machine participation leases at each of
our properties.
For competitive reasons, we may be forced to purchase new slot
machines, replace our older slot machines with more costly
ticket-in ticket-out machines, or enter into
participation lease arrangements that are more expensive than
the costs currently associated with the continued operation of
our existing slot machines. If the newer slot machines do not
result in sufficient incremental revenues to offset the
increased investment and participation lease costs, our
profitability could be adversely affected.
We
extend credit to our customers and our inability to collect
gaming debts may have an adverse effect on our results of
operations.
At certain of our casino properties, we conduct our gaming
activities on a credit as well as a cash basis. Table games
players are typically extended more credit than slot players,
and high-stakes players are typically extended more credit than
patrons who wager lower amounts. Our credit policy varies from
facility to facility based upon the types of customers at each
facility and regulatory requirements in each jurisdiction. In
general, credit is extended to new credit customers after
verification of certain banking information and evaluation of
the customers credit history from other casinos, the
customers income and net worth, and traditional consumer
credit reports. Additional credit may be extended to existing
credit customers after evaluating the above factors plus the
players gaming and credit history with our casinos. Gaming
debts are legally enforceable under the current laws of Nevada,
Mississippi, New Jersey and Indiana provided that the gaming
licensee conforms to regulatory guidelines governing the
extension of credit and collection activities. However, it is
not clear that all other states or foreign countries will honor
these policies. We have made provisions for estimated
uncollectible gaming receivables in order to reduce gaming
receivables to amounts deemed to be collectible. However, our
inability to collect gaming receivables could have an adverse
effect on our results of operations.
Our
business is capital intensive, and we may not be able to raise
adequate capital to finance our business strategy, or we may be
able to do so only on terms that significantly restrict our
ability to operate our business.
Implementation of our business strategy, specifically the
development of our properties, requires a substantial outlay of
capital. As we pursue our business strategy and seek to respond
to opportunities and trends in our industry, our actual capital
expenditures may differ from our expected capital expenditures
and there can be no assurance that we will be able to satisfy
our capital requirements in the future. Furthermore, if we
determine that we need to obtain additional funds through
external financing and are unable to do so, particularly in
light or the recent weakening of the credit markets, we may be
prevented from fully implementing our business strategy and, as
a consequence, our results of operations could be adversely
affected.
39
The indenture and the credit documentation governing the senior
secured credit facility impose restrictions on us that may limit
our flexibility in conducting our business and implementing our
strategy. For example, the credit documentation governing the
senior secured credit facility contains financial and operating
covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the
ability of the guarantors under the senior secured credit
facility to incur additional indebtedness or to pledge their
assets as security for additional borrowings. These restrictions
will likely make it more difficult for us to obtain further
external financing if we require it and could significantly
restrict our ability to operate our business.
We may
not have or be able to obtain sufficient insurance coverage to
replace or cover the full value of losses we may
suffer.
The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita in 2005 and other factors have substantially
affected the cost and availability of insurance coverage for
certain types of damages or occurrences. We evaluate our risks
and insurance coverage annually. While we believe we have
obtained sufficient insurance coverage with respect to the
occurrences of casualty damage to cover losses that could result
from the acts or events described above for the next year, we
may not be able to obtain sufficient or similar insurance for
later periods and we cannot predict whether we will encounter
difficulty in collecting on any insurance claims we may submit,
including claims for business interruption.
In addition, while we maintain insurance against many risks to
the extent and in amounts that we believe are reasonable, these
policies do not cover all risks. Furthermore, portions of our
business are difficult or impracticable to insure. Therefore,
after carefully weighing the costs, risks and benefits of
retaining versus insuring various risks, as well as the
availability of certain types of insurance coverage, we
occasionally opt to retain certain risks not covered by our
insurance policies. Retained risks are associated with
deductible limits, partial self-insurance programs and insurance
policy coverage ceilings.
As an example, we carry certain insurance policies that, in the
event of certain substantial losses, may not be sufficient to
pay the full current market value or current replacement cost of
damaged property. As a result, if a significant event were to
occur that is not fully covered by our insurance policies, we
may lose all, or a portion of, the capital we have invested in a
property, as well as the anticipated future revenue from such
property, and our financial condition and results of operations
could be adversely affected. Consequently, uninsured losses may
negatively affect our financial condition, liquidity and results
of operations. There can be no assurance that we will not face
uninsured losses pertaining to the risks we have retained.
Our
results of operations and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected by the occurrence of natural
disasters, such as hurricanes, or other catastrophic events,
including war and terrorism.
Natural disasters such as major hurricanes, floods, fires and
earthquakes could adversely affect our business and operating
results. Hurricanes are common to the areas in which our
Louisiana property is located and the severity of such natural
disasters is unpredictable. In 2005, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
caused significant damage in the Gulf Coast region. We cannot
predict the impact that any future natural disasters will have
on our ability to maintain our customer base or to sustain our
business activities.
Catastrophic events such as terrorist and war activities in the
United States and elsewhere have had a negative effect on travel
and leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming (in some
jurisdictions) and tourism. We cannot predict the extent to
which such events may affect us, directly or indirectly, in the
future. We also cannot assure you that we will be able to obtain
any insurance coverage with respect to occurrences of terrorist
acts and any losses that could result from these acts. If there
is a prolonged disruption at any of our properties due to
natural disasters, terrorist attacks or other catastrophic
events, or if several of our properties simultaneously
experience such events, our results of operations and financial
condition could be materially adversely affected.
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Economic
and political conditions, including slowdowns in the economy,
and other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending may
harm our operating results.
The strength and profitability of our business depends on
consumer demand for hotel and casino resorts and gaming in
general and for the types of amenities we offer. A general
downturn in economic conditions, changes in consumer preferences
or other factors affecting discretionary consumer spending,
could harm our business. The terrorist attacks of
September 11, 2001, ongoing terrorist and war activities
involving the United States generally have had a negative impact
on leisure expenditures, including lodging, gaming and tourism,
and may continue to affect the overall economy and consumer
confidence. An extended period of reduced discretionary spending
or disruptions or declines in travel could significantly harm
our operations.
Sudden changes in economic conditions can also result in changes
to our operating results that are not sustainable. For instance,
as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, the
population in and around Baton Rouge, Louisiana and Vicksburg,
Mississippi experienced increases that contributed to
significant improvements in the operating results of the Belle
of Baton Rouge and the Vicksburg Horizon in 2005 and the first
eight months of 2006. In addition, the hurricanes resulted in
the closure of many other casinos in the Gulf Coast region,
which eliminated some of our competition and contributed
positively to our operating results. However, by September 2006,
the revenue increases we experienced at the Belle of Baton Rouge
and the Vicksburg Horizon began to decline as more casinos
re-opened in the Gulf Coast region and the transient population
created by the hurricanes began to shift back, in part, to New
Orleans and other Gulf Coast areas.
Energy
price increases may adversely affect our cost of operations and
our revenues.
Our casino properties use significant amounts of electricity,
natural gas and other forms of energy. While we have not
experienced shortages of energy or fuel to date, substantial
increases in energy and fuel prices in the United States may
negatively affect our operating results in the future. The
extent of the impact is subject to the magnitude and duration of
the energy and fuel price increases, but this impact could be
material. In addition, energy and gasoline price increases in
cities that constitute a significant source of customers for our
properties could result in a decline in disposable income of
potential customers and a corresponding decrease in visitation
and spending at our properties, which would negatively impact
our revenues.
Risks
Related to the Exchange Offer and Our Indebtedness
Holders
who fail to exchange their outstanding notes will continue to be
subject to restrictions on transfer.
If you do not exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange
offer, your outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the
restrictions on transfer described in the legend on the
certificates for such notes. The restrictions on transfer of
your outstanding notes arise because we issued the outstanding
notes under exemptions from, or in transactions not subject to,
the registration requirements of the Securities Act and
applicable state securities laws. In general, you may only offer
or sell the outstanding notes if they are registered under the
Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, or are
offered and sold under an exemption from these requirements. We
do not plan to register the outstanding notes under the
Securities Act. Furthermore, we have not conditioned the
exchange offer on receipt of any minimum or maximum principal
amount of outstanding notes. As outstanding notes are tendered
and accepted in the exchange offer, the principal amount of
remaining outstanding notes will decrease. This decrease will
reduce the liquidity of the trading market for the outstanding
notes. We cannot assure you of the liquidity, or even the
continuation, of the trading market for the outstanding notes
following the completion of the exchange offer. For further
information regarding the consequences of tendering your
outstanding notes in the exchange offer, see the discussions
below under the captions The Exchange Offer
Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to Exchange Outstanding
Notes and Certain U.S. Federal Income Tax
Considerations.
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You
must comply with the exchange offer procedures in order to
receive new, freely tradeable notes.
Delivery of exchange notes in exchange for outstanding notes
tendered and accepted for exchange pursuant to the exchange
offer will be made only after timely receipt by the exchange
agent of the following:
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certificates for outstanding notes or a book-entry confirmation
of a book-entry transfer of outstanding notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC, New York, New York as a depository,
including an agents message, as defined in this
prospectus, if the tendering holder does not deliver a letter of
transmittal;
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a complete and signed letter of transmittal, or facsimile copy,
with any required signature guarantees, or, in the case of a
book-entry transfer, an agents message in place of the
letter of transmittal; and
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any other documents required by the letter of transmittal.
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Therefore, holders of outstanding notes who would like to tender
outstanding notes in exchange for exchange notes should be sure
to allow enough time for the outstanding notes to be delivered
in a timely fashion. We are not required to notify you of
defects or irregularities in tenders of outstanding notes for
exchange. Outstanding notes that are not tendered or that are
tendered but not accepted by us for exchange will, following
consummation of the exchange offer, continue to be subject to
the existing transfer restrictions under the Securities Act and,
upon consummation of the exchange offer, certain registration
and other rights under the registration rights agreement will
terminate. See The Exchange Offer Procedures
for Tendering Outstanding Notes and The Exchange
Offer Consequences of Exchanging or Failing to
Exchange Outstanding Notes.
Some
holders who exchange their outstanding notes may be deemed to be
underwriters and these holders will be required to comply with
the registration and prospectus delivery requirements in
connection with any resale transaction.
If you exchange your outstanding notes in the exchange offer for
the purpose of participating in a distribution of the exchange
notes, you may be deemed to have received restricted securities
and, if so, will be required to comply with the registration and
prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in
connection with any resale transaction.
Our
substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial
condition and prevent us from fulfilling our obligations under
the notes.
We have a significant amount of indebtedness. As of
September 30, 2007, our total indebtedness was
approximately $2.70 billion (which includes
$440.0 million of indebtedness of the Las Vegas borrower
under the Las Vegas secured loan). In addition, we had
approximately $9.7 million of letters of credit issued for
our account and approximately $170.3 million in additional
availability under the revolving credit facility under the
senior secured credit facility.
Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences
for you. For example, it could:
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make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with
respect to the notes;
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increase our vulnerability to general adverse economic and
industry conditions, and limit our ability to withstand
competitive pressures;
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require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow
from operations to payments in respect of our indebtedness,
thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow to fund
working capital, capital expenditures, development projects and
other general operating requirements;
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limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes
in our business and the industry in which we operate;
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restrict us from making strategic acquisitions or exploiting
business opportunities;
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place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our
competitors that have less debt; and
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limit our ability to borrow additional funds.
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Any of the above factors could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
Despite
our level of indebtedness, we may be able to incur substantially
more debt. This could exacerbate the risks described
above.
We may be able to incur significant additional indebtedness in
the future. Although the indenture and the credit agreement
governing the senior secured credit facility contain
restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness, these
restrictions are subject to a number of qualifications and
exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with
these restrictions could be substantial. Furthermore, these
restrictions do not prevent us from incurring obligations that
do not constitute indebtedness, as defined in the applicable
agreement. To the extent new debt is added to our current debt
levels, the substantial leverage risks described above would
increase. See Description of Other Indebtedness and
Description of the Exchange Notes.
To
service our indebtedness, including the notes, we will require a
significant amount of cash, but our ability to generate cash
depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our ability to make payments on and to refinance our
indebtedness, including the notes, and to fund planned capital
expenditures will depend on our ability to generate cash in the
future. This, to a certain extent, is subject to general
economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and
other factors beyond our control.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient
cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will be
available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us to pay our
indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other
liquidity needs. If we do not generate sufficient cash flows
from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including
payments on the notes, we may have to undertake alternative
financing plans, such as refinancing or restructuring our debt,
selling assets, reducing or delaying capital investments or
seeking to raise additional capital. We cannot assure you that
any refinancing would be possible, that any assets could be
sold, or, if sold, of the timing of the sales and the amount of
proceeds to be realized from those sales, or that additional
financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all. Our
ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the
condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at
that time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher
interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous
covenants, which could further restrict our business operations.
The
terms of the indenture, the credit documentation governing the
senior secured credit facility and the documentation governing
our other indebtedness may restrict our current and future
operations, particularly our ability to respond to changes in
our business or to take certain actions.
The indenture, the credit documentation governing the senior
secured credit facility and the documentation governing our
other indebtedness, as well as documentation governing any
future indebtedness of ours, contain or may contain, as the case
may be, a number of restrictive covenants imposing significant
operating and financial restrictions on Tropicana Entertainment
and its subsidiaries, as well as the affiliate guarantors,
including covenants restricting or otherwise limiting, among
other things, Tropicana Entertainments ability, or the
ability of its subsidiaries or the affiliate guarantors, to:
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incur or guarantee additional debt or issue certain preferred
stock;
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pay certain dividends, or make certain redemptions, repurchases
or distributions, with respect to equity interests or
subordinated indebtedness;
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create or incur certain liens;
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make certain loans or investments;
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engage in mergers, acquisitions, amalgamations, asset sales and
sale and leaseback transactions;
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engage in transactions with affiliates; and
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create restrictions on the ability of Tropicana
Entertainments subsidiaries or the affiliate guarantors to
pay dividends or make other payments to Tropicana Entertainment.
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The senior secured credit facility also requires us to maintain
certain financial ratios, which will become increasingly
restrictive over time.
The restrictions and covenants in the indenture, the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility and
the documentation governing our other indebtedness may adversely
affect our ability to finance future operations or capital needs
or to engage in other business activities that we believe would
be in the best interests of our business, and may make it more
difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy
or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly
restricted. We cannot assure you that we will be granted waivers
or amendments to these agreements if for any reason we are
unable to comply with such agreements. The breach of any of
these restrictions or covenants could result in a default under
the applicable agreement, which could result in the acceleration
of the indebtedness governed by such agreements as well as much
of our other indebtedness.
If we
default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may
not be able to make payments on the notes.
Any default under the agreements governing our indebtedness,
including a default under the senior secured credit facility,
and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness,
could adversely affect our ability to pay the principal,
premium, if any, and interest on the notes and substantially
decrease the market value of the notes. If we are unable to
generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain
funds necessary to meet required payments of principal, premium,
if any, and interest on our indebtedness, or if we otherwise
fail to comply with the various covenants, including financial
and operating covenants, in the instruments governing our
indebtedness (including the senior secured credit facility), we
would be in default under the terms of the agreements governing
such indebtedness. In the event of such a default, the holders
of such indebtedness could elect to declare all outstanding
borrowings, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be
immediately due and payable, the lenders under the senior
secured credit facility could elect to terminate their
commitments or cease making further loans and institute
foreclosure proceedings against our assets, or we could be
forced to apply all available cash to repay such indebtedness
and, in any such case, we could ultimately be forced into
bankruptcy or liquidation. Because the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility
contain customary cross-default provisions, if the indebtedness
under the notes or under the senior secured credit facility is
accelerated, we may be unable to repay or refinance the amounts
due. See Description of Other Indebtedness and
Description of the Exchange Notes.
Because
of Tropicana Entertainments holding company structure, it
depends on the guarantors to satisfy its obligations under the
notes.
Tropicana Entertainment is a holding company with no business
operations of its own. Consequently, its cash flow and its
ability to repay its indebtedness, including the notes, depends
on the cash flow of the guarantors and the payments they make to
Tropicana Entertainment. In addition, the guarantors
ability to make any payments to Tropicana Entertainment depends
on their earnings, the terms of their indebtedness, legal and
regulatory restrictions and other conditions. Each of the
guarantors, including those that are subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment, is a distinct legal entity and, under certain
circumstances, legal and contractual restrictions may limit
Tropicana Entertainments ability to obtain cash from it.
While the indenture limits the ability of the guarantors to
incur restrictions on their ability to pay dividends or make
other intercompany payments to Tropicana Entertainment, these
limitations are subject to certain qualifications and
exceptions. Further, the ability of the guarantors to make
payments to Tropicana Entertainment is also governed by the
gaming laws of certain jurisdictions, which place limits on the
amount of funds which may be transferred to Tropicana
Entertainment and may require prior or subsequent approval for
any
44
payments to Tropicana Entertainment. We cannot assure you that
the guarantors will be able to provide Tropicana Entertainment
with sufficient dividends, distributions or loans to fund
payments on the notes when due.
Your
right to receive payments on the notes is junior to all of the
co-issuers and the guarantors existing and future
senior indebtedness.
The outstanding notes and guarantees are, and the exchange notes
and guarantees will be, subordinated to the prior payment in
full of the co-issuers and the guarantors current
and future senior debt. As of September 30, 2007, the
co-issuers and the guarantors had approximately
$1,740.2 million of senior indebtedness outstanding (which
included the $440.0 million of senior indebtedness of the
Las Vegas borrower under the Las Vegas secured loan) and
approximately $170.3 million in additional revolving loan
availability under the senior secured credit facility (which was
net of approximately $9.7 million of outstanding letters of
credit). All of these borrowings are senior to the outstanding
notes and will be senior to the exchange notes. The indenture
permits us and the guarantors to incur additional debt under
specified circumstances, all of which may be senior to the notes
and the guarantees of the notes. Because of the subordination
provision of the indenture, in the event of the bankruptcy,
liquidation or dissolution of the co-issuers or any guarantor,
the co-issuers assets and the assets of the guarantors
would be available to pay obligations under the notes only after
all payments had been made on the co-issuers and the
guarantors senior debt, including under the senior secured
credit facility. We cannot assure you that sufficient assets
will remain after all these payments have been made to make any
payments on the notes, including payments of interest when due.
Also, because of these subordination provisions, you may recover
less ratably than our other creditors in a bankruptcy,
liquidation or dissolution. In addition, all payments on the
notes and the guarantees will be prohibited in the event of a
payment default on senior debt, including borrowings under the
senior secured credit facility, and may be prohibited for up to
179 consecutive days in the event of non-payment defaults on
certain of our senior debt, including the senior secured credit
facility. See Description of the Exchange
Notes Ranking.
The
outstanding notes and guarantees are not, and the exchange notes
and guarantees will not be, secured by the co-issuers
assets, or the assets of the guarantors, and the lenders under
the senior secured credit facility are entitled to remedies
available to a secured lender, which give them priority over you
to collect amounts due to them.
In addition to being contractually subordinated to all existing
and future senior indebtedness, the outstanding notes and
guarantees are not, and the exchange notes and guarantees will
not be, secured by any of the co-issuers assets or any of
the assets of the guarantors. In contrast, the co-issuers
obligations under the senior secured credit facility are
expected to be secured by substantially all of their assets and
substantially all of the assets of the guarantors. In addition,
we may incur other senior indebtedness, which may be substantial
in amount, and which may be secured. As of September 30,
2007, we and the guarantors had approximately
$1,740.2 million of secured indebtedness outstanding and
approximately $170.3 million in additional revolving loan
availability under the senior secured credit facility (which is
net of approximately $9.7 million of outstanding letters of
credit), with any additional revolving borrowings under the
facility also being secured.
Because the outstanding notes and guarantees are, and the
exchange notes and guarantees will be, unsecured obligations,
your right of repayment may be compromised if any of the
following situations occur:
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we enter into a bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization or any
other
winding-up
proceeding;
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there is a default in payment under the senior secured credit
facility or other secured indebtedness; or
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there is an acceleration of any indebtedness under the senior
secured credit facility or other secured indebtedness.
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If any of these events occurs, the secured lenders could sell
those of our assets in which they have been granted a security
interest, to your exclusion, even if an event of default exists
under the indenture at such
45
time. As a result, upon the occurrence of any of these events,
there may not be sufficient funds to pay amounts due on the
notes and the guarantees.
Only
certain of Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries guarantee
the outstanding notes and will guarantee the exchange notes, and
the assets of non-guarantor subsidiaries may not be available to
make payments on the notes.
Certain of Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries,
including Greenville Riverboat, a direct subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment that it does not wholly-own, and its subsidiaries
that hold the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Las Vegas, including the
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip, do not
provide guarantees in respect of the outstanding notes and will
not provide guarantees in respect of the exchange notes.
Greenville Riverboat is, however, subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture. On a pro forma basis
giving effect to the Transactions, the non-guarantor
subsidiaries would have generated approximately 16.1% of
Tropicana Entertainments net operating revenues for the
year ended December 31, 2006. For the six months ended
June 30, 2007, the non-guarantor subsidiaries generated
approximately 17.7% of Tropicana Entertainments net
operating revenues. As part of the Transactions, Tropicana
Entertainments subsidiaries that operate the Tropicana Las
Vegas incurred $440.0 million of indebtedness in respect of
the Las Vegas secured loan. It is expected that this loan will
be replaced with a construction financing loan with a longer
term in order to finance the redevelopment of the Tropicana Las
Vegas property, which financing is expected to be significantly
larger than the Las Vegas secured loan. Further, Tropicana
Entertainments subsidiaries that operate the Tropicana Las
Vegas are designated as unrestricted parties under
the indenture and, as a result, are not subject to its
restrictive covenants or event of default provisions. As a
result, the indenture does not restrict the amount of additional
indebtedness that may be incurred by these non-guarantor
subsidiaries, and defaults by these non-guarantor subsidiaries
in respect of their indebtedness or even bankruptcy or
liquidation events with respect to these subsidiaries would not
constitute events of default under the indenture.
In the event that a non-guarantor subsidiary becomes insolvent,
liquidates, reorganizes, dissolves or otherwise winds up,
holders of its indebtedness and its trade creditors generally
will be entitled to payment on their claims from the assets of
that subsidiary before any of those assets are made available to
us. Consequently, your claims in respect of the notes will be
effectively subordinated to all of the liabilities of the
non-guarantor subsidiaries, including trade payables, and the
claims (if any) of third party holders of preferred equity
interests in the non-guarantor subsidiaries.
The credit documentation with respect to the Las Vegas secured
loan contains, and the terms of any construction financing that
replaces the Las Vegas secured loan are expected to contain,
restrictions on the ability of the parties to those financing
arrangements to distribute any cash or assets relating to the
Tropicana Las Vegas to Tropicana Entertainment. Further, since
the subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment that operate the
Tropicana Las Vegas casino are designated as unrestricted
parties under the indenture and are not subject to its
restrictive covenants or event of default provisions, those
subsidiaries will be able to declare and pay dividends in
respect of their equity interests, repurchase equity interests,
sell assets, make investments and otherwise transfer cash and
assets without regard to the restrictive covenants in the
indenture. As a result, you should not rely on any of the assets
or cash flow relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas, or any other
non-guarantor subsidiary, for purposes of making an investment
decision with respect to the exchange notes.
U.S.
federal and state statutes allow courts, under specific
circumstances, to void the notes and the guarantees, subordinate
claims in respect of the notes and the guarantees and require
noteholders to return payments received from Tropicana
Entertainment or the guarantors.
Certain of Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries and the
affiliate guarantors guarantee the obligations under the
outstanding notes and will guarantee the obligations under the
exchange notes. The co-issuers issuance of the notes and
the issuance of guarantees of the notes by the guarantors may be
subject to review under state and federal laws if a bankruptcy,
liquidation or reorganization case or a lawsuit, including in
circumstances in which bankruptcy is not involved, were
commenced at some future date by, or on behalf
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of, the co-issuers unpaid creditors or the unpaid
creditors of any guarantor. Under the federal bankruptcy laws
and comparable provisions of state fraudulent transfer laws, a
court may void or otherwise decline to enforce the notes or a
guarantee, or may subordinate the notes or such guarantee, to
the co-issuers or the applicable guarantors existing
and future indebtedness. While the relevant laws may vary from
state to state, a court might do so if it found that when the
notes were issued or when the applicable guarantor entered into
its guarantee, or, in some states, when payments became due
under the notes or a guarantee:
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the notes were issued or the guarantee was entered into with the
actual intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors; or
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the co-issuers or the applicable guarantor received less than
reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration and either:
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was insolvent or rendered insolvent by reason of such incurrence;
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was engaged in a business or transaction for which their or its
remaining assets constituted unreasonably small capital; or
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intended to incur, or believed that they or it would incur,
debts beyond their or its ability to pay such debts as they
mature.
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Alternatively, payments by the co-issuers or a guarantor
pursuant to the notes or its guarantee could be voided and
required to be returned to the co-issuers or such guarantor or
to a fund for the benefit of the
co-issuers
or such guarantors creditors, and accordingly a court
might direct you to repay any amounts that you had already
received from the co-issuers or such guarantor.
A court would likely find that the co-issuers or a guarantor did
not receive reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration
for the notes or such guarantee if the co-issuers or the
guarantor did not substantially benefit directly or indirectly
from the issuance of the notes. The measures of insolvency for
purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws vary depending upon
the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a
fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, a
co-issuer or a guarantor, as applicable, would be considered
insolvent if:
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the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was
greater than the fair saleable value of its respective
assets; or
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the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the
amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on
its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they
become absolute and mature; or
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it could not pay its respective debts as they become due.
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Each guarantee will contain a provision intended to limit the
guarantors liability to the maximum amount that it could
incur without causing the incurrence of obligations under its
guarantee to be a fraudulent transfer. This provision may not be
effective to protect the guarantees from being voided under
fraudulent transfer law, or may reduce that guarantors
obligation to an amount that effectively makes its guarantee
worthless.
Because
the notes and each guarantors liability under its
guarantee may be reduced to zero, avoided or released under
certain circumstances, you may not receive any payments from the
co-issuers or from some or all of the guarantors.
To the extent a court voids the notes or any of the guarantees
as fraudulent transfers or holds the notes or any of the
guarantees to be unenforceable for any other reason, holders of
notes would cease to have any direct claim against the
applicable co-issuer or guarantor. If a court were to take this
action, the applicable co-issuers or guarantors
assets would be applied first to satisfy its liabilities, if
any, before any portion of its respective assets could be
applied to the payment of the notes. Sufficient funds to repay
the notes may not be available from other sources, including the
remaining guarantors, if any.
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We may
not be able to repurchase the notes upon a change of
control.
The indenture requires us to offer to repurchase some or all of
the outstanding notes, and will require us to offer to
repurchase some or all of the exchange notes, when certain
change of control events occur. If we experience a change of
control, you will have the right to require us to repurchase
your notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
principal amount of your notes plus accrued and unpaid interest,
if any. It is possible that we will not have sufficient funds at
the time of a change of control to make the required repurchase
of the notes. Moreover, the senior secured credit facility
restricts, and any future indebtedness we incur may restrict,
our ability to repurchase the notes, including following a
change of control event. Our failure to purchase tendered notes
would constitute an event of default under the indenture which,
in turn, would constitute a default under the senior secured
credit facility.
In addition, the senior secured credit facility provides that a
change of control, as defined in the credit documentation
governing it, constitutes a default. Any future credit agreement
or other agreements relating to senior indebtedness to which we
become a party may contain similar provisions. If we experience
a change of control that triggers a default under the senior
secured credit facility, we could seek a waiver of such default
or seek to refinance the senior secured credit facility. In the
event that we do not obtain such a waiver or refinance the
senior secured credit facility, such default could result in
amounts outstanding under the senior secured credit facility
being declared due and payable. In the event that we experience
such a change of control that also results in us having to
repurchase the notes, we may not have sufficient financial
resources at the time to satisfy all of our obligations under
the senior secured credit facility, the notes and our other
indebtedness.
The change of control covenant in the indenture does not cover
all corporate reorganizations, mergers or similar transactions
and may not provide you with protection in a highly leveraged
transaction. See Description of the Exchange
Notes Change of Control.
If
interest rates rise, the amount of interest paid by us under the
senior secured credit facility will increase.
Revolving borrowings and the term loan under the senior secured
credit facility bear interest at variable rates based on
adjusted LIBOR or an alternate base rate (as such concepts are
defined in the senior secured credit facility). We cannot
predict the interest rate environment or guarantee that interest
rates will not rise in the near future. An increase in LIBOR or
the alternate base rate could result in a significant increase
in our annual interest expense under the senior secured credit
facility. See the notes to the unaudited consolidated pro forma
financial presentation included elsewhere in this prospectus.
Should interest rates rise significantly, our cash flows and
ability to satisfy our obligations under the notes and our other
indebtedness will be adversely affected. While we have entered
into agreements limiting our exposure to such variations (See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk), such agreements do not offer complete protection
from this risk.
There
has not been, and may not be, an active trading market for the
exchange notes.
The exchange notes will be new issues of securities for which
there is currently no market. We cannot guarantee the future
development of a market for the exchange notes or the ability of
holders to sell, or the price at which holders may be able to
sell, their exchange notes. If the exchange notes are traded
after their initial issuance, they may trade at a discount from
their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest
rates, the market for similar securities and other factors. We
do not intend to apply for the exchange notes to be listed on
any securities exchange or to arrange for quotation with respect
to the exchange notes on any automated dealer quotation system.
Therefore, no assurance can be given as to whether an active
trading market will develop for the exchange notes or, if a
market develops, whether it will continue.
48
You
may be required to dispose of, or we may be permitted to redeem,
the notes pursuant to gaming laws.
Gaming authorities can generally require that any holder or
beneficial owner of our securities be licensed (or, in the case
of New Jersey, obtain ICA) or be found qualified or suitable
under applicable gaming laws. If, at any time, any gaming
authority requires that a holder or beneficial owner of notes be
licensed, authorized or found qualified or suitable under any
applicable gaming laws or regulations and that holder or
beneficial owner:
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fails to apply for a license, authorization, qualification or
finding of suitability within 30 days (or such shorter
period as may be required by the applicable gaming
authority); or
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is denied such license, authorization, qualification or finding
of suitability,
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subject to applicable gaming laws, we will have the right, at
our option,
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to require such holder or beneficial owner to dispose of its
notes within 30 days (or such earlier date as may be
required by the applicable gaming authority) of receipt of such
notice or finding by such gaming authority; or
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to call for redemption the notes held by such holder or
beneficial owner. The redemption price will be equal to the
lesser of:
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the principal amount of the notes, together with accrued
interest thereon,
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the price that the holder or the beneficial owner paid for the
notes, together with accrued interest thereon, or
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such other lesser amount as may be required by the applicable
gaming authority.
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Finally, under such circumstances, you would not be entitled to
exercise any rights of ownership or receive any income from the
notes if you fail to obtain the required license, authorization,
qualification or finding of suitability.
For more information, see Regulation and Licensing
and Description of the Exchange Notes Gaming
Redemption.
49
Purpose
of the Exchange Offer
We sold the outstanding notes to certain initial purchasers on
December 28, 2006. The initial purchasers subsequently
resold the outstanding notes to qualified institutional buyers
pursuant to Rule 144A under the Securities Act and to
non-U.S. persons
outside the United States in reliance on Regulation S under
the Securities Act. In connection with the issuance of the
outstanding notes, we entered into a registration rights
agreement with Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as
representative of the several initial purchasers of the
outstanding notes.
Among other things, the registration rights agreement requires
us to register the exchange notes under the federal securities
laws and offer to exchange the exchange notes for the
outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued without a
restrictive legend and generally may be resold without
registration under the federal securities laws. We are effecting
the exchange offer in order to comply with the registration
rights agreement. Under some circumstances set forth in the
registration rights agreement, holders of outstanding notes,
including holders who are not permitted to participate in the
exchange offer or who may not freely sell exchange notes
received in the exchange offer, may require us to file and cause
to become effective, a shelf registration statement covering
resales of the outstanding notes by these holders. For more
information concerning the registration rights agreement, you
should refer to the complete copy of the registration rights
agreement, which has been filed as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement of which this prospectus is a part. See
Where You Can Find More Information.
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such
outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a
result of market-making activities or other trading activities,
must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection
with any resale of such exchange notes. See Plan of
Distribution.
Terms of
the Exchange Offer; Period for Tendering Outstanding
Notes
Subject to terms and conditions detailed in this prospectus, we
will accept for exchange outstanding notes that are properly
tendered on or prior to the expiration date and not withdrawn as
permitted below. The term expiration date means
5:00 p.m., New York City time, November 19, 2007, the
32nd day following the date of this prospectus. We may,
however, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time that
the exchange offer is open, in which case the term
expiration date will mean the latest time and date
to which the exchange offer is extended.
As of the date of this prospectus, $960.0 million aggregate
principal amount of outstanding notes are outstanding. We are
sending this prospectus, together with the letter of
transmittal, to all holders of outstanding notes that we are
aware of on the date hereof.
We expressly reserve the right, at any time, to extend the
period of time that the exchange offer is open, and delay
acceptance for exchange of any outstanding notes, by giving oral
or written notice of an extension to the holders of the
outstanding notes as described below. During any extension, all
outstanding notes previously tendered will remain subject to the
exchange offer and may be accepted for exchange by us. Any
outstanding notes not accepted for exchange for any reason will
be returned without expense to the tendering holder as promptly
as practicable after the expiration or termination of the
exchange offer.
Outstanding Notes tendered in the exchange offer must be in
denominations of principal amount of $1,000 and any greater
integral multiple thereof.
We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the
exchange offer, and not to exchange any outstanding notes, upon
the occurrence of any of the conditions to the exchange offer
specified under Conditions to the Exchange
Offer. We will give oral or written notice of any
extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the
holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable. In
the case of any extension, we will issue a notice by means of a
press release or other public announcement no later than
9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day
after the previously scheduled expiration date.
50
Procedures
for Tendering Outstanding Notes
Your tender to us of outstanding notes as set forth below and
our acceptance of the outstanding notes will constitute a
binding agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject
to the conditions detailed in this prospectus and in the
accompanying letter of transmittal. Except as set forth below,
to tender outstanding notes for exchange in the exchange offer,
you must transmit a properly completed and duly executed letter
of transmittal, including all other documents required by the
letter of transmittal or, in the case of a book-entry transfer,
an agents message in place of the letter of transmittal,
to U.S. Bank National Association, as exchange agent, at
the address set forth below under Exchange
Agent on or prior to the expiration date. In addition,
either:
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certificates for outstanding notes must be received by the
exchange agent along with the letter of transmittal,
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a timely confirmation of a book-entry transfer, which we refer
to in this prospectus as a book-entry confirmation, of
outstanding notes, if this procedure is available, into the
exchange agents account at DTC pursuant to the procedure
for book-entry transfer set forth below under
Book-Entry Transfers must be received by the exchange
agent prior to the expiration date, with the letter of
transmittal or an agents message in place of the letter of
transmittal, or
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the holder must comply with the guaranteed delivery procedures
described below.
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The term agents message means a message,
transmitted by DTC to and received by the exchange agent and
forming a part of a book-entry confirmation, which states that
DTC has received an express acknowledgment from the tendering
participant stating that such participant has received and
agrees to be bound by the letter of transmittal and that we may
enforce such letter of transmittal against such participant.
The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letters of
transmittal and all other required documents is at your election
and risk. If such delivery is by mail, it is recommended that
you use registered mail, properly insured, with return receipt
requested. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to
assure timely delivery. No letter of transmittal or outstanding
notes should be sent to us.
Signatures on a letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal,
as the case may be, must be guaranteed unless the outstanding
notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:
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by a holder of the outstanding notes who has not completed the
box entitled Special Issuance Instructions or
Special Delivery Instructions on the letter of
transmittal, or
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for the account of an eligible institution (as defined below).
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In the event that signatures on a letter of transmittal or a
notice of withdrawal are required to be guaranteed, such
guarantees must be by a firm which is a member of the Securities
Transfer Agent Medallion Program, the Stock Exchanges Medallion
Program or the New York Stock Exchange Medallion Program (we
refer to each such entity as an eligible institution
in this prospectus). If outstanding notes are registered in the
name of a person other than the signatory of the letter of
transmittal, the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange must
be endorsed by, or be accompanied by a written instrument or
instruments of transfer or exchange, in satisfactory form as we
or the exchange agent determine in our sole discretion, duly
executed by the registered holder with the signature thereon
guaranteed by an eligible institution.
We or the exchange agent in our sole discretion will make a
final and binding determination on all questions as to the
validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and
acceptance of outstanding notes tendered for exchange. We
reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any
particular old note not properly tendered or to not accept any
particular old note which acceptance might, in our judgment or
our counsels, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute
right to waive any defects or irregularities or conditions of
the exchange offer as to any particular old note either before
or after the expiration date, including the right to waive the
ineligibility of any holder who seeks to tender outstanding
notes in the exchange offer. Our or the exchange agents
interpretation of the terms and conditions of the exchange offer
as to any particular old note either before or after the
expiration date, including the letter of transmittal and
51
the instructions thereto, will be final and binding on all
parties. Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in
connection with tenders of outstanding notes for exchange must
be cured within a reasonable period of time, as we determine. We
are not, nor is the exchange agent or any other person, under
any duty to notify you of any defect or irregularity with
respect to your tender of outstanding notes for exchange, and no
one will be liable for failing to provide such notification.
If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person or persons
other than the registered holder or holders of outstanding
notes, such outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by
powers of attorney signed exactly as the name(s) of the
registered holder(s) that appear on the outstanding notes.
If the letter of transmittal or any outstanding notes or powers
of attorneys are signed by trustees, executors, administrators,
guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations or others
acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, such persons
should so indicate when signing. Unless waived by us or the
exchange agent, proper evidence satisfactory to us of their
authority to so act must be submitted with the letter of
transmittal.
By tendering outstanding notes, you represent to us that, among
other things:
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the exchange notes acquired pursuant to the exchange offer are
being obtained in the ordinary course of business of the person
receiving such exchange notes, whether or not such person is the
holder; and
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neither the holder nor such other person has any arrangement or
understanding with any person, to participate in the
distribution of the exchange notes.
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In the case of a holder that is not a broker-dealer, that
holder, by tendering, will also represent to us that the holder
is not engaged in or does not intend to engage in a distribution
of the exchange notes.
If you are our affiliate, as defined under
Rule 405 under the Securities Act, and engage in or intend
to engage in or have an arrangement or understanding with any
person to participate in a distribution of such exchange notes
to be acquired pursuant to the exchange offer, you or any such
other person:
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could not rely on the applicable interpretations of the staff of
the SEC, and
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must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction.
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Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the outstanding
notes were acquired by the broker-dealer as a result of
market-making activities or other trading activities, must
acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with
any resale of such exchange notes. See Plan of
Distribution. The letter of transmittal states that by so
acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer
will not be deemed to admit that it is an
underwriter within the meaning of the Securities Act.
Acceptance
of Outstanding Notes for Exchange; Delivery of Exchange
Notes
Upon satisfaction or waiver of all of the conditions to the
exchange offer, we will accept, promptly after the expiration
date, all outstanding notes properly tendered and will issue the
exchange notes promptly after acceptance of the outstanding
notes. See Conditions to the Exchange
Offer. For purposes of the exchange offer, we will be
deemed to have accepted properly tendered outstanding notes for
exchange if and when we give oral notice, confirmed in writing,
or written notice to the exchange agent.
The holder of each old note accepted for exchange will receive a
new note in the amount equal to the surrendered old note.
Accordingly, registered holders of exchange notes on the record
date for the first interest payment date following the
consummation of the exchange offer will receive interest
accruing from the most recent date that interest has been paid
on the outstanding notes. Holders of exchange notes will not
receive any payment in respect of accrued interest on
outstanding notes otherwise payable on any interest payment
date, the record date for which occurs on or after the
consummation of the exchange offer.
52
In all cases, issuance of exchange notes for outstanding notes
that are accepted for exchange will only be made after timely
receipt by the exchange agent of:
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certificates for such outstanding notes or a timely book-entry
confirmation of such outstanding notes into the exchange
agents account at DTC,
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a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal or
an agents message in lieu thereof, and
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all other required documents.
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If any tendered outstanding notes are not accepted for any
reason set forth in the terms and conditions of the exchange
offer or if outstanding notes are submitted for a greater
principal amount than the holder desires to exchange, the
unaccepted or non-exchanged outstanding notes will be returned
without expense to the tendering holder or, in the case of
outstanding notes tendered by book-entry transfer into the
exchange agents account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry
procedures described below, the non-exchanged outstanding notes
will be credited to an account maintained with DTC, as promptly
as practicable after the expiration or termination of the
exchange offer.
Book-Entry
Transfers
For purposes of the exchange offer, the exchange agent will
request that an account be established with respect to the
outstanding notes at DTC within two business days after the date
of this prospectus, unless the exchange agent already has
established an account with DTC suitable for the exchange offer.
Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC may make
book-entry delivery of outstanding notes by causing DTC to
transfer such outstanding notes into the exchange agents
account at DTC in accordance with DTCs procedures for
transfer. Although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected
through book-entry transfer at DTC, the letter of transmittal or
facsimile thereof or an agents message in lieu thereof,
with any required signature guarantees and any other required
documents, must, in any case, be transmitted to and received by
the exchange agent at the address set forth under
Exchange Agent on or prior to the
expiration date, or the guaranteed delivery procedures described
below must be complied with.
Guaranteed
Delivery Procedures
If you desire to tender your outstanding notes and your
outstanding notes are not immediately available, or time will
not permit your outstanding notes or other required documents to
reach the exchange agent before the expiration date, a tender
may be effected if:
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the tender is made through an eligible institution,
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prior to the expiration date, the exchange agent received from
such eligible institution a notice of guaranteed delivery,
substantially in the form we provided, by telegram, telex,
facsimile transmission, mail or hand delivery, setting forth
your name and address, the amount of outstanding notes tendered,
stating that the tender is being made thereby and guaranteeing
that within three New York Stock Exchange trading days
after the date of execution of the notice of guaranteed
delivery, the certificates for all physically tendered
outstanding notes, in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry
confirmation, as the case may be, together with a properly
completed and duly executed appropriate letter of transmittal or
facsimile thereof or agents message in lieu thereof, with
any required signature guarantees and any other documents
required by the letter of transmittal will be deposited by such
eligible institution with the exchange agent, and
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the certificates for all physically tendered outstanding notes,
in proper form for transfer, or a book-entry confirmation, as
the case may be, together with a properly completed and duly
executed appropriate letter of transmittal or facsimile thereof
or agents message in lieu thereof, with any required
signature guarantees and all other documents required by the
letter of transmittal, are received by the exchange agent within
three New York Stock Exchange trading days after the date of
execution of the notice of guaranteed delivery.
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53
Withdrawal
Rights
You may withdraw your tender of outstanding notes at any time
prior to the expiration date. To be effective, a written notice
of withdrawal must be received by the exchange agent at one of
the addresses set forth under Exchange Agent.
This notice must specify:
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the name of the person having tendered the outstanding notes to
be withdrawn,
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the outstanding notes to be withdrawn, including the principal
amount of such outstanding notes, and
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where certificates for outstanding notes have been transmitted,
the name in which such outstanding notes are registered, if
different from that of the withdrawing holder.
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If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or
otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the
release of the certificates, the withdrawing holder must also
submit the serial numbers of the particular certificates to be
withdrawn and a signed notice of withdrawal with signatures
guaranteed by an eligible institution, unless such holder is an
eligible institution. If outstanding notes have been tendered
pursuant to the procedure for book-entry transfer described
above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number
of the account at DTC to be credited with the withdrawn
outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of
DTC.
We or the exchange agent will make a final and binding
determination on all questions as to the validity, form and
eligibility, including time of receipt, of such notices. Any
outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been
validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange
offer. Any outstanding notes tendered for exchange but not
exchanged for any reason will be returned to the holder without
cost to the holder, or, in the case of outstanding notes
tendered by book-entry transfer into the exchange agents
account at DTC pursuant to the book-entry transfer procedures
described above, the outstanding notes will be credited to an
account maintained with DTC for the outstanding notes as soon as
practicable after withdrawal, rejection of tender or termination
of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may
be re-tendered by following one of the procedures described
under Procedures for Tendering Outstanding
Notes above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.
Conditions
to the Exchange Offer
Notwithstanding any other provision of the exchange offer, we
are not required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange
notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes and may terminate
or amend the exchange offer, if any of the following events
occur prior to acceptance of such outstanding notes:
(a) the exchange offer violates any applicable law or
applicable interpretation of the staff of the SEC; or
(b) there is threatened, instituted or pending any action
or proceeding before, or any injunction, order or decree has
been issued by, any court or governmental agency or other
governmental regulatory or administrative agency or commission,
(1) seeking to restrain or prohibit the making or
consummation of the exchange offer or any other transaction
contemplated by the exchange offer, or assessing or seeking any
damages as a result thereof, or
(2) resulting in a material delay in our ability to accept
for exchange or exchange some or all of the outstanding notes
pursuant to the exchange offer;
or any statute, rule, regulation, order or injunction has been
sought, proposed, introduced, enacted, promulgated or deemed
applicable to the exchange offer or any of the transactions
contemplated by the exchange offer by any government or
governmental authority, domestic or foreign, or any action has
been taken, proposed or threatened, by any government,
governmental authority, agency or court, domestic or foreign,
that in our sole judgment might, directly or indirectly, result
in any of the consequences referred to in clauses (1) or
(2) above or, in our reasonable judgment, might result in
the holders of exchange notes having obligations with respect to
resales and transfers of exchange notes
54
which are greater than those described in the interpretation of
the SEC referred to on the cover page of this prospectus, or
would otherwise make it inadvisable to proceed with the exchange
offer; or
(c) there has occurred:
(1) any general suspension of or general limitation on
prices for, or trading in, securities on any national securities
exchange or in the over-the-counter market,
(2) any limitation by a governmental agency or authority
which may adversely affect our ability to complete the
transactions contemplated by the exchange offer,
(3) a declaration of a banking moratorium or any suspension
of payments in respect of banks in the United States or any
limitation by any governmental agency or authority which
adversely affects the extension of credit, or
(4) a commencement of a war, armed hostilities or other
similar international calamity directly or indirectly involving
the United States, or, in the case of any of the foregoing
existing at the time of the commencement of the exchange offer,
a material acceleration or worsening thereof; or
(d) any change (or any development involving a prospective
change) has occurred or is threatened in our business,
properties, assets, liabilities, financial condition,
operations, results of operations or prospects taken as a whole
that, in our reasonable judgment, is or may be adverse to us, or
we have become aware of facts that, in our reasonable judgment,
have or may have adverse significance with respect to the value
of the outstanding notes or the exchange notes;
which in our reasonable judgment in any case, and regardless of
the circumstances (including any action by us) giving rise to
any such condition, makes it inadvisable to proceed with the
exchange offer
and/or with
such acceptance for exchange or with such exchange.
The foregoing conditions are for our sole benefit and may be
asserted by us regardless of the circumstances giving rise to
any condition or may be waived by us in whole or in part at any
time in our reasonable discretion. Our failure at any time to
exercise any of the foregoing rights will not be deemed a waiver
of any such right and each such right will be deemed an ongoing
right which may be asserted at any time.
In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding
notes tendered, and we will not issue exchange notes in exchange
for any such outstanding notes, if at such time any stop order
by the SEC is threatened or in effect with respect to the
Registration Statement, of which this prospectus constitutes a
part, or the qualification of the indenture under the
Trust Indenture Act.
Exchange
Agent
U.S. Bank National Association has been appointed as the
exchange agent for the exchange offer. All executed letters of
transmittal should be directed to the exchange agent at the
address set forth below. Questions and requests for assistance,
requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the
letter of transmittal and requests for notices of guaranteed
delivery should be directed to the exchange agent addressed as
follows:
U.S. Bank
National Association,
Exchange Agent
By Regular Mail, Overnight Courier or in Person (By Hand
Only):
West Side Flats
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attention: Specialized Finance
By Facsimile Transmission
(for Eligible Institutions only):
(651) 495-8158
Confirm Facsimile Transmission by Telephone:
(800) 934-6802
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Delivery of the letter of transmittal to an address other
than as set forth above or transmission of such letter of
transmittal via facsimile other than as set forth above does not
constitute a valid delivery of the letter of transmittal.
Fees and
Expenses
The principal solicitation is being made by mail by
U.S. Bank National Association, as exchange agent. We will
pay the exchange agent customary fees for its services,
reimburse the exchange agent for its reasonable out-of-pocket
expenses incurred in connection with the provision of these
services and pay other registration expenses, including fees and
expenses of the trustee under the indenture relating to the
exchange notes, filing fees, blue sky fees and printing and
distribution expenses. We will not make any payment to brokers,
dealers or others soliciting acceptances of the exchange offer.
Additional solicitation may be made by telephone, facsimile or
in person by our and our affiliates officers and regular
employees and by persons so engaged by the exchange agent.
Accounting
Treatment
Tropicana Entertainment will record the exchange notes at the
same carrying value as the outstanding notes as reflected in its
accounting records on the date of the exchange. Accordingly,
Tropicana Entertainment will not recognize any gain or loss for
accounting purposes as a result of the exchange offer. The
expenses of the exchange offer will be amortized over the term
of the exchange notes.
Transfer
Taxes
You will not be obligated to pay any transfer taxes in
connection with the tender of outstanding notes in the exchange
offer unless you instruct us to register exchange notes in the
name of, or request that outstanding notes not tendered or not
accepted in the exchange offer be returned to, a person other
than the registered holder. In those cases, you will be
responsible for the payment of any potentially applicable
transfer tax.
Consequences
of Exchanging or Failing to Exchange Outstanding Notes
If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes
in the exchange offer, your outstanding notes will continue to
be subject to the provisions of the indenture regarding transfer
and exchange of the outstanding notes and the restrictions on
transfer of the outstanding notes described in the legend on
your certificates. These transfer restrictions are required
because the outstanding notes were issued under an exemption
from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration
requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state
securities laws. In general, the outstanding notes may not be
offered or sold unless registered under the Securities Act,
except under an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject
to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We
do not plan to register the outstanding notes under the
Securities Act.
Based on interpretations by the staff of the SEC, as set forth
in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that
the exchange notes you receive in the exchange offer may be
offered for resale, resold or otherwise transferred without
compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery
provisions of the Securities Act. However, you will not be able
to freely transfer the exchange notes if:
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you are our affiliate, as defined in Rule 405
under the Securities Act,
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you are not acquiring the exchange notes in the exchange offer
in the ordinary course of your business,
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you have an arrangement or understanding with any person to
participate in the distribution, as defined in the Securities
Act, of the exchange notes you will receive in the exchange
offer,
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you are holding outstanding notes that have, or are reasonably
likely to have, the status of an unsold allotment in the initial
offering, or
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you are a broker-dealer that received exchange notes for its own
account in the exchange offer in exchange for outstanding notes
that were acquired as a result of market-making or other trading
activities.
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We do not intend to request the SEC to consider, and the SEC has
not considered, the exchange offer in the context of a similar
no-action letter. As a result, we cannot guarantee that the
staff of the SEC would make a similar determination with respect
to the exchange offer as in the circumstances described in the
no-action letters discussed above. Each holder, other than a
broker-dealer, must acknowledge that it is not engaged in, and
does not intend to engage in, a distribution of the exchange
notes and has no arrangement or understanding to participate in
a distribution of the exchange notes. If you are our affiliate,
are engaged in or intend to engage in a distribution of the
exchange notes or have any arrangement or understanding with
respect to the distribution of the exchange notes you will
receive in the exchange offer, you may not rely on the
applicable interpretations of the staff of the SEC and you must
comply with the registration and prospectus delivery
requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale
transaction involving the exchange notes. If you are a
participating broker-dealer, you must acknowledge that you will
deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the
exchange notes. In addition, to comply with state securities
laws, you may not offer or sell the exchange notes in any state
unless they have been registered or qualified for sale in that
state or an exemption from registration or qualification is
available and is complied with. The offer and sale of the
exchange notes to qualified institutional buyers (as
defined in Rule 144A of the Securities Act) is generally
exempt from registration or qualification under state securities
laws. We do not plan to register or qualify the sale of the
exchange notes in any state where an exemption from registration
or qualification is required and not available.
57
We will not receive any proceeds from this exchange offer. Any
outstanding notes that are properly tendered and exchanged
pursuant to the exchange offer will be retired and cancelled.
58
RATIO
OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
The following table sets forth the ratio of earnings to fixed
charges of (i) Tropicana Casinos and Resorts as of
December 31, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006,
(ii) Tropicana Entertainment as of December 31, 2006
on a pro forma basis to give effect to the Aztar Acquisition and
the corporate reorganization that occurred immediately prior to
the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition and
(iii) Tropicana Entertainment as of the six months ended
June 30, 2007. We have calculated the ratio of earnings to
fixed charges by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For the
purpose of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges,
earnings is defined as income from continuing
operations before provision for income taxes and fixed charges,
adjusted to exclude capitalized interest. Fixed
charges consist of interest expense, amortization of
capitalized debt costs and premium on debt, capitalized interest
and the estimated interest included in rental expense.
The information in the table below does not represent data for
the restricted group under the indenture as it does not include
data with respect to the affiliate guarantors, nor does it
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Entertainment
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2002
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006(1)
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges
|
|
|
5.63
|
|
|
|
5.29
|
|
|
|
6.85
|
|
|
|
3.92
|
|
|
|
1.69
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1.06
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects ratio of earnings to fixed
charges of Tropicana Entertainment on a pro forma basis to give
effect to the Transactions. For this period, earnings were
inadequate to cover fixed charges by $23.0 million.
|
59
The following table sets forth Tropicana Entertainments
cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and capitalization as
of June 30, 2007.
The information in the table below does not represent data for
the restricted group under the indenture as it does not include
data with respect to the affiliate guarantors, nor does it
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas.
The following table should be read in conjunction with
Prospectus Summary Summary Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data, Prospectus Summary
Summary Financial Information of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts and the financial statements included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
|
Entertainment
|
|
|
|
as of
|
|
|
|
June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands,
|
|
|
|
Unaudited)
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
86,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Restricted cash(1)
|
|
$
|
33,698
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Debt (includes current maturities):
|
|
|
|
|
New senior secured credit facility
|
|
$
|
1,340,239
|
|
Las Vegas secured loan
|
|
|
440,000
|
|
Notes
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
Capital Leases
|
|
|
1,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
2,741,789
|
|
Total members equity
|
|
|
960,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total capitalization
|
|
$
|
3,702,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Represents funds deposited in
escrow in respect of interest payable under the Las Vegas
secured loan for a period of 12 months.
|
60
UNAUDITED
PRO FORMA CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL PRESENTATION
We have derived the following unaudited pro forma consolidated
financial presentation by applying pro forma adjustments to the
historical consolidated financial statements of Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts and Aztar included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial presentation
gives effect to:
|
|
|
|
|
adjustments related to the corporate reorganization that
occurred immediately prior to the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition in which Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
to Tropicana Entertainment substantially all of its gaming
properties other than its New Orleans riverboat, the gaming
assets and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino and the
assets and operations of Tropicana Pennsylvania; and
|
|
|
|
further adjustments related to the Aztar Acquisition and the
Acquisition Financing Transactions.
|
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
presentation gives effect to the foregoing transactions as if
they had occurred on January 1, 2006.
The following unaudited pro forma consolidated financial
presentation is based on managements current estimates of,
and good faith assumptions regarding, the adjustments reflected
in the unaudited pro forma consolidated financial presentation.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial presentation is
based on currently available information and actual adjustments
could differ materially from current estimates. The unaudited
pro forma consolidated financial presentation is presented for
informational purposes only, and does not purport to represent
what results of operations actually would have been had the
foregoing transactions been consummated on the dates indicated
or to project our results of operations for any future period.
The Aztar Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 141, Business Combinations
(SFAS No. 141), with intangible assets recorded in
accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
(SFAS No. 142). The total consideration paid,
including transaction-related fees, for the Aztar Acquisition
was allocated to the acquired tangible and intangible assets and
liabilities based on their estimated fair values as of the date
on which the Aztar Acquisition was consummated. In presenting
the following pro forma financial information, we have allocated
the total estimated purchase price for the Aztar Acquisition to
the relevant assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on
preliminary estimates of fair values. A final determination of
these fair values will reflect our consideration of valuations
prepared by third-party appraisers, and may result in
adjustments to the amounts recorded in the following
presentation.
The unaudited pro forma consolidated financial presentation
contained herein consists of a pro forma consolidated income
statement for the year ended December 31, 2006. The Aztar
Acquisition was consummated on January 3, 2007. We have not
included herein an additional pro forma consolidated income
statement as of the six months ended June 30, 2007 because
the pro forma results for such period would not be significantly
different than Tropicana Entertainments actual results for
such period in light of the fact that the pro forma adjustments
for such period would only reflect three days of Aztar
operations. The actual unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Tropicana Entertainment for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 are contained elsewhere in this prospectus.
The information in the table below does not represent data for
the restricted group under the indenture as it does not include
data with respect to the affiliate guarantors, nor does it
exclude data with respect to the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas.
The following table should be read in conjunction with
Prospectus Summary Summary Unaudited Pro Forma
Financial Data, Prospectus Summary
Summary Financial Information of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data Aztar,
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Aztar and
the financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus.
61
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT
Unaudited
Pro Forma Consolidated Income Statement
Year
Ended December 31, 2006
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
|
|
|
Aztar
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
Tropicana
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
|
|
|
Acquisition
|
|
|
for Aztar
|
|
|
|
Casinos
|
|
|
and Resorts
|
|
|
and Resorts
|
|
|
|
|
|
and Financing
|
|
|
Acquisition and
|
|
|
|
and Resorts
|
|
|
Adjustments(1)
|
|
|
as Adjusted
|
|
|
Aztar
|
|
|
Adjustments(2)
|
|
|
Financing
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
|
$
|
673,929
|
|
|
$
|
44,414
|
(a)
|
|
$
|
957,833
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
|
|
107,289
|
|
|
|
45,076
|
(a)
|
|
|
192,096
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
|
|
58,773
|
|
|
|
58,526
|
(a)
|
|
|
159,282
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
54,345
|
|
|
|
5,348
|
(a)
|
|
|
72,016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
|
|
894,336
|
|
|
|
153,364
|
|
|
|
1,381,227
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(153,364
|
)(a)
|
|
|
(198,028
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
894,336
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,183,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
|
|
265,823
|
|
|
|
(79,001
|
)(e)
|
|
|
227,304
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
|
|
48,258
|
|
|
|
10,995
|
(e)
|
|
|
76,900
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
|
|
57,313
|
|
|
|
46,510
|
(e)
|
|
|
138,402
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
|
|
29,200
|
|
|
|
2,303
|
(b)
|
|
|
35,644
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
10,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,074
|
|
|
|
25,234
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,308
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotion
|
|
|
15,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,513
|
|
|
|
82,025
|
|
|
|
(678
|
)(d)
|
|
|
96,860
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
|
|
27,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,576
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,475
|
|
|
|
(2,475
|
)(c)
|
|
|
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
3,824
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,824
|
|
|
|
38,078
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,902
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
16,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,184
|
|
|
|
88,338
|
|
|
|
(19,299
|
)(d)
|
|
|
85,223
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,750
|
(d)
|
|
|
13,100
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
10,771
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,771
|
|
|
|
11,590
|
|
|
|
(614
|
)(d)
|
|
|
21,747
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
|
|
70,027
|
|
|
|
(7,030
|
)(f)
|
|
|
81,030
|
|
Insurance recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,229
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,229
|
)
|
Casualty loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,420
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,420
|
|
Merger related
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,972
|
|
|
|
(78,000
|
)(g)
|
|
|
14,972
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
26,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,609
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
857,799
|
|
|
|
(119,539
|
)
|
|
|
968,545
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
36,537
|
|
|
|
119,539
|
|
|
|
214,654
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
|
|
1,849
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,767
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(35,563
|
)
|
|
|
18,922
|
(a)
|
|
|
(16,641
|
)
|
|
|
(55,935
|
)
|
|
|
(175,619
|
)(h)
|
|
|
(248,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(26,645
|
)
|
|
|
18,922
|
|
|
|
(7,723
|
)
|
|
|
(51,446
|
)
|
|
|
(175,619
|
)
|
|
|
(234,788
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before income taxes
|
|
|
31,933
|
|
|
|
18,922
|
|
|
|
50,855
|
|
|
|
(14,909
|
)
|
|
|
(56,080
|
)
|
|
|
(20,134
|
)
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
|
29,247
|
(i)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before minority interest
|
|
|
31,933
|
|
|
|
18,922
|
|
|
|
50,855
|
|
|
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
|
(26,833
|
)
|
|
|
(20,134
|
)
|
Minority interest in net income (loss) of consolidated
subsidiaries
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
28,709
|
|
|
$
|
18,922
|
|
|
$
|
47,631
|
|
|
$
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
$
|
(26,833
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,358
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
62
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial Presentation
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
|
|
(1)
|
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS ADJUSTMENTS
|
The following adjustments give effect to the corporate
reorganization that occurred immediately prior to the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition as if it had occurred on
January 1, 2006.
(a) Reflects the elimination of accrued interest in respect
of the $350.2 million loan made to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts by CSC Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Tropicana
Entertainment controlled by Columbia Sussex, as this loan was
retained by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts in the corporate
reorganization as a liability owing to CSC Holdings, LLC, and
was not assigned to Tropicana Entertainment. The
$350.2 million loan evidences the payments by CSC Holdings,
LLC into an account a portion of which was utilized to make
payment on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts of the
$313.0 million deposit to Aztar upon the execution of the
Aztar Merger Agreement and a deposit of approximately
$37.2 million in connection with the issuance of the old
notes. The $350.2 million loan matures on May 19, 2018
and accrues interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 5% per annum,
although no principal or interest payments are due thereon until
the maturity date thereof.
|
|
(2)
|
AZTAR
ACQUISITION AND FINANCING ADJUSTMENTS
|
The following adjustments give effect to the Aztar Acquisition
and the Acquisition Financing Transactions as if they had
occurred on January 1, 2006.
(a) Aztar reflects its cash promotional offers to its
customers, including cash rebates from loyalty programs, as
reductions in casino revenues. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
presents casino, rooms, food and beverage and other casino and
hotel revenues on a gross basis inclusive of these types of
promotional allowances, and then deducts such promotional
allowances from its total operating revenues to derive its net
operating revenues. The following table reflects the adjustments
to each of Aztars revenue components to present these
types of promotional allowances in a manner consistent with
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts revenue recognition policies:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Casino revenue
|
|
$
|
44,414
|
|
Rooms revenue
|
|
|
45,076
|
|
Food and beverage revenue
|
|
|
58,526
|
|
Other casino and hotel revenue
|
|
|
5,348
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total revenue adjustment
|
|
$
|
153,364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Promotional allowances
|
|
$
|
(153,364
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
63
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Presentation (Continued)
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
(b) Aztar reflects the estimated cost of providing patrons
with complimentary food and beverage, accommodations and other
goods and services as casino expense. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts reflects these costs as expenses of each department that
incurs the relevant costs. The following table reflects the
adjustments required to present these types of expenses in a
manner consistent with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
expense recognition policies:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Casino expense
|
|
$
|
(75,934
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rooms expense
|
|
$
|
20,215
|
|
Food and beverage expense
|
|
|
53,416
|
|
Other casino and hotel expense
|
|
|
2,303
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
75,934
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(c) Aztar reflects its provision for doubtful accounts as a
separate line item in its income statement. Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts reflects its provision for doubtful accounts as part
of casino expense. The following table reflects the adjustments
required to present Aztars provision for doubtful accounts
as casino expense:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Casino expense
|
|
$
|
2,475
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
$
|
(2,475
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
(d) Following the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition,
Aztar, Tropicana Entertainments wholly-owned, indirect
subsidiary, began to make use of administrative services
provided to it by Columbia Sussex pursuant to a services
agreement entered into between it and Columbia Sussex. Under the
services agreement, Aztar has various corporate and property
administrative services (including, among others, accounting,
marketing, property management and human resources) performed on
its behalf by Columbia Sussex in exchange for a fixed payment of
$1.0 million per year, which represents a cost savings as
compared to the cost at which Aztar previously incurred similar
services at its corporate headquarters and properties. In
addition, Tropicana Entertainment closed Aztars Phoenix,
Arizona headquarters, which produced a reduction in overhead
costs. Furthermore, subsequent to the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition, management conducted a review of Aztars
staffing practices and effected a staffing reorganization at
Aztar, which has resulted in cost savings and which management
expects to continue to produce cost savings in the future. Cost
savings with respect to administrative and general expense and
lease expense have been realized without affecting revenues
generated by Aztar because substantially all of the cost savings
that were achieved with respect to these expenses resulted from
the closure of Aztars headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona,
which headquarters were no longer needed following the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition as we consolidated
corporate operations for our existing operations and the
operations acquired in the Aztar Acquisition at our Crestview
Hills, Kentucky headquarters. Cost savings with respect to the
other expense categories are expected to be realized without
affecting revenues because Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has
historically evidenced an ability to achieve revenue growth
while simultaneously effecting reductions in payroll and other
expenses.
64
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Presentation (Continued)
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
The following pro forma adjustments reflect the implementation
of the cost saving measures described above:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Casino expense
|
|
$
|
(5,542
|
)
|
Rooms expense
|
|
|
(9,220
|
)
|
Food and beverage expense
|
|
|
(6,906
|
)
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotion expense
|
|
|
(678
|
)
|
Leased land and facilities expense
|
|
|
(614
|
)
|
Administrative and general expense(i)
|
|
|
(19,299
|
)
|
Corporate overhead(i)
|
|
|
7,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
(34,509
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
Administrative and general expense
reflects an adjustment of $(19,299), which represents Aztar
corporate costs and a reclassification of certain corporate
overhead costs. The $7,750 add back to corporate overhead
represents additional expenses in support of the acquisition in
accordance with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts expense
recognition policies and a reclassification of certain
administrative and general expenses.
|
(e) The total adjustment to casino expense reflects the
combined impact of the adjustments set forth in notes (b),
(c) and (d) above as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Note(b) reclass related to the treatment of complimentary
services
|
|
$
|
(75,934
|
)
|
Note(c) reclass related to the presentation of allowance for
doubtful accounts
|
|
|
2,475
|
|
Note(d) adjustment related to the staffing reorganization plan
|
|
|
(5,542
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total casino expense adjustment
|
|
$
|
(79,001
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total adjustment to rooms expense reflects the combined
impact of the adjustments set forth in notes (b) and
(d) above as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Note(b) reclass related to the treatment of complimentary
services
|
|
$
|
20,215
|
|
Note(d) adjustment related to the staffing reorganization plan
|
|
|
(9,220
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total rooms expense adjustment
|
|
$
|
10,995
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total adjustment to food and beverage expense reflects the
combined impact of the adjustments set forth in notes
(b) and (d) above as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Note(b) reclass related to the treatment of complimentary
services
|
|
$
|
53,416
|
|
Note(d) adjustment related to the staffing reorganization plan
|
|
|
(6,906
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total food and beverage expense adjustment
|
|
$
|
46,510
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
65
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Presentation (Continued)
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
(f) Reflects adjustments to depreciation and amortization
expense resulting from purchase accounting adjustments to
reflect the estimated fair values of the assets acquired in the
Aztar Acquisition. The following table sets forth aggregate pro
forma depreciation and amortization expense based on the
estimated fair values of these assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Value
|
|
|
Useful Life
|
|
|
Annual Expense
|
|
|
Property and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
$
|
873,400
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
29,114
|
|
Personal property
|
|
|
106,500
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
21,300
|
|
Land
|
|
|
797,400
|
|
|
|
Indefinite
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total property and equipment
|
|
|
1,777,300
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,414
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Customer loyalty program
|
|
|
97,100
|
|
|
|
10
|
|
|
|
9,710
|
|
Aztar trade name
|
|
|
3,900
|
|
|
|
1.5
|
|
|
|
2,600
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City gaming license
|
|
|
4,100
|
|
|
|
15
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amortizing intangibles
|
|
|
105,100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,583
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
1,882,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
62,997
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The following table sets forth the adjustments to depreciation
and amortization expense for each period by comparing pro forma
depreciation and amortization expense in respect of the assets
acquired in the Aztar Acquisition for each period to the
historical depreciation and amortization expense recorded by
Aztar in respect of these assets for each period:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Historical depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
$
|
(70,027
|
)
|
Calculated depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
|
62,997
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Adjustment to depreciation and amortization expense
|
|
$
|
7,030
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(g) Reflects the elimination of the $78.0 million of
expense paid by Aztar in the second quarter of 2006 in
connection with a
break-up fee
and expense reimbursement to Pinnacle in connection with
Aztars termination of its merger agreement with Pinnacle
in order to enter into the Aztar Merger Agreement. This
$78.0 million payment was paid utilizing a portion of the
deposit made by affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment following
the execution of the Aztar Merger Agreement and has been
reflected by Tropicana Entertainment as a portion of the
purchase price for the Aztar Acquisition.
66
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Presentation (Continued)
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
(h) Reflects the adjustment to interest expense in respect
of the senior secured credit facility, the Las Vegas secured
loan and the notes and the elimination of historical interest
expense in respect of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and
Aztars historical indebtedness which was retired
concurrently with or shortly following the consummation of the
Aztar Acquisition, calculated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Interest expense on new senior secured credit facility(i)
|
|
$
|
(115,000
|
)
|
Less interest on repayment of debt due to acquisition
termination(i)
|
|
|
13,457
|
|
Interest expense on Las Vegas secured loan(ii)
|
|
|
(32,331
|
)
|
Interest expense on the notes(iii)
|
|
|
(92,400
|
)
|
Revolving credit facility undrawn commitment fee
|
|
|
(900
|
)
|
Amortization of deferred financing costs(iv)
|
|
|
(21,021
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total pro forma interest expense on new debt financing
|
|
|
(248,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less: Tropicana Casinos and Resorts as adjusted interest and
amortization of historical debt(v)
|
|
|
16,641
|
|
Less: Historical Aztar interest and amortization of historical
debt(v)
|
|
|
55,935
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma interest expense adjustment
|
|
$
|
(175,619
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(i)
|
|
The first line reflects interest on
$1,530.0 million of borrowings under the senior secured
credit facility. The second line reflects the extent to which
interest expense was reduced under the senior secured credit
facility after giving effect to the repayment of
$167.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the term
loan under the senior secured credit facility following the
termination of the Casino Queen Acquisition Agreement. See
Prospectus Summary Recent
Developments Casino Queen Developments and
Description of Other Indebtedness. The senior
secured credit facility bears interest at a rate equal to an
applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) a base
rate determined by reference to the higher of (x) the prime
rate announced by the administrative agent under the facility or
(y) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or (b) a reserve
adjusted LIBOR rate. However, Tropicana Entertainment has
entered into swap agreements in the amount of $1.0 billion,
which effectively fix at 5.00% per annum the LIBOR rate
applicable to $1.0 billion of the indebtedness incurred
under the senior secured credit facility. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
Risk. We have calculated the amount above by applying an
interest rate of (i) 8.02%, or LIBOR plus an applicable
margin of 2.25%, to that portion of the outstanding indebtedness
under the senior secured credit facility that is not hedged
against, which reflects the interest rate in effect as of
August 31, 2007 under the senior secured credit facility,
and (ii) 7.25%, or 5.00% plus an applicable margin of
2.25%, to the $1.0 billion portion of the outstanding
indebtedness under the senior secured credit facility that is
hedged against by the swap agreement we entered into, which
reflects the effective interest rate to Tropicana Entertainment
under the senior secured credit facility after giving effect to
such hedging arrangement.
|
|
|
|
(ii)
|
|
Reflects interest on
$440.0 million of borrowings under the Las Vegas secured
loan. The Las Vegas secured loan bears interest at a rate equal
to an applicable margin plus, at our option, either (a) a
base rate determined by reference to the higher of (x) the
prime rate announced by the administrative agent under the
facility or (y) the federal funds rate plus 0.50% or
(b) a reserve adjusted LIBOR rate. However, the Las Vegas
borrower has entered into a swap agreement in the amount of
$440.0 million, which effectively fixes at 5.10% per annum
the LIBOR rate applicable to the entire balance outstanding
under the Las Vegas secured loan. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures About Market Risk. We have calculated the
amount above by applying an interest rate of 7.35%, or LIBOR
plus an applicable margin of 2.25%, to the outstanding
indebtedness under the Las Vegas secured loan, which reflects
the interest rate in effect for the term of the loan after
giving effect to the hedging arrangement described above.
|
|
(iii)
|
|
Reflects interest on the notes
using a fixed annual interest rate of 9.625%.
|
67
Notes to
Unaudited Pro Forma Consolidated Financial
Presentation (Continued)
(In thousands except as otherwise noted)
|
|
|
(iv)
|
|
Reflects (a) amortization of
$68.3 million in deferred financing costs in respect of the
senior secured credit facility, which will be amortized on a
straight-line basis over the five year term of the facility,
(b) amortization of an estimated $8.7 million in
deferred financing costs in respect of the Las Vegas secured
loan, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the
18 month term of the facility and (c) amortization of
$12.3 million in deferred financing costs in respect of the
notes, which will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the
eight year term of the notes.
|
|
|
|
(v)
|
|
Reflects elimination of historical
and as adjusted interest expense and amortization of deferred
financing costs relating to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
historical credit facility, which was retired concurrently with
the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, and Aztars
historical credit facility and outstanding notes, which were
retired concurrently with the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition and 30 days following the Aztar Acquisition,
respectively.
|
(i) Reflects elimination of historical income tax expense
of Aztar as Tropicana Entertainment is a pass-through entity for
federal and state income tax purposes.
68
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA TROPICANA ENTERTAINMENT
AND
TROPICANA CASINOS AND RESORTS
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated
financial data of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts, Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent
company and predecessor.
The selected historical income statement data of Tropicana
Entertainment for the six month period ended June 30, 2007
and its selected historical balance sheet data as of
June 30, 2007 have been derived from the unaudited
consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Entertainment
included elsewhere in this prospectus which, in the opinion of
management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the information for those periods.
The selected historical consolidated income statement data of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal
years and its selected historical consolidated balance sheet
data as of December 31, 2005 and 2006 have been derived
from the audited consolidated financial statements of Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
selected consolidated income statement data of Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts for the 2002 and 2003 fiscal years, and the selected
historical consolidated balance sheet data as of
December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004 have been derived from the
audited consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts not included elsewhere in this prospectus. The
selected historical income statement data of Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts for the six month period ended June 30, 2006
have been derived from the unaudited consolidated financial
statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts included elsewhere
in this prospectus which, in the opinion of management, include
all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of the
information for such period.
In connection with the corporate reorganization conducted by
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts described under Prospectus
Summary Corporate Reorganization, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts contributed to Tropicana Entertainment
substantially all of its gaming properties. In the corporate
reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts did not contribute
to Tropicana Entertainment the assets relating to its
New Orleans riverboat or the gaming assets and operations
at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, a casino
located in leased space in a hotel property that is managed by
Columbia Sussex and owned by an affiliate of Columbia Sussex.
Accordingly, the selected historical consolidated financial data
of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts set forth in the table below
reflects the New Orleans riverboat and the gaming assets and
operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino as discontinued
operations. In addition, in accordance with FASB Interpretation
No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities, the selected historical consolidated financial
data of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts through December 31,
2006 and the selected historical financial data of Tropicana
Entertainment thereafter include the results of Realty, one of
the affiliate guarantors, a variable interest entity of which
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was the primary beneficiary prior
to the corporate reorganization and of which Tropicana
Entertainment became the primary beneficiary thereafter. For a
more detailed presentation of Realtys results, see the
financial statements of Realty included elsewhere in this
prospectus. Furthermore, on December 12, 2006, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts acquired all equity interests in Tropicana
Pennsylvania, which is not subject to the restrictive covenants
contained in the indenture. Accordingly, the selected historical
consolidated financial data of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts set
forth in the table below reflect Tropicana Pennsylvania as a
discontinued operation.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, through its operating
subsidiaries and affiliates, has made several significant
acquisitions of gaming properties over the past few years,
including the River Palms in Laughlin, Nevada in September 2003,
the MontBleu in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada in June 2005 and the
Belle of Baton Rouge in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in October 2005.
These gaming properties materially increased Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts net operating revenues in the periods
following their acquisitions. The New Orleans riverboat and the
gaming assets and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino,
which were not contributed to Tropicana Entertainment as part of
the Transactions, are shown as Discontinued Operations,
Casinos to be Transferred in the consolidated financial
statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contained elsewhere
in this prospectus.
69
The historical results below do not represent the results of the
restricted group under the indenture. The historical results set
forth below do not necessarily indicate results expected for any
future period, and the results of any future period do not
necessarily indicate results that may be expected for any other
period or the full fiscal year. The following historical
consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction
with Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
and the consolidated financial statements of Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts included
elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2002(1)
|
|
|
2003(1)
|
|
|
2004(1)
|
|
|
2005(1)
|
|
|
2006(1)
|
|
|
2006(1)
|
|
|
2007(2)
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
61,236
|
|
|
$
|
73,426
|
|
|
$
|
100,240
|
|
|
$
|
150,040
|
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
|
$
|
124,922
|
|
|
$
|
443,417
|
|
Room
|
|
|
10,190
|
|
|
|
12,177
|
|
|
|
18,032
|
|
|
|
28,381
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
|
|
97,734
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
11,930
|
|
|
|
15,736
|
|
|
|
21,829
|
|
|
|
30,032
|
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
|
|
20,402
|
|
|
|
80,668
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
3,886
|
|
|
|
5,031
|
|
|
|
5,845
|
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
5,437
|
|
|
|
34,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
87,242
|
|
|
|
106,370
|
|
|
|
145,946
|
|
|
|
216,826
|
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
|
|
170,217
|
|
|
|
656,101
|
|
Less promotional allowance
|
|
|
(2,855
|
)
|
|
|
(16,399
|
)
|
|
|
(24,029
|
)
|
|
|
(30,184
|
)
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
(22,435
|
)
|
|
|
(102,045
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
84,387
|
|
|
|
89,971
|
|
|
|
121,917
|
|
|
|
186,642
|
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
147,782
|
|
|
|
554,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
10,395
|
|
|
|
15,206
|
|
|
|
19,822
|
|
|
|
27,658
|
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
|
|
20,197
|
|
|
|
61,434
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
3,093
|
|
|
|
4,997
|
|
|
|
8,257
|
|
|
|
12,830
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
|
|
8,686
|
|
|
|
40,863
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
7,506
|
|
|
|
11,940
|
|
|
|
17,829
|
|
|
|
25,962
|
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
|
|
16,918
|
|
|
|
67,398
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
21,660
|
|
|
|
21,153
|
|
|
|
27,210
|
|
|
|
44,834
|
|
|
|
79,909
|
|
|
|
42,229
|
|
|
|
123,723
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
17,436
|
|
|
|
10,633
|
|
|
|
16,647
|
|
|
|
23,253
|
|
|
|
37,047
|
|
|
|
17,146
|
|
|
|
96,478
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,364
|
|
|
|
5,478
|
|
|
|
6,615
|
|
|
|
9,646
|
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
|
|
6,415
|
|
|
|
43,353
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
64,454
|
|
|
|
69,407
|
|
|
|
96,459
|
|
|
|
146,925
|
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
112,570
|
|
|
|
433,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
19,933
|
|
|
|
20,564
|
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
35,212
|
|
|
|
120,544
|
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
Interest expense (net)
|
|
|
(970
|
)
|
|
|
(741
|
)
|
|
|
(796
|
)
|
|
|
(5,511
|
)
|
|
|
(26,645
|
)
|
|
|
(7,124
|
)
|
|
|
(107,595
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest and income taxes
|
|
|
18,963
|
|
|
|
19,823
|
|
|
|
24,662
|
|
|
|
34,206
|
|
|
|
31,933
|
|
|
|
28,088
|
|
|
|
10,150
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
(2,594
|
)
|
|
|
(2,952
|
)
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
16,369
|
|
|
|
16,871
|
|
|
|
20,789
|
|
|
|
30,773
|
|
|
|
28,709
|
|
|
|
26,338
|
|
|
|
7,833
|
|
Income tax benefit, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384,767
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(852
|
)
|
|
|
(2,869
|
)
|
|
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
(2,097
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
16,369
|
|
|
$
|
16,019
|
|
|
$
|
17,920
|
|
|
$
|
21,844
|
|
|
$
|
33,414
|
|
|
$
|
24,241
|
|
|
$
|
392,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
14,400
|
|
|
$
|
21,884
|
|
|
$
|
26,339
|
|
|
$
|
41,233
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
|
$
|
62,166
|
|
|
$
|
86,648
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
55,550
|
|
|
|
100,158
|
|
|
|
115,808
|
|
|
|
368,268
|
|
|
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
714,347
|
|
|
|
3,851,539
|
|
Total debt (excluding related party)
|
|
|
6,700
|
|
|
|
22,700
|
|
|
|
19,950
|
|
|
|
199,500
|
|
|
|
1,155,975
|
|
|
|
196,629
|
|
|
|
2,741,789
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
32,060
|
|
|
|
53,653
|
|
|
|
71,573
|
|
|
|
120,017
|
|
|
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
156,921
|
|
|
|
960,377
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects results of Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Reflects results of Tropicana
Entertainment. Includes Aztars results of operations from
January 3, 2007, the date of its acquisition.
|
70
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS TROPICANA ENTERTAINMENT AND
TROPICANA CASINOS AND RESORTS
The following managements discussion and analysis
should be read in conjunction with Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and the consolidated
financial statements of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts included elsewhere in this prospectus. See
Forward Looking Statements and Risk
Factors for a discussion of factors that could cause
future financial condition and results of operations to be
different from those discussed below. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts fiscal year ends on December 31 of each calendar
year, and its interim fiscal quarters end on the last day of
March, June and September of each year. Certain monetary
amounts, percentages and other figures included in this
prospectus have been subject to rounding adjustments.
Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain tables may not
be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that precede them,
and figures expressed as percentages in the text may not total
100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be the
arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.
Separate discussions and analyses of results of operations for
CP Vicksburg, JMBS Casino and Aztar are included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
Overview
and Presentation
We are a leading, diversified, multi-jurisdictional owner and
operator of gaming properties. We own or operate gaming
properties located in Nevada, New Jersey, Louisiana, Mississippi
and Indiana that are focused primarily on serving customers
within driving distance of such properties. Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts, Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent
company and predecessor, was formed in 1990 by Mr. William
Yung to acquire the Tahoe Horizon, his initial investment in the
gaming industry. Since obtaining a gaming license in 1990,
Mr. William Yung, has built a record of successful gaming
acquisitions and development, while generating growth and
operational improvements. On June 8, 2006, in connection
with the corporate reorganization conducted by Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts as described under Prospectus
Summary Corporate Reorganization and
Business Corporate Reorganization,
Tropicana Entertainment was formed.
In the corporate reorganization completed on January 3,
2007, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed to Tropicana
Entertainment five gaming properties, but did not contribute to
Tropicana Entertainment the assets relating to its New Orleans
riverboat, the gaming assets and operations at the Casuarina Las
Vegas Casino, a casino located in leased space in a hotel
property managed by Columbia Sussex and owned by an affiliate of
Columbia Sussex, or the assets relating to the Tropicana
Pennsylvania. These operations are shown as Discontinued
Operations, Casinos to be Transferred in the consolidated
financial statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contained
elsewhere in this prospectus, and the following
managements discussion and analysis gives effect to such
treatment in its presentation of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts financial condition and results of operations. In
addition, in accordance with FASB Interpretation No. 46R,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, the
consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts include the results of Realty, one
of the affiliate guarantors, a variable interest entity of which
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was the primary beneficiary prior
to the corporate reorganization and of which Tropicana
Entertainment became the primary beneficiary thereafter. For a
more detailed presentation of Realtys results, see the
financial statements of Realty included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
In light of Tropicana Entertainments limited operating
history and the fact that five of the gaming properties
comprising its present casino portfolio were previously operated
by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, this managements
discussion and analysis presents the financial condition and
results of operations of both Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts so as to provide a more complete
understanding of Tropicana Entertainments business than
would be afforded by a presentation of the financial condition
and results of operations of Tropicana Entertainment alone.
71
Acquisition
of Aztar
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment
acquired all of the outstanding equity interests in Aztar for
approximately $2.1 billion in cash. As part of the
corporate reorganization completed substantially concurrently
with the acquisition, Aztar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment. For more information concerning the
Aztar Acquisition, see Prospectus Summary The
Aztar Acquisition and Business The Aztar
Acquisition. The Aztar Acquisition added four casino
properties located in Nevada, New Jersey and Indiana to the
holdings of Tropicana Entertainment.
The Aztar Acquisition has significantly increased the revenues
of Tropicana Entertainment. Tropicana Entertainment has incurred
significant new borrowings in connection with the Acquisition
Financing Transactions that it entered into in order to finance
the Aztar Acquisition. Accordingly, Tropicana
Entertainments interest expense in future periods is
significantly higher than the historical interest expense of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts.
The Aztar Acquisition was accounted for as a purchase and the
results of operations of the acquired company have been included
in Tropicana Entertainments results of operations from its
acquisition date. As a result of the Aztar Acquisition,
Aztars assets and liabilities were adjusted to fair value
as of the closing date of the Aztar Acquisition based on a
preliminary estimate provided by an independent third party
appraiser. The excess of the total purchase price over the fair
value of Aztars net assets at the closing of the Aztar
Acquisition was allocated to goodwill, and this indefinite-lived
asset will be subject to an impairment review on an annual basis
or as the circumstances require. The following accounting
polices and classifications used by Aztar were changed as of the
date of the Aztar Acquisition, January 3, 2007, to reflect
Tropicana Entertainments accounting policies and
classifications: (i) Operating revenues are presented gross
of promotional allowances and complimentaries offered to
customers, while Aztar presented operating revenues net of these
items. These promotional allowances and complimentaries are then
deducted from gross operating revenue to derive net operating
revenues. (ii) The cost of providing complimentary rooms,
food and beverage to customers is presented as an expense of the
department providing the service, while Aztar presented these
costs as expenses of the department that granted the
complimentary to the guest, which was primarily the casino
department. (iii) Gaming taxes and licensing fees are
presented as a separate caption in the statement of operations,
while Aztar presented these costs as part of the casino
department. (iv) Provision for doubtful accounts expense is
included as a casino department expense, while Aztar presented
provision for doubtful accounts as a separate operating expense
caption. (v) Depreciation and amortization expense after
the Aztar Acquisition will reflect useful lives which may differ
from those used by Aztar prior to the Aztar Acquisition. See
footnote 2 of the unaudited pro forma consolidated income
statement included elsewhere in this prospectus for more detail
regarding these reclassifications we have made.
Other
Recently Completed Acquisitions
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, through its operating
subsidiaries and affiliates, has made several significant
acquisitions of gaming properties over the past few years, which
properties it contributed to Tropicana Entertainment as part of
the corporate reorganization. These acquisitions include:
|
|
|
|
|
The gaming assets and operations of the River Palms in Laughlin,
Nevada. Realty acquired the real estate and substantially all of
the non-gaming assets of the property. The acquisitions were
made in September 2003 for an aggregate cash purchase price of
$25.2 million. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has since
invested nearly $13.6 million in hotel room renovations and
casino floor improvements at the River Palms.
|
|
|
|
The MontBleu in South Lake Tahoe, Nevada, which Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts acquired in June 2005 for an aggregate cash
purchase price of $47.2 million. During the fourth quarter
of 2005, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts commenced a
$21.0 million redevelopment of the MontBleu, which
encompassed, among other things, remodeling the common areas of
the property, including the lobby, restaurants and onsite
nightclub. The renovated MontBleu re-opened in May 2006.
|
72
|
|
|
|
|
The Argosy Riverboat Casino and related assets in Baton Rouge,
Louisiana, which Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired in
October 2005 for an aggregate cash purchase price of
approximately $149.7 million. The property has since been
renamed the Belle of Baton Rouge.
|
Financial
Statement Presentation
The following provides a brief description of certain items that
appear in the financial statements of Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and general factors that
impact these items:
Operating Revenue. Total operating revenue
represents gross revenues derived from casino operations, hotel
room revenues associated with hotel operations, food and
beverage, retail and other casino and hotel operations. Net
operating revenue represents total operating revenue less
promotional allowances, which include the retail value of
accommodations, food and beverage and other services provided to
casino customers without charge and cash back awards
such as cash coupons, rebates, cash complimentaries and refunds,
or complimentaries.
Casino operating revenue is derived primarily from patrons
wagering on slot machines and, to a lesser extent, table games
and other gaming operations. Table games include blackjack,
craps, roulette, and specialty games. Casino operating revenue
is defined as the net win from gaming activities, computed as
the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total
amount wagered. Table game drop and slot
handle are casino industry-specific terms used to identify
the amount wagered by patrons for a casino table game or slot
machine, respectively. Table game hold and
slot hold represent the percentage of the total
amount wagered by patrons that the casino has won. Casino
operating revenue is recognized as earned at the time the
relevant services are provided.
Hotel room revenue is derived from hotel rooms and suites rented
to guests. Hotel room revenue is recognized at the time the
hotel rooms are provided to guests.
Food and beverage revenues are derived from food and beverage
sales in the food outlets of the casino properties, including
restaurants, room service and banquets. Food and beverage
revenue is recognized at the time the relevant food
and/or
beverage service is provided to guests.
Revenue from other casino and hotel operations is obtained from
ancillary hotel operations such as telephone service sales, gift
shop sales, arcade revenues, retail amenities, concessions,
entertainment offerings and show room sales and certain other
ancillary activities conducted at the casino properties.
Casino operating revenues vary from time to time due to table
game hold, slot hold, the amount of gaming activity, as well as
variations in the odds for different games of chance. Hotel room
revenues vary depending upon the occupancy levels at the hotels
and the rates that can be charged. Casino operating revenues,
hotel room revenues, food and beverage revenues, and other
revenues vary due to general economic conditions and competition.
Operating Expense. Operating expense
represents the direct costs associated with, among other things,
operating casinos, rooms departments, food and beverage outlets
and other casino and hotel operations (including retail
amenities, concessions, entertainment offerings and certain
other ancillary activities conducted at the casino properties),
and also includes the cost of providing complimentaries. These
direct operating costs primarily relate to payroll, supplies
and, in the case of food and beverage operations, the cost of
goods sold. Operating expenses also take account of utility
costs, marketing and advertising, repairs and maintenance,
insurance, administrative and general expenses, land and
building leases, gaming taxes, and real estate and property
taxes. Finally, operating expenses include depreciation of
property and equipment used at the various operations and
amortization of intangibles and other assets.
Among the costs described above, gaming taxes and licenses,
casino expenses and food and beverage expenses account for a
significantly greater proportion of the aggregate expenses
constituting operating expenses than the others. Expenses
associated with gaming taxes and licenses reflect amounts
payable to authorities in connection with gaming operations and
are computed in various ways
73
depending on the type of gaming or activity involved. Gaming
license fees and taxes are based upon such factors as a
percentage of the gross revenues or net gaming proceeds
received, the number of gaming devices and table games operated
and franchise fees for riverboat casinos operating on certain
waterways. In many jurisdictions, gaming tax rates are graduated
such that they increase as gross revenues increase. Gaming
license fees and taxes may also vary with changes in applicable
legislation. Casino expense includes, among other things, costs
associated with payroll, fixtures and equipment and other
similar costs. Casino expense varies depending on amounts
expended in connection with such costs, which may depend on
staffing and equipment requirements and the implementation of
cost saving measures. Food and beverage expense varies on the
basis of the cost of certain food items and generally increases
in relation to increases in food and beverage sales.
Operating Income. Operating income represents
the net of operating revenues and operating expenses and
excludes other items that are not related to operations, such as
income earned from the investment of excess funds and minority
interest allocations.
Income from Continuing Operations. Income from
continuing operations represents operating income plus interest
income and other non-operating income, less interest expense and
minority interest income.
Net Income (Loss). Net income (loss)
represents income from continuing operations less discontinued
operations or casinos held directly by Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts (rather than Tropicana Entertainment) following the
corporate reorganization.
Results
of Operations
The results of operations for Tropicana Entertainment for the
six months ended June 30, 2007 are summarized below. In
addition, the results of operations for Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent company
and predecessor, for the years ended December 31, 2004,
2005 and 2006 and the six months ended June 30, 2006 are
summarized below. The results are reported by segment. The
Nevada segment is comprised of the Tahoe Horizon, MontBleu and
River Palms. The Mississippi River basin segment is comprised of
the Lighthouse Point Casino and the Belle of Baton Rouge.
With the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, four casino
properties located in Nevada, New Jersey and Indiana were
added to Tropicana Entertainments holdings. Tropicana
Express is now part of the Nevada segment. Casino Aztar
Evansville is now part of the Mississippi River basin segment.
Tropicana Atlantic City and Tropicana Las Vegas are each
separate reporting segments.
74
Net
Operating Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Nevada Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
47,074
|
|
|
$
|
47,614
|
|
|
$
|
44,138
|
|
|
$
|
19,964
|
|
|
$
|
18,793
|
|
MontBleu(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,374
|
|
|
|
49,953
|
|
|
|
21,486
|
|
|
|
24,893
|
|
River Palms
|
|
|
47,378
|
|
|
|
50,316
|
|
|
|
52,101
|
|
|
|
28,221
|
|
|
|
27,189
|
|
Tropicana Express(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,438
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada
|
|
|
94,452
|
|
|
|
131,304
|
|
|
|
146,192
|
|
|
|
69,671
|
|
|
|
117,313
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River Basin Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point
|
|
|
27,465
|
|
|
|
29,041
|
|
|
|
28,426
|
|
|
|
15,395
|
|
|
|
15,511
|
|
Belle of Baton Rouge(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,297
|
|
|
|
114,245
|
|
|
|
62,716
|
|
|
|
53,519
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,115
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
27,465
|
|
|
|
55,338
|
|
|
|
142,671
|
|
|
|
78,111
|
|
|
|
136,145
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
217,982
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,408
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
121,917
|
|
|
$
|
186,642
|
|
|
$
|
288,863
|
|
|
$
|
147,782
|
|
|
$
|
554,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenue for casinos held for the entire period
|
|
$
|
121,917
|
|
|
$
|
126,971
|
|
|
$
|
124,665
|
|
|
$
|
147,782
|
|
|
$
|
140,113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects results since
June 10, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Reflects results since
October 25, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Reflects results since
January 3, 2007 acquisition.
|
75
Operating
Income (Loss):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Nevada Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
9,929
|
|
|
$
|
9,361
|
|
|
$
|
8,236
|
|
|
$
|
2,376
|
|
|
$
|
835
|
|
MontBleu(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,614
|
|
|
|
(4,077
|
)
|
|
|
(5,406
|
)
|
|
|
572
|
|
River Palms
|
|
|
6,868
|
|
|
|
7,895
|
|
|
|
9,154
|
|
|
|
7,029
|
|
|
|
5,875
|
|
Tropicana Express(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,798
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada
|
|
|
16,797
|
|
|
|
21,870
|
|
|
|
13,313
|
|
|
|
3,999
|
|
|
|
19,080
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River Basin Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point
|
|
|
10,943
|
|
|
|
12,616
|
|
|
|
11,376
|
|
|
|
6,389
|
|
|
|
6,091
|
|
Belle of Baton Rouge(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,828
|
|
|
|
39,241
|
|
|
|
26,089
|
|
|
|
16,922
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,144
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
10,943
|
|
|
|
23,444
|
|
|
|
50,617
|
|
|
|
32,478
|
|
|
|
34,157
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,578
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,355
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Totals
|
|
|
27,740
|
|
|
|
45,314
|
|
|
|
63,930
|
|
|
|
36,477
|
|
|
|
132,170
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(2,282
|
)
|
|
|
(5,597
|
)
|
|
|
(5,352
|
)
|
|
|
(1,265
|
)
|
|
|
(11,626
|
)
|
Minority interest net income of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
21,585
|
|
|
$
|
36,284
|
|
|
$
|
55,354
|
|
|
$
|
33,462
|
|
|
$
|
118,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income for casinos held for the entire period
|
|
$
|
21,585
|
|
|
$
|
20,842
|
|
|
$
|
20,190
|
|
|
$
|
33,462
|
|
|
$
|
16,352
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects results since
June 10, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Reflects results since
October 25, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Reflects results since
January 3, 2007 acquisition.
|
76
Segment
Adjusted EBITDA and Income from Continuing
Operations(4):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
13,202
|
|
|
$
|
13,051
|
|
|
$
|
12,649
|
|
|
$
|
3,906
|
|
|
$
|
2,747
|
|
MontBleu(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,917
|
|
|
|
640
|
|
|
|
(2,975
|
)
|
|
|
2,492
|
|
River Palms
|
|
|
8,611
|
|
|
|
10,649
|
|
|
|
13,012
|
|
|
|
8,244
|
|
|
|
8,056
|
|
Tropicana Express(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada
|
|
|
21,813
|
|
|
|
29,617
|
|
|
|
26,301
|
|
|
|
9,175
|
|
|
|
29,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River Basin Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point
|
|
|
12,621
|
|
|
|
14,320
|
|
|
|
12,957
|
|
|
|
7,218
|
|
|
|
6,340
|
|
Belle of Baton Rouge(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,752
|
|
|
|
45,291
|
|
|
|
27,478
|
|
|
|
19,763
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
12,621
|
|
|
|
26,072
|
|
|
|
58,248
|
|
|
|
34,696
|
|
|
|
42,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,435
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas(3)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
34,434
|
|
|
|
55,689
|
|
|
|
84,549
|
|
|
|
43,871
|
|
|
|
156,751
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(2,282
|
)
|
|
|
(3,584
|
)
|
|
|
(5,350
|
)
|
|
|
(1,265
|
)
|
|
|
(6,666
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
32,152
|
|
|
|
52,105
|
|
|
|
79,199
|
|
|
|
42,606
|
|
|
|
150,085
|
|
Write off of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
|
(2,742
|
)
|
|
|
(2,588
|
)
|
|
|
(979
|
)
|
|
|
(263
|
)
|
Construction accident insurance recoveries, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,075
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(6,615
|
)
|
|
|
(9,646
|
)
|
|
|
(18,033
|
)
|
|
|
(6,415
|
)
|
|
|
(43,353
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
35,212
|
|
|
|
120,544
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
|
|
886
|
|
|
|
6,483
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
(35,563
|
)
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
(114,078
|
)
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income tax
|
|
$
|
20,789
|
|
|
$
|
30,773
|
|
|
$
|
28,709
|
|
|
$
|
26,338
|
|
|
$
|
7,833
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA for casinos held for the entire period
|
|
$
|
32,152
|
|
|
$
|
34,436
|
|
|
$
|
33,268
|
|
|
$
|
42,606
|
|
|
$
|
32,732
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects results since
June 10, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(2)
|
|
Reflects results since
October 25, 2005 acquisition.
|
|
(3)
|
|
Reflects results since
January 3, 2007 acquisition.
|
|
(4)
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA is net
income before interest expense, interest income, depreciation,
amortization, corporate expenses, write offs of fixed assets and
deposits related to abandoned acquisition and minority interest
in net income of consolidated subsidiary. Segment Adjusted
EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for either
operating income or net income as they are determined in
accordance with GAAP. Management uses Segment Adjusted EBITDA as
a measure to compare operating results between segments and
accounting periods. Management manages cash and finances
Tropicana Entertainments operations at the corporate
level. Management manages the allocation of capital among
segments at the corporate level. Management accordingly believes
that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful as a measure of operating
results at the segment level because it reflects the results of
operating decisions at that level separated from the effects of
financing decisions that are managed at the corporate level.
Management also uses Segment Adjusted EBITDA as an important
operating performance measure in bonus programs for managers and
executive officers. Management also believes that Segment
Adjusted EBITDA is a commonly used measure of operating
performance in the gaming industry and is an important basis for
the valuation of gaming companies. Managements
|
77
|
|
|
|
|
calculation of Segment Adjusted
EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
reported by other companies and, therefore, any such differences
must be considered when comparing performance among different
companies. While management believes that Segment Adjusted
EBITDA provides a useful perspective for some purposes, Segment
Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool.
For example, among other things, although depreciation,
amortization and write off of fixed assets and deposits related
to abandoned acquisition are non-cash charges, the assets being
depreciated, amortized and written off may have to be replaced
in the future, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the
requirements for such replacements. Interest expense, interest
income, and minority interest in net income of consolidated
subsidiary are also not reflected in Segment Adjusted EBITDA.
Therefore, management does not consider Segment Adjusted EBITDA
in isolation, and it should not be considered as a substitute
for measures determined in accordance with GAAP. A
reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA with operating income
and net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is
reflected in the table above.
|
Tropicana
Entertainments Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
Compared to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
On January 3, 2007, the Aztar Acquisition was consummated
and Aztar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment. The Aztar Acquisition added four casino
properties located in Nevada, New Jersey and Indiana to the
holdings of Tropicana Entertainment and significantly increased
the revenues of Tropicana Entertainment as compared to the
revenues recorded by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent and predecessor, in the
periods preceding the Aztar Acquisition. As a result of the
Aztar Acquisition, Tropicana Express was added to the Nevada
reporting segment, Casino Aztar Evansville was added to the
Mississippi River basin reporting segment and Tropicana Atlantic
City and Tropicana Las Vegas each became independent reporting
segments. In addition, Tropicana Entertainment incurred
significant new borrowings in connection with the Acquisition
Financing Transactions that it and certain of its affiliates
entered into in order to finance the Aztar Acquisition.
Accordingly, Tropicana Entertainments interest expense is
significantly higher than the historical interest expense of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts.
Results of operations in this section of Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts are reported by comparing the financial
performance of Tropicana Entertainment, or its individual
reporting segments, in the six months ended June 30, 2007
to the financial performance of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
or its individual reporting segments, in the six months ended
June 30, 2006.
Net operating revenue increased by $406.3 million, or
274.9%, to $554.1 million in the six months ended
June 30, 2007 from $147.8 million in the six months
ended June 30, 2006. Operating expenses increased by
$320.9 million, or 285.0%, to $433.5 million in the
six months ended June 30, 2007 from $112.6 million in
the six months ended June 30, 2006. Correspondingly,
operating income increased by $85.3 million, or 242.3%, to
$120.5 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $35.2 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006. Net income increased by $368.4 million to
$392.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $24.2 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006. These period over period increases in net operating
revenue and expense resulted principally from the acquisition of
Aztar in January 2007. The effect of the Aztar Acquisition on
the period over period performance of the individual operating
segments is described in greater detail below. In addition, the
period over period increase in net income principally reflects
the effect of two unusual items: In the second quarter of 2007,
Tropicana Entertainment elected Sub-Chapter S status for
Federal income tax purposes for the Aztar entities it acquired.
This resulted in a one-time credit of $399.1 million to
income tax expense. In addition, during the second quarter,
Tropicana Entertainment settled lawsuits arising out of the
collapse of a garage at its Atlantic City property and incurred
certain costs associated therewith, recording net proceeds of
$15.5 million as a result.
Net operating revenues for the casino properties that Tropicana
Entertainment owned and operated at June 30, 2007 and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts owned and operated at
June 30, 2006 (which we refer to as same store properties)
declined by $7.7 million, or 5.2%, to $140.1 million
in the six months ended June 30, 2007 as compared to
$147.8 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.
Comparisons of same store revenues for each of the operating
segments during both periods are set forth in greater detail
below.
78
Nevada
Properties
Principally as a result of the inclusion of the newly acquired
Tropicana Express in the Nevada properties segment following its
acquisition, net operating income for the Nevada properties
increased $15.1 million, or 377.6%, to $19.1 million
in the six months ended June 30, 2007 from
$4.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.
Net operating revenue and net operating income for the Tropicana
Express in Laughlin, Nevada was $46.4 million and
$11.8 million, respectively in the period beginning
January 3, 2007 and concluding June 30, 2007. As in
the case of our other casino property in this market, the River
Palms, the Tropicana Express is experiencing intense competition
from a competing casino resort that was recently acquired and
renovated and which is seeking to gain market share. This
increased competition is putting pressure on revenue levels and
encouraging increased promotional expenditures at the Tropicana
Express. Offsetting this effect on net operating revenues, we
are reducing operating costs at the property principally through
payroll cost reductions as a result of the introduction of our
enterprise-wide operating standards at our newly acquired
properties. In conjunction with the Aztar Acquisition and the
implementation of these standards, Tropicana Express incurred
approximately $0.2 million in transition and termination
costs during the period beginning January 3, 2007 and
concluding June 30, 2007.
Net operating revenue increased at the same store Nevada
properties by $1.2 million, or 1.7%, to $70.9 million
in the six months ended June 30, 2007 from
$69.7 million in the six months ended June 30, 2006.
Of this increase, MontBleu contributed $3.4 million due
primarily to the completion of major renovations in June 2006.
During the six months ended June 30, 2006, MontBleu
experienced disruptions relating to ongoing construction at the
property, while the six months ended June 30, 2007 revealed
the effects of a completely renovated casino, updated restaurant
and spa amenities. The River Palms period over period net
operating revenues declined by $1.0 million, or 3.5%, as a
result of reduced market share due to increased marketing
efforts and promotional spending from a newly acquired and
remodeled competitor, as well as increased promotional spending
incurred by the River Palms to effectively compete in these
market conditions.
Mainly driven by the results of MontBleu, operating expenses at
the same store Nevada properties decreased by $2.1 million,
or 3.2%, to $63.6 million in the six months ended
June 30, 2007 from $65.7 million in the six months
ended June 30, 2006. MontBleus period over period
expenses decreased by $2.6 million, principally as a result
of a $0.6 million reduction in labor costs and a decline of
$1.6 million in advertising, promotional and entertainment
spending from its heightened level in the 2006 period when such
spending included grand re-opening and re-branding promotions as
well as higher advertising expenses.
As a result of the factors discussed above, net operating income
for the same store Nevada properties increased $3.3 million
to $7.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $4.0 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006.
Mississippi
River Basin Properties
Principally as a result of the inclusion of the recently
acquired Casino Aztar Evansville in the Mississippi River basin
properties segment following its acquisition, net operating
income for the Mississippi River basin properties increased
$1.7 million, or 5.2%, to $34.2 million in the six
months ended June 30, 2007 from $32.5 million in the
six months ended June 30, 2006. Net operating revenue for
the Casino Aztar Evansville in Evansville, Indiana was
$67.1 million in the period beginning January 3, 2007
and concluding June 30, 2007 and its net operating income
was $11.1 million during that period. Revenues and net
operating income at this property were adversely affected by the
introduction of a new gaming property in French Lick, Indiana
opened by a competitor during the fourth quarter of 2006. The
opening at the Casino Aztar Evansville in the fourth quarter
2006 of additional dining and entertainment venues and a new
96-room
boutique hotel has helped to offset some of the loss in business
attributable to the operations of the competing property in
French Lick, Indiana. In addition, Casino Aztar
Evansvilles results have benefited from labor cost savings
arising out of the implementation of our enterprise-wide
operational standards at the property following its acquisition.
In conjunction with the acquisition and the
79
implementation of these standards, the Casino Aztar Evansville
incurred approximately $0.2 million in transition and
termination payments during the period beginning January 3,
2007 and concluding June 30, 2007.
Net operating revenue at the same store Mississippi River basin
properties declined by $9.1 million, or 11.7%, to
$69.0 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $78.1 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006. This included a decrease of $9.2 million at the Belle
of Baton Rouge resulting from the re-opening of casino
properties along the Gulf Coast and the return to that region
from our operating areas of a portion of the population
displaced following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.
Operating expenses remained relatively flat at same store
Mississippi River basin properties at $46.0 million and
$45.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
and 2006 respectively. Belle of Baton Rouges period over
period expenses were unchanged at $36.6 million. The lower
payroll costs ($1.5 million) and lower gaming taxes
($1.8 million) related to the decrease in revenues
discussed above were offset by an increase in insurance costs
($0.7 million), due to higher insurance rates charged by
insurance carriers following Hurricane Katrina, and higher
advertising and promotional expenses ($2.6 million). The
Lighthouse Point Casino experienced a period over period
increase in operating expenses of $0.4 million due
primarily to higher insurance costs, equipment rental costs,
property taxes and outside services, each of which items
increased by $0.1 million.
As a result of the factors discussed above, operating income for
the Mississippi River basin same store properties decreased by
$9.4 million, or 28.9%, to $23.1 million in the six
months ended June 30, 2007 from $32.5 million in the
six months ended June 30, 2006.
Tropicana
Atlantic City
As a result of the Aztar Acquisition, Tropicana Atlantic City
became an independent reporting segment. Tropicana Atlantic City
recorded net operating revenue of $218.0 million for the
period beginning January 3, 2007 and concluding
June 30, 2007. Operating income at Tropicana Atlantic City
was $55.6 million for the period beginning January 3,
2007 and concluding June 30, 2007. The Tropicana Atlantic
City is currently experiencing significant competitive pressure
from gaming operations recently opened in Pennsylvania and New
York, which are vying aggressively for traditional Atlantic City
customers residing in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York.
In addition, increased promotional spending by our competitors
in the Atlantic City market coupled with disruptions to our
operations at the Tropicana Atlantic City as a result of
construction we were undertaking in the first and second
quarters of 2007 in our casino and hotel have also adversely
affected revenues for the period beginning January 3, 2007
and concluding June 30, 2007. Offsetting this downward
effect on net operating revenues, we began the implementation of
our planned operating standards at this property, which were
designed to improve operating efficiencies and lower operating
costs. In conjunction with the acquisition of the property and
the implementation of these standards, the Tropicana Atlantic
City incurred approximately $1.1 million in transition and
termination payments during the period beginning January 3,
2007 and concluding June 30, 2007. In addition, during the
period beginning January 3, 2007 and concluding
June 30, 2007, the Tropicana Atlantic City realized a net
gain of $14.1 million related to insurance recoveries arising
out of the 2003 construction accident on the site of the
property, which gain was net of defense and other costs. See
Business Legal Proceedings
Litigation matters relating to Aztars October 30,
2003 garage collapse accident.
Tropicana
Las Vegas
As a result of the Aztar Acquisition, Tropicana Las Vegas became
an independent reporting segment. Tropicana Las Vegas recorded
net operating revenue of $82.4 million during the period
beginning January 3, 2007 and concluding June 30,
2007. Operating income at Tropicana Las Vegas was
$23.4 million during the period beginning January 3,
2007 and concluding June 30, 2007. We have introduced new
operational standards at the property to more closely align its
operations with our enterprise-wide standards. The new
operational standards implemented include adjustments to
staffing levels that have achieved more efficient
80
and cost-effective operations. In conjunction with the
acquisition of the property and the implementation of these
standards, Tropicana Las Vegas incurred approximately
$0.1 million in transition and termination payments during
the period beginning January 3, 2007 and concluding
June 30, 2007.
Corporate
Corporate expenses increased by $10.3 million to
$11.6 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $1.3 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006 as a result of the amortization of intangible assets,
incremental payroll costs, audit costs and other operating
expenses associated with the growth of Tropicana Entertainment
as a result of the Aztar Acquisition.
Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Year Ended December 31, 2006
Compared to its Year Ended December 31, 2005
Net operating revenue in 2006 increased 55% to
$288.9 million from $186.6 million in 2005.
Correspondingly, operating expenses increased 57% to
$230.3 million in 2006 from $146.9 million in 2005. As
a result, operating income increased 48% to $58.6 million
from $39.7 million in 2006 as compared to 2005. Net income
in 2006 was $33.4 million as compared to $21.8 million
in 2005. These increases principally resulted from the
acquisitions in 2005 of the MontBleu and the Belle of Baton
Rouge and the other factors discussed below.
Nevada
Properties
Net operating revenue increased at the Nevada properties by
$14.9 million, or 11%, to $146.2 million during 2006
from $131.3 million in 2005. The MontBleu, which was
acquired on June 10, 2005, contributed $16.6 million
to this increase, while the net operating revenue at Tahoe
Horizon decreased by $3.5 million and net operating revenue
at River Palms increased by $1.8 million period over
period. The period over period decrease in net operating revenue
at the Tahoe Horizon was primarily the result of a decline in
casino revenue, which experienced a decrease of
$2.3 million, although all other departments experienced
declines in net operating revenue as well. These decreases were
mainly attributable to reduced occupancy at the hotel due
primarily to the diminished appearance and approachability of
the property resulting from a renovation project to replace the
outside surface of the building. The period over period increase
at the River Palms was due to an increase in casino revenue of
$1.0 million and a decrease in promotional allowances given
to gaming patrons of another $1.0 million, offset by small
decreases in food and beverage revenues. Slot win at the River
Palms was up $1.5 million due to an increase in hold
percentage of 0.7%, but offset by a drop in slot handle of 8%.
Table games and other casino revenue at the River Palms were
down due to lower table game drop, although the hold percentage
increased slightly.
The decrease in promotional allowances mentioned above was tied
to the decrease in table game drop and slot handle, along with
improved control over the issuance of complimentaries.
Operating expenses at the Nevada properties increased
$23.5 million, or 21%, to $132.9 million in 2006 from
$109.4 million in 2005. Of this increase,
$25.3 million was due to expenses incurred at the MontBleu,
which included marketing and startup costs of $4.2 million
related to the re-branding of the property from Caesars Tahoe to
the MontBleu. In addition, the MontBleu expensed demolition
costs and write-offs of assets in the amount of
$1.2 million related to the renovation in 2006. Period over
period operating expenses at the Tahoe Horizon decreased by
$2.3 million. Operating expenses for the casino, hotel and
food and beverage departments declined by $1.6 million,
consistent with the declines in the related revenue category,
and insurance costs decreased by $1.5 million due to better
control of claim costs. These decreases were partly offset by an
increase in depreciation expense of $0.7 million due to
additional depreciation on equipment purchases. Period over
period operating expenses at the River Palms increased by
$0.5 million resulting from increases in depreciation and
fixed asset write-offs, which were partly offset by decreases in
casino operating expenses and marketing costs.
As a result of the changes discussed above, operating income for
the Nevada properties declined $8.6 million to
$13.3 million in 2006 from $21.9 million in 2005. The
MontBleu accounted for $8.7 million
81
of the decrease in operating income for the Nevada properties.
Operating income declined $1.1 million at the Tahoe
Horizon. These declines were partly offset by increases at the
River Palms of $1.3 million in operating income.
Mississippi
River Basin Properties
Net operating revenue increased at the Mississippi River basin
properties by $87.4 million, or 158%, to
$142.7 million in 2006 from $55.3 million in 2005. Net
operating revenues achieved by the Belle of Baton Rouge, which
was acquired on October 25, 2005, increased by
$87.9 million to $114.2 million in 2006 from
$26.3 million for that portion of 2005 following the
acquisition of the property, which increase was a significant
factor contributing to the surge in net operating revenues at
the Mississippi River basin segment in 2006. The Belle of Baton
Rouge experienced significant increases in table game drop and
slot handle, hotel room revenues and food and beverage revenues
because of the effects of population shifts caused by Hurricane
Katrina, which struck the Gulf Coast region on August 25,
2005, and the resulting closure of many competing casinos in the
Gulf Coast region. This revenue upsurge began to tail off in
September 2006 as more casinos opened or re-opened in the
region and the transient population created by Hurricane Katrina
appeared to shift back, in part, to New Orleans and other Gulf
Coast areas. Net operating revenue at the Lighthouse Point
Casino declined slightly during 2006 to $28.4 million from
$29.0 million in 2005. This decline in net operating
revenue of the Lighthouse Point Casino was caused by an increase
in promotional allowances of over $0.8 million.
Operating expenses at the Mississippi River basin properties
increased $60.2 million to $92.1 million in year ended
December 31, 2006 from $31.9 million in year ended
December 31, 2005. The Belle of Baton Rouge, which was
acquired on October 25, 2005, accounted for
$59.5 million of this increase. Operating expenses at the
Lighthouse Point Casino increased by $0.6 million period
over period, primarily due to an increase in insurance costs and
increased beverage department costs resulting from the issuance
of more complimentaries.
Operating income at the Mississippi River basin properties
increased $27.2 million to $50.6 million in year ended
December 31, 2006 from $23.4 million in year ended
December 31, 2005. The Belle of Baton Rouge accounted for
$28.4 million of this increase while the Lighthouse Point
Casino experienced a period over period decrease of
$1.2 million.
Corporate
Corporate operating expenses decreased slightly during 2006 to
$5.4 million from $5.6 million in 2005. Corporate
operating expenses in 2005 included $2.6 million related to
the write-off of deposits and other costs, including legal and
other professional fees, related to the abandonment of the
previously contemplated acquisition of the President Casino
St. Louis and subsequent litigation. Excluding these costs
from 2005, corporate operating expenses increased
$2.4 million from 2005 to 2006. The principal cause of this
increase was an increase in professional fees related to our
ongoing legal dispute with Park Cattle, the lessor of the Tahoe
Horizon and the MontBleu properties, which totaled
$1.1 million in year ended December 31, 2006,
increases in corporate level personnel costs in anticipation of
the Aztar Acquisition, which totaled $0.4 million, and
increased audit fees.
Interest expense for Tropicana Casinos and Resorts was
$35.6 million in 2006 compared to $6.0 million in
2005. This increase was due to interest accrued under Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts then outstanding credit facility,
which credit facility was used to partially finance the
acquisitions of the MontBleu and the Belle of Baton Rouge
properties and interest accrued (which totaled
$18.9 million) on the related party loan from CSC Holdings,
LLC, an affiliate of Columbia Sussex, to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, which funded the $313.0 million deposit made in
connection with the Aztar Acquisition. Interest income also
increased during 2006, from $0.5 million to
$8.9 million, as a result of interest earned on funds
escrowed in connection with the Aztar Acquisition.
Net income for 2006 was affected by Minority Interest in
Net Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries of
$3.2 million, which was down slightly from the
$3.4 million recorded during 2005. Minority interest in
82
net income of consolidated subsidiaries includes the 16%
economic interest in Greenville Riverboat (which owns the
Lighthouse Point Casino) owned by others and the 100% interest
in Realty, which owns the real estate and substantially all of
the non-gaming assets of River Palms, which is owned by an
affiliated company. See Note 11 to the consolidated
financial statements of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for a
discussion of Realtys status as a variable interest entity
under FIN 46R. Net income was also affected by
Discontinued Operations, Casinos to be Transferred,
which increased from a loss of $8.9 million in 2005 to a
profit of $4.7 million in 2006. The caption
Discontinued Operations, Casinos to be Transferred
includes the operations of the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino, a
casino located in leased space in a hotel property owned by an
affiliate of Columbia Sussex and managed by Columbia Sussex, the
New Orleans riverboat, and the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities,
which own land held for sale associated with an abandoned casino
development project in Allentown, Pennsylvania (See Note 2
to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts 2006 audited financial
statements included elsewhere in this prospectus). The Casuarina
Las Vegas Casino improved from a loss of $2.7 million in
2005 to a loss of $1.2 million in 2006 due to an increase
in net operating revenue of $0.5 million, negotiation of
reduced rent under the lease for the property (the lease
counter-party is an affiliate of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts),
which resulted in a decrease in rent expense of
$0.6 million, and reductions in expenses for marketing and
promotions, administrative and general costs. Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts New Orleans riverboat, acquired in June 2005,
was damaged by Hurricane Katrina and temporarily shut down for
repairs. The period June 10, 2005 (date of acquisition)
through December 31, 2005 included costs associated with
continuing to pay employees for sixty days after the storm and
for other storm related costs that totaled $3.6 million,
which contributed to a net loss of $7.1 million in 2005.
During 2006, the property continued to incur fixed costs
totaling $3.2 million, wrote-off the estimated damage to
the vessel of $7.7 million, incurred additional repair
costs of $1.9 million, and received insurance proceeds of
$22.6 million, which resulted in net income of
$9.8 million. Tropicana Pennsylvania wrote-off costs
associated with the abandoned casinos development project in
Allentown, Pennsylvania and adjusted the carrying value of land
held for sale to its estimated fair market value. These charges
to operations totaled $5.5 million in 2006.
Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Year Ended December 31, 2005
Compared to its Year Ended December 31, 2004
Net operating revenue increased in 2005 by $64.7 million,
or 53%, to $186.6 million from $121.9 million in 2004.
The MontBleu and the Belle of Baton Rouge, which were acquired
in June 2005 and October 2005, respectively, together
contributed $59.7 million to the increase. At the
properties we owned prior to the acquisition of the MontBleu and
the Belle of Baton Rouge, net operating revenue increased by
$5.0 million. Operating expenses in 2005 increased by
approximately $50.4 million, or 52%, to $146.9 million
from $96.5 million in 2004. The MontBleu and the Belle of
Baton Rouge contributed $44.2 million to this increase.
Included in operating expenses in 2005 were expenses of
$2.0 million related to the abandonment of the previously
contemplated acquisition of the President Casino in
St. Louis, Missouri. Operating income increased by
$14.3 million in 2005. The MontBleu and the Belle of Baton
Rouge together contributed $15.4 million to the increase in
operating income.
Nevada
Properties
Net operating revenue at the Nevada properties increased
$36.9 million to $131.3 million in 2005 from
$94.4 million in 2004. The MontBleu property, which was
acquired on June 10, 2005, accounted for $33.4 million
of the increase. Net operating revenue at the River Palms
property increased $2.9 million to $50.3 million. Of
the increase at the River Palms, $2.4 million was due to
increased casino revenues, most of which resulted from increases
in net win from slot machines. The increase in slot machine net
win was the result of an increase in hold percentage of 0.3%,
which was offset partially by a decrease in slot handle of
$4.2 million. The remaining increase in net operating
revenue at the River Palms resulted from an increase in hotel
room revenues due to a year over year increase in occupancy from
66.8% to 70.7%. At the Tahoe Horizon, net operating revenue
increased $0.5 million to $47.6 million. The increase
in revenue at the Tahoe Horizon was due to an increase in casino
net win of $1.5 million, offset by a decline in other
revenues of approximately $1.0 million caused, in part, by
the diminished appearance and approachability of
83
the property resulting from the renovation work to replace the
outside surface of the property which began in the fourth
quarter. The increase in casino net win was due to an increase
in slot machine revenue of $1.7 million, which was, in
turn, attributable to an increase in slot handle of 3.8% as
partially offset by a decrease in hold of 1.4%. The decline in
other revenues was due primarily to a decrease in room revenue
of $0.7 million, which resulted principally from a decrease
in room rates of 6.1%.
Operating expenses at the Nevada properties increased
$31.7 million to $109.4 million in 2005 from
$77.7 million in 2004. The MontBleu accounted for
$28.8 million of this increase. Operating expenses at the
River Palms increased $1.9 million to $42.4 million in
2005 from $40.5 million in 2004. The increase at the River
Palms was due to increases in casino operating expense
(including gaming taxes) of $0.5 million, increases in
room, food and beverage operating expenses of $0.4 million,
increases in administrative and general operating expenses of
$0.5 million and an increase in depreciation expense of
$0.5 million due to capital additions of in excess of
$5.0 million in 2004 and 2005. Operating expenses at the
Tahoe Horizon increased $1.1 million in 2005. Of this
increase, $0.7 million resulted from increases in operating
expenses associated with hotel room and food and beverage
operations. The remaining increase of $0.4 million in
operating expenses at the Tahoe Horizon was due primarily to
repair costs associated with the dispute with Park Cattle, the
lessor of the Tahoe Horizon and the MontBleu properties.
Operating income at the Nevada properties was $21.9 million
in 2005, an increase of $5.1 million from
$16.8 million in 2004, with the MontBleu accounting for
$4.6 million of this increase. Operating income at the
River Palms increased $1.0 million while operating income
at Tahoe Horizon experienced a decrease of $0.6 million.
Mississippi
River Basin Properties
Net operating revenue at the Mississippi River basin properties
increased $27.9 million to $55.3 million in 2005 from
$27.5 million in 2004, representing a 101% increase. The
Belle of Baton Rouge, which was acquired in October 2005,
accounted for $26.3 million of this increase. The
Lighthouse Point Casino had net operating revenue of
$29.0 million in 2005, compared to $27.4 million in
2004, an increase of $1.6 million. The increase in net
operating revenue at Lighthouse Point Casino was due primarily
to an increase of $1.5 million in casino net win. The
increase in casino net win was attributable almost entirely to
an increase in slot machine net win, which resulted from an
increase in hold percentage of 0.5%, offset by a decline in slot
handle of $9.9 million.
Operating expenses at the Mississippi River basin properties
increased $15.4 million in 2005 to $31.9 million from
$16.5 million in 2004. The Belle of Baton Rouge accounted
for a $15.5 million increase in operating expenses.
However, at the Lighthouse Point Casino, increases in gaming
taxes and casino operating costs of $0.3 million,
consistent with the increase in net operating revenue, were
offset by a decline in marketing and promotion expenses of
$0.4 million.
As a result of the foregoing, operating income for the
Mississippi River Basin properties increased $12.5 million
to $23.4 million in 2005, with the Belle of Baton Rouge
accounting for $10.8 million of the increase and the
Lighthouse Point Casino accounting for the remaining
$1.7 million.
Corporate
Corporate operating expense increased $3.3 million to
$5.6 million in 2005 from $2.3 million in 2004. The
write-off of deposits and other costs, including legal and other
professional fees of $2.6 million related to the
abandonment of the previously contemplated acquisition of the
President Casino St. Louis and subsequent litigation,
increased professional fees of $0.2 million related to the
acquisition of the MontBleu and the Belle of Baton Rouge, and a
general increase in corporate expenses due to the addition of
new properties to the portfolio under management, all
contributed to the increase in corporate operating expense.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts interest expense was
$6.0 million in 2005, an increase of $5.0 million from
2004. This increase was due to accrued interest under Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts then
84
outstanding credit facility, which was arranged primarily to
finance the acquisitions of the MontBleu and the Belle of Baton
Rouge.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts net income increased
$3.9 million to $21.8 in 2005 from $17.9 million in
2004. In addition to the factors noted above, net income was
affected by an increase in interest expense resulting from the
increased debt incurred to finance the acquisitions of the
MontBleu and the Belle of Baton Rouge and an increase in loss
from discontinued operations of $6.0 million to
$8.9 million in 2005 from $2.9 million in 2004. This
increase in loss from discontinued operations was caused by
losses relating to the damage to the New Orleans riverboat in
August 2005 caused by Hurricane Katrina and the resulting
operating losses.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Overview
Historically, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts cash flows
generated by operations have generally been used to fund
reinvestment in existing properties for both refurbishment and
expansion projects, to pursue additional growth opportunities
via strategic acquisitions of existing companies or new
development opportunities and to return capital through
dividends. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has supplemented the
cash flows generated by its operations with liquidity provided
by financing activities, particularly the incurrence of bank
debt, and capital contributions or loans from Mr. William
Yung or loans from his affiliates. As described below, recently
completed acquisitions and plans for future development
necessitated new borrowings and additional capital contributions
from Mr. William Yung or loans from entities affiliated
with Mr. William Yung.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts net cash provided by
operating activities for the year ended December 31, 2006
was $76.8 million. This consisted of net income of
$33.4 million, non-cash reconciling items of
$43.7 million and net changes in working capital, excluding
cash, of $(0.3) million. Tropicana Entertainments net
cash provided by operating activities for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 was $45.6 million. This consisted of net
income of $392.6 million, change in deferred taxes of
$(397.3), other non-cash reconciling items of $45.1 million
and net changes in working capital, excluding cash, of
$5.2 million.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts cash used in investing
activities totaled $1,361.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, which consisted of $63.8 million
for additions to property and equipment, $1,310.9 for deposits
in connection with the Aztar Acquisition and related costs, net
of insurance proceeds of $13.6 million for replacement of
property and equipment related to the hurricane damage to the
New Orleans riverboat. Tropicana Entertainments cash used
in investing activities totaled $1,256.8 million for the
six months ended June 30, 2007, which consisted of
$41.5 million for additions to property and equipment,
$2,194.1 million for the Aztar Acquisition, which uses of
cash were offset by deposits used for the Aztar Acquisition of
$978.0 million and other sources in an amount equal to
$0.8 million.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts cash provided by financing
activities for the year ended December 31, 2006 was
$1,275.8 million. This was made up of $350.2 million
in proceeds from related party loans in connection with deposits
made on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts by CSC Holdings,
LLC, a subsidiary of Columbia Sussex, which were used (together
with $0.3 million of interest earned on the cash from CSC
Holdings, LLC) to pay a deposit in connection with the
Aztar Acquisition and to fund debt issuance costs, net proceeds
of $938.9 million from the issuance of the outstanding
notes (net of financing costs of $21.1 million) and
advances from related parties of $3.1 million. For the
period, payments on
long-term
debt were equal to $3.5 million and dividends to
Mr. William Yung and distributions to minority interest
holders totaled $12.9 million. The intercompany loans from
CSC Holdings, LLC to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts mature in
2018 and earn interest at a per annum rate equal to LIBOR plus
5.00%, although no principal or interest payments are due until
maturity. These loans were retained by Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts in the corporate reorganization and were not contributed
to Tropicana Entertainment. Tropicana Entertainments cash
provided by financing activities for the six months ended
June 30, 2007 was $1,263.7 million. This was made up
of $1,871.9 million in net proceeds in connection with the
Acquisition
85
Financing Transactions, net capital contributions of
$441.6 million and loans or advances from affiliates of
$9.9 million, which sources of cash were partially offset
by repayments of the debt of Aztar and other existing debt in an
aggregate amount of $1,047.9 million, and cash retained by
predecessor and distributions to minority interest holders of
$11.8 million. For more information concerning the
Acquisition Financing Transactions, see Prospectus
Summary The Acquisition Financing Transactions
and Business The Acquisition Financing
Transactions.
Certain costs incurred in connection with the Aztar Acquisition
are tax-deductible, including, among other things, expenditures
associated with the exercise of stock options which were treated
as employee compensation for tax purposes, payment of deferred
compensation to executive officers of Aztar, and certain
separation payments. Accordingly, subject to applicable
statutory limitations, these costs produced favorable income tax
attributes that Aztar will utilize on its 2007 federal and state
income tax returns and carry back to its 2006 federal and state
income tax returns as well. We estimate that the tax benefits
resulting from tax-deductible expenditures in connection with
the Aztar Acquisition when netted with taxable income for the
period January 1, 2007 to May 1, 2007, the date Aztar
elected to be treated as an S Corporation under Subchapter
S of the Internal Revenue Code, will result in federal and state
income tax refunds of approximately $20.5 million, which we
expect to receive in the first quarter of 2008.
We are a party to certain legal proceedings involving Park
Cattle. See Business Legal
Proceedings Litigation matters relating to our
leases for the Tahoe Horizon. Although we believe that
Park Cattles allegations in connection with these legal
proceedings are without merit, we cannot predict the outcome of
the ongoing litigation. If we cannot successfully defend against
Park Cattles allegations or reach a satisfactory
settlement with Park Cattle, Tropicana Entertainment may incur
significant additional costs including, without limitation, the
payment of damages to Park Cattle. Tropicana Entertainment is
also expending significant resources in the form of legal fees
to contest the allegations made by Park Cattle.
Subject to the considerations described below, on balance,
management believes that cash flows from operations, available
or contemplated borrowings (including availability under the
revolving credit line of the senior secured credit facility
totaling $170.3 million as of June 30, 2007) and
existing cash balances will be sufficient to meet Tropicana
Entertainments expected operating requirements during the
next 12 months and to fund additional investments.
Tropicana Entertainment may consider issuing additional debt or
equity securities in the future to fund potential acquisitions
or growth or to refinance existing debt, especially related to
the Tropicana Las Vegas development project. In addition,
subject to certain conditions, we are entitled to extend the Las
Vegas loan for two six-month periods. Management continues to
review additional opportunities to acquire or invest in
companies, properties and other investments that meet its
established criteria for strategic and investment return
objectives.
Retirement
of Credit Facility
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts maintained a $250.0 million
credit facility consisting of a Term Loan A in an aggregate
principal amount of $100.0 million, of which
$96.9 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2006;
a Term Loan B in an aggregate principal amount of
$100.0 million, of which $98.8 million was outstanding
as of December 31, 2006; and a revolving loan in an
aggregate principal amount of up to $50.0 million, which
was not drawn at December 31, 2006. All amounts outstanding
under this credit facility were repaid on January 3, 2007.
Additional
Sources and Uses of Cash
Use of Cash for Aztar Acquisition. On
January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment
acquired all of the outstanding equity interests in Aztar for
approximately $2.1 billion in cash.
Substantially concurrently with the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition, Tropicana Entertainment caused Aztar to call for
redemption its $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of
77/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014 and $175.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 9% senior subordinated notes due 2011
by irrevocably depositing with the trustees for such notes
amounts sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of
interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness
outstanding under such series of
86
notes, including principal, premium and liquidated damages, if
any, and accrued interest to February 2, 2007, the date on
which such series of notes were redeemed. In addition, on
January 3, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment caused Aztar to
repay in full all outstanding term loans and revolving loans,
together with interest and all other amounts due in connection
with such repayment, under Aztars then outstanding credit
agreement. The credit agreement was comprised of a
$675 million senior secured credit facility consisting of a
five-year revolving credit facility of up to $550 million
and a five-year term loan facility of $125 million.
Acquisition Financing Transactions. We
financed the Aztar Acquisition, the refinancing of Aztars
outstanding indebtedness, and the retirement of its credit
facility and certain additional indebtedness, with:
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The net proceeds of the offering of the outstanding notes.
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A senior secured credit facility, which was made available to
Tropicana Entertainment on January 3, 2007 and provided for
$1,530.0 million in aggregate principal amount of term
loans, $229.8 million in aggregate principal amount of
which we have since repaid resulting in $1,300.2 million in
aggregate principal amount of such term loans being outstanding
as of September 30, 2007, and a $180.0 million
revolving credit facility under which we presently have
approximately $170.3 million in additional availability net
of approximately $9.7 million of outstanding letters of
credit, each of which is scheduled to mature on January 3,
2012. The interest rates per annum applicable to the loans are,
at our option, an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable
margin of 2.25% or an alternate base rate plus an
applicable margin of 1.50%, and in the case of the revolving
credit facility will vary according to our leverage ratio during
the term of the revolving credit facility. However, Tropicana
Entertainment has entered into swap agreements in the amount of
$1.0 billion, which effectively fix at 5.00% per annum the
LIBOR rate applicable to $1.0 billion of the indebtedness
incurred under the senior secured credit facility. See
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk. The senior secured credit facility
contains covenants that limit, subject to certain exceptions,
the ability of Tropicana Entertainment and the guarantors
(including the affiliate guarantors) to, among other things,
incur debt, declare certain dividends or make certain
distributions, repay certain indebtedness, incur liens or other
encumbrances, make loans or other investments, merge,
consolidate or sell substantially all of its property or
business, make capital expenditures above certain prescribed
levels during any fiscal year, enter into transactions with
affiliates (which are not guarantors of the senior secured
credit facility), cause its subsidiaries to pay certain
dividends or make certain distributions, amend debt or other
material agreements and enter into a new line of business. The
senior secured credit facility also requires Tropicana
Entertainment to comply with certain financial covenants,
including a maximum leverage ratio and a minimum interest
coverage ratio which will become more restrictive over time.
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A secured credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of
$440.0 million, which was made available to the Las Vegas
Borrower on January 3, 2007, a newly formed indirect
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment that indirectly holds the
assets and operations relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas, which
is not part of the restricted group under the
indenture governing the exchange notes and whose operating
results do not support debt service obligations under the
exchange notes. The initial term of the Las Vegas secured loan
concludes on July 3, 2008. The Las Vegas secured loan
affords the Las Vegas Borrower two six month options to extend
the term of such loan. The interest rates per annum applicable
to the Las Vegas secured loan are, at the Las Vegas
Borrowers option, an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an
applicable margin of 2.25% or an alternate base rate plus an
applicable margin of 1.50%. However, the Las Vegas borrower has
entered into a swap agreement in the amount of
$440 million, which effectively fixes at 5.10% per annum
the LIBOR rate applicable to the entire balance outstanding
under the Las Vegas secured loan. See Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations-Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk. The Las Vegas secured loan contains
covenants that, subject to certain exceptions, limit the Las
Vegas Borrowers ability to, among other things, incur
debt, declare certain dividends on, redeem or repurchase its
capital stock generally, repay certain outstanding indebtedness,
incur liens or other
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87
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encumbrances, make loans or other investments, merge,
consolidate or sell substantially all its property or business,
make certain capital expenditures, cause its subsidiaries to pay
certain dividends or make certain distributions and amend debt
or other material agreements. The Las Vegas secured loan also
requires the Las Vegas Borrower to comply with certain financial
covenants, including a maximum ratio of total indebtedness to
the appraised value of the property located on the Las Vegas
Strip of 60%, and maximum capital expenditure
amounts.
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The approximately $241.8 million remaining of a
$313.0 million deposit plus accrued interest made by
Columbia Sussex on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts into
a custodial account upon the execution of the Aztar Merger
Agreement.
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Cash-on-hand
of ours and Aztar.
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An additional equity contribution of approximately
$152.0 million from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent.
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See Description of Other Indebtedness for additional
information about the senior secured credit facility and the Las
Vegas secured loan.
Certain credit rating agencies, such as Moodys Investor
Services, Inc., or Moodys, and Standard &
Poors Rating Services, or Standard &
Poors, publish credit ratings relating to Tropicana
Entertainment and its indebtedness based on their assessments of
the creditworthiness of Tropicana Entertainment and the
restricted group. On August 30, 2007, Moodys
downgraded the (i) Corporate Family Rating
applicable to Tropicana Entertainments indebtedness to
B2 from B1, (ii) rating applicable
to the notes to Caa1 from B3 and
(iii) Probability of Default rating applicable
to Tropicana Entertainment to B2 from
B1. In addition, Moodys assigned Tropicana
Entertainment a SGL-3 rating, reflecting the
companys ability to meet its debt service and maintenance
capital requirements without material reliance on the revolving
line of credit under its senior secured credit facility.
Moodys also affirmed its previously announced
Ba3 rating with respect to the senior secured credit
facility. As of the date of this prospectus,
Standard & Poors has not taken any further
action with respect to the ratings it initially assigned to the
indebtedness issued by Tropicana Entertainment.
A rating reflects only the view of a rating agency, and is not a
recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities. Any rating can
be revised upward or downward at any time by a rating agency if
such rating agency decides that circumstances warrant such a
change.
Although Tropicana Entertainment does not have any credit
arrangements providing for material changes in payment schedules
or other adverse effects as a result of the occurrence of credit
rating downgrades, such downgrades could have the effect of
restricting its liquidity or limiting its ability to secure
future debt financing on satisfactory terms.
Planned
Capital Expenditures
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Tropicana Atlantic City: In November 2004,
Aztar completed a $285.0 million expansion to the Tropicana
Atlantic City, which included a 200,000-square-foot
entertainment, restaurant and retail complex known as The
Quarter at Tropicana. We intend to proceed with a plan
developed by Aztar, which we expect will cost approximately
$55.0 million, to enhance the Tropicana Atlantic City by
refurbishing its casino floors and hotel towers so that they are
similar in quality and appearance to The Quarter. The
three-phase refurbishment project commenced in December 2005.
During phase one of the project, Aztar made enhancements to the
north tower hotel rooms and certain non-gaming amenities, which
phase was completed during the fourth quarter of 2006. During
phase two of the project, we refurbished half of the casino
floor and the south tower hotel rooms, which phase was completed
in the second quarter of 2007. In phase three of the project, we
will refurbish the other half of the casino floor and two
restaurants at the property. We expect to complete the third
phase in the first quarter of 2008.
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Belle of Baton Rouge: The Belle of Baton Rouge
benefited from the population increase in the Baton Rouge area
following the displacement of residents of New Orleans as a
result of Hurricane Katrina, although that benefit has since
somewhat subsided. To accommodate the increased demand for
gaming in this market and to build market share, we are
currently building a 330-space parking structure adjacent to the
casino. We will endeavor to complete construction of the parking
structure, which is designed to increase casino traffic and is
estimated to cost approximately $12.5 million, by the
second quarter of 2008.
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Redevelop the Tropicana Las Vegas Site. To
capitalize on its premium location on the Las Vegas
Strip, we expect to redevelop the Tropicana Las
Vegas by refurbishing one of its two existing hotel towers and
its existing showroom (we expect to raze the other existing
tower and all of the other remaining structures on the site) and
redeveloping the remainder of its
34-acre
site. Our preliminary plan for this redevelopment effort
envisions approximately 10,200 new and refurbished hotel rooms
of which approximately 500 will be refurbished hotel rooms in
the existing hotel tower to be retained, approximately
600,000 square feet of new meeting space, an increase in
the size of the casino floor to approximately
120,000 square feet, a more modern casino floor layout and
a new approximately 250,000-square-foot retail plaza. We plan to
complete this redevelopment in 2010. The redevelopment is
expected to be funded by a construction financing transaction
independent of the financing transactions that funded the Aztar
Acquisition and, if necessary, by additional capital
contributions from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent.
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Lighthouse Point Casino: We expect to invest
between $4.0 million and $5.0 million at the
Lighthouse Point Casino in Greenville, Mississippi in order to
renovate the casino floors and public areas of the property so
as to better position it to meet the competitive challenges
posed by the expected introduction of a new gaming property to
the market in late 2007. We will add up to 350 new and converted
slot machines, making all of the slot machines at the property
ticket-in ticket-out and upgrade the slot tracking
systems. We will also make improvements to the restaurant at the
property.
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Casino Aztar Evansville: In August 2007, the
City of Evansvilles Redevelopment Commission approved our
preliminary plan to build a 1,046-seat theater at the Casino
Aztar Evansville. The venue, construction of which is currently
projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008 at an
approximate cost of $4.0 million, is expected to offer live
entertainment for patrons of the property and residents of
Evansville.
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Except for the Tropicana Las Vegas project, the capital projects
described above will be funded from cash generated from
operations or from draws on our $180.0 million revolving
line of credit under the senior secured credit facility, of
which $170.3 million was available as of June 30, 2007.
Contractual
Obligations
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts have
various contractual obligations which they record as liabilities
in their consolidated financial statements. Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts also enter into
other purchase commitments or contracts that are not recognized
as liabilities until services are performed or goods are
received. Additionally, Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts enter into contracts for the provision of
goods and services in the ordinary course of business, such as
with respect to food, inventory and entertainment. Such
liabilities are recorded as liabilities when so incurred.
89
The following table summarizes Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts material future contractual obligations, in
thousands, as of December 31, 2006:
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Payments due by Period
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Less than
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More than
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Contractual Obligations
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1 Year
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1-3 Years
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3-5 Years
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5 Years
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Total
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Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc.:
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Long-term debt, including current portion
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$
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2,294
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$
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4,052
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$
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189,629
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$
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960,000
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$
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1,155,975
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Interest expense variable
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19,236
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37,879
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28,775
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85,890
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Interest expense fixed
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92,400
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184,800
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184,800
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277,200
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739,200
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Operating leases
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10,582
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20,650
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19,249
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203,369
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253,850
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Purchase obligations
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571
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602
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67
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1,240
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Total
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$
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125,083
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$
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247,983
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$
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422,520
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$
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1,440,569
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$
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2,236,155
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The following table summarizes the material future contractual
obligations of Tropicana Entertainment (exclusive of the
affiliate guarantors) on a pro forma basis giving effect to the
Transactions, in thousands, as of December 31, 2006:
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Payments due by Period
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Less than
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More than
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Contractual Obligations
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1 Year
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1-3 Years
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3-5 Years
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5 Years
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Total
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Tropicana Entertainment:
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|
Long term debt, including current portion
|
|
$
|
13,914
|
|
|
$
|
467,292
|
|
|
$
|
1,321,240
|
|
|
$
|
960,000
|
|
|
$
|
2,762,446
|
|
Interest expense variable
|
|
|
26,895
|
|
|
|
50,698
|
|
|
|
47,089
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
124,682
|
|
Interest expense fixed
|
|
|
197,231
|
|
|
|
345,966
|
|
|
|
329,800
|
|
|
|
277,200
|
|
|
|
1,150,197
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
|
14,482
|
|
|
|
24,450
|
|
|
|
20,549
|
|
|
|
203,469
|
|
|
|
262,950
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
44,271
|
|
|
|
6,202
|
|
|
|
367
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
50,840
|
|
Other
|
|
|
900
|
|
|
|
1,900
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
|
|
15,600
|
|
|
|
22,400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
297,693
|
|
|
$
|
896,508
|
|
|
$
|
1,723,045
|
|
|
$
|
1,456,269
|
|
|
$
|
4,373,515
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As the preceding table illustrates, Tropicana Entertainment
incurred significant additional indebtedness in connection with
the Acquisition Financing Transactions. As the issuer of the
notes and an obligor under the senior secured credit facility,
Tropicana Entertainment is required to dedicate a substantial
portion of its cash flow from operations to payments in respect
of indebtedness. In addition, the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility
contain restrictive covenants imposing significant operating and
financial restrictions on Tropicana Entertainments ability
to incur or guarantee additional debt, pay dividends, create or
incur liens, make loans or investments and engage in
extraordinary transactions or transactions with affiliates.
The ability of Tropicana Entertainment to service its
contractual obligations and commitments depends on future
performance, which will be affected by, among other things,
prevailing economic conditions and financial, business and other
factors, certain of which are beyond its control.
New
Jersey Property Transfer Tax
Pursuant to legislation which became effective in the State of
New Jersey on August 1, 2006, acquirers of income-producing
commercial real property are subject to a new transfer tax under
certain circumstances. The real property owned by subsidiaries
of Aztar, which Tropicana Entertainment indirectly holds as a
result of the Aztar Acquisition, may be determined to be subject
to this recently adopted transfer tax regime. Accordingly,
Tropicana Entertainment made a payment of approximately
$10.8 million to the State
90
of New Jersey as a result of a possible tax liability under the
new transfer tax regime. This payment was recorded as an
additional cost of the Aztar Acquisition for accounting
purposes. Tropicana Entertainment filed for a refund of such
payment contemporaneously with the making of the payment. It is
possible that the amount of tax due under the new transfer tax
regime will exceed the approximately $10.8 million payment
made to date by approximately $3.2 million. Any refund or
additional payment related to this tax liability which occurs
during 2007 will result in a further adjustment to the cost of
the Aztar Acquisition for accounting purposes. Accrued interest
and nominal penalties may also be assessed against us in
connection with any underpayment under the new transfer tax
regime. However, while legal authority concerning the transfer
tax is not well developed in light of its recent codification
and the absence of judicial review of the scope of its
application, Tropicana Entertainment believes it may qualify for
an exemption to the tax on the basis of the relative
significance of the real property it indirectly acquired in New
Jersey in the context of the broader Aztar Acquisition.
Tropicana Entertainment is now in the process of vigorously
pursing all legal avenues available to it to establish that it
is exempt from the application of the recently adopted New
Jersey transfer tax legislation and to claim a refund with
respect to the payment it has made to date pursuant to such
legislation.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Realty has been included in Tropicana Entertainments and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts consolidated financial
statements as a variable interest entity of which Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts was the primary beneficiary prior to the
corporate reorganization and of which Tropicana Entertainment
became the primary beneficiary following the corporate
reorganization, which represents an off-balance sheet
arrangement. Realty owns the real estate and substantially all
of the non-gaming assets of the River Palms, which it leases to
a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment that operates the casino
resort. Realtys sole income is rental income derived from
the aforementioned lease. Realty is a guarantor of the
outstanding notes and the senior secured credit facility and
will be a guarantor of the exchange notes.
Tropicana Entertainment manages market risk arising out of
potential fluctuation in interest rates on its and its
subsidiaries variable rate debt, including debt incurred
pursuant to the senior secured credit facility and the Las Vegas
secured loan, by utilizing derivative financial instruments. See
Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures
About Market Risk. Tropicana Entertainment evaluates its
exposure to market risk by monitoring interest rates in the
marketplace, and does not utilize derivative financial
instruments for trading purposes. Tropicana Entertainments
derivative financial instruments consist exclusively of interest
rate swap agreements. Interest differentials resulting from
these agreements are recorded on an accrual basis as an
adjustment to interest expense. Tropicana Entertainment adjusts
these interest rate swap agreements to market value.
Other than as described above, Tropicana Entertainment does not
maintain any off-balance sheet arrangement that has, or is
reasonably likely to have, a current or future material effect
on its financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in
market rates and prices, including interest rates, foreign
currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.
Tropicana Entertainments primary exposure to market risk
arises in connection with interest rate risk associated with
variable rate long-term debt and investment of excess cash.
Tropicana Entertainment had a total of approximately
$1,740.2 million in variable rate debt as of
September 30, 2007. The senior secured credit facility
carries a variable interest rate equal to, at our option, an
adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 2.25% or an
alternate base rate, plus an applicable margin of 1.50%.
Accordingly, based on a LIBOR rate of 5.32%, which reflects the
adjusted LIBOR rate as of June 30, 2007, the senior secured
credit facility carries an average interest rate of
approximately 7.57%. The Las Vegas secured loan carries a
variable interest rate set at an adjusted LIBOR rate plus an
applicable margin of 2.25% or an alternate base rate, plus an
applicable margin of 1.50%. Accordingly, based on a LIBOR rate
of 5.32%, which reflects the
91
adjusted LIBOR rate as of June 30, 2007, the Las Vegas
secured credit facility carries an average interest rate of
approximately 7.57% per annum.
However, as noted under the caption Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements, Tropicana Entertainment manages market
risk arising out of potential fluctuation in interest rates on
its and its subsidiaries variable rate debt, including
debt incurred pursuant to the senior secured credit facility and
the Las Vegas secured loan, by utilizing derivative financial
instruments. For instance, effective as of January 3, 2007,
Tropicana Entertainment entered into swap agreements in the
amount of $1.0 billion swapping 5.00% fixed rate interest
payments for variable
90-day LIBOR
rate interest payments. The agreements have fixed payment dates
on the last day of each March, June, September and December,
which commenced on March 31, 2007, and termination dates of
January 3, 2012. These agreements have the effect of fixing
the LIBOR rate applicable to $1.0 billion of the
indebtedness incurred under the senior secured credit facility
at 5.00%, thereby reducing the extent to which we are exposed to
the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates
and prices in connection with such facility.
Also effective as of January 3, 2007, the Las Vegas
Borrower entered into a swap agreement in the amount of
$440.0 million swapping 5.10% fixed rate interest payments
for variable
90-day LIBOR
rate interest payments. The agreement has fixed payment dates on
the last day of each March, June, September, and December, which
commenced on March 31, 2007, and a termination date of
July 3, 2008. This agreement has the effect of fixing the
LIBOR rate applicable to all of the indebtedness incurred under
the Las Vegas secured loan at 5.10% for the entire term of the
loan. This agreement may be assumed by Tropicana Entertainment
if the Las Vegas secured loan is repaid prior to the termination
date.
Tropicana Entertainment evaluates its exposure to market risk by
monitoring interest rates in the marketplace, and does not
utilize derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
Tropicana Entertainments derivative financial instruments
consist exclusively of interest rate swap agreements. Interest
differentials resulting from these agreements are recorded on an
accrual basis as an adjustment to interest expense.
As of September 30, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment had
approximately $300.2 million of variable rate debt under
the senior secured credit facility which was not hedged against
as described above. This variable rate debt was not covered by
any interest rate swap agreements. Based on this exposure of
Tropicana Entertainment to variable rate borrowings, a 1% change
in the weighted average interest rate would increase its annual
interest expense by approximately $3.0 million.
In addition to the foregoing, Tropicana Entertainment maintains
cash and cash equivalents with various financial institutions
and performs periodic evaluations of the relative credit
standing of those financial institutions. Tropicana
Entertainment has not experienced any losses in such accounts
and believes that it is not exposed to any significant credit
risk with respect to its holdings of cash and cash equivalents.
Tropicana Entertainment does not have any significant foreign
currency exchange rate risk or commodity price risk and does not
currently trade any market-sensitive instruments.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Tropicana Entertainments and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts discussion and analysis of their financial
position and results of operations are based upon their
financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance
with GAAP. The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses. In addition, certain
of Tropicana Entertainments and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts accounting policies, including the estimated lives
assigned to its assets, the determination of bad debt, asset
impairment, and fair value of self-insurance reserves, require
that members of its management team apply reasoned judgment in
defining the appropriate assumptions for making the relevant
determinations. Management estimates and judgments are based on
historical experience, terms of existing contracts, evaluation
of trends in relevant industries, information provided by
customers and information available from other outside sources,
as
92
management deems appropriate. While Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts evaluate their estimates and
judgments on an ongoing basis, actual results may differ from
these estimates and judgments under different assumptions and
conditions.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
believe the following items are the critical accounting policies
and more significant estimates and assumptions used in the
preparation of their financial statements. These accounting
policies conform to the accounting policies contained in the
consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contained elsewhere in this
prospectus. Tropicana Entertainments and Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts accounting policies are routinely reviewed and
they may, in the ordinary course, be changed on a going-forward
basis. In addition, Tropicana Entertainments and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts accounting policies may differ from
those of Aztar. The following accounting polices and
classifications used by Aztar were changed as of the date of the
Aztar Acquisition, January 3, 2007, to reflect Tropicana
Entertainments accounting policies and classifications:
(i) Operating revenues are presented gross of promotional
allowances and complimentaries offered to customers, while Aztar
presented operating revenues net of these items. These
promotional allowances and complimentaries are then deducted
from gross operating revenue to derive net operating revenues.
(ii) The cost of providing complimentary rooms, food and
beverage to customers is presented as an expense of the
department providing the service, while Aztar presented these
costs as expenses of the department that granted the
complimentary to the guest, which was primarily the casino
department. (iii) Gaming taxes and licensing fees are
presented as a separate caption in the statement of operations,
while Aztar presented these costs as part of the casino
department. (iv) Provision for doubtful accounts expense is
included as a casino department expense, while Aztar presented
provision for doubtful accounts as a separate operating expense
caption. (v) Depreciation and amortization expense after
the Aztar Acquisition will reflect useful lives which may differ
from those used by Aztar prior to the Aztar Acquisition. See
footnote (2) to the unaudited pro forma consolidated income
statement included elsewhere in this prospectus for more detail
regarding these reclassifications we have made.
Self-Insurance
Accruals
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts are
self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with
general liability and workers compensation insurance.
Insurance claims and reserves include accruals of estimated
settlements for known claims, as well as accruals of actuarial
estimates of incurred but not reported claims. In estimating
these costs, Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts consider historical loss experience and make judgments
about the expected levels of costs per claim. Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts also rely on
consultants to assist in the determination of estimated accruals
on an accrual basis. These claims are accounted for based on
actuarial estimates of the undiscounted claims, including those
claims incurred but not reported. Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts believe the use of actuarial
methods to account for these liabilities provides a consistent
and effective way to measure these accruals; however, changes in
accident frequency and severity and other factors could
materially affect the reliability of estimates for these
liabilities. Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts continually monitor their estimates, evaluate their
insurance accruals and, to the extent necessary, adjust their
recorded provisions.
Property
and Equipment
Depreciation and amortization are computed over the estimated
useful lives of relevant items of property and equipment on the
straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for property and
equipment in service range from 10 to 39 years for building
and building components, and 3 to 10 years for equipment.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term
of the lease or the useful life of the asset.
Management reviews casino and hotel assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted
undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets
relate, plus the assets residual value to the carrying
amount of the assets. If the operation is determined to be
unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then the
casino and hotel assets are written down to fair value. Fair
value is determined based on discounted cash flows.
93
Management reviews its facilities for obligations associated
with the retirement of tangible long-lived assets and the
associated asset retirement costs. Any legal obligations
associated with the retirement of long-lived assets that result
from the acquisition, construction, development
and/or the
normal operation of a long-lived asset are recorded at the time
they are known. If such legal obligations arise, management
requires that the fair value of a liability for an asset
retirement obligation be recognized in the period in which it is
incurred if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The
associated asset retirement costs, if any, are capitalized as
part of the carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The
liability, if any, is discounted and accretion expenses are
recognized using the credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate in
effect when the liability is initially recognized.
Goodwill
and Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired. Goodwill is not amortized. Goodwill is tested for
impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the asset might be impaired.
Intangible assets represent assets, other than goodwill or
financial assets, which lack physical substance. Intangible
assets with a definite life are amortized over their useful
life. An intangible assets useful life is defined as the
period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly
or indirectly to future cash flows.
Intangible assets with an indefinite life are not amortized. An
intangible asset that is not subject to amortization is tested
for impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the asset might be impaired.
When testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment, the income approach is used, which
includes an analysis of the market, cash flows, and risks
associated with achieving such cash flows. The income approach
focuses on the income producing capability of the existing
hotel/casino and best represents the present value of the future
economic benefits expected to be derived. Significant
assumptions used in the impairment test include EBITDA
projections, working capital requirements and the discount rate.
Accounts
Receivable
Accounts receivable, including casino and hotel receivables, are
typically non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at
cost. Accounts are written off when management deems such
accounts to be uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously
written off are recorded when received. An estimated allowance
for doubtful accounts is maintained to reduce receivables to
their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The
allowance is estimated based on specific review of customer
accounts as well as historical collection experience and current
economic and business conditions.
Customer
Loyalty Program
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
provide certain custom loyalty programs at their casinos which
reward customers for gaming play. Under the programs, customers
are able to accumulate points which may be redeemed in the
future, subject to certain limitations and the terms of the
programs of individual casinos, for cash, goods and services.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts accrue
the cost of points that may be redeemed for cash as they are
earned, as adjusted to give effect to estimated redemption
rates. These costs are recorded as promotional allowances.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
estimate the cost and accrue for the expense of points that are
redeemable for goods or services as such points are earned from
gaming play. These accruals are recorded as casino expense. The
estimated cost is based on estimates and assumptions regarding
marginal costs of the goods and services, redemption rates and
the mix of goods and services for which the points are eligible
to be redeemed.
94
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA COLUMBIA PROPERTIES
VICKSBURG
The following table sets forth selected historical financial
data of CP Vicksburg, one of the affiliate guarantors. CP
Vicksburg was formed on January 23, 2003 for the purpose of
acquiring the Horizon Casino Hotel Vicksburg, which acquisition
was completed on October 27, 2003, and, accordingly,
selected financial data of CP Vicksburg for the 2003 fiscal year
reflect CP Vicksburgs results of operations from and after
its acquisition of the Horizon Casino Hotel Vicksburg.
The selected historical financial data of CP Vicksburg for the
2003 fiscal year have been derived from the audited financial
statements of CP Vicksburg not included elsewhere in this
prospectus. The selected historical financial data of CP
Vicksburg for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal years have been
derived from the audited financial statements of CP Vicksburg
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical
income statement data of CP Vicksburg for the six month periods
ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 and the selected historical
balance sheet data as of June 30, 2007 have been derived
from the unaudited financial statements of CP Vicksburg included
elsewhere in this prospectus which, in the opinion of
management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the information for those periods.
The historical results below do not represent the results of the
restricted group under the indenture. The historical results set
forth below do not necessarily indicate results expected for any
future period, and the results of any future period do not
necessarily indicate results that may be expected for any other
period or the full fiscal year. The following historical
financial information should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations CP
Vicksburg and the financial statements of CP Vicksburg
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Six Months Ended
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2003(1)
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
3,890
|
|
|
$
|
24,093
|
|
|
$
|
31,364
|
|
|
$
|
32,427
|
|
|
$
|
18,006
|
|
|
$
|
14,898
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
309
|
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
1,738
|
|
|
|
1,921
|
|
|
|
1,068
|
|
|
|
751
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
409
|
|
|
|
3,272
|
|
|
|
4,088
|
|
|
|
4,423
|
|
|
|
2,419
|
|
|
|
1,655
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
46
|
|
|
|
385
|
|
|
|
559
|
|
|
|
731
|
|
|
|
511
|
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
4,654
|
|
|
|
29,501
|
|
|
|
37,749
|
|
|
|
39,502
|
|
|
|
22,004
|
|
|
|
17,542
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(692
|
)
|
|
|
(3,968
|
)
|
|
|
(4,978
|
)
|
|
|
(5,903
|
)
|
|
|
(3,232
|
)
|
|
|
(1,953
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
3,962
|
|
|
|
25,533
|
|
|
|
32,771
|
|
|
|
33,599
|
|
|
|
18,772
|
|
|
|
15,589
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
1,366
|
|
|
|
6,703
|
|
|
|
6,948
|
|
|
|
7,201
|
|
|
|
3,648
|
|
|
|
2,326
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
|
1,085
|
|
|
|
974
|
|
|
|
981
|
|
|
|
483
|
|
|
|
722
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
529
|
|
|
|
3,007
|
|
|
|
3,660
|
|
|
|
4,048
|
|
|
|
2,116
|
|
|
|
1,580
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
1,171
|
|
|
|
7,081
|
|
|
|
8,182
|
|
|
|
8,799
|
|
|
|
4,644
|
|
|
|
3,978
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
855
|
|
|
|
4,688
|
|
|
|
5,696
|
|
|
|
6,242
|
|
|
|
3,479
|
|
|
|
3,381
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
373
|
|
|
|
2,724
|
|
|
|
3,033
|
|
|
|
3,413
|
|
|
|
1,522
|
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
4,544
|
|
|
|
25,288
|
|
|
|
28,493
|
|
|
|
30,957
|
|
|
|
15,910
|
|
|
|
13,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(582
|
)
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
4,278
|
|
|
|
2,642
|
|
|
|
2,862
|
|
|
|
1,809
|
|
Interest expense net
|
|
|
(143
|
)
|
|
|
(877
|
)
|
|
|
(1,168
|
)
|
|
|
(1,118
|
)
|
|
|
(1,007
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (loss)
|
|
$
|
(725
|
)
|
|
$
|
(632
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
$
|
1,855
|
|
|
$
|
1,809
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Includes the results of operations
from October 27, 2003, date of acquisition, to
December 31, 2003.
|
95
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
5,351
|
|
|
$
|
4,935
|
|
|
$
|
5,072
|
|
|
$
|
3,705
|
|
|
$
|
6,357
|
|
|
$
|
3,990
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
39,991
|
|
|
|
39,736
|
|
|
|
40,266
|
|
|
|
36,540
|
|
|
|
41,040
|
|
|
|
38,289
|
|
Lease liability(1)
|
|
|
3,022
|
|
|
|
2,921
|
|
|
|
2,820
|
|
|
|
2,558
|
|
|
|
2,634
|
|
|
|
2,482
|
|
Total debt, excluding related party
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
20,000
|
|
|
|
17,143
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,714
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
14,274
|
|
|
|
13,642
|
|
|
|
15,302
|
|
|
|
28,976
|
|
|
|
17,308
|
|
|
|
30,785
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Represents the amount needed to adjust future lease payments
under CP Vicksburgs lease agreement with the city of
Vicksburg to current market rents, which is based on an
appraisal at the date of acquisition of the Vicksburg Horizon
and is being amortized over the remaining
20-year term
of the lease on a straight-line basis. |
96
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS COLUMBIA PROPERTIES
VICKSBURG
The following managements discussion and analysis
should be read in conjunction with Selected Historical
Financial Data Columbia Properties Vicksburg,
LLC and the financial statements of CP Vicksburg included
elsewhere in this prospectus. See Forward Looking
Statements and Risk Factors for a discussion
of factors that could cause future financial condition and
results of operations to be different from those discussed
below. Certain monetary amounts, percentages and other figures
included in this prospectus have been subject to rounding
adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown as totals in certain
tables may not be the arithmetic aggregation of the figures that
precede them, and figures expressed as percentages in the text
may not total 100% or, as applicable, when aggregated may not be
the arithmetic aggregation of the percentages that precede them.
Separate analyses of results of operations for Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts, JMBS Casino and Aztar are included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
CP Vicksburg, an affiliate guarantor, is owned by
Mr. William Yung and the JMBS Trust. CP Vicksburg owns and
operates the Vicksburg Horizon, a 297-foot multi-level
antebellum style riverboat situated in downtown Vicksburg,
Mississippi. The property features a hotel offering 117 guest
hotel rooms and a two-floor 20,909-square-foot casino housing
696 slot machines and 19 table games. Additional amenities
include two restaurants, a sports bar, two covered parking
garages and an additional parking lot with free valet service,
providing customers with a total of 889 parking spaces. The
property is adjacent to a shore side complex that includes a
seven-story hotel.
CP Vicksburg is subject to the restrictive covenants contained
in the indenture.
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
Operating
Revenues
Net operating revenue decreased by $3.2 million, or 17.0%,
to $15.6 million in the six month period ended
June 30, 2007 from $18.8 million in the six month
period ended June 30, 2006. Consistent with
managements expectations, revenue increases experienced in
prior periods following Hurricane Katrina receded somewhat in
the six month period ended June 30, 2007 as casinos
re-opened in the regions affected by the hurricane and the
transient population created by Hurricane Katrina in the
Vicksburg region began to shift back, in part, to other Gulf
Coast areas.
Casino revenues were down $3.1 million to
$14.9 million in the six month period ended June 30,
2007 as compared to the $18.0 million in casino revenues
recorded in the six month period ended June 30, 2006. This
decrease was primarily due to a period over period decline in
slot win of $2.3 million caused by a 28% decline in slot
handle for the reasons discussed above. Revenue derived from
table games and poker was down $0.2 million and other
casino revenues were down $0.6 million in the six month
period ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the six month
period ended June 30, 2006.
Hotel room sales, food and beverage revenues and other casino
and hotel revenues collectively fell during the six month period
ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the six month period
ended June 30, 2006 by $1.3 million to
$2.7 million from $4.0 million, principally as a
result of the general decrease in business relating to the
tapering off of the post-hurricane surge, as discussed above.
The reduction in total operating revenues was offset by a
$1.2 million reduction in complimentary hotel rooms and
food and beverage services offered to casino guests.
Operating
Expenses
Corresponding to the decline in revenues during the six month
period ended June 30, 2007 as compared to the same period
in 2006, operating expenses decreased by $2.1 million, or
13.2%, to $13.8 million during the six month period ended
June 30, 2007 from $15.9 million during the six month
period ended June 30, 2006. This decline was mainly in
casino expenses, which were down $1.3 million period over
period, expenses relating to marketing, advertising and casino
promotion, which were down
97
$0.8 million period over period, and gaming taxes and
licenses, which declined $0.4 million period over
period consistent with the decline in casino
revenues. These expense decreases were partially offset by
increases in insurance costs ($0.1 million) and
depreciation ($0.3 million). The decline in casino costs
and gaming taxes was principally related to the general decrease
in business at the property resulting from the tapering off of
the post-hurricane surge, as discussed above. The decline in
marketing, advertising and casino promotions expenses resulted
primarily from a reduction in newspaper, magazine and radio
advertising expenditures.
Income
from Operations
As a result of the factors described above, income from
operations decreased $1.1 million, or 37.9%, to
$1.8 million in the six month period ended June 30,
2007 from $2.9 million in the six month period ended
June 30, 2006.
Interest
Expense
All of CP Vicksburgs outstanding debt was repaid in
December 2006. As a result, CP Vicksburg did not incur any
interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2007,
representing a decline in its interest expense of
$1.0 million as compared to the six months ended
June 30, 2006.
Net
Income
Net income decreased $0.1 million, or 5.3%, to
$1.8 million for the first six months of 2007 from
$1.9 million in the first six months of 2006. Net income
was adversely affected by the reduction in business levels from
the abnormally elevated levels experienced in the prior period
in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, as discussed above, which
adverse effect was partially offset by the reduction in interest
expense resulting from the repayment of all of CP
Vicksburgs debt in December 2006 and lower period over
period operating expenses, as discussed above.
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2005
Operating
Revenues
Net operating revenue was $33.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006, an increase of $0.8 million, or
2.5%, from the $32.8 million of net operating revenue
recorded in the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase
in net operating revenue in the year ended December 31,
2006 can be attributed to the success of marketing initiatives
executed in the period, and the continued increase in customer
visits due to improved access owing to the installation of a new
parking facility adjacent to the casino, which was completed in
the summer of 2004. The revenue increase was also attributable
to the increase in the population of Jackson, Mississippi, which
is the primary feeder city for the Vicksburg gaming market, and
the temporary closure of many competing casinos in the Gulf
Coast region, each of which developments was the result of
Hurricane Katrina on August 25, 2005. Revenue increases
period over period attributable to Hurricane Katrina have begun
to level off as casinos have re-opened in the New Orleans and
the Gulf Coast region and the transient population created by
Hurricane Katrina has begun to shift back, in part to other Gulf
Coast areas.
Casino revenue increased in the year ended December 31,
2006 by $1.1 million, or 3.4%, to $32.4 million from
$31.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
Table game revenues increased $0.3 million to
$3.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 from
$3.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2005 due
to an increase in hold percentage of 2.5%, which was partially
offset by a decrease in table game drop of 2.7%. Slot revenues
increased $0.6 million, or 2.2%, to $27.8 million in
the year ended December 31, 2006 from $27.2 million in
the year ended December 31, 2005, due to a 6.1% increase in
slot handle which was partially offset by a drop in hold
percentage of 0.2%.
Hotel room sales increased $0.2 million, or 10%, to a total
of $1.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 as
compared to a total of $1.7 million in the year ended
December 31, 2005. During
98
the same period, occupancy rates decreased from 74.9% to 68.8%;
however, the average daily rate charged to patrons increased 20%
to $65.34. During the year ended December 31, 2006, over
65% of room occupancy was attributable to the issuance of
complimentary rooms to casino guests, which awards increased 43%
in such year over the year ended December 31, 2005.
Food and beverage revenue increased period over period by
$0.3 million to $4.4 million in the year ended
December 31, 2006. This improved result was attributable to
increased operational volume in the hotel and casino.
Operating revenue increases were partially offset by an increase
in promotional allowances of $0.9 million during the year
ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2005, related to the issuance of
complimentaries to casino guests to encourage higher casino play.
Operating
Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $2.5 million to
$31.0 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 from
$28.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
Casino expenses increased $0.3 million, or 3.6%,
representing a slightly higher increase than the growth in
casino revenues recorded during the year ended December 31,
2005. Gaming equipment rentals accounted for $0.2 million
of the increase in casino expenses and the remainder of the
increase was attributable to payments in respect of salaries and
supplies.
Food and beverage costs increased $0.4 million in the year
ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2005, in proportion to the increase in food
and beverage sales during that period, with the cost of products
sold accounting for $0.2 million of the increase and
payroll expense accounting for the remaining $0.2 million
of the increase. Insurance expense increased $0.4 million
in the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared to the year
ended December 31, 2005 due to industry-wide increases in
premiums for coverage of riverboats after Hurricane Katrina.
Administrative and general costs increased $0.5 million
period over period due to higher employee benefits costs and
costs related to guest claims that were not covered by
insurance. Other increases in operating expenses included
utilities ($0.2 million increase), and depreciation
($0.4 million increase).
Income
from Operations
As a result of the factors described above, income from
operations decreased $1.7 million, or 40%, to
$2.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 from
$4.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
Interest
Expense
Interest expense remained relatively flat as lower average debt
balances outstanding were offset by increased interest rates.
Net
Income
Net income decreased from $3.1 million for the year ended
December 31, 2005 to $1.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006 due to the foregoing factors.
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Operating
Revenues
Net operating revenue increased $7.3 million, or 28%, to
$32.8 million in 2005 from $25.5 million in 2004. Net
operating revenue increases in 2005 were attributable to
continued increases in customer visits due to improved access to
the casino facility owing to the installation of a new parking
facility adjacent to the casino, and was also partly affected by
the increase in business resulting from damage sustained by
competing casinos in the Gulf Coast area and population
increases in Jackson, Mississippi due to Hurricane Katrina.
99
Casino revenue increased in 2005 by $7.2 million, or 30%,
to $31.3 million from $24.1 million in 2004. Slot
revenues increased $7.4 million, or 38%, to
$27.2 million in 2005 from $19.7 million in 2004, due
to a 25% increase in slot handle and an increase in hold
percentage of 0.5%. This increase in slot revenues was partially
offset by a decrease in table game revenues of $0.3 million
to $3.0 million in 2005 from $3.3 million in 2004.
This decrease in table games revenue was due to a 4.7% decrease
in table games drop and a decline in hold percentage of 1.3%.
Casino revenue increases were partially offset by an increase in
promotional allowances of $1.0 million year over year
related to the issuance of additional complimentaries to casino
guests.
Rooms revenue remained flat year over year while food and
beverage revenues increased to $4.1 million in 2005
compared to $3.3 million in 2004, an increase of
$0.8 million, attributable primarily to an increase in
complimentaries awarded to casino guests.
Operating
Expenses
Total operating expenses increased $3.2 million, or 13%, to
$28.5 million in 2005 from $25.3 million in 2004. This
increase was considerably lower than the increase in net
operating revenue as management gained further control over
costs in its second full year of operations following the
commencement of its management of the casino in October 2003.
Casino expenses in 2005 increased $0.2 million, or 3%, from
2004 levels, representing a smaller increase than the increase
in casino revenues, as management was able to obtain revenue
increases without commensurate increases in labor costs. Hotel
costs decreased slightly, while food and beverage costs
increased $0.7 million in 2005 from 2004 due to increased
sales volume. The increase in food and beverage costs was
primarily due to a $0.3 million increase in the cost of
products sold and a $0.3 million increase in food and
beverage related salaries. Marketing, advertising and casino
promotions increased $0.8 million in 2005 from 2004 as CP
Vicksburg placed a heavier emphasis on advertising, special
events and drawings in an effort to increase market share.
Gaming taxes and licenses increased $0.8 million, in
proportion to the increase in net gaming revenues. Lease expense
increased $0.3 million because a portion of the lease
payment due to the city of Vicksburg pursuant to the terms of
the lease is tied to the level of gaming and food and beverage
revenues achieved at the property, which revenues increased
during the period. Depreciation and amortization increased
$0.3 million as a result of additional capital expenditures
of $3.4 million in 2005, primarily for furniture and
fixtures.
Income
from Operations
Income from operations increased $4.1 million to
$4.3 million in 2005 from $0.2 million in 2004 as a
result of increased net operating revenue and improved cost
control, as described above.
Net
Income
Net income increased $3.7 million to $3.1 million in
2005 from a loss in 2004 of $0.6 million, as net operating
revenue increased $7.3 million while operating expenses
only increased by $3.2 million owing to managements
ability to achieve greater control over its operating costs in
its second full year of operations. However, gains in the
containment of operating costs were partially offset by an
increase in interest expense of $0.3 million caused by
higher interest rates.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Historically, CP Vicksburgs cash flows generated by
operations have generally been used to fund reinvestment in its
existing operations and to return capital through dividends. CP
Vicksburg has supplemented the cash flows generated by its
operations with liquidity provided by financing activities,
particularly the incurrence of bank debt, and capital
contributions or loans from Mr. William Yung or his
affiliates.
CP Vicksburgs cash flow from operating activities in 2006
was $4.1 million, which, along with (i) net capital
contributions from members in 2006 of $12.1 million,
(ii) advances from related parties in that period of
$0.6 million and (iii) a decrease in cash balances of
$1.4 million, was used to fund capital
100
expenditures of approximately $1.1 million and repay
indebtedness of approximately $17.1 million in
indebtedness. Specifically, on December 7, 2006, with cash
on hand and the proceeds of equity contributions made by
Mr. William Yung and the JMBS Trust, CP Vicksburg retired
all of its outstanding bank debt. Accordingly, at
December 31, 2006, CP Vicksburg had no material debt
outstanding, although on January 3, 2007 it agreed to
guarantee the notes and the senior secured credit facility,
which comprised approximately $2,260.2 million in aggregate
principal amount of indebtedness as of September 30, 2007.
CP Vicksburgs long-term liabilities include a lease
liability to adjust future lease payments to current market
rents based on an appraisal completed when CP Vicksburg was
acquired in October 2003. The year ended December 31, 2006
included a $0.3 million reduction in lease expense related
to amortization of this liability.
CP Vicksburgs cash flow from operating activities for the
six months ended June 30, 2007 was $3.7 million, which
was used to fund capital expenditures of approximately
$0.3 million and to lend $3.0 million to Tropicana
Entertainment in June 2007 to help fund principal and interest
payments under the senior secured credit facility and interest
payments under the notes. This loan, which is expressly
subordinated in right of payment to the senior secured credit
facility and the notes, accrues interest at the rate of 12.0%
per annum and matures on January 1, 2015. No interest
payments are required to be made under the loan until its
maturity.
As an affiliate guarantor under the notes and a guarantor of the
senior secured credit facility, CP Vicksburg has been, and may
continue to be, required to dedicate a substantial portion of
its cash flow from operations to payments in respect of
indebtedness. In addition, the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility
contain restrictive covenants imposing significant operating and
financial restrictions on CP Vicksburgs ability to incur
or guarantee additional debt, pay dividends, create or incur
liens, make loans or investments and engage in extraordinary
transactions or transactions with affiliates. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Although the indenture and the credit documentation governing
the senior secured credit facility limit the ability of CP
Vicksburg to make distributions, CP Vicksburg is permitted to
make distributions to its owners to allow them to pay income
taxes on their allocated income from CP Vicksburgs
operations. CP Vicksburg intends to make these permitted tax
distributions to its owners in the future to the extent
permitted under the indenture and the credit documentation
governing the senior secured credit facility.
Contractual
Obligations
CP Vicksburg has various contractual obligations which it
records as liabilities in its financial statements. CP Vicksburg
also enters into other purchase commitments or contracts that
are not recognized as liabilities until services are performed
or goods are received. Additionally, CP Vicksburg enters into
contracts for the provision of goods and services in the
ordinary course of business, such as with respect to food,
inventory and entertainment. Such liabilities are recorded as
liabilities when so incurred.
The following table summarizes CP Vicksburgs future
material contractual obligations, in thousands, at
December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
Less than
|
|
|
1-3
|
|
|
3-5
|
|
|
More than
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual Obligations
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
$
|
576
|
|
|
$
|
1,152
|
|
|
$
|
1,152
|
|
|
$
|
12,669
|
|
|
$
|
15,549
|
|
Purchase obligations
|
|
|
298
|
|
|
|
173
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
471
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
874
|
|
|
$
|
1,325
|
|
|
$
|
1,152
|
|
|
$
|
12,669
|
|
|
$
|
16,020
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, CP Vicksburg is a guarantor of the indebtedness
incurred by Tropicana Entertainment pursuant to the Acquisition
Financing Transactions other than the Las Vegas secured loan.
See Prospectus
101
Summary the Acquisition Financing Transactions
and Business the Acquisition Financing
Transactions.
CP Vicksburgs ability to service its contractual
obligations and commitments depends on its future performance,
which will be affected by, among other things, prevailing
economic conditions and financial, business and other factors,
certain of which are beyond its control.
Critical
Accounting Policies
CP Vicksburgs discussion and analysis of its financial
position and results of operations are based upon its financial
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses. The estimates and
assumptions made by management in connection with the
preparation of financial statements for CP Vicksburg are similar
to the estimates and assumptions made by management in
connection with its preparation of financial statements for
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts Critical Accounting Policies for a
brief description of several of these estimates and assumptions.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
CP Vicksburg does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements
that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect
on its financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital
resources. CP Vicksburg does not presently maintain any
investments in derivative securities.
102
SELECTED
HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA JMBS CASINO
The following table sets forth selected historical financial
data of JMBS Casino, one of the affiliate guarantors. JMBS
Casino was formed on January 23, 2002 for the purpose of
acquiring the Jubilee Casino.
The selected historical financial data of JMBS Casino for the
2002 and 2003 fiscal years have been derived from the audited
financial statements of JMBS Casino not included elsewhere in
this prospectus. The selected historical financial data of JMBS
Casino for the 2004, 2005 and 2006 fiscal years have been
derived from the audited financial statements of JMBS Casino
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical
income statement data of JMBS Casino for the six month periods
ended June 30, 2006 and 2007 and the selected historical
balance sheet data as of June 30, 2007 have been derived
from the unaudited financial statements of JMBS Casino included
elsewhere in this prospectus which, in the opinion of
management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair
presentation of the information for those periods.
The historical results below do not represent the results of the
restricted group under the indenture. The historical results set
forth below do not necessarily indicate results expected for any
future period, and the results of any future period do not
necessarily indicate results that may be expected for any other
period or the full fiscal year. The following historical
financial information should be read in conjunction with
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations JMBS
Casino and the financial statements of JMBS Casino
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2002(1)
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
24,947
|
|
|
$
|
32,251
|
|
|
$
|
34,656
|
|
|
$
|
30,607
|
|
|
$
|
30,545
|
|
|
$
|
16,235
|
|
|
$
|
15,662
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
732
|
|
|
|
501
|
|
|
|
502
|
|
|
|
428
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
|
|
173
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
982
|
|
|
|
1,330
|
|
|
|
1,289
|
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
|
757
|
|
|
|
398
|
|
|
|
283
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
163
|
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
26,765
|
|
|
|
34,245
|
|
|
|
36,694
|
|
|
|
32,105
|
|
|
|
31,838
|
|
|
|
16,878
|
|
|
|
16,207
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(4,070
|
)
|
|
|
(5,396
|
)
|
|
|
(5,786
|
)
|
|
|
(4,295
|
)
|
|
|
(4,221
|
)
|
|
|
(2,484
|
)
|
|
|
(1,742
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
22,695
|
|
|
|
28,849
|
|
|
|
30,908
|
|
|
|
27,810
|
|
|
|
27,617
|
|
|
|
14,394
|
|
|
|
14,465
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
6,822
|
|
|
|
6,448
|
|
|
|
5,355
|
|
|
|
5,107
|
|
|
|
5,740
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,396
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
301
|
|
|
|
442
|
|
|
|
176
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
201
|
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
195
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
|
733
|
|
|
|
628
|
|
|
|
497
|
|
|
|
529
|
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
|
331
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
3,547
|
|
|
|
6,978
|
|
|
|
7,349
|
|
|
|
6,836
|
|
|
|
7,095
|
|
|
|
3,398
|
|
|
|
3,527
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
3,116
|
|
|
|
2,210
|
|
|
|
3,267
|
|
|
|
2,834
|
|
|
|
2,607
|
|
|
|
1,802
|
|
|
|
1,700
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,149
|
|
|
|
2,594
|
|
|
|
2,709
|
|
|
|
2,915
|
|
|
|
2,918
|
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
1,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
16,609
|
|
|
|
19,405
|
|
|
|
19,484
|
|
|
|
18,393
|
|
|
|
19,090
|
|
|
|
9,084
|
|
|
|
9,266
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
6,086
|
|
|
|
9,444
|
|
|
|
11,424
|
|
|
|
9,417
|
|
|
|
8,527
|
|
|
|
5,310
|
|
|
|
5,199
|
|
Interest expense, net and other expenses
|
|
|
(411
|
)
|
|
|
(706
|
)
|
|
|
(554
|
)
|
|
|
(532
|
)
|
|
|
(346
|
)
|
|
|
(178
|
)
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
|
5,675
|
|
|
|
8,738
|
|
|
|
10,870
|
|
|
|
8,885
|
|
|
|
8,181
|
|
|
|
5,132
|
|
|
|
5,254
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
(568
|
)
|
|
|
(430
|
)
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
5,675
|
|
|
$
|
8,733
|
|
|
$
|
10,302
|
|
|
$
|
8,455
|
|
|
$
|
8,137
|
|
|
$
|
5,132
|
|
|
$
|
5,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2002(1)
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
2,741
|
|
|
$
|
4,673
|
|
|
$
|
7,021
|
|
|
$
|
5,435
|
|
|
$
|
4,031
|
|
|
$
|
4,787
|
|
|
$
|
4,227
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
46,816
|
|
|
|
46,989
|
|
|
|
46,807
|
|
|
|
41,882
|
|
|
|
37,912
|
|
|
|
40,672
|
|
|
|
41,256
|
|
Total debt, excluding related party
|
|
|
18,063
|
|
|
|
14,397
|
|
|
|
10,572
|
|
|
|
7,066
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,153
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
26,364
|
|
|
|
30,769
|
|
|
|
34,070
|
|
|
|
32,795
|
|
|
|
35,557
|
|
|
|
32,789
|
|
|
|
39,762
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Reflects results from
March 12, 2002, the date on which JMBS Casino acquired the
Jubilee Casino.
|
104
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS JMBS CASINO
The following managements discussion and analysis
should be read in conjunction with Selected Historical
Financial Data JMBS Casino and the financial
statements of JMBS Casino included elsewhere in this prospectus.
See Forward Looking Statements and Risk
Factors for a discussion of factors that could cause
future financial condition and results of operations to be
different from those discussed below. Certain monetary amounts,
percentages and other figures included in this prospectus have
been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown
as totals in certain tables may not be the arithmetic
aggregation of the figures that precede them, and figures
expressed as percentages in the text may not total 100% or, as
applicable, when aggregated may not be the arithmetic
aggregation of the percentages that precede them. Separate
analyses of results of operations for Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, CP Vicksburg and Aztar are included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
JMBS Casino, an affiliate guarantor, is owned and controlled by
trusts created for the benefit of Mr. William Yungs
children. The Jubilee Casino, a 240-foot riverboat located in
Greenville, Mississippi, is owned and operated by JMBS Casino.
The riverboat features a 28,500-square-foot casino housing 712
slot machines and 13 table games. A 512-space parking lot is
located across the street from the entrance to the riverboat.
JMBS Casino also owns and operates the Greenville
Inn & Suites, a hotel located less than one mile from
the Jubilee Casino, offering 39 suites and free shuttle service
to and from the Jubilee Casino.
JMBS Casino is subject to the restrictive covenants contained in
the indenture.
Six
Months Ended June 30, 2007 Compared to Six Months Ended
June 30, 2006
Revenues
Net operating revenue in the six months ended June 30, 2007
improved slightly as compared to net operating revenue reported
for the six months ended June 30, 2006, rising
$0.1 million to $14.5 million from $14.4 million.
Period over period declines in gross casino and other revenue of
$0.7 million were offset by a decline in promotional
allowance expense of $0.8 million.
The period over period decline in casino revenue was caused by a
8.9% decrease in slot handle, which was partially offset by an
increase in hold percentage of 0.3%.
Operating
Expenses
Operating expenses increased by $0.2 million, or 2.2%, to
$9.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $9.1 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006. This increase was due primarily to an increase of
$0.1 million in insurance expense resulting from higher
premiums charged by JMBS Casinos insurance carriers
following the hurricanes of 2005, an increase in expenses
associated with repairs and maintenance of $0.1 million, a
loss on disposal of assets of $0.1 million and other
operating costs of $0.2 million, which were partially
offset by a decrease in depreciation expense of
$0.3 million.
Income
from Operations
As a result of the factors described above, income from
operations increased $0.1 million, or 1.9%, to
$5.2 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $5.1 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006.
Interest
Expense
All of JMBS Casinos outstanding debt was repaid in
December 2006. As a result, JMBS Casino did not incur any
interest expense during the six months ended June 30, 2007,
representing a decline in its interest expense of
$0.2 million as compared to the six months ended
June 30, 2006.
105
Net
Income
Net income improved by $0.2 million, or 3.9%, to
$5.3 million in the six months ended June 30, 2007
from $5.1 million in the six months ended June 30,
2006. Net income was positively affected by the reduction in
interest expense resulting from the repayment of all of JMBS
Casinos debt in December 2006 and lower period over period
operating expenses, as discussed above.
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2005
Revenues
Net operating revenues decreased in the year ended
December 31, 2006 by $0.2 million, or 0.7%, to
$27.6 million from the $27.8 million of net operating
revenue recorded in the year ended December 31, 2005 as a
result of the net effect of a decrease in casino, hotel room and
food and beverage sales, as partially offset by a small decrease
in promotional allowances.
Casino revenues decreased by less than $0.1 million in 2006
as compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. A slight
increase in table game revenue was offset by a decrease in slot
revenue, which decrease was attributable to a decrease in slot
play of 1.5%. Hotel room sales decreased by less than
$0.1 million, or 17%, to $0.3 million in 2006 as
compared to the year ended December 31, 2005. The decrease
was the result of the combined effect of a 19% decrease in the
hotel room occupancy percentage for the year ended
December 31, 2006 as compared to the year ended
December 31, 2005, and a 42% increase in the average hotel
room rate in the year ended December 31, 2006 as compared
to the year ended December 31, 2005. Food, beverage and
other revenues decreased by $0.1 million, or 12%, to
$0.9 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 as
compared to $1.0 million in the year ended
December 31, 2005. The decrease was mainly attributable to
a decrease in lounge complimentaries awarded to patrons.
Promotional allowances decreased in the year ended
December 31, 2006 by less than $0.1 million to
$4.2 million, as compared to $4.3 million in the year
ended December 31, 2005, as a result of a decrease in
complimentaries given to gaming patrons, which decrease was
partially offset by an increase in slot promotion awards such as
cash back awards and slot club giveaways.
Operating
Expenses
Operating expenses were $19.1 million in the year ended
December 31, 2006, an increase of $0.7 million from
$18.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
Casino expenses increased in the year ended December 31,
2006 by $0.6 million, or 12%, to $5.7 million from
$5.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2005.
The increase was attributable to a $0.5 million increase in
gaming equipment rental expense and an aggregate
$0.1 million increase in various other expenses. Insurance
expenses increased in the year ended December 31, 2006 by
$0.2 million, or 60%, to $0.6 million from
$0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. The
increase was attributable to an industry-wide increase in the
cost of insurance coverage for riverboats as a result of damage
caused to riverboats by hurricanes in 2005. Administrative and
general expenses, which include the expenses of all
administrative departments (such as accounting, purchasing,
human resources and legal), decreased by $0.2 million, or
12%, to $1.7 million in the year ended December 31,
2006 from $1.9 million in the year ended December 31,
2005. This decrease was mainly the result of a decrease in legal
and accounting fees. The remainder of the increase in operating
expenses recorded during this period was caused by an increase
of $0.1 million in utility costs.
Income
from Operations
As a result of the factors described above, income from
operations decreased $0.9 million, or 9%, to
$8.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2006 from
$9.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2005.
106
Interest
Expense
Interest expense decreased to $0.3 million in the year
ended December 31, 2006 from $0.5 million in the year
ended December 31, 2005 as a result of the repayment of
$7.1 million of debt during the year ended
December 31, 2006.
Income
from Continuing Operations
Income from continuing operations for the year ended
December 31, 2006 was $8.1 million, a decrease of
$0.8 million from $8.9 million in the year ended
December 31, 2005.
Net
Income
Net income decreased $0.3 million during the year ended
December 31, 2006 to $8.1 million from
$8.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2005. The
loss from discontinued operations decreased from
$0.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2005 to
less than $0.1 million in the year ended December 31,
2006. The carrying value of the Key West Inn was reduced to its
expected sale price during 2006. See Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2004 Loss from Discontinued
Operations.
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2004
Revenues
Net operating revenues decreased in 2005 by $3.1 million,
or 10%, to $27.8 million from $30.9 million in 2004.
Casino revenues decreased in 2005 by $4.0 million, or 12%,
to $30.6 million from $34.6 million in 2004. The
decrease was due to a decline in both slot revenue and table
game revenues. Slot revenues decreased in 2005 by
$3.8 million, or 12%, to $28.1 million from
$31.9 million in 2004. The decrease in slot revenue was
attributable to a 10.1% reduction in slot handle as compared
with slot handle in 2004. Table game revenues decreased in 2005
by $0.2 million to $2.5 million in 2005 from
$2.7 million in 2004. The decrease in 2005 in table game
revenue was attributable to the combined effect of a decrease of
5% in table games hold percentage and an increase of 15.8% in
table games drop from craps play as compared to the previous
year. Hotel room sales decreased by $0.1 million, while
food, beverage and other revenues decreased by
$0.5 million, or 33.3%, to $1.0 million in 2005 from
$1.5 million in 2004. The decrease was mainly attributable
to a decrease in lounge sales. Promotional allowances decreased
in 2005 by $1.5 million to $4.3 million from
$5.8 million in 2004 as a result of decreased slot handle
and efforts to better control costs.
Operating
Expenses
Operating expenses decreased in 2005 by $1.1 million, or
5.6%, to $18.4 million from $19.5 million in 2004.
Casino expenses decreased in 2005 by $0.3 million, or 5.5%,
to $5.1 million from $5.4 million in 2004. The
decrease in casino expenses was mainly attributable to a
$0.5 million decrease in salaries, wages and benefits due
to a reduction in staffing levels, which was partially offset by
an increase of $0.2 million in the cost of leasing slot
machines. Food and beverage expenses decreased in 2005 by
$0.1 million, or 20%, to $0.5 million from
$0.6 million in 2004. The decrease was related to the
decrease in lounge sales in 2005 as compared to 2004, as
described above. Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
decreased by $0.8 million, or 47%, to $0.9 million
from $1.7 million in 2004. The decrease was attributable to
a combination of efforts by management to better control
advertising and promotional costs and a reduction in overall
gaming activity in the Greenville market. Gaming taxes and
licenses decreased by $0.4 million, or 11%, to
$3.8 million from $4.2 million in 2004. This decrease
was related to the reduction in 2005 of casino revenues.
Administrative and general expenses increased by
$0.3 million, or 23%, to $1.9 million in 2005 from
$1.6 million in 2004. This increase was produced by
increases in administrative salaries, management fees and
outside services.
107
Depreciation and amortization expense increased by
$0.2 million, or 7.4%, to $2.9 million in 2005 from
$2.7 million in 2004. The introduction of $1.1 million
in property and equipment in 2004 caused this increase.
Income
from Operations
As a result of the factors described above, income from
operations decreased by $2.0 million, or 18%, to
$9.4 million in 2005 from $11.4 million in 2004.
Income
from Continuing Operations
Income from continuing operations for 2005 was
$8.9 million, a decrease of $2.0 million from
$10.9 million in 2004. Interest expense was down slightly
in 2005 as compared to 2004.
Loss
from Discontinued Operations
Loss from discontinued operations of $0.4 million in 2005
and $0.6 million in 2004 represents the operations and
impairment loss resulting from the closing on May 1, 2004
of the Key West Inn. The loss in 2004 included a writedown of
the hotel to its estimated fair value as of December 31,
2004 and a loss from operations during the four months prior to
its May 1, 2004 closing. The $0.4 million loss from
discontinued operations in 2005 was attributable to an
additional impairment loss resulting from an additional
writedown of the hotel to its estimated fair value as of
December 31, 2005.
Liquidity
and Capital Resources
Historically, JMBS Casinos cash flows generated by
operations have generally been used to fund reinvestment in its
existing operations and to return capital through dividends.
JMBS Casino has supplemented the cash flows generated by its
operations with liquidity provided by financing activities,
particularly the incurrence of bank debt and capital
contributions.
JMBS Casinos cash flow from operating activities in 2006
was $11.3 million which, along with a decrease in cash on
hand at the beginning of the year of $1.4 million, was used
primarily to fund net distributions to its members of
$5.4 million and repayments of debt of $7.1 million.
Specifically, on December 7, 2006, with cash on hand and
the proceeds of equity contributions made by affiliates of
Mr. William Yung, JMBS Casino retired all of its
outstanding bank debt. Accordingly, at December 31, 2006,
JMBS Casino had no material debt outstanding, although on
January 3, 2007 it agreed to guarantee the notes and the
senior secured credit facility, which comprised approximately
$2,260.2 million in aggregate principal amount of
indebtedness as of September 30, 2007.
JMBS Casinos cash flow from operating activities for the
six months ended June 30, 2007 was $5.7 million, which
was used to fund capital expenditures of approximately
$0.6 million, a permitted tax distribution to its member of
$1.1 million in June 2007 and to lend $4.0 million to
Tropicana Entertainment in June 2007 to help fund principal and
interest payments under the senior secured credit facility and
interest payments under the notes. This loan, which is expressly
subordinated in right of payment to the senior secured credit
facility and the notes, accrues interest at the rate of 12.0%
per annum and matures on January 1, 2015. No interest
payments are required to be made under the loan until its
maturity.
JMBS Casino currently plans to spend approximately
$4.0 million during 2007 to upgrade its slot machines and
to make other improvements to its facilities, which capital
expenditures are expected to be funded with cash flow from
operations and other available cash balances.
As an affiliate guarantor under the notes and a guarantor of the
senior secured credit facility, JMBS Casino has been, and may
continue to be, required to dedicate a substantial portion of
its cash flow from operations to payments in respect of
indebtedness. In addition, the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility
contain restrictive covenants imposing significant operating and
financial restrictions on JMBS Casinos ability to incur or
guarantee additional debt, pay dividends, create or incur liens,
make loans or investments and engage in extraordinary
transactions or transactions with
108
affiliates. See Managements Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts Liquidity and Capital Resources.
Although the indenture and the credit documentation governing
the senior secured credit facility limit the ability of JMBS
Casino to make distributions, JMBS Casino is permitted to make
distributions to its owners to allow them to pay income taxes on
their allocated income from JMBS Casinos operations. JMBS
Casino intends to make these permitted tax distributions to its
owners in the future to the extent permitted under the indenture
and the credit documentation governing the senior secured credit
facility.
Contractual
Obligations
JMBS Casino has various contractual obligations which it records
as liabilities in its financial statements. JMBS Casino also
enters into other purchase commitments or contracts that are not
recognized as liabilities until services are performed or goods
are received. Additionally, JMBS Casino enters into contracts
for the provision of goods and services in the ordinary course
of business, such as with respect to food, inventory and
entertainment. Such liabilities are recorded as liabilities when
so incurred.
The following table summarizes JMBS Casinos future
material contractual obligations, in thousands, at
December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments Due by Period
|
|
|
|
Less than
|
|
|
1-3
|
|
|
3-5
|
|
|
More than
|
|
|
|
|
Contractual Obligations
|
|
1 Year
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
Years
|
|
|
5 Years
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
JMBS Casino LLC:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating leases
|
|
$
|
862
|
|
|
$
|
1,134
|
|
|
$
|
310
|
|
|
$
|
17
|
|
|
$
|
2,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In addition, JMBS Casino is a guarantor of all indebtedness
incurred by Tropicana Entertainment pursuant to the Acquisition
Financing Transactions other than the Las Vegas secured loan.
See Prospectus Summary the Acquisition
Financing Transactions and Business the
Acquisition Financing Transactions.
JMBS Casinos ability to service its contractual
obligations and commitments depends on its future performance,
which will be affected by, among other things, prevailing
economic conditions and financial, business and other factors,
certain of which are beyond its control.
Critical
Accounting Policies
JMBS Casinos discussion and analysis of its financial
position and results of operations are based upon its financial
statements, which have been prepared in accordance with GAAP.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP
requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the amounts reported for assets and liabilities,
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and the
reported amounts of revenue and expenses. The estimates and
assumptions made by management in connection with the
preparation of financial statements for JMBS Casino are similar
to the estimates and assumptions made by management in
connection with its preparation of financial statements for
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. See
Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Critical Accounting Policies for a brief description of
several of these estimates and assumptions.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
JMBS Casino does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements
that have, or are reasonably likely to have, a material effect
on its financial condition, revenue or expenses, results of
operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital
resources. JMBS Casino does not presently maintain any
investments in derivative securities.
109
SELECTED
HISTORICAL CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
AZTAR
The following table sets forth selected historical consolidated
financial data of Aztar. Immediately following the closing of
the Aztar Acquisition, Tropicana Entertainment distributed the
membership interests in Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company,
which holds the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, to Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts operated the
Casino Aztar Caruthersville property under the supervision of
the Missouri Gaming Commission until it completed the sale of
Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company to Isle of Capri on
June 10, 2007. See Prospectus Summary
Recent Developments Sale of Aztar Missouri Riverboat
Gaming Company. The historical consolidated financial data
for Aztar set forth in the table below reflect Casino Aztar
Caruthersville as a discontinued operation.
The selected historical financial data of Aztar for the 2002 and
2003 fiscal years have been derived from the unaudited (after
restatement for discontinued operations) and audited
consolidated financial statements, respectively, of Aztar not
included elsewhere in this prospectus. The selected historical
consolidated financial data of Aztar for the 2004, 2005 and 2006
fiscal years have been derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of Aztar included elsewhere in this
prospectus.
The historical results below do not represent the results of the
restricted group under the indenture. The historical results set
forth below do not necessarily indicate results expected for any
future period, and the results of any future period do not
necessarily indicate results that may be expected for any other
period or the full fiscal year. The following historical
consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction
with Managements Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Aztar and the consolidated financial statements of Aztar
included elsewhere in this prospectus.
110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
January 2,
|
|
|
January 1,
|
|
|
December 30,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2003
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005(1)
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Statement Data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
641,948
|
|
|
$
|
595,170
|
|
|
$
|
587,114
|
|
|
$
|
673,342
|
|
|
$
|
673,929
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
73,702
|
|
|
|
76,218
|
|
|
|
85,713
|
|
|
|
104,051
|
|
|
|
107,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
55,670
|
|
|
|
55,458
|
|
|
|
54,677
|
|
|
|
59,438
|
|
|
|
58,773
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
38,720
|
|
|
|
39,323
|
|
|
|
39,310
|
|
|
|
50,833
|
|
|
|
54,345
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
810,040
|
|
|
|
766,169
|
|
|
|
766,814
|
|
|
|
887,664
|
|
|
|
894,336
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
272,466
|
|
|
|
249,404
|
|
|
|
246,445
|
|
|
|
268,346
|
|
|
|
265,823
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
38,336
|
|
|
|
39,349
|
|
|
|
42,602
|
|
|
|
47,495
|
|
|
|
48,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
53,085
|
|
|
|
53,328
|
|
|
|
53,729
|
|
|
|
56,886
|
|
|
|
57,313
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
114,241
|
|
|
|
107,841
|
|
|
|
112,537
|
|
|
|
125,133
|
|
|
|
133,831
|
|
|
|
|
|
Selling, general and administrative
|
|
|
149,443
|
|
|
|
144,006
|
|
|
|
155,926
|
|
|
|
180,880
|
|
|
|
170,363
|
|
|
|
|
|
Construction accident related, net of recoveries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
512
|
|
|
|
(8,261
|
)
|
|
|
3,405
|
|
|
|
(6,809
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
47,699
|
|
|
|
48,151
|
|
|
|
52,213
|
|
|
|
64,381
|
|
|
|
70,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
Preopening costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,893
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development cost write-off
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
Merger related costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
675,270
|
|
|
|
642,591
|
|
|
|
658,084
|
|
|
|
746,526
|
|
|
|
857,799
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
134,770
|
|
|
|
123,578
|
|
|
|
108,730
|
|
|
|
141,138
|
|
|
|
36,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense, net
|
|
|
(40,189
|
)
|
|
|
(35,639
|
)
|
|
|
(36,205
|
)
|
|
|
(54,976
|
)
|
|
|
(54,086
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (expense)
|
|
|
(458
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,907
|
|
|
|
6,001
|
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss on early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,372
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
94,123
|
|
|
|
87,939
|
|
|
|
66,060
|
|
|
|
92,163
|
|
|
|
(14,909
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(36,585
|
)
|
|
|
(28,241
|
)
|
|
|
(38,973
|
)
|
|
|
(38,598
|
)
|
|
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
57,538
|
|
|
|
59,698
|
|
|
|
27,087
|
|
|
|
53,565
|
|
|
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred, net of tax
|
|
|
1,321
|
|
|
|
1,232
|
|
|
|
1,388
|
|
|
|
2,395
|
|
|
|
4,351
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (loss)
|
|
$
|
58,859
|
|
|
$
|
60,930
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance Sheet Data (as of period end):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
51,650
|
|
|
$
|
69,003
|
|
|
$
|
51,353
|
|
|
$
|
86,361
|
|
|
$
|
121,416
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
1,173,343
|
|
|
|
1,347,773
|
|
|
|
1,511,640
|
|
|
|
1,555,334
|
|
|
|
1,573,252
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt (excluding related party)
|
|
|
529,081
|
|
|
|
645,566
|
|
|
|
732,545
|
|
|
|
722,969
|
|
|
|
702,711
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
515,354
|
|
|
|
534,574
|
|
|
|
566,291
|
|
|
|
636,530
|
|
|
|
621,974
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1)
|
|
Aztar switched to a calendar year
in 2005.
|
111
MANAGEMENTS
DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS AZTAR
The following managements discussion and analysis
should be read in conjunction with Selected Historical
Consolidated Financial Data Aztar and the
consolidated financial statements of Aztar included elsewhere in
this prospectus. See Forward Looking Statements and
Risk Factors for a discussion of factors that could
cause future financial condition and results of operations to be
different from those discussed below. Certain monetary amounts,
percentages and other figures included in this prospectus have
been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, figures shown
as totals in certain tables may not be the arithmetic
aggregation of the figures that precede them, and figures
expressed as percentages in the text may not total 100% or, as
applicable, when aggregated may not be the arithmetic
aggregation of the percentages that precede them. Separate
analyses of results of operations for Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, CP Vicksburg and JMBS Casino are included elsewhere in
this prospectus.
Overview
Prior to the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, Aztar had
been a publicly traded, multi-jurisdictional operator of gaming
properties. It owned and operated the Tropicana Atlantic City,
Tropicana Las Vegas, Tropicana Express, Casino Aztar Evansville
and Casino Aztar Caruthersville. As part of our campaign to
expand our national footprint and diversify our gaming
operations, on January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana
Entertainment acquired all of the outstanding equity interests
in Aztar for approximately $2.1 billion in cash. In the
corporate reorganization completed substantially concurrently
with the acquisition, Aztar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment. For more information concerning the
Aztar Acquisition, see Prospectus Summary The
Aztar Acquisition and Business The Aztar
Acquisition.
On December 12, 2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
acquired Tropicana Pennsylvania. Accordingly, Tropicana
Pennsylvania is not a subsidiary of Aztar or Tropicana
Entertainment and is not a guarantor of the outstanding notes,
nor will it be a guarantor of the exchange notes. In addition,
LV Rec, Inc. and LV Red, LLC, subsidiaries of Aztar involved in
the erstwhile effort to develop a gaming property in
Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley at a site in Allentown, but
that do not hold any material assets, were distributed to
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts immediately following the Aztar
Acquisition. Neither LV Rec, Inc. nor LV Red, LLC is a
subsidiary of Aztar or Tropicana Entertainment and neither of
these entities is subject to the restrictive covenants contained
in the indenture. On December 21, 2006, the Pennsylvania
Gaming Control Board awarded the right to develop a gaming
property in Lehigh Valley to Sands, which had competed with
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for the gaming license. Sands will
develop a site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts is currently contemplating a sale of the real property
held by the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities in Allentown,
Pennsylvania to a third party which would make use of such real
property for non-gaming purposes.
In addition, on November 3, 2006, Aztar Missouri Riverboat
Gaming Company and Aztar entered into an agreement with the
Missouri Gaming Commission to enable Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent, to
operate the Casino Aztar Caruthersville on an interim basis
under the supervision of the Missouri Gaming Commission. The
agreement required Tropicana Casinos and Resorts to either sell
the Casino Aztar Caruthersville within nine months of the date
of its execution or discontinue the casinos operations at
that time. In accordance with the agreement, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts divested the Casino Aztar Caruthersville to Isle of
Capri on June 10, 2007. All proceeds from the disposition
of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville were retained by Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts and we are not entitled to any of these
proceeds. As a result of the foregoing, neither the Tropicana
Pennsylvania entities nor Casino Aztar Caruthersville are
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
The indirect subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment, and its
subsidiary Aztar, that hold the assets and operations relating
to the Tropicana Las Vegas have been designated
unrestricted subsidiaries under the indenture and,
accordingly, are not subject to the restrictive covenants
contained in the indenture. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
historical results of operations with respect to Aztar reported
below are
112
presented on a consolidated basis and have not been adjusted to
give effect to the matters described in the preceding paragraphs.
In addition, the accounting policies of Tropicana Entertainment
differ from the historical accounting policies of Aztar. The
following accounting polices and classifications used by Aztar
were changed as of the date of the Aztar Acquisition,
January 3, 2007, to reflect Tropicana Entertainments
accounting policies and classifications: (i) Operating
revenues are presented gross of promotional allowances and
complimentaries offered to customers, while Aztar presented
operating revenues net of these items. These promotional
allowances and complimentaries are then deducted from gross
operating revenue to derive net operating revenues.
(ii) The cost of providing complimentary rooms, food and
beverage to customers is presented as an expense of the
department providing the service, while Aztar presented these
costs as expenses of the department that granted the
complimentary to the guest, which was primarily the casino
department. (iii) Gaming taxes and licensing fees are
presented as a separate caption in the statement of operations,
while Aztar presented these costs as part of the casino
department. (iv) Provision for doubtful accounts expense is
included as a casino department expense, while Aztar presented
provision for doubtful accounts as a separate operating expense
caption. (v) Depreciation and amortization expense after
the Aztar Acquisition will reflect useful lives which may differ
from those used by Aztar prior to the Aztar Acquisition.
Tropicana Entertainment may, in the ordinary course, effect
additional changes to such accounting policies on a
going-forward basis as it deems necessary to present its results
in a manner consistent with the manner in which Tropicana
Entertainment presents its results. See footnote (2) to the
unaudited pro forma consolidated income statement included
elsewhere in this prospectus for additional details information
regarding the reclassifications we have made.
Impact of
Recent Events
Merger
Agreement
On May 19, 2006, Aztar entered into the Aztar Merger
Agreement with Columbia Sussex, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
and WT-Columbia Development, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. Prior to signing the Aztar Merger
Agreement, Aztar terminated a merger agreement it had previously
entered into with Pinnacle and paid Pinnacle a termination fee
of $52.2 million and termination expenses of
$25.8 million. The payment was not deductible for tax
purposes. The termination fee and termination expenses paid to
Pinnacle were classified as merger-related expenses in
Aztars consolidated statement of operations for the year
ended December 31, 2006.
As described under Prospectus Summary The
Aztar Acquisition and Business The Aztar
Acquisition, pursuant to the Aztar Merger Agreement, Aztar
agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to sell or close
its Missouri property, Casino Aztar Caruthersville. As a result
of Aztars commitment to sell Casino Aztar Caruthersville,
its consolidated financial statements for all prior periods have
been reclassified to reflect the results of operations of Casino
Aztar Caruthersville as discontinued. The assets and liabilities
of Casino Aztar Caruthersville are classified as assets held for
sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale,
respectively, in Aztars consolidated balance sheets as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005. On June 10, 2007,
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts divested the Casino Aztar
Caruthersville to Isle of Capri.
In connection with the Aztar Merger Agreement, Columbia Sussex
made a deposit on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts into a
custodial account in the amount of $313.0 million, which
amount was payable to Aztar in certain circumstances (including
failure to obtain regulatory approvals) in the event that the
Aztar Merger Agreement was terminated. Of the deposit,
$78.0 million was paid to Aztar as reimbursement of the
termination fees and expenses paid to Pinnacle. Since this
reimbursement was considered to be a deposit toward the Aztar
Acquisition for accounting purposes, Aztar classified it as a
current liability in its consolidated balance sheet in 2006. As
the Aztar Acquisition was consummated, the $78.0 million
reimbursement in respect of the termination fees was retained by
Aztar.
113
Tropicana
Las Vegas Capitalized Development Costs Write-Off
During the 2006 first quarter, Aztar concluded that it was not
probable that it would implement its plans for the redevelopment
of the Tropicana Las Vegas. As a result, Aztar wrote off
$26.0 million of capitalized development costs.
Results
of Operations
The following table sets forth, in millions, Aztars
segment information for casino revenue, total revenues and
Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Aztars chief operating decision
maker used only Segment Adjusted EBITDA in assessing segment
performance and deciding how to allocate resources. During 2005,
Aztar changed from a 52/53 week fiscal year (ending on the
Thursday nearest December 31) to a calendar year ending
December 31.
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Year Ended December 31,
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2004
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2005
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2006
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(52 weeks)
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Casino revenue
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Tropicana Atlantic City
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$
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334.2
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$
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410.9
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$
|
413.0
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Tropicana Las Vegas
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67.8
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66.1
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63.8
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Tropicana Express Laughlin
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68.1
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72.7
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73.0
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Casino Aztar Evansville
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117.0
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|
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123.6
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124.1
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Total consolidated
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$
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587.1
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$
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673.3
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$
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673.9
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Total revenues
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Tropicana Atlantic City
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$
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384.6
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$
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490.1
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$
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496.2
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Tropicana Las Vegas
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162.0
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|
|
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163.8
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|
|
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162.9
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Tropicana Express Laughlin
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91.0
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97.1
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97.6
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Casino Aztar Evansville
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129.2
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136.6
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137.6
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Total consolidated
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$
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766.8
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$
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887.6
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$
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894.3
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA(a)
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Tropicana Atlantic City
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$
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81.8
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$
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118.7
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$
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144.4
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Tropicana Las Vegas
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36.2
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39.0
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37.7
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Tropicana Express Laughlin
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23.0
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27.3
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26.5
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Casino Aztar Evansville
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37.4
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41.3
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37.5
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Corporate
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(17.5
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)
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(20.8
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)
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(139.6
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)
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Depreciation and amortization
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(52.2
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)
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(64.4
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)
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(70.0
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)
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Operating income
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108.7
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141.1
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36.5
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Other income
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3.9
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6.0
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2.6
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Interest income
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0.8
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1.4
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1.9
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Interest expense
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(37.0
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)
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(56.3
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)
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(55.9
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)
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Loss on early retirement of debt
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(10.3
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)
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Income taxes
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(39.0
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)
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(38.6
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)
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(29.2
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)
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Income(loss) from continuing operations
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27.1
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53.6
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(44.1
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)
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Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
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1.4
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2.4
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4.3
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Net income(loss)
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$
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28.5
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$
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56.0
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$
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(39.8
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)
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(a) |
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Segment Adjusted EBITDA is net income(loss) before discontinued
operations, income taxes, loss on early retirement of debt,
interest expense, interest income, other income, depreciation
and amortization |
114
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and corporate. Segment Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed
as a substitute for either operating income or net income(loss)
as they are determined in accordance with GAAP. Segment Adjusted
EBITDA, which is computed in accordance with
SFAS No. 131, does not represent a non-GAAP financial
measure as it is presented in the above summary. The use of
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for any other purpose would constitute a
non-GAAP financial measure. Aztar uses Segment Adjusted EBITDA
as a measure to compare operating results among Aztars
properties and between accounting periods. Aztar manages cash
and finances its operations at the corporate level. Aztar
manages the allocation of capital among properties at the
corporate level. Aztar also files a consolidated income tax
return. Accordingly, Aztar believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA is
useful as a measure of operating results at the property level
because it reflects the results of operating decisions at that
level separated from the effects of tax and financing decisions
that are managed at the corporate level. Aztar also believes
that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a commonly used measure of
operating performance in the gaming industry and is an important
basis for the valuation of gaming companies. Aztars
calculation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be comparable to
similarly titled measures reported by other companies and,
therefore, any such differences must be considered when
comparing performance among different companies. While Aztar
believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA provides a useful perspective
for some purposes, Segment Adjusted EBITDA has material
limitations as an analytical tool. For example, among other
things, although depreciation and amortization are non-cash
charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to
be replaced in the future, and Segment Adjusted EBITDA does not
reflect the requirements for such replacements. Corporate, other
income, interest expense, net of interest income, loss on early
retirement of debt, income taxes, and discontinued operations
are also not reflected in Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Therefore,
Aztar does not consider Segment Adjusted EBITDA in isolation,
and it should not be considered as a substitute for measures
determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Segment
Adjusted EBITDA with operating income and net income(loss) as
determined in accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above
summary. |
Year
Ended December 31, 2006 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2005
As previously noted, during 2005, Aztar changed from a
52/53 week fiscal year (ending on the Thursday nearest
December 31) to a calendar year ending December 31.
The period ended December 31, 2006 reflects Aztars
results of operations for a
365-day
period beginning January 1, 2006. The period ended
December 31, 2005 reflects Aztars results of
operations for a
366-day
period beginning December 31, 2004.
Consolidated casino revenue was $673.9 million in 2006, up
slightly from $673.3 million in 2005. The increase
consisted of increases in casino revenue at Tropicana Atlantic
City, Casino Aztar Evansville and Tropicana Express of
$2.1 million, $0.5 million and $0.3 million,
respectively, offset by a decrease in casino revenue at
Tropicana Las Vegas of $2.3 million. The increase at
Tropicana Atlantic City was due to an increase in slot revenue
offset by a decrease in games revenue. The increase in slot
revenue was attributable to an increase in the volume of slot
play, which was driven in part by an increase in coin giveaways.
The decrease in games revenue resulted from decreases in both
the volume of table games play and the table games hold
percentage. The increases at Casino Aztar Evansville and
Tropicana Express were due primarily to increases in the slot
win percentage. The decrease at Tropicana Las Vegas resulted
from a decrease in the volume of slot play.
Consolidated rooms revenue was $107.3 million in 2006, up
3% from $104.1 million in 2005. The increase was due to a
$3.4 million increase at Tropicana Atlantic City. The
increase at Tropicana Atlantic City was due to both an increase
in the number of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary basis and
an increase in the average daily rate. Consolidated rooms costs
were $48.3 million in 2006, up slightly from
$47.5 million in 2005.
Consolidated other revenue was $54.3 million in 2006, up
$3.5 million or 7% from $50.8 million in 2005. The
increase was due primarily to a $3.2 million increase at
Tropicana Las Vegas. The increase at Tropicana Las Vegas was due
primarily to increases in entertainment and exhibition revenues.
The increase in entertainment revenue was due to higher ticket
sales for Tropicana Las Vegas XTreme Magic and
Folies Bergere production shows, which were driven
by two-for-one ticket offerings. For these shows,
115
Tropicana Las Vegas receives all ticket proceeds in exchange for
a monthly production or royalty fee. The increase in exhibition
revenue was primarily attributable to Bodies: The
Exhibition, which opened in June 2006. For most exhibits,
Tropicana Las Vegas receives a percentage of the exhibits
revenues, net of expenses.
Consolidated marketing expense decreased $9.0 million or
10% during 2006 from $91.0 million during 2005. Of this
decrease, $6.9 million was attributable to Tropicana
Atlantic City, which incurred higher advertising and other
marketing costs in the first and second quarters of 2005 because
of efforts to promote the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion
project, which opened on a limited basis in late November 2004
and was substantially completed by December 2004. Other factors
contributing to the decrease at Tropicana Atlantic City include
a reduction in payroll costs and the impact of costs associated
with New Years Eve special event functions, which due to
the change in Aztars fiscal year described above, were
incurred in 2005 but not in 2006.
Consolidated property taxes and insurance expenses increased
$5.1 million or 15% during 2006 from $33.0 million
during 2005. The increase consisted primarily of a
$2.9 million increase at Tropicana Atlantic City combined
with smaller increases at each of Aztars operating
properties. The increase at Tropicana Atlantic City was
attributable to an increase in property insurance premiums
combined with an increase in property taxes. The increases at
Aztars other properties were driven primarily by increases
in property insurance premiums.
Consolidated rent expense was $11.6 million in 2006, up
$3.7 million from $7.9 million in 2005. The increase
was due to Casino Aztar Evansville, which incurred higher rent
expense in 2006 versus 2005 as a result of the following:
(1) higher rent expense for Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease and (2) new gaming equipment leases that Aztar
executed during 2006. The higher rent expense attributable to
Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease was due to additional rent credits that Aztar received
during 2005, which Aztar was unable to utilize in prior periods.
Under the terms of Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease agreement, the City of Evansville provides Aztar with $1
of credit for each $2.50 of development capital expenditures
that Aztar makes with certain limitations.
Construction accident related expense was $5.4 million in
2006, up $1.1 million from $4.3 million in 2005. The
costs and expenses in 2006 and 2005 consisted of professional
fees incurred as a result of the October 30, 2003
construction accident.
Construction accident insurance recoveries were
$12.2 million in 2006 as compared with $0.9 million in
2005. The recoveries in 2006 and 2005 consisted of recoveries
due to the delay in the opening of the Tropicana Atlantic City
expansion project. The recoveries represent a portion of the
anticipated profit that Aztar would have recognized had the
expansion opened as originally projected as well as some
reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the delay. These
types of insurance recoveries are recorded when they are agreed
to by Aztars insurers.
Merger related expenses were $93.0 million in 2006. Merger
related expenses include costs incurred to terminate
Aztars merger agreement with Pinnacle and to a lesser
extent, professional fees incurred in connection with merger
activities. During the 2006 second quarter, Aztar terminated its
merger agreement with Pinnacle and as a result paid Pinnacle
$78 million consisting of a termination fee of
$52.16 million and termination expense reimbursement of
$25.84 million. No income tax benefit was recognized for
the majority of these merger related costs since they are not
deductible for tax purposes.
Consolidated depreciation and amortization expense increased
$5.6 million, up 9% from $64.4 million in 2005.
Approximately $5.1 million of the increase was attributable
to Tropicana Atlantic City. The increase at Tropicana Atlantic
City was due to a reduction in the useful lives of certain
assets that are being renovated and to new gaming equipment and
building improvements that were placed into service during 2006.
The reduction in the useful lives of certain assets, which
accounted for approximately $2.9 million of the increase in
depreciation expense at Tropicana Atlantic City, resulted from a
decision to renovate portions of Tropicanas north and
south tower hotel rooms as well as several food and beverage
venues. New
116
assets placed into service accounted for approximately
$2.2 million of the increase in depreciation expense at
Tropicana Atlantic City.
Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development costs write-off was
$26.0 million in 2006. In the 2006 first quarter, Aztar
determined that the carrying amount of the deferred costs
associated with Aztars potential redevelopment of the
Tropicana Las Vegas was not recoverable because the likelihood
of proceeding with a redevelopment was assessed as less than
probable.
Tropicana
Atlantic City
Casino revenue was $413.0 million in 2006, up
$2.1 million from $410.9 million in 2005. The increase
was due to a $17.4 million increase in slot revenue offset
by a $15.3 million decrease in games revenue. The increase
in slot revenue was attributable to an increase in the volume of
slot play, which was driven in part by an increase in coin
giveaways. The decrease in games revenue resulted from decreases
in both the volume of table games play and the table games hold
percentage. Despite the increase in casino revenue, casino costs
decreased $2.7 million or 2% in 2006 from
$159.9 million in 2005. The decrease was due to a decrease
in payroll costs, which was driven by a reduction in workforce.
Rooms revenue was $41.0 million in 2006 compared with
$37.6 million in 2005. The increase was attributable to an
increase in the number of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary
basis and an increase in the average daily rate. The total
number of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary basis increased
6% and the average daily rate increased 3% during 2006 versus
2005. Rooms costs decreased $0.3 million in 2006, down
slightly from $18.6 million in 2005.
Marketing expenses decreased $6.9 million or 10% during
2006 from $67.2 million during 2005. Tropicana Atlantic
City incurred higher advertising and other marketing costs in
2005 because of efforts to promote the Tropicana Atlantic City
expansion project, which opened on a limited basis in late
November 2005 and was substantially completed by December 2004.
Other factors contributing to the decrease include a reduction
in payroll costs and the impact of costs associated with New
Years Eve special event functions, which due to the change
in Aztars fiscal year described above, were incurred in
2005 but not in 2006.
General and administrative expense decreased $2.0 million
in 2006 or 6% from $32.1 million in 2005. The decrease was
due to a combination of factors including decreases in the
provision for loss on Casino Reinvestment Development Authority,
which we refer to as the CRDA, investments, litigation costs and
asset disposal losses.
Utilities expense was $15.5 million in 2006, down
$1.4 million or 8% from 2005. The decrease was due
primarily to a reduction in electricity costs, which resulted
from efficiency gains brought on by upgrades to the lighting and
air conditioning systems.
Property taxes and insurance expense increased $2.9 million
in 2006, up 11% from $26.3 million in 2005. The increase
was due primarily to an increase in property insurance premiums
and to a lesser extent an increase in property tax rates.
Construction accident related expense was $5.4 million in
2006, up $1.1 million from $4.3 million in 2005. The
costs and expenses in 2006 and 2005 consisted of professional
fees incurred as a result of the October 30, 2003
construction accident.
Construction accident insurance recoveries were
$12.2 million in 2006 as compared with $0.9 million in
2005. The recoveries in 2006 and 2005 consisted of recoveries
due to the delay in the opening of the Tropicana Atlantic City
expansion project. The recoveries represent a portion of the
anticipated profit that Aztar would have recognized had the
expansion opened as originally projected as well as some
reimbursement for costs incurred as a result of the delay. These
types of insurance recoveries are recorded when they are agreed
to by Aztars insurers.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $49.6 million in
2006, up $5.1 million or 11% from $44.5 million in
2005. The increase was due to a reduction in the useful lives of
certain assets that are being renovated and to new gaming
equipment and building improvements that were placed into
service during
117
2006. The reduction in the useful lives of certain assets, which
accounted for approximately $2.9 million of the increase,
resulted from a decision to renovate portions of the north and
south tower hotel rooms as well as several food and beverage
venues. New assets placed into service during 2006 accounted for
approximately $2.2 million of the increase in depreciation
expense.
Tropicana
Las Vegas
Casino revenue was $63.8 million in 2006, down
$2.3 million from $66.1 million in 2005. The decrease
was attributable to a $2.7 million decrease in slot revenue
offset slightly by a $0.3 million increase in games
revenue. The decrease in slot revenue was due to a decrease in
the volume of slot play. Casino costs decreased
$0.8 million or 2% from $36.4 million in 2005,
primarily as a result of the decrease in casino revenue.
Rooms revenue decreased $0.7 million, down slightly from
$53.7 million in 2005. The decrease was primarily
attributable to small decreases in both the average daily rate
and the number of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary basis.
Despite the decrease in rooms revenue, rooms expense increased
$0.7 million in 2006, up 3% from $20.7 million in 2005.
Other revenue increased $3.2 million in 2006, up 14% from
$22.2 million in 2005. The increase was primarily due to
increases in entertainment and exhibition revenues. The increase
in entertainment revenue was due to higher ticket sales for
Tropicana Las Vegas XTreme Magic and
Folies Bergere production shows, which were driven
by two-for-one ticket offerings. For these shows, Tropicana
receives all ticket proceeds in exchange for a monthly
production or royalty fee. The increase in exhibition revenue
was primarily attributable to Bodies: The
Exhibition, which opened in June 2006. For most exhibits,
Tropicana Las Vegas receives a percentage of the exhibits
revenues, net of expenses.
Casino
Aztar Evansville
Rent expense was $7.4 million, up 110% from
$3.5 million in 2005. The increase in rent expense was due
to the following: (1) higher rent expense for Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease, which accounted for approximately $3.5 million of
the increase and (2) new gaming equipment leases that Aztar
executed during 2006, which accounted for approximately
$0.4 million of the increase. The higher rent expense
attributable to Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease was due to additional rent credits that Aztar received
during 2005, which Aztar was unable to utilize in prior periods.
Under the terms of Aztars
riverboat-landing
lease agreement, the City of Evansville provides it with $1 of
credit for each $2.50 of development capital expenditures that
Aztar makes with certain limitations. In July 2005, Aztar
exercised the first of three five-year renewal options under its
riverboat-landing
lease agreement to extend the lease through November 30,
2010. Aztar also modified the lease to add four additional
five-year renewal options, which gives it the ability to
continue the lease through November 30, 2040. In
consideration for the modification, Aztar made a
$15 million prepayment of the rent payable to the City of
Evansville in December 2005. The prepayment is being amortized
to rent expense on a straight-line basis over the initial
renewal term of five years.
Corporate
Corporate general and administrative expenses decreased
$1.2 million, down 6% from $20.3 million in 2005.
During the 2005 first quarter, Aztar made a lump sum cash
payment of $8.2 million to a defined benefit plan
participant in exchange for the participants right to
receive specified pension benefits. The distribution resulted in
a settlement loss of $2.9 million in the 2005 first
quarter. During the 2005 second quarter, Aztar recognized
employee termination expenses of $1.5 million consisting of
a severance payment and costs recognized upon the acceleration
of the vesting provisions of certain of the individuals
stock options. The impact of these 2005 non-recurring expenses
was partially offset by $3.7 million of stock-based
compensation that was recognized as a component of general and
administrative expenses during 2006 due to the adoption of a new
accounting pronouncement, which became effective for Aztar on
January 1, 2006.
Merger related expenses were $93.0 million in 2006. Merger
related expenses include costs incurred to terminate
Aztars merger agreement with Pinnacle and to a lesser
extent, professional fees incurred in
118
connection with merger activities. During the 2006 second
quarter, Aztar terminated its merger agreement with Pinnacle and
as a result paid Pinnacle $78 million consisting of a
termination fee of $52.16 million and termination expense
reimbursement of $25.84 million. No income tax benefit was
recognized for the majority of these merger related costs since
they are not deductible for tax purposes.
Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development costs write-off was
$26.0 million in 2006. In the first quarter of 2006, Aztar
determined that the carrying amount of the deferred costs
associated with its potential redevelopment of the Tropicana Las
Vegas was not recoverable because the likelihood of proceeding
with a redevelopment was assessed as less than probable.
Other
Income
Other income was $2.6 million in 2006, down
$3.4 million from $6.0 million in 2005. Other income
consists of insurance recovery associated with the rebuilding of
the expansion at the Tropicana Atlantic City, net of direct
costs to obtain the recovery.
Income
Taxes
Consolidated income taxes from continuing operations were
$29.2 million in 2006 compared with $38.6 million in
2005. Aztar recognized a provision for income taxes in 2006
despite incurring a loss from continuing operations before
income taxes as a result of the merger related costs, which for
the most part are not deductible for tax purposes. The tax
effect of the non-deductible merger-related costs was offset
slightly by $3.4 million of non-recurring income tax
benefits that were recognized during the 2006 first quarter.
During the 2006 first quarter, Aztar reached a favorable
settlement with the Internal Revenue Service on the only
remaining issue in dispute for the examinations of Aztars
federal income tax returns for the years 1994 through 2003. The
issue involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on
certain liabilities related to the restructuring of Ramada, Inc.
As a result of the settlement, Aztar recognized an income tax
benefit of $1.4 million. Also in the 2006 first quarter,
Aztars application for tax credits available from New
Jersey was approved. As a result of the approval, Aztar
recognized, net of a federal income tax effect, a non-recurring
income tax benefit of $2.0 million.
Discontinued
Operations
The results of operations for Casino Aztar Caruthersville are
reported as discontinued operations net of income taxes,
reflecting Aztars commitment to sell that property as part
of the Aztar Merger Agreement. On June 10, 2007, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts divested the Casino Aztar Caruthersville to
Isle of Capri. Casino revenue attributable to discontinued
operations increased $1.2 million in 2006, up 4% from
$26.9 million in 2005. The increase consisted of a
$1.5 million increase in slot revenue offset by a
$0.3 million decrease in games revenue. The increase in
slot revenue was due to an increase in the volume of slot play,
which was driven in part by an increase in the total number of
patrons visiting Aztars riverboat. Casino costs increased
$0.6 million or 6% in 2006 versus 2005, primarily as a
result of the increase in casino revenue.
Depreciation and amortization expense attributable to
discontinued operations was $1.3 million in 2006, down
$1.8 million or 58% from $3.1 million in 2005. In June
2006 Aztar ceased depreciating the long-lived assets of Casino
Aztar Caruthersville upon classifying the propertys assets
and related liabilities as held for sale.
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended
December 31, 2004
The Tropicana Atlantic City expansion project opened on a
limited basis in late November 2004 and was substantially
completed by December 2004. As a result, both consolidated
operating revenues and consolidated operating costs increased
significantly during 2005, thus affecting comparability with
2004. To a lesser extent, year-over-year comparability was also
affected by two additional events: (1) the business
interruption caused by the October 30, 2003 construction
accident on the site of its Atlantic City expansion project,
which was more severe in 2004 than in 2005 and
(2) Aztars decision to change its fiscal year to a
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calendar year. During 2005, Aztar changed from a 52/53 week
fiscal year (ending on the Thursday nearest December 31) to
a calendar year ending December 31. As a result of changing
its fiscal year, the period ended December 31, 2005
reflects Aztars results of operations for a
366-day
period beginning December 31, 2004. The period ended
December 30, 2004 reflects Aztars results of
operations for a
364-day
period beginning January 2, 2004. Also, partially as a
result of the change to a calendar year, all of Aztars
properties benefited from the timing of New Years Eve,
which fell in the 2005 fiscal first and fourth quarters and New
Years Day, which fell in the 2005 fiscal first quarter.
Neither New Years Eve nor New Years Day fell in
fiscal 2004.
Consolidated casino revenue was $673.3 million in 2005, up
$86.2 million or 15% from $587.1 million in 2004. The
increase consisted primarily of a $76.7 million increase at
Tropicana Atlantic City as well as a $6.6 million increase
at Casino Aztar Evansville and a $4.6 million increase at
Tropicana Express. These increases were offset slightly by a
$1.7 million decrease in casino revenue at Tropicana Las
Vegas. The increase in casino revenue at Tropicana Atlantic City
was primarily the result of three factors: (1) the November
2004 opening of the Atlantic City expansion, (2) the
business interruption caused by the October 30, 2003
construction accident, which was more severe in 2004 than in
2005 and (3) Aztars decision to change its fiscal
year to a calendar year. The increase in casino revenue at
Casino Aztar Evansville was driven by an increase in the total
number of patrons visiting Aztars riverboat during 2005. A
partial reason for this was that the number of patrons visiting
Casino Aztar Evansville was suppressed in the 2004 fiscal fourth
quarter due to a heavy winter snowstorm. The increase in casino
revenue at Tropicana Express was driven by increases in both the
slot win percentage and the volume of slot play, which was
partially due to the growth of markets that feed into Laughlin.
Consolidated casino costs increased $21.9 million, up 9%
from $246.4 million in 2004. The increase consisted
primarily of a $19.3 million increase at Tropicana Atlantic
City and a $2.9 million increase at Casino Aztar
Evansville, offset by a $0.3 million decrease at Tropicana
Las Vegas. Casino costs at Tropicana Express held constant at
$24.7 million in 2005 versus 2004. The changes in casino
costs at the properties noted above, except for Tropicana
Express, were primarily due to changes in casino revenue during
2005 as compared with 2004. Casino costs at Tropicana Express
were favorably impacted by cost savings.
Consolidated rooms revenue was $104.1 million in 2005, up
21% from $85.7 million in 2004. The increase consisted
primarily of a $13.2 million increase at Tropicana Atlantic
City and a $3.8 million increase at Tropicana Las Vegas.
The increase at Tropicana Atlantic City was due to both an
increase in the number of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary
basis and an increase in the average daily rate. These increases
were attributable to increased demand brought on by the November
2004 opening of the expansion to the Tropicana Atlantic City.
The increase at Tropicana Las Vegas was due to an increase in
the average daily rate, which was primarily attributable to
increased tourism to the Las Vegas market. Consolidated rooms
costs were $47.5 million, up $4.9 million from
$42.6 million in 2004. The increase was primarily due to
Tropicana Atlantic City, where rooms costs increased
$4.1 million as a result of higher payroll related costs
associated with the increase in occupied rooms.
Consolidated general and administrative expenses increased
$8.1 million or 10% during 2005 from $81.8 million
during 2004. The increase was largely due to corporate and
Atlantic City, where general and administrative expenses
increased $3.7 million and $3.3 million, respectively.
The increase at corporate consisted of a settlement loss of
$2.9 million related to a lump sum cash payment made to a
defined benefit plan participant and employee termination
expenses totaling $1.5 million partially offset by savings
after these events. The increase at Atlantic City was due
primarily to higher payroll costs associated with the expansion.
See the Tropicana Atlantic City discussion below for the primary
reasons affecting the changes in consolidated other revenue and
consolidated costs and expenses consisting of marketing,
utilities, property taxes and insurance, construction accident
related, construction accident insurance recoveries,
depreciation and amortization, and pre-opening costs.
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Tropicana
Atlantic City
As previously noted, the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion
project includes 502 additional hotel rooms, 20,000 square
feet of meeting space, 2,400 parking spaces, and the Quarter,
the projects centerpiece, a 200,000-square-foot dining,
entertainment and retail center. As a result of the expansion,
Tropicana Atlantic City has 2,129 hotel rooms, which represents
approximately 30% more capacity. The Quarter includes
approximately 40 outlets consisting of restaurants,
entertainment venues and retail stores. Due to its unique nature
and the diversity of venues available to customers, The Quarter
generated media attention and created interest among local
residents and visitors to Atlantic City. For these reasons,
coupled with marketing efforts, demand for hotel rooms and
gaming activities at the Tropicana increased during 2005 as
compared with 2004. Revenues in 2005 totaled
$490.1 million, up $105.5 million or 27% from 2004.
The comparatively higher revenues in 2005 versus 2004 also were
attributable to business interruption caused by the
October 30, 2003 construction accident, which was more
severe in 2004 than in 2005. The increase in revenues consisted
primarily of casino revenue, which increased $76.7 million
or 23%, and to a lesser extent rooms revenue, which increased
$13.2 million or 54% and other revenue, which increased
$11.3 million or 110%.
The increase in casino revenue of $76.7 million during 2005
versus 2004 consisted of a $47.8 million increase in slot
revenue and a $28.9 million increase in games revenue.
Casino costs increased $19.3 million or 14% from
$140.6 million in 2004, primarily as a result of the
increase in casino revenue.
The increase in rooms revenue of $13.2 million during 2005
compared with 2004 was attributable to an increase in the number
of rooms occupied on a non-complimentary basis and an increase
in the average daily rate. The total number of rooms occupied on
a non-complimentary basis increased 37% and the average daily
rate increased 13% during 2005 versus 2004. Rooms costs
increased $4.1 million or 28% in 2005 compared with 2004
primarily as a result of higher payroll related costs. The
increase in payroll related costs was due to the opening of the
new 502-room hotel tower in November 2004 and higher employee
benefit costs arising from a new labor contract that was
ratified in the 2004 fourth quarter.
The increase in other revenue of $11.3 million during 2005
compared with 2004 was due primarily to an increase in rental
revenue of approximately $4.2 million, guarantee fee income
of $2.1 million, which was recognized in the 2005 third
quarter, and revenue of $1.9 million from the operations of
the IMAX Theater, which opened in the 2004 fourth quarter. The
increase in rental revenue is attributable to rent from tenants
of The Quarter, which opened on a limited basis in November
2004. The $2.1 million of guarantee fee income represents
the unamortized balance of funds previously received in
consideration for an agreement to collateralize a series of
revenue bonds issued by the CRDA. The amount was previously
classified as deferred income in the Consolidated Balance Sheet
and was being amortized over the life of the bonds. The
unamortized balance was recognized as other revenue upon the
CRDA providing notice that the revenue bonds had been refunded
and Aztar had been released from its guarantee.
As previously noted, the increase in gaming and hotel revenues
was partially attributable to Aztars marketing efforts to
promote the opening of the expansion. As a result, marketing
costs increased $16.7 million or 33% in 2005 from
$50.5 million in 2004. The increase in marketing costs
consisted primarily of increases in business promotional
expenses, entertainment contracts, payroll costs and advertising
expenses.
General and administrative expense increased $3.3 million
in 2005 or 11% from $28.8 million in 2004. The increase was
due to higher payroll costs attributable to the expansion
primarily for security personnel as well as a combination of
other less significant factors including increases in the
provision for loss on CRDA investments and litigation costs.
Utilities expense was $16.9 million in 2005, up
$5.4 million or 47% from 2004. In addition to the increased
energy consumption brought on by the expansion, the increase was
attributable to a new electrical power contract that became
effective July 2004. The new contract, which replaced a contract
that had been in place since July 1997, contains less favorable
rates.
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Property taxes and insurance expense increased $3.8 million
in 2005, up 17% from $22.5 million in 2004. This increase
was due primarily to property taxes, which were higher in 2005
as a result of the expansion.
Construction accident related expense increased slightly to
$4.3 million in 2005 from $4.0 million in 2004. The
costs and expenses in 2005 primarily consist of professional
fees incurred as a result of the October 30, 2003
construction accident. The costs and expenses in 2004 primarily
consist of supplemental marketing costs incurred to decrease the
effect of the business interruption caused by the accident as
well as professional fees incurred.
Construction accident insurance recoveries were
$11.3 million lower in 2005 versus 2004. The 2005
recoveries consisted of recoveries due to the delay in the
opening of the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion project
totaling $0.9 million. The 2004 recoveries consisted of
recoveries due to the delay in the opening of the Tropicana
Atlantic City expansion project totaling $8.7 million and a
business interruption recovery of $3.5 million. The
recoveries from the delay in the opening of the expansion
project represent a portion of the anticipated profit that Aztar
would have recognized had the expansion opened as originally
projected as well as some reimbursement for costs incurred as a
result of the delay. The business interruption recovery reflects
a profit recovery applicable to the fourth quarter of 2003.
These types of insurance recoveries are recorded when they are
agreed to by Aztars insurers.
Depreciation and amortization expense was $44.5 million in
2005, up $11.1 million or 33% from $33.4 million in
2004. The increase was primarily due to the expansion.
Pre-opening costs were $2.9 million in 2004. These costs
relate to marketing costs incurred to promote The Quarter prior
to its November 2004 opening.
Tropicana
Las Vegas
Rooms revenue increased $3.8 million in 2005, up 8% from
$49.8 million in 2004. The increase was primarily
attributable to a 9% increase in the average daily rate.
Aztars average daily rate was higher in 2005 relative to
2004 due to increased tourism to the Las Vegas market.
Tropicana
Express
Casino revenue increased $4.6 million in 2005, up 7% from
$68.1 million in 2004. The increase consisted entirely of a
$4.6 million increase in slot revenue, which was
attributable to increases in both the slot win percentage and
the volume of slot play. The year-over-year growth in the volume
of slot play was due in part to the growth of the surrounding
markets that feed into Laughlin.
Despite the increase in casino revenue, casino costs were
$24.7 million in 2005, unchanged from 2004. Casino costs
were consistent in 2005 versus 2004 due primarily to the cost
savings achieved by removing certain slot machines from the
casino floor during 2005 and reductions in payroll and related
costs. Slot machines removed from the casino floor consisted
primarily of those in which Aztar incur fees payable to the
manufacturers of those machines. The cost savings achieved from
this reduction were offset by an increase in gaming taxes, which
are based on casino revenue.
Casino
Aztar Evansville
Casino revenue was $123.6 million in 2005, up 6% from
$117.0 million in 2004. The increase consisted of a
$4.4 million increase in slot revenue and a
$2.2 million increase in games revenue. The year-over-year
growth in casino revenue was due largely to an increase in the
number of patrons visiting Aztars riverboat in December
2005 versus December 2004. The number of patrons visiting
Aztars riverboat was down considerably in December 2004
due to a heavy winter snowstorm. Casino costs increased
$2.9 million, up 7% from $44.4 million primarily due
to the increase in casino revenue.
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Corporate
Corporate general and administrative expenses increased
$3.7 million, up 22% from $16.6 million in 2004.
During the 2005 first quarter, Aztar made a lump sum cash
payment of $8.2 million to a defined benefit plan
participant in exchange for the participants right to
receive specified pension benefits. The distribution resulted in
a settlement loss of $2.9 million in the 2005 first
quarter. During the 2005 second quarter, Aztar recognized
employee termination expenses of $1.5 million consisting of
a severance payment and costs recognized upon the acceleration
of the vesting provisions of certain of the individuals
stock options. These nonrecurring expenses were offset slightly
by savings after these events.
At December 31, 2005, Aztar has an unrecognized actuarial
loss of $6.5 million in connection with Aztars
defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plan. Aztar
expect to recognize $1.1 million in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations in 2006 with the remainder recognized in
the years beyond 2006. The comparable amount for 2005 was
$0.5 million.
Other
Income
Other income was $6.0 million in 2005, up $2.1 million
from $3.9 million in 2004. Other income consists of
$6.0 million and $10.5 million in 2005 and 2004,
respectively, of insurance recovery associated with the
rebuilding of the expansion at the Tropicana Atlantic City, net
of direct costs to obtain the recovery. Also included in 2004
was $5.0 million of costs incurred to repair damage and
$1.6 million of dismantlement and debris removal costs that
were probable of not being recovered under insurance.
Interest
Expense
Consolidated interest expense was $56.3 million in 2005
compared with $37.0 million in 2004. The increase in
interest expense was due to a decrease in capitalized interest
as well as increases in both the average cost of borrowing under
Aztars credit facility and the average level of debt
outstanding. The decrease in capitalized interest was
attributable to the Tropicana Atlantic City expansion project,
which was substantially completed in December 2004. Interest
capitalized was $12.8 million lower in 2005 versus 2004.
Loss
On Early Retirement Of Debt
Loss on early retirement of debt was $10.3 million in 2004.
The loss, which resulted from the redemption of Aztars
outstanding
87/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes, consisted of a redemption premium of
$7.6 million and the write-off of unamortized debt issuance
costs of $2.7 million.
Income
Taxes
Consolidated income taxes from continuing operations were
$38.6 million in 2005 compared with $39.0 million in
2004. The slight decrease of $0.4 million was largely due
to a decrease in the Indiana income tax provision mostly offset
by an increase in income from continuing operations before
income taxes. In connection with a review of Aztars
Indiana income tax returns for the years 1996 through 2002, the
Indiana Department of Revenue took the position that
Aztars gaming taxes that are based on gaming revenue are
not deductible for Indiana income tax purposes. In response to
the position taken by the Indiana Department of Revenue, Aztar
filed a petition with the Indiana Tax Court for the 1996 and
1997 tax years and Aztar filed a formal protest for the 1998
through 2002 tax years. In April 2004, the Indiana Tax Court
ruled in favor of the Indiana Department of Revenue. Aztar asked
the Indiana Supreme Court to review the ruling. Aztars
request was denied. As a result, Aztar estimated that it was
obligated to pay approximately $17.3 million to cover
assessments of taxes and interest from 1996 through the end of
the first quarter of 2004. This amount was deductible for
federal income tax purposes, resulting in a net effect of
approximately $11.3 million, which was recorded as an
increase to income tax expense in the first quarter of 2004. The
ongoing effect of this issue is also included in income taxes
after the first quarter of 2004.
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Discontinued
Operations
The results of operations for Casino Aztar Caruthersville are
reported as discontinued operations net of income taxes,
reflecting Aztar commitment to sell that property as part of the
Aztar Merger Agreement. On June 10, 2007, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts divested the Casino Aztar Caruthersville to Isle of
Capri. Casino revenue attributable to discontinued operations
increased $4.6 million in 2005, up 21% from
$22.2 million in 2004. The increase was largely due to a
$4.5 million increase in slot revenue, which was
attributable to an increase in the total number of patrons
visiting Aztars riverboat, driven in part by an increase
in the use of cash incentives as well as free admission to
Aztars riverboat, which became effective December 30,
2004. Casino costs increased $1.3 million or 15% in 2005
versus 2004 primarily as a result of the increase in casino
revenue.
Quantitative
and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in
market rates and prices, including interest rates, foreign
currency exchange rates, commodity prices and equity prices.
Historically, Aztars primary exposure to market risk arose
out of interest rate risk associated with Aztars
investment in bonds issued by the CRDA as required pursuant to
New Jersey gaming regulations, long-term debt and its
Series B convertible preferred stock. Aztar did not utilize
these financial instruments for trading purposes. Historically,
Aztar managed interest rate risk on long-term debt by managing
the mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate debt. Aztars
Series B convertible preferred stock and historical
long-term debt were retired concurrently with the consummation
of the Aztar Acquisition. During 2006, Aztars primary
activities in long-term debt consisted of making the scheduled
repayments on Aztars five-year term loan and paying down
the outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility with
excess cash generated from Aztars operations net of
borrowings to finance its operations.
Aztar and its subsidiaries (other than its subsidiaries that
hold the assets and operations related to the Tropicana Las
Vegas) are guarantors of all indebtedness incurred by Tropicana
Entertainment pursuant to the Acquisition Financing
Transactions, including indebtedness incurred pursuant to the
senior secured credit facility, which carries a variable
interest rate. In addition, Aztars subsidiaries that hold
the assets and operations related to the Tropicana Las Vegas are
obligors in respect of the $440.0 million Las Vegas secured
loan, which carries a variable interest rate. For more
information concerning market risk associated with the
Acquisition Financing Transactions, see Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Quantitative and Qualitative
Disclosures about Market Risk.
Critical
Accounting Policies
Aztars consolidated financial statements are prepared in
accordance with GAAP, which contains accounting principles that
require it to make estimates and assumptions about the effects
of matters that are inherently uncertain. Those estimates and
assumptions affect the reported amounts and disclosures in
Aztars consolidated financial statements. Actual results
inevitably will differ from those estimates, and such difference
may be material to the financial statements. Of Aztars
accounting estimates, Aztar believes the following may involve a
higher degree of judgment and complexity.
Property
and Equipment
Aztar exercises judgment with regard to property and equipment
in the following areas: (1) determining whether an
expenditure is eligible for capitalization or if it should be
expensed as incurred, (2) estimating the useful life and
determining the depreciation method of a capitalized asset,
(3) estimating the fair value of a legally enforceable
asset retirement obligation and in situations where the timing
and/or
method of settlement are conditional on a future event,
incorporating this uncertainty into the estimate of the
obligations fair value, and (4) if events or changes
in circumstances warrant an assessment, determining if and to
what extent an asset has been impaired. The accuracy of
Aztars judgments impacts the amount of depreciation
expense Aztar recognizes, the amount of gain or loss on the
disposal of these assets, the fair
124
value of asset retirement obligations and the related accretion
expense recognized in subsequent periods, whether or not an
asset is impaired and, if an asset is impaired, the amount of
the loss related to the impaired asset that is recognized.
Aztars judgments about useful lives, cash flows in
connection with asset retirement obligations as well as the
existence and degree of asset impairments could be affected by
future events, such as property expansions, property
developments, obsolescence, new competition, new regulations and
new taxes, and other economic factors. Historically, there have
been no events or changes in circumstances that have resulted in
an impairment loss and Aztars other estimates as they
relate to property and equipment have not resulted in
significant changes. Aztar doesnt anticipate that its
current estimates are reasonably likely to change in the future.
Expenditures associated with the repair or maintenance of a
capital asset are expensed as incurred. Expenditures that are
expected to provide future benefits to Aztar or that extend the
useful life of an existing asset are capitalized. The useful
lives that Aztar assigns to property and equipment represent the
estimated number of years that the property and equipment is
expected to contribute to the revenue generating process based
on Aztars current operating strategy. Aztar believes that
the useful lives of Aztars property and equipment expire
evenly over time. Accordingly, Aztar depreciates its property
and equipment on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.
When the acquisition
and/or
normal operation of a tangible long-lived asset legally
obligates Aztar to perform or stand ready to perform certain
retirement activities, Aztar recognizes the fair value of the
obligation in the period in which it is incurred. The fair value
of the liability is estimated using a quoted market price or
alternatively, a present value technique based on the expected
future cash flows of the retirement activities. Uncertainty with
regard to the performance
and/or
timing of the obligation is factored into the calculation of the
obligations fair value. The offset to the liability is
recorded as an increase to the carrying value of the asset,
which is subsequently allocated to depreciation expense on a
straight-line basis over the remaining useful life of the asset.
Accretion in the fair value of the obligation is recognized as
accretion expense and is measured by applying Aztars
estimated credit-adjusted, risk-free interest rate, which
existed when the liability was initially established, to the
amount of the liability at the beginning of each period. Changes
in the fair value of the obligation resulting from changes in
the factors used to determine it are recorded in the period of
change by a corresponding change in the carrying value of the
tangible long-lived asset and in the period of change
and/or in
subsequent periods by changes in depreciation and accretion
expenses.
When events or changes in circumstances warrant a review for
impairment, Aztar compares the carrying amount of a long-lived
asset to the anticipated undiscounted cash flow from such asset.
Aztar performs this test for recoverability on a
property-by-property
basis. In doing so, Aztar groups the propertys long-lived
assets with all of the propertys other assets and
liabilities since Aztar believes the property is the lowest
level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent
of the cash flows of Aztars other assets and liabilities.
In the event that the sum of the undiscounted future cash flows
is less than the carrying amount, Aztar would recognize an
impairment loss equal to the excess of the carrying value over
the fair value. Such an impairment loss would be recognized as a
non-cash component of operating income (loss). Aztars
ability to determine and measure an impaired asset depends, to a
large extent, on Aztars ability to properly estimate
future cash flows.
Development
Costs
During the 2006 first quarter, Aztar determined that the
carrying amount of the deferred development costs associated
with Aztars potential redevelopment of the Tropicana Las
Vegas was not recoverable because the likelihood of proceeding
with a redevelopment was assessed as less than probable. As a
result, Aztar recognized an expense of $26.0 million, which
was classified as Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development
costs write-off in its 2006 first quarter consolidated statement
of operations. At December 31, 2006, Aztar had no
capitalized development costs as it sold its only development
project in Allentown, Pennsylvania to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts on December 12, 2006.
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Stock-based
Compensation
Aztar measures the cost of employee services received in
exchange for an award of equity instruments based on the
grant-date fair value of the award and the estimated number of
awards that are expected to vest. The grant-date fair value of
stock options was estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing
model, which takes into account the following six factors:
(1) the current price of the underlying stock on the date
of grant, (2) the exercise price of the option,
(3) the expected dividend yield, (4) the expected
volatility of the underlying stock over the options
expected life, (5) the expected life of the option, and
(6) the risk-free interest rate during the expected life of
the option. Of these factors, Aztar exercises judgment with
regard to selecting both the expected volatility of the
underlying stock and the expected life of the option. Expected
volatility is estimated through a review of historical stock
price volatility adjusted for future expectations. The expected
term of the options is estimated through a review of historical
exercise behavior and other factors expected to influence
behavior such as expected volatility and employees ages
and lengths of service. Aztar also exercises judgment with
regard to estimating the number of awards that are expected to
vest, which is based on historical experience adjusted for
future expectations. January 1, 2006, Aztar began
recognizing compensation cost for stock options under
SFAS 123(R). Compensation cost for the portion of awards
for which the requisite service had not been rendered that were
outstanding on January 1, 2006 is recognized over the
remaining vesting period based on the grant-date fair value that
was previously established for pro forma purposes and disclosed
in the notes to its consolidated financial statements for
reporting periods that ended prior to January 1, 2006. All
outstanding equity interests in Aztar, including stock options
granted to its employees, were purchased or redeemed, as the
case may be, upon the consummation if the Aztar Acquisition on
January 3, 2007.
Income
Tax Liabilities
Aztar is subject to federal income taxes and state income taxes
in those jurisdictions in which Aztars properties operate.
Aztar exercises judgment with regard to income taxes in the
following areas: (1) interpreting whether expenses are
deductible in accordance with federal income tax and state
income tax codes, (2) estimating annual effective federal
and state income tax rates and (3) assessing whether
deferred tax assets are, more likely than not, expected to be
realized. The accuracy of these judgments impacts the amount of
income tax expense Aztar recognizes each period.
As a matter of law, Aztar is subject to examination by federal
and state taxing authorities. Aztar has estimated and provided
for income taxes in accordance with settlements reached with the
Internal Revenue Service in prior audits. Although Aztar
believes that the amounts reflected in Aztars tax returns
substantially comply with applicable federal and state tax
regulations, both the Internal Revenue Service and the various
state taxing authorities can and have taken positions contrary
to Aztars positions based on their interpretation of the
law. A tax position that is challenged by a taxing authority
could result in an adjustment to Aztars income tax
liabilities and related tax provision.
During 2005, the Internal Revenue Service completed its
examination of Aztars income tax return for the year 2003.
During 2004, the Internal Revenue Service completed its
examination of Aztars income tax returns for the years
2000 through 2002. The only issue in dispute in these
examinations involved the deductibility of a portion of the
payments on certain liabilities related to the restructuring of
Ramada Inc. During 2003, the Internal Revenue Service completed
its examination for the years 1994 through 1999 and settled one
of the two remaining issues entirely and a portion of the other
remaining issue, resulting in a tax benefit of
$6.7 million. The issue that was settled entirely involved
the deductibility of certain complimentaries provided to
customers. The other issue involved the deductibility of a
portion of payments on certain liabilities related to the
restructuring, the same issue as described above for the years
2000 through 2003. During the 2006 first quarter, Aztar reached
a favorable settlement with the Internal Revenue Service on the
only remaining issue for the years 1994 through 2003. As a
result of the settlement, Aztar recorded an income tax benefit
of $1.4 million.
On July 2, 2002, the State of New Jersey enacted the
Business Tax Reform Act. Aztar has provided for New Jersey
income taxes based on Aztars best estimate of the effect
of this law. Certain provisions of
126
the Act are subject to future rules and regulations and the
discretion of the Director. Aztar believes Aztars
interpretation of the law is reasonable and it doesnt
expect material adjustments; however, Aztar is unable to
determine the discretion of the Director. The New Jersey
Division of Taxation is examining the New Jersey income tax
returns for the years 1995 through 2001. Aztar believes that
adequate provision for income taxes and interest has been made
in the financial statements.
Impact
of the October 30, 2003 Construction Accident
An accident occurred on the site of the expansion of the
Tropicana Atlantic City on October 30, 2003. See
Business Legal Proceedings
Litigation matters relating to Aztars October 30,
2003 garage collapse accident. In order to ensure that the
construction proceed expeditiously and in order to settle
certain disputes, Aztar and the general contractor entered into
a settlement agreement on October 6, 2004 that delineates
how Aztar and the contractor would share the cost of and the
insurance proceeds received for the dismantlement, debris
removal and rebuilding. This claim was settled in April 2007.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement, Aztar received a
sum of approximately $18.3 million net of that portion of
the gross insurance proceeds to which the contractor was
entitled under the settlement agreement.
During 2006, Aztar recorded $12.2 million of insurance
recovery for rebuilding activities. The recovery was recognized
as other income and was offset by $5.4 million of direct
costs to obtain the recovery.
Off-Balance
Sheet Arrangements
Following its acquisition by Tropicana Entertainment, Aztar does
not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have, or are
reasonably likely to have, a material effect on its financial
condition, revenue or expenses, results of operations,
liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. Aztar does
not presently maintain any investments in derivative securities.
Contractual
Obligations
The following table summarizes Aztars future contractual
obligations, in millions, as of December 31, 2006:
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Payments Due by Period
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Less than
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1-3
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3-5
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More than
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Contractual Obligations
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1 Year
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Years
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Years
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5 Years
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Total
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Long-term debt, including current portion
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$
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7.0
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$
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220.5
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$
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175.1
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$
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300.1
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$
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702.7
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Interest Payments
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49.7
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92.7
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72.8
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58.0
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273.2
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Operating leases
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3.9
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3.8
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1.3
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0.1
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9.1
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Purchase obligations
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43.7
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5.6
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0.3
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49.6
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Other long-term liabilities, including current portion
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0.9
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1.9
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4.0
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15.6
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22.4
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Total
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$
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105.2
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$
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324.5
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$
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253.5
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$
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373.8
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$
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1,057.0
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Interest payments relating to Aztars historical revolving
credit facility are excluded from the contractual obligations
above because the outstanding balances fluctuated daily.
Interest payments relating to Aztars historical term loan
facility are included above and were calculated using the
floating rate in effect at December 31, 2006.
Purchase obligations represent agreements to purchase goods or
services that are enforceable and legally binding on Aztar. Of
the total purchase obligations at December 31, 2006,
approximately $10 million are cancelable by Aztar upon
providing a 30 90 day notice. The commitments
of approximately $1.7 million for the hotel and
entertainment complex at Casino Aztar Evansville are included in
purchase obligations.
127
Overview
We are among the largest privately-held gaming entertainment
providers in the United States and a leading domestic casino
operator as determined by revenue. In our effort to expand our
national footprint and diversify our gaming operations, on
January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment
acquired all of the outstanding equity interests in Aztar for
approximately $2.1 billion in cash. As part of the
corporate reorganization completed substantially concurrently
with the acquisition, Aztar became a wholly-owned subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment. The Aztar Acquisition added four casino
properties located in Nevada, New Jersey and Indiana to
Tropicana Entertainments holdings. For more information
concerning the Aztar Acquisition, see The
Aztar Acquisition.
We currently operate 11 casino properties in eight distinct
gaming markets, including Las Vegas, Laughlin and South Lake
Tahoe (Stateline), Nevada; Atlantic City, New Jersey; Baton
Rouge, Louisiana; Greenville and Vicksburg, Mississippi and
Evansville, Indiana. Our casino properties have an aggregate of
548,359 square feet of gaming space housing 12,244 gaming
machines and 510 table games, as well as an aggregate of 8,282
hotel rooms.
On a pro forma basis giving effect to the Transactions, the
aggregate net operating revenue of Tropicana Entertainment for
the year ended December 31, 2006 would have been
$1,183 million. The aggregate net operating revenue of
Tropicana Entertainment for the six months ended June 30,
2007 was $554.1 million.
At each of our gaming properties, we strive to provide our
customers with a high-quality casino entertainment and
hospitality experience at attractive prices. To develop and
maintain customer loyalty, we emphasize customer service and
seek to offer a comfortable gaming environment along with a
variety of amenities, including quality hotel rooms, varied
dining choices and appealing entertainment options. We plan to
continue to regularly invest in our facilities to maintain and
enhance their quality, appeal and competitiveness.
The following table sets forth certain information about our
properties as of June 30, 2007. Except as otherwise
indicated, we wholly own and operate the following casinos:
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Acquisition
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Approx. Casino
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Slot
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Table
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Hotel
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Parking
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Property Name
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Location
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Date
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Square Footage
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Machines
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Games
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Rooms
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Spaces
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Legacy Properties
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Belle of Baton Rouge
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Baton Rouge, LA
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|
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Oct. 2005
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29,500
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|
|
1,019
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|
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22
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|
|
|
300
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|
|
|
1,803
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River Palms Hotel and Casino
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Laughlin, NV
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|
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Sept. 2003
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63,850
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|
|
|
1,061
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|
|
|
28
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|
|
|
1,001
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|
|
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1,834
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Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino and Resort
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South Lake Tahoe, NV
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Jan. 1990
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43,000
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|
|
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712
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32
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|
|
539
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1,396
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MontBleu Casino
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South Lake Tahoe, NV
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June 2005
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40,585
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|
|
638
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52
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|
|
440
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|
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1,547
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Lighthouse Point Casino(1)(2)
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Greenville, MS
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Nov. 1996(3
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)
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22,000
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|
725
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9
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|
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386
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Jubilee Casino(4)
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Greenville, MS
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March 2002
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28,500
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|
|
|
712
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|
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13
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|
|
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39
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|
|
|
512
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Vicksburg Horizon Casino(5)
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Vicksburg, MS
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Oct. 2003
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20,909
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|
|
696
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19
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|
117
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|
|
|
889
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Recently Acquired Properties
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Tropicana Atlantic City
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Atlantic City, NJ
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Jan. 2007
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147,248
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|
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3,480
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|
|
209
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|
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2,129
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|
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5,477
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Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino
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Laughlin, NV
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|
|
|
Jan. 2007
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|
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53,680
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|
|
|
1,075
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|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
1,495
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|
|
|
2,253
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|
Casino Aztar Evansville
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|
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Evansville, IN
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|
|
|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
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38,360
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|
|
|
1,132
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|
|
|
52
|
|
|
|
346
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|
|
|
2,100
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|
Tropicana Las Vegas(2)
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|
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Las Vegas, NV
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|
|
|
Jan. 2007
|
|
|
|
60,727
|
|
|
|
994
|
|
|
|
35
|
|
|
|
1,876
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|
|
|
2,388
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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Total
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
548,359
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|
|
|
12,244
|
|
|
|
510
|
|
|
|
8,282
|
|
|
|
20,585
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
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128
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(1)
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Tropicana Entertainment indirectly
holds a 79% voting interest and an 84% economic interest in
Greenville Riverboat, which manages the Lighthouse Point Casino.
A wholly-owned subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment owns the
riverboat on which the Lighthouse Point Casino conducts its
operations.
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|
(2)
|
|
Greenville Riverboat and the
subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment that hold the assets and
operations relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas are not
guarantors of the outstanding notes or of the senior secured
credit facility and will not be guarantors of the exchange
notes, although Greenville Riverboat is subject to the
restrictive covenants contained in the indenture and the credit
documentation governing the senior secured credit facility.
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(3)
|
|
The Lighthouse Point Casino was
developed (as opposed to acquired) and commenced operations in
November 1996.
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|
(4)
|
|
JMBS Casino, one of the affiliate
guarantors, owns and operates the Jubilee Casino.
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|
(5)
|
|
CP Vicksburg, one of the affiliate
guarantors, owns and operates the Vicksburg Horizon.
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Our
History
Columbia Sussex, which was founded in 1972 by Mr. William
J. Yung, III, has grown to become one of the largest
privately-held hospitality companies in the United States with
approximately $970.0 million in revenues in 2006. As of
June 30, 2007, Columbia Sussex and its affiliates owned and
operated 70 hotel properties across the United States, Canada
and the Caribbean, which are marketed under brands including
Marriott, Hilton, Westin, Sheraton, Renaissance, Wyndham and
Doubletree.
In 1990, Mr. William Yung made his initial investment in
the gaming industry when he formed Wimar Tahoe Corporation,
which has since been renamed Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, to
acquire the Tahoe Horizon. Since obtaining a gaming license in
1990, Mr. William Yung and the Yung family have built a
record of successful gaming acquisitions and development, while
generating growth and operational improvements.
Our
Competitive Strengths
Geographic Diversity. We believe we are one of
the largest and most diversified gaming operators in the United
States. We own and operate 11 casino facilities in eight
distinct gaming markets and six states, including five casinos
in Nevada, three casinos in Mississippi and one casino in each
of New Jersey, Louisiana and Indiana. We believe this geographic
diversity helps reduce our dependence on any one geographic
market.
Beneficial Relationship with Columbia
Sussex. Our relationship with Columbia Sussex
provides us with several advantages, including the following:
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Cost-Effective Administrative Services. We
share corporate offices with Columbia Sussex and many corporate
functions, such as human resources, accounting, administration,
purchasing, marketing, hotel management and supervision, risk
management, contracting, construction and development, treasury
and maintenance-related services, are performed for certain of
Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries and the affiliate
guarantors by Columbia Sussex pursuant to the terms of service
agreements, which are subject to gaming regulatory approval.
Gaming regulatory approval of the terms of one service agreement
has not yet been obtained with respect to our Tropicana Atlantic
City property. The service agreements extend by their terms
until we elect to terminate them, which we are permitted to do
at any time with 60 days written notice. Under the terms of
these service agreements, subject to certain conditions,
Columbia Sussex provides corporate services on behalf of our
gaming properties that have received regulatory approval to date
for a total amount of approximately $1.9 million per year,
subject to modest price increases each year starting in 2008. We
believe the service agreements enable us to obtain corporate
services at costs that are more favorable than we would be able
to obtain on a stand-alone basis. We have also entered into
agreements with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for the provision
to certain of Tropicana Entertainments subsidiaries and
the affiliate guarantors of casino services, such as the
supervision of casino operations, staffing, marketing and
advertising and accounting, which agreements are subject to
gaming regulatory approval. Gaming regulatory approval of the
terms of one of these agreements has not yet been obtained with
respect to our Tropicana Atlantic City property. Under these
agreements, we have agreed to pay Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
our allocated portion of the corporate overhead costs
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129
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for these services. For a more detailed description of the
agreements described in this paragraph, see Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
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|
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|
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|
Integrated Marketing Programs. The
compatibility of Columbia Sussexs extensive portfolio of
70 hotels and our network of casino properties has provided us
with a number of opportunities to develop integrated marketing
programs. We expect to develop joint programs whereby guests of
our casinos can receive discounts on stays at Columbia Sussex
hotel properties. In addition, we and Columbia Sussex are able
to pool our respective customer databases to develop direct
marketing campaigns targeting a broad group of prospective
customers, and to more effectively promote these programs by
sharing a centralized marketing platform. We believe that our
acquisition of Aztar has provided us with additional
opportunities for these types of joint marketing efforts.
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Extensive Construction and Development
Experience. Throughout our history, we have
engaged in a number of property renovation, refurbishment and
development projects, and we have a number of additional
projects underway or slated to commence in the near term. As a
developer of hotel properties, Columbia Sussex has over
30 years of experience in planning, financing and executing
hotel improvement and development programs. We have been able to
leverage this experience when undertaking our development
projects, which we believe has allowed us to develop and enhance
our gaming assets in a cost-effective manner, while meeting
target completion dates and development expectations.
|
Experienced Management Team. Mr. William
Yung, who founded both Tropicana Entertainment and Columbia
Sussex, has over 30 years of gaming and hospitality
experience. The balance of our senior management team also has
significant experience operating, developing, acquiring and
integrating hotel and gaming properties and related amenities,
with an average tenure in the gaming or hospitality industries
among its members of more than 15 years. Mr. William
Yung and his management team have grown gaming operations
through strategic acquisitions and targeted development, with
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts net operating revenues
growing from $75.5 million to $288.9 million between
2001 and 2006 and operating income growing from
$14.0 million to $58.6 million during that same
period. In addition, Mr. William Yung and the management
team have made use of conservative financial management focused
on cost control and prudent capital deployment in order to
improve results.
Our
Business Strategy
We seek to continue growing in a profitable manner by pursuing
the following strategies:
Successfully Integrate Acquisitions. Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts acquired the MontBleu Casino, or the
MontBleu, in June 2005 and the Belle of Baton Rouge in October
2005, both of which properties it contributed to Tropicana
Entertainment in the corporate reorganization. The Aztar
Acquisition added four additional gaming properties to our
portfolio, resulting in six of our 11 casino properties having
been acquired within the past two years. As such, we believe
there is significant potential to realize efficiencies as we
integrate Aztar, and further integrate other recently acquired
casino properties, into our operations. Specifically, we expect
to eliminate redundant overhead costs at Aztar by leveraging
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts administrative
infrastructure. In addition, in markets such as Laughlin and
South Lake Tahoe, Nevada where we own more than one property, we
believe we will also be able to realize additional operational
synergies and cost savings by consolidating duplicative
back-office functions.
Enhance Marketing and Promotion
Activities. The Aztar Acquisition significantly
increased our geographic footprint and scale of operations. In
conjunction with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and Columbia
Sussex, we will benefit from an integrated marketing platform
that will provide us with cross-selling opportunities among more
than 80 hotel and casino properties. Our expanded customer base
will enable us to develop cross-marketing initiatives across our
properties, which may include a player rewards program linking
selected gaming facilities. We believe a uniform player rewards
program will encourage customers traveling among different
markets to patronize our properties and will build increased
customer loyalty. In addition, in July 2007, we re-branded the
former Ramada Express in Laughlin, Nevada as the Tropicana
Express. We also plan to re-brand a number of our other
gaming properties under the
130
Tropicana name. We believe this re-branding will help to
develop a strong, recognizable identity for our properties.
Benefit from Recent Investments and Near-Term Growth
Opportunities. We believe we will benefit
significantly from recent capital investments made in our
properties. In addition, we have significant near-term growth
opportunities as a result of projects currently being developed,
as well as other development opportunities. These investments
and growth opportunities include the following:
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Tropicana Atlantic City: In November 2004,
Aztar completed a $285.0 million expansion to the Tropicana
Atlantic City, which included a 200,000-square-foot
entertainment, restaurant and retail complex known as The
Quarter at Tropicana. We intend to proceed with a plan
developed by Aztar, which we expect will cost approximately
$55.0 million, to enhance the Tropicana Atlantic City by
refurbishing its casino floors and hotel towers so that they are
similar in quality and appearance to The Quarter. The
three-phase refurbishment project commenced in December 2005.
During phase one of the project, Aztar made enhancements to the
north tower hotel rooms and certain non-gaming amenities, which
phase was completed during the fourth quarter of 2006. During
phase two of the project, we refurbished half of the casino
floor and the south tower hotel rooms, which phase was completed
in the second quarter of 2007. In phase three of the project, we
will refurbish the other half of the casino floor and two
restaurants at the property. We expect to complete the third
phase in the first quarter of 2008.
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Casino Aztar Evansville: Construction was
completed in 2007 at the Casino Aztar Evansville on a
$32.6 million expansion that includes a 96-room boutique
hotel, multi-venue dining and entertainment complex and
associated infrastructure. We believe that the expansion has
increased the attractiveness of the property and expanded
customer reach through the availability of additional hotel
rooms. In addition, in August 2007, the City of
Evansvilles Redevelopment Commission approved our
preliminary plan to build a 1,046-seat theater at the Casino
Aztar Evansville. The venue, construction of which is currently
projected to be completed in the first quarter of 2008 at an
approximate cost of $4.0 million, is expected to offer live
entertainment for patrons of the property and residents of
Evansville.
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Belle of Baton Rouge: The Belle of Baton Rouge
benefited from the population increase in the Baton Rouge area
following the displacement of residents of New Orleans as a
result of Hurricane Katrina, although that benefit has since
somewhat subsided. To accommodate the increased demand for
gaming in this market and to build market share, we have
developed plans to build a 330-space parking structure adjacent
to the casino. We will endeavor to complete construction of the
parking structure, which is designed to increase casino traffic
and is estimated to cost approximately $12.5 million, by
the second quarter of 2008.
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MontBleu Casino: In the summer of 2006, we
completed a $21.0 million program to re-brand and
reposition the former Caesars Lake Tahoe as the MontBleu. We
introduced new
on-site
amenities and entertainment options at the MontBleu to appeal to
a younger clientele, while continuing to focus on the value
conscious customer in the South Lake Tahoe, Nevada market at our
sister property, the Tahoe Horizon. We intend to increase our
efforts to effectively market the MontBleu as we seek to
strengthen our customer base.
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Tropicana Express: We have completed the
$11.0 million program to renovate the hotel rooms at the
Tropicana Express, which we believe will help solidify our
position in the Laughlin market. In addition, the Tropicana
Express is situated less than one mile from the River Palms,
which we believe will allow us to achieve operational synergies
and cost savings by consolidating duplicative back-office and
other support functions including the sharing of laundry
facilities and employees to reduce overtime pay.
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Lighthouse Point Casino and Jubilee Casino: We
expect to invest between $7.0 million and $8.0 million
at the Lighthouse Point Casino and the Jubilee Casino, our two
casinos in Greenville, Mississippi, in order to renovate the
casino floors and public areas of the properties so as to better
|
131
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position them to meet the competitive challenges posed by the
expected introduction of a new gaming property to the market in
late 2007. We will add up to 850 new and converted slot
machines, making all of the slot machines at the properties
ticket-in ticket-out and upgrade the slot tracking
systems. We will also make improvements to the restaurant at the
Lighthouse Point Casino.
|
Redevelop the Tropicana Las Vegas Site. To
capitalize on its premium location on the Las Vegas
Strip, we expect to redevelop the Tropicana Las
Vegas, by refurbishing one of its two existing hotel towers and
its existing showroom (we expect to raze the other existing
tower and all of the other remaining structures on the site) and
redeveloping the remainder of its
34-acre
site. Our preliminary plan for this redevelopment effort
envisions approximately 10,200 new and refurbished hotel rooms
of which approximately 500 will be refurbished hotel rooms in
the existing hotel tower to be retained, approximately
600,000 square feet of new meeting space, an increase in
the size of the casino floor to approximately
120,000 square feet, a more modern casino floor layout and
a new approximately 250,000-square-foot retail plaza. We plan to
complete this redevelopment in 2010. The redevelopment is
expected to be funded by a construction financing transaction
independent of the financing transactions that funded the Aztar
Acquisition and, if necessary, by additional capital
contributions from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent.
The outstanding notes are not, and the exchange notes will not
be, guaranteed by the subsidiaries of Tropicana Entertainment
that hold the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Las Vegas.
Our
Properties and Markets
Legacy
Properties
Belle of Baton Rouge. The Belle of Baton
Rouge, formerly the Argosy Riverboat Casino, is a three-deck
dockside riverboat casino located on the Mississippi River in
the downtown historic district of Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The
casino opened for business in 1994 as the first riverboat gaming
facility in the Baton Rouge market.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired the Argosy Riverboat
Casino and related assets in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in October
2005 for $149.7 million. The property was thereafter
re-branded as the Belle of Baton Rouge. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts contributed the property to Tropicana Entertainment in
the corporate reorganization. We own the riverboat on which the
casino operates. The 29,500-square-foot casino offers 1,019 slot
machines and 22 table games. The Belle of Baton Rouge is also
located directly adjacent to the 300-room Sheraton Baton
Rouge Convention Center Hotel, which we own. The hotel offers
parking for 1,803 vehicles.
The hotel at the Belle of Baton Rouge also features:
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three restaurants;
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a lounge, a 70-seat sports bar, and a small entertainment venue;
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approximately 150,000 square feet of available retail space;
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approximately 40,000 square feet of meeting space; and
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a 50,000-square-foot glass-enclosed atrium.
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The Belle of Baton Rouge leases a portion of the land and
buildings which comprise its hotel and casino properties under
several separate leases. The leases require fixed monthly
payments in an aggregate amount of $27,800, which amount is
subject to adjustment every five years to reflect increases in
the Consumer Price Index. The current lease terms expire between
2008 and 2013, with the Belle of Baton Rouge holding an option
to extend the terms of the leases for up to an additional
70 years in most cases.
We have developed plans to build a 330-space parking structure
adjacent to the casino. We will endeavor to complete
construction of the parking structure, which is designed to
increase casino traffic and is estimated to cost approximately
$12.5 million, by the second quarter of 2008. Subject to
receipt of the
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necessary regulatory approvals, we expect to commence
construction of the new casino facility in the first quarter of
2008.
The Baton Rouge market is located approximately 75 miles to
the northwest of New Orleans. Baton Rouge is a
duopolistic gaming market shared between the Belle
of Baton Rouge and Casino Rouge, which is owned by Penn National
Gaming, Inc., or Penn National. This market, which primarily
caters to local patrons, experienced a 37.2% increase in its
gaming revenues for the period between June 30, 2005 and
June 30, 2006 as compared to the period between
June 30, 2004 and June 30, 2005. This increase in
revenue was primarily attributable to the population shift from
New Orleans to Baton Rouge in the wake of Hurricane Katrina,
although it appears that some of the transient population caused
by the hurricane has begun to shift back to New Orleans and
other Gulf Coast communities, which has resulted in these
increased revenues subsiding somewhat while remaining above
pre-Hurricane Katrina levels.
River Palms Hotel and Casino. The River Palms
is located on approximately 35 acres in Laughlin, Nevada,
which is situated on the Colorado River at Nevadas
southern tip where California, Nevada and Arizona meet. The
River Palms has approximately 1,300 feet of frontage on
each of the Colorado River and Casino Drive, Laughlins
principal thoroughfare. Its 25-story main tower and three-story
south wing together house 1,001 rooms and suites and
63,850 square feet of casino space boasting 1,061 slot
machines and 28 table games.
The River Palms also features:
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four dining facilities;
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two bars, two lounges and one nightclub;
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a spa and salon;
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approximately 10,500 square feet of meeting and convention
space; and
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a 1,834-space parking facility.
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The River Palms was constructed in 1984 and underwent an
$18.0 million renovation in 1999. In 2001, it was connected
to the Riverwalk, a pedestrian walkway connecting casinos along
the Colorado River. Around the same time, the property
immediately to the north of the River Palms was developed into
an events center to accommodate concerts, boxing events, car
rallies and other group events. Following the acquisition of the
River Palms in September 2003 for $25.2 million, we
invested nearly $13.6 million in hotel room renovations and
casino floor improvements.
Realty, one of the affiliate guarantors, owns the property on
which the River Palms operates as well as substantially all of
the facilitys non-gaming assets. We have a lease with
Realty with respect to the property, which extends through
September 30, 2018. Rent is currently set at $425,000 per
month under the lease.
Laughlin is located approximately 200 miles from the Grand
Canyon, 225 miles from Phoenix and 285 miles from Los
Angeles. It is principally a drive-in market, with nearly 80% of
visitors coming from southern California, Arizona and Nevada.
From December through March, the city also attracts snow
birds from around the country. In April, it hosts the
Laughlin River Run, the largest motorcycle event on the West
Coast, which has reportedly drawn over 50,000 participants in
recent years. During the remainder of the year, Laughlin
attracts a large number of visitors who are drawn to Lake
Mohave, which is part of the Lake Mead National Recreation Area
and is popular among Nevada, Arizona, and Southern California
boaters, jet skiers, fishing and water sports enthusiasts.
The Laughlin gaming market is characterized by low-priced rooms,
with some offered for as low as $20 per night or even free to
players who would otherwise have to pay full fare in markets
such as Las Vegas.
Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino and Resort. The
Tahoe Horizon is located at the southeastern end of Lake Tahoe
near the California and Nevada border in South Lake Tahoe,
Nevada, which is within a short
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distance of a golf course and several ski resorts, and
approximately 100 miles from Sacramento and 185 miles
from the San Francisco Bay area. The Tahoe Horizon
encompasses approximately 43,000 square feet of casino
space, with 539 hotel rooms and suites in two towers offering
lake, mountain and forest views, 712 slot machines and 32 table
games, including poker. Approximately 95% of the slot machines
in the casino feature ticket-in, ticket-out
technology. The facility offers parking for 1,396 vehicles.
The Tahoe Horizon also features:
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South Lake Tahoes largest outdoor pool;
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an eight-screen movie theater;
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four restaurants;
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two entertainment venues featuring Las Vegas-style shows, comedy
performances, live music and dancing;
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GameWorld, a game arcade for adults and children; and
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approximately 11,000 square feet of full-service meeting
and convention space.
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Since the acquisition of Tahoe Horizon in 1990 for
$19.0 million, we extensively remodeled the facility in
1991 and again in 1999. As part of these efforts, we constructed
a new parking structure, added new slot machines, replaced
carpets and wallpaper and renovated the suites at the facility.
Since 1999, capital expenditures on the property have been
directed at updating slot machines, remodeling restaurants,
repaving the parking structure and improving the exterior of the
building. Within the South Lake Tahoe gaming market, the Tahoe
Horizon targets the value-conscious customer and mid-level game
player.
The Tahoe Horizon leases its land and parking garage from Park
Cattle under two separate leases. Under the terms of the leases,
rent is set at the greater of the base rent, which is currently
$3,661,932 per year, subject to annual adjustment to reflect
increases in the Consumer Price Index, or 5% of Tahoe
Horizons net gaming revenues, increasing to 6% in 2015.
The Park Cattle leases expire in 2040. For 2005 and 2006, rent
was $3.5 million and $3.54 million, respectively.
The South Lake Tahoe market offers a wide variety of non-gaming
attractions, including boating and related water sports, golf,
hiking, mountain biking and several ski resorts.
MontBleu Resort Casino and Spa. The MontBleu
is situated on approximately 21 acres of land in South Lake
Tahoe, Nevada, immediately adjacent to the Tahoe Horizon. The
facility is a 17-story Y-shaped hotel tower offering
440 hotel rooms and 40,585 square feet of casino space that
houses 638 slot machines, 52 table games, and a new poker room.
The facility also offers parking for 1,547 vehicles.
The MontBleu also features:
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four distinctive restaurants, including a steakhouse, a
Eurasian-themed restaurant and lounge, and a buffet;
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a 1,500-seat auditorium;
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a shopping galleria;
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a nightclub targeted to younger visitors; and
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13,899 square feet of meeting and convention space.
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Tropicana Casinos and Resorts purchased the MontBleu, which was
formerly named the Caesars Tahoe, in June 2005 for
$47.2 million. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
the property to Tropicana Entertainment in the corporate
reorganization. During the fourth quarter of 2005, we commenced
a $21.0 million makeover of the MontBleu, which encompassed
remodeling the common areas of the property, including the
lobby, restaurants and onsite nightclub, and simultaneously
re-branded the property. The goal of this renovation was to
create an interior design meant to appeal to a younger clientele
by offering more entertainment options and amenities, including
night clubs and lounges.
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In conjunction with the physical renovation, we developed a
marketing strategy for the MontBleu under its new theme. The
renovation was completed in the summer of 2006 and the MontBleu
made its grand opening during Memorial Day weekend. The MontBleu
is also subject to a lease agreement with Park Cattle that
covers the land on which the MontBleu is situated and the
facility in which it operates. Under the terms of the lease, the
rent is currently set at $474,842 per month, subject to annual
adjustment to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. The
lease is scheduled to expire in 2028 and we have an option to
renew for an additional 25 years.
Lighthouse Point Casino. The Lighthouse Point
Casino is a 210-foot riverboat operation located in Greenville,
Mississippi. Tropicana Entertainment holds a 79% voting interest
and an 84% economic interest in Greenville Riverboat, which
operates the Lighthouse Point Casino. Rainbow, an unrelated
party, holds a 20% voting interest and a 15% economic interest
in Greenville Riverboat. The remaining 1% voting interest is
held by Mr. William Yung. Greenville Riverboat is not a
guarantor of the outstanding notes and will not be a guarantor
of the exchange notes, however it is subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture. Tropicana
Entertainments wholly-owned subsidiary St. Louis
Riverboat Entertainment, the owner of the vessel in which the
Lighthouse Point Casino conducts its operations, is a guarantor
of the outstanding notes, the senior secured credit facility and
will be a guarantor of the exchange notes.
The Lighthouse Point Casino riverboat features an approximately
22,000-square-foot, three-floor casino housing 725 slot machines
and nine table games. The property also features a 386-space
parking facility.
The Lighthouse Point Casino leases approximately four acres of
land from the Greenville Marine Corporation, an unrelated party,
on which the docking, entry and parking facilities of the casino
are situated. Under the terms of the lease, the Lighthouse Point
Casino is required to pay an amount equal to 2% of its monthly
gross gaming revenue in rent, with a minimum monthly payment of
$75,000. In addition, in any given year in which the Lighthouse
Point Casinos annual gross gaming revenue exceeds
$36,575,000, it is required to pay 8% of the excess amount in
rent under the lease. The current lease expires in 2009 and
contains an option enabling the Lighthouse Point Casino to
extend its term through 2044.
Greenville is approximately 90 miles north of Vicksburg,
Mississippi. We currently operate the only two casinos within
the Greenville gaming market, although Mr. William Yung
does not hold an economic interest in the Jubilee Casino or play
any role in its management or affairs. The Jubilee Casino is
managed by Mr. William Yungs children. These
properties share, almost equally, the markets available
gaming revenues.
Bayou Caddys Jubilee Casino. The Jubilee
Casino is a 240-foot riverboat located in Greenville,
Mississippi. The Jubilee Casino is owned and operated by JMBS
Casino, one of the affiliate guarantors. Mr. William Yung
does not hold an economic interest in the Jubilee Casino and
plays no role in its management or affairs. The Jubilee Casino
is managed by Mr. William Yungs children. The
riverboat features an approximately 28,500-square-foot casino
housing 712 slot machines and 13 table games. The property has
parking capacity to accommodate 512 vehicles. JMBS Casino also
owns and operates the Greenville Inn & Suites, a hotel
located less than one mile from the Jubilee Casino, offering 39
suites and free shuttle service to and from the Jubilee Casino.
JMBS Casino is a party to three leases for the docking, entry,
and parking facilities at the Jubilee Casino. The lease for
dockage rights for the riverboat extends through 2010 and
requires monthly rent payments of $32,000. On November 7,
2006, JMBS Casino entered into a lease agreement with the city
of Greenville with respect to the same dockage rights governed
by the existing lease. The terms of the new lease will be
effective beginning in September 2010 through August 2040, and
will require monthly rent payments of $62,500. Under the terms
of the new lease, JMBS Casino is required to make repairs or
improvements in a minimum amount of $200,000 to the waterfront
parking lot owned by the city of Greenville, which is adjacent
to the casino property. In exchange, the city of Greenville has
agreed, for the duration of the lease agreement, to refrain from
allowing any other gaming or related activities to be conducted
on any property owned or leased by the city within the city of
Greenville. A second lease for dockage rights and riverfront
property covers a second barge, which was assigned to JMBS
Casino by the prior owner of the Jubilee Casino upon JMBS
Casinos acquisition of the property. This second lease
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extends through 2008 and JMBS has renewal options to extend the
term through 2017. The agreement requires monthly rental
payments of $30,000 plus 5.0% of net pre-tax profits up to
$4.0 million, subject to adjustments to reflect increases
in the Consumer Price Index. A third lease for docking and entry
rights expires in 2013 and requires monthly payments of $1,000.
Vicksburg Horizon Casino. The Vicksburg
Horizon is a 297-foot multi-level antebellum-style riverboat
located in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi. The Vicksburg
Horizon is owned and operated by CP Vicksburg, one of the
affiliate guarantors. The riverboat casino features
20,909 square feet of gaming space on three levels, with
696 slot machines and 19 table games. The property also includes
a hotel with 117 guest rooms.
The Vicksburg Horizon also features:
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two restaurants;
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a sports bar; and
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two covered parking garages and an additional parking lot with
free valet service, providing customers with a total of 889
parking spaces.
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CP Vicksburg has a lease agreement with the city of Vicksburg,
which sets forth the terms under which CP Vicksburg was
permitted to develop the Vicksburg Horizon and provides for
ongoing payments to the city. The lease agreement expires in
2033. Amounts required to be paid to the city include (i) a
fixed annual payment of $576,000, subject to adjustment to
reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index, payable in
monthly installments, and (ii) 1.5% of the net operating
revenue produced by the property (defined in the lease agreement
to include revenues deriving primarily from gaming, food and
beverages), which is also payable monthly. Columbia Sussex has
provided a guarantee of CP Vicksburgs obligations under
the lease agreement.
The Mississippi River Counties market, in which the Vicksburg
Horizon operates, consists of six dockside gaming facilities
that, in the aggregate, generated gaming revenues of
approximately $1.6 billion in 2005. We believe the
Vicksburg market attracts customers primarily from western and
central Mississippi and eastern Louisiana.
Recently
Acquired Properties
Tropicana Resort and Casino Atlantic
City. The Tropicana Atlantic City encompasses
approximately 14 acres of land, with approximately
660 feet of ocean frontage along the Atlantic City
boardwalk. The Tropicana Atlantic City features 2,129 hotel
rooms and suites, the most rooms offered by any gaming property
in this market, and 147,248 square feet of casino space,
with 3,480 slot machines and 209 table games. This facility has
parking facilities to accommodate 5,477 vehicles.
The property also features:
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The Quarter, a 200,000-square-foot Las Vegas-style indoor
dining, entertainment and retail center with a Havana-inspired
theme, which includes nine restaurants, five entertainment
facilities and 26 retail outlets;
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a 2,000-seat theatrical showroom;
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approximately 99,000 square feet of meeting, convention and
banquet space;
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three gourmet restaurants and several mid-price range
restaurants; and
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additional amenities including indoor and outdoor swimming
pools, tennis courts, a health and fitness club and a jogging
track.
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In November 2004, Aztar completed a $285.0 million
expansion of the Tropicana Atlantic City, which transformed the
property with the addition of 502 hotel rooms,
20,000 square feet of meeting space, 2,400
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parking spaces, and The Quarter, a 200,000-square-foot Las
Vegas-style entertainment venue and the projects
centerpiece, featuring a new restaurant and retail complex.
In December 2005, Aztar began development of a three-phase
master plan for the Tropicana Atlantic City. We intend to
proceed with the master plan developed by Aztar to enhance the
Tropicana Atlantic City by refurbishing its casino floors and
hotel towers so that they are similar in quality and appearance
to The Quarter, which we expect will cost approximately
$55.0 million. During phase one of the project, Aztar made
enhancements to the north tower hotel rooms and certain
non-gaming amenities, which phase was completed during the
fourth quarter of 2006. During phase two of the project, we
refurbished half of the casino floor and the south tower hotel
rooms, which phase was completed during the second quarter of
2007. In phase three of the project, we will refurbish the other
half of the casino floor and two restaurants at the property. We
expect to complete the third phase in the first quarter of 2008.
The Atlantic City gaming market has historically demonstrated
continued growth despite the emergence of new legalized gaming
jurisdictions in the northeastern United States and is the
second largest commercial gaming market in the United States.
The primary target market for Tropicana Atlantic City is the
area consisting of New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.
According to the U.S. Census Bureaus 2005 data, there
are approximately 18.8 million people living in the
tri-state areas.
Tropicana Express Hotel and Casino. The
Tropicana Express is located on an approximately 31 acre
site in Laughlin, Nevada and is in close proximity to our River
Palms property. Laughlin is situated on the Colorado River in
southern Nevada. The Tropicana Express features a Victorian-era
railroad theme, which includes a novelty train that carries
guests between the parking areas and the casino hotel. The
property has 1,495 guest rooms and 53,680 square feet of
casino space, with 1,075 slot machines and 39 table games. The
facility also has parking accommodations for 2,253 vehicles.
The Tropicana Express also features:
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five restaurants;
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several lounges, including an entertainment lounge and a premium
lounge for high-end players;
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a train-shaped, heated outdoor swimming pool and attached
spa; and
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special events and retail space.
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We are nearing completion of an approximately $11.0 million
program to renovate the hotel rooms at the Tropicana Express. We
expect the renovation to be completed in 2007.
Casino Aztar Evansville. The Casino Aztar
Evansville, located on the Ohio river, was the first gaming
facility to open in Indiana. The existing facility encompasses
approximately
eight-and-a-half
acres and contains approximately 38,360 square feet of
casino space, with 1,132 slot machines and 52 table games.
Casino Aztar Evansville features two hotels boasting an
aggregate of 346 guest rooms, an executive conference center and
parking for 2,100 vehicles. The casino riverboat is certified to
carry 2,700 passengers and a crew of 300. The 44,000-square-foot
pavilion adjacent to the riverboat contains passenger ticketing
and pre-boarding facilities.
The pavilion also features:
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four restaurants;
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an entertainment lounge;
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a gift shop; and
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a full-service Starbucks café.
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Casino Aztar Evansville leases approximately
four-and-a-half
acres from the City of Evansville and owns the remaining four
acres. The Casino Aztar Evansville recently completed a
$32.6 million expansion that includes a 96-room boutique
hotel (the first of its kind in Evansville) located on seven
acres of land owned by Aztar, a multi-venue dining and
entertainment complex, improvements to an existing park and
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the infrastructure required to support the expansion project.
The new dining and entertainment complex opened in November 2006
and the new boutique hotel opened in December 2006.
The Casino Aztar Evansville is located in metropolitan
Evansville. The closest competing casino property is
approximately 90 miles from the Casino Aztar Evansville.
The Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that went into
effect on August 1, 2002 allowing flexible
boarding, which increased the accessibility of the Casino
Aztar Evansville by eliminating the requirement that it maintain
formal cruise schedules. The new legislation also incorporated a
progressive wagering tax schedule and a change in admissions tax
to $3.00 per entry from $3.00 per person per cruise. The
progressive wagering tax schedule begins at 15% of casino
revenue and rises to 20%, 25%, 30% and 35% based on incremental
casino revenue as measured during the states fiscal year
(July 1 through June 30).
Tropicana Resort and Casino Las
Vegas. The Tropicana Las Vegas is located on an
approximately
34-acre
parcel on the Strip in Las Vegas, Nevada. Together
with the MGM Grand, the Excalibur Hotel and Casino, the Luxor,
the Monte Carlo Resort and Casino and New York-New York Hotel
and Casino, the Tropicana Las Vegas is located at the
intersection known as the Four Corners at Las Vegas
Boulevard and Tropicana Avenue. We believe the propertys
central location enables it to benefit from a
cluster effect, which produces increased pedestrian
traffic, visitation and gaming play.
The Tropicana Las Vegas has 1,876 hotel rooms and suites and
60,727 square feet of casino space, with 994 slot machines
and 35 table games. The facility also has parking to accommodate
2,388 vehicles.
Tropicana Las Vegas also features:
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three outdoor pools and one of the worlds largest
indoor/outdoor swimming pools;
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a five-acre
water oasis and tropical garden;
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approximately 106,358 square feet of convention and exhibit
space;
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seven restaurants; and
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the Folies Bergere, the longest-running production show
in Las Vegas.
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The Tropicana Las Vegas draws customers from the Las Vegas
metropolitan area, Southern California, throughout the United
States and abroad. The outstanding notes are not, and the
exchange notes will not be, guaranteed by the subsidiaries of
Tropicana Entertainment that hold the assets and operations
relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas.
Competition
and Information About Gaming Markets
Set forth below is information concerning the competitive
conditions in the markets in which we operate, as well as
selected information concerning our position in those markets.
South
Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Tahoe Horizon and the MontBleu are located in the South Lake
Tahoe market, which draws the majority of its visitors from the
northern and central California metropolitan areas, including
Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay area. The South Lake
Tahoe market is concentrated on the southeastern edge of Lake
Tahoe on the California and Nevada border in Stateline, Nevada,
which is approximately 100 miles from Sacramento and
185 miles from the San Francisco Bay area.
Four other casinos compete with our properties in South Lake
Tahoe: Harrahs Lake Tahoe Hotel and Casino, Bills
Casino Lake Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe Casino and Resort and
Lakeside Inn. Harrahs, Bills and Harveys are all
owned and operated by Harrahs Entertainment, Inc., and
Lakeside is a small privately owned operation. In terms of
casino square footage, the number of slots, game tables, and
restaurants, and the amount of convention space, our properties
rank in the third and fourth places after Harrahs and
Harveys. The MontBleu closely trails Harveys in the number of
slot machines offered. With
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respect to the number of hotel rooms and suites featured, Tahoe
Horizon ranks second in the South Lake Tahoe market.
We believe recent South Lake Tahoe market trends can be
attributed to two factors: limited air transportation to Lake
Tahoe and competition from Californias Native American
gaming facilities. Currently, there is neither commercial nor
regularly scheduled charter airline service into the Lake Tahoe
airport. The Reno-Tahoe airport, which is 60 miles from
South Lake Tahoe, presently serves as the areas primary
access point for visitors from outside the region. The lack of
incoming air traffic, combined with overall market pressures,
have depressed the performance of the South Lake Tahoe gaming
market.
We believe that gaming revenues may be even more directly
affected by the recent proliferation of Native American gaming
in northern California. Native American casinos, including the
Cache Creek in Brooks, Jackson Ranchero in Jackson, and the
Thunder Valley Casino in Auburn, likely attract would-be South
Lake Tahoe visitors from northern California. Despite increased
competition from the Native American casinos for the
weekday gambler, we believe that the South Lake
Tahoe market continues to offer broader and more varied hotel
accommodations and non-gaming entertainment features and
amenities than the Native American casinos in northern
California.
The Tahoe Regional Planning Agency is a governmental group
charged with overseeing all significant building modifications
or development in the Lake Tahoe region. The agency may present
a significant barrier to future casino and hotel development in
the South Lake Tahoe market due to its environmentally conscious
focus, as shown by its Triple Bottom Line approach
to growth in the area, which takes three criteria into equal
consideration in assessing proposed development in the Lake
Tahoe region: the environment, the economy and the
communitys quality of life. According to publicly
available policy statements issued by the agency, decisions
affecting Lake Tahoe must enhance all three in order to protect
Lake Tahoe for this and future generations.
Laughlin,
Nevada
There are nine casino hotels in Laughlin competing with our
River Palms and Tropicana Express properties. The River Palms
has the second largest casino by square footage in the Laughlin
market and offers, along with the Flamingo Laughlin, the
greatest number of restaurants and lounges in the Laughlin
market. However, the majority of the other casino hotels in the
Laughlin gaming market feature more slots, game tables and hotel
rooms than the River Palms does. More importantly, in recent
months, the River Palms and the Tropicana Express have
experienced intense competition from competing properties in the
market that were recently acquired and renovated. The companies
that own these competing properties seek to gain market share.
This increased competition has exerted pressure on revenue
levels at our properties in Laughlin and we have consequently
been compelled to increase promotional expenditures in that
market.
Although there has been recent population growth in the Arizona
and southern California regions surrounding Laughlin, Native
American gaming has entered the regional gaming market, thereby
reducing the potential benefit of the population increase.
Native American gaming sites around the Phoenix and, to a lesser
extent, Palm Springs areas present competition for the drive-in
customer base that has historically been attracted to Laughlin.
Laughlin casinos also compete with the casinos in Las Vegas and
those on I-15 (the principal highway between Las Vegas and
southern California) near the California-Nevada state line. The
expansion of hotel and casino capacity in Las Vegas in recent
years and the growth of Native American casinos in central
Arizona and southern California have had an adverse impact on
the Laughlin market.
Baton
Rouge, Louisiana
The Baton Rouge gaming market is currently comprised of two
casinos: our property and Casino Rouge, which is owned by Penn
National. The two properties are located in close proximity to
each other, with Casino Rouge located north of downtown Baton
Rouge and our property situated in the downtown historic
district across from the Baton Rouge convention center. We
directly compete with Casino Rouge in the Baton Rouge market.
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The Baton Rouge gaming market faces competition from land-based
and riverboat casinos throughout Louisiana and on the
Mississippi Gulf coast, casinos on Native American lands and
from non-casino gaming opportunities within Louisiana. Due to
Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, we saw a temporary decline in
competition from the well-developed gaming market in the New
Orleans area, which is approximately 75 miles from Baton
Rouge, although this trend has begun to level off as casinos in
the New Orleans area have reopened. The two closest Native
American casinos are land-based facilities located approximately
45 miles southwest and approximately 65 miles
northwest of Baton Rouge. In addition, the Belle of Baton Rouge
faces competition from a racetrack located approximately
55 miles from Baton Rouge that began operating
approximately 1,500 gaming machines in December 2003. The Belle
of Baton Rouge also faces competition from the truck stop gaming
facilities located in certain surrounding parishes, each of
which are authorized to operate up to 50 video poker machines.
In addition, on November 9, 2006, Pinnacle announced that
it acquired from Harrahs certain entities that own gaming
assets located in Lake Charles, Louisiana and related gaming
licenses. On September 18, 2007, Pinnacle received approval
from the Louisiana Gaming Control Board to utilize one of the
acquired gaming licenses in Baton Rouge as part of its plan to
develop a casino resort in that market. According to public
reports issued by Pinnacle, this casino development, which would
be situated on land in East Baton Rouge Parish, is intended to
be built in phases and is ultimately expected to include, among
other amenities, a single-level casino, several entertainment
and dining options, a 300-guestroom hotel, a golf course, a
residential district and a retail district. Pinnacles
contemplated Baton Rouge project is subject to various approvals
including a favorable vote in a local-option referendum in East
Baton Rouge Parish with respect to the development proposal,
which referendum is expected to be voted on in 2008. If Pinnacle
succeeds in developing a casino resort in the Baton Rouge
market, it is likely to compete directly with the Belle of Baton
Rouge and could adversely affect the latters results of
operations.
Greenville,
Mississippi
Our Lighthouse Point Casino and Jubilee Casino are both located
in Greenville, Mississippi on the Mississippi River between
Vicksburg and Tunica, Mississippi, approximately 130 miles
from Jackson, Mississippi, 150 miles from Little Rock,
Arkansas, and 150 miles from Memphis, Tennessee. We believe
that the Greenville market attracts customers primarily from the
local area. Our properties are currently the only two casinos in
the Greenville gaming market.
However, Southwest Gaming LLC has broken ground on its planned
single-level dockside casino facility in Greenville, which, upon
its completion, is likely to draw customers from Lighthouse
Point Casino and Jubilee Casino and may adversely affect their
results of operations. In an effort to preserve market share,
Lighthouse Point Casino and Jubilee Casino have decided to
invest capital to upgrade their gaming equipment and expend
additional funds to more aggressively promote themselves to
prospective patrons in their market, although there can be no
assurance that such expenditures will have their intended
effect. Moreover, such expenditures may adversely affect
Lighthouse Point Casinos and Jubilee Casinos results
of operations.
In addition, recent capital investments in and expansion of the
Tunica market have hampered revenue growth in the Greenville
market. This expansion of the Tunica market has enabled it to
draw customers from more distant areas, thereby limiting
Greenvilles ability to attract patrons from those same
areas.
Vicksburg,
Mississippi
The Mississippi River Counties market consists of four dockside
gaming facilities. Vicksburg is the closest gaming market to the
Jackson, Mississippi metropolitan area and is located
approximately 40 miles east of Vicksburg. We believe that
the Vicksburg Horizon attracts customers primarily from the
local area, western and central Mississippi and eastern
Louisiana.
Recent capital investments in and expansion of the Tunica,
Mississippi gaming market have affected revenue growth in the
Vicksburg market. This expansion of the Tunica market has
enabled it to draw
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customers from more distant areas, thereby limiting the
Vicksburg markets ability to attract patrons from those
same areas.
Atlantic
City, New Jersey
Tropicana Atlantic City competes with 11 other casinos in
Atlantic City. Tropicana Atlantic City ranks third among gaming
properties in its market in terms of total gaming positions,
second in terms of casino footage and first in terms of hotel
rooms. It also competes with two large Native American casinos
in Connecticut. In 2004, Pennsylvania passed legislation to
legalize slot machines at seven horse racing tracks, five
independent slot parlors and two resort slot parlors. At least
four of these facilities are expected to be in the greater
Philadelphia area. With the first gaming facility commencing
operations in Pennsylvania in late 2006, acute competitive
pressures on the Tropicana Atlantic City have already arisen.
These pressures are expected to continue.
The Borgata Hotel, Casino and Spa, a joint venture between Boyd
Gaming and MGM Mirage, opened in July 2003, in Atlantic
Citys Marina District. The Borgata was the first casino to
open in Atlantic City since April 1990, although many of the
existing casinos have increased their gaming capacities and a
few casino hotels have had major expansions. On June 30,
2006, the Borgata unveiled the first part of its
$200.0 million expansion project, which reportedly included
three new gourmet restaurants, an additional 36,120 square
feet of casino floor space and a new race book. Other companies
have also announced intentions to open new casino hotels or
expand or refurbish existing properties in Atlantic City in the
future. For example, Revel Entertainment Group has announced a
two-phase plan to develop a $2.0 billion casino hotel
project in Atlantic City. The property, which is tentatively
scheduled to open in 2011, is expected to feature nearly 4,000
guestrooms and various retail and entertainment attractions. In
addition, Pinnacle and MGM Mirage have recently unveiled plans
to build new upscale casino resorts in the Atlantic City market.
The Atlantic City market also faces existing and future
competition from the growing Native American casinos in
Connecticut and the possibility of competition from the
potential legalization of various forms of casino gaming in
Delaware, Maryland and New York. In addition, New Jersey has
considered allowing a limited number of video lottery terminals
at the Meadowlands race track in northern New Jersey and slot
machines have been added to race tracks in Delaware, West
Virginia and New York.
Las
Vegas, Nevada
Tropicana Las Vegas operates in the intensely competitive Las
Vegas market. In April 2005, Wynn Resorts opened Wynn Las Vegas,
the first new resort to open on the Strip since
Mandalay Bay opened in March 1999. In addition, a number of
other competitors plan to introduce new development on the
Strip, including Sands expansion, named the
Palazzo, which will be located adjacent to its
Venetian Resort and Casino. Wynn Resorts has begun construction
on its latest full-scale resort project named
Encore, which will be located adjacent to the Wynn
Las Vegas. Boyd Gaming has razed its Stardust Resort and Casino
in order to replace it with a casino, hotel and shopping complex
called Echelon Place. Likewise, MGM Mirage has begun
construction on a development project named City
Center, which is expected to include 2,800 condominiums
and a 4,000-room casino hotel connected to a major shopping
mall. In addition, several casino hotels have opened or have
been expanded in other parts of Las Vegas or near Las Vegas.
These projects will add additional rooms and casino capacity to
the Las Vegas market.
While Tropicana Las Vegas currently competes most directly with
the numerous major casino hotels, and a number of smaller
casinos, located on or near the Las Vegas Strip, it
also competes with a dozen major casino hotels located in
downtown Las Vegas, and other casino hotels elsewhere in the Las
Vegas area. To a lesser extent, the Las Vegas gaming market
competes with casino and hotel properties in other parts of
Nevada, including Laughlin, Reno and along I-15 (the principal
highway between Las Vegas and southern California) near the
California-Nevada state line. The Las Vegas gaming market also
competes with Native American casinos in southern California
(the principal source of business for Las Vegas casinos) and
central Arizona and, to a lesser extent, with casinos in other
parts of the country.
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We expect that the introduction of added capacity to the Las
Vegas gaming market, especially among mega-casinos on the
Strip, as well as added pressure from other markets,
will further elevate the existing acute competition faced by the
Tropicana Las Vegas.
Evansville,
Indiana
Casino Aztar Evansville competes primarily in its
50-mile
radius market area with an Indiana riverboat casino in the
Louisville, Kentucky market area and a riverboat casino in
Metropolis, Illinois. It also indirectly competes with the
Belterra Casino Resort, a riverboat casino in Switzerland
County, Indiana. In addition, Casino Aztar Evansville competes
with other Indiana riverboat casinos on the Ohio River in the
Cincinnati, Ohio market area and in other Indiana locations,
none of which are in its primary
50-mile
radius market area.
In addition, Casino Aztar Evansville has faced competition from
the issuance of the eleventh Indiana riverboat license, which
was awarded during 2005 to Blue Sky Casino, LLC for development
in the West Baden area. Although the new riverboat, the first
phase of which opened in November 2006 under the name French
Lick Springs Resort and Casino, is outside of Casino Aztar
Evansvilles
50-mile
radius market area, it has nevertheless exerted direct and
measurable competitive pressure on Casino Aztar Evansville.
Casino Aztar Evansville also competes with a pari-mutuel racing
facility in Evansville. Moreover, there is also the potential
for the legalization of casino gaming in Kentucky, which would
further increase the competition faced by the Evansville
facility.
Marketing;
Proprietary Database
We have developed an extensive proprietary database containing
information concerning our customers and aspects of their casino
gaming play. Currently, our player tracking system allows us to
track our members gaming preferences, maximum, minimum and
total amount wagered and frequency of visits. We use this
information for marketing purposes, including direct mail
campaigns. We have also developed programs to reward loyal
customers with points that can be redeemed for awards at our
casinos. In addition, we plan to develop joint programs whereby
guests of our casinos can receive discounts on stays at Columbia
Sussex hotel properties.
We also use the information collected in our database to create
and deploy targeted promotional programs, such as merchandise
giveaways, game tournaments and other special events. These
promotional programs are designed to reward customer loyalty and
maintain high recognition of our casinos in their target
markets. We believe we have effectively used our database to
encourage repeat visits, increase customers lengths of
stay and improve our operating results. In addition, we intend
to pool our customer database and share a centralized marketing
platform with Columbia Sussex to develop direct marketing
campaigns targeting a broader group of prospective customers and
to more effectively promote cross-marketing programs.
We place significant emphasis on attracting local residents and
seek to maintain a strong local identity in each market in which
we operate by initiating and supporting community and special
events. On occasion, we also use broadcast media to attract
customers to our properties.
We believe the Aztar Acquisition provides us, together with
Columbia Sussex, with additional cross-selling opportunities
among more than 80 hotel and casino properties. The expanded
customer base that is available to us as a result of the Aztar
Acquisition will enable us to develop new cross-marketing
initiatives, such as a uniform player rewards program linking
multiple gaming properties throughout the United States. In
addition, we plan to re-brand several of our gaming properties,
including the Tahoe Horizon and the River Palms. We believe this
will help to develop a strong, recognizable brand identity for
our properties.
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Employees
The following is a summary of our employees, some of whom are
employed on a part-time basis, at our existing properties and at
our corporate headquarters as of September 30, 2007:
As of September 30, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment and its
subsidiaries (including the Lighthouse Point Casino, in which
Tropicana Entertainment indirectly holds a 79% voting interest
and an 84% economic interest) employed approximately
12,000 people, of which approximately 7,400 were employees
of the recently acquired Aztar and its subsidiaries. In
addition, during busier months, certain of Tropicana
Entertainments casino properties supplement their
permanent staffs with seasonal employees.
The majority of Tropicana Entertainments employees are not
employed pursuant to collective bargaining or other union
arrangements. Six of our employees at the MontBleu are employed
pursuant to a union agreement, which expires on June 30,
2009. 377 of our employees at the Belle of Baton Rouge are
employed pursuant to two union agreements, one of which covers
the boat crew and expires on December 31, 2007, and the
other covers the hotel, food and beverage, maintenance, cage and
slot technology employees and expires in June 2010.
Approximately 2,400 employees of the recently acquired
Aztar and its subsidiaries are represented by unions, including
certain employees at Tropicana Atlantic City and Tropicana Las
Vegas. Tropicana Atlantic City is a party to the following union
contracts: the slot attendants are covered by a contract with
the Teamsters Local 331 union that expires on September 30,
2008; the hotel, food and beverage employees are covered by a
contract with the HERE Local 54 union that expires on
September 14, 2009; the maintenance employees are covered
by a contract with the Operating Engineers Local 68 union that
expires on May 30, 2011; and the stage technicians are
covered by a contract with the International Alliance of
Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists
and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and
Canada Local No. 917 union, which has been extended
indefinitely. In addition, we note that the approximately
950 full-time and part-time table games dealers and race
book writers employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City voted on
August 25, 2007 to be represented by the UAW in a National
Labor Relations Board election. As a consequence, we are
required to recognize the UAW as the representative of the table
games dealers and race book writers employed by the Tropicana
Atlantic City and negotiate in good faith to reach a collective
bargaining agreement with it. We will soon enter into collective
bargaining negotiations with the UAW and expect that the table
games dealers and race book writers at the Tropicana Atlantic
City will ultimately be covered by a contract with the union.
The Atlantic City UAW organizing effort appears to be part of a
broader UAW campaign to organize table games dealers throughout
Atlantic City. So far, the UAW has won National Labor Relations
Board elections at three Atlantic City casinos, and lost at two.
At the three where the UAW won, there has been little progress
to date toward settlement of a union contract. Moreover, the
table games dealers employed by Casino Aztar Evansville have
notified us of their intent to unionize. The table games dealers
at Casino Aztar Evansville have also filed a petition with the
National Labor Relations Board requesting a union election at
which they are expected to determine whether to be to be
represented by the UAW. Accordingly, it is possible that the
table games dealers at Casino Aztar Evansville will ultimately
be covered by a contract with the UAW.
On October 10, 2007, approximately 140 security officers
employed by the Tropicana Atlantic City voted against union
representation by the Security Police and Fire Professionals
Association. However, the vote has not yet been certified and
the Security Police and Fire Professionals Association may
pursue legal challenges to the validity of the vote. Also,
approximately 53 slot technicians employed by the Tropicana
Atlantic City are scheduled to vote in a National Labor
Relations Board election on October 22, 2007 to determine
whether to be represented by the UAW. Accordingly, it is
possible that either or both of these groups will ultimately be
represented by unions.
The Tropicana Las Vegas is a party to the following contracts:
the hotel, food and beverage employees were covered by a
contract with the Culinary Local 226 union that expired on
May 31, 2007, but the union and Tropicana Las Vegas have
continued to perform under the terms of the contract while
negotiations continue between the parties; the stage technicians
were covered by a contract with the IATSE Local No. 720
union that expired on May 31, 2007, but the union and
Tropicana Las Vegas have continued to
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perform under the terms of the contract while negotiations
continue between the parties; approximately 4 carpenters
employed by the Tropicana Las Vegas were covered by a contract
that expired in 2006, but the union and Tropicana Las Vegas have
agreed to continue to perform under the terms of the contract
while negotiations continue between the parties; certain other
employees, including front desk personnel, drivers, gardeners,
and heavy equipment operators are covered by a contract with the
Teamsters 995 union that expires on June 30, 2008;
maintenance employees are covered by a contract with the
Operating Engineers Local 501 that expires on June 30,
2009; electricians are covered by a contract with the Electrical
Workers 357 union that expires on July 31, 2009; and
painters are covered by a contract with the Painters Local 159
union that expires on May 31, 2010. In May 2007, Tropicana
Las Vegas began negotiations with the Culinary Local 226 union
and the IATSE Local No. 720 union aimed at entering into
new collective bargaining agreements with each of them to
replace the agreements that expired on May 31, 2007. We
believe our employee relations are satisfactory.
As of September 30, 2007, CP Vicksburg, an affiliate
guarantor, employed approximately 370 people, none of whom
were represented by unions. CP Vicksburg believes that its
employee relations are satisfactory.
As of September 30, 2007, JMBS Casino, an affiliate
guarantor, employed approximately 230 people, none of whom
were represented by unions. JMBS Casino believes that its
employee relations are satisfactory.
Trademarks
We own a number of trademarks registered with the
U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, or U.S. PTO,
including, but not limited to, Belle of Baton Rouge,
Lake Tahoe Horizon, River Palms and
Horizon. We also have a number of trademark
applications pending with the U.S. PTO.
In addition, Tropicana Entertainments subsidiary Aztar
uses a variety of trade names, service marks and trademarks and
we believe that it has all the licenses necessary to conduct its
business. Aztar has registered several service marks and
trademarks with the U.S. PTO or otherwise acquired the
licenses to use those which are material to the conduct of its
business. For example, Aztar has registered the following
important trademarks or service marks: Aztar,
Casino Aztar, Trop,
Tropicana, Trop Park, and The
Island of Las Vegas.
Facilities
General. Our newly constructed corporate
headquarters, which we share with Columbia Sussex, are located
at 740 Centre View Blvd., Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017. We
commenced occupancy of our new headquarters in October 2007. In
addition to the following, we own or lease certain facilities
which are not material to our operations. Substantially all
land, casino hotel buildings, casino riverboats, pavilions,
furnishings and equipment owned by us or acquired by us pursuant
to the Aztar Acquisition have been pledged as collateral under
the senior secured credit facility or the Las Vegas secured loan.
Owned properties. We wholly own the
approximately
14-acre site
on which the Tropicana Atlantic City is located, the
approximately
31-acre site
on which the Tropicana Express is located, the approximately
34-acre site
on which the Tropicana Las Vegas is located and the riverboat in
which Casino Aztar Evansville conducts its operations. In
addition, we own the riverboats on which the Lighthouse Point
Casino, Belle of Baton Rouge, Vicksburg Horizon and Jubilee
Casino operate, as well as the 35 acres of land on which,
and the facility in which, the River Palms operates.
Properties leased from unrelated third
parties. Tropicana Entertainments
subsidiary Aztar is a party to a lease with respect to its
former corporate headquarters located in Phoenix, Arizona. The
lease has a term extending through December 31, 2008, with
monthly rental payments of $35,000.
Casino Aztar Evansville operates on an
eight-and-half
acre site next to the Ohio River in downtown Evansville,
Indiana. Approximately
four-and-half
acres are leased from the city of Evansville. Aztar owns the
remaining four acres. Aztars lease with the city of
Evansville was entered into in 1995 for an initial
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term of ten years, with Aztar entitled to exercise up to three
five-year renewal options. In July 2005, Aztar exercised the
first of its three renewal options to extend the lease term
through November 2010. Aztar also modified the lease to add four
additional five-year renewal options that give it the ability to
continue the lease through November 30, 2040. Under the
terms of the lease renewal, the city of Evansville will provide
Aztar with $1.00 of credit against its rent for each $2.50 of
development capital expenditures up to $25.0 million that
Aztar makes.
The Tahoe Horizon leases the land for its hotel casino and its
parking garage from Park Cattle under two separate leases. Under
the terms of the leases, rent is equal to the greater of the
base rent, which is currently $3.7 million per year,
subject to annual adjustment to reflect increases in the
Consumer Price Index, or 5% of Tahoe Horizons net gaming
revenues (which percentage will increase to 6% in 2015). The
Park Cattle leases expire in 2040.
We also have a lease agreement with Park Cattle with respect to
the land on which, and the building in which, the MontBleu
operates. Under the terms of the lease, rent is set at $474,842
per month, subject to annual adjustment to reflect increases in
the Consumer Price Index. The lease is scheduled to expire in
2028 but gives us the right to exercise a renewal option which
would extend the term of the lease for an additional
25 years.
The Belle of Baton Rouge leases the land and buildings which
comprise its hotel properties under three separate leases. It
has two leases with Cohn Realty Co. (an unrelated party), both
of which extend through 2013, but which we have the option to
extend for up to an additional 70 years. The Belle of Baton
Rouge has a third lease with Rosenthal and Associates (an
unrelated party), which extends through 2012, but which we have
the option to extend for up to an additional 70 years. The
three leases require fixed monthly payments in an aggregate
amount of $22,000, subject to adjustment every five years to
reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index.
The Lighthouse Point Casino leases approximately four acres of
land from the Greenville Marine Corporation (an unrelated
party), on which the docking, entry and parking facilities of
the casino are situated. The Lighthouse Point Casino is required
to pay an amount equal to 2% of its monthly gross gaming revenue
in rent, with a minimum monthly payment of $75,000. In addition,
in any given year in which annual gross gaming revenues exceed
$36,575,000, the Lighthouse Point Casino is required to pay 8%
of the excess amount as rent to Greenville Marine Corporation
pursuant to the terms of the lease. The current lease expires in
2009 and gives us the option to extend its term through 2044.
CP Vicksburg has a lease agreement with the city of Vicksburg,
which permitted the development of the Vicksburg Horizon and
provides for ongoing payments to the city. The lease agreement
expires in 2033. Amounts required to be paid to the city include
(i) a fixed annual payment of $576,000, subject to
adjustment to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index,
payable in monthly installments, and (ii) 1.5% of the net
operating revenue produced by the property (defined in the lease
agreement to include revenues derived primarily from gaming,
food and beverages), which is also payable monthly. Columbia
Sussex guarantees CP Vicksburgs obligations under the
lease agreement.
JMBS Casino is a party to three leases for the docking, entry,
and parking facilities at the Jubilee Casino. The lease for
dockage rights for the riverboat extends through 2010 and
requires monthly rent payments of $35,000. On November 7,
2006, JMBS Casino entered into a lease agreement with the city
of Greenville with respect to the same dockage rights governed
by the existing lease. The terms of the new lease, which will be
effective beginning in September 2010 and will extend through
August 2040, will require monthly rent payments of $62,000.
Under the terms of the new lease, JMBS Casino is required to
make repairs or improvements in a minimum amount of $200,000 to
the waterfront parking lot owned by the city of Greenville,
which is adjacent to the casino property. In exchange, the city
of Greenville has agreed, for the duration of the lease
agreement, to refrain from allowing any other gaming or related
activities to be conducted on any property owned or leased by
the city within the city of Greenville. A second lease for
dockage rights and riverfront property covers a second barge,
which was assigned to JMBS Casino by the prior owner of the
Jubilee Casino upon JMBS Casinos acquisition of the
property. This second lease extends through 2008, and JMBS has
renewal options to extend the term through 2017. The
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agreement requires monthly rental payments of $30,000 plus 5.0%
of net pre-tax profits up to $4.0 million, subject to
adjustments to reflect increases in the Consumer Price Index. A
third lease for docking and entry expires in 2013 and requires
monthly payments of $1,000.
Properties leased from affiliates. Tropicana
Entertainments subsidiary St. Louis Riverboat
Entertainment owns the riverboat that makes up part of the
Lighthouse Point Casino complex. Greenville Riverboat entered
into a charter party agreement with St. Louis Riverboat
Entertainment on January 20, 1995 to lease the riverboat
for a term of five years ending in January 2009, which
Greenville Riverboat has the option to renew for two additional
five-year terms. The monthly rent is $79,000 plus applicable
taxes.
Realty, one of the affiliate guarantors, owns the real estate on
which, and the facility in which, the River Palms operates. A
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment has a lease with Realty
for the property, with a term extending through
September 30, 2018. Rent is $425,000 per month under the
lease.
Legal
Proceedings
In the normal course of business, we are party to various
lawsuits, legal proceedings and claims arising out of our
respective businesses. We cannot predict the outcome of these
lawsuits, legal proceedings and claims with certainty.
Nevertheless, we do not believe that the outcome of any
currently existing proceeding, even if determined adversely,
would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition or results of operations.
Litigation
matters relating to our leases for the Tahoe
Horizon
In October 2005, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Tropicana
Entertainments ultimate parent, received a default notice
from Park Cattle, the landlord for the two ground leases for our
Tahoe Horizon property, arising from Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts alleged failure to maintain the Tahoe Horizon
hotel and casino facilities as required by the leases. In
response to this default notice, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
filed a Complaint for Declaratory Relief, Injunctive Relief and
Damages in the Ninth Judicial District Court in Douglas County,
Nevada seeking relief from the court in the form of an order
declaring that Tropicana Casinos and Resorts is not in default
under the leases and enjoining Park Cattle from terminating the
leases or attempting to retake the leased premises. Park Cattle
filed a counterclaim seeking a declaration from the court that
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts breached the leases by failing to
maintain the Tahoe Horizon in a first class
condition competitive with other casino hotels in South
Lake Tahoe, and that the leases should therefore be considered
terminated due to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts alleged
failure to cure the alleged defaults. The parties attempted to
settle the dispute through mediation but were not successful in
doing so. Written and deposition discovery is currently ongoing.
Numerous discovery disputes are in the process of being resolved
and trial preparation has begun. Trial is set to begin in
January 2008.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has operated the Tahoe Horizon on
the leased premises since 1989. In 2005, Park Cattle sent
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts a letter alleging that numerous
structural and other deficiencies existed at the property, which
was the first such complaint Park Cattle had issued since the
inception of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts tenancy. In
March 2005, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts received an extensive
list of repairs and improvements that Park Cattle claimed were
necessary in order to bring the Tahoe Horizon into compliance
with the terms of the leases. Although Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts rejects Park Cattles allegations that the Tahoe
Horizon is not being maintained in accordance with the terms of
the leases, it made and we will continue to make various repairs
to the property, including repairs to the parking garage during
2005, ongoing work to replace several sections of the roof, the
outer surface of the casino and the windows and outer surface of
the main hotel tower. Further, since July 2005, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts has been engaged in an ongoing effort to
update the propertys electrical infrastructure.
As part of the internal corporate reorganization that was
executed in order to facilitate the Transactions (see
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and Business Corporate
Reorganization in this prospectus), on September 18,
2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts informed Park Cattle that it
intended to assign the two ground leases for the Tahoe Horizon
property to Tahoe Horizon, LLC, which is
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a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment and owns and operates
the Tahoe Horizon. On November 17, 2006, as part of the
existing litigation dispute regarding the Tahoe Horizon leases,
Park Cattle filed a motion with the court seeking a temporary
restraining order and a preliminary injunction prohibiting
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts from assigning the ground leases
to Tahoe Horizon, LLC. While the terms of the ground leases
provide that assignments to entities controlled by
Mr. William Yung, such as Tahoe Horizon, LLC, may be made
without obtaining the consent of Park Cattle, Park Cattle
nevertheless contended that its rights and remedies under the
leases would be impaired by the assignment and that the
assignment would therefore contravene the terms of the leases.
On November 22, 2006, the court denied Park Cattles
motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary
injunction, refusing to set a hearing or briefing schedule with
respect to the preliminary injunction Park Cattle sought. The
court ordered Tropicana Casinos and Resorts to provide it with
certain financial information regarding Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts and Tahoe Horizon, LLC, and to provide a schedule by
which financial experts of each party could review this
information. The schedule outlined by the court with respect to
these matters was such that it will not impede or prevent the
closing of the corporate reorganization and the Aztar
Acquisition, which were completed in January 2007. However, Park
Cattle was allowed to amend its counterclaim to include various
allegations that the corporate reorganization and the Aztar
Acquisition were completed in an effort to defraud Park Cattle.
Park Cattle must obtain leave of court to file the proposed
amended counterclaim. We will vigorously dispute these claims.
Although we believe that Park Cattles allegations
regarding the maintenance of the Tahoe Horizon and the
assignment of the leases are without merit, we cannot predict
the outcome of the ongoing litigation. If we and Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts cannot successfully defend against the
default notices or reach a reasonable settlement with Park
Cattle, our leases governing the two properties may be adversely
affected or we may incur significant additional costs in order
to address Park Cattles allegations. Potential adverse
outcomes relating to this matter could include the unwinding of
part of the internal reorganization to facilitate the
Transactions, payment of significant damages sought by Park
Cattle in the litigation, including attorneys fees and
costs should Park Cattle prevail, the termination of the ground
leases and the forfeiture of our casino properties located on
the leased premises, or the incurrence by us of additional
expenses to cure the alleged lease defaults. We are also
expending significant resources in the form of legal fees to
contest the allegations made by Park Cattle.
Our MontBleu property is also subject to a lease with Park
Cattle. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts has not received a default
notice from Park Cattle with respect to the MontBleu lease and
is not currently party to any litigation with Park Cattle with
respect to this lease. However, in early 2005, Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts began receiving notices from Park Cattle requesting
that specific repairs be made at the MontBleu property. We
cannot assure you that these notices will not escalate as they
have in connection with the Tahoe Horizon property or that Park
Cattle will not allege defaults under the MontBleu lease.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired MontBleu (which was
formerly named Caesars Tahoe) from Harrahs in June
2005. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement with
Harrahs, Harrahs agreed to indemnify us in an amount
not to exceed $10.0 million for capital expenditures we are
required to make at the MontBleu property and has paid for
certain repairs to the parking garage and roof of the property
pursuant to this indemnity arrangement in an aggregate amount of
$4.7 million as of October 31, 2006. However, we
cannot assure you that the Harrahs indemnity will be
sufficient to cover any further expenditures that we may be
required to make to the MontBleu property in response to
requests from Park Cattle.
Litigation
matters relating to Columbia Sussexs previously
contemplated acquisition of the President Riverboat and the
ownership of an adjacent parking lot
On January 12, 2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (sued
under its prior name of Wimar Tahoe Corporation, but which we
refer to in this description as Tropicana Casinos and Resorts)
and Columbia Sussex were named as defendants in an adversary
proceeding commenced by President Casinos, Inc., which we refer
to as President Casinos, President Riverboat and their Official
Unsecured Creditors Committee in the United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Missouri, Adv.
Proc.
No. 06-04036.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages against Columbia Sussex
arising from Columbia Sussexs alleged breach of
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an agreement to acquire the President Riverboat from President
Casinos, as well as damages and injunctive relief against both
Columbia Sussex and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts arising from
allegedly tortious behavior concerning charges for validated
parking on a lot owned by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and
located across the street from a riverboat casino operated by
President Riverboat.
On March 22, 2006, Columbia Sussex and Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts denied liability with respect to the claims asserted
by the plaintiffs, asserted a number of affirmative defenses and
asserted counterclaims against President Casinos and President
Riverboat arising out of (a) the plaintiffs alleged
breach of the agreement under which Columbia Sussex was to
acquire the President Riverboat, (b) the plaintiffs
alleged breach of a letter agreement governing the parties
pre-litigation settlement discussions, (c) unjust
enrichment, restitution, and suit on account relating to the
plaintiffs alleged failure to make payment for validated
parking in late December 2005, and (d) unjust enrichment
and restitution relating to the plaintiffs alleged payment
of below-market prices for parking since February 2006. Columbia
Sussex and Tropicana Casinos and Resorts also demanded a jury
trial.
On April 11, 2006, President Casinos and President
Riverboat denied liability on the counterclaims, asserted
affirmative defenses, and alleged that Columbia Sussex and
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts had waived any right to a jury
trial.
On October 16, 2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and
Columbia Sussex filed a motion with the U.S. District Court
for the Eastern District of Missouri to withdraw the reference
of the adversary proceeding to the Bankruptcy Court so that the
case can be tried to a jury in the U.S. District Court. The
plaintiffs opposed the withdrawal of the reference, and United
States District Judge Steven Limbaugh decided on April 6,
2007 not to withdraw the reference. This decision, unless
subsequently reversed or altered, may have the practical effect
of preventing Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and Columbia Sussex
from receiving a jury trial in this case.
On January 5, 2007, by consent order, the Official
Unsecured Creditors Committee was dropped as a plaintiff and
President Riverboat was replaced as a plaintiff by its parent
company, President Casinos, making it the sole plaintiff in the
adversary proceeding.
Discovery is ongoing in the case. Nevertheless, the parties have
each filed motions for summary judgment. A pre-trial conference
is scheduled to be held on October 3, 2007. No trial date
has yet been established.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (sued under its prior name of
Wimar Tahoe Corporation) was also a defendant in a state court
eminent domain action relating to a parking lot across the
street from the President Riverboat. That parking lot, which we
refer to as the Cherrick Lot, had been acquired in anticipation
of the previously contemplated acquisition of the President
Riverboat itself. The eminent domain action was filed by the
Land Clearance Redevelopment Authority of the City of
St. Louis to take the Cherrick Lot. This case was dismissed
on August 24, 2007 as a result of our sale of the Cherrick
Lot to Pinnacle.
Litigation
matters relating to Aztars October 30, 2003 garage
collapse accident
On December 20, 2001, Aztar and Keating Building
Corporation (which we refer to as Keating) entered into a
Design-Build Construction Agreement to build a garage and hotel
tower at the Tropicana Atlantic City property. On
October 30, 2003, a portion of the newly constructed
parking garage collapsed, ultimately resulting in five
fatalities and serious injuries to over 30 people, as well
as extensive damage to the facilities under construction.
On December 29, 2003, Aztar and Adamar of New Jersey, Inc.,
which we refer to as Adamar, were named as defendants to an
action brought by Govathlay Givens, a construction worker on the
site, in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic County.
Between June 15, 2004 and January 18, 2006, six
lawsuits were filed for damages incurred by family members as a
result of the deaths of four construction workers. In addition,
35 additional personal injury complaints were filed by other
plaintiffs for unspecified amounts of compensatory and punitive
damages including four that were filed in October 2005. In
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December 2005, the Court concluded that settlement agreements
that were entered into between ten of the plaintiffs and Liberty
Mutual Insurance Company were fair and reasonable. Other
companies involved with the construction of the garage were also
named as defendants. They include Keating; Wimberly, Allison,
Tong & Goo; SOSH Architects; DeSimone Consulting
Engineers; Mid-State Filigree Systems; Site-Blauvelt Engineers;
Fabi Construction, Inc.; Pro Management Group, Inc.; Liberty
Mutual Insurance Co.; and Mitchell Bar Placement, Inc. Aztar
disputed the allegations against it and Adamar and contested the
liability aspect of them vigorously. The court handled these
cases in a coordinated fashion as the Tropicana Parking Garage
Collapse Litigation. On April 11, 2007, the case was
settled, resolving the claims against Aztar as well as
Aztars claims against the Contractors. Aztars
primary liability insurer contributed to the settlement of the
personal injury plaintiffs claims and Aztar was paid
certain funds in connection with the settlement of its claims
against the Contractors.
On March 30, 2004, Aztar and Adamar were named as
defendants in an action in the United States District Court,
District of New Jersey, brought by Zurich American Insurance
Company (which we refer to as Zurich), which issued a policy of
Completed Value Builders Risk insurance covering the
construction of the garage and related improvements at the
Tropicana Atlantic City. The action sought declaratory relief
with respect to certain items of loss for which claims have been
made by Aztar or Keating, the general contractor for the
project. Specifically, the action sought a judicial declaration
of the meaning and application of the insurance policy to
certain property damage and delay losses. This case was settled
in March 2007.
On April 21, 2004, Aztar filed an action in the Superior
Court of the State of Arizona, Maricopa County, against
Lexington Insurance Company (which we refer to as Lexington);
U.S. Fire Insurance Company; Westchester Surplus Lines
Insurance Company; Essex Insurance Company; Certain Underwriters
at Lloyds, London; Hartford Fire Insurance Company and
Zurich American Insurance Company seeking declaratory relief and
damages for breach of contract under policies of insurance
issued by the defendant insurers in connection with losses
claimed by Aztar on account of the collapse, including losses
for business interruption at the Tropicana Atlantic City due to
the collapse and the resulting impairment of Aztars hotel,
restaurant, casino and related operations there, which the
defendant insurers then refused to pay in full. Aztar sought a
declaration establishing its right to coverage for its business
interruption losses and extra expenses incurred on account of
the loss, payment of such losses and expenses, including its
loss adjustment expenses of up to $1.0 million,
its attorneys fees in connection with the action, and
other relief that may be available. During 2005, Lexington paid
its applicable policy limits and was dismissed from the action.
Aztar subsequently added AXIS (Bermuda) Limited as an additional
defendant. In late August 2007, the trial judge entered summary
judgment in favor of the defendant insurers on the issue of
business interruption. Summary judgment was granted in favor of
Aztar on the issue of advertising expenses. Several issues
remained to be tried and those matters were settled in July 2007
prior to trial. Aztar plans to appeal the adverse summary
judgment ruling on the issue of business interruption as soon as
post-trial motions are decided by the Superior Court of the
State of Arizona, Maricopa County.
Shortly after paying its limits of liability to Aztar, Lexington
filed a subrogation action in the Superior Court of New Jersey,
Atlantic County, against Fabi Construction, Inc., Pro Management
Group, Inc., and Mitchell Bar Placement, Inc. On June 15,
2005, the subrogation defendants filed a third party complaint
against Aztar and others, alleging claims against Aztar for the
breach of the implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing
and comparative fault and seeking contribution or indemnity from
Aztar for any sums that those entities are held liable to pay to
Lexington. This matter was dismissed with prejudice in March
2007.
On July 14, 2004, Aztar and Adamar were named as defendants
in an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic
County arising out of an incident that took place on
October 24, 2002 at the site of the construction of the new
garage at the Tropicana Atlantic City. The plaintiffs are
Antonio DeShazo and Johnnie J. Caldwell. The plaintiffs sought
compensatory and punitive damages of unspecified amounts in
connection with personal injuries. Also named as defendants were
Keating; Fabi Construction, Inc.; Pro Management Group, Inc.;
Liberty Mutual Insurance Co.; ABC Insurance Companies; Jack Doe
and Jill Doe; DEF Engineering Firms, Inc.; Jason Doe and
Josephine Doe; Mitchell Bar Placement, Inc.; GHI Architects,
Inc.; Jackson Doe and Jenna Doe; and Mid-State Filigree Systems,
Inc. Mr. DeShazos case
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has been settled. Plaintiff Caldwell was allegedly injured a
second time in the October 30, 2003 garage collapse. Aztar
contested the liability aspect of this action vigorously and
asserted contractual recourse against the general contractor.
This matter was settled on April 11, 2007.
On July 29, 2004, Aztar and Adamar were named as defendants
to an action in the Superior Court of New Jersey in Atlantic
County. The plaintiffs, Another Time, Inc. t/a Chelsea
Pub & Hotel and John Conway, claimed to have sustained
property damage and loss of business as a result of the garage
collapse accident. The action sought compensatory and punitive
damages in unspecified amounts. Also named as defendants are
Keating; Fabi Construction, Inc.; Pro Management Group, Inc.;
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company; ABC Insurance Companies; Jack
Doe and Jill Doe; DiSimone Consulting Engineers; Def, Inc.;
Jason Doe and Josephine Doe; Site-Blauvelt Engineers; Mitchell
Bar Placement, Inc.; Wimberly Allison, Tong & Goo;
GHI, Inc.; Jackson Doe and Jenna Doe; and Sykes, OConnor,
Salerno & Hazaveh. Aztar disputed the allegations
against it and Adamar, and contested the action vigorously. On
April 11, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment became a party to a
settlement agreement that resolved all of the construction
accident related liability claims against Aztar and Aztars
claims against the contractors involved in the Atlantic City
garage collapse. The settlement amount was within Tropicana
Entertainments insurance policy limits.
Litigation
matters relating to the Casino Queen Acquisition
Agreement
On April 20, 2006, CP St. Louis Casino, LLC and CP
St. Louis Acquisition, LLC (affiliates of Tropicana
Entertainment) entered into the Casino Queen Acquisition
Agreement. Due to reasons beyond our control, the conditions to
the closing of the acquisition set forth in the Casino Queen
Acquisition Agreement were not satisfied by February 28,
2007, the outside date for the consummation of the transaction,
and accordingly the Casino Queen Acquisition Agreement was
terminated on March 9, 2007.
On March 14, 2007, $5.0 million (plus accrued interest
thereon) of a $10.0 million deposit that Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts previously made in connection with the contemplated
acquisition was returned to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts by
Casino Queen. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, in turn, paid these
funds to us as an additional capital contribution. Casino Queen,
however, retained $5.0 million of the original deposit,
plus the accrued interest thereon, despite Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts demand that Casino Queen return the entire
original deposit, plus the accrued interest thereon. On
June 20, 2007, certain subsidiaries of Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts initiated an action against Casino Queen in the
United States District Court for the Southern District of
Illinois seeking compensatory and punitive damages in excess of
$5.0 million. In the complaint, these subsidiaries allege,
among other things, that Casino Queen is liable for breach of
contract, fraud, unjust enrichment, violations of the Illinois
Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Practices Act and violations of the
federal securities laws. The action is ongoing. No trial date
has been set. Any future proceeds derived from, or costs
required to pursue, this action will be retained or paid, as the
case may be, by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and we are not
entitled to any such prospective proceeds, nor will we be
responsible for any such future costs.
Environmental
Matters
As the owner, operator and developer of real property, we have
to address, and may be liable for, hazardous materials or
contamination on our properties. Some of our properties
currently have or had in the past underground fuel storage tanks
and construction materials containing asbestos. We have in the
past, and may in the future, become liable for contamination on
our properties that was caused by former owners or operators.
For sites that we acquire for development, we typically conduct
environmental assessments to identify adverse impacts from
former activities, including the improper storage or disposal of
hazardous substances, and the existence of asbestos containing
materials. We may not always identify environmental problems
through this process and may become liable for historical
contamination not previously discovered. For sites that we have
sold, we may retain all or a portion of any residual
environmental liability. In order to receive governmental
approvals prior to engaging in site development, we must conduct
assessments of the environmental impact of our proposed
operations. Our ongoing operations are subject to stringent
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regulations relating to protection of the environment and
handling of waste, particularly with respect to the management
of wastewater from our facilities.
Other
Regulations
Our business is subject to various federal, state and local laws
and regulations in addition to those discussed below under
Regulation and Licensing. These laws and regulations
include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions
concerning employees, taxation, zoning and building codes and
marketing and advertising. Such laws and regulations could
change or could be interpreted differently in the future, or new
laws and regulations could be enacted. Material changes, new
laws or regulations, or material differences in interpretations
by courts or governmental authorities could adversely affect our
business.
The Aztar
Acquisition
The
Aztar Merger Agreement
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment
acquired Aztar for approximately $2.1 billion in cash. As
part of the corporate reorganization completed substantially
concurrently with the acquisition, Aztar became a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. The Aztar Acquisition was
consummated pursuant to the Aztar Merger Agreement. Outstanding
shares of Aztars common stock and Series B preferred
stock were acquired in exchange for $54.3996 per share and
$575.3546 per share in cash, respectively. Following the Aztar
Acquisition, Aztars common stock was delisted from the New
York Stock Exchange and deregistered.
In accordance with the Aztar Merger Agreement, Aztar attempted
to divest the Casino Aztar Caruthersville prior to the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition. Aztar located a
prospective buyer, however, the proposed sale was terminated
because the Missouri Gaming Commission, by resolution dated
October 25, 2006, determined that the licensure of the
proposed buyer would not occur on or before the proposed closing
date of the Aztar Acquisition. The Aztar Merger Agreement
contemplated that if the sale of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville
was not completed by the proposed closing date of the Aztar
Acquisition, the casino would be shut down because Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts would not have the necessary licenses to own
and operate a casino in Missouri. In order to avoid the
potential closure of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, the
Missouri Gaming Commission entered into an agreement with Aztar
Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company and Aztar on November 3,
2006 permitting Tropicana Casinos and Resorts to own the Casino
Aztar Caruthersville on an interim basis during which time the
property was operated under the supervision of the Missouri
Gaming Commission. The agreement required Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts to either sell the Casino Aztar Caruthersville within
nine months of the date of its execution or discontinue the
casinos operations at that time. In accordance with the
agreement, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts divested the Casino
Aztar Caruthersville to Isle of Capri on June 10, 2007. All
proceeds from the disposition of the Casino Aztar Caruthersville
were retained by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and we are not
entitled to any of these proceeds.
The
Deposit
In connection with the Aztar Merger Agreement, Columbia Sussex
deposited $313.0 million into an interest-bearing custodial
account on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts pursuant to a
custody agreement. The original deposit of $313.0 million
was subsequently reduced by $78.0 million as a result of a
payment made to Aztar to reimburse it for its payment of
termination fees and transaction expenses to Pinnacle in
connection with the termination of a merger agreement previously
entered into between Aztar and Pinnacle. Immediately prior to
the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, the balance of the
deposit was credited against the purchase price for the
transaction.
Aztar
Debt Retired
Substantially concurrent with the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition, Tropicana Entertainment caused Aztar to call for
redemption its $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of
77/8% Senior
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Subordinated Notes due 2014 and $175.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 9% senior subordinated notes due 2011
by irrevocably depositing with the trustees for such notes
amounts sufficient, without consideration of any reinvestment of
interest, to pay and discharge the entire indebtedness
outstanding under such series of notes, including principal,
premium and liquidated damages, if any, and accrued interest to
February 2, 2007, the date on which such series of notes
were redeemed. In addition, on January 3, 2007, Tropicana
Entertainment caused Aztar to repay in full all outstanding term
loans and revolving loans, together with interest and all other
amounts due in connection with such repayment, under
Aztars then outstanding credit agreement. The credit
agreement was comprised of a $675 million senior secured
credit facility consisting of a five year revolving credit
facility of up to $550 million and a five year term loan
facility of $125 million.
Pennsylvania
License Application
On December 12, 2006, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
acquired all of the equity interests of Tropicana Pennsylvania,
a subsidiary of Aztar formed to file an application to develop a
gaming property in Pennsylvanias Lehigh Valley gaming
market at a site in Allentown, for a cash purchase price of
$6.9 million, which represented the estimated net total
assets of Tropicana Pennsylvania on the date the acquisition was
consummated. Following its acquisition by Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Tropicana Pennsylvania became a direct subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. Tropicana Pennsylvania is not
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
In addition, LV Rec, Inc. and LV Red, LLC, subsidiaries of Aztar
involved in its erstwhile effort to develop a gaming property in
Allentown, Pennsylvania but that do not hold any material
assets, were distributed to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
immediately following the Aztar Acquisition. Neither LV Rec,
Inc. nor LV Red, LLC is a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment
and neither of these entities is subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture. On December 21, 2006,
the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board awarded the right to
develop a gaming property in Lehigh Valley to Sands, which had
competed with Tropicana Casinos and Resorts for the gaming
license. Sands will develop a site in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts is currently contemplating a sale
of a portion of the real property held by the Tropicana
Pennsylvania entities in Allentown, Pennsylvania to a third
party which would make use of such real property for non-gaming
purposes.
The
Acquisition Financing Transactions
We financed the Aztar Acquisition and the refinancing of
Aztars outstanding indebtedness, along with the
refinancing of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts then
outstanding credit facility and certain additional indebtedness
of the affiliate guarantors, with:
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the net proceeds of the offering of the outstanding notes;
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the senior secured credit facility, which was made available to
Tropicana Entertainment and provided for $1,530.0 million
in aggregate principal amount of term loans, $229.8 million
in aggregate principal amount of which we have since repaid
resulting in $1,300.2 million in aggregate principal amount
of such term loans being outstanding as of September 30,
2007, and a $180.0 million revolving credit facility under
which we presently have approximately $170.3 million in
additional availability net of approximately $9.7 million
of outstanding letters of credit;
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the Las Vegas secured loan in an aggregate principal amount of
$440.0 million, which was made available to the Las Vegas
Borrower, a newly formed indirect subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment that holds the assets and operations relating to
the Tropicana Las Vegas, including its
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip;
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the approximately $241.8 million remaining of a
$313.0 million deposit plus accrued interest made by
Columbia Sussex on behalf of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts into
a custodial account upon the execution of the Aztar Merger
Agreement;
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cash-on-hand
of ours and Aztar; and
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an additional equity contribution of approximately
$152.0 million from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent.
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For more information on the terms of the senior secured credit
facility and the Las Vegas secured loan, see Description
of Other Indebtedness.
Corporate
Reorganization
In order to facilitate the Transactions, we undertook an
internal corporate reorganization. As part of this
reorganization, Tropicana Entertainment, a co-issuer of the
notes and the borrower under the senior secured credit facility,
was formed on June 8, 2006. Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Tropicana Entertainments ultimate parent, contributed to
Tropicana Entertainment substantially all of its gaming
properties. Substantially concurrently with the consummation of
the Aztar Acquisition, Aztar became a direct wholly- owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts holds its equity interests in Tropicana Entertainment
through two holding companies, Tropicana Entertainment Holdings
and its direct subsidiary Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate
Holdings, Tropicana Entertainments immediate parent. All
of the capital stock of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts is held by
Mr. William Yung.
In the corporate reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
did not contribute to Tropicana Entertainment the assets
relating to two gaming properties: (1) its subsidiary that
owns the New Orleans riverboat, which was temporarily
decommissioned as a result of damage it sustained during
Hurricane Katrina in August 2005 and was subsequently redeployed
in Amelia, Louisiana in May 2007, and (2) the gaming assets
and operations at the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino, a casino
located in leased space in a hotel property that is managed by
Columbia Sussex and owned by a subsidiary of Columbia Sussex.
The assets relating to the New Orleans riverboat are held by
Belle of Orleans, LLC, a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts which is not a subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment, and the gaming assets and operations
relating to the Casuarina Las Vegas Casino are held by LV Casino
LLC, a wholly-owned direct subsidiary of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts which is not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment.
In addition, on December 12, 2006 and January 3, 2007,
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts acquired all of the equity
interests in the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities, which are not
subject to the restrictive covenants contained in the indenture.
Furthermore, Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, which owns
the Casino Aztar Caruthersville, became a wholly-owned direct
subsidiary of Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, and not a
subsidiary of Aztar, as a result of the consummation of the
corporate reorganization. On June 10, 2007, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts completed the sale of Aztar Missouri
Riverboat Gaming Company to Isle of Capri. See Prospectus
Summary Recent Developments Sale of
Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company.
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance, a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment with nominal assets and
which conducts no operations, are co-issuers of the outstanding
notes and will be co-issuers of the exchange notes. Tropicana
Entertainment is also the borrower under the senior secured
credit facility. The outstanding notes and the obligations under
the senior secured credit facility are, and the exchange notes
will be, guaranteed by certain of Tropicana Entertainments
existing and future domestic subsidiaries. The outstanding notes
and the obligations under the senior secured credit facility are
also, and the exchange notes will be, guaranteed by Realty and
CP Vicksburg, each of which is an affiliate of Tropicana
Entertainment but not a subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment,
and JMBS Casino, an affiliate of the Yung family that is not a
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment. Realty, which is held
indirectly by Columbia Sussex and a trust created for the
benefit of Mr. William Yungs children, owns the real
estate on which our River Palms in Laughlin, Nevada is situated,
as well as substantially all of the non-gaming assets associated
with the property. CP Vicksburg is owned by Mr. William
Yung and the JMBS Trust, and operates our Vicksburg Horizon in
Vicksburg, Mississippi. JMBS Casino is owned by the JMBS Trust
and is subject to the control of Mr. William Yungs
children. In addition, any amount in excess of
$100.0 million drawn under the senior secured credit
facilitys revolving loan facility will be guaranteed on a
senior unsecured basis by Columbia Sussex.
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The outstanding notes and the obligations under the senior
secured credit facility are not, and the exchange notes will not
be, guaranteed by Greenville Riverboat, a direct subsidiary of
Tropicana Entertainment in which Tropicana Entertainment holds
an 84% economic interest and a 79% voting interest. However,
Greenville Riverboat is subject to the restrictive covenants
contained in the indenture. The remaining interests in
Greenville Riverboat are held by Rainbow, an unrelated party,
and Mr. William Yung. Greenville Riverboat operates the
Lighthouse Point Casino in Greenville, Mississippi. However,
Tropicana Entertainments wholly-owned subsidiary
St. Louis Riverboat Entertainment is the owner of the
vessel on which the Lighthouse Point Casino conducts its
operations, and is a guarantor of the outstanding notes and the
senior secured credit facility, and will be a guarantor of the
exchange notes. The outstanding notes and the senior secured
credit facility are not, and the exchange notes will not be,
guaranteed by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, and, respectively,
are not, and will not be, guaranteed by Belle of Orleans, LLC,
LV Casino LLC or the Tropicana Pennsylvania entities, each of
which is a outside of the group subject to the restrictive
covenants contained in the indenture.
The outstanding notes and the obligations under the senior
secured credit facility are also not, and the exchange notes
will not be, guaranteed by any of Tropicana Entertainments
subsidiaries that hold the assets and operations relating to the
Tropicana Las Vegas, including the
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip. These
subsidiaries are the obligors in respect of the
$440.0 million aggregate principal amount Las Vegas secured
loan, and the assets and operations relating to the Tropicana
Las Vegas, including its site on the Strip, have
been pledged as collateral to secure the Las Vegas secured loan.
We expect that the Las Vegas secured loan will be refinanced
with a construction financing loan to fund our planned
redevelopment of the Tropicana Las Vegas and the real estate on
which it is situated.
For a chart summarizing our ownership, corporate structure and
indebtedness, see Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization.
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General
The ownership and operation of our casino entertainment
facilities are subject to pervasive regulation. Each of the
jurisdictions in which we presently operate gaming facilities
requires us to hold or obtain various licenses, findings of
suitability, registrations, permits and approvals, collectively
referred to herein as Gaming Licenses. To date, we have applied
for or obtained all material Gaming Licenses (other than certain
findings of suitability with respect to recently appointed
officers and managers) that we believe are materially necessary
for the operation of our gaming facilities in Nevada, New
Jersey, Mississippi, Louisiana and Indiana as operations at such
facilities are presently conducted. In this connection, on
November 2, 2006, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
granted us an ICA, subject to certain customary conditions and
approvals. Gaming Licenses and related approvals, however, are
deemed to be privileges under the laws of the jurisdictions in
which we currently conduct gaming activities, and no assurances
can be given that any new Gaming Licenses that may be required
in the future will be granted or that existing Gaming Licenses
will be renewed and not revoked, suspended or made subject to
conditions.
The following description should not be construed as a complete
summary of all of the regulatory requirements that we face in
connection with our current and contemplated gaming operations.
Gaming laws are based upon declarations of public policy
designed to protect gaming consumers and the viability and
integrity of the gaming industry, including the prevention of
cheating and fraudulent practices. Gaming laws may also be
designed to protect and maximize state and local revenues
derived through taxation and licensing fees imposed on gaming
industry participants and enhance economic development and
tourism. To accomplish these public policy goals, gaming laws
establish procedures to ensure that participants in the gaming
industry meet certain standards of character and fitness, or
suitability. In addition, gaming laws require gaming industry
participants to:
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Establish and maintain responsible accounting practices and
procedures;
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Maintain effective controls over their financial practices,
including establishment of minimum procedures for internal
fiscal affairs and the safeguarding of assets and revenues;
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Maintain systems for reliable record-keeping; and
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File periodic reports with gaming regulators.
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Typically, state regulatory environments are established by
statute and are administered by a regulatory agency or agencies
with interpretive authority with respect to gaming laws and
regulations and broad discretion to regulate the affairs of
owners, managers, directors, employees, vendors, suppliers and
persons with financial interests in gaming operations. Among
other things, gaming authorities in the various jurisdictions in
which we operate:
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Adopt rules and regulations under the implementing statutes;
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Enforce gaming laws and impose disciplinary sanctions for
violations, including revocation or suspension of a gaming
license, imposing conditions on the license, or fines and
penalties;
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Review the character and fitness of participants in gaming
operations and make determinations regarding their suitability
or qualification for licensure;
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Grant Gaming Licenses for participation in gaming operations;
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Collect and review reports and information submitted by
participants in gaming operations;
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Review and approve transactions, such as acquisitions or
change-of-control transactions of gaming industry participants
and securities offerings and debt transactions executed by such
participants; and
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Establish and collect fees and taxes.
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In addition, from time to time, legislative and regulatory
changes are proposed, court decisions rendered, and
investigations conducted relating to the gaming industry in the
jurisdictions in which we operate gaming facilities.
Licensing
and Suitability Determinations
Gaming laws require us, certain of our directors, officers and
employees, and in some cases, our shareholders and holders of
our debt securities, to obtain Gaming Licenses or findings of
suitability from gaming authorities. Holding companies may be
required to meet the same basic standards for approval as a
casino licensee. Gaming Licenses or findings of suitability
typically require a determination that the applicant meets
exacting standards for licensure, qualification or suitability.
Gaming authorities have very broad discretion in determining
whether an applicant satisfies the applicable standards.
Criteria used in determining whether to grant a Gaming License
or finding of suitability, while varying between jurisdictions,
generally include consideration of factors such as:
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the financial stability, integrity and responsibility of the
applicant, including whether the operation is adequately
capitalized in the state and exhibits the ability to maintain
adequate insurance levels;
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the quality of the applicants casino facilities;
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the amount of revenue to be derived by the applicable state
through operation of the applicants gaming facility;
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the applicants practices with respect to minority hiring
and training;
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the effect on competition and general impact on the
community; and
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the legality and suitability of the casino site.
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In evaluating individual applicants, gaming authorities consider
the individuals reputation for good character, honesty and
integrity, his or her financial stability and responsibility,
his or her criminal history and the character of those with whom
the individual associates.
Many states limit the number of Gaming Licenses granted to
operate gaming facilities within the state, and some states
limit the number of Gaming Licenses granted to any one gaming
operator.
Licenses under gaming laws are generally not transferable. In
certain jurisdictions, such transfers are strictly prohibited,
whereas in other jurisdictions such transfers are permitted if
approved by the requisite regulatory agency. Gaming Licenses in
many of the jurisdictions in which we conduct gaming operations
are granted for limited durations and require renewal from time
to time. There can be no assurance that our Gaming Licenses will
be renewed, and failure to renew our Gaming Licenses could have
a material adverse effect on our financial condition, prospects
and results of operations.
In addition, gaming authorities may investigate any individual
who has a material relationship to, or material involvement
with, us to determine whether such individual is suitable or
should be licensed as a business associate of a gaming licensee.
Our officers, directors and certain key employees must file
applications with the gaming authorities and may be required to
be licensed, qualified or be found suitable in many
jurisdictions. Gaming authorities may deny an application for
licensing for any cause which they deem reasonable.
Qualification and suitability determinations require submission
of detailed personal and financial information followed by a
thorough investigation. The applicant must pay all the costs of
the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be
reported to gaming authorities and in addition to their
authority to deny an application for licensure, qualification or
a finding of suitability, gaming authorities have jurisdiction
to disapprove a change in a corporate position.
If gaming authorities were to find that an officer, director or
key employee fails to qualify or is unsuitable for licensing or
unsuitable to continue their relationship with us, we would have
to sever all relationships with such person. In addition, gaming
authorities may require us to terminate the employment of any
person who refuses to file appropriate applications.
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Moreover, in many jurisdictions, any of our stockholders or
holders of our debt securities may be required to file an
application, be investigated, and qualify or have his, her or
its suitability determined. Many jurisdictions also require any
person who acquires beneficial ownership of more than a certain
percentage of our voting securities (although certain
jurisdictions, including Louisiana, do not make a distinction
between voting and non-voting securities), typically 5%, to
report the acquisition to gaming authorities, and gaming
authorities may require such holders to apply for qualification
or a finding of suitability. Most gaming authorities, however,
allow an institutional investor to hold a higher
percentage of our voting securities (or non-voting securities in
jurisdictions that do not distinguish between voting and
non-voting securities) without such requirement
and/or to
apply for a waiver. An institutional investor
generally refers to an investor acquiring and holding voting
securities (or non-voting securities in jurisdictions that do
not distinguish between voting and non-voting securities) in the
ordinary course of business as an institutional investor, and
not for the purpose of causing, directly or indirectly, the
election of a majority of the members of any of the
co-issuers or the guarantors management boards or
boards of directors, as the case may be, any change in the
corporate charter, bylaws, management, policies or operations of
any of the co-issuers or the guarantors, or the taking of any
other action which gaming authorities find to be inconsistent
with holding our voting securities (or non-voting securities in
jurisdictions that do not distinguish between voting and
non-voting securities) for investment purposes only. Even if a
waiver is granted, an institutional investor generally may not
take any action inconsistent with its status when the waiver was
granted without once again becoming subject to the foregoing
reporting and application obligations. The definition of an
institutional investor varies from jurisdiction to
jurisdiction and some jurisdictions, including Louisiana,
Mississippi and Indiana, also require an institutional investor
to certify to, among other things, its intent and purpose in
acquiring and holding an issuers securities.
Generally, any person who fails or refuses to apply for a
finding of suitability or a Gaming License within a prescribed
period may be denied a Gaming License or found unsuitable, as
applicable. Any stockholder found unsuitable or denied a Gaming
License and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial
ownership of our voting securities (or non-voting securities in
jurisdictions that do not distinguish between voting and
non-voting securities) beyond such period of time as may be
prescribed by the applicable gaming authorities may be guilty of
a criminal offense in some of the jurisdictions in which we
operate. Furthermore, we may be subject to disciplinary action,
including revocation, suspension of a Gaming License or making
the license subject to certain conditions if, after we receive
notice that a person is unsuitable to be a stockholder or to
have any other relationship with us, we: (i) pay that
person any dividend or interest upon our voting securities (or
non-voting securities in jurisdictions that do not distinguish
between voting and non-voting securities); (ii) allow that
person to exercise, directly or indirectly, any voting right
conferred through securities held by that person; (iii) pay
remuneration in any form to that person for services rendered or
otherwise; (iv) make any payment to that person by way of
principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or
similar transaction; or (v) fail to pursue all lawful
efforts to require such unsuitable person to relinquish its
voting securities (or non-voting securities in jurisdictions
that do not distinguish between voting and non-voting
securities) including, if necessary, the immediate purchase of
said securities for cash at fair market value.
Under New Jersey gaming laws, holders of our debt or equity
securities are required to qualify or have their qualification
waived. If a holder of our debt or equity securities is required
to qualify and does not have such qualification waived or is not
otherwise exempted from the requirement to obtain such
qualification, the holder will be required to file an
application for qualification or divest itself of the subject
securities. If the holder files an application for
qualification, it must place the subject securities in trust
with an approved trustee, and while the application is pending,
such holder may, through the approved trustee, continue to
exercise all rights incident to the ownership of the subject
securities with the exception that the security holder may only
receive a return on its investment in an amount not to exceed
the actual cost of the investment (as defined by New Jersey
gaming laws) until the New Jersey gaming authorities find such
holder qualified. In the event the New Jersey gaming authorities
find there is reasonable cause to believe that the security
holder may be found unqualified, all rights incident to
ownership of the securities shall vest with the trustee pending
a determination of such holders qualifications, provided,
however, that during the period the securities remain in trust,
the security holder may petition the New Jersey gaming
authorities
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to direct the trustee to dispose of the trust property and
distribute proceeds thereof to the security holder in an amount
not to exceed the lower of the actual cost of the investment or
the value of the securities on the date the trust became
operative. If the security holder is ultimately not found to be
qualified, the trustee is required to sell the securities and to
distribute the proceeds of the sale to the applicant in an
amount not to exceed the lower of the actual cost of the
investment or the value of the securities on the date the trust
became operative (if not already sold and distributed at the
direction of the security holder) and to distribute the
remaining proceeds to the state. If the security holder is found
qualified, the trust agreement will be terminated. In the event
a security holder is disqualified, the New Jersey gaming
authorities are empowered to propose any necessary action to
protect the public interest, including the suspension or
revocation of Gaming Licenses relating to the casino we intend
to operate in New Jersey.
Whenever any person enters into a contract to transfer any
property which relates to an ongoing casino operation, including
a security of the casino licensee or that of a holding or
intermediary company or entity qualifier, under circumstances
which would require that the transferee obtain licensure or be
qualified under the New Jersey Casino Control Act, and that
person is not already licensed or qualified, the transferee is
required to apply for interim authorization. Furthermore, the
complete application for licensure or qualification must be
filed with a fully executed trust agreement in a form approved
by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission. If, after the
report of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement and a
hearing by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the New
Jersey Casino Control Commission grants interim authorization,
the property will be subject to a trust. If the New Jersey
Casino Control Commission denies interim authorization, the
contract may not close or settle until the New Jersey Casino
Control Commission makes a determination with respect to the
qualifications of the applicant. If the New Jersey Casino
Control Commission denies qualification, the contract will be
terminated for all purposes, and there will be no liability on
the part of the transferor.
The New Jersey Casino Control Commission may grant ICA where it
finds by clear and convincing evidence that: statements of
compliance have been issued pursuant to the Casino Control Act;
the subject casino hotel is an approved hotel in accordance with
the Casino Control Act; the trustee satisfies qualification
criteria applicable to casino key employees, except for
residency; and interim operation will best serve the interests
of the public. ICA was granted to us with respect to the
Tropicana Atlantic City, subject to certain standard conditions,
on November 2, 2006. The ICA is set to expire in January
2008.
Generally, after an interim authorization is granted, a trust
will continue until the New Jersey Casino Control Commission
finds an applicant to be qualified on a plenary basis. In our
case, we anticipate that a hearing with respect to plenary
qualification for the Tropicana Atlantic City will be held in
November 2007. At such time, if we are granted plenary
qualification by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the
trust will terminate. If the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission denies qualification to a person who has received an
ICA, the trustee is authorized and required to endeavor to sell,
assign, convey, or otherwise dispose of the property subject to
the trust to persons who are licensed or qualified or have
themselves obtained an ICA.
Many jurisdictions also require that suppliers of certain goods
and services to gaming industry participants be licensed and
require us to purchase and lease gaming equipment, supplies and
services only from licensed suppliers, and to fulfill at least a
minimum percentage of our supply and service needs by purchasing
from locally owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by
members of ethnic or racial minority groups and women.
Violations
of Gaming Laws
The Nevada Gaming Commission, the New Jersey Casino Control
Commission, the Mississippi Gaming Commission, the Louisiana
Gaming Control Board and the Indiana Gaming Commission may also,
among other things, limit, condition, suspend or revoke a Gaming
License or approval to own the stock or joint venture interests
of any of our operations in such licensing authoritys
jurisdiction for any cause deemed reasonable by such licensing
authority. In addition, if we violate applicable gaming laws,
our Gaming Licenses could be limited, made subject to
conditions, suspended or revoked by gaming authorities,
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and we and any other persons involved could be subject to
substantial fines. Further, a supervisor or conservator could be
appointed by gaming authorities to operate our gaming
properties, or in some jurisdictions, take title to our gaming
assets in such jurisdictions, and under certain circumstances,
earnings generated during such appointment could be forfeited to
the applicable state or states. Furthermore, violations of laws
in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other
jurisdictions. As a result, violations by us of applicable
gaming laws
and/or the
suspension or revocation of any of our Gaming Licenses could
have a material adverse effect on our financial condition,
prospects and results of operations. If we are ever precluded
from operating one of our gaming facilities, we expect that we
would, to the extent permitted by law, seek to recover our
investment by selling any property affected, but we cannot
guarantee that we would be able to accomplish such a sale on
reasonable terms, if at all, or recover our full investment in
any such property.
Reporting
and Record-Keeping Requirements
We are required periodically to submit detailed financial and
operating reports and furnish any other information about us and
our operations which gaming authorities may request. Many gaming
authorities, such as those in Nevada and Indiana, along with
federal law, require us to record and submit detailed reports of
currency transactions involving more than $10,000 at our
casinos. We are required to maintain a current stock ledger
which may be examined by gaming authorities at any time. Indiana
requires us to submit quarterly reports setting forth those
persons who hold a 1% interest in the gaming license. If any
securities are held in trust by an agent or by a nominee, the
record holder may be required to disclose the identity of the
beneficial owner to gaming authorities. A failure to make such
disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder
unsuitable. Gaming authorities may require certificates for our
stock to bear a legend indicating that the securities are
subject to specified gaming laws.
Review
and Approval of Certain Transactions; Regulations Applicable to
the Notes
Substantially all material loans, leases, sales of securities
and similar financing transactions by us must be reported to, or
approved by, gaming authorities. In addition, under the gaming
laws of Nevada, New Jersey, Mississippi, Louisiana and Indiana,
as well as under the organizational documents of the co-issuers
and the guarantors, holders of our securities may be required,
under certain circumstances, to dispose of any securities issued
by us, including the notes. If the holder refuses to do so, we
may be required to repurchase such securities.
Consequently, each holder of notes, by accepting any notes, will
be deemed to have agreed to be bound by the requirements imposed
by the gaming authorities in any jurisdictions in which any of
the co-issuers or the guarantors, or any of their affiliates or
subsidiaries, conduct or propose to conduct gaming activities.
See Description of the Exchange Notes Gaming
Redemption. In addition, under the indenture, each holder
and beneficial owner of notes, by accepting or otherwise
acquiring an interest in any notes, will be deemed to have
agreed to apply for a license, qualification, or finding of
suitability if and to the extent required by the gaming
authorities in any jurisdiction in which of any of the
co-issuers or the guarantors, or any their affiliates or
subsidiaries, conduct or propose to conduct gaming activities.
In such an event, if a holder of notes fails to apply or become
licensed or qualified or is found unsuitable, we will have the
right, at our option:
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to require the holder to dispose of its notes or beneficial
interest therein within 30 days of receiving notice of our
election or such earlier date as may be requested or prescribed
by a gaming authority; or
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to redeem the notes, possibly within less than 30 days
following the notice of redemption, if so requested or
prescribed by the gaming authority, at a redemption price equal
to the lesser of (1) the holders cost, plus accrued
and unpaid interest to the earlier of the redemption date and
the date of the finding of unsuitability, (2) 100% of the
principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest to
the earlier of the redemption date and the date of the finding
of unsuitability, and (3) any other amount as may be
required by applicable law or by order of any gaming authority.
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We will not be responsible for any costs or expenses incurred by
any such holder or beneficial owner in connection with its
application for a license, qualification or finding of
suitability. Additionally, the organizational documents of the
co-issuers and the guarantors contain provisions establishing
the right to redeem the securities of disqualified holders if
necessary to avoid any regulatory sanctions, to prevent the loss
or to secure the reinstatement of any Gaming License or
franchise, or if such holder is determined by any gaming
regulatory agency to be unsuitable, has an application for a
Gaming License or permit denied or rejected, or has a previously
issued Gaming License or permit rescinded, suspended, revoked or
not renewed.
Under Nevada and Mississippi law, we may not make a public
offering of our securities (including an offer to exchange the
notes and the guarantees for publicly tradeable notes and
guarantees having substantially identical terms) without the
prior approval of the applicable gaming commission if we intend
to use the offering proceeds to construct, acquire or finance a
gaming facility, or retire or extend existing obligations
incurred for such purposes. The Chairman of the Nevada State
Gaming Control Board and the Executive Director of the
Mississippi Gaming Commission may rescind this approval for good
cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an interlocutory
stop order. On August 17, 2006, the Mississippi Gaming
Commission granted us prior approval of an offer to exchange the
notes, and any guarantees, pledges of equity securities,
restrictions on the transfer of, and agreements not to encumber,
the equity securities, and hypothecation of assets of Greenville
Riverboat and CP Vicksburg associated with the notes. The
Mississippi Gaming Commission granted us similar prior approval
on November 16, 2006 with respect to JMBS Casino. These
prior approvals do not constitute a finding, recommendation or
approval by the Mississippi Gaming Commission as to the accuracy
or adequacy of this prospectus, or the investment merits of the
notes. Any representation to the contrary is unlawful.
Additionally, Indiana requires approval of any debt transaction
involving $1.0 million or more. Indiana has approved the
issuance of publicly tradeable notes and guarantees having
substantially identical terms to the notes through an exchange
offer in the manner contemplated in this prospectus. In
addition, under Indiana law, a riverboat owner licensee or any
other person may not lease, hypothecate, borrow money against or
loan money against an owners riverboat Gaming License.
Under New Jersey law, prior approval is required of any
borrowing deemed to be a material debt transaction (which is
generally understood to mean a transaction in excess of
$25.0 million), the proceeds of which are used in New
Jersey, which is collateralized by New Jersey assets, or which
is subject to a guarantee by a New Jersey entity.
Changes in control through merger, consolidation, stock or asset
acquisitions, management or consulting agreements, or otherwise
are subject to receipt of prior approval of gaming authorities.
Entities seeking to acquire control of us must satisfy gaming
authorities with respect to a variety of stringent standards
prior to assuming control. Gaming authorities will generally
require controlling stockholders, officers, directors, key
employees and other persons having a material relationship or
involvement with the entity proposing to acquire control, to be
investigated and licensed as part of the approval process
relating to the transaction.
In addition, were our equity securities ever to be publicly
traded, we would be subject to certain state gaming laws and
regulations that establish that certain corporate acquisitions
opposed by management, repurchases of voting securities (or
non-voting securities in jurisdictions that do not distinguish
between voting and non-voting securities) and corporate defense
tactics affecting us may be injurious to stable and productive
corporate gaming, and as a result, were such a situation to
arise, prior approval may be required before we would be
permitted to make exceptional repurchases of voting securities
(or non-voting securities in jurisdictions that do not
distinguish between voting and non-voting securities) above the
market price thereof and before a corporate acquisition opposed
by management could be consummated. Furthermore, were our equity
securities ever to be publicly traded, we would be subject to
certain state gaming laws and regulations mandating prior
approval of certain plans of recapitalization proposed by our
Board of Directors in response to a tender offer made directly
to our stockholders for the purposes of acquiring control of us.
Because Gaming Licenses are generally not transferable, our
ability to grant a security interest in any of our gaming
licensees assets is limited and subject to receipt of
prior approval by gaming authorities. For example, Louisiana
prohibits the transfer of a Gaming License and the granting of a
security interest in the
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same. We are subject to extensive additional prior approval
requirements relating to certain borrowings and security
interests in all jurisdictions in which we operate, including,
but not limited to, Louisiana.
License
Fees and Gaming Taxes
We pay substantial license fees and taxes in many jurisdictions,
including the counties and cities in which our operations are
conducted, in connection with our casino gaming operations.
These license fees and taxes are computed in various ways
depending on the type of gaming or activity involved. Depending
upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes
are payable either daily, monthly, quarterly or annually.
License fees and taxes are based upon such factors as:
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a percentage of the gross revenues or net gaming proceeds
received;
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the number of gaming devices and table games operated;
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franchise fees for riverboat casinos operating on certain
waterways; and
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admission fees for customers boarding our riverboat casinos.
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In many jurisdictions, gaming tax rates are graduated such that
they increase as gross revenues increase. Furthermore, tax rates
are subject to change, sometimes with little notice, and we have
recently experienced tax rate increases in a number of
jurisdictions in which we operate. A live entertainment tax is
also paid in certain jurisdictions, including Nevada, by casino
operations where live entertainment is furnished in connection
with the selling or serving of food or refreshments or the
selling of merchandise.
Operational
Requirements
In all gaming jurisdictions in which we operate, we are subject
to requirements and restrictions on how we conduct our gaming
operations. In certain states, we are required or encouraged by
the legislature to hire state residents to the extent
practicable, give preference to local suppliers, and include
minority-owned businesses in construction projects to the extent
practicable. For example, the Mississippi Gaming Control Act
contains a statement of legislative intent that gaming
licensees, to the extent practicable, employ residents of
Mississippi in the operation of their gaming establishments
located in Mississippi. Further, some of our operations are
subject to certain restrictions, including the number of gaming
positions we may have, the types of games of chance we may
offer, the minimum or maximum wagers allowed by our customers,
permissible credit, the maximum loss a customer may incur within
specified time periods, the location of gaming operations within
a hotel facility, the number and density of slot machines, and
the maximum number of gaming participants permitted on
riverboats.
In New Jersey, each casino hotel must have a minimum of 500
hotel rooms and the allowable casino square footage increases as
the number of hotel rooms increases, up to a prescribed maximum.
In Mississippi, we are required to have a parking facility at
each casino property that can accommodate at least 500 vehicles
in close proximity to each casino complex and supporting
infrastructure with a value equal to at least twenty-five
percent of the cost of developing or acquiring the casino. Since
the date on which we last developed a gaming property in
Mississippi, this requirement has been made more demanding for
any new casinos developed in Mississippi.
In addition, in Mississippi, both the local authorities and the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of the Mississippi State Tax
Commission license, control and regulate the sale of alcoholic
beverages by our Mississippi gaming operations. The Lighthouse
Point Casino, the Vicksburg Horizon and the Jubilee Casino are
in areas designated as special resort areas, which allow those
casinos to serve alcoholic beverages on a
24-hour
basis. The Alcoholic Beverage Control Division requires that the
key officers and managers of all gaming licensees, including
Greenville Riverboat, CP Vicksburg and JMBS Casino and all
owners of more than 5% of their respective equity submit
detailed personal, and in some instances financial, information
to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Division and be investigated
and licensed. All such licenses are non-transferable. The
Alcoholic Beverage Control Division must also approve changes in
key positions at subject casino properties, and has the full
power to limit, make subject to conditions, suspend or revoke
any license
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to serve alcoholic beverages or to place a licensee on
probation with or without conditions. The imposition of any such
disciplinary action could, and any revocation would, have a
material adverse affect upon our Mississippi gaming operations.
Riverboat
Casinos
In addition to all other regulations applicable to the gaming
industry generally, some of our riverboat casinos are subject to
regulations applicable to vessels operating on navigable
waterways, including regulations of the U.S. Coast Guard.
These requirements set limits on the operation of our vessels,
mandate that they be operated by a minimum complement of
licensed personnel, establish periodic inspections, including
the physical inspection of the outside hull, and establish other
mechanical and operational rules. The U.S. Coast Guard is
considering adopting regulations designed to increase homeland
security, which, if passed, could affect some of our riverboat
properties and require significant expenditures to bring such
properties into compliance with any such new regulations. In
addition, on June 7, 2007, the Indiana Gaming Commission
adopted the Guide for Alternate Certification of Continuously
Moored, Self-Propelled, Riverboat Gaming Vessels in the State of
Indiana, which we refer to as the alternative certification
program. The alternative certification program permits
riverboats to request classification as permanently moored
vessels. Any vessel with an existing U.S. Coast Guard
certificate of inspection operating as a dockside riverboat
casino that so requests will be accepted into the alternative
certification program, subject to satisfactory completion of the
U.S. Coast Guard procedures for becoming a permanently
moored vessel, a satisfactory inspection by the American Bureau
of Shipping and receipt of a Certificate of Compliance from the
Indiana Gaming Commission. If a vessel is accepted into the
alternative certification program then it is no longer deemed a
passenger vessel pursuant to applicable federal law and is no
longer required to comply with the U.S. Coast Guard
passenger vessel certificate of inspection criteria.
Consequently, the vessel must surrender its certificate of
inspection and become subject to the requirements of the
alternative certification program. With respect to the portion
of the vessel below the water line, the alternative
certification program requires that the vessel comply with
U.S. Coast Guard safety standards regarding hull safety.
With respect to the portion of the vessel above the water line,
the alternative certification program requires that the vessel
comply with the International Building Code. In addition, the
alternative certification program requires that the rules and
regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Administration
govern the vessel and its crew, including casino personnel.
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Set forth in the table below are the names, ages and positions
of each executive officer, member of the Management Board, and
key employee of Tropicana Entertainment. Each of the individuals
holding an office with Tropicana Entertainment holds the same
office with Tropicana Finance. Mr. William Yung, the
co-issuers President and Chief Executive Officer, is the
father of Mr. Joseph A. Yung, the co-issuers Senior
Vice President of Development. No family relationship exists
among any of the other members of Tropicana Entertainments
Management Board, Tropicana Finances Board of Directors or
the below named executive officers of either of them. See also
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions.
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Name
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Age
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Position
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William J. Yung, III
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66
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President and Chief Executive Officer; Sole Member of Board of
Managers of Tropicana Entertainment; Sole Member of Board of
Directors of Tropicana Finance
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John G. Jacob
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47
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Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Kevin E. Preston
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36
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Senior Vice President, Casino Operations
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Joseph A. Yung
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43
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Senior Vice President, Development
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Donna B. More
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48
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Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
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William J. Yung, III. Mr. William
Yung formed Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance in
2006 and is the President and Chief Executive Officer of each of
these companies. In addition, he is presently the sole member of
the Board of Managers of Tropicana Entertainment and the sole
member of the Board of Directors of Tropicana Finance.
Mr. William Yung also formed Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
in 1989 and has been its President and Chief Executive Officer
since then. In addition, Mr. William Yung founded Columbia
Sussex in 1972. Prior to that, Mr. William Yung had
extensive background experience in time study, efficiency and
quality assurance projects for both Andrew Jergens Corporation
and Inmont Corporation.
John G. Jacob. Mr. Jacob was appointed
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and treasurer of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance in August 2007.
From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Jacob was Chief Financial Officer of
Acorn Products, Inc. in Columbus, Ohio, where he executed
capital restructuring programs, led cost efficiency drives and
helped lead a turnaround of the publicly-traded garden tool
company prior to its sale to Ames True Temper. During the 1990s,
Mr. Jacob worked as a vice president of finance for two
consumer product companies and a package goods company: Sun
Apparel/Polo Jeans, Maidenform Worldwide and Kayser-Roth
Corporation. In each position, he was responsible for
efficiency-producing cost structure and working capital programs
in addition to oversight of accounting and controls. From 1986
to 1991, Mr. Jacob was a customer accounting and project
manager for Unisys Corporation. His time with Unisys included a
two-year posting with the companys operations in Japan. In
addition, Mr. Jacob worked for the accounting firm
Plante & Morgan in Southfield, Michigan, where he was
an audit supervisor.
Kevin E. Preston. Mr. Preston became
Senior Vice President, Casino Operations at Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Finance in May 2007. Prior to
joining Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance,
Mr. Preston was Senior Vice President of Gaming for Wild
Rose Entertainment, Inc., where he oversaw operations at two
Iowa-based casinos and managed the acquisition of the
Mississippi Belle II. From 2001 through 2005, Mr. Preston
served as General Manager of Lakeside Casino Resort in Iowa and
the Mark Twain Casino in Missouri. From 1999 through 2000,
Mr. Preston was involved in operations at the Majestic Star
Casino in Gary, Indiana. Prior to that, Mr. Preston worked
with Harrahs corporate finance staff in Las Vegas, where
he was Operations Manager and oversaw casino budgets and
operations for ten of the companys casino properties.
Mr. Preston began his career in gaming at Harrahs in
1992 as an intern at Harrahs Joliet, Illinois casino and
then went to work there full time in 1993. Mr. Preston
currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Iowa Gaming
Association and formerly served as a director of the Iowa
Restaurant and Hospitality Association.
163
Joseph A. Yung. Mr. Joseph Yung has
worked in various capacities for Columbia Sussex since 1986,
including hotel site selection, market analysis, obtaining
governmental site approvals and providing acquisition analysis.
Mr. Joseph Yung has also worked in many aspects of the
casino business, including acquisition analysis, operation
review, compliance monitoring and marketing analysis, planning
and review. In addition, Mr. Joseph Yung serves as one of
the managers of JMBS Casino, the owner and operator of the
Jubilee Casino. See Management of the
Affiliate Guarantors and Security Ownership of
Certain Beneficial Owners and Management.
Donna B. More. Ms. More joined the
management team on November 1, 2006 and is the Vice
President, General Counsel and Secretary of Tropicana
Entertainment and Tropicana Finance. Prior to joining the
management team, Ms. More was a shareholder in the law firm
of Greenberg Traurig, LLP, where she represented casino owners,
operators and suppliers in the areas of mergers and
acquisitions, licensure, regulatory compliance, internal
investigation matters and corporate counseling. From 2000
through 2004, Ms. More was the President and managing
partner of More Law Group, P.C., a law firm she formed, at
which she represented a diverse range of clients in the gaming
industry. From 1994 through 2000, Ms. More was a partner at
the law firm of Freeborn & Peters, where she
represented national and international casino owners, operators
and suppliers. Ms. More has been involved in the gaming
industry since 1990, when she began her service as the Chief
Legal Counsel of the Illinois Gaming Board, which position she
held until 1994.
Boards of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance
Tropicana Entertainment has a Management Board whose sole
current member is Mr. William Yung, who indirectly holds
all of the equity interests of Tropicana Entertainment. In
addition, Tropicana Finance has a Board of Directors whose sole
current member is Mr. William Yung, who indirectly holds
all of the equity interests of Tropicana Finance. In his
capacities as the sole member of Tropicana Entertainments
Management Board and the sole director of Tropicana
Finances Board of Directors, Mr. William Yung is not
independent, nor are any independence standards applicable to
the co-issuers as a result of stock exchange or any other
self-regulatory organizations requirements.
Committees
of the Boards
Tropicana Entertainments Management Board does not
currently have, and is not expected to have, any committees.
Specifically, Tropicana Entertainments Management Board
does not have a compensation committee or an audit committee.
The guidelines and pay levels for the compensation of executive
officers are generally established by Tropicana
Entertainments Management Board. See
Compensation Discussion and Analysis. All of the functions
of an audit committee are performed by Tropicana
Entertainments Management Board.
Tropicana Finance has a Board of Directors that is identical in
structure to the Management Board of Tropicana Entertainment,
except that any independent members that may be appointed to the
Management Board of Tropicana Entertainment in the future will
not necessarily also be appointed to the Board of Directors of
Tropicana Finance.
Compensation
Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
As previously described, Tropicana Entertainments
Management Board does not currently have a compensation
committee. The guidelines and pay levels for the compensation of
its executive officers are generally established by Tropicana
Entertainments Management Board, whose sole member is
Mr. William Yung. During the year ended December 31,
2006, Mr. William Yung participated in deliberations of
Tropicana Entertainments Management Board concerning
executive compensation. See Compensation
Discussion and Analysis. Similarly, Tropicana Finance has
a Board of Directors that does not currently have a compensation
committee. The guidelines and pay levels for the compensation of
its executive officers are generally established by Tropicana
Finances Board of Directors, whose sole director is
Mr. William
164
Yung. During the year ended December 31, 2006,
Mr. William Yung participated in deliberations of Tropicana
Finances Board of Directors concerning executive
compensation.
Executive
Compensation
We have no employment agreements with any of our executive
officers or key employees. For additional information concerning
executive compensation, see Compensation
Discussion and Analysis.
Member
and Director Compensation
Tropicana Entertainment was formed on June 8, 2006 and
Tropicana Finance was incorporated on June 7, 2006.
Accordingly, executive and director compensation information for
the co-issuers is available for the 2006 fiscal year only.
Mr. William Yung, as the sole member of Tropicana
Entertainments Management Board and Tropicana
Finances Board of Directors, did not receive any separate
compensation for serving on such boards in 2006.
Indemnification
of Members, Directors and Officers and Limitation of
Liability
The managers, directors and executive officers of the co-issuers
are indemnified to the fullest extent permitted under the
Delaware General Corporation Law or the Delaware Limited
Liability Company Act, as applicable, as provided in the limited
liability company agreement of Tropicana Entertainment and the
Bylaws of Tropicana Finance.
Management
of the Affiliate Guarantors
Mr. William Yung is the sole manager of CP Vicksburg.
Columbia Sussex is the sole manager of Realty. Each of
Mr. William Yungs children
Mr. Joseph Yung, Mr. William J. Yung IV,
Ms. Julie A. Haught, Ms. Judith A. Yung,
Ms. Jennifer A. Yung, Ms. Michelle M. Christensen and
Mr. Scott A. Yung serves as a manager of JMBS
Casino and, in such capacities, they collectively have full and
exclusive power to manage and control the business and affairs
of JMBS Casino. See Security Ownership of Certain
Beneficial Owners and Management and Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions for more
information on the security ownership and management of each of
the affiliate guarantors. None of the managers of the affiliate
guarantors received any compensation for serving in such
capacities. In addition, the executive officers of the
co-issuers named below under the caption
Summary Compensation Table served in the
same capacities for each of the affiliate guarantors and
received no compensation therefor.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
This section provides an overview and analysis of our
compensation policies and the material elements making up the
compensation of each of the executive officers identified below,
whom we refer to as our Named Executive Officers, as of
June 30, 2007:
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William J. Yung, III, President and Chief Executive
Officer; Sole Member of the Board of Managers of Tropicana
Entertainment; Sole Member of Board of Directors of Tropicana
Finance
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John G. Jacob, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
and Treasurer
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Kevin E. Preston, Senior Vice President, Casino Operations
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Donna B. More, Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
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Mark Giannantonio, General Manager of Tropicana Atlantic City
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Compensation
Objectives and Policies
Our executive compensation practices are designed to achieve the
following objectives: align our compensation and rewards
strategy with company-wide business goals; maintain a culture of
strong performance by rewarding executive officers for results;
attract, retain and motivate talented and
165
experienced executive officers; and create a shared commitment
to our company amongst our executive officers by aligning our
companys and their individual career goals.
Our executive compensation consists of two parts: base salary
and year-end bonus. An executive officers base salary is
determined by consideration of
his/her
position and scope of responsibilities in our company,
his/her
experience in the industries in which we operate, and the base
salary offered by our competitors to employees in comparable
positions. Year-end bonuses, which are tied to our financial
results for the year, aim to reward executive officers for
outstanding performance in the current year and to incentivize
such executives to continue meeting and exceeding target
performance levels in the upcoming year.
Elements
of Compensation
Base
Salary
Mr. William Yung, the sole member of the Board of Managers
of Tropicana Entertainment and the sole director of the Board of
Directors of Tropicana Finance, meets with each of our other
Named Executive Officers at the end of each year to review
his/her
performance for the current year, discuss any strengths and
weaknesses in
his/her
performance, and set goals for the upcoming year. The base
salary of each other Named Executive Officer is generally
reviewed during the same meeting and adjustments may be made
based on merit, prevailing market conditions, or other factors.
If the Named Executive Officer has met or exceeded
his/her
performance objectives for the current year, a merit-based
increase to
his/her base
salary will be considered by Mr. William Yung. In addition,
if then-current market trends in executive compensation
prevailing in the industries in which we operate effectively
require us to increase our base salaries in order to attract
qualified individuals or to retain the Named Executive Officers,
Mr. William Yung will adjust the base salaries of our
other Named Executive Officers accordingly. Other factors that
may lead to an adjustment in a Named Executive Officers
base salary include the delegation of additional
responsibilities to the executive, whether or not in association
with a promotional change in position, or an effort to retain
such executive in the face of recruitment efforts or open job
offers from our competitors.
Year-End
Bonus
Mr. William Yung determines the amount of discretionary
bonus to be awarded to each other Named Executive Officer at the
end of each year, based upon
his/her
performance during the year as well as our financial results for
the same year. The amount of the year-end bonus is generally in
the range of 25% to 50% of each Named Executive Officers
base salary.
Pension
Plan
The Named Executive Officers of Tropicana Entertainment are
eligible to participate in the Columbia Sussex Corporation
Pension Plan (which we refer to as the pension plan). The
pension plan is a defined contribution pension plan under the
terms of which Tropicana Casinos and Resorts makes annual
contributions for the benefit of eligible employees. Employees
eligible to participate in the pension plan are not required to
make any contributions of their own to such plan, which is not
only the chief advantage of the pension plan, but also serves as
a key motivator for employees to help ensure the continued
success of our company.
Under the terms of the pension plan, Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts makes an annual contribution equal to 3.75% of the first
$12,000 of compensation paid to eligible employees and 7.5% of
any compensation in excess of $12,000 paid to eligible
employees, subject, in each case, to the limitations imposed by
applicable regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue
Service. Eligible employees become participants in the pension
plan on January 1 of the year following completion of
12 months of employment with our company. Contributions
made to the pension plan by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts vest
as follows:
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20% after two years of service;
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166
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an additional 20% each year thereafter; and
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100% after six years of service.
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401(k)
Plan
The Named Executive Officers of Tropicana Entertainment are
eligible to participate in the Columbia Sussex Corporation
401(k) Plan (which we refer to as the 401(k) plan). The 401(k)
plan enables eligible employees to make pre-tax contributions to
401(k) investment accounts in the annual amounts provided for by
the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts may, in its discretion, make annual profit-sharing
contributions to the 401(k) plan for the benefit of eligible
employees. To date, no discretionary contributions have been
made to the 401(k) plan for the benefit of the Named Executive
Officers of Tropicana Entertainment.
Personal
Benefits and Perquisites
We provide certain of our executive officers, including our
Chief Executive Officer and President, with perquisites that we
believe are reasonable, competitive and consistent with our
overall compensation scheme. We believe that the perquisites we
offer assist us in hiring and retaining qualified executives.
Our Company provides for an Executive Disability Plan which, in
the event of a total disability of an executive that prevents
him/her from performing
his/her
duties, will continue to pay the executives base salary
and a prorated bonus for the first three months following the
disabling event. Following those first three months, a
company-paid insurance program will provide continuing benefits
to the executive totaling 60% of such executives regular
monthly compensation.
Summary
Compensation Table
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Nonqualified
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Non-Equity
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Deferred
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Stock
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Option
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Incentive Plan
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Compensation
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All Other
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Name and Principal Position(s)
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Year
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Salary ($)
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Bonus ($)
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Awards ($)
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Awards ($)
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Compensation ($)
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Earnings ($)
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Compensation ($)
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Total ($)
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William J. Yung, III
President and Chief Executive Officer of Tropicana Entertainment
and Sole Director of Tropicana Finance
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2006
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None
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None
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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None
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None
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Richard M. FitzPatrick
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer(1)
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2006
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None
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None
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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None
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None
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Howard Reinhardt
Senior Vice President, Casino Operations(2)
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2006
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$
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230,000
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$
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100,000
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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None
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$
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330,000
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Donna B. More
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary(3)
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2006
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$
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39,134
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None
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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None
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$
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39,134
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Fred A. Buro(4)
President and Chief Operating Officer of Tropicana Atlantic City
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2006
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$
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146,923
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None
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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None
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$
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146,923
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(1)
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Mr. FitzPatrick served as the
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance from May 2006
through July 25, 2007, at which time his previously
announced resignation became effective. Mr. FitzPatrick was
succeeded in his capacities as Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Finance by Mr. John G. Jacob on August 23,
2007. Mr. FitzPatrick did not draw a salary from Tropicana
Entertainment or Tropicana Finance in 2006, although he did draw
a salary from Tropicana Entertainment in 2007 through
July 25, 2007.
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167
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(2)
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Mr. Reinhardt served as Senior
Vice President, Casino Operations for Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Finance until June 14, 2007, at which time he
resigned and was succeeded in such capacities by Mr. Kevin
E. Preston.
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(3)
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Ms. More joined the management
team of Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance on
November 1, 2006. The salary reported above has been
prorated for the amount of time Ms. More was employed with
Tropicana Entertainment in 2006.
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(4)
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Mr. Buro served as President
and Chief Operating Officer of Tropicana Atlantic City until
August 8, 2007, at which time he resigned and was succeeded
shortly thereafter in such capacities by Mr. Mark
Giannantonio.
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Grants of
Plan-Based Awards
We had no equity or non-equity incentive plans as of
June 30, 2007 and did not grant any stock or option awards
in 2006.
We had no employment agreements with any of our executive
officers or key employees as of June 30, 2007.
Outstanding
Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End
We had no outstanding equity awards as of June 30, 2007.
Option
Exercises and Vested Stock
We had no outstanding stock options as of June 30, 2007.
Pension
Benefits Table
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Payments
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Number of
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Present
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During
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Years
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Value of
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Last
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Credited
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Accumulated
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Fiscal
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Name
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Plan Name
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Service (#)
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Benefit ($)
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Year ($)
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William J. Yung, III
President and Chief Executive Officer, Sole Member of Tropicana
Entertainment and Sole Director of Tropicana Finance
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Columbia Sussex Corporation Pension Plan
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34
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$
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2,690,864
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$
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16,050
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Richard M. FitzPatrick(1)
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
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Columbia Sussex Corporation Pension Plan
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1
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None
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None
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Howard Reinhardt
Senior Vice President, Casino Operations(2)
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Columbia Sussex Corporation Pension Plan
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10
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$
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4,194
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$
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4,194
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Donna B. More
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
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Columbia Sussex Corporation Pension Plan
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0
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None
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None
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Fred Buro(3)
President and Chief Operating Officer of Tropicana Atlantic City
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Columbia Sussex Corporation Pension Plan
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0
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$
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21,437
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$
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10,569
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(1)
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Mr. FitzPatrick served as the
Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of
Tropicana Entertainment and Tropicana Finance from May 2006
through July 25, 2007, at which time his previously
announced resignation became effective. Mr. FitzPatrick was
succeeded in his capacities as Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer and Treasurer of Tropicana Entertainment and
Tropicana Finance by Mr. John G. Jacob on August 23,
2007.
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(2)
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Mr. Reinhardt served as Senior
Vice President, Casino Operations for Tropicana Entertainment
and Tropicana Finance until June 14, 2007, at which time he
resigned and was succeeded in such capacities by Mr. Kevin
E. Preston.
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(3)
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Mr. Buro served as President
and Chief Operating Officer of Tropicana Atlantic City until
August 8, 2007, at which time he resigned and was succeeded
shortly thereafter in such capacities by Mr. Mark
Giannantonio.
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168
Non-qualified
Deferred Compensation
We have no non-qualified deferred compensation programs.
Termination
or
Change-in-Control
Arrangements
We have no agreements or arrangements, written or unwritten,
that provide for any payment to any Named Executive Officer at
or in connection with any termination of his or her employment,
or a
change-in-control
with respect to either Tropicana Entertainment or Tropicana
Finance.
169
SECURITY
OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
Tropicana
Entertainment
Mr. William Yung owns 100% of the issued and outstanding
equity securities of Tropicana Entertainments ultimate
parent, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, which, in turn, owns 100%
of the issued and outstanding equity securities of Tropicana
Entertainment Holdings. Tropicana Entertainment Holdings owns
100% of the issued and outstanding equity securities of
Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings, which, in turn,
owns 100% of the issued and outstanding equity securities of
Tropicana Entertainment. Accordingly, Mr. William Yung
indirectly owns, through corporate affiliates wholly-owned by
him, 100% of the outstanding equity securities of Tropicana
Entertainment. For a more detailed description of our ownership
structure, see Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization.
CP
Vicksburg
Mr. William Yung holds 61 non-voting units and nine voting
units of membership interests issued by CP Vicksburg, which
represents a 1% economic ownership interest and a 100% voting
interest in that company. The JMBS Trust, a trust created for
the benefit of Mr. William Yungs children, holds the
remaining 6,930 non-voting units of membership interests issued
by CP Vicksburg, which represents a 99% economic ownership
interest in that company. Mr. William Yung has been
designated as the manager of CP Vicksburg and exercises control
over CP Vicksburgs operations.
JMBS
Casino
JMBS Casino is wholly-owned by the JMBS Trust. The JMBS Trust
consists of seven subtrusts created for the benefit of each of
Mr. William Yungs children. Mr. William Yung
does not exercise control over JMBS Casino or the Jubilee
Casino. Each of Mr. William Yungs
children Mr. Joseph Yung, Mr. William J.
Yung IV, Ms. Julie A. Haught, Ms. Judith A. Yung,
Ms. Jennifer A. Yung, Ms. Michelle M. Christensen and
Mr. Scott A. Yung serves as a manager of JMBS
Casino and, in such capacities, they collectively have full and
exclusive power to manage and control the business and affairs
of JMBS Casino.
Realty
Realty is wholly-owned by CSC Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of
Columbia Sussex. Columbia Sussex has been designated as the
manager of Realty. Accordingly, Mr. William Yung, as the
sole voting stockholder of Columbia Sussex, exercises control
over Realty.
170
CERTAIN
RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
Tropicana
Entertainment
Tropicana Entertainment entered into a service agreement with
Columbia Sussex, effective as of the closing of the Aztar
Acquisition, according to the terms of which Columbia Sussex
agreed to provide Tahoe Horizon, Belle of Baton Rouge, River
Palms and the MontBleu with certain services following the
Transactions, which services were provided under a service
agreement between Columbia Sussex and Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts prior to the closing of the Aztar Acquisition. These
services include accounting, administration, human resources,
hotel management and supervision, risk management, procurement,
contracting, marketing, construction and development, treasury
and maintenance related services. Tropicana Entertainment agreed
to pay Columbia Sussex a service fee of $540,000 per year for
these services, subject to future increases of 3% per year
commencing on January 1 of each year beginning in 2008. Pursuant
to the service agreement, Columbia Sussex also agreed to arrange
a self-insured health program for Tropicana Entertainments
employees, for which Tropicana Entertainment pays the cost
allocable to its employees in addition to the set fee payable
under the service agreement. Further, pursuant to the service
agreement, Tropicana Entertainment agreed to participate in
general liability, workers compensation and property insurance
programs arranged by Columbia Sussex, for which Tropicana
Entertainment pays its share of the cost, as determined by an
unrelated insurance broker and the insurance carrier providing
the relevant coverage, in addition to the set fee to be payable
under the service agreement. Tropicana Entertainment also
reimburses Columbia Sussex for actual losses paid under the
insurance programs and deductible amounts applicable to it. In
addition, pursuant to the service agreement, Tropicana
Entertainment agreed to adopt Columbia Sussexs 401(k)
plan, for which it pays the cost allocable to its employees in
addition to the set fee to be payable under the service
agreement. Pursuant to the service agreement, Tropicana
Entertainment also agreed to reimburse Columbia Sussex for
certain business expense overhead costs, such as travel,
professional, secretarial, incidental and other approved
out-of-pocket expenses incurred by Columbia Sussex in connection
with the performance of services under the service agreement.
The agreement has a perpetual term, but Tropicana Entertainment
is entitled to terminate it at any time on 60 days written
notice.
Tropicana Entertainment entered into an agreement with Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, its ultimate parent, as of the closing of
the Aztar Acquisition, according to the terms of which Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts agreed to provide the Tahoe Horizon, Belle
of Baton Rouge, River Palms and MontBleu with certain casino
services. These services include supervision of casino
operations, staffing, marketing and advertising, purchasing,
casino development, compliance, accounting, internal auditing
and financial reporting. Tropicana Entertainment agreed to pay
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts its allocated portion of the
corporate overhead costs for these services based on the ratio
of Tropicana Entertainments net operating revenue to the
total aggregate net operating revenue of casino operations owned
by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (including Tropicana
Entertainments casino operations and the operations of the
subsidiaries of Aztar). The agreement has a perpetual term, but
Tropicana Entertainment is entitled to terminate it at any time
on 60 days written notice.
Tropicana Entertainment borrowed $3.0 million from CP
Vicksburg in June 2007. Tropicana Entertainment also borrowed
$4.0 million from JMBS Casino in June 2007. The proceeds of
these loans were used by Tropicana Entertainment to help fund
principal and interest payments under the senior secured credit
facility and interest payments under the notes. The loans, which
are expressly subordinated in right of payment to the senior
secured credit facility and the notes, accrue interest at the
rate of 12.0% per annum and mature on January 1, 2015. No
interest payments are required to be made under the loans until
they mature.
Aztar
Following the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition, Aztar and
Columbia Sussex entered into a service agreement according to
the terms of which Columbia Sussex agreed to provide Tropicana
Atlantic City, Tropicana Las Vegas, Tropicana Express and
Casino Aztar Evansville with certain services,
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subject to gaming regulatory approval. Gaming regulatory
approval of the terms of this service agreement has not yet been
obtained with respect to the Tropicana Atlantic City property
and, as such, the agreement is not yet effective as to such
property. The services provided pursuant to the service
agreement include accounting, administration, human resources,
hotel management and supervision, risk management, procurement,
contracting, marketing, construction and development, treasury
and maintenance related services. Pursuant to the service
agreement, Aztar agreed to pay Columbia Sussex a service fee of
approximately $1.0 million per year for these services,
subject to future increases of 3% per year commencing on January
1 of each year beginning in 2008. Aztar also agreed to reimburse
Columbia Sussex for certain business expense overhead costs,
including travel, professional, secretarial, incidental and
other approved out-of-pocket expenses, incurred by Columbia
Sussex in connection with the performance of services under the
agreement. The service agreement has a perpetual term, but Aztar
may terminate it at any time on 60 days written
notice.
Pursuant to the service agreement, Aztar agreed to participate
in general liability and workers compensation insurance
programs, effective upon the closing of the Aztar Acquisition on
January 3, 2007, and property insurance programs, effective
May 1, 2007, arranged by Columbia Sussex, for which Aztar
pays its share of the cost, as determined by an unrelated
insurance broker and the insurance carrier providing the
relevant coverage, in addition to the set fee payable under the
service agreement. Aztar will also reimburse Columbia Sussex for
actual losses paid under the insurance programs and deductible
amounts applicable to it.
Tropicana Entertainment also may enroll Aztar and its
subsidiaries in the health insurance programs arranged by
Columbia Sussex, as well as the 401(k) plan pursuant to the
service agreement, starting after the first anniversary of the
closing date of the Aztar Acquisition as Tropicana Entertainment
is required to keep Aztars existing employee benefit plans
in place for a period of one year after the Aztar Acquisition
pursuant to the Aztar Merger Agreement. Each of Aztar and its
subsidiaries will pay its allocated share of the cost of the
health insurance programs and the 401(k) plan in addition to the
set fee payable under the service agreement.
Aztar also entered into an agreement with Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, effective as of the closing date of the Aztar
Acquisition, according to the terms of which Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts agreed to provide to Tropicana Atlantic City,
Tropicana Las Vegas, Tropicana Express and Casino Aztar
Evansville certain casino services. The agreement is subject to
gaming regulatory approval. Gaming regulatory approval of the
terms of this agreement has not yet been obtained with respect
to the Tropicana Atlantic City property and, as such, the
agreement is not yet effective as to such property. The services
provided pursuant to the agreement include supervision of casino
operations, staffing, marketing and advertising, purchasing,
casino development, compliance, accounting, internal auditing
and financial reporting. Aztar agreed to pay Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts its allocated portion of the corporate overhead
costs for these services based on the ratio of Aztars net
operating revenue to the total aggregate net operating revenue
of casino operations owned by Tropicana Casinos and Resorts and
its consolidated subsidiaries (including Aztars casino
operations). The agreement has a perpetual term, but Aztar is
entitled to terminate it at any time with 60 days
written notice.
Tahoe
Horizon
Columbia Sussex has agreed to indemnify the lenders under the
senior secured credit facility against any loss they may sustain
arising out of the termination of the leases at our MontBleu or
Tahoe Horizon properties by Park Cattle by reason of any default
under either of the leases that is in existence on the date of
such indemnification agreement. In addition, Columbia Sussex
guarantees Tahoe Horizons obligations under a gaming
establishment bond required by the Nevada Gaming Commission,
which expires on August 1, 2007.
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MontBleu
Columbia Sussex guarantees MontBleus obligations under a
sales tax bond it was required to post by the State of Nevada.
The bond will expire on June 6, 2008.
Columbia Sussex has agreed to indemnify the lenders under the
senior secured credit facility against any loss they may sustain
arising out of the termination of the leases at our MontBleu or
Tahoe Horizon properties.
Belle of
Baton Rouge
Columbia Sussex guarantees the obligations of the Belle of Baton
Rouge under a riverboat casino bond required by the State of
Louisiana, which will expire on October 20, 2008.
Vicksburg
Horizon
CP Vicksburg and Columbia Sussex entered into a service
agreement, dated October 27, 2003, as amended on
August 7, 2006 and November 6, 2006, pursuant to which
Columbia Sussex has agreed to provide Vicksburg Horizon with
certain services. These services include accounting,
administration, human resources, hotel management and
supervision, risk management, procurement, contracting,
marketing, construction and development, treasury and
maintenance related services. CP Vicksburg has agreed to pay
Columbia Sussex $120,000 per year for these services, subject to
future increases of 3% per year commencing on January 1 of each
year beginning in 2008. Columbia Sussex has also arranged a
self-insured health program for CP Vicksburgs employees,
for which CP Vicksburg pays the cost allocable to its employees
in addition to the set fee payable under the service agreement.
Further, pursuant to the service agreement, CP Vicksburg has
agreed to participate in general liability, workers compensation
and property insurance programs arranged by Columbia Sussex, for
which CP Vicksburg pays its share of the cost in addition to the
set fee payable under the service agreement. CP Vicksburg also
reimburses Columbia Sussex for actual losses paid under the
insurance programs and deductible amounts applicable to its
operations. In addition, pursuant to the service agreement, CP
Vicksburg has agreed to adopt Columbia Sussexs 401(k)
plan, for which CP Vicksburg pays the cost allocable to its
employees in addition to the set fee payable under the service
agreement. Pursuant to the service agreement, CP Vicksburg has
also agreed to reimburse Columbia Sussex for certain business
expense overhead costs, such as travel, professional,
secretarial, incidental and other approved out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by Columbia Sussex in connection with the
performance of services under the service agreement. The service
agreement has a perpetual term, but CP Vicksburg may
terminate it at any time on 60 days written notice.
Columbia Sussex guarantees CP Vicksburgs obligations under
the following bonds: a business license bond required by the
city of Vicksburg, which will expire on February 3, 2008; a
gaming establishment bond required by the State of Mississippi,
which will expire on June 27, 2007; an alcoholic beverages
bond required by the city of Vicksburg, which will expire on
September 30, 2007; and a utility bond required by the city
of Vicksburg, which will expire on October 10, 2007.
CP Vicksburg licenses the use of the name Horizon
from Tropicana Casinos and Resorts. The trademark license
agreement, which expires on October 27, 2013, requires CP
Vicksburg to pay Tropicana Casinos and Resorts an annual fee of
$12,000 for the right to use the Horizon name in
connection with its operations.
Columbia Sussex guarantees CP Vicksburgs obligations under
its lease agreement with the city of Vicksburg. For a more
detailed description of the lease agreement, see
Business Facilities.
CP Vicksburg loaned $3.0 million to Tropicana Entertainment
in June 2007 to help fund principal and interest payments under
the senior secured credit facility and interest payments under
the notes. This loan, which is expressly subordinated in right
of payment to the senior secured credit facility and the notes,
accrues interest at the rate of 12.0% per annum and matures on
January 1, 2015. No interest payments are required to be
made under the loan until its maturity.
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CP
Vicksburg Limited Liability Company Agreement
CP Vicksburg, the JMBS Trust and Mr. William Yung are
parties to a limited liability company agreement governing the
management of CP Vicksburg, and documenting their investment in
it. Ownership interests in CP Vicksburg were initially issued to
the following parties as follows: (i) 990 non-voting units
issued to each subtrust of the JMBS Trust for the benefit of
each of Mr. William Yungs seven children and 61
non-voting units issued to Mr. William Yung (for an
aggregate total of 6,991 non-voting units); and (ii) nine
voting units issued solely to Mr. William Yung.
Pursuant to the limited liability company agreement,
Mr. William Yung serves as the sole manager of CP Vicksburg
and in such capacity has full and exclusive power to manage and
control the business and affairs of CP Vicksburg, subject to
certain approval rights maintained by Mr. William
Yungs children in the event of certain matters. However,
the approval of Mr. William Yungs children is not
required with respect to mergers, consolidations and sales of
all or substantially all assets. The manager and the number of
managers appointed may be changed by an affirmative vote of
members holding a majority of the voting units held by all
members (all of which are held by Mr. William Yung at this
time).
The limited liability company agreement contains certain terms
relating to preemptive rights with respect to the issuance of
additional units and certain restrictions on transfers of units.
Required Minimum Tax Distributions. The
limited liability company agreement provides that on or before
April 1 of each calendar year, distributions be made for the
most recently ended tax year to unit holders of record on the
last day of such year in an amount equal to the highest federal,
state and local income taxes payable per unit by any member with
respect to CP Vicksburgs taxable income. The limited
liability company agreement provides that quarterly tax
distributions may be made to members who are required to pay
estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.
Distributions to Members. CP Vicksburg made
distributions to the holders of its units in an aggregate amount
of $0.4 million and $1.5 million in 2006 and 2005,
respectively, but did not make any distributions to the holders
of its units in 2004 or 2003.
Jubilee
Casino
JMBS Casino and Columbia Sussex entered into a service
agreement, dated August 26, 2004, as amended on
November 6, 2006, pursuant to which Columbia Sussex has
agreed to provide the Jubilee Casino with certain services.
These services include accounting, administration, human
resources, hotel management and supervision, risk management,
procurement, contracting, marketing, construction and
development, treasury and maintenance related services. JMBS
Casino has agreed to pay Columbia Sussex $120,000 per year for
these services, subject to future increases of 3% per year
commencing on January 1 of each year beginning in 2008. Further,
pursuant to the service agreement, JMBS Casino has agreed to
participate in general liability, workers compensation and
property insurance programs arranged by Columbia Sussex, for
which JMBS Casino pays its share of the cost in addition to the
set fee payable under the service agreement. JMBS Casino also
reimburses Columbia Sussex for actual losses paid under the
insurance programs and deductible amounts applicable to its
operations. In addition, pursuant to the service agreement, JMBS
Casino has agreed to reimburse Columbia Sussex for certain
business expense overhead costs, such as travel, professional,
secretarial, incidental and other approved out-of-pocket
expenses incurred by Columbia Sussex in connection with the
performance of services under the service agreement. The service
agreement has a perpetual term, but JMBS Casino may terminate it
at any time on 60 days written notice.
JMBS Casino and Greenville Riverboat share equally the cost of
operating and maintaining shuttle buses to provide
transportation services to their patrons among various
establishments in downtown Greenville, their respective
properties, and a common parking lot. JMBS Casino and Greenville
Riverboat also share equally the cost of utilities, repairs and
maintenance requirements of an office building used by both
companies. Each partys share of the costs associated with
the operation and maintenance of the shuttle bases were $81,000,
$77,000 and $101,000 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
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JMBS Casino loaned $4.0 million to Tropicana Entertainment
in June 2007 to help fund principal and interest payments under
the senior secured credit facility and interest payments under
the notes. This loan, which is expressly subordinated in right
of payment to the senior secured credit facility and the notes,
accrues interest at the rate of 12.0% per annum and matures on
January 1, 2015. No interest payments are required to be
made under the loan until its maturity.
JMBS
Casino Limited Liability Company Agreement
JMBS Casino and the JMBS Trust are parties to a limited
liability company agreement governing the management of JMBS
Casino, and documenting their investment in it. Ownership
interests in JMBS Casino were initially issued to the subtrusts
of the JMBS Trust equally for the benefit of each of
Mr. William Yungs seven children.
Pursuant to the limited liability company agreement, each of
Mr. William Yungs children
Mr. Joseph Yung, Mr. William J. Yung IV,
Ms. Julie A. Haught, Ms. Judith A. Yung,
Ms. Jennifer A. Yung, Ms. Michelle M.
Christensen and Mr. Scott A. Yung serves as a
manager of JMBS Casino and, in such capacities, they
collectively have full and exclusive power to manage and control
the business and affairs of JMBS Casino. The managers and the
number of managers appointed may be changed by an affirmative
vote of members holding a majority of the units held by all
members.
The limited liability company agreement contains terms relating
to preemptive rights with respect to the issuance of additional
units and restrictions on transfers of units.
Required Minimum Tax Distributions. The
limited liability company agreement provides that on or before
April 1 of each calendar year, distributions be made for the
most recently ended tax year to unit holders of record on the
last day of such year in an amount equal to the highest federal,
state and local income taxes payable per unit by any member with
respect to JMBS Casinos taxable income. The limited
liability company agreement provides that quarterly tax
distributions may be made to members that are required to pay
estimated taxes on a quarterly basis.
Distributions to Member. JMBS Casino made
distributions to the JMBS Trust in an aggregate amount of
$1.1 million in 2007 (which distribution was a permitted
tax distribution), $6.1 million in 2006, $9.7 million
in 2005 and $7.0 million in 2004.
River
Palms
Realty owns the real estate and substantially all of the
non-gaming assets associated with the River Palms, and a
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment has a lease with Realty
for the property, which terminates on September 30, 2018.
The monthly rental payment is $425,000.
All of the membership interests in Realty are held by CSC
Holdings, LLC, an affiliate of Columbia Sussex. Under the terms
of the limited liability company operating agreement for Realty,
Columbia Sussex has been designated the sole manager of Realty.
Realty did not make any distributions in respect of its
membership interests to CSC Holdings, LLC in 2004, but did make
distributions in respect of its membership interests to CSC
Holdings, LLC of $4.4 million in 2006 and $0.3 million
in 2005.
Columbia Sussex guarantees River Palms obligations under a
sales tax bond required by the State of Nevada, which expires
June 12, 2008; and a utility bond required by Nevada Power
Company which expires September 3, 2007.
Greenville
Riverboat
Greenville Riverboat and Columbia Sussex entered into a service
agreement, dated January 1, 2002, pursuant to which
Columbia Sussex has agreed to provide Lighthouse Point Casino
with certain services. These services include accounting,
administration, human resources, management, risk management,
procurement, contracting, marketing and maintenance-related
services. Greenville Riverboat has agreed to
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pay Columbia Sussex its proportionate share of the overhead
expenses incurred by Columbia Sussex in connection with the
performance of the services contemplated by the service
agreement, and to reimburse Columbia Sussex for all direct costs
and expenses incurred by Columbia Sussex in the performance of
such services. The service agreement has a perpetual term, but
Greenville Riverboat may terminate it at any time by giving
60 days written notice to Columbia Sussex.
Columbia Sussex guarantees Greenville Riverboats
obligations under the following bonds: a utility payment bond
required by Entergy Mississippi, Inc., which will expire on
November 22, 2007; an alcohol tax bond required by the
Alcoholic Beverage Control Division of Mississippi, which will
expire on June 1, 2008; and a gaming establishment bond
required by the State of Mississippi, which will expire on
June 1, 2008.
Sargasso subleases a portion of the land that is leased by
Greenville Riverboat from the Greenville Marine Corporation
pursuant to a sublease agreement. Sargasso has constructed a
restaurant and lounge on the subleased parcel. The restaurant
and lounge are situated adjacent to the Lighthouse Point Casino.
Sargasso pays Greenville Riverboat $3,000 per month in rent for
the subleased parcel. The sublease agreement extends through
2009 and provides Sargasso with renewal options to extend the
term to 2044. In October 2007, Sargasso began to lease space in
its restaurant and lounge building to Greenville Riverboat at a
rate of $4,400 per month. Greenville Riverboat uses this space
to operate a buffet restaurant. The initial lease term extends
through 2012, but may be renewed for an additional term of five
years.
Sargasso provided its restaurant, lounge and hotel facilities
(the hotel facility was sold by Sargasso to a third party on
April 10, 2007 and Sargasso temporarily closed its
restaurants and lounge on September 30, 2005, ceasing
Sargassos services at that time) to the Lighthouse Point
Casino for use by its guests and employees, and charged
Greenville Riverboat customary rates for these services, which
totaled $0.7 million, $0.4 million and
$0.2 million in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Greenville Riverboat and Sargasso entered into an agreement,
dated March 31, 1997, effective on January 1, 1997,
and amended on September 12, 1997 and December 13,
2005, according to the terms of which Greenville Riverboat
currently provides security services to the Fairfield Inn, which
was owned by Sargasso until April 10, 2007 when the hotel
was sold. Sargasso paid Greenville Riverboat a service fee of
$2,000 per month for these services which expired upon the sale
of the hotel. Sargasso also agreed to reimburse Greenville
Riverboat for certain identifiable out-of-pocket expenses
incurred by Greenville Riverboat in connection with the
performance of the security services under the agreement.
Walnut Street, Inc., a company owned by Sargasso, entered into
an agreement to lease an advertising sign to Greenville
Riverboat for $3,620 per month through May 2017. Greenville
Riverboat is responsible for all taxes, utilities, maintenance
and insurance related to the operation of the sign.
Greenville
Riverboat Limited Liability Company Agreement
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Mr. William Yung and Rainbow
are parties to a limited liability company agreement governing
the operations of Greenville Riverboat, and documenting the
terms of their investment in it. Ownership interests in
Greenville Riverboat were initially issued to the following
parties, as follows: (i) 79 units (which we refer to
as the Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units) to Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts, (ii) one unit to Mr. William Yung (which
we refer to as the Yung Unit) and (iii) 20 units to
Rainbow (which we refer to as the Rainbow Units).
As part of the internal corporate reorganization described under
Prospectus Summary Corporate
Reorganization and under Business Corporate
Reorganization, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts contributed
the Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units to Tropicana
Entertainment Holdings, which in turn contributed such units to
Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings, which in turn
contributed such units to Tropicana Entertainment. Each of the
respective contributions occurred substantially concurrently.
Tropicana Entertainment, Tropicana Entertainment Holdings and
Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings each acknowledged
and became a party to the limited liability company agreement of
Greenville Riverboat.
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Pursuant to the limited liability company agreement, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts serves as the sole manager of Greenville
Riverboat and in such capacity has full and exclusive power to
manage and control the business and affairs of the Lighthouse
Point Casino. The manager and the number of managers appointed
may be changed by an affirmative vote of the members holding a
majority of the units held by all members.
Allocation of net profits, net losses and
distributions. The limited liability company
agreement requires that net profits, net losses and
distributions be allocated as follows:
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Net Profits: (i) to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts to the extent of its negative capital account balance;
(ii) if net losses were previously allocated to any unit
holders, net profits will be allocated to them in an amount
equal to the amount of such net losses previously allocated to
them; (iii) to the unit holders then holding the following
units: Rainbow Units 50%, Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts Units 49.375% and the Yung Unit
0.625%, until the aggregate net profits allocated to them since
Greenville Riverboat was organized equals $3.0 million;
(iv) to the unit holders then holding the Tropicana Casinos
and Resorts Units and the Yung Unit in proportion to their
respective ownership percentages, an aggregate amount equal to
the sum of (a) $4.5 million, (b) five times a
prescribed finders fee amount and (c) an amount equal
to the aggregate additional amounts distributable as a
consequence of amounts remaining undistributed as of
July 1, 2004; and (v) any remaining excess profits
will be allocated to the unit holders (a) for periods on or
before December 31, 2003 or on and after January 1,
2025, in proportion to their respective holdings, (b) for
the period commencing January 1, 2005 and ending
December 31, 2023, to the unit holders then holding the
Rainbow Units 15%, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Units 83.9375% and the Yung Unit 1.0625%
and (c) for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2004
and December 31, 2024, to the holders of the Rainbow
Units 17.5%, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts
Units 81.46875% and the Yung Unit
1.0325%.
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Net Losses: (i) if net profits were
previously allocated as described in (iii), (iv) or
(v) of the preceding bullet point, net losses will be
allocated to them in an amount equal to the amount of net
profits previously allocated to them; (ii) to any unit
holders who have positive capital account balances in proportion
to and to the extent of such positive balances; and
(iii) any remaining balance to Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts.
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Distributions: (i) in the case of a sale
or liquidation only, to all unit holders with positive capital
account balances in the proportion such positive balances bear
to each other in amounts sufficient to reduce each such capital
account balance to zero; (ii) an aggregate amount equal to
the then undistributed amount of the returnable contribution, as
defined, in the limited liability company agreement made by
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts in respect of the Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Units; (iii) an aggregate amount of
$3.0 million as follows: in respect of the Rainbow
Units 50%, in respect of the Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts Units and the Yung Unit 50%; (iv) an
aggregate amount of $4.5 million in respect of the
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units and the Yung Unit, provided
that any amount which remains undistributed as of July 1,
2004 is to be multiplied by
70/45
and the resulting product will be deemed the remaining amount to
be distributed; (v) an aggregate amount equal to five times
a prescribed finders fee, provided that any amount which
remains undistributed as of July 1, 2004 is to be
multiplied by
4/3
and the resulting product will be deemed the remaining amount to
be distributed; (vi) any remaining balance is to be
allocated to the unit holders (a) for periods on or before
June 30, 2004 and after June 30, 2024, in proportion
to their respective holdings of units, and (b) for periods
after June 30, 2004 and before July 1, 2024, in
respect of the Rainbow Units 15% and in respect of
the Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units and the Yung
Unit 85%.
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Distribution Adjustment Account: Greenville
Riverboat is required to maintain a distribution adjustment
account, which is to be credited with an amount equal to 8% of
the excess of Greenville Riverboats annual gross revenues
over $36,575,000. At the time each distribution would otherwise
be made in respect of the Rainbow Units pursuant to the
preceding bullet point, the amount of any
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such distribution is to be reduced on a dollar-for-dollar basis
by any amount then credited to this distribution adjustment
account, and such amount is to be distributed instead in respect
of the Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units and the Yung Unit. If
any net profits were previously allocated to the Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts Units or the Yung Unit pursuant to this
allocation mechanism and net losses are thereafter accrued, then
the Tropicana Casinos and Resorts Units
and/or the
Yung Units will be entitled to an allocation of such net losses
in an amount equal to the amount of net profits previously
allocated to them from the distribution adjustment account.
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Required Minimum Tax Distributions. The
limited liability company agreement provides that minimum tax
distributions and optional tax distributions be made as set
forth below:
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Minimum Tax Distributions: On or before April
1 of each calendar year, distributions will be made for the most
recently ended tax year to unit holders of record on the last
day of such year in the amount necessary to satisfy federal,
state and local income taxes payable by the unit holders with
respect to Greenville Riverboats net taxable income,
provided that this distribution will be reduced on a
dollar-for-dollar basis by the amount of tax savings generated
by tax losses or credits received by such unit holders for
previous tax years.
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Optional Tax Distributions Made at the Discretion of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts: (i) cash
distributions to the unit holders for any tax year in an amount
which exceeds the required distribution described in the
preceding bullet point and (ii) quarterly cash
distributions to the unit holders based on an estimate of the
required distribution noted in the preceding bullet point in
order to permit the unit holders to pay quarterly estimated
taxes.
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Distributions to Members. Greenville Riverboat
made aggregate distributions in respect of its membership
interests of approximately $12.5 million in 2006,
approximately $10.7 million in 2005 and approximately
$11.0 million in 2004. In 2006, Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts received a distribution of approximately
$10.5 million, Mr. William Yung received a
distribution of approximately $0.1 million and Rainbow
received a distribution of approximately $1.9 million. In
2005, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts received a distribution of
approximately $9.0 million, Mr. William Yung received
a distribution of approximately $0.1 million and Rainbow
received a distribution of approximately $1.6 million. In
2004, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts received a distribution of
approximately $9.0 million, Mr. William Yung received
a distribution of approximately $0.1 million and Rainbow
received a distribution of approximately $1.9 million.
Approval of Certain Transactions. Subject to
certain conditions, restrictions and exceptions, in order to be
effective pursuant to the terms of the limited liability company
agreement, the following actions require the affirmative vote or
written consent of members holding a majority of the units:
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the dissolution of Greenville Riverboat;
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the merger, consolidation or combination of Greenville Riverboat;
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an amendment to the certificates; or
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the sale, exchange, lease or other transfer of all or
substantially all of the property other than in the ordinary
course of business.
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DESCRIPTION
OF OTHER INDEBTEDNESS
The following is a summary of the material indebtedness other
than the notes that we presently have outstanding. This summary
is not a complete description of all of the terms of the
agreements that govern our material indebtedness and is
qualified in its entirety by reference to such documents.
Senior
Secured Credit Facility
General
On January 3, 2007, we entered into a new senior secured
credit facility with a syndicate of banks, financial
institutions and other institutional lenders led by Credit
Suisse as sole administrative agent and collateral agent. The
senior secured credit facility was made available to Tropicana
Entertainment in the form of a $1,530.0 million senior
secured term loan, $229.8 million in aggregate principal
amount of which we have since repaid resulting in
$1,300.2 million in aggregate principal amount of such term
loans outstanding as of September 30, 2007, and a
$180.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility
under which we presently have approximately $170.3 million
in additional availability net of approximately
$9.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. The proceeds
of the term loan were used (a) to pay a portion of the
consideration in connection with the Aztar Acquisition in
accordance with the terms of the Aztar Merger Agreement,
(b) to repay a portion of certain existing indebtedness of
Aztar and certain affiliates of Tropicana Entertainment,
(c) to pay fees and expenses incurred in connection with
the Aztar Acquisition and the Acquisition Financing
Transactions, including the fees and expenses incurred in
connection with the senior secured credit facility and
(d) to pay for expenses associated with the integration of
Aztar, including severance and pension payments incurred in
connection with the closing of certain facilities and the
termination of certain employees.
The revolving credit facility has (a) a swingline
sub-facility available for short-term borrowings and (b) a
letter of credit sub-facility available for the issuance of
letters of credit. Any borrowings under the swingline facility
and/or
issuances of letters of credit reduce availability under the
revolving credit facility on a dollar-for-dollar basis. The
revolving credit facility is available for general corporate
purposes, including permitted acquisitions, working capital and
the issuance of letters of credit for Tropicana
Entertainments account.
All borrowings are subject to the satisfaction of customary
conditions, including the absence of certain defaults and
compliance with customary representations and warranties.
Interest
and Fees
Effective May 29, 2007, we amended the credit documentation
governing the senior secured credit facility to, among other
things, reduce the applicable interest rate spread over LIBOR
from 2.50% to 2.25%. As a result, the interest rates per annum
applicable to loans under the senior secured credit facility are
the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin of 2.25% or an
alternate base rate plus an applicable margin of 1.50%
and, in the case of the revolving credit facility, will vary
according to our leverage ratio during the term of the revolving
credit facility. The alternate base rate is a fluctuating
interest rate equal to the higher of (a) Credit
Suisses prime rate and (b) the federal funds
effective rate plus one-half of one percent (0.50%). Interest is
calculated on the basis of actual days elapsed in a
360-day year
(or 365 or
366-day
year, in the case of alternate base rate loans calculated in
accordance with Credit Suisses prime rate) and payable at
the end of each interest period, and, in any event, at least
quarterly. After the delivery of financial statements for the
first two full quarters ending after the closing date, the
applicable margins for the revolving credit facility may
decrease if we succeed in attaining a lower leverage ratio.
In addition, in connection with any letters of credit issued
under the revolving credit facility, we are required to pay to
the revolving lenders, in addition to customary issuance and
administration fees, a per annum fee equal to the spread over
adjusted LIBOR under the revolving facility on the aggregate
face amount of outstanding letters of credit, and a fronting fee
to the issuing bank equal to 0.25% of the aggregate face amount
of outstanding letters of credit, both payable in arrears at the
end of each quarter
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and upon the termination of the revolving facility, calculated
based on the actual number of days elapsed over a
360-day year.
We are also required to pay to the lenders under the revolving
credit facility a commitment fee in respect of the undrawn
portion of the commitments at a per annum rate of 0.50%, payable
in arrears at the end of each quarter and upon the termination
of the commitments, calculated based on the number of days
elapsed in a
360-day year.
Prepayments
The term loan is required to be prepaid with, subject to certain
exceptions (a) 50% of our Excess Cash Flow (as defined in
the credit documentation governing the senior secured credit
facility) less Extraordinary Receipts (as described below) for
such period, (b) 100% of the net cash proceeds of asset
sales or other dispositions of property by Tropicana
Entertainment Intermediate Holdings and its subsidiaries (other
than Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings, LLC, or Tropicana Las Vegas
Holdings, and its subsidiaries), Realty, CP Vicksburg and JMBS
Casino (including proceeds from the sale of stock by any such
companies and casualty and condemnation proceeds), (c) 100%
of the net cash proceeds of issuances, offerings or placements
of debt obligations by Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate
Holdings LLC and its subsidiaries (other than Tropicana Las
Vegas Holdings and its subsidiaries), Realty, CP Vicksburg and
JMBS Casino, (d) 50% of the net cash proceeds of issuances
of equity securities by Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate
Holdings and its subsidiaries (other than Tropicana Las Vegas
Holdings and its subsidiaries), Realty, CP Vicksburg and JMBS
Casino, (e) 100% of Extraordinary Receipts (as defined in
the credit documentation governing the senior secured credit
facility to include certain specified title insurance proceeds
and indemnity payments related to the Park Cattle disputes) and
(f) in the event of the sale of all or substantially all of
the assets of Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings and its subsidiaries
or the sale of all or substantially all of the equity interests
in Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings or the Las Vegas Borrower, 100%
of the gross proceeds from such sale (less fees paid in
connection with such sale and amounts required to pay off such
companies indebtedness). In addition, as a result of the
fact that the Casino Queen Acquisition Agreement was terminated,
on March 14, 2007 and March 30, 2007, we repaid
$167.9 million in aggregate principal amount of the term
loan under the senior secured credit facility, which funds had
been set aside to fund the acquisition of Casino Queen. See
Prospectus Summary Recent
Developments Casino Queen Developments.
Between April 1, 2007 and September 30, 2007, we
repaid an additional $61.9 million in aggregate principal
amount of the term loan under the senior secured credit
facility, resulting in aggregate principal repayments of
$229.8 million and an aggregate principal amount
outstanding of $1,300.2 million, in each case, as of
September 30, 2007.
The percentage of net cash proceeds from the issuance of equity
securities and excess cash flow less extraordinary receipts for
such period required to be applied in prepayment of the term
loan will be decreased upon our attainment of a lower leverage
ratio.
Voluntary prepayments of the term loan and voluntary reductions
in the unused commitments under the revolving credit facility
are permitted, in whole or in part, in minimum amounts as set
forth in the credit documentation governing the senior secured
credit facility.
Amortization
of Principal
The term loan will mature on January 3, 2012. Under the
terms of the credit documentation governing the senior secured
credit facility, the term loan amortizes in equal quarterly
installments in an aggregate annual amount equal to 1% of its
original principal amount, with the balance to be paid on the
maturity date of the loan. However, in accordance with the terms
of such credit documentation, certain mandatory and voluntary
repayments of the principal amount outstanding under the term
loan made by Tropicana Entertainment have been applied against
future scheduled quarterly amortization payments. As a
consequence of such mandatory and voluntary repayments, as of
September 30, 2007, Tropicana Entertainment is no longer
required to make any additional quarterly amortization payment.
The revolving line of credit
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under the senior secured credit facility will mature and the
commitments under such facility will terminate on
January 3, 2012.
Guarantees
and Security
Tropicana Entertainments obligations under the senior
secured credit facility are fully and unconditionally guaranteed
by Tropicana Finance and the guarantors of the notes. In
addition, amounts drawn under the revolving facility in excess
of $100.0 million will be guaranteed on a senior unsecured
basis by Columbia Sussex, provided that the amount of principal
to be so guaranteed shall not exceed $80.0 million.
The senior secured credit facility is also secured by a
perfected first-priority security interest in substantially all
of Tropicana Entertainments tangible and intangible
assets, as well as all of the tangible and intangible assets of
each guarantor, whether owned on the closing date or acquired
thereafter, including a pledge of all equity interests in
Tropicana Entertainment, a pledge of all equity interests owned
by Tropicana Entertainment and by each of the guarantors,
security interests in accounts receivable, inventory, equipment,
general intangibles, investment property, intellectual property
(except gaming licenses and related licenses), real property,
water vessels, cash, deposit and securities accounts, commercial
tort claims, letter of credit rights and intercompany notes.
Covenants
and Other Matters
The senior secured credit facility contains covenants that
limit, subject to certain exceptions, our ability to, among
other things:
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declare certain dividends or make distributions;
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prepay, redeem or repurchase our outstanding indebtedness;
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incur liens or other encumbrances;
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make loans or other investments;
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merge, consolidate or sell substantially all of our property or
business;
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make capital expenditures above certain prescribed levels during
any fiscal year;
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enter into transactions with affiliates (which are not
guarantors of the senior secured credit facility);
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cause subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions;
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amend debt or other material agreements; and
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enter into a new line of business.
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The senior secured credit facility also requires us to comply
with certain financial covenants, including a maximum leverage
ratio and a minimum interest coverage ratio which will become
more restrictive over time.
Events of default under the senior secured credit facility
include customary events for a facility of its type, such as
nonpayment of principal or interest under the term loan and
revolving credit facility, violation of covenants, incorrectness
in any material respect in any representation or warranty that
Tropicana Entertainment, its subsidiaries or the affiliate
guarantors make in connection with the credit facility, default
under certain leases, revocation of gaming licenses, and change
of control. In addition, the credit documentation governing the
senior secured credit facility includes cross-default and
cross-acceleration provisions with respect to our other material
indebtedness, including the notes.
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Senior
Secured Las Vegas Loan
General
On January 3, 2007, one of Tropicana Entertainments
subsidiaries, the Las Vegas Borrower, obtained the Las Vegas
secured loan, which was provided by a syndicate of banks,
financial institutions and other institutional lenders led by
Credit Suisse as sole administrative agent and collateral agent.
The Las Vegas Borrower is a subsidiary of Tropicana Las Vegas
Holdings. The Las Vegas secured loan consists of a
$440.0 million senior secured term facility, which was
drawn in full on January 3, 2007.
Maturity
and Options to Extend
The initial term of the Las Vegas secured loan concludes on
July 3, 2008. The Las Vegas Borrower is entitled to two
six-month extensions of the term of the Las Vegas secured loan,
provided that extension fees are paid, the loan is not in
default and other customary conditions set forth in the credit
documentation governing the loan are satisfied.
Interest
and Fees
Effective May 29, 2007, the Las Vegas Borrower amended the
credit documentation governing the Las Vegas secured loan to,
among other things, reduce the applicable interest rate spread
over LIBOR from 2.50% to 2.25%. Accordingly, the interest rates
per annum applicable to the Las Vegas secured loan are, at our
option, the adjusted LIBOR rate plus an applicable margin
of 2.25% or an alternate base rate plus an applicable
margin of 1.50%. Interest will be calculated on the basis of
actual days elapsed in a
360-day year
(or 365 or
366-day
year, in the case of alternate base rate loans) and payable at
the end of each interest period, which must be at least every
three months.
On the closing date, the Las Vegas Borrower deposited into an
escrow account cash in an amount sufficient to pay all scheduled
interest payments in respect of the Las Vegas secured loan for a
one-year period. If the maturity date of the Las Vegas secured
loan is extended pursuant to the available options, then the Las
Vegas Borrower will be required as a condition of such extension
to deposit into the escrow account cash which, together with any
amount remaining in such escrow, is sufficient to pay all
scheduled interest payments that will come due during the
applicable extension period.
Prepayments
The Las Vegas secured loan is required to be prepaid with,
subject to certain exceptions, (a) 100% of the Las Vegas
Borrowers Excess Cash Flow (as defined in the credit
documentation governing the Las Vegas secured loan),
(b) 50% of the net cash proceeds of any sale of the equity
interests of Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings or any of its
subsidiaries, (c) 100% of the net cash proceeds of any OpCo
Intermediate Equity Issuance (as defined in the agreement
governing the Las Vegas secured loan, to include non-ordinary
course tax refunds or indemnity payments) to the extent that
such net cash proceeds are not used to pay down the senior
secured credit facility, (d) 100% of the net cash proceeds
of all asset sales or other dispositions of property by the Las
Vegas Borrower or its subsidiaries (including proceeds from the
sale of stock of any of Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings
subsidiaries and insurance and condemnation proceeds),
(e) 100% of the net cash proceeds of issuances, offerings
or placements of debt obligations of Tropicana Las Vegas
Holdings or any of its subsidiaries (including any mortgage
financing relating to the
34-acre Tropicana
Las Vegas parcel situated on the Strip, which we
refer to as the Tropicana Property) and (f) 100% of any
Extraordinary Receipts (as defined in the credit documentation
governing the Las Vegas secured loan to include certain
non-ordinary course tax refunds, indemnity payments, litigation
proceeds and certain other specified amounts).
Voluntary prepayments of the Las Vegas secured loan are
permitted, in whole or in part, in minimum amounts as set forth
in the credit documentation governing the Las Vegas secured loan.
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Amortization
of Principal
The Las Vegas secured loan is payable in full at maturity, and
is not subject to scheduled amortization.
Guarantees
and Security
The Las Vegas secured loan is unconditionally guaranteed by
Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings and each of the Las Vegas
Borrowers existing and subsequently acquired or formed
domestic subsidiaries, and to the extent no adverse tax
consequences to the Las Vegas Borrower would result therefrom
and to the extent not prohibited by applicable law, foreign
subsidiaries (together with Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings, we
refer to these entities collectively as the Las Vegas secured
loan guarantors).
The Las Vegas secured loan is secured by substantially all of
the assets of the Las Vegas Borrower and the Las Vegas secured
loan guarantors, whether owned on the closing date or acquired
thereafter, including a perfected first-priority pledge of all
of the equity interests of the Las Vegas Borrower held by
Tropicana Las Vegas Holdings, a perfected first-priority pledge
of all of the equity interests held by the Las Vegas Borrower or
any land loan guarantor, perfected first-priority security
interests in, and mortgages on, substantially all of the
tangible and intangible assets of the Las Vegas Borrower and
each land loan guarantor, which assets include, specifically, a
perfected first mortgage on the fee simple interest in the
Tropicana Property, an assignment of all related leases, rents,
deposits, letters of credit, income and profits, and an
assignment
and/or a
perfected security interest in all contracts, agreements and
personal property related to the Tropicana Property. The Las
Vegas secured loan is also secured by a perfected first-priority
pledge of all of the equity interests in Tropicana Entertainment
Intermediate Holdings.
In connection with the arrangement of the Las Vegas secured
loan, we received a third party appraisal of the market value of
the Tropicana Las Vegas of $900.0 million, of which
$842.0 million was attributed to the underlying land and
the balance to the present value of the estimated future cash
flows (as estimated and calculated by the appraiser) of the
Tropicana Las Vegas over the next two years.
The third party appraisal was based upon a number of assumptions
and estimates made by the appraiser (and not our management),
including estimates regarding the future performance of the
Tropicana Las Vegas, that may not be realized, and should not be
construed as representing the actual value that would be
obtained if the Tropicana Las Vegas were to be transferred to a
third party or providing any forecast or projection of the
expected financial performance of the Tropicana Las Vegas over
any future period. In addition, as the subsidiaries of Tropicana
Entertainment that hold the assets and operations of the
Tropicana Las Vegas do not guarantee the outstanding notes, will
not guarantee the exchange notes and are not subject to the
restrictive covenants contained in the indenture, investors in
the exchange notes should not rely on the assets or cash flow of
the Tropicana Las Vegas for purposes of making an investment
decision with respect to the exchange notes.
Covenants
and Other Matters
The credit documentation governing the Las Vegas secured loan
contains covenants that limit the Las Vegas Borrowers
ability to, among other things:
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declare certain dividends on, redeem or repurchase its capital
stock generally;
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prepay, redeem or repurchase its outstanding indebtedness;
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incur liens or other encumbrances;
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make loans or other investments;
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merge, consolidate or sell substantially all its property or
business;
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make certain capital expenditures;
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cause its subsidiaries to pay dividends or make distributions;
and
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amend debt or other material agreements.
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The Las Vegas secured loan also requires the Las Vegas Borrower
to comply with certain financial covenants, including a maximum
ratio of total indebtedness to the appraised value of the
Tropicana Property of 60%, and maximum capital expenditure
amounts.
Events of default under the Las Vegas secured loan include
customary events for a facility of this type, such as nonpayment
of principal or interest, violation of covenants, incorrectness
in any material respect of any representation or warranty,
default under certain leases, and change of control. In
addition, the Las Vegas secured loan includes cross-default and
cross-acceleration provisions.
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DESCRIPTION
OF THE EXCHANGE NOTES
Tropicana Entertainment, LLC and Tropicana Finance Corp. issued
the Outstanding Notes under an Indenture (the
Indenture), dated December 28, 2006,
among Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, Tropicana Finance Corp. and
U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee. We will issue
the Exchange Notes under the Indenture. The terms of the
Exchange Notes include those stated in the Indenture and those
made part of the Indenture by reference to the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The terms of the Exchange
Notes are identical in all material respects to the Outstanding
Notes except that, upon completion of the exchange offer, the
Exchange Notes will be:
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registered under the Securities Act;
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newly issued securities that will not be eligible for trading in
The
PORTALtm
Market, a subsidiary of The Nasdaq Stock Market, Inc.; and
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generally free of any covenants regarding exchange registration
rights.
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Certain terms used in this description are defined under the
subheading Certain Definitions. In this
description:
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the term Company refers only to Tropicana
Entertainment, LLC and not to any of its subsidiaries, not to CP
Laughlin Realty, LLC or Columbia Properties Vicksburg LLC,
affiliates of ours that guarantee the Outstanding Notes and will
guarantee the Exchange Notes but that are not subsidiaries of
ours, and not to JMBS Casino LLC, an affiliate of the Yung
family that guarantees the Outstanding Notes and will guarantee
the Exchange Notes but that is not a subsidiary of Tropicana
Entertainment;
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the term Tropicana Finance refers only to Tropicana
Finance Corp., a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company with
nominal assets and which conducts no operations;
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the terms Issuers, we, our
and us refer to the Company and Tropicana Finance;
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the term Exchange Notes means the Notes to be issued
pursuant to the exchange offer and the Indenture;
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the term Notes means the Outstanding Notes and the
Exchange Notes, in each case outstanding at any given time and
issued under the Indenture; and
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the term Outstanding Notes means the Notes issued on
December 28, 2006 pursuant to the Indenture.
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The following description is only a summary of the material
provisions of the Indenture. We urge you to read the Indenture
and the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 because they, not this
description, define your rights as holders of the Notes. You may
request a copy of the Indenture at our address set forth under
the heading Where You Can Find More Information.
Please note that the Indenture and the following description
thereof contain certain references to the Casino Queen
Acquisition, which, at the time of the execution of the
Indenture, was expected to be consummated. Due to reasons beyond
our control, the conditions to the closing of the acquisition
set forth in the definitive agreement governing the Casino Queen
Acquisition were not satisfied by February 28, 2007, the
outside date for the consummation of the transaction, and
accordingly the definitive agreement governing the Casino Queen
Acquisition was terminated on March 9, 2007. See
Prospectus Summary Casino Queen
Developments. The Indenture has not been amended to
reflect the fact that the Casino Queen Acquisition has not been,
and is no longer expected to be, consummated.
Brief
Description of the Exchange Notes
The Exchange Notes will be:
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unsecured senior subordinated obligations of the Issuers;
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subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future
Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers;
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senior in right of payment to any future Subordinated
Obligations of the Issuers; and
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guaranteed by each Notes Guarantor.
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Principal,
Maturity and Interest
The Issuers issued the Outstanding Notes in the aggregate
principal amount of $960.0 million on December 28,
2006 and will issue up to an aggregate principal amount of
$960.0 million of the Exchange Notes in the exchange offer.
The Notes will mature on December 15, 2014. Subject to our
compliance with the covenant described under the subheading
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness, we are permitted to issue more Notes from
time to time (the Additional Notes). The
Notes and the Additional Notes, if any, will be treated as a
single class for all purposes of the Indenture, including
waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase. Unless
the context otherwise requires, for all purposes of the
Indenture and this Description of the Exchange
Notes, references to the Notes include any Additional
Notes actually issued.
Interest on the Notes accrues at the rate of
95/8%
per annum and is payable semiannually in arrears on June 15 and
December 15, commencing, in the case of the Outstanding
Notes, on June 15, 2007 and, in the case of the Exchange
Notes, on December 15, 2007 since the exchange offer will
not be completed until after June 15, 2007. We will make
each interest payment to the holders of record of the Notes on
the immediately preceding June 1 and December 1. We will
pay interest on overdue principal at 1% per annum in excess of
the above rate and will pay interest on overdue installments of
interest at such higher rate to the extent lawful.
Interest on the Outstanding Notes began to accrue from the date
of original issuance. Interest on the Exchange Notes will begin
to accrue from the date of their original issuance. Interest is
computed on the basis of a
360-day year
comprised of twelve
30-day
months.
Optional
Redemption
Except as set forth below or under Gaming
Redemption, we will not be entitled to redeem the Notes at
our option prior to December 15, 2010.
On and after December 15, 2010, we will be entitled at our
option to redeem all or a portion of the Notes upon not less
than 30 nor more than 60 days notice, at the
redemption prices (expressed in percentages of principal amount
on the redemption date), plus accrued interest to the redemption
date (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant
record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest
payment date), if redeemed during the
12-month
period commencing on December 15 of the years set forth below:
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Redemption
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Period
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Price
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2010
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104.813
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102.406
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2012 and thereafter
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100.000
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In addition, at any time prior to December 15, 2009, we
will be entitled at our option on one or more occasions to
redeem Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if any) in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed 35% of the aggregate
principal amount of the Notes (which includes Additional Notes,
if any) originally issued at a redemption price (expressed as a
percentage of principal amount) of 109.625%, plus accrued and
unpaid interest to the redemption date, with the Net Cash
Proceeds from one or more Qualified Equity Offerings; provided,
however, that
(1) at least 65% of such aggregate principal amount of
Notes (which includes Additional Notes, if any) remains
outstanding immediately after the occurrence of each such
redemption (other than Notes held, directly or indirectly, by
the Company or any of its Affiliates); and
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(2) each such redemption occurs within 90 days after
the date of the related Qualified Equity Offering.
Prior to December 15, 2010, we will be entitled at our
option to redeem all or a portion of the Notes at a redemption
price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the Notes plus
the Applicable Premium as of, and accrued and unpaid interest
to, the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders on the
relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date). Notice of such redemption must be mailed
by first-class mail to each Holders registered address,
not less than 30 nor more than 60 days prior to the
redemption date.
Applicable Premium means with respect to a
Note at any redemption date, the greater of (i) 1.00% of
the principal amount of such Note and (ii) the excess of
(A) the present value at such redemption date of
(1) the redemption price of such Note on December 15,
2010 (such redemption price being described in the second
paragraph in this Optional Redemption
section exclusive of any accrued interest) plus (2) all
required remaining scheduled interest payments due on such Note
through December 15, 2010 (but excluding accrued and unpaid
interest to the redemption date), computed using a discount rate
equal to the Adjusted Treasury Rate, over (B) the principal
amount of such note on such redemption date.
Adjusted Treasury Rate means, with respect to
any redemption date, (i) the yield, under the heading which
represents the average for the immediately preceding week,
appearing in the most recently published statistical release
designated H.15(519) or any successor publication
which is published weekly by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and which establishes yields on actively
traded United States Treasury securities adjusted to constant
maturity under the caption Treasury Constant
Maturities, for the maturity corresponding to the
Comparable Treasury Issue (if no maturity is within three months
before or after December 15, 2010, yields for the two
published maturities most closely corresponding to the
Comparable Treasury Issue shall be determined and the Adjusted
Treasury Rate shall be interpolated or extrapolated from such
yields on a straight line basis, rounding to the nearest month)
or (ii) if such release (or any successor release) is not
published during the week preceding the calculation date or does
not contain such yields, the rate per year equal to the
semi-annual equivalent yield to maturity of the Comparable
Treasury Issue (expressed as a percentage of its principal
amount) equal to the Comparable Treasury Price for such
redemption date, in each case calculated on the third Business
Day immediately preceding the redemption date, plus 0.50%.
Comparable Treasury Issue means the United
States Treasury security selected by the Quotation Agent as
having a maturity comparable to the remaining term of the Notes
from the redemption date to December 15, 2010, that would
be utilized, at the time of selection and in accordance with
customary financial practice, in pricing new issues of corporate
debt securities of a maturity most nearly equal to
December 15, 2010.
Comparable Treasury Price means, with respect
to any redemption date, if clause (ii) of the Adjusted
Treasury Rate is applicable, the average of three, or such
lesser number as is obtained by the Trustee, Reference Treasury
Dealer Quotations for such redemption date.
Quotation Agent means the Reference Treasury
Dealer selected by the Trustee after consultation with the
Company.
Reference Treasury Dealer means Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC and its successors and assigns and two
other nationally recognized investment banking firms selected by
the Company that are primary U.S. Government securities
dealers.
Reference Treasury Dealer Quotations means
with respect to each Reference Treasury Dealer and any
redemption date, the average, as determined by the Trustee, of
the bid and asked prices for the Comparable Treasury Issue,
expressed in each case as a percentage of its principal amount,
quoted in writing to the Trustee by such Reference Treasury
Dealer at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the third
Business Day immediately preceding such redemption date.
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Gaming
Redemption
If, at any time, any Gaming Authority requires that a Holder or
beneficial owner of Notes be licensed or obtain interim casino
authorization or be found qualified or suitable under any Gaming
Laws applicable to the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor and
such Holder or beneficial owner:
(1) fails to apply for a license, authorization,
qualification or finding of suitability within 30 days (or
such shorter period as may be required by the applicable Gaming
Authority) after being requested to do so by the Gaming
Authority; or
(2) is denied such license, authorization, qualification or
not found suitable,
subject to applicable Gaming Laws the Issuers shall have the
right, at their option:
(1) to require such Holder or beneficial owner to dispose
of its Notes within 30 days (or such earlier date as may be
required by the applicable Gaming Authority) of receipt of such
notice or finding by such Gaming Authority; or
(2) to call for the redemption of the Notes held by such
Holder or beneficial owner at a redemption price equal to the
lesser of:
(A) the principal amount thereof, together with accrued
interest to the earlier of the date of redemption or the date of
the denial of license, authorization, qualification or finding
of unsuitability by such Gaming Authority;
(B) the price at which such Holder or beneficial owner
acquired the Notes, together with accrued interest to the
earlier of the date of redemption or the date of the denial of
license, authorization, qualification or finding of
unsuitability by such Gaming Authority; and
(C) such other lesser amount as may be required by such
Gaming Authority.
Immediately upon a determination by a Gaming Authority that a
Holder or beneficial owner of Notes will not be licensed,
authorized, qualified or found suitable or is denied a license,
qualification or finding of suitability, the Holder or
beneficial owner thereof will not have any further rights with
respect to the Notes to (x) exercise, directly or
indirectly, through any Person, any right conferred by the Notes
or (y) receive any interest or any other distribution or
payment with respect to the Notes, except the redemption price
with respect to the Notes as described above.
The Issuers shall notify the Trustee in writing of any such
redemption as soon as practicable. The Holder or beneficial
owner applying for any such license, authorization,
qualification or finding of suitability shall pay all costs and
fees, including filing fees, investigatory fees, administrative
fees and attorney fees, of the application for such license,
authorization, qualification or finding of suitability.
Selection
and Notice of Redemption
If we are redeeming less than all the Notes at any time (other
than pursuant to the redemption provisions described under
Gaming Redemption), the Trustee will
select Notes on a pro rata basis to the extent practicable.
We will redeem Notes of $2,000 or less in whole and not in part.
We will cause notices of redemption to be mailed by first-class
mail at least 30 but not more than 60 days before the
redemption date to each Holder of Notes to be redeemed at its
registered address.
If any Note is to be redeemed in part only, the notice of
redemption that relates to that Note will state the portion of
the principal amount thereof to be redeemed. We will issue a new
Note in a principal amount equal to the unredeemed portion of
the original Note in the name of the Holder upon cancellation of
the original Note. Notes called for redemption become due on the
date fixed for redemption. On and after the redemption date,
interest ceases to accrue on Notes or portions of them called
for redemption.
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Mandatory
Redemption; Offers to Purchase; Open Market Purchases
We are not required to make any mandatory redemption or sinking
fund payments with respect to the Notes. However, under certain
circumstances, we may be required to offer to purchase Notes as
described under the captions Change of
Control and Certain
Covenants Limitation on Sales of Assets and
Subsidiary Stock. We may at any time and from time to time
purchase Notes in the open market or otherwise.
Guaranties
The Outstanding Notes are guaranteed, and the Exchange Notes
will be guaranteed, by the Notes Guarantors, which include the
Subsidiary Guarantors and the Affiliated Guarantors. The Notes
Guarantors jointly and severally guarantee or will guarantee, as
the case may be, on a senior subordinated basis, the
Issuers obligations under the Outstanding Notes and the
Exchange Notes, respectively. The obligations of each Notes
Guarantor under its Notes Guaranty is limited as necessary to
prevent that Notes Guaranty from constituting a fraudulent
conveyance under applicable law. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to this Offering and Our
Indebtedness U.S. federal and state statutes
allow courts, under specific circumstances, to void the notes
and the guarantees, subordinate claims in respect of the notes
and the guarantees and require noteholders to return payments
received from us or the guarantors.
If a Notes Guaranty were rendered voidable, it could be
subordinated by a court to all other indebtedness (including
guarantees and other contingent liabilities) of the applicable
Notes Guarantor, and, depending on the amount of such
indebtedness, a Notes Guarantors liability on its Notes
Guaranty could be reduced to zero. See Risk
Factors Risks Related to this Offering and Our
Indebtedness Because the notes and each
guarantors liability under its guaranty may be reduced to
zero, avoided or released under certain circumstances, you may
not receive any payments from us or from some or all of the
guarantors.
Each Notes Guarantor that makes a payment under its Notes
Guaranty will be entitled upon payment in full of all guarantied
obligations under the Indenture to a contribution from each
other Notes Guarantor in an amount equal to such other Notes
Guarantors pro rata portion of such payment based on the
respective net assets of all the Notes Guarantors at the time of
such payment determined in accordance with GAAP.
Pursuant to the Indenture, (A) a Notes Guarantor may
consolidate with, merge with or into, or transfer all or
substantially all its assets to any other Person to the extent
described below under Certain
Covenants Merger and Consolidation and
(B) the Capital Stock of a Notes Guarantor may be sold or
otherwise disposed of to another Person to the extent described
below under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock;
provided, however, that, in the case of the consolidation,
merger or transfer of all or substantially all the assets of a
Notes Guarantor if such other Person is not an Issuer or a Notes
Guarantor, such Notes Guarantors obligations under its
Notes Guaranty must be expressly assumed by such other Person,
except that such assumption will not be required in the case of:
(1) the sale or other disposition (including by way of
consolidation or merger) of a Notes Guarantor, including the
sale or disposition of Capital Stock of a Notes Guarantor,
following which (x) with respect to a sale or disposition
involving a Subsidiary Guarantor, such Subsidiary Guarantor is
no longer a Subsidiary and (y) with respect to a sale or
disposition involving an Affiliated Guarantor, such Affiliated
Guarantor is no longer an Affiliate of the Company;
(2) the sale or disposition of all or substantially all the
assets of a Notes Guarantor;
in each case other than to an Issuer or an Affiliate of an
Issuer and as permitted by the Indenture and if in connection
therewith the Company provides an Officers Certificate to
the Trustee to the effect that the Company will comply with its
obligations under the covenant described under
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary
Stock in respect of such disposition (including, in
connection with any sale or disposition of the Capital Stock of
an Affiliated Guarantor, causing the holders of the shares of
Capital
189
Stock of such Affiliated Guarantor to comply with such
covenant). Upon any sale or disposition described in
clause (1) or (2) above, the obligor on the related
Notes Guaranty will be released from its obligations thereunder.
The Subsidiary Guaranty of a Subsidiary Guarantor also will be
released:
(1) upon the designation of such Subsidiary Guarantor as an
Unrestricted Party;
(2) at such time as such Subsidiary Guarantor does not have
any Indebtedness outstanding that would have required such
Subsidiary Guarantor to enter into a Guaranty Agreement upon its
incurrence of such Indebtedness pursuant to the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Future Subsidiary Guarantors; or
(3) if the Issuers exercise their legal defeasance option
or covenant defeasance option as described under
Defeasance or if the Issuers
obligations under the Indenture are discharged in accordance
with the terms of the Indenture.
The Affiliated Guaranty of an Affiliated Guarantor also will be
released:
(1) upon the designation of such Affiliated Guarantor as an
Unrestricted Party; provided, however, that such Affiliated
Guarantor will not Guarantee any other Indebtedness of the
Issuers or any of their Subsidiaries immediately following such
designation; or
(2) if we exercise our legal defeasance option or covenant
defeasance option as described under
Defeasance or if our obligations under
the Indenture are discharged in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture.
Ranking
Senior
Indebtedness versus Notes
The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest
on the Notes and the payment of any Notes Guaranty is
subordinate in right of payment to the prior payment in full of
all Senior Indebtedness of the Issuers or the relevant Notes
Guarantor, as the case may be, including the obligations of the
Company and such Notes Guarantor under the Credit Agreement.
As of September 30, 2007:
(1) the Issuers Senior Indebtedness was approximately
$1,300.2 million, all of which was Secured Indebtedness;
(2) the Senior Indebtedness of the Notes Guarantors was
approximately $1,300.2 million, all of which consisted of
their respective guaranties of Senior Indebtedness of the
Company under the Credit Agreement; and
(3) Tropicana Finance had no Senior Indebtedness
outstanding other than in respect of its guaranty of Senior
Indebtedness of the Company under the Credit Agreement.
Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of
additional Indebtedness that the Issuers and the Notes
Guarantors may incur, under certain circumstances the amount of
such Indebtedness could be substantial and, in any case, such
Indebtedness may be Senior Indebtedness. See
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness.
Liabilities
of Subsidiaries and Affiliated Guarantors versus
Notes
All of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries. In
addition, CP Laughlin Realty, LLP, one of the Affiliated
Guarantors, owns the real estate and improvements (other than
gaming equipment) with respect to one of our casino operations,
and leases this real estate and these improvements to us in
exchange for cash lease payments. Columbia Properties Vicksburg,
LLC, another Affiliated Guarantor, owns and operates the
Vicksburg Horizon. JMBS Casino LLC, the third Affiliated
Guarantor, owns and
190
operates the Jubilee Casino. The Affiliated Guarantors do not
currently have any subsidiaries. Some of our subsidiaries do not
guarantee the Outstanding Notes and will not guarantee the
Exchange Notes, and, as described above under
Guaranties, Subsidiary Guaranties, as
well as the Affiliated Guaranties, may be released under certain
circumstances. In addition, certain of our future subsidiaries
(and certain future subsidiaries of the Affiliated Guarantors)
may not be required to guarantee the Notes. Specifically, no
future Foreign Subsidiaries are required to guarantee the Notes.
Claims of creditors of any non-guarantor subsidiaries, including
trade creditors holding indebtedness or guarantees issued by
such non-guarantor subsidiaries, and claims of preferred
stockholders of such non-guarantor subsidiaries generally will
have priority with respect to the assets and earnings of such
non-guarantor subsidiaries over the claims of our creditors,
including holders of the Notes, even if such claims do not
constitute Senior Indebtedness. Accordingly, the Notes will be
effectively subordinated to creditors (including trade
creditors) and preferred stockholders, if any, of such
non-guarantor subsidiaries.
Not all of our existing Subsidiaries guarantee the Outstanding
Notes or will Guarantee the Exchange Notes. Specifically,
Greenville Riverboat, which is a non-wholly-owned subsidiary of
the Company, does not guarantee the Outstanding Notes and will
not guarantee the Exchange Notes, although it is a Restricted
Subsidiary under the Indenture. Further, all of the Subsidiaries
of Tropicana Entertainment that hold the assets and operations
relating to the Tropicana Las Vegas, including the
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip, are
designated as Unrestricted Parties under the
Indenture, and do not guarantee the Outstanding Notes and will
not guarantee the Exchange Notes. On a pro forma basis to give
effect to the Transactions, our Subsidiaries (other than the
Subsidiary Guarantors) generated $196.8 million of our net
operating revenues for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Our Subsidiaries (other than the Subsidiary Guarantors)
generated $97.8 million of our net operating revenues for
the six months ended June 30, 2007. Although the Indenture
limits the incurrence of Indebtedness and preferred stock by
certain of our Subsidiaries, such limitation is subject to a
number of significant qualifications. Moreover, the Indenture
does not impose any limitation on the incurrence by such
Subsidiaries of liabilities that are not considered Indebtedness
under the Indenture. See Certain
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness.
In addition, the Indenture does not impose any limitation on the
incurrence of liabilities by Subsidiaries that are designated as
Unrestricted Parties. Specifically, our Subsidiaries
that hold the assets and operations relating to our Las Vegas
casino are obligors under the $440.0 million Las Vegas
secured loan and it is expected that the Las Vegas secured loan
will be refinanced with a more construction financing relating
to the development of our
34-acre
property located on the Las Vegas Strip, and the
aggregate principal amount of this financing is expected to be
significantly greater than the $440.0 million Las Vegas
secured loan.
Other
Senior Subordinated Indebtedness versus Notes
Only Indebtedness of the Issuers or a Notes Guarantor that is
Senior Indebtedness ranks senior to the Notes and the relevant
Notes Guaranty in accordance with the provisions of the
Indenture. The Notes and each Notes Guaranty in all respects
rank pari passu with all other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness
of the Issuers and the relevant Notes Guarantor, respectively.
We and the Notes Guarantors have agreed in the Indenture that we
and they will not Incur any Indebtedness that is subordinate or
junior in right of payment to our Senior Indebtedness or the
Senior Indebtedness of such Notes Guarantors, unless such
Indebtedness is Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the
applicable Person or is expressly subordinated in right of
payment to Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of such Person. The
Indenture does not treat (i) unsecured Indebtedness as
subordinated or junior to Secured Indebtedness merely because it
is unsecured or (ii) Senior Indebtedness as subordinated or
junior to any other Senior Indebtedness merely because it has a
junior priority with respect to the same collateral.
Payment
of Notes
We are not permitted to pay principal of, premium, if any, or
interest on the Notes or make any deposit pursuant to the
provisions described under Defeasance
below and may not purchase, redeem
191
or otherwise retire any Notes (collectively, pay the
Notes) if either of the following occurs (a
Payment Default):
(1) any Obligation on any Designated Senior Indebtedness of
the Issuers is not paid in full in cash when due; or
(2) any other default on Designated Senior Indebtedness of
the Issuers occurs and the maturity of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness is accelerated in accordance with its terms;
unless, in either case, the Payment Default has been cured or
waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or such
Designated Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full in cash.
Regardless of the foregoing, the Issuers are permitted to pay
the Notes if the Issuers and the Trustee receive written notice
approving such payment from the Representatives of all
Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect to which the Payment
Default has occurred and is continuing.
During the continuance of any default (other than a Payment
Default) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness
pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated
without further notice (except such notice as may be required to
effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable
grace periods, the Issuers are not permitted to make any payment
(other than payments or distributions made from any defeasance
or redemption trust described under Defeasance to
the extent the funds in any such trust were deposited prior to
the applicable default) with respect to Obligations arising
under the Notes for a period (a Payment Blockage
Period) commencing upon the receipt by the Trustee
(with a copy to us) of written notice (a Blockage
Notice) of such default from the Representative of
such Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election to
effect a Payment Blockage Period and ending 179 days
thereafter. The Payment Blockage Period will end earlier if such
Payment Blockage Period is terminated:
(1) by written notice to the Trustee and us from the Person
or Persons who gave such Blockage Notice;
(2) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice
is cured, waived or otherwise no longer continuing; or
(3) because such Designated Senior Indebtedness has been
discharged or repaid in full in cash.
Notwithstanding the provisions described above, unless the
holders of such Designated Senior Indebtedness or the
Representative of such Designated Senior Indebtedness have
accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness,
the Issuers are permitted to resume paying the Notes after the
end of such Payment Blockage Period. The Notes shall not be
subject to more than one Payment Blockage Period in any
consecutive
360-day
period irrespective of the number of defaults with respect to
Designated Senior Indebtedness during such period.
Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of an Issuer upon
a total or partial liquidation or dissolution or reorganization
of or similar proceeding relating to such Issuer or its property:
(1) the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the applicable
Issuer will be entitled to receive payment in full in cash of
such Senior Indebtedness before the holders of the Notes are
entitled to receive any payment;
(2) until the Senior Indebtedness of the applicable Issuer
is paid in full in cash, any payment or distribution to which
holders of the Notes would be entitled but for the subordination
provisions of the Indenture will be made to holders of such
Senior Indebtedness as their interests may appear, except that
holders of Notes may receive certain Capital Stock and
subordinated debt obligations; and
(3) if a distribution is made to holders of the Notes that,
due to the subordination provisions, should not have been made
to them, such holders of the Notes are required to hold it in
trust for the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the applicable
Issuer and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.
192
The subordination and payment blockage provisions will not
prevent the Issuers from repurchasing, redeeming, repaying or
prepaying any Notes to the extent required to do so by any
Gaming Authority, as described above under the caption
Gaming Redemption.
The subordination and payment blockage provisions described
above will not prevent a Default from occurring under the
Indenture upon the failure of an Issuer to pay interest or
principal with respect to the Notes when due by their terms. If
payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of
Default, the Company or the Trustee must promptly notify the
holders of Designated Senior Indebtedness or the Representative
of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of the acceleration.
A Notes Guarantors obligations under its Notes Guaranty
are senior subordinated obligations. As such, the rights of
Noteholders to receive payment by a Notes Guarantor pursuant to
its Notes Guaranty will be subordinated in right of payment to
the rights of holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Notes
Guarantor. The terms of the subordination and payment blockage
provisions described above with respect to the Issuers
obligations under the Notes apply equally to a Notes Guarantor
and the obligations of such Notes Guarantor under its Notes
Guaranty.
By reason of the subordination provisions contained in the
Indenture, in the event of a liquidation or insolvency
proceeding, creditors of an Issuer or a Notes Guarantor who are
holders of Senior Indebtedness of an Issuer or a Notes
Guarantor, as the case may be, may recover more, ratably, than
the holders of the Notes, and creditors of an Issuer or a
Subsidiary Guarantor who are not holders of Senior Indebtedness
may recover less, ratably, than holders of Senior Indebtedness
and may recover more, ratably, than the holders of the Notes.
The terms of the subordination provisions described above will
not apply to payments from money or the proceeds of
U.S. Government Obligations held in trust by the Trustee
for the payment of principal of and interest on the Notes
pursuant to the provisions described under
Defeasance.
Book-Entry,
Delivery and Form
The Exchange Notes will be issued in the form of one or more
fully registered notes in global form (Global
Notes). Generally, the Exchange Notes will be issued
in registered, global form in minimum denominations of $2,000
and integral multiples of $1,000 in excess of $2,000. The
Exchange Notes will be issued at the closing of the exchange
offer.
The Global Notes will be deposited upon issuance with the
Trustee as custodian for The Depository Trust Company
(DTC), in New York, New York, and registered
in the name of DTC or its nominee, in each case for credit to an
account of a direct or indirect participant in DTC as described
below.
Except as set forth below, the Global Notes may be transferred,
in whole and not in part, only to another nominee of DTC or to a
successor of DTC or its nominee. Beneficial interests in the
Global Notes may not be exchanged for Notes in certificated form
except in the limited circumstances described below. See
Exchange of Global Notes for Certificated
Notes. Except in the limited circumstances described
below, owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will
not be entitled to receive physical delivery of Notes in
certificated form.
In addition, transfers of beneficial interests in the Global
Notes will be subject to the applicable rules and procedures of
DTC and its direct or indirect participants, which may change
from time to time.
Depository
Procedures
The following description of the operations and procedures of
DTC is provided solely as a matter of convenience. These
operations and procedures are solely within the control of the
respective settlement systems and are subject to changes by
them. We take no responsibility for these operations and
procedures and urge investors to contact the system or their
participants directly to discuss these matters.
DTC has advised us that DTC is a limited-purpose trust company
organized under the laws of the State of New York, a
banking organization within the meaning of the New
York Banking Law, a member
193
of the Federal Reserve System, a clearing
corporation within the meaning of the Uniform Commercial
Code and a clearing agency registered pursuant to
the provisions of Section 17A of the Exchange Act. DTC was
created to hold securities for its participating organizations
(collectively, the Participants) and to
facilitate the clearance and settlement of transactions in those
securities between Participants through electronic book-entry
changes in accounts of its Participants. The Participants
include securities brokers and dealers (including the initial
purchasers), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and
certain other organizations. Access to DTCs system is also
available to other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and
trust companies that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Participant, either directly or indirectly
(collectively, the Indirect Participants).
Persons who are not Participants may beneficially own securities
held by or on behalf of DTC only through the Participants or the
Indirect Participants. The ownership interests in, and transfers
of ownership interests in, each security held by or on behalf of
DTC are recorded on the records of the Participants and Indirect
Participants.
DTC has also advised us that, pursuant to procedures established
by it:
(1) upon deposit of the Global Notes, DTC will credit the
accounts of the appropriate Participants with portions of the
principal amount of the Global Notes; and
(2) ownership of these interests in the Global Notes will
be shown on, and the transfer of ownership of these interests
will be effected only through, records maintained by DTC (with
respect to the Participants) or by the Participants and the
Indirect Participants (with respect to other owners of
beneficial interests in the Global Notes).
Investors in the Global Notes who are Participants in DTCs
system may hold their interests therein directly through DTC.
Investors in the Global Notes who are not Participants may hold
their interests therein indirectly through organizations which
are Participants in such system. All interests in a Global Note
may be subject to the procedures and requirements of DTC. The
laws of some states require that certain Persons take physical
delivery in definitive form of securities that they own.
Consequently, the ability to transfer beneficial interests in a
Global Note to such Persons will be limited to that extent.
Because DTC can act only on behalf of Participants, which in
turn act on behalf of Indirect Participants, the ability of a
Person having beneficial interests in a Global Note to pledge
such interests to Persons that do not participate in the DTC
system, or otherwise take actions in respect of such interests,
may be affected by the lack of a physical certificate evidencing
such interests.
Except as described below, owners of an interest in the
Global Notes will not have Notes registered in their names, will
not receive physical delivery of Notes in certificated form and
will not be considered the registered owners or
Holders thereof under the Indenture for any
purpose.
Payments in respect of the principal of, and interest and
premium and additional interest, if any, on a Global Note
registered in the name of DTC or its nominee will be payable to
DTC in its capacity as the registered Holder under the
Indenture. Under the terms of the Indenture, the Issuers and the
Trustee will treat the Persons in whose names the Notes,
including the Global Notes, are registered as the owners of the
Notes for the purpose of receiving payments and for all other
purposes. Consequently, neither the Issuers, the Trustee nor any
agent of the Issuers or the Trustee has or will have any
responsibility or liability for:
(1) any aspect of DTCs records or any
Participants or Indirect Participants records
relating to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership
interests in the Global Notes or for maintaining, supervising or
reviewing any of DTCs records or any Participants or
Indirect Participants records relating to the beneficial
ownership interests in the Global Notes; or
(2) any other matter relating to the actions and practices
of DTC or any of its Participants or Indirect Participants.
DTC has advised us that its current practice, upon receipt of
any payment in respect of securities such as the Notes
(including principal and interest), is to credit the accounts of
the relevant Participants with the payment on the payment date
unless DTC has reason to believe it will not receive payment on
such payment date. Each relevant Participant is credited with an
amount proportionate to its beneficial ownership
194
of an interest in the principal amount of the relevant security
as shown on the records of DTC. Payments by the Participants and
the Indirect Participants to the beneficial owners of Notes will
be governed by standing instructions and customary practices and
will be the responsibility of the Participants or the Indirect
Participants and will not be the responsibility of DTC, the
Trustee or the Issuers. Neither the Issuers nor the Trustee will
be liable for any delay by DTC or any of its Participants in
identifying the beneficial owners of the Notes, and the Company
and the Trustee may conclusively rely on and will be protected
in relying on instructions from DTC or its nominee for all
purposes.
Subject to the transfer restrictions set forth under
Transfer Restrictions, transfers between
Participants in DTC will be effected in accordance with
DTCs procedures, and will be settled in
same-day
funds.
DTC has advised the Issuers that it will take any action
permitted to be taken by a Holder of Notes only at the direction
of one or more Participants to whose account DTC has credited
the interests in the Global Notes and only in respect of such
portion of the aggregate principal amount of the Notes as to
which such Participant or Participants has or have given such
direction. However, if there is an Event of Default under the
Notes, DTC reserves the right to exchange the Global Notes for
legended Notes in certificated form, and to distribute such
Notes to its Participants.
Although DTC has agreed to the foregoing procedures in order to
facilitate transfers of interests in the Global Notes among
participants, it is under no obligation to perform such
procedures, and such procedures may be discontinued or changed
at any time. Neither the Issuers nor the Trustee nor any of
their respective agents will have any responsibility for the
performance by DTC or its participants or indirect participants
of their respective obligations under the rules and procedures
governing their operations.
Exchange
of Global Notes for Certificated Notes
A Global Note is exchangeable for Certificated Notes if:
(1) DTC (a) notifies the Issuers that it is unwilling
or unable to continue as depositary for the Global Notes or
(b) has ceased to be a clearing agency registered under the
Exchange Act and, in each case, a successor depositary is not
appointed;
(2) the Issuers, at their option, notify the Trustee in
writing that they elect to cause the issuance of the
Certificated Notes; or
(3) there has occurred and is continuing a Default with
respect to the Notes.
In addition, beneficial interests in a Global Note may be
exchanged for Certificated Notes upon prior written notice given
to the Trustee by or on behalf of DTC in accordance with the
Indenture. In all cases, Certificated Notes delivered in
exchange for any Global Note or beneficial interests in Global
Notes will be registered in the names, and issued in any
approved denominations, requested by or on behalf of the
depositary (in accordance with its customary procedures).
Same
Day Settlement and Payment
The Issuers will make payments in respect of the Notes
represented by the Global Notes (including principal, premium,
if any, interest and additional interest, if any) by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Global Note Holder. The Issuers will make all
payments of principal, interest and premium and additional
interest, if any, with respect to Certificated Notes by wire
transfer of immediately available funds to the accounts
specified by the Holders of the Certificated Notes or, if no
such account is specified, by mailing a check to each such
Holders registered address. The Notes represented by the
Global Notes are expected to trade in DTCs
Same-Day
Funds Settlement System, and any permitted secondary market
trading activity in such Notes will, therefore, be required by
DTC to be settled in immediately available funds. The Issuers
expect that secondary trading in any Certificated Notes will
also be settled in immediately available funds.
195
Change of
Control
Upon the occurrence of any of the following events (each a
Change of Control), each Holder shall have
the right to require that the Issuers repurchase such
Holders Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of
the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase plus
accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of purchase
(subject to the right of holders of record on the relevant
record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest
payment date):
(1) prior to the first public offering of common stock of
the Company or any Company Parent, or of any Affiliated
Guarantor, as the case may be, the Permitted Holders cease to be
the beneficial owner (as defined in
Rules 13d-3
and 13d-5
under the Exchange Act), directly or indirectly, of a majority
of the aggregate of the total voting power of the Voting Stock
of the Company, or such Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may
be, whether as a result of issuance of securities of the Company
or a Company Parent, or of such Affiliated Guarantor, as the
case may be, any merger, consolidation, liquidation or
dissolution of the Company or a Company Parent, or of such
Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, or any direct or
indirect transfer of securities by the Company or a Company
Parent, or by such Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, or
otherwise (for purposes of this clause (1) and
clause (2) below, the Permitted Holders shall be deemed to
beneficially own any Voting Stock of a Person (the
specified person) held by any other Person (the
parent entity) so long as the Permitted Holders
beneficially own (as so defined), directly or indirectly, in the
aggregate a majority of the voting power of the Voting Stock of
the parent entity);
(2) after the first public offering of common stock of the
Company or any Company Parent, or of any Affiliated Guarantor,
as the case may be, any person (as such term is used
in Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act), other
than one or more Permitted Holders, is or becomes the beneficial
owner (as defined in clause (1) above, except that for
purposes of this clause (2) such person shall be deemed to
have beneficial ownership of all shares that any
such person has the right to acquire, whether such right is
exercisable immediately or only after the passage of time),
directly or indirectly, of more than 35% of the total voting
power of the Voting Stock of the Company or a Company Parent, or
of such Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be; provided,
however, that the Permitted Holders beneficially own (as defined
in clause (1) above), directly or indirectly, in the
aggregate a lesser percentage of the total voting power of the
Voting Stock of the Company or such Affiliated Guarantor, as the
case may be, than such other person and do not have the right or
ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or
designate for election a majority of the Board of Directors (for
the purposes of this clause (2), such other person shall be
deemed to beneficially own any Voting Stock of a specified
person held by a parent entity, if such other person is the
beneficial owner (as defined in this clause (2)), directly or
indirectly, of more than 35% of the voting power of the Voting
Stock of such parent entity and the Permitted Holders
beneficially own (as defined in clause (1) above), directly
or indirectly, in the aggregate a lesser percentage of the
voting power of the Voting Stock of such parent entity and do
not have the right or ability by voting power, contract or
otherwise to elect or designate for election a majority of the
board of directors of such parent entity);
(3) after the first public offering of common stock of the
Company or any Company Parent, or of any Affiliated Guarantor,
as the case may be, individuals who on the Issue Date
constituted the Board of Directors of the Company, any Company
Parent or any Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be (together
with any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors
or whose nomination for election by the shareholders or other
equity holders of the Company, such Company Parent or such
Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, was approved by a vote
of a majority of the directors of the Company, such Company
Parent or such Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, then
still in office who were either directors on the Issue Date or
whose election or nomination for election was previously so
approved), cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors of the Company, such Company Parent or such
Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, then in office;
(4) the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or
dissolution of the Company, any Company Parent or any Affiliated
Guarantor; or
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(5) the merger or consolidation of the Company or any
Company Parent with or into another Person or the merger of
another Person with or into the Company or any Company Parent,
or the sale of all or substantially all the assets of the
Company or any Company Parent (determined on a consolidated
basis) to another Person other than (A) a transaction in
which the survivor or transferee is a Person that is controlled
by the Permitted Holders or (B) a transaction following
which (i) in the case of a merger or consolidation
transaction, holders of securities that represented 100% of the
Voting Stock of the Company or such Company Parent, as the case
may be, immediately prior to such transaction (or other
securities into which such securities are converted as part of
such merger or consolidation transaction) own directly or
indirectly at least a majority of the voting power of the Voting
Stock of the surviving Person in such merger or consolidation
transaction immediately after such transaction and in
substantially the same proportion as before the transaction and
(ii) in the case of a sale of assets transaction, each
transferee becomes an obligor in respect of the Notes and a
Subsidiary of the transferor of such assets.
Within 30 days following any Change of Control, unless we
have previously or concurrently mailed a redemption notice with
respect to all outstanding Notes as described under
Optional Redemption, we will mail a
notice by first class mail to each Holder with a copy to the
Trustee (the Change of Control Offer), to the
address of such Holder appearing on the security register,
stating:
(1) that a Change of Control has occurred and that such
Holder has the right to require us to purchase all or a portion
of such Holders Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to
101% of the principal amount thereof on the date of purchase,
plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date of
purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the
relevant record date to receive interest on the relevant
interest payment date);
(2) the circumstances and relevant facts regarding such
Change of Control;
(3) the purchase date (which shall be no earlier than
30 days nor later than 60 days from the date such
notice is mailed); and
(4) the instructions, as determined by us, consistent with
the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder must follow in
order to have its Notes purchased.
We will not be required to make a Change of Control Offer
following a Change of Control if a third party makes the Change
of Control Offer in the manner, at the times and otherwise in
compliance with the requirements set forth in the Indenture
applicable to a Change of Control Offer made by us and purchases
all Notes validly tendered and not withdrawn under such Change
of Control Offer.
A Change of Control Offer may be made in advance of a Change of
Control, conditional upon such Change of Control, if a
definitive agreement is in place for the Change of Control at
the time of making of the Change of Control Offer.
We will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements
of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and the regulations of
the SEC promulgated thereunder and any other securities laws or
regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes as a
result of a Change of Control. To the extent that the provisions
of any securities laws or regulations conflict with the
provisions of the covenant described hereunder, we will comply
with the applicable securities laws and regulations and shall
not be deemed to have breached our obligations under the
covenant described hereunder by virtue of our compliance with
such securities laws or regulations.
The Change of Control purchase feature of the Notes may in
certain circumstances make more difficult or discourage a sale
or takeover of the Company or a Company Parent and, thus, the
removal of incumbent management. The Change of Control purchase
feature is a result of negotiations between the Company and the
Initial Purchasers. We have no present intention to engage in a
transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is
possible that we could decide to do so in the future. Subject to
the limitations discussed below, we could, in the future, enter
into certain transactions, including acquisitions, refinancings
or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute a Change
of Control under the Indenture,
197
but that could increase the amount of indebtedness outstanding
at such time or otherwise affect our capital structure or credit
ratings. Restrictions on our ability to Incur additional
Indebtedness are contained in the covenants described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness. Such restrictions can only be waived with
the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding. Except for the limitations contained
in such covenants, however, the Indenture does not contain any
covenants or provisions that may afford holders of the Notes
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction.
The Credit Agreement does not prohibit us from purchasing any
Notes and provides that the occurrence of certain change of
control events with respect to the Company constitute a default
thereunder. In the event that at the time of such Change of
Control the terms of any Senior Indebtedness (including the
Credit Agreement) restrict or prohibit the purchase of Notes
following such Change of Control, we may seek the consent of our
lenders to the purchase of Notes or may attempt to refinance the
borrowings that contain such prohibition. If we do not obtain
such consents or repay such borrowings, we will remain
prohibited from purchasing Notes. In such case, our failure to
offer to purchase Notes would constitute a Default under the
Indenture, which would, in turn, constitute a default under the
Credit Agreement. In such circumstances, the subordination
provisions in the Indenture would likely restrict payment to the
Holders of Notes.
Future indebtedness that we may incur may contain prohibitions
on the occurrence of certain events that would constitute a
Change of Control or require the repurchase of such indebtedness
upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the exercise by the Holders
of their right to require us to repurchase their Notes could
cause a default under such indebtedness, even if the Change of
Control itself does not, due to the financial effect of such
repurchase on us. Finally, our ability to pay cash to the
holders of Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control
may be limited by our then existing financial resources. There
can be no assurance that sufficient funds will be available when
necessary to make any required repurchases.
The definition of Change of Control includes a
disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company or any Company Parent to any Person. Although there is a
limited body of case law interpreting the phrase
substantially all, there is no precise established
definition of the phrase under applicable law. Accordingly, in
certain circumstances there may be a degree of uncertainty as to
whether a particular transaction would involve a disposition of
all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company or any Company Parent. As a result, it may be unclear as
to whether a Change of Control has occurred and whether a holder
of Notes may require the Company to make an offer to repurchase
the Notes as described above.
The provisions under the Indenture relative to our obligation to
make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of
Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of
the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes.
Certain
Covenants
The Indenture contains covenants including, among others, the
following:
Limitation
on Indebtedness
(a) Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will,
or will permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries
to, Incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness; provided,
however, that the Company and the Restricted Parties will be
entitled to Incur Indebtedness if, on the date of such
Incurrence and after giving effect thereto on a pro forma basis,
the Consolidated Coverage Ratio exceeds 2.0 to 1.0.
(b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the
Company and the Restricted Parties will be entitled to Incur any
or all of the following Indebtedness:
(1) Indebtedness Incurred by the Company and the Notes
Guarantors pursuant to the Credit Agreement in an aggregate
principal amount at any one time outstanding not to exceed the
greater of
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(i) $1,710.0 million less the sum of all principal
payments with respect to such Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph
(a)(3)(A) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary
Stock and (ii) 2.0 times the aggregate amount of
EBITDA for the period of the most recent four consecutive fiscal
quarters ending at least 45 days prior to the date on which
such Indebtedness is Incurred;
(2) Indebtedness owed to and held by the Company, an
Affiliated Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary; provided,
however, that (A) any subsequent issuance or transfer of
any Capital Stock which results in any such Restricted
Subsidiary ceasing to be a Restricted Subsidiary or any
subsequent transfer of such Indebtedness (other than to the
Company, an Affiliated Guarantor or a Restricted Subsidiary)
shall be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of
such Indebtedness by the obligor thereon and (B) if the
Company is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such Indebtedness
is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in full in cash
of all obligations with respect to the Notes and (C) if a
Notes Guarantor is the obligor on such Indebtedness, such
Indebtedness is expressly subordinated to the prior payment in
full in cash of all obligations of such Notes Guarantor with
respect to its Notes Guaranty;
(3) the Notes (other than any Additional Notes) and the
Exchange Notes;
(4) Indebtedness of the Restricted Parties (other than the
Issuers) outstanding on the Aztar Acquisition Date (other than
Indebtedness described in clause (2) or (3) of this
covenant);
(5) Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred and
outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was
acquired by the Company (excluding the acquisition by the
Company of Restricted Parties in connection with the Aztar
Acquisition or the corporate reorganization, in each case as
described in this prospectus) or an Affiliated Guarantor (other
than Indebtedness Incurred in connection with, or to provide all
or any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to
consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions
pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was
acquired by the Company); provided, however, that on the date of
such acquisition and after giving pro forma effect thereto, the
Company would have been entitled to Incur at least $1.00 of
additional Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of this
covenant;
(6) Refinancing Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness
Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) or pursuant to clause
(3), (4), (5) or this clause (6);
(7) Hedging Obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
business designed to manage interest rates or interest rate risk
or to protect against fluctuations in currency exchange rates,
and not for the purpose of speculation; provided, however, that
in the case of Hedging Obligations relating to interest rates,
(A) such Hedging Obligations relate to payment obligations
in respect of Indebtedness otherwise permitted to be Incurred by
this covenant and (B) the notional principal amount of such
Hedging Obligations at the time Incurred does not exceed the
principal amount of the Indebtedness to which such Hedging
Obligations relate;
(8) obligations in respect of workers compensation
claims, self-insurance obligations, property, casualty or
liability insurance obligations, take-or-pay obligations in
supply arrangements, bankers acceptances, performance,
completion, bid and surety bonds or guarantees and similar types
of obligations, in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of
business;
(9) Indebtedness arising from the honoring by a bank or
other financial institution of a check, draft or similar
instrument drawn against insufficient funds in the ordinary
course of business, or arising from netting services, overdraft
protection or other cash management services obtained in the
ordinary course of business; provided, however, that such
Indebtedness is extinguished within five Business Days of its
Incurrence;
(10) the Guarantee by the Company or any Restricted Party
of Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Party that was
permitted to be incurred by another provision of this covenant;
provided, however, that if the Indebtedness being Guaranteed is
contractually subordinated to the Notes or a
199
Notes Guaranty, then the Guarantee Incurred pursuant to this
clause (10) shall be contractually subordinated to the same
extent as the Indebtedness being Guaranteed;
(11) Purchase Money Indebtedness, and Refinancing
Indebtedness Incurred to Refinance such Indebtedness, in an
aggregate principal amount which, when added together with the
amount of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to this
clause (11) and then outstanding, does not exceed
$30.0 million;
(12) Indebtedness in an aggregate principal amount which,
when taken together with all other Indebtedness outstanding on
the date of such Incurrence (other than Indebtedness permitted
by clauses (1) through (11) above or paragraph (a))
does not exceed $50.0 million.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither the Company nor
any Notes Guarantor will Incur any Indebtedness pursuant to the
foregoing paragraph (b) if the proceeds thereof are used,
directly or indirectly, to Refinance any Subordinated
Obligations of the Company or any Notes Guarantor unless such
Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Notes or the
applicable Notes Guaranty to at least the same extent as such
Subordinated Obligations.
(d) For purposes of determining compliance with this
covenant:
(1) any Indebtedness outstanding under the Credit Agreement
on the Aztar Acquisition Date will be treated as Incurred under
clause (1) of paragraph (b) above;
(2) in the event that an item of Indebtedness (or any
portion thereof) meets the criteria of more than one of the
types of Indebtedness described above, the Company, in its sole
discretion, will classify such item of Indebtedness (or any
portion thereof) at the time of Incurrence and will only be
required to include the amount and type of such Indebtedness in
one of the above clauses;
(3) the Company will be entitled to divide and classify an
item of Indebtedness in more than one of the types of
Indebtedness described above; and
(4) following the date of its Incurrence, any Indebtedness
originally classified as Incurred pursuant to one of the clauses
in paragraph (b) above (other than pursuant to
clause (1) of paragraph (b) above) may later be
reclassified by the Company such that it will be deemed as
having been Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a) above or
another clause in paragraph (b) above, as applicable, to
the extent that such reclassified Indebtedness could be Incurred
pursuant to such paragraph or clause at the time of such
reclassification.
(e) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) above,
neither the Company nor any Notes Guarantor will Incur
(1) any Indebtedness if such Indebtedness is subordinate or
junior in ranking in any respect to any Senior Indebtedness of
such Person, unless such Indebtedness is Senior Subordinated
Indebtedness or is expressly subordinated in right of payment to
Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of such Person or (2) any
Secured Indebtedness that is not Senior Indebtedness of such
Person unless contemporaneously therewith the Company such
Person makes effective provision to secure the Notes or
applicable Guaranty equally and ratably with such Secured
Indebtedness for so long as such Secured Indebtedness is secured
by a Lien.
Limitation
on Restricted Payments
(a) Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will,
or will permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries,
directly or indirectly, to make a Restricted Payment if at the
time the Company, such Affiliated Guarantor or such Restricted
Subsidiary makes such Restricted Payment:
(1) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or
would result therefrom);
(2) the Company is not able to Incur an additional $1.00 of
Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of the covenant
described under Limitation on
Indebtedness; or
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(3) the aggregate amount of such proposed Restricted
Payment and all other Restricted Payments since the Issue Date
would exceed the sum of (without duplication):
(A) 50% of the Consolidated Net Income accrued during the
period (treated as one accounting period) from the beginning of
the fiscal quarter immediately following the fiscal quarter
during which the Aztar Acquisition Date occurs to the end of the
most recent fiscal quarter ending at least 45 days prior to
the date of such Restricted Payment (or, in case such
Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, minus 100% of such
deficit); plus
(B) 100% of the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds or Fair Market
Value of any assets to be used in the business of the Company
and the Restricted Parties (other than cash and securities)
received by the Company either (x) from the issuance or
sale of its Qualified Capital Stock subsequent to the Aztar
Acquisition Date or (y) as a contribution in respect of the
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company by its shareholders
subsequent to the Aztar Acquisition Date (other than in respect
of any Affiliated Guarantor Sale Contribution); plus
(C) the amount by which Indebtedness of the Company is
reduced on the Companys balance sheet upon the conversion
or exchange subsequent to the Aztar Acquisition Date of any
Indebtedness of the Company convertible or exchangeable for
Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (less the amount of any
cash, or the Fair Market Value of any other property,
distributed by the Company upon such conversion or exchange);
provided, however, that the foregoing amount shall not exceed
the Net Cash Proceeds received by the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries from the sale of such Indebtedness
(excluding Net Cash Proceeds from sales to a Subsidiary of the
Company or to any Affiliated Guarantor or any of its
Subsidiaries or to an employee stock ownership plan or a trust
established by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any
Affiliated Guarantor or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit
of their employees); plus
(D) to the extent not already included in Consolidated Net
Income, an amount equal to the sum of (x) the aggregate
amount returned in cash and the Fair Market Value of any asset
(other than cash and securities) received with respect to
Investments (other than Permitted Investments) made by the
Company or any Restricted Party in any Person resulting from
repurchases, repayments or redemptions of such Investments by
such Person, proceeds realized on the sale of such Investment
and proceeds representing the return of capital in respect of
such Investments, whether through interest payments, principal
payments, dividends and other distributions, in each case
received by the Company or any Restricted Party, and (y) in
the case of the redesignation of an Unrestricted Party as a
Restricted Party, the Specified Percentage of the Fair Market
Value of the net assets of such Unrestricted Party at the time
such Unrestricted Party is designated a Restricted Party.
(b) The preceding provisions will not prohibit:
(1) any Restricted Payment made out of the Net Cash
Proceeds of the substantially concurrent sale of, or made by
exchange for, Qualified Capital Stock of the Company (other than
Qualified Capital Stock that would be excluded pursuant to
clause (a)(3)(B) above) or made out of a substantially
concurrent cash contribution received by the Company from its
shareholders in respect of Qualified Capital Stock (other than
in respect of any Affiliated Guarantor Sale Contribution);
provided, however, that (A) such Restricted Payment shall
be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments and (B) the Net Cash Proceeds from such sale or
such cash capital contribution (to the extent so used for such
Restricted Payment) shall be excluded from the calculation of
amounts under clause (3)(B) of paragraph (a) above;
(2) any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement for value of Subordinated
Obligations of the Company or a Notes Guarantor made by exchange
for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent
Incurrence of, Indebtedness of such Person which is permitted to
be Incurred pursuant to the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness;
201
provided, however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be
excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(3) any purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement for value of Capital Stock or
Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any Restricted Party
(other than from the Company or any of its Affiliates, including
any Permitted Holder) to the extent required by any Gaming
Authority having jurisdiction over the Company or any Restricted
Party in order to avoid the suspension, revocation or denial of
a gaming license by any Gaming Authority, or as required under
Gaming Redemption above; provided,
however, that such purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance
or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be included
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(4) dividends paid within 60 days after the date of
declaration thereof if at such date of declaration such dividend
would have complied with this covenant; provided, however, that
at the time of payment of such dividend, no other Default shall
have occurred and be continuing (or result therefrom); provided
further, however, that such dividend shall be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(5) so long as no Default has occurred and is continuing,
the purchase, redemption or other acquisition of shares of
Capital Stock of the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor or any
of their respective Subsidiaries from employees, former
employees, directors or former directors of the Company or any
Affiliated Guarantor or any of their respective Subsidiaries (or
permitted transferees of such employees, former employees,
directors or former directors), pursuant to the terms of the
agreements (including employment agreements) or plans (or
amendments thereto) approved by the Board of Directors of the
Company or the applicable Affiliated Guarantor under which such
individuals purchase or sell or are granted the option to
purchase or sell, shares of such Capital Stock; provided,
however, that the aggregate amount of such Restricted Payments
(excluding amounts representing cancellation of Indebtedness)
shall not exceed $2.0 million in any calendar year;
provided further, however, that such purchases, redemptions and
acquisitions shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount
of Restricted Payments;
(6) the declaration and payments of dividends on
Disqualified Stock issued pursuant to the covenant described
under Limitation on Indebtedness;
provided, however, that, at the time of payment of such
dividend, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or
result therefrom); provided further, however, that such
dividends shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments;
(7) repurchases of Capital Stock deemed to occur upon
exercise of stock options or warrants if such Capital Stock
represents a portion of the exercise price of such options or
warrants; provided, however, that such Restricted Payments shall
be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments;
(8) cash payments in lieu of the issuance of fractional
shares in connection with the exercise of warrants, options or
other securities convertible into or exchangeable for Capital
Stock of the Company; provided, however, that any such cash
payment shall not be for the purpose of evading the limitation
of the covenant described under this subheading (as determined
in good faith by the Board of Directors of the Company);
provided further, however, that such payments shall be excluded
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(9) in the event of a Change of Control, and if no Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, the payment, purchase,
redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of
Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor, in each case, at a purchase price not greater than
101% of the principal amount of such Subordinated Obligations,
plus any accrued and unpaid interest thereon; provided, however,
that prior to such payment, purchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement, the Company (or a third party
to the extent permitted by the Indenture) has made a Change of
Control Offer with respect to the Notes as a result of such
Change
202
of Control and has repurchased all Notes validly tendered and
not withdrawn in connection with such Change of Control Offer;
provided further, however, that such payments, purchases,
redemptions, defeasances or other acquisitions or retirements
shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted
Payments;
(10) payments of intercompany subordinated Indebtedness,
the Incurrence of which was permitted under clause (3) of
paragraph (b) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness; provided,
however, that no Default has occurred and is continuing or would
otherwise result therefrom; provided further, however, that such
payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments;
(11) the declaration and payment of dividends and
distributions by the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor in an
amount necessary to make Permitted Tax Distributions; provided,
however, that such dividends and distributions shall be excluded
in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(12) the declaration and payment of dividends and
distributions, or the making of loans, to any Company Parent in
an amount necessary to pay (x) franchise taxes and other
fees, taxes and expenses required to maintain its corporate
existence and (y) out-of-pocket legal, accounting and other
general corporate overhead costs actually incurred by such
Company Parent (including in the form of required payments to
Columbia Sussex Corporation under the Service Agreements) to the
extent such costs are determined in good faith by the Board of
Directors of the Company or the applicable Affiliated Guarantor
to be attributable or allocable to the ownership of the Company
and the Affiliated Guarantors; provided, however, that the
aggregate amount of Restricted Payments permitted to be made
pursuant to this clause (12) shall not exceed $250,000 in
any one fiscal year; provided further, however, that such
payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments;
(13) any transactions or payments executed, or activities
undertaken, under the terms of the Service Agreements, provided,
however, that such payments shall be excluded in the calculation
of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(14) the payment of distributions by Greenville Riverboat
to the minority holders of its Capital Stock to the extent
required by the terms of its operating agreement as in effect on
the Issue Date; provided, however, that such distributions shall
not be made to any Affiliate of the Company; provided further,
however, that such distributions shall be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments;
(15) the making of Restricted Payments to the holders of
Capital Stock of Aztar Corporation pursuant to the terms of the
Aztar Merger Agreement; provided, however, that such Restricted
Payments shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount of
Restricted Payments;
(16) the distribution of the Capital Stock of the Tropicana
Pennsylvania Entities and Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming
Company, L.L.C. to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc.
immediately following the consummation of the Aztar Acquisition
as described in this prospectus; provided, however, that such
distributions shall be excluded in the calculation of the amount
of Restricted Payments; and
(17) any other Restricted Payments in an amount which, when
taken together with all Restricted Payments made pursuant to
this clause (17), does not exceed $40.0 million; provided,
however, that (A) at the time of each such Restricted
Payment, no Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or
result therefrom) and (B) such Restricted Payment shall be
excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.
Limitation
on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries
Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will, or will
permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to,
create or otherwise cause or permit to exist or become effective
any consensual
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encumbrance or restriction on the ability of any Restricted
Party to (a) pay dividends or make any other distributions
on its Capital Stock to the Company or a Restricted Party or pay
any Indebtedness owed to the Company, (b) make any loans or
advances to the Company or (c) transfer any of its property
or assets to the Company, except:
(1) with respect to clauses (a), (b) and (c),
(A) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to (x) an
agreement in effect at or entered into on the Issue Date and
(y) the Credit Agreement as in effect or entered into on
the Aztar Acquisition Date;
(B) any encumbrance or restriction with respect to a
Restricted Party pursuant to an agreement relating to any
Indebtedness Incurred by such Restricted Party on or prior to
the date on which such Restricted Party was acquired by the
Company or an Affiliated Guarantor (as applicable) (other than
Indebtedness Incurred as consideration in, or to provide all or
any portion of the funds or credit support utilized to
consummate, the transaction or series of related transactions
pursuant to which such Restricted Party became a Restricted
Party or was acquired by the Company or an Affiliated Guarantor
(as applicable)) and outstanding on such date;
(C) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement
effecting a Refinancing of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to an
agreement referred to in clause (A) or (B) of
clause (1) of this covenant or this clause (C) or
contained in any amendment or replacement to an agreement
referred to in clause (A) or (B) of clause (1) of
this covenant or this clause (C); provided, however, that the
encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted
Party contained in any such refinancing agreement or amendment
or replacement agreement are no less favorable to the
Noteholders than encumbrances and restrictions with respect to
such Restricted Party contained in such predecessor
agreements; and
(D) any encumbrance or restriction (x) with respect to
a Restricted Subsidiary, imposed pursuant to an agreement
entered into for the sale or disposition of all or substantially
all the Capital Stock of such Restricted Subsidiary or
(y) with respect to a Restricted Party, imposed pursuant to
an agreement entered into for the sale or disposition of all or
substantially all the assets of such Restricted Party, in any
such case pending the closing of such sale or disposition;
(E) any encumbrance or restriction imposed pursuant to
applicable law, rule, regulation or order, including by any
Gaming Authority;
(F) restrictions on cash or other deposits or net worth
imposed under contracts entered into in the ordinary course of
business; and
(2) with respect to clause (c) only,
(A) customary non-assignment provisions in contracts,
licenses (including software or other intellectual property
licenses) and other agreements (including leases) entered into
in the ordinary course of business;
(B) any encumbrance or restriction contained in security
agreements or mortgages securing Indebtedness (including
Purchase Money Indebtedness) of a Restricted Party to the extent
such encumbrance or restriction restricts the transfer of the
property subject to such security agreements or
mortgages; and
(C) provisions limiting the disposition or distribution of
assets or property in joint venture agreements, partnership
agreements, limited liability company operating agreements,
asset sale agreements, sale-leaseback agreements, stock sale
agreements and other similar agreements entered into with the
approval of the Board of Directors, which limitation is
applicable only to the assets that are the subject of such
agreements.
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Limitation
on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock
(a) Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will,
or will permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries
to, directly or indirectly, consummate any Asset Disposition
unless:
(1) the Company or the applicable Restricted Party receives
consideration at the time of such Asset Disposition at least
equal to the Fair Market Value (including as to the value of all
non-cash consideration) of the shares and assets subject to such
Asset Disposition;
(2) except for any Permitted Asset Swap, at least 75% of
the consideration thereof received by the Company or such
Restricted Party (which consideration will not include any
contingent payment obligations related to such Asset
Disposition, including earnout payments, purchase price
adjustments, deferred purchase price payments and bonuses and
other forms of compensation to employees, officers or
consultants) is in the form of cash or cash equivalents; and
(3) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from
such Asset Disposition is applied by the Company (or such
Restricted Party, as the case may be) to any of the foregoing
(A) to prepay, repay, redeem or purchase Senior
Indebtedness of the Company or Indebtedness (other than any
Preferred Stock) of a Restricted Party (in each case other than
Indebtedness owed to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company)
within one year from the later of the date of such Asset
Disposition or the receipt of such Net Available Cash;
(B) to acquire Additional Assets within one year from the
later of the date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of
such Net Available Cash, provided, however, that the
requirements of this clause (B) may be satisfied by the
acquisition of gaming equipment or fixtures not more than
180 days prior to the applicable Asset Disposition to the
extent such acquisition was made in anticipation of the receipt
of the Net Cash Proceeds from the applicable Asset
Disposition; and
(C) to make an offer to the holders of the Notes (and to
holders of other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company
designated by the Company) to purchase Notes (and such other
Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company) pursuant to and
subject to the conditions contained in the Indenture;
provided, however, that in connection with any prepayment,
repayment or purchase of Indebtedness pursuant to
clause (A) or (C) above, the Company or such
Restricted Party shall permanently retire such Indebtedness and
shall cause the related loan commitment (if any) to be
permanently reduced in an amount equal to the principal amount
so prepaid, repaid or purchased.
(b) In the event that any shares of Capital Stock of any
Affiliated Guarantor are sold, leased, transferred or otherwise
disposed of by any of the holders thereof (an Affiliated
Guarantor Stock Sale):
(1) such holder or holders shall have received
consideration at the time of such Affiliated Guarantor Stock
Sale at least equal to the Fair Market Value (including as to
the value of all non-cash consideration) of such shares of
Capital Stock;
(2) 100% of the consideration thereof received by such
holder or holders shall be in the form of cash or cash
equivalents; and
(3) an amount equal to 100% of the Net Available Cash from
such Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale shall be contributed by
such holder or holders to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary
of the Company as common equity (an Affiliated Guarantor
Sale Contribution), and applied by the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with clause (a)(3) above.
Any Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale shall be deemed to
constitute an Asset Disposition for all
purposes under this covenant.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions of this
covenant, the Company and the Restricted Parties will not be
required to apply any Net Available Cash in accordance with this
covenant (including any Net Available Cash received from an
Affiliated Guarantor Sale Contribution) except to the extent
that the
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aggregate Net Available Cash from all Asset Dispositions (and
Affiliated Guarantor Sale Contributions) which is not applied in
accordance with this covenant exceeds $20.0 million.
Pending application of Net Available Cash pursuant to this
covenant, such Net Available Cash shall be invested in Temporary
Cash Investments or applied to temporarily reduce revolving
credit indebtedness.
For the purposes of this covenant, the following are deemed to
be cash or cash equivalents:
(1) the assumption or discharge of Indebtedness of the
Company (other than Subordinated Obligations and obligations in
respect of Disqualified Stock of the Company) or any Restricted
Party (other than obligations in respect of Preferred Stock of a
Subsidiary Guarantor) and the release of the Company or such
Restricted Party from all liability on such Indebtedness in
connection with such Asset Disposition; and
(2) securities or obligations received by the Company or
any Restricted Party (or, in the case of any Affiliated
Guarantor Stock Sale, by the applicable holders of Capital Stock
of the applicable Affiliated Guarantor) from the transferee that
are converted into cash or cash equivalents or sold or otherwise
disposed of in exchange for cash or cash equivalents by the
Company or such Restricted Party (or, in the case of any
Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale, by the applicable holders of
Capital Stock of the applicable Affiliated Guarantor) within
60 days, to the extent of the cash received in such
conversion, sale or disposition; provided, however, that in the
case of any Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale, such cash or cash
equivalents are contributed as an additional Affiliated
Guarantor Sale Contribution.
(d) In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires the
purchase of Notes (and other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of
the Company) pursuant to clause (a)(3)(C) above (including as a
result of any Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale), the Company will
purchase Notes tendered pursuant to an offer by the Company for
the Notes (and such other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of
the Company) at a purchase price of 100% of their principal
amount (or, in the event such other Senior Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company was issued with significant original
issue discount, 100% of the accreted value thereof) without
premium, plus accrued but unpaid interest (or, in respect of
such other Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company, such
lesser price, if any, as may be provided for by the terms of
such Senior Subordinated Indebtedness of the Company) in
accordance with the procedures (including prorating in the event
of oversubscription) set forth in the Indenture. If the
aggregate purchase price of the securities tendered exceeds the
Net Available Cash allotted to their purchase, the Company will
select the securities to be purchased on a pro rata basis but in
round denominations, which in the case of the Notes will be
denominations of $1,000 principal amount or multiples thereof.
If the aggregate purchase price of the securities tendered is
less than the Net Available Cash allotted to their purchase, the
Company shall be entitled to use such excess Net Available Cash,
or a portion thereof, for any purpose not otherwise prohibited
by the terms of the Indenture and shall no longer be required to
apply such excess Net Available Cash pursuant to the terms of
this covenant. The Company shall not be required to make such an
offer to purchase Notes (and other Senior Subordinated
Indebtedness of the Company) pursuant to this covenant if the
Net Available Cash available therefor is less than
$15.0 million. Upon completion of such an offer to
purchase, Net Available Cash will be deemed to be reduced by the
aggregate amount of such offer.
(e) The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with
the requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and
any other securities laws or regulations in connection with the
repurchase of Notes pursuant to this covenant. To the extent
that the provisions of any securities laws or regulations
conflict with provisions of this covenant, the Company will
comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and
will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under this
covenant by virtue of its compliance with such securities laws
or regulations.
Limitation
on Affiliate Transactions
(a) Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will,
or will permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries
to, enter into or permit to exist any transaction (including the
purchase, sale, lease
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or exchange of any property, employee compensation arrangements
or the rendering of any service) with, or for the benefit of,
any Affiliate of the Company (an Affiliate
Transaction) unless:
(1) the terms of the Affiliate Transaction are no less
favorable to the Company or such Restricted Party than those
that could be obtained at the time of the Affiliate Transaction
in arms-length dealings with a Person who is not an
Affiliate;
(2) if such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in
excess of $10.0 million, the terms of the Affiliate
Transaction are set forth in writing and a majority of the
non-employee directors of (x) in the case of a transaction
involving the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, the
Company and (y) in the case of a transaction involving an
Affiliated Guarantor or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries, such
Affiliated Guarantor, in each case that are disinterested with
respect to such Affiliate Transaction have determined in good
faith that the criteria set forth in clause (1) are
satisfied and have approved the relevant Affiliate Transaction
as evidenced by a resolution of the applicable Board of
Directors; and
(3) if such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in
excess of $20.0 million, the Board of Directors of
(x) in the case of a transaction involving the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries, the Company and (y) in the
case of a transaction involving an Affiliated Guarantor or any
of its Restricted Subsidiaries, such Affiliated Guarantor, in
each case shall also have received a written opinion from an
Independent Qualified Party to the effect that such Affiliate
Transaction is fair, from a financial standpoint, to the Company
and its Restricted Subsidiaries (in the case of clause (x)) or
the Affiliated Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiaries (in the
case of clause (y)) or is not less favorable to the Company and
the Restricted Parties (in the case of clause (x)) or the
Affiliated Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiary (in the case
of clause (y)) than could reasonably be expected to be obtained
at the time in an arms-length transaction with a Person
who was not an Affiliate.
(b) The provisions of the preceding paragraph (a) will
not prohibit:
(1) any Investment (other than a Permitted Investment) or
other Restricted Payment, in each case permitted to be made
pursuant to (but only to the extent included in the calculation
of the amount of Restricted Payments made pursuant to paragraph
(a)(3) of) the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments;
(2) any issuance of securities, or other payments, awards
or grants in cash, securities or otherwise pursuant to, or the
funding of, employment arrangements, stock options and stock
ownership plans of the Company or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries to the extent approved by the Board of Directors of
the Company;
(3) loans or advances to employees of the Company or any
Restricted Party in the ordinary course of business in
accordance with the past practices of the Company or such
Restricted Party, but in any event not to exceed
$5.0 million in the aggregate outstanding at any one time;
(4) the payment of reasonable fees to directors of the
Company or any Restricted Party who are not employees of the
Company or any Restricted Party;
(5) the provision of reasonable indemnification rights and
directors and officers liability insurance coverage to directors
and officers of the Company or any Restricted Party;
(6) transactions exclusively between or among the Company
and any of the Restricted Parties or exclusively among the
Restricted Parties;
(7) any transaction with the Company, a Restricted Party or
joint venture or similar entity which would constitute an
Affiliate Transaction solely because the Company or a Restricted
Party owns an equity interest in or otherwise controls such
Restricted Party, joint venture or similar entity;
(8) the issuance or sale of any Capital Stock (other than
Disqualified Stock) of the Company; or
(9) any transactions or payments executed, or activities
undertaken, pursuant to the terms of the Services Agreements.
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Limitation
on Line of Business
Neither the Company nor any Affiliated Guarantor will, or will
permit any of their respective Restricted Subsidiaries to,
engage in any business other than a Related Business.
Limitation
on Tropicana Finance
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, Tropicana
Finance may not hold any material assets (other than
Indebtedness owing to Tropicana Finance by the Company, any
Affiliated Guarantor or any Restricted Party and non-material
Temporary Cash Investments), become liable for any material
obligations or engage in any significant business activities
(other than treasury, cash management, hedging and cash pooling
activities and activities incidental thereto); provided,
however, that Tropicana Finance may be a co-obligor or guarantor
with respect to Indebtedness if the Company is an obligor of
such Indebtedness and the net proceeds of such Indebtedness are
received by the Company or one or more of the Notes Guarantors.
The Company will not sell or otherwise dispose of any shares of
Capital Stock of Tropicana Finance and will not permit Tropicana
Finance, directly or indirectly, to sell or otherwise dispose of
any shares of its Capital Stock.
Merger
and Consolidation
(a) The Company will not consolidate with or merge with or
into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a
series of transactions, directly or indirectly, all or
substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:
(1) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the
Successor Company) shall be a corporation
organized and existing under the laws of the United States of
America, any State thereof or the District of Columbia and the
Successor Company (if not the Company) shall expressly assume,
by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed and delivered to
the Trustee, in form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all
the obligations of the Company under the Notes and the Indenture;
(2) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such
transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an
obligation of the Successor Company or any Subsidiary as a
result of such transaction as having been Incurred by such
Successor Company or such Subsidiary at the time of such
transaction), no Default shall have occurred and be continuing;
(3) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such
transaction, the Successor Company would be able to Incur an
additional $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph
(a) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Indebtedness;
(4) such transaction will not result in the loss of any
Gaming Approval necessary for the continued operation of the
Company or any Restricted Party following such
transaction; and
(5) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each
stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such
supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture;
provided, however, that clause (3) will not be applicable
to (A) a Restricted Party consolidating with, merging into
or transferring all or part of its properties and assets to the
Company (so long as no Capital Stock of the Company is
distributed to any Person), (B) the Company merging with an
Affiliate of the Company solely for the purpose and with the
sole effect of reincorporating the Company in another
jurisdiction or (C) the Company merging with an Affiliate
solely for the purpose and with the sole effect of consummating
a Permitted C-Corp Conversion.
For purposes of this covenant, the sale, lease, conveyance,
assignment, transfer or other disposition of all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of one or more
Subsidiaries of the Company, which properties and assets, if
held by the Company instead of such Subsidiaries, would
constitute all or
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substantially all of the properties and assets of the Company
on a consolidated basis, shall be deemed to be the transfer of
all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the
Company.
The Successor Company will be the successor to the Company and
shall succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every
right and power of, the Company under the Indenture, and the
predecessor Company, except in the case of a lease, shall be
released from the obligation to pay the principal of and
interest on the Notes.
(b) Tropicana Finance will not consolidate with or merge
with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction
or a series of transactions, directly or indirectly, all or
substantially all its assets to, any Person, unless:
(1) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the
Successor Finance Issuer) shall be a
corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America, any state thereof or the District of Columbia
and the Successor Finance Issuer (if not Tropicana Finance)
shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental thereto,
executed and delivered to the Trustee, in form reasonably
satisfactory to the Trustee, all the obligations of Tropicana
Finance under the Notes and the Indenture;
(2) immediately after giving pro forma effect to such
transaction (and treating any Indebtedness which becomes an
obligation of the Successor Finance Issuer as a result of such
transaction as having been Incurred by such Successor Finance
Issuer at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have
occurred and be continuing and no Change of Control shall have
occurred with respect to Tropicana Finance; and
(3) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each
stating that such consolidation, merger or transfer and such
supplemental indenture (if any) comply with the Indenture.
The Successor Finance Issuer (if not Tropicana Finance) will be
the successor to Tropicana Finance and shall succeed to, and be
substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
Tropicana Finance under the Indenture, and Tropicana Finance,
except in the case of a lease, shall be released from the
obligation to pay the principal of and interest on the Notes.
(c) The Company will not permit any Notes Guarantor to
consolidate with or merge with or into, or convey, transfer or
lease, in one transaction or a series of transactions, all or
substantially all of its assets to any Person unless:
(1) except in the case of a Subsidiary Guarantor
(x) that has been disposed of in its entirety to another
Person, whether through a merger, consolidation or sale of
Capital Stock or assets or (y) that, as a result of the
disposition of all or a portion of its Capital Stock, ceases to
be a Subsidiary, in both cases, if in connection therewith the
Company provides an Officers Certificate to the Trustee to
the effect that the Company (or, if applicable, the relevant
Affiliated Guarantor) will comply with its obligations under the
covenant described under Limitation on Sales
of Assets and Subsidiary Stock in respect of such
disposition, the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (if
not such Subsidiary) shall be a Person organized and existing
under the laws of the jurisdiction under which such Notes
Guarantor was organized or under the laws of the United States
of America, or any State thereof or the District of Columbia,
and such Person shall expressly assume, by a Guaranty Agreement,
in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee, all the
obligations of such Notes Guarantor, if any, under its Notes
Guaranty;
(2) such transaction will not result in the loss of any
Gaming Approval necessary for the continued operation of the
Company or any Restricted Party following such
transaction; and
(3) the Company delivers to the Trustee an Officers
Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger or transfer and such Guaranty Agreement,
if any, complies with the Indenture.
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Future
Subsidiary Guarantors
The Company and each Affiliated Guarantor will cause each
domestic Restricted Subsidiary (other than any Restricted
Subsidiary that is already a Notes Guarantor and other than
Tropicana Finance) that Incurs any Indebtedness (other than
Indebtedness permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (2),
(7), (8) or (9) of paragraph (b) of the covenant
described under Limitation on
Indebtedness) to, in each case, at the same time, execute
and deliver to the Trustee a Guaranty Agreement pursuant to
which such Restricted Subsidiary will Guarantee payment of the
Notes on the same terms and conditions as those set forth in the
Indenture.
SEC
Reports
Whether or not the Company is subject to the reporting
requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act, so
long as any Notes are outstanding, the Company will file with
the SEC, subject to the next sentence and the final sentence of
this paragraph, and provide the Trustee and Noteholders with
such annual and other reports as are specified in
Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act and applicable to
a U.S. corporation subject to such Sections, such reports
to be so filed at the times specified for the filings of such
reports under such Sections (and made available to the Trustee
within 15 days of such times) and containing all the
information, audit reports and exhibits required for such
reports. If, at any time, the Company is not subject to the
periodic reporting requirements of the Exchange Act for any
reason, the Company will nevertheless continue to file the
reports specified in the preceding sentence with the SEC within
the time periods required unless the SEC will not accept such
filings. The Company agrees that it will not take any action for
the purpose of causing the SEC not to accept such filings. If,
notwithstanding the foregoing, the SEC will not accept such
filings for any reason, the Company will post the reports
specified in the preceding sentence on its website within the
time periods that would apply if the Company were required to
file those reports with the SEC. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
the Company may satisfy such requirements prior to the
effectiveness of the Exchange Offer Registration Statement or
the Shelf Registration Statement by filing with the SEC the
Exchange Offer Registration Statement or Shelf Registration
Statement, including amendments thereto, to the extent that any
such Registration Statement complies with the applicable form
requirements of such Registration Statement and includes all
financial information that satisfies the requirements of
Regulation S-X
of the Securities Act, and by making available to the Trustee
and Noteholders such Registration Statement (and any amendments
thereto) promptly following the filing thereof.
The reports described in the immediately preceding paragraph
shall include, for any period during which any Affiliated
Guarantor has provided a Notes Guaranty, the financial
statements (or, if permitted, consolidating footnote disclosure)
of each such Affiliated Guarantor as required pursuant to
Section 3-10
of
Regulation S-X
under the Securities Act, and include a discussion of such
financial statements in a separate Managements
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations for each such Affiliated Guarantor. If, for any
reason, the SEC will not permit such information of any
Affiliated Guarantor to be included in the reports filed by the
Company, then the Company will cause each Affiliated Guarantor
to file separate reports in accordance with the requirements of
this covenant, and will post the reports of the Company and the
Affiliated Guarantors in one location on its website.
With respect to any fiscal period for which any Affiliated
Guarantor has provided a Notes Guaranty and is a Restricted
Party, or for which any of the Companys or any Affiliated
Guarantors Subsidiaries are Unrestricted Parties, the
Company will make public disclosure by press release or pursuant
to a filing with the SEC that contains a reasonably detailed
presentation of the combined financial condition and results of
operations of the Company, the Affiliated Guarantors and their
respective Restricted Subsidiaries (and that excludes the
financial condition and results of operations of any
Unrestricted Subsidiaries of the Company and the Affiliated
Guarantors). The public disclosure required by the terms of this
paragraph shall be made by the Company no later than the date by
which the Company is required to file reports with the SEC
pursuant to the first paragraph of this covenant.
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In addition, the Company will furnish to the Holders of the
Notes and to prospective investors, upon the request of any of
them, any information required to be delivered pursuant to
Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so long as the
Notes are not freely transferable under the Securities Act.
Defaults
Each of the following is an Event of Default:
(1) a default in the payment of interest on the Notes when
due, continued for 30 days;
(2) a default in the payment of principal of any Note when
due at its Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon
required purchase, upon declaration of acceleration or otherwise;
(3) the failure by either Issuer or any Affiliated
Guarantor to comply with its obligations under
Certain Covenants Merger and
Consolidation above;
(4) the failure by either Issuer, any Affiliated Guarantor
or any Notes Guarantor to comply for 60 days after its
receipt of written notice with any of its other obligations
under the Indenture (including the failure by any holders of
shares of Capital Stock of any Affiliated Guarantor to comply
with the terms of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Sales of Assets or Subsidiary Stock);
(5) Indebtedness of either Issuer, any Notes Guarantor or
any Significant Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable
grace period after final maturity or is accelerated by the
holders thereof because of a default and the total amount of
such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds
$25.0 million (the cross acceleration
provision);
(6) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of either Issuer, any Notes Guarantor or any
Significant Subsidiary (the bankruptcy
provisions); or
(7) any judgment or decree for the payment of money in an
aggregate amount in excess of $25.0 million (net of any
amounts which are covered by enforceable insurance policies
issued by solvent carriers) is entered against either Issuer,
any Notes Guarantor or any Significant Subsidiary, remains
outstanding for a period of 60 consecutive days following such
judgment and is not discharged, waived or stayed (the
judgment default provision); or
(8) any Notes Guaranty ceases to be in full force and
effect (other than in accordance with the terms of such Notes
Guaranty) or any Notes Guarantor denies or disaffirms its
obligations under its Notes Guaranty.
However, a default under clause (4) will not constitute an
Event of Default until the Trustee or the holders of 25% in
principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Company of
the default and the applicable Issuer or the applicable
Affiliated Guarantor does not cure such default within the time
specified after receipt of such notice.
If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or
the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes may declare the principal of and accrued but
unpaid interest on all the Notes to be due and payable. Upon
such a declaration, such principal and interest shall be due and
payable immediately. If an Event of Default relating to the
bankruptcy provisions applicable to either Issuer occurs and is
continuing, the principal of and interest on all the Notes will
ipso facto become and be immediately due and payable without any
declaration or other act on the part of the Trustee or any
holders of the Notes. Under certain circumstances, the holders
of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may
rescind any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its
consequences.
Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the
duties of the Trustee, in case an Event of Default occurs and is
continuing, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of the rights or powers under the Indenture at the request
or direction of any of the holders of the Notes unless such
holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or
security against any loss, liability or expense.
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Except to enforce the right to receive payment of principal,
premium (if any) or interest when due, no holder of a Note may
pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes
unless:
(1) such holder has previously given the Trustee notice
that an Event of Default is continuing;
(2) holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the
remedy;
(3) such holders have offered the Trustee reasonable
security or indemnity against any loss, liability or expense;
(4) the Trustee has not complied with such request within
60 days after the receipt thereof and the offer of security
or indemnity; and
(5) holders of a majority in principal amount of the
outstanding Notes have not given the Trustee a direction
inconsistent with such request within such
60-day
period.
Subject to certain restrictions, the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the outstanding Notes are given the right to
direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for any remedy available to the Trustee or of exercising any
trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however,
may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or
the Indenture or that the Trustee determines is unduly
prejudicial to the rights of any other holder of a Note or that
would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
If a Default occurs, is continuing and is known to the Trustee,
the Trustee must mail to each holder of the Notes notice of the
Default within 90 days after it occurs. Except in the case
of a Default in the payment of principal of or interest on any
Note, the Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a
committee of its Trust Officers in good faith determines
that withholding notice is not opposed to the interest of the
holders of the Notes. In addition, we are required to deliver to
the Trustee, within 120 days after the end of each fiscal
year, a certificate indicating whether the signers thereof know
of any Default that occurred during the previous year. We are
required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after
the occurrence thereof, written notice of any event which would
constitute certain Defaults, their status and what action we are
taking or propose to take in respect thereof.
Amendments
and Waivers
Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with
the consent of the holders of a majority in principal amount of
the Notes then outstanding (including consents obtained in
connection with a tender offer or exchange for the Notes) and
any past default or compliance with any provisions may also be
waived with the consent of the holders of a majority in
principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. However, without
the consent of each holder of an outstanding Note affected
thereby, an amendment or waiver may not, among other things:
(1) reduce the amount of Notes whose holders must consent
to an amendment;
(2) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of
interest on any Note;
(3) reduce the principal of or change the Stated Maturity
of any Note;
(4) change the provisions applicable to the redemption of
any Note as described under Optional
Redemption or Gaming Redemption
above;
(5) make any Note payable in money other than that stated
in the Note;
(6) impair the right of any holder of the Notes to receive
payment of principal of and interest on such holders Notes
on or after the due dates therefor or to institute suit for the
enforcement of any payment on or with respect to such
holders Notes;
(7) make any change in the amendment or waiver provisions
which require each holders consent;
212
(8) make any change in the ranking or priority of any Note
that would adversely affect the Noteholders; or
(9) make any change in, or release other than in accordance
with the Indenture, any Notes Guaranty that would adversely
affect the Noteholders.
Notwithstanding the preceding, without the consent of any holder
of the Notes, the Issuers, the Notes Guarantors and Trustee may
amend the Indenture:
(1) to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or
inconsistency;
(2) to provide for the assumption by a successor
corporation of the obligations of either Issuer or any Notes
Guarantor under the Indenture;
(3) to provide for uncertificated Notes in addition to or
in place of certificated Notes (provided that the uncertificated
Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of
Section 163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the
uncertificated Notes are described in Section 163(f)(2)(B)
of the Code);
(4) to add Guarantees with respect to the Notes, including
any Notes Guaranties, or to secure the Notes;
(5) to add to the covenants of either Issuer or any Notes
Guarantor for the benefit of the holders of the Notes or to
surrender any right or power conferred upon either Issuer or any
Notes Guarantor;
(6) to make any change that does not adversely affect the
rights of any holder of the Notes;
(7) to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection
with the qualification of the Indenture under the
Trust Indenture Act;
(8) to conform the text of the Indenture, the Notes and the
Notes Guaranties to any provision of the section of the Offering
Circular captioned Description of the Notes to the
extent that such provision in such Description of the
Notes was intended to be a verbatim recitation of a
provision of the Indenture, the Notes and the Notes
Guaranties; or
(9) to make any amendment to the provisions of the
Indenture relating to the transfer and legending of Notes;
provided, however, that (a) compliance with the Indenture
as so amended would not result in Notes being transferred in
violation of the Securities Act or any other applicable
securities law and (b) such amendment does not materially
and adversely affect the rights of Holders to transfer Notes.
The consent of the holders of the Notes is not necessary under
the Indenture to approve the particular form of any proposed
amendment. It is sufficient if such consent approves the
substance of the proposed amendment.
After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, we are
required to mail to holders of the Notes a notice briefly
describing such amendment. However, the failure to give such
notice to all holders of the Notes, or any defect therein, will
not impair or affect the validity of the amendment.
Neither the Issuers nor any Affiliate of either Issuer may,
directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be paid any
consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to
any Holder for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or
amendment of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or
the Notes unless such consideration is offered to all Holders
and is paid to all Holders that so consent, waive or agree to
amend in the time frame set forth in solicitation documents
relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
Transfer
The Outstanding Notes were, and the Exchange Notes will be,
issued in registered form and will be transferable only upon the
surrender of the Notes being transferred for registration of
transfer. We may
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require payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax,
assessment or other governmental charge payable in connection
with certain transfers and exchanges.
Satisfaction
and Discharge
When we (1) deliver to the Trustee all outstanding Notes
for cancellation or (2) all outstanding Notes have become
due and payable, whether at maturity or on a redemption date as
a result of the mailing of notice of redemption, and, in the
case of clause (2), we irrevocably deposit with the Trustee
funds sufficient to pay at maturity or upon redemption all
outstanding Notes, including interest thereon to maturity or
such redemption date, and if in either case we pay all other
sums payable under the Indenture by us, then the Indenture
shall, subject to certain exceptions, cease to be of further
effect.
Defeasance
At any time, we may terminate all our obligations under the
Notes and the Indenture (legal defeasance),
except for certain obligations, including those respecting the
defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of the Notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or
stolen Notes and to maintain a registrar and paying agent in
respect of the Notes.
In addition, at any time we may terminate our obligations under
Change of Control and under the
covenants described under Certain
Covenants (other than the covenant described under
Merger and Consolidation), the operation
of the cross acceleration provision, the bankruptcy provisions
with respect to Significant Subsidiaries and Notes Guarantors
and the judgment default provision described under
Defaults above and the limitations
contained in clause (3) of the first paragraph under
Certain Covenants Merger and
Consolidation above (covenant
defeasance).
We may exercise our legal defeasance option notwithstanding our
prior exercise of our covenant defeasance option. If we exercise
our legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be
accelerated because of an Event of Default with respect thereto.
If we exercise our covenant defeasance option, payment of the
Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default
specified in clause (4), (5), (6) (with respect only to
Significant Subsidiaries and Notes Guarantors) or (7) under
Defaults above or because of the failure
of the Company to comply with clause (3) of the first
paragraph under Certain Covenants
Merger and Consolidation above. If we exercise our legal
defeasance option or our covenant defeasance option, each Notes
Guarantor will be released from all of its obligations with
respect to its Notes Guaranty.
In order to exercise either of our defeasance options, we must
irrevocably deposit in trust (the defeasance
trust) with the Trustee money or U.S. Government
Obligations for the payment of principal and interest on the
Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and must
comply with certain other conditions, including delivery to the
Trustee of an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that holders of
the Notes will not recognize income, gain or loss for Federal
income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and defeasance
and will be subject to Federal income tax on the same amounts
and in the same manner and at the same times as would have been
the case if such deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and,
in the case of legal defeasance only, such Opinion of Counsel
must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue Service or
other change in applicable Federal income tax law).
Concerning
the Trustee
U.S. Bank National Association is the Trustee under the
Indenture. We have appointed U.S. Bank National Association
as Registrar and Paying Agent with regard to the Notes.
The Indenture contains certain limitations on the rights of the
Trustee, should it become a creditor of either Issuer, to obtain
payment of claims in certain cases, or to realize on certain
property received in respect of any such claim as security or
otherwise. The Trustee will be permitted to engage in other
transactions; provided, however, if it acquires any conflicting
interest it must either eliminate such conflict within
90 days, apply to the SEC for permission to continue or
resign.
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The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Notes will have the right to direct the time, method and place
of conducting any proceeding for exercising any remedy available
to the Trustee, subject to certain exceptions. If an Event of
Default occurs (and is not cured), the Trustee will be required,
in the exercise of its power, to use the degree of care of a
prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject to such
provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise
any of its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request
of any Holder of Notes, unless such Holder shall have offered to
the Trustee security and indemnity satisfactory to it against
any loss, liability or expense and then only to the extent
required by the terms of the Indenture.
No
Personal Liability of Directors, Officers, Employees and
Stockholders
No director, officer, employee, incorporator or stockholder of
either Issuer or any Notes Guarantor will have any liability for
any obligations of either Issuer or any Notes Guarantor under
the Notes, any Notes Guaranty or the Indenture or
for any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of such
obligations or their creation. Each Holder of the Notes by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The
waiver and release are part of the consideration for issuance of
the Notes. Such waiver and release may not be effective to waive
liabilities under the U.S. federal securities laws, and it
is the view of the SEC that such a waiver is against public
policy.
Governing
Law
The Indenture and the Notes will be governed by, and construed
in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York.
Certain
Definitions
Acquisitions means the Aztar Acquisition and
the Casino Queen Acquisition.
Additional Assets means:
(1) any property, plant or equipment used in a Related
Business;
(2) the Capital Stock of a Person that becomes a Restricted
Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such Capital Stock
by the Company or another Restricted Party; or
(3) Capital Stock constituting a minority interest in any
Person that at such time is a Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that any such Restricted Subsidiary described
in clause (2) or (3) above is primarily engaged in a
Related Business.
Affiliate of any specified Person means any
other Person, directly or indirectly, controlling or controlled
by or under direct or indirect common control with such
specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
control when used with respect to any Person means
the power to direct the management and policies of such Person,
directly or indirectly, whether through the ownership of voting
securities, by contract or otherwise; and the terms
controlling and controlled have meanings
correlative to the foregoing. For purposes of the covenants
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Restricted Payments,
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Affiliate Transactions and Certain
Covenants Limitation on Sales of Assets and
Subsidiary Stock only, Affiliate shall also
mean any beneficial owner of Capital Stock representing 10% or
more of the total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully
diluted basis) of the Company or of rights or warrants to
purchase such Capital Stock (whether or not currently
exercisable) and any Person who would be an Affiliate of any
such beneficial owner pursuant to the first sentence hereof.
Affiliated Guarantor means each Designated
Affiliate; provided, however, that a Designated Affiliate shall
cease to be an Affiliated Guarantor upon release of its
Affiliated Guaranty in accordance with the terms of the
Indenture.
215
Affiliated Guaranty means a Guarantee by an
Affiliated Guarantor of the Issuers obligations with
respect to the Notes.
Asset Disposition means any sale, lease,
transfer or other disposition (or series of related sales,
leases, transfers or dispositions) by the Company or any
Restricted Party, including any disposition by means of a
merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to
for the purposes of this definition as a
disposition), of:
(1) any shares of Capital Stock of a Restricted Party
(other than directors qualifying shares or shares required
by applicable law to be held by a Person other than the Company
or a Restricted Party);
(2) all or substantially all the assets of any division or
line of business of the Company or any Restricted Party; or
(3) any other assets of the Company or any Restricted Party
outside of the ordinary course of business of the Company or
such Restricted Party;
other than, in the case of clauses (1), (2) and
(3) above,
(A) a disposition by a Restricted Party to the Company or
by the Company or a Restricted Party to a Restricted Party;
(B) for purposes of the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock only, (x) a
disposition that constitutes a Permitted Investment or a
Restricted Payment (or would constitute a Restricted Payment but
for the exclusions from the definition thereof) and that is not
prohibited by the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Restricted Payments and (y) a disposition of all or
substantially all the assets of the Company in accordance with
the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Merger and Consolidation;
(C) a disposition of assets with a Fair Market Value not in
excess of $2.5 million;
(D) a disposition of cash or Temporary Cash Investments;
(E) the creation of a Lien (but not the sale or other
disposition of the property subject to such Lien); and
(F) any disposition of inventory, surplus, damaged,
obsolete, idle or worn out assets, scrap or defaulted
receivables, in each case in the ordinary course of business.
Attributable Debt in respect of a
Sale/Leaseback Transaction means, as at the time of
determination, the present value (discounted at the interest
rate borne by the Notes, compounded annually) of the total
obligations of the lessee for rental payments during the
remaining term of the lease included in such Sale/Leaseback
Transaction (including any period for which such lease has been
extended); provided, however, that if such Sale/Leaseback
Transaction results in a Capital Lease Obligation, the amount of
Indebtedness represented thereby will be determined in
accordance with the definition of Capital Lease
Obligation.
Average Life means, as of the date of
determination, with respect to any Indebtedness, the quotient
obtained by dividing:
(1) the sum of the products of the numbers of years from
the date of determination to the dates of each successive
scheduled principal payment of or redemption or similar payment
with respect to such Indebtedness multiplied by the amount of
such payment by
(2) the sum of all such payments.
Aztar Acquisition means the acquisition by
the Company of Aztar Corporation pursuant to the terms of the
Aztar Merger Agreement.
216
Aztar Acquisition Date means the date on
which the Aztar Acquisition is consummated.
Aztar Acquisition Transactions shall mean
(i) the Aztar Acquisition, (ii) the entering into and
initial borrowings under the Credit Agreement, (iii) the
entry into and initial borrowings under the Las Vegas secured
loan, (iv) the equity contributions to the Company from
Affiliates of William J. Yung, III in the manner described
under the caption Use of Proceeds in this
prospectus, (v) the retirement, repayment, redemption,
satisfaction
and/or
discharge of existing Indebtedness of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Inc., Aztar Corporation and the Affiliated Guarantors
in the manner described under the caption Use of
Proceeds in this prospectus and (vi) the other
transactions to be effected in connection with the Aztar
Acquisition, including the corporate reorganization, as
described in this prospectus.
Aztar Merger Agreement means the Agreement
and Plan of Merger dated as of May 19, 2006, among Columbia
Sussex Corp., Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc., W-T Columbia
Development, Inc. and Aztar, as such agreement may be amended,
supplemented or modified from time to time.
Bank Indebtedness means all Obligations
pursuant to the Credit Agreement.
Board of Directors of a Person means the
Board of Directors or Board of Managers of such Person or any
similar body exercising the authority generally vested in a
board of directors of a corporation with respect to such Person
(or any committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of
such Board or body), or, in the case of a Person that is not a
corporation, the body exercising the authority generally vested
in a board of directors of a corporation.
Business Day means each day which is not a
Legal Holiday.
Capital Lease Obligation means an obligation
that is required to be classified and accounted for as a capital
lease for financial reporting purposes in accordance with GAAP,
and the amount of Indebtedness represented by such obligation
shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in
accordance with GAAP; and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be
the date of the last payment of rent or any other amount due
under such lease prior to the first date upon which such lease
may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a penalty.
Capital Stock of any Person means any and all
shares, interests (including partnership or limited liability
company interests), rights to purchase, warrants, options,
participations or other equivalents of or interests in (however
designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred
Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such
equity.
Casino Queen Acquisition means the
acquisition by the Company of Casino Queen, Inc. pursuant to the
terms of the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of
April 20, 2006, among Casino Queen, Inc., CP St. Louis
Casino, LLC and CP St. Louis Acquisition, LLC, as such
agreement may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time.
Code means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986,
as amended.
Combined Financial Period means any fiscal
period at the end of which any Affiliated Guarantor has provided
a Notes Guaranty and is a Restricted Party.
Company Parent means any direct or indirect
parent company of the Company. On the Issue Date, Tropicana
Casinos and Resorts, Inc., Tropicana Entertainment Holdings, LLC
and Tropicana Entertainment Intermediate Holdings, LLC shall
each be a Company Parent.
Consolidated Coverage Ratio as of any date of
determination means the ratio of (x) the aggregate amount
of EBITDA for the period of the most recent four consecutive
fiscal quarters ending at least 45 days prior to the date
of such determination to (y) Consolidated Interest Expense
for such four fiscal quarters; provided, however, that:
(1) if the Company or any Restricted Party has Incurred any
Indebtedness since the beginning of such period that remains
outstanding or if the transaction giving rise to the need to
calculate the Consolidated Coverage Ratio is an Incurrence of
Indebtedness, or both, EBITDA and Consolidated
217
Interest Expense for such period shall be calculated after
giving effect on a pro forma basis to such Indebtedness as if
such Indebtedness had been Incurred on the first day of such
period;
(2) if the Company or any Restricted Party has repaid,
repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged any Indebtedness
since the beginning of such period or if any Indebtedness is to
be repaid, repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged (in
each case other than Indebtedness Incurred under any revolving
credit facility unless such Indebtedness has been permanently
repaid and has not been replaced) on the date of the transaction
giving rise to the need to calculate the Consolidated Coverage
Ratio, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period
shall be calculated on a pro forma basis as if such discharge
had occurred on the first day of such period and as if the
Company or such Restricted Party had not earned the interest
income actually earned during such period in respect of cash or
Temporary Cash Investments used to repay, repurchase, defease or
otherwise discharge such Indebtedness;
(3) if since the beginning of such period the Company or
any Restricted Party shall have made any Asset Disposition,
EBITDA for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to
EBITDA (if positive) directly attributable to the assets which
are the subject of such Asset Disposition for such period, or
increased by an amount equal to EBITDA (if negative), directly
attributable thereto for such period and Consolidated Interest
Expense for such period shall be reduced by an amount equal to
the Consolidated Interest Expense directly attributable to any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Party repaid,
repurchased, defeased or otherwise discharged with respect to
the Company and the continuing Restricted Parties in connection
with such Asset Disposition for such period (or, if the Capital
Stock of any Restricted Subsidiary is sold, the Consolidated
Interest Expense for such period directly attributable to the
Indebtedness of such Restricted Subsidiary to the extent the
Company and the continuing Restricted Parties are no longer
liable for such Indebtedness after such sale);
(4) if since the beginning of such period the Company or
any Restricted Party (by merger, consolidation or otherwise)
shall have made an Investment in any Restricted Party (or any
Person which becomes a Restricted Party) or an acquisition of
assets, including any acquisition of assets occurring in
connection with a transaction requiring a calculation to be made
hereunder, EBITDA and Consolidated Interest Expense for such
period shall be calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto
(including the Incurrence of any Indebtedness) as if such
Investment or acquisition had occurred on the first day of such
period; and
(5) if since the beginning of such period any Person (that
subsequently became a Restricted Party or was merged with or
into the Company or any Restricted Party since the beginning of
such period) shall have made any Asset Disposition, any
Investment or acquisition of assets that would have required an
adjustment pursuant to clause (3) or (4) above if made
by the Company or a Restricted Party during such period, EBITDA
and Consolidated Interest Expense for such period shall be
calculated after giving pro forma effect thereto as if such
Asset Disposition, Investment or acquisition had occurred on the
first day of such period.
For purposes of this definition, whenever pro forma effect is to
be given to an acquisition of assets, the amount of income or
earnings relating thereto and the amount of Consolidated
Interest Expense associated with any Indebtedness Incurred in
connection therewith, the pro forma calculations shall be
determined in good faith by a responsible financial or
accounting Officer of the Company.
If any Indebtedness bears a floating rate of interest and is
being given pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness
shall be calculated as if the rate in effect on the date of
determination had been the applicable rate for the entire period
(taking into account any Interest Rate Agreement applicable to
such Indebtedness if such Interest Rate Agreement has a
remaining term in excess of 12 months). If any Indebtedness
is incurred under a revolving credit facility and is being given
pro forma effect, the interest on such Indebtedness shall
be calculated based on the average daily balance of such
Indebtedness for the four fiscal quarters subject to the pro
forma calculation to the extent that such Indebtedness was
incurred solely for working capital purposes.
218
Any pro forma calculations may include the reduction in
costs attributable to, or in connection with, the acquisition of
assets, an Asset Disposition or other transaction or event which
is being given pro forma effect that (a) would be
permitted to be reflected in pro forma financial
statements pursuant to Article 11 of
Regulation S-X
of the Securities Act or (b) have been realized at the time
such pro forma calculation is made or is reasonably
expected to be realized within 12 months following the
consummation of the applicable transaction or event which is
being given pro forma effect; provided, however, that
adjustments made pursuant to this paragraph must be based on the
reasonable good faith belief of the chief financial officer of
the Company and must be factually supportable and quantifiable
based on the underlying accounting records of the Company or, if
applicable, the accounting records relating to the acquired
assets or business.
Consolidated Interest Expense means, for any
period, the total combined interest expense of (x) the
Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries and
(y) each Contributing Affiliated Guarantor with respect to
such period and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries, plus,
to the extent not included in such total interest expense, and
to the extent incurred by (x) the Company or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries or (y) any Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor with respect to such period or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries, without duplication:
(1) interest expense attributable to Capital Lease
Obligations;
(2) amortization of debt discount and debt issuance cost;
(3) capitalized interest;
(4) non-cash interest expense;
(5) commissions, discounts and other fees and charges owed
with respect to letters of credit and bankers acceptance
financing;
(6) net payments pursuant to Hedging Obligations;
(7) dividends accrued in respect of all Disqualified Stock
of the Company and all Preferred Stock of any Restricted Party,
in each case, held by Persons other than the Company or a
Restricted Subsidiary (other than dividends payable solely in
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock) of the Company);
provided, however, that such dividends will be multiplied by a
fraction of the numerator of which is one and the denominator of
which is one minus the effective combined tax rate of the issuer
of such Preferred Stock (expressed as a decimal) for such period
(as estimated by the chief financial officer of the Company in
good faith);
(8) interest incurred in connection with Investments in
discontinued operations;
(9) interest accrued on any Indebtedness of any other
Person to the extent such Indebtedness is Guaranteed by (or
secured by the assets of) the Company or any Restricted
Party; and
(10) the cash contributions to any employee stock ownership
plan or similar trust to the extent such contributions are used
by such plan or trust to pay interest or fees to any Person
(other than the Company) in connection with Indebtedness
Incurred by such plan or trust.
For any Combined Financial Period, the combined Consolidated
Interest Expense of the Company and each Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor, and their consolidated Subsidiaries, shall be based
on the combined financial statements of the Company and such
Contributing Affiliated Guarantor (or Contributing Affiliated
Guarantors, as the case may be), and their consolidated
subsidiaries, for the Combined Financial Period prepared in
accordance with GAAP (reflecting all appropriate intercompany
eliminations in accordance with GAAP).
Consolidated Net Income means, for any
period, the combined net income of (x) the Company and its
consolidated Subsidiaries and (y) each Contributing
Affiliated Guarantor with respect to such period
219
and its consolidated Subsidiaries; provided, however, that
there shall not be included in such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) any net income of any Person (other than the Company)
if such Person is not a Restricted Party, except that, subject
to the exclusion contained in clause (4) below, the net
income of any such Person for such period shall be included in
such Consolidated Net Income up to the aggregate amount of such
net income actually distributed by such Person during such
period in cash to the Company or a Restricted Party as a
dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case of a
dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted Party, to
the limitations contained in clause (3) below);
(2) any net income (or loss) of any Person acquired in a
pooling of interests transaction (or any transaction accounted
for in a manner similar to a pooling of interests) for any
period prior to the date of such acquisition;
(3) any net income of any Restricted Party (including any
Contributing Affiliated Guarantor) if such Restricted Party is
subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the payment
of dividends or the making of distributions or any other
transfer of funds by such Restricted Party, directly or
indirectly, to the Company, except that:
(A) subject to the exclusion contained in clause (4)
below, the net income of any such Restricted Party for such
period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to
the aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such
Restricted Party during such period to the Company or another
Restricted Party as a dividend or other distribution (subject,
in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to another
Restricted Party, to the limitation contained in this
clause); and
(B) the Companys or the applicable Restricted
Partys equity in a net loss of any such Restricted Party
for such period shall be included in determining such
Consolidated Net Income;
(4) any gain (or loss) realized upon the sale or other
disposition of any assets (including pursuant to any
sale-and-leaseback
arrangement) which are not sold or otherwise disposed of in the
ordinary course of business and any gain (or loss) realized upon
the sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person;
(5) extraordinary gains or losses; and
(6) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principles,
in each case, for such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
for the purposes of the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments
only, (x) there shall be excluded from Consolidated Net
Income any repurchases, repayments or redemptions of
Investments, proceeds realized on the sale of Investments or
return of capital to the Company or a Restricted Party to the
extent such repurchases, repayments, redemptions, proceeds or
returns increase the amount of Restricted Payments permitted
under such covenant pursuant to clause (a)(3)(D) thereof and
(y) Consolidated Net Income with respect to any period
shall be reduced by the aggregate amount of Permitted Tax
Distributions made in such period under clause (b)(11) of such
covenant.
For any Combined Financial Period, the combined Consolidated Net
Income of the Company and each Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor, and their consolidated Subsidiaries, shall be based
on the combined financial statements of the Company and such
Contributing Affiliated Guarantor (or Contributing Affiliated
Guarantors, as the case may be), and their consolidated
subsidiaries, for the Combined Financial Period prepared in
accordance with GAAP (reflecting all appropriate intercompany
eliminations in accordance with GAAP).
Contributing Affiliated Guarantor means, with
respect to any Combined Statement Period, each Affiliated
Guarantor that has provided a Notes Guaranty and is a Restricted
Party at the end of such Combined Statement Period.
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Credit Agreement means the Credit Agreement
entered into by and among the Company, certain of its
Subsidiaries, the lenders referred to therein, Credit Suisse, as
Administrative Agent, Barclays Bank PLC and Societe Generale, as
Co-Syndication Agents, and The Royal Bank of Scotland, PLC and
ING Capital LLC, as Co-Documentation Agents, together with the
related documents thereto (including the term loans and
revolving loans thereunder, any guarantees and security
documents), as amended, extended, renewed, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified (in whole or in part, and
without limitation as to amount, terms, conditions, covenants
and other provisions) from time to time, and any agreement (and
related document) governing Indebtedness incurred to Refinance,
in whole or in part, the borrowings and commitments then
outstanding or permitted to be outstanding under such Credit
Agreement or a successor Credit Agreement, whether by the same
or any other lender or group of lenders.
Currency Agreement means any foreign exchange
contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement
with respect to currency values.
Default means any event which is, or after
notice or passage of time or both would be, an Event of Default.
Designated Affiliate means CP Laughlin
Realty, LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, Columbia
Properties Vicksburg, LLC, a Mississippi limited liability
company, and JMBS Casino LLC, a Mississippi limited liability
company, and each of their respective successors and assigns.
Designated Senior Indebtedness with respect
to a Person means:
(1) the Bank Indebtedness; and
(2) any other Senior Indebtedness of such Person which, at
the date of determination, has an aggregate principal amount
outstanding of, or under which, at the date of determination,
the holders thereof are committed to lend up to, at least
$100.0 million and is specifically designated by such
Person in the instrument evidencing or governing such Senior
Indebtedness as Designated Senior Indebtedness for
purposes of the Indenture.
Disqualified Stock means, with respect to any
Person, any Capital Stock which by its terms (or by the terms of
any security into which it is convertible or for which it is
exchangeable at the option of the holder) or upon the happening
of any event:
(1) matures or is mandatorily redeemable (other than
redeemable only for Capital Stock of such Person which is not
itself Disqualified Stock) pursuant to a sinking fund obligation
or otherwise;
(2) is convertible or exchangeable at the option of the
holder for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock; or
(3) is mandatorily redeemable or must be purchased upon the
occurrence of certain events or otherwise, in whole or in part;
in each case on or prior to the date that is 91 days after
the Stated Maturity of the Notes; provided, however, that any
Capital Stock that would not constitute Disqualified Stock but
for provisions thereof giving holders thereof the right to
require such Person to purchase or redeem such Capital Stock
upon the occurrence of an asset sale or change
of control occurring prior to the date that is
91 days after the Stated Maturity of the Notes shall not
constitute Disqualified Stock if:
(1) the asset sale or change of
control provisions applicable to such Capital Stock are
not more favorable to the holders of such Capital Stock than the
terms applicable to the Notes and described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock and
Certain Covenants Change of Control; and
(2) any such requirement only becomes operative after
compliance with such terms applicable to the Notes, including
the purchase of any Notes tendered pursuant thereto.
The amount of any Disqualified Stock that does not have a fixed
redemption, repayment or repurchase price will be calculated in
accordance with the terms of such Disqualified Stock as if such
Disqualified
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Stock were redeemed, repaid or repurchased on any date on which
the amount of such Disqualified Stock is to be determined
pursuant to the Indenture; provided, however, that if such
Disqualified Stock could not be required to be redeemed, repaid
or repurchased at the time of such determination, the
redemption, repayment or repurchase price will be the book value
of such Disqualified Stock as reflected in the most recent
financial statements of such Person.
EBITDA for any period means the sum of
Consolidated Net Income, plus the following to the extent
deducted in calculating such Consolidated Net Income:
(1) all income tax expense of the Company and its
consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (and for any Combined
Financial Period, each Contributing Affiliated Guarantor and its
consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries); plus
(2) Consolidated Interest Expense; plus
(3) depreciation and amortization expense of the Company
and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (and for any
Combined Financial Period, each Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries) (in each
case excluding amortization expense attributable to a prepaid
item that was paid in cash in a prior period); plus
(4) all other non-cash charges and expenses of the Company
and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (and for any
Combined Financial Period, each Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries) (in each
case excluding any such non-cash charge to the extent that it
represents an accrual of or reserve for cash expenditures in any
future period); less all non-cash items of income of the
Company and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (and for
any Combined Financial Period, each Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor and its consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries) (in each
case other than accruals of revenue in the ordinary course of
business); plus
(5) any non-cash compensation charges arising from any
grant of stock, stock options or other equity based-awards; plus
(6) all closure costs, including costs associated with
head-count reduction and severance and pension payments, in
connection with the closing of certain facilities and other
costs associated with operational changes in connection with the
Acquisitions that are identified in reasonable detail in a
certificate of the chief financial officer of the Company to the
Trustee and are incurred within 18 months from the Aztar
Acquisition Date and in an aggregate amount not to exceed
$50.0 million;
in each case for such period. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the
provision for taxes based on the income or profits of, and the
depreciation and amortization and non-cash charges of, a
Restricted Party (including any Contributing Affiliated
Guarantor) shall be added to Consolidated Net Income to compute
EBITDA only to the extent (and in the same proportion, including
by reason of minority interests) that the net income or loss of
such Restricted Party was included in calculating Consolidated
Net Income and only if a corresponding amount would be permitted
at the date of determination to be dividended, distributed or
otherwise transferred to the Company by such Restricted Party
without any direct or indirect restriction.
For any Combined Financial Period, the adjustments utilized in
calculating EBITDA for such period shall be based on the
combined financial statements of the Company and the relevant
Combined Affiliated Guarantor (or Combined Affiliated
Guarantors, as the case may be) that were the basis of the
combined Consolidated Net Income for such Combined Financial
Period (with all such EBITDA adjustments reflecting all
appropriate intercompany eliminations in accordance with GAAP).
Exchange Act means the U.S. Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Exchange Notes means the debt securities of
the Issuers issued pursuant to the Indenture in exchange for,
and in an aggregate principal amount equal to, the Notes, in
compliance with the terms of the Registration Rights Agreement.
Facilities means the Term Loan Facilities and
the Revolving Credit Facilities.
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Fair Market Value means, with respect to any
asset or property, the price which could be negotiated in an
arms length, free market transaction, for cash, between a
willing seller and a willing and able buyer, neither of whom is
under undue pressure or compulsion to complete the transaction.
Fair Market Value will be determined as follows:
(1) if such asset or property has a Fair Market Value of
less than $5.0 million, by any Officer of the
Company; and
(2) if such asset or property has a Fair Market Value in
excess of $5.0 million, by a majority of the Board of
Directors, whose determination will be conclusive and evidenced
by a resolution of such Board of Directors; provided, however,
that for purposes of clause (a)(3)(B) under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Restricted Payments, if the Fair Market Value of the
property or assets in question is determined pursuant to this
clause (2) to be in excess of $50.0 million, such
determination must be confirmed by an Independent Qualified
Party.
Foreign Subsidiary means any Subsidiary of
the Company or any Restricted Party that (1) is not
organized under the laws of the United States, any state thereof
or the District of Columbia and (2) conducts substantially
all of its business operations outside the United States.
GAAP means generally accepted accounting
principles in the United States of America as in effect as of
the Issue Date, including those set forth in:
(1) the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting
Principles Board of the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants;
(2) statements and pronouncements of the Financial
Accounting Standards Board;
(3) such other statements by such other entity as approved
by a significant segment of the accounting profession; and
(4) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the
inclusion of financial statements (including pro forma financial
statements) in periodic reports required to be filed pursuant to
Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including opinions and
pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written
statements from the accounting staff of the SEC.
Gaming Approval means any license, permit,
approval, authorization, registration, finding of suitability,
franchise, entitlement, waiver, and exemption issued by any
Gaming Authority necessary for or relating to the conduct of
activities by the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor or any of
their respective Subsidiaries.
Gaming Authority means such federal, state,
local and other governmental, regulatory and administrative
authority, agency, board, commission and officials responsible
for, or involved in, the regulation of gaming or gaming
activities or the sale of liquor that now or hereafter has
jurisdiction over all or any portion of the gaming activities of
the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor or any of their
respective Subsidiaries, including, without limitation and to
the extent applicable, the New Jersey Casino Control Commission,
the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, the Nevada Gaming
Commission, the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, the Clark
County (Nevada) Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board, the Indiana
Gaming Commission, the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the
Mississippi Gaming Commission and the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Gaming Laws means all applicable provisions
of all constitutions, treaties, statutes, laws, pursuant to
which any Gaming Authority possesses regulatory, licensing or
permit authority over gaming within the jurisdiction of such
Gaming Authorities, and all rules, regulations, ordinances,
approvals, orders, decisions, judgments, awards and decrees of
any Gaming Authority.
Governmental Authority means any agency,
authority, board, bureau, commission, department, division,
office, or instrumentality of any nature whatsoever of any
district, city or other political subdivision or otherwise,
whether now or hereafter in existence, or any official thereof,
including any Gaming Authority.
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Guarantee means any obligation, contingent or
otherwise, of any Person directly or indirectly guaranteeing any
Indebtedness of any Person and any obligation, direct or
indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such Person:
(1) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the
purchase or payment of) such Indebtedness of such Person
(whether arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by
agreements to keep-well, to purchase assets, goods, securities
or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain financial statement
conditions or otherwise); or
(2) entered into for the purpose of assuring in any other
manner the obligee of such Indebtedness of the payment thereof
or to protect such obligee against loss in respect thereof (in
whole or in part);
provided, however, that the term Guarantee shall not
include endorsements for collection or deposit in the ordinary
course of business. The term Guarantee used as a
verb has a corresponding meaning. The term Guarantor
shall mean any Person Guaranteeing any obligation.
Guaranty Agreement means a supplemental
indenture, in a form reasonably satisfactory to the Trustee,
pursuant to which a Notes Guarantor guarantees the Issuers
obligations with respect to the Notes on the terms provided for
in the Indenture.
Hedging Obligations of any Person means the
obligations of such Person pursuant to any Interest Rate
Agreement or Currency Agreement.
Holder or Noteholder means
the Person in whose name a Note is registered on the
Registrars books.
Incur means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur
or otherwise become liable for; provided, however, that any
Indebtedness of a Person existing at the time such Person
becomes a Restricted Party (whether by merger, consolidation,
acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such
Person at the time it becomes a Restricted Party. The term
Incurrence when used as a noun shall have a
correlative meaning. Solely for purposes of determining
compliance with Certain Covenants
Limitation on Indebtedness:
(1) amortization of debt discount or the accretion of
principal with respect to a non-interest bearing or other
discount security;
(2) the payment of regularly scheduled interest in the form
of additional Indebtedness of the same instrument or the payment
of regularly scheduled dividends on Capital Stock in the form of
additional Capital Stock of the same class and with the same
terms; and
(3) the obligation to pay a premium in respect of
Indebtedness arising in connection with the issuance of a notice
of redemption or the making of a mandatory offer to purchase
such Indebtedness will not be deemed to be the Incurrence of
Indebtedness.
Indebtedness means, with respect to any
Person on any date of determination (without duplication):
(1) the principal in respect of (A) indebtedness of
such Person for money borrowed and (B) indebtedness
evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar
instruments for the payment of which such Person is responsible
or liable, including, in each case, any premium on such
indebtedness to the extent such premium has become due and
payable;
(2) all Capital Lease Obligations of such Person and all
Attributable Debt in respect of Sale/Leaseback Transactions
entered into by such Person;
(3) all obligations of such Person issued or assumed as the
deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person
under any title retention agreement (but excluding any accounts
payable or other liability to trade creditors arising in the
ordinary course of business);
224
(4) all obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of
any obligor on any letter of credit, bankers acceptance or
similar credit transaction (other than obligations with respect
to letters of credit securing obligations (other than
obligations described in clauses (1) through
(3) above) entered into in the ordinary course of business
of such Person to the extent such letters of credit are not
drawn upon or, if and to the extent drawn upon, such drawing is
reimbursed no later than the tenth Business Day following
payment on the letter of credit);
(5) the amount of all obligations of such Person with
respect to the redemption, repayment or other repurchase of any
Disqualified Stock of such Person or, with respect to any
Preferred Stock of any Subsidiary of such Person, the principal
amount of such Preferred Stock to be determined in accordance
with the Indenture (but excluding, in each case, any accrued
dividends);
(6) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (1) through (5) of other Persons and all
dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in either
case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or
indirectly, as obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by
means of any Guarantee;
(7) all obligations of the type referred to in
clauses (1) through (6) of other Persons secured by
any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or not
such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such
obligation being deemed to be the lesser of the fair market
value of such property or assets and the amount of the
obligation so secured; and
(8) to the extent not otherwise included in this
definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, in connection with the
acquisition or disposition by the Company or any Restricted
Party of any business or any controlling interest in any
business, the term Indebtedness will exclude
indemnification obligations and post-closing earn-outs and other
payment adjustments to which the seller may become entitled to
the extent such payment is determined by a final closing balance
sheet or such payment depends on the performance of such
business after the closing; provided, however, that, at the time
of closing, the amount of any such payment is not determinable
and, to the extent such payment thereafter becomes fixed and
determined, the amount is paid within 60 days thereafter.
The amount of Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be
the outstanding balance at such date of all unconditional
obligations as described above; provided, however, that in the
case of Indebtedness sold at a discount, the amount of such
Indebtedness at any time will be the accreted value thereof at
such time.
Independent Qualified Party means an
investment banking firm, accounting firm or appraisal firm of
national standing; provided, however, that such firm is not an
Affiliate of the Company.
Initial Purchasers means Credit Suisse
Securities (USA) LLC, SG Americas Securities, LLC, CIBC World
Markets Corp., Barclays Capital Inc., ING Financial Markets LLC
and Greenwich Capital Markets, Inc.
Interest Rate Agreement means any interest
rate swap agreement, interest rate cap agreement or other
financial agreement or arrangement with respect to exposure to
interest rates.
Investment in any Person means any direct or
indirect advance, loan (other than advances to customers in the
ordinary course of business that are recorded as accounts
receivable on the balance sheet of the lender) or other
extensions of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar
arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any
transfer of cash or other property to others or any payment for
property or services for the account or use of others), or any
purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness or other
similar instruments issued by such Person. If the Company or any
Restricted Party issues, sells or otherwise disposes of any
Capital Stock of a Person that is a Restricted Subsidiary such
that, after giving effect thereto, such Person is no longer a
Restricted Subsidiary, any Investment by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary in such Person remaining after giving
effect thereto will be deemed to be a new Investment at such
time. The acquisition by the Company or any Restricted Party of
a Person that holds an Investment in a third Person will be
deemed to be an Investment by the Company or such Restricted
Party in such third Person at such time. Except as otherwise
provided for herein, the amount of
225
an Investment shall be its fair market value at the time the
Investment is made and without giving effect to subsequent
changes in value.
For purposes of the definition of Unrestricted
Party, the definition of Restricted Payment
and the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Restricted Payments:
(1) in connection with any designation of any Subsidiary as
an Unrestricted Party, Investment shall include the
portion (proportionate to the Companys or the applicable
Affiliated Guarantors, as applicable, equity interest in
such Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of
such Subsidiary at the time that such Subsidiary is designated
an Unrestricted Subsidiary provided, however, that upon a
redesignation of such Subsidiary as a Restricted Party, the
Company or such Affiliated Guarantor, as the case may be, shall
be deemed to continue to have a permanent Investment
in an Unrestricted Party equal to an amount (if positive) equal
to (A) the Companys or such Affiliated
Guarantors Investment in such Subsidiary at
the time of such redesignation less (B) the portion
(proportionate to the Companys or such Affiliated
Guarantors, as the case may be, equity interest in such
Subsidiary) of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such
Subsidiary at the time of such redesignation;
(2) in connection with any designation of any Designated
Affiliate as an Unrestricted Party, Investment shall
include 100% of the Fair Market Value of the net assets of such
Designated Affiliate at the time such Designated Affiliated is
designated an Unrestricted Party; provided, however, that upon a
redesignation of such Designated Affiliate as a Restricted
Party, the Company shall be deemed to continue to have a
permanent Investment in an Unrestricted Party equal
to an amount (if positive) equal to (A) the Companys
Investment in such Designated Affiliate at the time
of such redesignation less (B) 100% of the Fair Market
Value of the net assets of such Designated Affiliate at the time
of such redesignation; and
(3) any property transferred to or from an Unrestricted
Party shall be valued at its Fair Market Value at the time of
such transfer, in each case as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors of the Company.
Issue Date means the date on which the Notes
are originally issued.
Legal Holiday means a Saturday, a Sunday or a
day on which banking institutions are not required to be open in
the State of New York.
Lenders has the meaning specified in the
Credit Agreement.
Lien means any mortgage, pledge, security
interest, encumbrance, lien or charge of any kind (including any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement or lease in
the nature thereof).
Net Available Cash from an Asset Disposition
means cash payments received therefrom (including any cash
payments received by way of deferred payment of principal
pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise and
proceeds from the sale or other disposition of any securities
received as consideration, but only as and when received, but
excluding any other consideration received in the form of
assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other
obligations relating to such properties or assets or received in
any other non-cash form), in each case, without duplication, net
of:
(1) all legal, title and recording tax expenses,
commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and all
Federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to
be accrued as a liability under GAAP, as a consequence of such
Asset Disposition;
(2) all payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured
by any assets subject to such Asset Disposition, in accordance
with the terms of any Lien upon or other security agreement of
any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its
terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset
Disposition, or by applicable law, be repaid out of the proceeds
from such Asset Disposition;
226
(3) all distributions and other payments required to be
made to minority interest holders in Restricted Subsidiaries as
a result of such Asset Disposition;
(4) the deduction of appropriate amounts provided by the
seller as a reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any
liabilities associated with the property or other assets
disposed in such Asset Disposition and retained by the Company
or any Restricted Party after such Asset Disposition; and
(5) any portion of the purchase price from an Asset
Disposition placed in escrow, whether as a reserve for
adjustment of the purchase price, for satisfaction of
indemnities in respect of such Asset Disposition or otherwise in
connection with that Asset Disposition; provided, however, that
upon the termination of that escrow, Net Available Cash will be
increased by any portion of funds in the escrow that are
released to the Company or any Restricted Party (or, in the case
of any Affiliated Guarantor Stock Sale, released to the holders
(or former holders) of Capital Stock of the applicable
Affiliated Guarantor).
Net Cash Proceeds, with respect to any
issuance or sale of Capital Stock or Indebtedness, means the
cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys
fees, accountants fees, underwriters or placement
agents fees, discounts or commissions and brokerage,
consultant and other fees actually incurred in connection with
such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
Notes Guarantors means the Subsidiary
Guarantors and the Affiliated Guarantors.
Notes Guaranty means a Subsidiary Guaranty or
an Affiliated Guaranty, as applicable.
Obligations means, with respect to any
Indebtedness, all obligations for principal, premium, interest,
penalties, fees, indemnifications, reimbursements and other
amounts payable pursuant to the documentation governing such
Indebtedness.
Offering Circular means the Offering Circular
dated December 14, 2006 relating to the Outstanding Notes.
Officer means the Chairman of the Board, the
President, any Vice President, the Treasurer or the Secretary of
the Company, or any individual who performs executive management
duties on behalf of the Company.
Officers Certificate means a
certificate signed by two Officers.
Opinion of Counsel means a written opinion
from legal counsel who is reasonably acceptable to the Trustee.
The counsel may be an employee of or counsel to the Company, any
Affiliated Guarantor or the Trustee.
Permitted Asset Swap means the substantially
contemporaneous purchase and sale or exchange of Related
Business Assets or a combination of Related Business Assets and
cash, cash equivalents and Temporary Cash Investments between
the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor or any of their
Restricted Subsidiaries and another Person that is not the
Company or any Affiliated Guarantor or any of their Restricted
Subsidiaries; provided, however, that any cash, cash equivalents
or Temporary Cash Investments received by the Company or any of
the Restricted Subsidiaries must be applied in accordance with
the covenant described under Limitation on
Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock.
Permitted C-Corp Conversion means a
transaction resulting in the Company becoming subject to tax
under the Code as a corporation (a C
Corporation); provided, however, that prior to the
consummation of such transaction, the Company shall have
delivered to the Trustee an Opinion of Counsel reasonably
acceptable to the Trustee to the effect that the Holders will
not recognize income gain or loss for United States federal
income tax purposes as a result of such Permitted C-Corp
Conversion and will be subject to United States federal income
tax on the same amounts, in the same manner, and at the same
times as would have been the case if such Permitted C-Corp
Conversion had not occurred.
Permitted Holders means (i) William J.
Yung, III, (ii) his spouse and members of his
immediate family (including siblings, children, grandchildren
and children and grandchildren by adoption), (iii) any
227
Affiliate controlled by any the foregoing, (iv) in the
event of incompetence or death of any of the persons described
in paragraphs (i) and (ii) hereof, such persons
estate, executor, administrator, committee or other personal
representative, in each case who at the particular date will
beneficially own or have the right to acquire, directly or
indirectly equity interests of Tropicana Entertainment
Intermediate Holdings, LLC or the Company or (v) any trusts
for their respective benefit, or any trust for the benefit of
any such trust; provided, however, that Permitted Holders shall
not include any operating company Affiliated with any of the
foregoing (including Columbia Sussex Corp.) that is not engaged
exclusively in a Related Business.
Permitted Investment means an Investment by
the Company or any Restricted Party in:
(1) the Company, a Restricted Party or a Person that will,
upon the making of such Investment, become a Restricted Party;
provided, however, that the primary business of such Restricted
Party is a Related Business;
(2) another Person if, as a result of such Investment, such
other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or
transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the
Company or a Restricted Party; provided, however, that such
Persons primary business is a Related Business;
(3) cash and Temporary Cash Investments;
(4) receivables owing to the Company or any Restricted
Party if created or acquired in the ordinary course of business
and payable or dischargeable in accordance with customary trade
terms; provided, however, that such trade terms may include such
concessionary trade terms as the Company or any such Restricted
Party deems reasonable under the circumstances;
(5) payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters
that are expected at the time of such advances ultimately to be
treated as expenses for accounting purposes and that are made in
the ordinary course of business;
(6) loans or advances to employees (other than any
Permitted Holder) made in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices of the Company or such Restricted
Party;
(7) stock, obligations or securities received in settlement
of debts created in the ordinary course of business and owing to
the Company or any Restricted Party or in satisfaction of
judgments;
(8) any Person to the extent such Investment represents the
non-cash portion of the consideration received for (i) an
Asset Disposition as permitted pursuant to the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock or
(ii) a disposition of assets not constituting an Asset
Disposition;
(9) any Person where such Investment was acquired by the
Company or any Restricted Party (a) in exchange for any
other Investment or accounts receivable held by the Company or
any such Restricted Party in connection with or as a result of a
bankruptcy, workout, reorganization or recapitalization of the
issuer of such other Investment or accounts receivable or
(b) as a result of a foreclosure by the Company or any
Restricted Party with respect to any secured Investment or other
transfer of title with respect to any secured Investment in
default;
(10) any Person to the extent such Investments consist of
prepaid expenses, negotiable instruments held for collection and
lease, utility and workers compensation, performance and
other similar deposits made in the ordinary course of business
by the Company or any Restricted Party;
(11) any Person to the extent such Investments consist of
Hedging Obligations or Guarantees of Indebtedness otherwise
permitted under the covenant described under
Certain Covenants Limitation on
Indebtedness;
(12) any Person to the extent such Investment exists on the
Issue Date, and any extension, modification or renewal of any
such Investments existing on the Issue Date, but only to the
extent not involving additional advances, contributions or other
Investments of cash or other assets or other increases thereof
(other than as a result of the accrual or accretion of interest
or original issue discount
228
or the issuance of
pay-in-kind
securities, in each case, pursuant to the terms of such
Investment as in effect on the Issue Date); and
(13) any Persons to the extent such Investments, when taken
together with all other Investments made pursuant to this
clause (13) and outstanding on the date such Investment is
made, do not exceed $20.0 million.
Permitted Tax Distributions means:
(1) with respect to the Company, cash distributions to the
direct or indirect holders of Capital Stock of the Company made
not more frequently than once each fiscal quarter which shall be
in an amount required to satisfy actual cash tax liabilities of
such holders relating to the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter and in
any event in an amount not in excess of 40% of the combined
taxable income of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
(including the taxable income of Greenville Riverboat, other
than any taxable income attributable to any minority interest,
but excluding the taxable income of the Affiliated Guarantors)
for the immediately preceding fiscal quarter;
(2) with respect to any Affiliated Guarantor, cash
distributions to the direct or indirect holders of Capital Stock
of such Affiliated Guarantor made not more frequently than once
each fiscal quarter which shall be in an amount required to
satisfy actual cash tax liabilities of such holders relating to
such Affiliated Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiaries for
the immediately preceding fiscal quarter, and in any event in an
amount not to exceed 40% of the combined taxable income of such
Affiliated Guarantor and its Restricted Subsidiaries for the
immediately preceding fiscal quarter.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, no Permitted
Tax Distribution may be made by the Company or any Affiliated
Guarantor in respect of any fiscal period during which the
Company or such Affiliated Guarantor, as applicable, was not a
pass-through tax entity for United States federal income tax
purposes.
Person means any individual, corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, trust, unincorporated
organization, government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
Preferred Stock, as applied to the Capital
Stock of any Person, means Capital Stock of any class or classes
(however designated) which is preferred as to the payment of
dividends or distributions, or as to the distribution of assets
upon any voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of
such Person, over shares of Capital Stock of any other class of
such Person.
principal of a Note means the principal of
the Note plus the premium, if any, payable on the Note which is
due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.
Purchase Money Indebtedness means
Indebtedness (including Capital Lease Obligations)
(1) consisting of the deferred purchase price of property,
conditional sale obligations, obligations under any title
retention agreement, other purchase money obligations and
obligations in respect of industrial revenue bonds or similar
Indebtedness, in each case where the maturity of such
Indebtedness does not exceed the anticipated useful life of the
asset being financed, and (2) Incurred to finance the
acquisition by the Company or a Restricted Party of such asset,
including additions and improvements, in the ordinary course of
business; provided, however, that any Lien arising in connection
with any such Indebtedness shall be limited to the specific
asset being financed or, in the case of real property or
fixtures, including additions and improvements, the real
property on which such asset is attached; provided further,
however, that such Indebtedness is Incurred within 180 days
after such acquisition of such assets.
Qualified Capital Stock of a Person means
Capital Stock of such Person other than Disqualified Capital
Stock; provided, however, that such Capital Stock shall not be
deemed Qualified Capital Stock to the extent (1) sold to a
Subsidiary of such Person or financed, directly or indirectly,
using funds (A) borrowed from such Person or any Subsidiary
of such Person or (B) contributed, extended, guaranteed or
advanced by such Person or any Subsidiary of such Person
(including, in respect of any employee stock
229
ownership or benefit plan) or (2) issued in respect of any
Affiliated Guarantor Sale Contribution. Unless otherwise
specified, Qualified Capital Stock refers to Qualified Capital
Stock of the Company.
Qualified Equity Offering means any private
or public issuance and sale of common stock by the Company or
any Company Parent; provided, however, that, in the case of the
sale of common stock of a Company Parent, cash proceeds
therefrom equal to not less than 100% of the aggregate principal
amount of any Notes to be redeemed are received by the Company
as a contribution to its common equity capital. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the term Qualified Equity Offering
shall not include:
(1) any issuance and sale with respect to common stock
registered on
Form S-4
or
Form S-8
under the Securities Act;
(2) any issuance and sale to any Affiliate of the
Company; or
(3) any issuance and sale in respect of any Affiliated
Guarantor Sale Contribution.
Refinance means, in respect of any
Indebtedness, to refinance, extend, renew, refund, repay,
prepay, purchase, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other
Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such Indebtedness.
Refinanced and Refinancing shall have
correlative meanings.
Refinancing Indebtedness means Indebtedness
that Refinances any Indebtedness of the Company or any
Restricted Party existing on the Issue Date or Incurred in
compliance with the Indenture, including Indebtedness that
Refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that:
(1) such Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no
earlier than the Stated Maturity of the Indebtedness being
Refinanced;
(2) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an Average Life at
the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is Incurred that is equal
to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness being
Refinanced;
(3) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an aggregate
principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue discount,
an aggregate issue price) that is equal to or less than the
aggregate principal amount (or if Incurred with original issue
discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding (plus
fees and expenses, including any premium and defeasance costs)
under the Indebtedness being Refinanced; and
(4) if the Indebtedness being Refinanced is subordinated in
right of payment to the Notes, such Refinancing Indebtedness is
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes at least to the
same extent as the Indebtedness being Refinanced;
provided further, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall
not include (A) Indebtedness of a Subsidiary or any
Affiliated Guarantor that Refinances Indebtedness of the Company
or (B) Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted Party
that Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Party.
Registration Rights Agreement means the
Registration Rights Agreement dated the Issue Date, among the
Company, Tropicana Finance, the Notes Guarantors and Credit
Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, as representative of the several
Initial Purchasers.
Related Business means any business in which
the Company or any of the Restricted Subsidiaries was engaged on
the Issue Date and any business related ancillary or
complementary to such business, including the operation of
retail operations at a casino or hotel or associated complex
owned or operated by the Company or any Restricted Party.
Related Business Assets means assets (other
than cash or cash equivalents) used or useful in a Related
Business; provided, however, that any assets received by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in exchange for assets
transferred by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary shall not
be deemed to be Related Business Assets if they consist of
securities of a Person, unless upon receipt of the securities of
such Person, such Person would become a Restricted Subsidiary.
230
Representative means any trustee, agent or
representative (if any) for an issue of Senior Indebtedness of
the Company.
Restricted Party means each Affiliated
Guarantor and each Restricted Subsidiary.
Restricted Payment with respect to any Person
means:
(1) the declaration or payment of any dividends or any
other distributions of any sort in respect of its Capital Stock
(including any payment in connection with any merger or
consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the
direct or indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than
(A) dividends or distributions payable solely in its
Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock),
(B) dividends or distributions payable solely to the
Company or a Restricted Party and (C) pro rata dividends or
other distributions made by a Subsidiary of such Person that is
not a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary to minority stockholders (or
owners of an equivalent interest in the case of a Subsidiary
that is an entity other than a corporation));
(2) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement for value of any Capital Stock
of the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor held by any Person
(other than by a Restricted Party) or of any Capital Stock of a
Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the Company
(other than by a Restricted Party), including in connection with
any merger or consolidation and including the exercise of any
option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital
Stock of the Company that is not Disqualified Stock);
(3) the purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or
other acquisition or retirement for value, prior to scheduled
maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking fund payment
of any Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any Notes
Guarantor (other than (A) from the Company or a Restricted
Party or (B) the purchase, repurchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition or retirement of Subordinated
Obligations purchased in anticipation of satisfying a sinking
fund obligation, principal installment or final maturity, in
each case due within one year of the date of such purchase,
repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or
retirement); or
(4) the making of any Investment (other than a Permitted
Investment) in any Person.
Restricted Subsidiary means (i) any
Subsidiary of the Company that is not an Unrestricted Party and
(ii) any Subsidiary of an Affiliated Guarantor that is not
an Unrestricted Party. Tropicana Finance is a Restricted
Subsidiary.
Revolving Credit Facility means the revolving
credit facility contained in the Credit Agreement and any other
facility or financing arrangement that Refinances, in whole or
in part, any such revolving credit facility.
Sale/Leaseback Transaction means an
arrangement relating to property owned by the Company or a
Restricted Party on the Issue Date or thereafter acquired by the
Company or a Restricted Party whereby the Company or a
Restricted Party transfers such property to a Person and the
Company or a Restricted Party leases it from such Person.
SEC means the Securities and Exchange
Commission.
Secured Indebtedness means any Indebtedness
of the Company secured by a Lien.
Securities Act means the U.S. Securities
Act of 1933, as amended.
Senior Indebtedness means with respect to any
Person:
(1) Indebtedness of such Person, whether outstanding on the
Issue Date or the Aztar Acquisition Date or thereafter
Incurred; and
(2) all other Obligations of such Person (including
interest accruing on or after the filing of any petition in
bankruptcy or for reorganization relating to such Person whether
or not post-filing interest is allowed in such proceeding) in
respect of Indebtedness described in clause (1) above
unless, in the
231
case of clauses (1) and (2), in the instrument creating or
evidencing the same or pursuant to which the same is
outstanding, it is provided that such Indebtedness or other
Obligations are subordinate or pari passu in right of payment to
the Notes or the Subsidiary Guaranty of such Person, as the case
may be; provided, however, that Senior Indebtedness shall not
include:
(1) any obligation of such Person to the Company or any
Subsidiary of the Company, or to any Affiliated Guarantor or any
Subsidiary of an Affiliated Guarantor;
(2) any liability for Federal, state, local or other taxes
owed or owing by such Person;
(3) any accounts payable or other liability to trade
creditors arising in the ordinary course of business;
(4) any Capital Stock;
(5) any Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person
which is subordinate or junior in any respect to any other
Indebtedness or other Obligation of such Person; or
(6) that portion of any Indebtedness which at the time of
Incurrence is Incurred in violation of the Indenture.
Senior Subordinated Indebtedness means, with
respect to a Person, the Notes (in the case of the Issuers), a
Notes Guaranty (in the case of a Notes Guarantor) and any other
Indebtedness of such Person that specifically provides that such
Indebtedness is to rank pari passu with the Notes or such Notes
Guaranty, as the case may be, in right of payment and is not
subordinated by its terms in right of payment to any
Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person which is not
Senior Indebtedness of such Person.
Service Agreements means (i) the Service
Agreement dated as of the Aztar Acquisition Date, to be entered
into between Columbia Sussex Corp. and the Company upon the
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition containing terms
substantially similar to (and, with respect to economic terms,
no less favorable to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
than) those described under the caption Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions
Tropicana Entertainment in the Offering Circular,
(ii) the Management Agreement dated as of the Aztar
Acquisition Date, to be entered into between Wimar Tahoe
Corporation and the Company upon the consummation of the Aztar
Acquisition containing terms substantially similar to (and, with
respect to economic terms, no less favorable to the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries than) those described under the
caption Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Tropicana Entertainment in the
Offering Circular, (iii) the Service Agreement dated as of
the Aztar Acquisition Date, to be entered into between Columbia
Sussex Corp. and Aztar Corporation upon the consummation of the
Aztar Acquisition containing terms substantially similar to
(and, with respect to economic terms, no less favorable to the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries than) those described
under the caption Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Aztar in the Offering Circular,
(iv) the Management Agreement dated as of the Aztar
Acquisition Date, to be entered into between Wimar Tahoe
Corporation and Aztar Corporation upon the consummation of the
Aztar Acquisition containing terms substantially similar to
(and, with respect to economic terms, no less favorable to the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries than) those described
under the caption Certain Relationships and Related Party
Transactions Aztar in the Offering Circular,
(v) the Service Agreement dated as of January 1, 2002,
between Columbia Sussex Corp. and Greenville Riverboat, LLC,
(vi) the Service Agreement dated as of October 27,
2003 (as amended as of August 7, 2006 and November 6,
2006), between Columbia Sussex Corp. and Columbia Properties
Vicksburg, LLC, (vii) the Service Agreement dated as of
August 26, 2004 (as amended as of November 6, 2006),
between Columbia Sussex Corp. and JMBS Casino LLC,
(viii) the Service Agreement to be entered into between
Columbia Sussex Corp. and Casino Queen, Inc. upon the
consummation of the Casino Queen Acquisition containing terms
substantially similar to (and, with respect to economic terms,
no less favorable to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries
than) those described under the caption Certain
Relationships and Related Party Transactions Casino
Queen in the Offering Circular and (ix) the
Management Agreement to be entered into between Wimar Tahoe
Corporation and Casino Queen, Inc. upon the consummation of the
Casino Queen Acquisition containing terms substantially similar
to (and, with respect to economic terms, no less favorable
232
to the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries than) those
described under the caption Certain Relationships and
Related Party Transactions Casino Queen in the
Offering Circular, in each case as in effect on the Issue Date
(or, as contemplated above, as in effect on the date of
consummation of the Aztar Acquisition or the Casino Queen
Acquisition, as applicable) and any amendment thereto so long as
such amendment is not, as a whole, less favorable to the
Noteholders in any respect than the agreement as originally in
effect or as amended pursuant to the terms hereto.
Significant Subsidiary means any Restricted
Subsidiary that would be a Significant Subsidiary of
the Company within the meaning of
Rule 1-02
under
Regulation S-X
promulgated by the SEC.
Specified Percentage means, as used in
paragraph (a)(3)(E) of the covenant described under
Limitation on Restricted Payments:
(1) to the extent the Unrestricted Party that is being
redesignated as a Restricted Party is a Subsidiary of the
Company or an Affiliated Guarantor, the percentage of the
Companys or such Affiliated Guarantors equity
interest in such Subsidiary; and
(2) to the extent the Unrestricted Party that is being
redesignated as a Restricted Party is an Affiliated Guarantor,
100%; provided, however, that (x) such Affiliated Guarantor
has executed and delivered its Affiliated Guaranty on the same
terms as in effect on the Issue Date and (y) the Permitted
Holders continue to hold 100% of the equity interests in such
Affiliated Guarantor.
Stated Maturity means, with respect to any
security, the date specified in such security as the fixed date
on which the final payment of principal of such security is due
and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption
provision (but excluding any provision providing for the
repurchase of such security at the option of the holder thereof
upon the happening of any contingency unless such contingency
has occurred).
Subordinated Obligation means, with respect
to a Person, any Indebtedness of such Person (whether
outstanding on the Issue Date or the Aztar Acquisition Date or
thereafter Incurred) which is subordinate or junior in right of
payment to the Notes or a Subsidiary Guaranty of such Person, as
the case may be, pursuant to a written agreement to that effect.
Subsidiary means, with respect to any Person,
any corporation, association, partnership or other business
entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of
shares of Voting Stock is at the time owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by:
(1) such Person;
(2) such Person and one or more Subsidiaries of such
Person; or
(3) one or more Subsidiaries of such Person.
Subsidiary Guarantor means each Subsidiary of
the Company or any Affiliated Guarantor that executes the
Indenture as a guarantor and each other Subsidiary of the
Company or an Affiliated Guarantor that thereafter guarantees
the Notes pursuant to the terms of the Indenture.
Subsidiary Guaranty means a Guarantee by a
Subsidiary Guarantor of the Issuers obligations with
respect to the Notes.
Temporary Cash Investments means any of the
following:
(1) any investment in direct obligations of the United
States of America or any agency thereof or obligations
guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency thereof;
(2) investments in demand and time deposit accounts,
certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing
within 12 months of the date of acquisition thereof issued
by a bank or trust company which is organized under the laws of
the United States of America, any State thereof or any foreign
country recognized by the United States of America, and which
bank or trust company has capital, surplus and undivided profits
aggregating in excess of $50.0 million (or the foreign
currency
233
equivalent thereof) and has outstanding debt which is rated
A (or such similar equivalent rating) or higher by
at least one nationally recognized statistical rating
organization (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities
Act) or any money-market fund sponsored by a registered broker
dealer or mutual fund distributor;
(3) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than
30 days for underlying securities of the types described in
clause (1) above entered into with a bank meeting the
qualifications described in clause (2) above;
(4) investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than
90 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a
corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) organized
and in existence under the laws of the United States of America
or any foreign country recognized by the United States of
America with a rating at the time as of which any investment
therein is made of
P-1
(or higher) according to Moodys Investors Service, Inc. or
A-1
(or higher) according to Standard and Poors Ratings Group;
(5) investments in securities with maturities of
12 months or less from the date of acquisition issued or
fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the
United States of America, or by any political subdivision or
taxing authority thereof, and rated at least A by
Standard & Poors Ratings Group or A2
by Moodys Investors Service, Inc.; and
(6) investments in money market funds that invest
substantially all their assets in securities of the types
described in clauses (1) through (5) above.
Term Loan Facility means the term loan
facility contained in the Credit Agreement and any other
facility or financing arrangement that Refinances in whole or in
part any such term loan facility.
Tropicana Pennsylvania Entities means
Tropicana Pennsylvania, LLC, LV Rec, Inc. and LV Red, LLC.
Trustee means U.S. Bank National
Association until a successor replaces it and, thereafter, means
the successor.
Trust Indenture Act means the
Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (15 U.S.C.
§§ 77aaa-77bbbb)
as in effect on the Issue Date.
Trust Officer means the Chairman of the
Board, the President or any other officer or assistant officer
of the Trustee assigned by the Trustee to administer its
corporate trust matters.
Unrestricted Party means:
(1) any Designated Affiliate, or any Subsidiary of the
Company or any Designated Affiliate, in either case that at the
time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Party
by the Board of Directors in the manner provided below; and
(2) any Subsidiary of an Unrestricted Party.
The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Designated Affiliate, or any Subsidiary of the Company or any
Designated Affiliate (including any newly acquired or newly
formed Subsidiary, but excluding Tropicana Finance), to be an
Unrestricted Party unless such Designated Affiliate or any of
their respective Subsidiaries owns any Capital Stock or
Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of,
(x) the Company, (y) any Affiliated Guarantor or
(z) any Subsidiary of the Company or any Affiliated
Guarantor (other than a Subsidiary of the Designated Affiliate
or Subsidiary, as the case may be, that is being designated as
an Unrestricted Party); provided, however, that either
(A) such Designated Affiliate or Subsidiary to be so
designated has total assets of $1,000 or less or (B) if
such Designated Affiliate or Subsidiary has assets greater than
$1,000, such designation would be permitted under the covenant
described under Certain Covenants
Limitation on Restricted Payments.
The Board of Directors of the Company may designate any
Unrestricted Party to be a Restricted Party; provided, however,
that immediately after giving effect to such designation
(A) the Company could Incur
234
$1.00 of additional Indebtedness under paragraph (a) of
the covenant described under Certain
Covenants Limitation on Indebtedness and
(B) no Default shall have occurred and be continuing. Upon
any redesignation of any Designated Affiliate as a Restricted
Party (following a prior designation as an Unrestricted Party),
such Designated Affiliate shall execute an Affiliated Guaranty
and be reestablished as an Affiliated Guarantor.
Any such designation by the Board of Directors of the Company
shall be evidenced to the Trustee by promptly filing with the
Trustee a copy of the resolution of the Board of Directors of
the Company giving effect to such designation and an
Officers Certificate certifying that such designation
complied with the foregoing provisions.
U.S. Government Obligations means direct
obligations (or certificates representing an ownership interest
in such obligations) of the United States of America (including
any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of which
the full faith and credit of the United States of America is
pledged and which are not callable at the issuers option.
Voting Stock of a Person means all classes of
Capital Stock of such Person then outstanding and normally
entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency)
to vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees
thereof.
Wholly-Owned Subsidiary means a Restricted
Subsidiary of the Company all the Capital Stock of which (other
than directors qualifying shares) is owned by the Company
or one or more other Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries.
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CERTAIN
U.S. FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a summary of certain
U.S. federal income tax consequences relevant to the
exchange, purchase, ownership and disposition of the notes by
holders thereof, but does not purport to be a complete analysis
of all the potential tax effects. This discussion is based upon
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, or the Code,
U.S. Treasury Regulations issued thereunder, Internal
Revenue Service rulings and pronouncements and judicial
decisions now in effect. These authorities may be changed,
perhaps with retroactive effect, so as to result in
U.S. federal income tax consequences different from those
set forth below. We have not sought any rulings from the
Internal Revenue Service with respect to the matters discussed
below. There can be no assurance that the Internal Revenue
Service will not take a different position concerning the tax
consequences of the purchase, ownership or disposition of the
notes or that any such position would not be sustained.
This discussion assumes that the notes are held as capital
assets (i.e., generally held for investment) and holders
purchase the notes for cash at original issue and at their
issue price within the meaning of section 1273
of the Code (i.e., the first price at which a substantial
amount of notes are sold to the public for cash). Moreover, the
effect of any applicable state, local, foreign or other tax
laws, including gift and estate tax laws, is not discussed. In
addition, this discussion does not address all of the
U.S. federal income tax consequences that may be applicable
to holders particular circumstances or to holders that may
be subject to special tax rules, including, without limitation:
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holders subject to the alternative minimum tax;
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banks, insurance companies, or other financial institutions;
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tax-exempt organizations;
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dealers in securities or commodities;
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U.S. holders (as defined below) whose functional
currency is not the U.S. dollar;
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persons that will hold the notes as a position in a hedging,
straddle, conversion or other
risk-reduction transaction;
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persons deemed to sell the notes under the constructive sale
provisions of the Code; or
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non-resident aliens subject to the tax on expatriates under
Section 877 of the Internal Revenue Code.
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If a partnership holds notes, the tax treatment of a partner in
the partnership will generally depend upon the status of the
partner and the activities of the partnership. If you are a
partner of a partnership holding our notes, you should consult
your tax advisor regarding the tax consequences of the ownership
and disposition of the notes.
This discussion of certain U.S. federal income tax
consequences is for general information only and is not tax
advice. You are urged to consult your tax advisor with respect
to the application of U.S. federal income tax laws to your
particular situation as well as the application to your
particular situation of any state, local, foreign or other tax
laws, including gift and estate tax laws, and any tax treaties.
Consequences
to U.S. Holders
The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences that will apply to you if you are a
U.S. holder of the notes. Certain consequences to
non-U.S. holders
of the notes are described under Consequences to
Non-U.S. Holders
below. U.S. holder means a beneficial owner of
a note who, or that, is:
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a citizen or resident of the U.S., as determined for federal
income tax purposes;
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a corporation or other entity taxable as a corporation created
or organized in or under the laws of the U.S., any State thereof
or the District of Columbia;
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an estate the income of which is subject to U.S. federal
income taxation regardless of its source;
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a trust, if a U.S. court can exercise primary supervision
over the administration of the trust and one or more
U.S. persons can control all substantial decisions of the
trust, or, if the trust was in existence on August 20,
1996, was treated as a U.S. person prior to such date and
has elected to be treated as a U.S. person; or
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a former citizen or resident of the U.S. whose income and
gain on the notes is subject to U.S. income tax under
certain circumstances.
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Exchange
Offer
We are offering the exchange notes in exchange for the
outstanding notes in the exchange offer. Because the exchange
notes will not differ materially in kind or extent from the
outstanding notes, your exchange of outstanding notes for
exchange notes should not constitute a taxable disposition of
such outstanding notes for U.S. federal income tax
purposes. As a result, you should not recognize income, gain or
loss on such exchange, your holding period for the exchange
notes will include the holding period for the outstanding notes
so exchanged, your adjusted tax basis in the exchange notes will
be the same as your adjusted tax basis in the outstanding notes
so exchanged, and the federal income tax consequences associated
with owning the outstanding notes should continue to apply to
the exchange notes. Consult your own tax advisor concerning the
tax consequences of the exchange arising under state, local or
non-U.S. law.
Interest
Stated interest on the notes will generally be taxable to you as
ordinary income at the time it is paid or accrues in accordance
with your method of accounting for tax purposes.
In certain circumstances (see Description of the Exchange
Notes Optional Redemption and
Description of the Exchange Notes Change of
Control), we may be obligated to make payments on the
notes in excess of stated interest and principal. First, as
described under the heading Description of the Exchange
Notes Optional Redemption, if we call the
notes for redemption we may be obligated to make
make-whole payments in excess of stated principal
and interest. Second, as described under the heading
Description of the Exchange Notes Change of
Control, in certain circumstances we may be obligated to
pay amounts in excess of stated interest or principal on the
notes. We intend to take the position that these additional
payments do not require the notes to be treated as contingent
payment debt instruments. Our determination is binding on a
U.S. holder unless such holder discloses its contrary
position in the manner required by applicable Treasury
Regulations. Our determination is not, however, binding on the
Internal Revenue Service, and if the Internal Revenue Service
were to challenge this determination, a U.S. holder could
be required to accrue income on its notes in excess of stated
interest, and to treat as ordinary income rather than capital
gain any income realized on the taxable disposition of a note.
In the event we are obligated to make payments of amounts in
excess of stated interest or principal as noted above, it would
affect the amount, timing and possibly character of the income
that would otherwise be recognized by a U.S. holder in the
absence of such payments. U.S. holders are also urged to
consult their tax advisors regarding the potential application
to the notes of the contingent payment debt instrument rules and
the consequences thereof.
Disposition
of Notes
Upon the sale, exchange, redemption or other taxable disposition
of a note, you generally will recognize gain or loss equal to
the difference between (i) the sum of cash plus the
fair market value of all other property received on such
disposition (except to the extent such cash or property is
attributable to accrued but unpaid interest, which generally
will be taxable as ordinary income if not previously included in
income) and (ii) your adjusted tax basis in the note. A
U.S. holders adjusted tax basis in a note generally
will equal
237
the cost of the note to such holder increased by the amount of
any original issue discount (if any) previously included in
income and reduced by any principal payments received by such
holder.
Subject to the discussion in the following paragraph, gain or
loss recognized on the disposition of a note generally will be
capital gain or loss, and will be long-term capital gain or loss
if, at the time of such disposition, the U.S. holders
holding period for the note is more than one year. In the case
of a non-corporate U.S. holder, such capital gain will be
subject to tax at a reduced rate if the note is held for more
than one year. The deductibility of capital losses by
U.S. holders is subject to limitations.
We may be obligated to make make-whole payments in
excess of stated interest or principal upon the redemption or
repurchase of the notes (see Description of the Exchange
Notes Optional Redemption). The tax
consequences of such payments are not entirely clear. Such
payments may be treated as interest, additional amounts paid for
the notes or as ordinary income. U.S. holders are urged to
consult their tax advisors regarding the tax treatment of such
payments.
Backup
Withholding
A U.S. holder may be subject to a backup withholding tax
(currently 28%) when such holder receives interest and principal
payments on the notes held or upon the proceeds received upon
the sale or other disposition of such notes. Certain holders
(including, among others, corporations and certain tax-exempt
organizations) are generally not subject to backup withholding.
A U.S. holder will be subject to backup withholding tax if
such holder is not otherwise exempt and such holder:
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fails to furnish its taxpayer identification number, or TIN,
which, for an individual, is ordinarily his or her social
security number;
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furnishes an incorrect TIN;
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is notified by the Internal Revenue Service that it has failed
to properly report payments of interest or dividends; or
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fails to certify, under penalties of perjury, that it has
furnished a correct TIN and that the Internal Revenue Service
has not notified the U.S. Holder that it is subject to
backup withholding.
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U.S. holders should consult their personal tax advisor
regarding their qualification for an exemption from backup
withholding and the procedures for obtaining such an exemption,
if applicable. The backup withholding tax is not an additional
tax and taxpayers may use amounts withheld as a credit against
their U.S. federal income tax liability or may claim a
refund, if appropriate, as long as they timely provide certain
information to the Internal Revenue Service.
Consequences
to Non-U.S.
Holders
The following is a summary of the U.S. federal income tax
consequences that will apply to you if you are a
non-U.S. holder
of notes. The term
non-U.S. holder
means a beneficial owner of a note that is not a
U.S. holder.
Special rules may apply to certain
non-U.S. holders
such as controlled foreign corporations and
passive foreign investment companies. Such entities
should consult their own tax advisors to determine the
U.S. federal, state, local and other tax consequences that
may be relevant to them.
Interest
Interest paid to a
non-U.S. holder
will not be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax of 30%
(or, if applicable, a lower treaty rate) provided that:
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you do not directly or indirectly, actually or constructively,
own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all of our
classes of stock;
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you are not a controlled foreign corporation that is related to
us through stock ownership;
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238
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you are not a bank whose receipt of interest on a note is
described in section 881(c)(3)(A) of the Code; and
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either (1) you provide your name and address, and certify,
under penalties of perjury, that you are not a U.S. person
(which certification may be made on an Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8BEN),
(2) a securities clearing organization, bank, or other
financial institution that holds customers securities in
the ordinary course of its business holds the note on your
behalf and certifies, under penalties of perjury, that it, or
the financial institution between it and the
non-U.S. holder,
has received from the
non-U.S. holder
a statement, under penalties of perjury, that such holder is not
a U.S. person and provides us or our paying
agent with a copy of such statement or (3) the
non-U.S. holder
holds its notes directly through a qualified
intermediary and certain conditions are satisfied.
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If you cannot satisfy the requirements described above, payments
of interest will be subject to the 30% U.S. federal
withholding tax, unless you provide us with a properly executed
(1) Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8BEN
claiming an exemption from or reduction in withholding under the
benefit of an applicable tax treaty or (2) Internal Revenue
Service
Form W-8ECI
stating that interest paid on the note is not subject to
withholding tax because it is effectively connected with your
conduct of a trade or business in the U.S.
The certification requirements described above may require a
non-U.S. holder
that provides an Internal Revenue Service form, or that claims
the benefit of an income tax treaty, to also provide its
U.S. TIN.
We may be obligated to make make-whole payments in
excess of stated interest or principal upon the redemption or
repurchase of the notes (see Description of the Exchange
Notes Optional Redemption). The tax
consequences of such payments are not entirely clear. Such
payments may be treated as interest, subject to the rules
described above, additional amounts paid for the notes, subject
to the rules described below, or as other income subject to
U.S. federal withholding tax. We do not presently expect to
withhold tax from any amounts treated as make-whole
payments, but we may do so if, at the time of payment, the
Internal Revenue Service or other governmental authorities
indicate that withholding is appropriate.
Sale,
Exchange or Other Taxable Disposition of Notes
Any gain realized upon the sale, exchange or other taxable
disposition of a note (except with respect to accrued and unpaid
interest, which would be taxable as described above) generally
will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax unless:
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that gain is effectively connected with your conduct of a trade
or business in the U.S. (or if a tax treaty applies, the
gain is effectively connected with the conduct by the
non-U.S. holder
of a trade or business within the U.S. and attributable to
a US permanent establishment maintained by such
non-U.S. holder); or
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you are an individual who is present in the U.S. for
183 days or more in the taxable year of that disposition,
and certain other conditions are met.
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U.S.
Trade or Business
If interest or gain from a disposition of the notes is
effectively connected with a
non-U.S. holders
conduct of a U.S. trade or business, or if an income tax
treaty applies and the
non-U.S. holder
maintains a U.S. permanent establishment to
which the interest or gain is generally attributable, the
non-U.S. holder
may be subject to U.S. federal income tax on the interest
or gain on a net basis in the same manner as if it were a
U.S. holder and the 30% withholding tax described above
will not apply (assuming an appropriate certification is
provided, generally Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8ECI).
A foreign corporation that is a holder of a note also may be
subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30% of its effectively
connected earnings and profits for the taxable year, subject to
certain adjustments, unless it qualifies for a lower rate under
an applicable income tax treaty. For this purpose, interest on a
note or gain recognized on the
239
disposition of a note will be included in earnings and profits
if the interest or gain is effectively connected with the
conduct by the foreign corporation of a trade or business in the
U.S.
Information
Reporting and Backup Withholding
Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of
principal or interest made by us or our paying agents, in their
capacities as such, to a
non-U.S. holder
of a note if the holder has provided the required certification
that it is not a U.S. person as described above. However,
information reporting on Internal Revenue Service
Form 1042-S
may still apply with respect to interest payments. Payments of
the proceeds from a disposition by a
non-U.S. holder
of a note made to or through a foreign office of a broker will
not be subject to information reporting or backup withholding,
except that information reporting (but generally not backup
withholding) may apply to those payments if the broker is:
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a controlled foreign corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes;
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a foreign person 50% or more of whose gross income is
effectively connected with a U.S. trade or business for a
specified three-year period; or
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a foreign partnership, if at any time during its tax year, one
or more of its partners are U.S. persons, as defined in
Treasury Regulations, who in the aggregate hold more than 50% of
the income or capital interest in the partnership or if, at any
time during its tax year, the foreign partnership is engaged in
a U.S. trade or business.
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Payment of the proceeds from a disposition by a
non-U.S. holder
of a note made to or through the U.S. office of a broker
will generally be subject to information reporting and backup
withholding unless the holder or beneficial owner certifies as
to its TIN or otherwise establishes an exemption from
information reporting and backup withholding.
Non-U.S. holders
should consult their own tax advisors regarding application of
information reporting and backup withholding in their particular
circumstance and the availability of and procedure for obtaining
an exemption from information reporting and backup withholding
under current Treasury Regulations. In this regard, the current
Treasury Regulations provide that a certification may not be
relied on if we or our agent (or other payor) knows or has
reason to know that the certification may be false. Any amounts
withheld under the backup withholding rules from a payment to a
non-U.S. holder
will be allowed as a credit against the holders
U.S. federal income tax liability or may be refunded,
provided the required information is furnished in a timely
manner to the Internal Revenue Service.
240
Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own
account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it
will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such
exchange notes. This prospectus, as it may be amended or
supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer
in connection with resales of exchange notes received in
exchange for outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were
acquired as a result of market-making activities or other
trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of
180 days after the expiration date of this exchange offer,
we will make this prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any
such resale. In addition, until May 17, 2008 (180 days
after the expiration date of this exchange offer), all dealers
effecting transactions in the exchange notes may be required to
deliver a prospectus.
We will not receive any proceeds from any sale of exchange notes
by broker-dealers. Exchange notes received by broker-dealers for
their own account pursuant to the exchange offer may be sold
from time to time in one or more transactions in the
over-the-counter market, in negotiated transactions, through the
writing of options on the exchange notes or a combination of
such methods of resale, at market prices prevailing at the time
of resale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or
negotiated prices. Any such resale may be made directly to
purchasers or to or through brokers or dealers who may receive
compensation in the form of commissions or concessions from any
such broker-dealer or the purchasers of any such exchange notes.
Any broker-dealer that resells exchange notes that were received
by it for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer and any
broker or dealer that participates in a distribution of such
exchange notes may be deemed to be an underwriter
within the meaning of the Securities Act and any profit on any
such resale of exchange notes and any commission or concessions
received by any such persons may be deemed to be underwriting
compensation under the Securities Act. The letter of transmittal
states that, by acknowledging that it will deliver and by
delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to
admit that it is an underwriter within the meaning
of the Securities Act.
For a period of 180 days after the expiration date, we will
promptly send additional copies of this prospectus and any
amendment or supplement to this prospectus to any broker-dealer
that requests such documents in the letter of transmittal. We
have agreed to pay all expenses incident to the exchange offer
(including the expenses of one counsel for the holders of the
outstanding notes) other than commissions or concessions of any
brokers or dealers and will indemnify the holders of the
outstanding notes (including any broker-dealers) against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act.
Certain legal matters in connection with the exchange notes will
be passed upon for us by Milbank, Tweed, Hadley &
McCloy LLP, Los Angeles, California.
The consolidated financial statements of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries, and the financial statements of
CP Laughlin Realty, LLC, Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC,
JMBS Casino, LLC, and Argosy of Baton Rouge appearing in this
Prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited by
Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public
accounting firm, with respect to Tropicana Casinos and Resorts,
Inc. and Subsidiaries, CP Laughlin Realty. LLC, Columbia
Properties Vicksburg, LLC, JMBS Casino, LLC, and
Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, with respect
to Argosy of Baton Rouge, to the extent indicated in their
reports thereon also appearing elsewhere herein and in the
Registration Statement. Such financial statements have been
included herein in reliance upon such reports given on the
authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
The consolidated financial statements of Aztar Corporation at
December 31, 2006, and for the year then ended, appearing
in this prospectus and Registration Statement have been audited
by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set
forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and
are included in reliance upon such reports given on the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing.
241
The consolidated financial statements of Aztar Corporation as of
December 31, 2005 and for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 2005 included in this prospectus
have been so included in reliance on the report of
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public
accounting firm, given on the authority of said firm as experts
in auditing and accounting.
The statement of direct revenues and expenses of Desert Palace,
Inc. for the period from January 1, 2005 through
June 10, 2005, included in this prospectus, has been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report
appearing herein, and is included in reliance upon the report of
such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting
and auditing.
WHERE
YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on
Form S-4
under the Securities Act with respect to the exchange notes.
This prospectus, which forms a part of the Registration
Statement, does not contain all of the information set forth in
the Registration Statement and the exhibits thereto, certain
parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the SEC. For further information with respect to
us and the exchange notes, reference is made to the Registration
Statement. Any statements made in this prospectus concerning the
provisions of certain documents are not necessarily complete
and, in each instance, reference is made to the copy of such
document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
submitted to the SEC. The Registration Statement, the exhibits
forming a part thereof and the reports and other information
filed by us with the SEC in accordance with the Exchange Act may
be inspected, without charge, at the Public Reference Section of
the SEC located at 100 F. Street, N.E., Washington, D.C.,
20549. Copies of all or any portion of the material may be
obtained from the Public Reference Section of the SEC upon
payment of the prescribed fees. The SEC also maintains a website
on the World Wide Web that contains periodic reports, proxy and
information statements and other information at
http://www.sec.gov.
We are not currently subject to the periodic reporting and other
informational requirements of the Exchange Act. However, whether
or not required by the rules and regulations of the SEC,
following the effectiveness of the Registration Statement for
the exchange offer, we will file a copy of all such information
and reports with the SEC for public availability (unless the SEC
will not accept such filings) and make such information
available to prospective investors upon request. In addition, we
have agreed that, for so long as any notes remain outstanding,
we will furnish to the holders and to prospective investors,
upon their request, the information required to be delivered
pursuant to Rule 144A(d)(4) under the Securities Act so
long as the notes are not freely transferable under the
Securities Act. You may request such information by contacting
us at: 740 Centre View Blvd., Crestview Hills, Kentucky 41017,
Attention: Donna More.
242
INDEX
TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
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Page
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Tropicana Entertainment, LLC and Subsidiaries Condensed
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Six Month Periods
Ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006 (Unaudited)
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F-3
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F-4
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F-5
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F-6
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Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Financial Statements for the Years Ended
December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and
December 31, 2004 (Audited)
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F-27
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F-28
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F-29
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F-30
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F-31
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F-32
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Argosy of Baton Rouge Consolidated Financial Statements for
the Year Ended December 31, 2004 and the Period from
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005 (Audited)
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F-59
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F-60
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F-61
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F-62
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F-63
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F-64
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Desert Palace Inc. (a wholly-owned Independent Subsidiary of
Caesars Entertainment, Inc.) Statement of Direct Revenues and
Expenses for the Period from January 1, 2005 to
June 10, 2005 (Audited)
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F-69
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F-70
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F-71
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CP Laughlin Realty LLC Financial Statements for the Six Month
Periods Ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
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F-74
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F-75
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F-76
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F-77
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CP Laughlin Realty LLC Financial Statements for the Years
Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and
December 31, 2004 (Audited)
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F-80
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F-81
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F-82
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F-83
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F-84
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F-85
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Columbia Properties Vicksburg LLC Financial Statements for
the Six Month Periods Ended June 30, 2007 and June 30,
2006 (Unaudited)
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F-89
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F-1
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Page
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F-90
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F-91
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F-92
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Columbia Properties Vicksburg LLC Financial Statements for
the Years Ended December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005
and December 31, 2004 (Audited)
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F-95
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F-96
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F-97
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F-98
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F-99
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F-100
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JMBS Casino LLC Financial Statements for the Six Month
Periods Ended June 30, 2007 and June 30, 2006
(Unaudited)
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F-107
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F-108
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F-109
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F-110
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JMBS Casino LLC Financial Statements for the Years Ended
December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and
December 31, 2004 (Audited)
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F-113
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F-114
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F-115
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F-116
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F-117
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F-118
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Aztar Corporation and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial
Statements for the Years Ended December 31, 2006,
December 31, 2005 and December 30, 2004 (Audited)
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F-124
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F-125
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F-126
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F-127
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F-128
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F-129
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F-130
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F-2
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
CONDENSED
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In
thousands)
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Audited
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Unaudited
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Predecessor
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Successor
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December 31, 2006
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June 30, 2007
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Current Assets:
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Cash and cash equivalents
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$
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33,023
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$
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86,648
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Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful
accounts
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3,958
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28,175
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Amounts due from related parties non-guarantors
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2,293
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3,983
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Amounts due from casinos to be transferred
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3,635
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Inventories
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1,596
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7,984
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Income tax receivable
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20,514
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Prepaid expenses and other assets
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5,217
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34,858
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Discontinued operations current assets of casinos to
be transferred, including cash and cash equivalents of $1,185
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9,805
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Total current assets
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59,527
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182,162
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Restricted cash
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33,698
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Property and equipment net
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226,238
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|
1,984,470
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Deposits and costs for pending acquisitions
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1,310,026
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Investments
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26,698
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Goodwill
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16,802
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989,045
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Intangible assets net
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51,450
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|
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495,450
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Deferred charges and other assets net
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27,670
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|
|
|
140,016
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Discontinued operations long-term assets of casinos
to be transferred
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42,378
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Total Assets
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$
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1,734,091
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$
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3,851,539
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Current Liabilities:
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|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion, long-term debt
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
48,469
|
|
Amounts due to related parties non-guarantors
|
|
|
9,651
|
|
|
|
6,599
|
|
Amounts payable to casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
2,325
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
18,198
|
|
|
|
65,240
|
|
Discontinued operations current liabilities of
casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
54,130
|
|
|
|
120,808
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
1,153,680
|
|
|
|
2,741,289
|
|
Related party note payable
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
|
|
|
|
Notes payable to affiliate guarantors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
237
|
|
|
|
10,512
|
|
Discontinued operations other liabilities of casinos
to be transferred
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
1,577,307
|
|
|
|
2,879,609
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
|
|
11,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
76,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
70,650
|
|
|
|
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
960,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Members equity
|
|
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
960,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
$
|
3,851,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
F-3
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Predecessor)
|
|
|
(Successor)
|
|
|
(Predecessor)
|
|
|
(Successor)
|
|
|
Operating Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
59,495
|
|
|
$
|
216,632
|
|
|
$
|
124,922
|
|
|
$
|
443,417
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
8,816
|
|
|
|
50,806
|
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
|
|
97,734
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
8,406
|
|
|
|
40,291
|
|
|
|
20,402
|
|
|
|
80,668
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
3,090
|
|
|
|
16,901
|
|
|
|
5,437
|
|
|
|
34,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
79,807
|
|
|
|
324,630
|
|
|
|
170,217
|
|
|
|
656,101
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(10,849
|
)
|
|
|
(51,379
|
)
|
|
|
(22,435
|
)
|
|
|
(102,045
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenue
|
|
|
68,958
|
|
|
|
273,251
|
|
|
|
147,782
|
|
|
|
554,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
12,737
|
|
|
|
29,684
|
|
|
|
20,197
|
|
|
|
61,434
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
3,873
|
|
|
|
20,940
|
|
|
|
8,686
|
|
|
|
40,863
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
7,652
|
|
|
|
33,592
|
|
|
|
16,918
|
|
|
|
67,398
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
|
|
6,330
|
|
|
|
1,824
|
|
|
|
13,973
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
2,376
|
|
|
|
8,809
|
|
|
|
5,315
|
|
|
|
16,945
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
5,289
|
|
|
|
23,013
|
|
|
|
7,467
|
|
|
|
45,344
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
2,707
|
|
|
|
6,272
|
|
|
|
4,162
|
|
|
|
12,455
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
1,410
|
|
|
|
4,206
|
|
|
|
2,173
|
|
|
|
8,173
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
1,043
|
|
|
|
8,640
|
|
|
|
1,758
|
|
|
|
16,942
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
10,230
|
|
|
|
28,331
|
|
|
|
21,450
|
|
|
|
58,767
|
|
Casino and hotel administrative and general
|
|
|
1,480
|
|
|
|
23,904
|
|
|
|
8,414
|
|
|
|
44,468
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
801
|
|
|
|
3,980
|
|
|
|
1,265
|
|
|
|
6,666
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
2,879
|
|
|
|
5,208
|
|
|
|
5,547
|
|
|
|
10,543
|
|
Construction accident insurance recoveries, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,463
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,075
|
)
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,845
|
|
|
|
25,816
|
|
|
|
6,415
|
|
|
|
43,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
57,324
|
|
|
|
213,525
|
|
|
|
112,570
|
|
|
|
433,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
11,634
|
|
|
|
59,726
|
|
|
|
35,212
|
|
|
|
120,544
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
679
|
|
|
|
1,755
|
|
|
|
886
|
|
|
|
6,483
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(4,403
|
)
|
|
|
(45,874
|
)
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
(114,078
|
)
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(3,724
|
)
|
|
|
(44,119
|
)
|
|
|
(7,124
|
)
|
|
|
(110,394
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest and income tax benefit
|
|
|
7,910
|
|
|
|
15,607
|
|
|
|
28,088
|
|
|
|
10,150
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1,273
|
)
|
|
|
(1,383
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations, before income tax
benefit
|
|
|
6,637
|
|
|
|
14,224
|
|
|
|
26,338
|
|
|
|
7,833
|
|
Income tax benefit, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
399,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384,767
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
|
6,637
|
|
|
|
413,369
|
|
|
|
26,338
|
|
|
|
392,600
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
(636
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,097
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
6,001
|
|
|
$
|
413,369
|
|
|
$
|
24,241
|
|
|
$
|
392,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
F-4
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Predecessor)
|
|
|
(Successor)
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
24,241
|
|
|
$
|
392,600
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
7,142
|
|
|
|
55,078
|
|
Non-cash portion of casualty loss hurricane
|
|
|
4,200
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in fair value of interest rate swap
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,122
|
)
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,799
|
|
Change in deferred taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(397,273
|
)
|
Change in deferred rent
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
|
|
(232
|
)
|
Write off of property and equipment
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
1,750
|
|
|
|
2,317
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net of
effects from purchase of hotels and casinos:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
1,251
|
|
|
|
19,920
|
|
Inventories, prepaids and other assets
|
|
|
(3,389
|
)
|
|
|
9,409
|
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
3,821
|
|
|
|
(24,195
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
39,976
|
|
|
|
45,564
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(21,074
|
)
|
|
|
(41,466
|
)
|
Aztar acquisition, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,194,143
|
)
|
Deposits used (made) for acquisition
|
|
|
(313,487
|
)
|
|
|
977,967
|
|
Other changes, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
813
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(334,561
|
)
|
|
|
(1,256,829
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,970,000
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(2,871
|
)
|
|
|
(1,047,913
|
)
|
Deposits into restricted cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(33,698
|
)
|
Payment of financing costs
|
|
|
(524
|
)
|
|
|
(64,376
|
)
|
Advances from related parties
|
|
|
319,188
|
|
|
|
2,853
|
|
Advances from affiliate guarantors
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,000
|
|
Capital contributions by member
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
441,575
|
|
Cash retained by predecessor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,415
|
)
|
Distribution to stockholder
|
|
|
(900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution to minority interest holders
|
|
|
(925
|
)
|
|
|
(321
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
313,968
|
|
|
|
1,263,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
19,383
|
|
|
|
52,440
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), Beginning of Period
|
|
|
42,783
|
|
|
|
34,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), End of Period
|
|
$
|
62,166
|
|
|
$
|
86,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the condensed
consolidated financial statements.
F-5
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
(In
thousands, except where noted otherwise)
(Unaudited)
General Tropicana Entertainment, LLC
(Company or TE), (formerly known as
Wimar OpCo, LLC) is a leading gaming entertainment provider
in the United States. On January 3, 2007, the Company
acquired all of the outstanding equity of Aztar Corporation
(Aztar) (Note 3). Concurrent with that
acquisition, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc.
(TCR) (formerly known as Wimar Tahoe Corporation),
the Companys ultimate parent, contributed substantially
all of its gaming properties to the Company. As a result of
these transactions, the Company now owns nine casino properties
in seven gaming markets, including Las Vegas, Laughlin and South
Lake Tahoe (Stateline), Nevada; Evansville, Indiana; Atlantic
City, New Jersey; Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and Greenville,
Mississippi.
The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements as
of and for the periods ended June 30, 2007 include the
Company, its direct subsidiaries and CP Laughlin Realty, LLC
(Realty), a variable interest entity of which the
Company is the primary beneficiary in accordance with Financial
Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation
No. 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities (See Note 12). Realty is an affiliate of the
Company due to control of Realtys parent entity by the
controlling shareholder of TCR. The carrying amount of the
assets of Realty at June 30, 2007 was approximately $28,000.
The direct subsidiaries and operations of the Company include
the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Aztar Corporation (Aztar), which owns and operates
the Casino Aztar in Evansville, Indiana
(Evansville), the Tropicana Hotel & Casino
in Atlantic City (Tropicana AC), the Tropicana
Express in Laughlin, Nevada (Tropicana Express), and
the Tropicana Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada
(Tropicana LV),
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Finance Corporation (Finance), co-issuer
of the senior secured notes,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Properties Laughlin, LLC (Laughlin), which
operates the River Palms Hotel and Casino (River
Palms) and owns the gaming assets related to this
operation. Realty owns the non-gaming assets related to this
operation,
|
|
|
|
|
|
79% ownership interest (84% economic interest) in Greenville
Riverboat, LLC (Greenville), which owns and operates
the Lighthouse Point Casino,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon, LLC (Horizon), which owns and
operates the Horizon Casino & Resort located in Lake
Tahoe, Nevada,
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Properties Tahoe, LLC (MontBleu), which
owns and operates the MontBleu Casino Resort located in Lake
Tahoe, Nevada,
|
|
|
|
|
|
CP Baton Rouge Casino, LLC (Baton Rouge) and its
subsidiaries, which own and operate the Belle of Baton Rouge and
the Sheraton Baton Rouge, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Louis Riverboat Entertainment, Inc,
(St. Louis) which owns the vessel used by
Greenville in the Lighthouse Point Casino operation.
|
The accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2006 and statement of income for the periods
ended June 30, 2006, includes our predecessor, TCR, its
direct subsidiaries and Realty. The direct subsidiaries of TCR
as of December 31, 2006 and for the periods ended
June 30, 2006 included all of
F-6
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
the direct subsidiaries of TE as noted above (with the exception
of the Aztar Corporation subsidiaries acquired in January
2007) as well as the following subsidiaries which were not
contributed to TE:
|
|
|
|
|
Belle of Orleans, LLC (Orleans), which owns and
operates a riverboat casino in Amelia, Louisiana (formerly in
New Orleans, Louisiana),
|
|
|
|
|
|
LV Casino, LLC, which operates the Casuarina Casino Las Vegas
(Las Vegas) in space it leases in the Westin
Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel & Spa from CP Las Vegas,
LLC, an affiliated company, and
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Pennsylvania, LLC (Trop PA), which was
acquired on December 12, 2006 from Aztar, and owns land in
Allentown, Pennsylvania which is held for sale as of
December 31, 2006.
|
Since the two casino operations (Orleans and Las Vegas) and Trop
PA were not contributed to TE, the assets, liabilities and
results of their operations have been presented as assets and
liabilities of discontinued operations to be transferred in the
accompanying consolidated balance sheet as of December 31,
2006 and as discontinued operations in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income for the periods ended
June 30, 2006. Cash flows of the discontinued operations
have not been segregated from the cash flows of continuing
operations on the accompanying consolidated statement of cash
flows for the periods ended June 30, 2006.
As the net assets of the casinos that were transferred were not
being sold by TCR (except for Trop PA), neither TCR nor TE
received any cash proceeds and no gain or loss was recognized
upon the retention of these operations by TCR in 2007. Except
where specifically described as relating to Orleans, Las Vegas,
Trop PA or discontinued operations, the amounts disclosed in the
notes to the consolidated financial statements relative to the
periods ending December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2006
relate to the direct subsidiaries and operations of TCR which
were contributed to TE.
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America (GAAP) requires the use of
managements estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amount of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses
and disclosure of contingent liabilities in the consolidated
financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results
could differ from these estimates. Amounts are presented in
thousands of dollars unless indicated otherwise.
Principles of Consolidation The accompanying
interim condensed consolidated financial statements of the
Company as of and for the periods ended June 30, 2007
include Laughlin, Greenville, Horizon, MontBleu, Baton Rouge,
St. Louis, Finance, Realty and Aztar. The accompanying
condensed consolidated financial statements as of
December 31, 2006 and for the periods ended June 30,
2006 include Laughlin, Greenville, Horizon, MontBleu, Baton
Rouge, St. Louis, Orleans, Las Vegas, Trop PA, and Realty.
All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated
in consolidation. Minority interest in the consolidated
financial statements represents the minority equity ownership of
Greenville and the non-controlling equity ownership of Realty.
The minority interest of Greenville is allocated in accordance
with the terms of the LLC agreement which is based upon an
assumed liquidation of Greenville as of the end of the reporting
periods. The non-controlling equity ownership of Realty is
allocated 100% of the earnings of Realty.
The Company evaluates its operations under four reporting
segments consisting of the Nevada Segment, the Mississippi River
Basin Segment, the Las Vegas Segment and the New Jersey Segment.
F-7
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
For purposes of the following notes to the condensed
consolidated financial statements, amounts presented as of and
for the periods ended June 30, 2007 relate to the
consolidated financial statements of the Company and amounts
presented as of December 31, 2006 and for the periods ended
June 30, 2006 relate to the consolidated financial
statements of TCR. These consolidated financial statements do
not include the operations of the Aztar properties for the
periods January 1st January 3rd 2007.
Unless otherwise noted, the consolidated entity is referenced as
the Company for comparative purposes.
Interim Unaudited Information The
accompanying interim financial statements as of June 30,
2007, and for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and related disclosures in the
accompanying notes have not been audited. Certain information
and footnote disclosures required for annual financial
statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules
and regulations and therefore do not include all information and
notes necessary for the presentation of financial position,
results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included to
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of June 30, 2007 and the results of its
operations and its cash flows for the three and six month
periods ended June 30, 2006 and 2007. Operating results for
the three month periods ended June 30, 2007 should be read
in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial
statements and the notes for the year ended December 31,
2006 of TCR.
Investments The Casino Reinvestment
Development Authority (CRDA) deposits are carried at
cost less a valuation allowance because they are required to
purchase CRDA bonds that carry below market interest rates
unless alternative investments are approved. The valuation
allowance is established by a charge to earnings at the time the
obligation is incurred to make the deposit unless there is an
agreement with the CRDA for a return of the deposit at full face
value. If the CRDA deposits are used to purchase CRDA bonds, the
valuation allowance is transferred to the bonds as a discount,
which is amortized to interest income using the interest method.
If the CRDA deposits are used to make other investments, the
valuation allowance is transferred to those investments and
remains a valuation allowance.
The CRDA bonds are classified as held-to-maturity securities and
are carried at amortized cost less a valuation allowance.
Derivative Instruments The Companys
risk management strategy includes the use of derivative
instruments to reduce the effects on its operating results and
cash flows from fluctuations caused by volatility in interest
rates. The Company has entered into interest rate swap
agreements to effectively fix the interest rates of a portion of
its variable rate borrowings. In using derivative financial
instruments to hedge exposures to changes in interest rates, the
Company exposes itself to counterparty credit risk.
All derivatives are recognized in the balance sheet at fair
value. Fair values for the Companys derivative financial
instruments are based on quoted market prices of comparable
instruments or, if none are available, on pricing models or
formulas using current assumptions. On the date the derivative
contract is entered into, the Company determines whether the
derivative contract should be designated as a hedge. Currently,
the Company has not designated any of its existing interest rate
swap agreements as hedges and therefore, recognizes changes in
the fair value of the derivatives in the statement of income as
a component of interest expense.
Income Taxes TE and TCR are pass through
entities for federal and state income tax purposes, and
therefore, elected to be treated as an S Corporation under
Subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. As a pass through
entity and as an S Corporation, the tax attributes of TE
and TCR will pass through to its owners, who will then owe any
related income taxes. Aztar, acquired January 3, 2007, and
its direct subsidiaries were registered as C Corporations for
federal and state income tax purposes until May 1, 2007
when they elected to be treated as S Corporations under
subchapter S of the Internal Revenue Code. As C
F-8
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
Corporations, TE accounted for the provision of income taxes in
accordance with the accrual methodology under FAS 109,
Accounting for Income Taxes through April 30, 2007.
As of this date, the deferred federal income tax assets and
liabilities recorded in prior years in accordance with
FAS 109 were written off and credited to income and as
May 1, 2007 TE recorded a net income tax benefit of
$384,767 in the statement of income. In addition, Aztar has a
receivable of $20,514 related to refundable federal income taxes
for C Corporation taxes prior to its S Corporation election.
The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation
No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in Income
Taxes an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109 (FIN 48), on January 1,
2007. The implementation of FIN 48 did not cause a change
in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The amount of
unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2007 is
$9.5 million, including any applicable interest and
penalties. The increase in the unrecognized tax benefits of
$5.9 million in the first six months of 2007 resulted in an
increase to income tax expense of $5.9 million for the six
months ending June 30, 2007.
Members Equity Effective
January 3, 2007, TCR contributed the various casino
properties to the Company (described in Note 1). In
addition to the Companys beginning equity of $36,996 as of
December 31, 2006, the Company recognized an increase in
equity of $125,321 related to the contribution of these
properties. Immediately subsequent to the Aztar acquisition, the
Company transferred certain acquired entities to TCR, resulting
in an equity reduction of $38,000. Additionally, TCR contributed
$441,575 of cash to the Company used primarily for the Aztar
acquisition. There were no other significant equity transactions
during the periods ended June 30, 2007.
Contingencies In the ordinary course of
business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that
contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby the Company
indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and
warranties. In addition, many of these parties are also
indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the
transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement.
Such guarantees or indemnifications are granted under various
agreements, including those governing (i) purchases and
sales of casinos; (ii) leases of real estate;
(iii) franchise license agreements; and (iv) certain
lending agreements. The guarantees or indemnifications issued
are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements
and sellers in purchase agreements; (ii) landlords in lease
contracts; (iii) franchisors or licensors of hotel brands;
and (iv) lenders under financing transactions. While some
of these guarantees extend only for the duration of the
underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of
the agreement. There are no specific limitations on the maximum
potential amount of future payments that the Company could be
required to make under some of these guarantees, however, most
purchase and sale agreements have stated maximum liabilities.
The Company is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of future payments to be made under these
guarantees as the triggering events are not subject to
predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned
guarantees, such as indemnifications of landlords and
franchisors against third party claims for the use of real
estate property leased or the brands licensed by the Company,
the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates any
potential payments to be made.
Recently
Issued Accounting and Reporting Standards
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157
(SFAS No. 157) In September
2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements, which defines fair value in GAAP
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
Statement will be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the
effect, if any, SFAS No. 157 will have on its
consolidated financial statements.
F-9
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
On January 3, 2007, the Company acquired all the
outstanding capital stock of Aztar from its stockholders. Aztar
owned and operated five casinos in five domestic gaming markets,
including: Atlantic City, New Jersey and Las Vegas, Nevada under
the Tropicana trade name along with, Laughlin, Nevada under the
Ramada Express trade name (subsequently changed to Tropicana
Express), Evansville, Indiana, and Caruthersville, Missouri
under the Aztar trade name. The acquisition further expanded the
Companys casino and gaming market share and positions the
Company to become a leading domestic casino operator based on
total operating revenue. As a result of the acquisition, Aztar
has become a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company. The
Caruthersville, Missouri operation was not retained by the
Company, and was simultaneously transferred at the closing to
TCR. This distribution to TCR was recorded by the Company at
$38,000, the estimated fair value of the operation at the time
of the transfer on January 3, 2007.
The initial purchase price for 100% of the outstanding capital
stock of Aztar was $2,117,051. Additionally, acquisition related
closing expenses and other purchase consideration of
approximately $198,782 were incurred. The total purchase price
of $2,315,833 was paid in cash at closing. The acquisition was
financed through a combination of a $960,000 aggregate principal
amount of
95/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes and Senior Secured Credit Facilities totaling
$1,970,000 (which are more fully described in Note 7),
capital contributions from TCR, the Companys parent, and
cash on hand. Proceeds in excess of the total Aztar purchase
price paid were used by the Company to repay the existing
indebtedness of Aztar, to repay the portion of TCRs
indebtedness it retained and to satisfy other commitments of the
Company and its affiliates.
The initial purchase price for the Aztar acquisition was
allocated as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
121,690
|
|
Current Assets
|
|
|
72,944
|
|
Fixed assets
|
|
|
1,777,200
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
25,129
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
448,809
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
972,243
|
|
Deferred tax assets
|
|
|
33,440
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
79,576
|
|
Accrued expenses
|
|
|
(37,205
|
)
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
(702,710
|
)
|
Deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(397,273
|
)
|
Other liabilities
|
|
|
(78,010
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Assets Acquired
|
|
$
|
2,315,833
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above purchase price allocation is preliminary and is
dependent on the completion of our analysis of the fair values
of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed.
The intangible assets acquired, recognized at their fair values,
consist of customer loyalty programs of $92,900 and gaming
licenses of $164,009 at the various properties acquired and the
Tropicana and Aztar trade names, $188,000 and $3,900,
respectively. The fair values assigned to these intangible
assets were based on a preliminary independent appraisal. The
loyalty programs and Aztar trade name will be amortized over a
twelve year and a 1.5 year periods, respectively, which
represents the estimated remaining life of the
F-10
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
assets. The gaming licenses and the Tropicana trade name were
determined to have indefinite lives and therefore, will not be
amortized and will be subject to an annual impairment analysis.
Goodwill recognized under the agreement is not deductible for
income tax purposes.
In connection with the acquisition, the Company entered into
severance agreements with certain executives and other former
employees of Aztar. The Company recognized the estimated fair
value of the severance agreements as part of the purchase price
allocation on January 3, 2007. The severance liability
recognized was completely paid-out immediately following
consummation of the acquisition and resulted in disbursements of
$16,869.
The revenue of Aztar reflected in our consolidated statement of
operations for the periods January 4 through June 30, 2007
was approximately $414,000.
Pro Forma Information Pro forma results of
operations for the three and six months ended June 30,
2006, as if the acquisition of Aztar had occurred as of
January 1, 2006, is presented below. As the acquisition was
completed on January 3, 2007, the statement of income for
the periods ended June 30, 2007, include substantially all
of the operations of the acquired entities. These pro forma
results may not be indicative of the actual results that would
have occurred under the Companys ownership and management.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Six Months
|
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Net operating revenue
|
|
$
|
290,884
|
|
|
$
|
590,978
|
|
Net loss
|
|
|
(13,766
|
)
|
|
|
(36,984
|
)
|
Immediately following the acquisition, the Aztar Missouri
Riverboat Gaming Company, LLC (Caruthersville, MO property) and
other former subsidiaries of Aztar were distributed to TCR.
Effective at the time of the acquisition, Aztar Missouri
Riverboat Gaming Company, LLC, was distributed to TCR and was no
longer a subsidiary of the Company and is not a guarantor of the
Notes. TCR subsequently sold its membership interest in Aztar
Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, L.L.C. for approximately
$45,000 in June 2007.
On April 20, 2006, an affiliate of the Company entered into
an agreement to acquire Casino Queen, which owns and operates a
riverboat casino in East St. Louis, IL. In connection with
this acquisition, a portion of the proceeds from the new Senior
Secured Credit Facility were deposited into a segregated
account. The acquisition agreement was terminated in March 2007
and therefore, $167,926, was repaid to the lender, in accordance
with the terms of the Senior Secured Credit Facility (See
Note 7).
F-11
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
4.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
$
|
168,192
|
|
|
$
|
1,042,669
|
|
Furniture, fixtures and equipment
|
|
|
77,014
|
|
|
|
120,572
|
|
Riverboats and barges
|
|
|
29,635
|
|
|
|
48,854
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
274,841
|
|
|
|
1,212,095
|
|
Accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(73,649
|
)
|
|
|
(110,003
|
)
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
|
|
61,216
|
|
Land
|
|
|
18,796
|
|
|
|
821,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
226,238
|
|
|
$
|
1,984,470
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
GOODWILL
AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
As of December 31, 2006, TCR had recognized $16,802 of
goodwill related to the 2005 acquisition of Baton Rouge.
Goodwill increased $972,243 due to the Aztar acquisition during
the six months ended June 30, 2007. The Company evaluates
the fair value of recorded goodwill on an annual basis, or more
frequently if indicators of impairment exist. As of
June 30, 2007, no impairment charges have been recognized.
Intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Amortizing intangibles:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable leases (amortized over 25 to 77 years)
|
|
$
|
4,278
|
|
|
$
|
4,278
|
|
Customer Loyalty Programs (amortized over 12 years)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
92,900
|
|
Aztar Trade name (amortized over 1.5 years)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,900
|
|
Other
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(274
|
)
|
|
|
(5,083
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amortizing intangible assets
|
|
|
4,504
|
|
|
|
96,495
|
|
Non-amortizing
intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaming licenses
|
|
|
46,946
|
|
|
|
210,955
|
|
Tropicana Trade name
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
188,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangibles assets
|
|
$
|
51,450
|
|
|
$
|
495,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $76 and
$4,809 for the six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007,
respectively.
F-12
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
The Companys estimate of amortization expense related to
amortizable intangible assets for the remainder of 2007 and the
four years ending December 31, 2011 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007 (six months)
|
|
$
|
5,234
|
|
2008
|
|
|
9,167
|
|
2009
|
|
|
7,867
|
|
2010
|
|
|
7,867
|
|
2011
|
|
|
7,867
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
58,493
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
96,495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments consist of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
CRDA deposits, net of a valuation allowance of $5,442
|
|
$
|
15,423
|
|
CRDA bonds, net of an unamortized discount of $5,219
|
|
|
6,399
|
|
CRDA other investments, net of a valuation allowance of $1,254
|
|
|
4,876
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total investments
|
|
$
|
26,698
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has a New Jersey investment obligation based upon
its casino revenue generated from properties operating in New
Jersey as part of the Aztar acquisition. The Company may satisfy
this investment obligation by investing in qualified eligible
direct investments, by making qualified contributions or by
depositing funds with the CRDA. Deposits with the CRDA bear
interest at money market rates. These deposits, under certain
circumstances, may be donated to the CRDA in exchange for
credits against future investment obligations. If not used for
other purposes, the CRDA deposits are used to invest in bonds
issued by the CRDA as they become available that bear interest
at two-thirds of market rates. The CRDA bonds have various
contractual maturities that range from 8 to 40 years.
Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because
of prepayment rights.
F-13
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Senior Subordinated Notes, due 2014
|
|
$
|
960,000
|
|
|
$
|
960,000
|
|
Senior Secured Term Loan, due 2012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,340,239
|
|
Senior Secured Las Vegas Term Loan, due 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
440,000
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan A, due 2010
|
|
|
96,879
|
|
|
|
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan B, due 2011
|
|
|
98,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
346
|
|
|
|
1,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total debt
|
|
|
1,155,975
|
|
|
|
2,741,789
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(2,295
|
)
|
|
|
(500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
1,153,680
|
|
|
$
|
2,741,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 28, 2006, the Company issued $960,000 of
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (the Notes)
due December 15, 2014 to be used to partially finance the
Aztar acquisition (see Note 3). At the time of issuance,
the proceeds from the issuance were held in escrow by the
Company pending the completion of the acquisition and the
Company recognized the associated long-term debt obligation. At
the time of the acquisition, the proceeds were released from
escrow and utilized in the acquisition financing. Interest on
the Notes is at 9.625% and is due semi-annually on June 15 and
December 15, commencing June 15, 2007. No principal
payments are due until maturity. Under certain circumstances the
Notes can be redeemed prior to maturity with various redemption
premiums depending on the conditions described in the
agreements. The Notes are the Companys unsecured senior
subordinated obligations. The Notes are also guaranteed by
certain of Companys existing and future subsidiaries as
well as by Realty and Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC
(Vicksburg), each of which is an affiliate of the
Company but not a direct subsidiary of the Company, and by JMBS
Casino, LLC (JMBS), which is an affiliate of
TCRs owner and not a direct subsidiary of the Company. The
Notes are not guaranteed by Tropicana Las Vegas (and its
entities), a subsidiary of Aztar Corporation, and Greenville,
however, Greenville is subject to the restrictive covenants of
the Notes. The Note agreement restricts the Companys and
the guarantors ability to incur or guarantee additional
indebtedness, to pay dividends, to sell or transfer assets, to
make certain investments, to create or incur certain liens, to
enter into merger, consolidation or sale transactions and to
enter into transactions with affiliates that are not described
in the agreements. The Company has agreed to file a registration
statement with the SEC with respect to the Notes to allow the
Notes to be publicly registered. The Company will pay additional
interest on the Notes if it does not register the Notes. Upon a
change in control of the Company, as defined in the Notes
agreement, the holders of each Note has the right to require the
Company to repurchase the Notes at 101.0% of the principal
amount plus any accrued and unpaid interest to the date of
purchase.
On January 3, 2007, the Company, in connection with the
Aztar acquisition described in Note 3, entered into a
Senior Credit Facility comprised of a $1,530,000 senior secured
term loan (Loan) and a $180,000 senior secured
revolving credit facility (Revolver). A total of
$9.7 million of letters of credit have been issued by the
Company under the Revolver and therefore, $170.3 million is
available for future borrowing as of June 30, 2007.
Interest on the Loan is at either a LIBOR Rate Option or an
Alternative Rate Option, at the Companys discretion (7.60%
as of June 30, 2007). The Loan matures in January of 2012
and quarterly principal payments are scheduled to commence March
2011 after applying mandatory
F-14
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
and voluntary principal payments made in June 2007. The
borrowings under the Senior Secured Credit Facility are
guaranteed by the same guarantors as the Notes, security
interests in all of the Companys and the guarantors
tangible and intangible assets, including a pledge of all equity
interests in the Company and the guarantors; and a guarantee of
Columbia Sussex Corporation (CSC), an affiliate of
the Company, to the extent that the Revolver exceeds $100,000.
The Senior Secured Credit Facility requires additional mandatory
principal payments of excess cash flow, as defined in the
agreement. Certain Loan proceeds were initially deposited in a
segregated account equal to the then estimated purchase price
for the Casino Queen. In accordance with the Loan agreement,
$167,926 was repaid as of March 31, 2007 as the agreement
to acquire the Casino Queen was terminated (See
Note 3) and as provided for in the loan agreement this
payment was applied to the first eight mandatory principal
payments and ratably to the remaining payments.
On January 3, 2007, a subsidiary of the Company, which owns
the Tropicana Las Vegas operations, entered into a Senior
Secured Term Loan (the Las Vegas Term Loan) for
$440,000. The Las Vegas Term Loan matures in July 2008, interest
is due quarterly at either a LIBOR Rate option or an Alternative
Rate Option, and is secured by a security interest in all the
assets of the Tropicana Las Vegas operation and a guarantee of
the Tropicana Las Vegas entities. On the closing date, the
Company was required to deposit in an escrow account cash in an
amount sufficient to pay all scheduled interest payments in
respect of the Las Vegas Secured Loan for a one-year period. The
amount held in escrow for interest payments on this loan was
$33,698 at June 30, 2007. The interest rate on the Las
Vegas Term Loan as of June 30, 2007 was 7.60%.
TCRs obligations included its $200,000 Credit Facility
(Credit Facility), which provided for a Term Loan A
borrowing of $100,000 and a Term Loan B borrowing of $100,000,
which were completely paid off on January 3, 2007. Interest
under the Term Loan A was at the thirty day LIBOR rate plus a
spread of between 1.75% and 2.75%, depending on the
Companys leverage ratio The Company elected the base rate
option for the December 2006 period, (9.0% at December 31,
2006), and the LIBOR rate option for all prior periods. Interest
under the Term Loan B was either based on the thirty day LIBOR
rate or a base rate, at the Companys option. The LIBOR
rate option is based on the thirty day LIBOR rate plus 2.50%.
The base rate option is the higher of the Federal Funds Rate
plus one half of 1% or the Bank of America prime
rate, plus 2.5%. The Company elected the base rate option
for the December 2006 period, (10.75% at December 31,
2006), and the LIBOR rate option for all prior periods. On
January 3, 2007, a portion of the financing proceeds used
to complete the Aztar acquisition (See Note 3) were
transferred to TCR to repay the portion of the TCR credit
facility that it retained and related accrued interest.
The long-term debt agreements of the Company contain various
covenants and restrictions including restrictions on additional
borrowings, limits on capital expenditures, limits on the sale
of assets and subsidiary stock, a maximum total leverage ratio
requirement and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio limit. As
of December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007, the Company
was in compliance with these covenants.
Other long-term debt consists principally of equipment financing
agreements that generally extend for periods up to three years.
|
|
8.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The Company is related by common ownership to CSC and its
various subsidiaries and other affiliated companies discussed
below. As of December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007 the
Company owed certain of these other affiliated companies,
including its parent TCR, $9,651 and $13,607 respectively, and
certain of these affiliated companies owed the Company $2,293
and $3,983, respectively.
F-15
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
TCR provides various services to the Company and its
subsidiaries primarily under casino services agreements. These
services are primarily related to casino operations, employment
matters, staffing, payroll processing, marketing and
advertising, casino layout, compliance, internal audit and
purchasing of gaming related equipment and supplies. The
operations of the Company are separate and apart from TCR. Any
costs incurred by TCR for the benefit of or related to the
Companys operations are charged to the Company. TCR
charges to the Company its allocated portion of the corporate
overhead costs for these services based on the ratio of the
Companys net operating revenues to the total aggregate net
operation revenue of all casino operations owned by TCR.
CSC provides various services to the Company and its
subsidiaries primarily under administrative service agreements.
These services are primarily related to accounting and
administrative services in the areas of accounts payable, cash
management, purchasing, tax and accounting. Also, the Company
participates in general liability, workers compensation,
property and health insurance programs arranged by CSC but for
which the Company pays its related share of the cost. In
addition, the Company and its subsidiaries, excluding the Aztar
subsidiaries, have adopted CSCs 401(k) pension plan. The
operations of the Company are separate and apart from CSC. Any
costs incurred by CSC for the benefit of or related to the
Companys operations (such as insurance) are charged to the
Company. CSC Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of CSC, loaned TCR a
total of $350,152 in connection with the merger with Aztar
Corporation and the related financing during 2006 and 2007(see
Note 3). The loan was retained by TCR and was not
contributed to the Company. Funds from these borrowings by TCR
were used to partially fund equity contributions to the Company
in 2006 and 2007.
Affiliate guarantors JMBS and Vicksburg loaned $4,000 and
$3,000, respectively, to the Company in June 2007. The loans
earn interest at the fixed rate of 12% and are due
January 1, 2015.
|
|
9.
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
As described in Note 3, as of the effective date of the
Aztar acquisition, the Company determined to transfer its
acquired membership interests of Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming
Company, L.L.C., which holds the Casino Aztar Caruthersville in
Caruthersville, Missouri, to TCR. Effective at the time of the
acquisition, Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming Company, L.L.C.,
was no longer a subsidiary of the Company and is not a guarantor
of the Notes. TCR entered into an agreement in March 2007 to
sell its membership interest in Aztar Missouri Riverboat Gaming
Company, L.L.C. for $45,000 and the sale was completed on
June 10, 2007.
As described in Note 1, as a result of TCRs
contribution of certain direct subsidiaries and operations to
the Company, the entities not being transferred, Orleans, Las
Vegas and Tropicana PA, have been presented as discontinued
operations as of December 31, 2006 and for the period ended
June 30, 2006.
F-16
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
The assets and liabilities of operations not transferred by TCR
to the Company as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
1,185
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
6,754
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,866
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets transferred
|
|
$
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
31,682
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
10,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term assets transferred
|
|
$
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
1,907
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
5,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities transferred
|
|
$
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long term liabilities transferred
|
|
$
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.
|
DERIVATIVE
FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
|
Interest rate swaps are used to hedge a proportion of total debt
that is subject to variable interest rates. In January 2007, the
Company entered into three interest rate swap agreements, which
require the Company to pay an amount equal to a specific fixed
rate of interest on a notional amount and to receive in return
an amount equal to a variable rate of interest on the same
notional amount. The notional amounts are not exchanged. No
other cash payments are made unless the contract is terminated
prior to its maturity, in which case the contract would likely
be settled for an amount equal to its fair value.
The interest rate swaps are not designated as hedges;
accordingly the change in fair value is recorded as a component
of interest expense. Also net payments or receipts under the
swap agreements are recorded as a component of interest expense.
Two of the swap agreements are for an aggregate notional amount
of $1,000,000 (Loan Swaps) and require the Company
to make fixed payments of interest at 5.0%, and the Company
receives interest at the 3 month LIBOR rate. The Loan Swaps
terminate in January 2012. The third swap agreement is for a
notional amount of $440,000 (Las Vegas Swap) and
requires the Company to make fixed payments of interest at 5.1%
and receive interest at the 3 month LIBOR rate. The Las
Vegas Swap terminates in July 2008.
The fair value of the Loan Swaps and the Las Vegas Swap were
assets of $14,260 and $862, respectively at June 30, 2007
are recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as Prepaid
Expenses and Other Assets.
The Company reviews results of operations based on distinct
geographic gaming market segments. The Company has aggregated
certain of its properties in order to present its reportable
segments. The Nevada segment includes Horizon, River Palms
(which includes Realtys operations), MontBleu, and
Tropicana Express. The Mississippi River Basin segment includes
Greenville (which includes St. Louis operations),
Baton Rouge, and Evansville. The Tropicana LV and the Tropicana
AC are reported as separate segments.
F-17
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
The Companys chief operating decision maker uses segment
adjusted EBITDA in assessing segment performance and deciding
how to allocate resources. The Companys segment
information is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Six Months
|
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Net Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lake Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
10,044
|
|
|
$
|
8,913
|
|
|
$
|
19,964
|
|
|
$
|
18,793
|
|
MontBleu
|
|
|
10,266
|
|
|
|
11,061
|
|
|
|
21,486
|
|
|
|
24,893
|
|
River Palms
|
|
|
12,861
|
|
|
|
13,006
|
|
|
|
28,221
|
|
|
|
27,189
|
|
Tropicana Express(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,842
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
46,438
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada segment
|
|
|
33,171
|
|
|
|
55,822
|
|
|
|
69,671
|
|
|
|
117,313
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River Basin segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point
|
|
|
6,966
|
|
|
|
7,128
|
|
|
|
15,395
|
|
|
|
15,511
|
|
Belle of Baton Rouge
|
|
|
28,821
|
|
|
|
25,019
|
|
|
|
62,716
|
|
|
|
53,519
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,461
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,115
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River Basin segment
|
|
|
35,787
|
|
|
|
64,608
|
|
|
|
78,111
|
|
|
|
136,145
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas Segment(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,079
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
82,408
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City Segment(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
109,736
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
217,982
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated net operating revenues
|
|
$
|
68,958
|
|
|
$
|
273,251
|
|
|
$
|
147,782
|
|
|
$
|
554,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(a)
Nevada segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lake Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
1,947
|
|
|
$
|
855
|
|
|
$
|
3,906
|
|
|
$
|
2,747
|
|
MontBleu
|
|
|
(3,021
|
)
|
|
|
603
|
|
|
|
(2,975
|
)
|
|
|
2,492
|
|
River Palms
|
|
|
3,067
|
|
|
|
3,556
|
|
|
|
8,244
|
|
|
|
8,056
|
|
Tropicana Express(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,156
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,565
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada segment
|
|
|
1,993
|
|
|
|
13,170
|
|
|
|
9,175
|
|
|
|
29,860
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River Basin segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point
|
|
|
2,863
|
|
|
|
2,602
|
|
|
|
7,218
|
|
|
|
6,340
|
|
Belle of Baton Rouge
|
|
|
11,403
|
|
|
|
8,172
|
|
|
|
27,478
|
|
|
|
19,763
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,630
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River Basin segment
|
|
|
14,266
|
|
|
|
18,404
|
|
|
|
34,696
|
|
|
|
42,703
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas Segment(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,520
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City Segment(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,616
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
60,435
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
16,259
|
|
|
|
75,710
|
|
|
|
43,871
|
|
|
|
156,751
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(801
|
)
|
|
|
(5,368
|
)
|
|
|
(1,265
|
)
|
|
|
(6,666
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total EBITDA
|
|
|
15,458
|
|
|
|
70,342
|
|
|
|
42,606
|
|
|
|
150,085
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile Segment Adjusted EBITDA to net income
from continuing operations, before income tax benefit:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(2,845
|
)
|
|
|
(25,816
|
)
|
|
|
(6,415
|
)
|
|
|
(43,353
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
679
|
|
|
|
1,755
|
|
|
|
886
|
|
|
|
6,483
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(4,403
|
)
|
|
|
(45,874
|
)
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
(114,078
|
)
|
F-18
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
Three Months
|
|
|
Six Months
|
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Construction accident insurance recoveries, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,463
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,075
|
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
Write-offs of fixed assets and deposits
|
|
|
(979
|
)
|
|
|
(263
|
)
|
|
|
(979
|
)
|
|
|
(263
|
)
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1,273
|
)
|
|
|
(1,383
|
)
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations, before income tax benefit
|
|
$
|
6,637
|
|
|
$
|
14,224
|
|
|
$
|
26,338
|
|
|
$
|
7,833
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA is net income before interest expense,
interest income, depreciation, amortization, corporate expenses,
write offs of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition and minority interest in net income of consolidated
subsidiaries. Segment Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as
a substitute for either operating income or net income as they
are determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). The Company uses Segment Adjusted EBITDA as a
measure to compare operating results between segments and
accounting periods. The Company manages cash and finances its
operations at the corporate level. The Company manages the
allocation of capital among segments at the corporate level. The
Company accordingly believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful
as a measure of operating results at the segment level because
it reflects the results of operating decisions at the segment
level separated from the effects of financing decisions that are
managed at the corporate level. The Company also uses Segment
Adjusted EBITDA as an important operating performance measure in
its bonus programs for managers and executive officers. The
Company also believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a commonly
used measure of operating performance in the gaming industry and
is an important basis for the valuation of gaming companies. The
Companys calculation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other
companies and, therefore, any such differences must be
considered when comparing performance among different companies.
While the Company believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA provides a
useful perspective for some purposes, Segment Adjusted EBITDA
has material limitations as an analytical tool. For example,
among other things, although depreciation, amortization and
write off of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated,
amortized and written off may have to be replaced in the future,
and Segment Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the requirements
for such replacements. Interest expense, interest income, and
minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary are
also not reflected in Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Therefore, the
Company does not consider Segment Adjusted EBITDA in isolation,
and it should not be considered as a substitute for measures
determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Segment
Adjusted EBITDA with operating income and net income as
determined in accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above
summary |
F-19
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
(b) |
|
Reflects results since January 3, 2007, the date of
acquisition, and therefore excludes three days of the Quarter. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Total Assets by Segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
$
|
180,641
|
|
|
$
|
518,846
|
|
Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
168,349
|
|
|
|
653,191
|
|
Las Vegas
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
989,064
|
|
Atlantic City
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,417,717
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
1,385,101
|
|
|
|
272,721
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
$
|
3,851,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12.
|
ACCOUNTING
FOR THE IMPACT OF THE OCTOBER 30, 2003 CONSTRUCTION
ACCIDENT TROPICANA, ATLANTIC CITY
|
An accident occurred on the site of the construction of the
expansion of the Atlantic City Tropicana in October 2003, prior
to the Aztar acquisition. The accident resulted in a loss of
life and serious injuries, as well as extensive damage to the
facilities under construction. Construction on the expansion
project was substantially completed by December 30, 2004.
The expansion included 502 additional hotel rooms,
20,000 square feet of meeting space, 2,400 parking spaces,
and The Quarter at Tropicana, a 200,000- square-foot
dining, entertainment, and retail center.
Insurance claims for business interruption that occurred from
the date of the accident through December 31, 2005 were
filed with Aztars insurers in the amount of approximately
$52,100, of which $3,500 had been received by Aztar, prior to
January 3, 2007. In addition, Aztar has filed insurance
claims for lost profits and additional costs as a result of the
delay in the opening of the expansion. The total of these claims
is approximately $64,600, of which $22,116 had been received by
Aztar, prior to January 3, 2007. Aztar has also filed
insurance claims of approximately $9,000, for other costs it has
incurred that are related to the construction accident, of which
$1,500 has been received prior to January 3, 2007. The
Company acquired all of the outstanding stock of Aztar on
January 3, 2007, and therefore will continue to pursue
resolution of and will be the beneficiary of any future
recoveries under these claims. Profit recovery from insurance
will be recorded when the amount of recovery, which may be
different from the amount claimed, is agreed to by the insurers.
In April 2007, the Company and its insurance carriers reached a
settlement agreement regarding all outstanding claims for
dismantlement, debris removal and rebuild claims. As a result of
the settlement, the Company received net proceeds of $18,300 and
recorded a gain on the settlement during the quarter ended
June 30, 2007 of $16,700. The Company also incurred
expenses related to this settlement of $2,600 during the period
from January 3, 2007 to June 30, 2007.
Also in April 2007, the Company was a party to a settlement
agreement that fully resolved all liability claims that arose
from the construction accident. The claims were satisfied in
full within the policy limits of the Companys insurance
programs and will have no material effect on the Companys
financial condition.
F-20
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
13.
|
SUMMARY
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating
summary financial information of the parent and guarantors,
which guarantee the $960 million
95/8% Senior
Subordinate Notes due 2014, and the non-guarantor. The
guarantors are wholly owned and the guarantees are full,
unconditional, joint and several.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Non-Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
As of June 30, 2007
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
6,202
|
|
|
$
|
59,818
|
|
|
$
|
20,628
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
86,648
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
34,941
|
|
|
|
48,597
|
|
|
|
11,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95,514
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
41,143
|
|
|
|
108,415
|
|
|
|
32,604
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
182,162
|
|
Restricted Cash
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,698
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,698
|
|
Property and Equipment Net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,246,958
|
|
|
|
737,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,984,470
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
5,495,061
|
|
|
|
26,698
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,495,061
|
)
|
|
|
26,698
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
(29,965
|
)
|
|
|
826,752
|
|
|
|
192,258
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
989,045
|
|
Intangible Assets Net
|
|
|
189,168
|
|
|
|
305,302
|
|
|
|
980
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
495,450
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets Net
|
|
|
73,377
|
|
|
|
63,171
|
|
|
|
3,643
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
140,016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
5,768,784
|
|
|
$
|
2,577,296
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,695
|
|
|
$
|
(5,495,236
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,851,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion, long-term debt
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
$
|
470
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
242
|
|
|
|
34,418
|
|
|
|
13,809
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
48,469
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
85,497
|
|
|
|
297,284
|
|
|
|
(310,942
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
71,839
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
85,739
|
|
|
|
331,732
|
|
|
|
(296,663
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,808
|
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
2,300,239
|
|
|
|
256
|
|
|
|
440,794
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,741,289
|
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities
|
|
|
17,403
|
|
|
|
284
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
17,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
2,403,381
|
|
|
|
332,272
|
|
|
|
144,131
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
2,879,609
|
|
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
|
|
|
11,553
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,553
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
3,353,850
|
|
|
|
2,245,024
|
|
|
|
856,564
|
|
|
|
(5,495,061
|
)
|
|
|
960,377
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
5,768,784
|
|
|
$
|
2,577,296
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,695
|
|
|
$
|
(5,495,236
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,851,539
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-21
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (Predecessor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
|
As of December 31, 2006
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
166
|
|
|
$
|
29,112
|
|
|
$
|
3,745
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
543
|
|
|
|
15,645
|
|
|
|
511
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
709
|
|
|
|
44,757
|
|
|
|
4,256
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,722
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,527
|
|
Property and Equipment net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
222,640
|
|
|
|
3,598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226,238
|
|
Deposits and Costs for Pending Acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
977,967
|
|
|
|
332,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
126,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
Intangible Assets net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
Deferred Charges and Other Assets net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,183
|
|
|
|
5,481
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,670
|
|
Discontinued Operations Long-Term Assets of Casinos
to be Transferred
|
|
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
178,320
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,859
|
|
|
$
|
673,189
|
|
|
$
|
8,035
|
|
|
$
|
(175
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,681,908
|
|
|
$
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion, long-term debt
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,684
|
|
|
|
11,470
|
|
|
|
595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
Other current liabilities and Discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
|
27,288
|
|
|
|
1,707
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,086
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
3,863
|
|
|
|
41,053
|
|
|
|
2,302
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,130
|
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
25,494
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
|
|
168,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,128,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,153,680
|
|
Related Party Note Payable
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
Other Long-Term Liabilities and Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
401,666
|
|
|
|
963,863
|
|
|
|
209,651
|
|
|
|
2,302
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
1,175,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,577,307
|
|
Minority Interest in Consolidated Subsidiaries
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
Stockholders Equity
|
|
|
(233,199
|
)
|
|
|
36,996
|
|
|
|
463,538
|
|
|
|
5,733
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
506,267
|
|
|
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
|
|
$
|
178,320
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,859
|
|
|
$
|
673,189
|
|
|
$
|
8,035
|
|
|
$
|
|
(175)
|
|
$
|
1,681,908
|
|
|
$
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-22
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
394,881
|
|
|
$
|
48,536
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
443,417
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,096
|
|
|
|
31,638
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
97,734
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
66,821
|
|
|
|
13,847
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
80,668
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
22,502
|
|
|
|
12,044
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
34,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
550,300
|
|
|
|
106,065
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
656,101
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(93,899
|
)
|
|
|
(8,146
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(102,045
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
208
|
|
|
|
456,401
|
|
|
|
97,919
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
554,056
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,205
|
|
|
|
10,229
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
61,434
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,409
|
|
|
|
11,454
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,863
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,343
|
|
|
|
14,055
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
67,398
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,082
|
|
|
|
5,891
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,973
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,709
|
|
|
|
3,236
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,945
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,768
|
|
|
|
2,576
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
45,344
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,983
|
|
|
|
2,472
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,455
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
6,931
|
|
|
|
1,245
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,173
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,743
|
|
|
|
1,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,942
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,581
|
|
|
|
5,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,767
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
6,750
|
|
|
|
35,122
|
|
|
|
9,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,134
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
127
|
|
|
|
9,867
|
|
|
|
1,021
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
10,543
|
|
Construction accident insurance recoveries, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,075
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,075
|
)
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
|
|
176
|
|
|
|
87
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
263
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
4,784
|
|
|
|
37,682
|
|
|
|
887
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
43,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
11,834
|
|
|
|
353,437
|
|
|
|
68,713
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
433,512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) from Operations
|
|
|
(11,626
|
)
|
|
|
102,964
|
|
|
|
29,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
120,544
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
4,215
|
|
|
|
1,220
|
|
|
|
1,048
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,483
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(90,915
|
)
|
|
|
(190
|
)
|
|
|
(22,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(114,078
|
)
|
Loss from early extinguishment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,799
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(86,700
|
)
|
|
|
(1,769
|
)
|
|
|
(21,925
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(110,394
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) before Minority Interest and Income Tax
Benefit
|
|
|
(98,326
|
)
|
|
|
101,195
|
|
|
|
7,281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,150
|
|
Minority Interest in Net Income of Consolidated
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,372
|
)
|
|
|
(945
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,317
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, before income tax
benefit
|
|
|
(98,326
|
)
|
|
|
99,823
|
|
|
|
6,336
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,833
|
|
Income tax benefit
|
|
|
384,767
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
384,767
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
286,441
|
|
|
$
|
99,823
|
|
|
$
|
6,336
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
392,600
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-23
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (Predecessor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2006
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
107,070
|
|
|
$
|
17,852
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
124,922
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
124,922
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,455
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,456
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,845
|
|
|
|
557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,402
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,402
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,905
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
5,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,437
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
152,275
|
|
|
|
18,414
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
170,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
170,217
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19,279
|
)
|
|
|
(3,156
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,435
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(22,435
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
132,996
|
|
|
|
15,258
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
147,782
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
147,782
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,591
|
|
|
|
2,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,197
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,197
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,686
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,686
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,459
|
|
|
|
459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,918
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,822
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,824
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,824
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,124
|
|
|
|
191
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,315
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,315
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,987
|
|
|
|
480
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,467
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,900
|
|
|
|
262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,162
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,162
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,882
|
|
|
|
291
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,173
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,173
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,591
|
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,758
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,758
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,251
|
|
|
|
2,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,450
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,695
|
|
|
|
984
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,679
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,679
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,030
|
|
|
|
989
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
5,547
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,547
|
|
Loss on disposal of assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
979
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,817
|
|
|
|
598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,415
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,415
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
103,814
|
|
|
|
9,228
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
112,570
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
112,570
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,182
|
|
|
|
6,030
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,212
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,212
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
886
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(3,768
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,242
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,242
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(2,905
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,240
|
)
|
|
|
21
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,219
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,124
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before Minority Interest
|
|
|
(2,905
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,942
|
|
|
|
6,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,993
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,088
|
|
Minority Interest in Net Income of Consolidated Subsidiaries
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Continuing Operations
|
|
|
(4,655
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,942
|
|
|
|
6,051
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,993
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,338
|
|
Discontinued Operations, Casinos to be Transferred
|
|
|
(2,097
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,097
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
(6,752
|
)
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
24,942
|
|
|
$
|
6,051
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
30,993
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
24,241
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-24
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Entertainment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
|
|
$
|
(115,743
|
)
|
|
$
|
142,171
|
|
|
$
|
18,960
|
|
|
$
|
176
|
|
|
$
|
45,564
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(29,169
|
)
|
|
|
(12,297
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(41,466
|
)
|
Acquisition of casino, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
852,217
|
|
|
|
(2,140,140
|
)
|
|
|
(906,220
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,194,143
|
)
|
Other cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
(1,679,900
|
)
|
|
|
(28,136
|
)
|
|
|
(298
|
)
|
|
|
2,687,114
|
|
|
|
978,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(827,683
|
)
|
|
|
(2,197,445
|
)
|
|
|
(918,815
|
)
|
|
|
2,687,114
|
|
|
|
(1,256,829
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
1,530,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
440,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,970,000
|
|
Payment of financing costs
|
|
|
(56,205
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,171
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(64,376
|
)
|
Other cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
(550,935
|
)
|
|
|
2,128,041
|
|
|
|
468,265
|
|
|
|
(2,687,290
|
)
|
|
|
(641,919
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
922,860
|
|
|
|
2,128,041
|
|
|
|
900,094
|
|
|
|
(2,687,290
|
)
|
|
|
1,263,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(20,566
|
)
|
|
|
72,767
|
|
|
|
239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
52,440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), Beginning of Period
|
|
|
26,768
|
|
|
|
(12,949
|
)
|
|
|
20,389
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,208
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
|
$
|
6,202
|
|
|
$
|
59,818
|
|
|
$
|
20,628
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
86,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-25
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (Predecessor)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Eliminations
|
|
|
Consolidated
|
|
|
|
For the six months ended June 30, 2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
|
|
$
|
1,821
|
|
|
$
|
5
|
|
|
$
|
31,935
|
|
|
$
|
6,215
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
38,155
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
39,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(671
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,320
|
)
|
|
|
(83
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,403
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,074
|
)
|
Deposits and costs related to pending acquisition
|
|
|
(313,487
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(313,487
|
)
|
Other cash flows from investing
|
|
|
(21,280
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1
|
)
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(335,438
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,321
|
)
|
|
|
(82
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,403
|
)
|
|
|
21,280
|
|
|
|
(334,561
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,371
|
)
|
|
|
(500
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,871
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,871
|
)
|
Payment of financing costs
|
|
|
(115
|
)
|
|
|
(227
|
)
|
|
|
(184
|
)
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(409
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(524
|
)
|
Other cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
333,262
|
|
|
|
2,593
|
|
|
|
7,447
|
|
|
|
(4,659
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,381
|
|
|
|
(21,280
|
)
|
|
|
317,363
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in by financing activities
|
|
|
333,147
|
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
6,763
|
|
|
|
(4,657
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,101
|
|
|
|
(21,280
|
)
|
|
|
313,968
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(470
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,377
|
|
|
|
1,476
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,853
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,383
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), Beginning of Period
|
|
|
1,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,889
|
|
|
|
4,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,783
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), End of Period
|
|
$
|
1,080
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
55,266
|
|
|
$
|
5,820
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
61,086
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
62,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-26
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Stockholder of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc.
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc. (f/k/a Wimar Tahoe
Corporation) and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and
2005, and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders equity, and cash flows for each of the three
years in the period ended December 31, 2006. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial
statements are free of material misstatement. We were not
engaged to perform an audit of the Companys internal
control over financial reporting. Our audits included
consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a
basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the
overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our
audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred
to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Tropicana Casinos and
Resorts, Inc. and Subsidiaries at December 31, 2006 and
2005, and the consolidated results of their operations and their
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 20, 2007
F-27
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
41,233
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
Accounts receivable net of allowance for doubtful
accounts
|
|
|
4,422
|
|
|
|
3,958
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
2,293
|
|
Amounts due from casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
3,033
|
|
|
|
3,635
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
1,216
|
|
|
|
1,596
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
3,821
|
|
|
|
5,217
|
|
Discontinued operations current assets of casinos to
be transferred, including cash and cash equivalents of $1,550
and $1,185 for the periods ended 2005 and 2006, respectively
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
55,704
|
|
|
|
59,527
|
|
Property and equipment net
|
|
|
205,285
|
|
|
|
226,238
|
|
Deposits and costs for pending acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
27,142
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
Intangible assets net
|
|
|
41,841
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
Deferred charges and other assets net
|
|
|
6,269
|
|
|
|
27,670
|
|
Discontinued operations long-term assets of casinos
to be transferred
|
|
|
32,027
|
|
|
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
368,268
|
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion, long-term debt
|
|
$
|
3,871
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
10,975
|
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
1,099
|
|
|
|
9,651
|
|
Amounts payable to casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,325
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
17,580
|
|
|
|
18,198
|
|
Discontinued operations current liabilities of
casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
5,287
|
|
|
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
38,812
|
|
|
|
54,130
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
195,629
|
|
|
|
1,153,680
|
|
Related party note payable and accrued interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
521
|
|
|
|
237
|
|
Discontinued operations other liabilities of casinos
to be transferred
|
|
|
251
|
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
235,213
|
|
|
|
1,577,307
|
|
Minority interest in consolidated subsidiaries
|
|
|
13,038
|
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
Stockholders Equity
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
Paid in capital
|
|
|
76,280
|
|
|
|
76,280
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
43,736
|
|
|
|
70,650
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
120,017
|
|
|
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities and stockholders equity
|
|
$
|
368,268
|
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-28
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
100,240
|
|
|
$
|
150,040
|
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
18,032
|
|
|
|
28,381
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
21,829
|
|
|
|
30,032
|
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
5,845
|
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
145,946
|
|
|
|
216,826
|
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(24,029
|
)
|
|
|
(30,184
|
)
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
121,917
|
|
|
|
186,642
|
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
19,822
|
|
|
|
27,658
|
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
8,257
|
|
|
|
12,830
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
17,829
|
|
|
|
25,962
|
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
|
1,516
|
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
4,721
|
|
|
|
7,008
|
|
|
|
10,074
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
7,616
|
|
|
|
9,654
|
|
|
|
15,513
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
3,776
|
|
|
|
5,794
|
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
|
|
2,211
|
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
1,267
|
|
|
|
1,958
|
|
|
|
3,824
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
10,369
|
|
|
|
18,788
|
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
Casino and hotel administrative and general
|
|
|
6,749
|
|
|
|
10,014
|
|
|
|
16,184
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
2,282
|
|
|
|
3,585
|
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
4,653
|
|
|
|
7,559
|
|
|
|
10,771
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
6,615
|
|
|
|
9,646
|
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisition
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
96,459
|
|
|
|
146,925
|
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
(35,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(796
|
)
|
|
|
(5,511
|
)
|
|
|
(26,645
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest
|
|
|
24,662
|
|
|
|
34,206
|
|
|
|
31,933
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated
subsidiaries
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
|
20,789
|
|
|
|
30,773
|
|
|
|
28,709
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
(2,869
|
)
|
|
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
17,920
|
|
|
$
|
21,844
|
|
|
$
|
33,414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-29
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Paid in
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance at January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
41,280
|
|
|
$
|
12,372
|
|
|
$
|
53,653
|
|
Net income for the year 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,920
|
|
|
|
17,920
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
41,280
|
|
|
|
30,292
|
|
|
|
71,573
|
|
Contributions from stockholder in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
Distribution to stockholder in 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,400
|
)
|
|
|
(8,400
|
)
|
Net income for the year 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,844
|
|
|
|
21,844
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2005
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
76,280
|
|
|
|
43,736
|
|
|
|
120,017
|
|
Distribution to stockholder in 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,500
|
)
|
|
|
(6,500
|
)
|
Net income for the year 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,414
|
|
|
|
33,414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance at December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
76,280
|
|
|
$
|
70,650
|
|
|
$
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-30
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
17,920
|
|
|
$
|
21,844
|
|
|
$
|
33,414
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
7,435
|
|
|
|
10,724
|
|
|
|
18,978
|
|
Non-cash portion of casualty loss hurricane
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,201
|
|
|
|
7,721
|
|
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,626
|
)
|
Amortization of loan costs and other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
604
|
|
|
|
325
|
|
Increase in accrued interest on related party note payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,931
|
|
Increase (decrease) in deferred rent
|
|
|
213
|
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
(37
|
)
|
Write off of property and equipment
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
821
|
|
|
|
4,207
|
|
Write off of deposits and other costs related to abandoned
acquisition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,014
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
3,873
|
|
|
|
3,433
|
|
|
|
3,224
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities, net of
effects from purchase of hotels and casinos:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
(2,951
|
)
|
|
|
(978
|
)
|
Inventories, prepaids and other assets
|
|
|
205
|
|
|
|
65
|
|
|
|
(4,011
|
)
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(6,509
|
)
|
|
|
7,740
|
|
|
|
4,648
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
23,172
|
|
|
|
46,533
|
|
|
|
76,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(13,461
|
)
|
|
|
(24,213
|
)
|
|
|
(63,781
|
)
|
Insurance proceeds for property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,626
|
|
Deposits and other costs related to pending acquisitions
|
|
|
(6,601
|
)
|
|
|
(833
|
)
|
|
|
(1,310,896
|
)
|
Acquisition of casinos, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(203,956
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
(231
|
)
|
|
|
(77
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(20,031
|
)
|
|
|
(229,233
|
)
|
|
|
(1,361,128
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
Payments on debt
|
|
|
(2,750
|
)
|
|
|
(20,450
|
)
|
|
|
(3,525
|
)
|
Financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,274
|
)
|
|
|
(21,093
|
)
|
Advances from related parties
|
|
|
1,512
|
|
|
|
494
|
|
|
|
3,129
|
|
Proceeds from related party note payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,152
|
|
Contribution by stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution to stockholder
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,400
|
)
|
|
|
(6,500
|
)
|
Contributions by minority interest holders
|
|
|
3,926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Distribution to minority interest holders
|
|
|
(2,014
|
)
|
|
|
(2,076
|
)
|
|
|
(6,407
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
|
198,294
|
|
|
|
1,275,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
3,815
|
|
|
|
15,594
|
|
|
|
(8,576
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), Beginning of Period
|
|
|
23,374
|
|
|
|
27,189
|
|
|
|
42,783
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents (Including Cash and Cash Equivalent
of Casinos to be Transferred), End of Period
|
|
$
|
27,189
|
|
|
$
|
42,783
|
|
|
$
|
34,207
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure Cash Paid for Interest
|
|
$
|
914
|
|
|
$
|
5,440
|
|
|
$
|
13,747
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-31
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
The accompanying consolidated financial statements include
Tropicana Casinos and Resorts, Inc. (fka Wimar Tahoe
Corporation) (TCR or the Company), its
direct subsidiaries and CP Laughlin Realty, LLC
(Realty), a variable interest entity of which TCR is
the primary beneficiary in accordance with Financial Accounting
Standards Board (FASB) Interpretation No. 46R,
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (See
Note 11). Realty is an affiliate of TCR due to control of
Realtys parent entity by the controlling shareholder of
TCR. TCR and Realty are co-borrowers under a credit facility
described in Note 7 and certain of TCRs direct
subsidiaries and Realty became guarantors under a new Senior
Credit Facility described in Note 14, which was used to
partially finance the acquisition of Aztar Corporation
(Aztar) by Tropicana Entertainment, LLC (fka Wimar
OpCo, LLC) (TE) (a newly formed subsidiary of TCR)
as further described in Note 14. The direct subsidiaries
and operations of TCR, which were contributed to TE in January
2007, include the following:
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Properties Laughlin, LLC (Laughlin), which operates the
River Palms Hotel and Casino and owns the gaming assets related
to this operation.
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCRs 79% ownership interest (84% economic interest) in
Greenville Riverboat, LLC (Greenville), which owns and operates
the Lighthouse Point Casino.
|
|
|
|
|
|
St. Louis Riverboat Entertainment, Inc. (SLRE), which owns the
vessel used by Greenville.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Lake Tahoe Horizon Casino Resort (Horizon), a facility owned
directly by TCR.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Columbia Properties Tahoe, LLC (MontBleu), which owns and
operates the MontBleu Casino Resort (see Note 2).
|
|
|
|
|
|
CP Baton Rouge Casino, LLC (Baton Rouge) and its subsidiaries,
which own and operate the Belle of Baton Rouge casino and the
Sheraton Baton Rouge hotel (see Note 2).
|
TCRs other operations which were not contributed to TE
include the Belle of Orleans, LLC (Orleans), which
owned and operated a riverboat casino in New Orleans, LA (see
below), the Casuarina Casino Las Vegas (Las Vegas), which leases
space in the Westin Casuarina Las Vegas Hotel & Spa
from CP Las Vegas, LLC, an affiliated company, and Tropicana
Pennsylvania, LLC (Trop PA), which owns land in
Allentown, PA that is held for sale (see Note 2). Since the
two casino operations and Trop PA were not contributed to TE,
the assets, liabilities and results of their operations have
been presented as assets and liabilities of discontinued
operations to be transferred in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet and as discontinued operations in the accompanying
consolidated statements of income. Cash flows of the
discontinued operations have not been segregated from the cash
flows of continuing operations on the accompanying consolidated
statement of cash flows. As the net assets of the casinos to be
transferred were not being sold by TCR, neither TCR nor TE
received any cash proceeds and no gain or loss will be
recognized upon the retention of these operations by TCR. The
net assets of Trop PA are approximately $3 million and are
expected to be sold by TCR. Except where specifically described
as relating to Orleans, Las Vegas, Trop PA or discontinued
operations, the amounts disclosed in the notes to the
consolidated financial statements relate to the direct
subsidiaries and operations of TCR which were contributed to TE.
On May 19, 2006, affiliates of the Company entered into an
agreement to acquire all of the outstanding capital stock of
Aztar for approximately $2.106 billion in order to expand
its gaming operations into new markets and to take advantage of
development opportunities in Las Vegas. The agreement was
F-32
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
assigned to subsidiaries of the Company during 2006. The Company
entered into subordinated promissory notes payable which totaled
$350.2 million as of December 31, 2006 with CSC
Holdings, LLC (Holdings), an affiliate of TCR due to
control of Holdings parent entity by the controlling
shareholder of TCR, to fund deposits and other costs related to
the Aztar merger in 2006 (see Note 8 for a description of
the terms of these notes). Also included in deposits and costs
of pending acquisition, in the accompanying balance sheet, are
the proceeds from the issuance of bonds of $960,000 plus
additional equity contributed of interest reserve, (see
Note 7), totaling $977,967 including interest, that were
escrowed pending the closing of the merger. Aztar, prior to the
merger, owned and operated five casinos, located in Atlantic
City, NJ; Las Vegas, NV; Laughlin, NV; Evansville, IN; and
Caruthersville, MO. The Company entered into a contract to sell
the Caruthersville, MO operation on March 16, 2007 for
$45,000. The Company is selling this casino because it had no
plans to become licensed to operate a gaming operation in
Missouri. Aztar, the Company and the Missouri Gaming Commission
entered into an agreement to allow the Company to operate the
Caruthersville casino after the merger for a period of up to
nine months to allow the Company to complete the sale. During
this period the Missouri Gaming Commission appointed a
supervisor to oversee the Companys operation of the casino
pending its sale (see
Note 14-Subsequent
Events).
The following is a summary of the assets to be acquired and the
liabilities to be assumed in the Aztar acquisition based on
preliminary estimated information provided by an independent
appraiser:
|
|
|
|
|
Casino bankroll
|
|
$
|
121,416
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
75,024
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
1,777,300
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
617,139
|
|
Intangibles
|
|
|
453,100
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
83,906
|
|
Liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(833,306
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
2,294,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 12, 2006, the Company acquired Trop PA from
Aztar for $6.9 million. Trop PA had applied for a Category
2 gaming license with the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. On
December 20, 2006, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
did not award one of the five available sites for a Category 2
gaming license to Trop PA. Accordingly, the Company has written
off costs totaling $4.0 million which had been capitalized
related to this project. In addition, the Company adjusted the
carrying value of the Trop PA land it acquired in Allentown,
Pennsylvania for this project to its estimated fair market value
which resulted in a charge of $1.5 million during 2006.
The Company acquired three casino operations in 2005, the New
Orleans riverboat (see above) (fka Ballys Belle of New
Orleans) on June 8, 2005 for approximately
$28 million, the MontBleu Casino Resort (fka Caesars Tahoe
Casino Resort) in Lake Tahoe, NV on June 10, 2005 for
approximately $47.2 million and the Belle of Baton Rouge
(fka Argosy Baton Rouge Casino) in Baton Rouge, LA on
October 25, 2005 for approximately $150.0 million. In
connection with these acquisitions, the Company acquired
property, equipment, gaming and other related assets and assumed
certain liabilities. These acquisitions expanded the
Companys casino operations into new markets and expanded
its operations in Lake Tahoe, NV. These acquisitions were
accounted for as purchase business combinations using the
accounting standards established in Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 141, Business Combinations.
The Companys consolidated statements reflect the results
of operations of these acquisitions from their respective
acquisition dates.
F-33
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The following is a summary of the assets acquired and the
liabilities assumed in the 2005 acquisitions based in part on
information provided by an independent appraiser:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Orleans
|
|
|
MontBleu
|
|
|
Baton Rouge
|
|
|
Casino bankroll
|
|
$
|
3,403
|
|
|
$
|
4,258
|
|
|
$
|
7,464
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,043
|
|
|
|
216
|
|
|
|
1,845
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
13,237
|
|
|
|
45,275
|
|
|
|
81,361
|
|
Goodwill(1)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
Intangibles(1)
|
|
|
10,613
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
51,007
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities assumed(1)
|
|
|
(601
|
)
|
|
|
(2,610
|
)
|
|
|
(8,810
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
27,695
|
|
|
|
47,239
|
|
|
|
149,669
|
|
Less deposits in 2004
|
|
|
(2,091
|
)
|
|
|
(3,430
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Invested in 2005
|
|
$
|
25,604
|
|
|
$
|
43,809
|
|
|
$
|
149,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Amounts shown for Orleans and Baton Rouge have been adjusted for
final purchase price allocations that reflect revised valuations
of the intangibles for gaming licenses and amount of liabilities
assumed. Orleans reflects an increase in intangibles of $1,891
and a corresponding decrease in property and equipment. Baton
Rouge reflects an increase in intangibles of $9,673 and a
corresponding decrease in goodwill, as well as a decrease in
goodwill of $667 due to a revision in the amount of liabilities
assumed. |
The unaudited pro forma financial information presents the
results for the years ended December 31, 2004 and 2005, as
if the acquisition of MontBleu Casino Resort and the Belle of
Baton Rouge had occurred at the beginning of the respective
periods. Such information has been prepared for comparative
purposes only. The unaudited pro forma results include certain
adjustments to conform accounting policies and estimates used by
the MontBleu Casino Resort and the Belle of Baton Rouge with
those of the Company including such items as depreciation rates
and useful lives of intangibles. Additionally, the unaudited pro
forma information includes increased interest expense arising
from the purchase.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
Pro Forma
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
$
|
298,343
|
|
|
$
|
302,958
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
19,630
|
|
|
$
|
30,852
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
16,761
|
|
|
$
|
21,923
|
|
The unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative
either of the results of operations that actually would have
resulted had the acquisitions been consummated at the beginning
of the respective periods or future results.
F-34
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The Companys sole member contributed its 100% ownership
interest in SLRE to the Company as an additional capital
contribution on August 1, 2005. SLRE owns the riverboat
leased to Greenville for its Greenville, MS casino. The
operations and financial position of SLRE are included in the
consolidated financial statements retroactively to
January 1, 2004 because of the common control of SLRE and
Company during the period covered by these consolidated
financial statements. The capital contribution of SLRE is
recorded at the historical cost basis of the assets and related
liabilities of SLRE. SLRE had a net loss of approximately $224
in 2005 prior to the August 1, 2005 contribution and net
income of approximately $387 in 2004. The following is a summary
of the assets and related liabilities of SLRE contributed as of
January 1, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets
|
|
$
|
803
|
|
Property and equipment
|
|
|
5,083
|
|
Current liabilities assumed
|
|
|
(120
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
5,766
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires the use of managements
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of
contingent liabilities in the consolidated financial statements
and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Amounts are presented in thousands of dollars unless
indicated otherwise. Certain amounts in the 2004 and 2005
consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to
conform to the 2006 presentation.
Principles of Consolidation The consolidated
financial statements of the Company include Laughlin,
Greenville, SLRE, Horizon, Realty, MontBleu, Baton Rouge,
Orleans, Las Vegas and Trop PA. All intercompany balances and
transactions, including those involving variable interest
entities and casinos to be transferred, have been eliminated in
consolidation, except for amounts due to/from casinos of
continuing operations and casinos to be transferred. Minority
interest in the consolidated financial statements represents the
minority equity ownership of Greenville and the non-controlling
equity ownership of Realty. The minority interest of Greenville
is allocated in accordance with the terms of the LLC agreement
which is based upon an assumed liquidation of Greenville as of
the end of the reporting period. The non-controlling equity
ownership of Realty is allocated 100% of the earnings of Realty.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash
equivalents include cash, certificates of deposit, money market
funds and other highly liquid investments with maturities at
date of purchase of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable Accounts receivable,
including casino and hotel receivables, are typically
non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost.
Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be
uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are
recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful
accounts is maintained to reduce the Companys receivables
to their carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The
allowance is estimated based on specific review of customer
accounts as well as historical collection experience and current
economic and business conditions. Allowance for doubtful
accounts was approximately $192, $462 and $526 as of
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
F-35
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Inventories Inventories are stated at the
lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the
first-in
first-out method.
Property and Equipment Property and equipment
are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization are computed
over the estimated useful lives of the property and equipment on
the straight-line method. Estimated useful lives for property
and equipment in service range from 10 to 39 years for
building and building components and 5 to 10 years for
equipment. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser
of the term of the lease or the useful life of the asset.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
property and equipment retired or sold are removed from the
accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Interest attributed to funds used to finance major capital
expenditures is capitalized as an additional cost of the related
assets. Capitalization of interest ceases when the related
assets are completed and ready for their intended use. Interest
of $598 was capitalized in 2006, including $254 related to
MontBleu and $344 related to Orleans. No interest was
capitalized in 2004 or 2005.
Management reviews casino and hotel assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted
undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets
relate, plus the assets residual value to the carrying
amount of the assets. If the operation is determined to be
unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then the
hotel and casino assets are written down to fair value. Fair
value is determined based on discounted cash flows. As of
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006, management did not
believe any assets were impaired, other than assets related to
Orleans and Trop PA as described in Notes 2 and 10.
SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations, and FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), issued
in March 2005, address financial accounting and reporting for
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible
long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement cost.
SFAS No. 143 applies to legal obligations associated
with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the
acquisition, construction, development
and/or the
normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company currently
has no material legal obligation related to its retirement of
long-lived assets. If in the future the Company should have such
legal obligation, SFAS No. 143 and FIN 47 require
that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred
if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The
associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the
carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is
discounted and accretion expense is recognized using the
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate in effect when the
liability was initially recognized.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill
represents the excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is
not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment at the
reporting unit level annually, or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be
impaired.
Intangible assets represent assets, other than goodwill or
financial assets, which lack physical substance. In accordance
with SFAS No. 142, an intangible asset with a definite
life is amortized over its useful life. An intangible
assets useful life is defined as the period over which the
asset is expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future
cash flows.
F-36
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Also, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, an intangible
asset with an indefinite life is not amortized. An intangible
asset that is not subject to amortization is tested for
impairment at the reporting unit level annually, or more
frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that
the asset might be impaired.
When testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment, the Company uses the income approach,
which includes an analysis of the market, cash flow, and risks
associated with achieving such cash flows. The income approach
focuses on the income producing capability of the existing
hotel/casino and best represents the present value of the future
economic benefits expected to be derived. Significant
assumptions used in the impairment test included EBITDA
projections, working capital requirements and the discount rate.
In connection with the acquisitions in 2005 described in
Note 2, the Company acquired $61,720 of identified
intangible assets, including $10,613 for New Orleans riverboat
and recorded goodwill of $16,802. The estimates of fair value
used in the purchase price allocation, which were adjusted
during 2006, (see Note 2), were determined by the
Companys management based on information furnished by an
independent appraiser. Management periodically assesses the
amortization period of intangible assets with definite lives
based upon an estimate of future cash flows from related
operations.
Deferred Charges and Other Assets The Company
entered into a License Agreement with The Sheraton Corporation
(Licensor) in connection with its hotel operations in Baton
Rouge, LA. The agreement provides for the Companys use of
the Licensors name, reservation system, operating methods,
training and sales and marketing programs. The Company pays the
Licensor various fees, some of which are based on sales volume.
The agreement expires in 2025. The initial fees paid by the
Company to the Licensor were capitalized and are amortized on a
straight-line basis from the effective date of the license
agreement.
Costs incurred in connection with the issuance of long-term debt
obligations are capitalized and amortized over the terms of the
related debt obligations as interest expense. Cost incurred were
$6,274 and $21,093 in 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Revenue Recognition and Promotional
Allowances The Company recognizes as casino
revenues the net win from gaming activities, which is the
difference between gaming wins and losses. Rooms, food and
beverage and other casino and hotel revenues are recognized as
earned, which is at the time the goods or services are provided.
The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other
services provided to customers without charge are included in
operating revenue and then charged to promotional allowances.
Promotional allowances also include cash back awards
(cash coupons, rebates or refunds) which totaled
$10.2 million, $10.0 million and $20.7 million in
2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Customer Loyalty Program The Company provides
certain customer loyalty programs at its casinos, which reward
customers for gaming play. Under the programs, customers are
able to accumulate points which may be redeemed in the future,
subject to certain limitations and the terms of the individual
casino programs, for cash, goods and services. For points that
may be redeemed for cash, the Company accrues this cost, after
consideration of estimated redemption rates, as they are earned.
This cost is recorded as promotional allowances. For points that
may be redeemed for goods or services, the Company estimates the
cost and accrues for this expense as the points are earned from
gaming play and are recorded as casino expense. The estimated
cost is based on estimates and assumptions regarding marginal
costs of the goods and services, redemption rates and the mix of
goods and services for which the points will be redeemed.
Advertising Costs for advertising are
expensed as incurred.
F-37
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Retirement Plans The Company participates in
a defined contribution pension plan sponsored by Columbia Sussex
Corporation (CSC), a company controlled by the
Companys sole stockholder, which operates under the
provisions of Internal Revenue Code Section 401(k). All
employees who meet certain eligibility requirements are eligible
to participate in this plan. The Companys contributions
are based on the level of employee contributions and are funded
annually. The Companys contributions amounted to
approximately $56, $97 and $140 in 2004, 2005 and 2006,
respectively.
Self Insurance Effective November 1,
2004, the Company became self insured for general liability and
workers compensation claims up to $1,000,000 per
occurrence. The Company has recorded a liability for estimated
claims within this retention level of approximately $2,576 and
$3,341 at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair
value of current assets and liabilities approximates their
reported carrying amounts. The fair value of variable rate
long-term debt approximates its reported carrying amount, due to
variable rate nature of this debt.
Concentration of Credit Risk Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and
cash equivalent accounts in financial institutions. The Company
maintains its cash balances in several financial institutions.
Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation up to $100. Cash and cash equivalents exceeding
federally insured limits totaled approximately
$26.1 million and $989.1 million at December 31,
2005 and 2006, respectively.
Income Taxes TE is a pass through entity for
Federal and State income tax purposes and its parent, TCR,
elected to be treated as an S Corporation under Subchapter
S of the Internal Revenue Code. As a pass through entity and as
an S Corporation, the tax attributes of TCR and TE will
pass through to its owners, who will then owe any related income
taxes. As a result, the accompanying consolidated statements of
income show no income tax expense. On an aggregate basis, the
Companys reported amounts of assets and liabilities
exceeds the tax basis by approximately $88 million and
$92 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively.
Contingencies In the ordinary course of
business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that
contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby the Company
indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and
warranties. In addition, many of these parties are also
indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the
transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement.
Such guarantees or indemnifications are granted under various
agreements, including those governing (i) purchases and
sales of casinos; (ii) leases of real estate;
(iii) franchise license agreements; and (iv) certain
lending agreements. The guarantees or indemnifications issued
are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements
and sellers in purchase agreements; (ii) landlords in lease
contracts; (iii) franchisors or licensors of hotel brands;
and (iv) lenders under financing transactions. While some
of these guarantees extend only for the duration of the
underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of
the agreement. There are no specific limitations on the maximum
potential amount of future payments that the Company could be
required to make under some of these guarantees, however, most
purchase and sale agreements have stated maximum liabilities.
The Company is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of future payments to be made under these
guarantees as the triggering events are not subject to
predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned
guarantees, such as indemnifications of landlords and
franchisors against third party claims for the use of real
estate property leased or the brands licensed by the Company,
the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates any
potential payments to be made.
CSC is a party to litigation related to the termination of a
contract to purchase a casino in St. Louis, MO. The seller
under the contract has sued CSC for breach of contract for not
completing the acquisition
F-38
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
of the casino. The purchase contract which is the subject of
this litigation had been assigned by CSC to the Company. The
maximum exposure under this suit is the difference between the
contract price and the eventual sale price of the casino. CSC
and the Company believe that they have complied with the
contract terms and are vigorously defending this litigation. The
maximum exposure under this suit is estimated to be
approximately $28,789 based on a subsequent sale of the casino
for $31,500. In addition, in 2005 the Company has written off
certain costs incurred related to this transaction totaling
$2,014.
Common Stock TCR has 7,000 no par value
common shares authorized, issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006. On August 1, 2005 the sole
stockholder of SLRE contributed all of the outstanding shares of
SLRE to TCR as a capital contribution.
|
|
4.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
$
|
99,326
|
|
|
$
|
101,183
|
|
Leasehold improvements
|
|
|
46,594
|
|
|
|
67,009
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
66,704
|
|
|
|
77,014
|
|
Riverboats and barges
|
|
|
27,970
|
|
|
|
29,635
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
240,594
|
|
|
|
274,841
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(60,167
|
)
|
|
|
(73,649
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
180,427
|
|
|
|
201,192
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
6,062
|
|
|
|
6,250
|
|
Land
|
|
|
18,796
|
|
|
|
18,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
205,285
|
|
|
$
|
226,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The property and equipment, excluding Greenvilles property
and equipment, which totals $4,531 and $3,598 (net of
accumulated depreciation of $11,706 and $12,792 as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively), generally
collateralize the bank debt of the Company (see Note 7).
Intangibles consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Amortizing intangibles:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Favorable leases (amortized over 25 to 77 years)
|
|
$
|
4,278
|
|
|
$
|
4,278
|
|
Other
|
|
|
567
|
|
|
|
500
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(160
|
)
|
|
|
(274
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total amortizing intangible assets
|
|
|
4,685
|
|
|
|
4,504
|
|
Non-amortizing
intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaming licenses
|
|
|
37,156
|
|
|
|
46,946
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangibles
|
|
$
|
41,841
|
|
|
$
|
51,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-39
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Amortization expense related to intangible assets was $160 and
$114 in 2005 and 2006, respectively. There was no amortization
expense in 2004.
The Companys estimate of future amortization expense
related to amortizable intangible assets for the five years
subsequent to 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
2008
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
2009
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
2010
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
2011
|
|
$
|
125
|
|
|
|
6.
|
ACCRUED
EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
$
|
4,254
|
|
|
$
|
5,358
|
|
Insurance reserves
|
|
|
4,954
|
|
|
|
3,341
|
|
Gaming related accruals
|
|
|
6,333
|
|
|
|
6,511
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
821
|
|
|
|
2,121
|
|
Other accruals
|
|
|
1,218
|
|
|
|
867
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
17,580
|
|
|
$
|
18,198
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Senior Subordinated Notes due 2014
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
960,000
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan A, due 2010
|
|
|
99,750
|
|
|
|
96,879
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan B, due 2011
|
|
|
99,750
|
|
|
|
98,750
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
346
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
199,500
|
|
|
|
1,155,975
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(3,871
|
)
|
|
|
(2,295
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
195,629
|
|
|
$
|
1,153,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On December 28, 2006, TE issued $960,000 of Senior
Subordinated Notes (the Notes) due December 15,
2014 to be used to partially finance the Aztar acquisition (see
Notes 2 and 13). Interest on the Notes is at 9.625% and is
due semi-annually on June 15 and December 15, commencing
June 15, 2007. No principal payments are due until
maturity. Under certain circumstances the Notes can be redeemed
prior to maturity with various redemption premiums depending on
the conditions described in the agreements. The Notes are
TEs unsecured senior subordinated obligations. The Notes
are also guaranteed by certain of TEs existing and future
subsidiaries as well as by Realty and Columbia Properties
Vicksburg, LLC (Vicksburg), each of which is an
affiliate of TE but not a direct subsidiary of TE, and by JMBS
F-40
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Casino, LLC (JMBS), which is an affiliate of
TCRs owner and not a direct subsidiary of TE. The Notes
are not guaranteed by Greenville but Greenville is subject to
the restrictive covenants of the Notes. The Note agreement
restricts TEs and the guarantors ability to incur or
guarantee additional indebtedness, to pay dividends, to sell or
transfer assets, to make certain investments, to create or incur
certain liens, to enter into merger, consolidation or sale
transactions and to enter into transactions with affiliates that
are not described in the agreements. TE has agreed to file a
registration statement with the SEC with respect to the Notes to
allow the Notes to be publicly traded. TE will pay additional
interest on the Notes if it does not register the Notes.
During 2005, the Company borrowed a total of $200,000 under its
Credit Facility, which provided for a Term Loan A borrowing of
$100,000 for the purchase of MontBleu Casino and the New Orleans
riverboat, retirement of existing debt, financing costs and
other corporate purposes, and a Term Loan B borrowing of
$100,000 for the purchase of the Belle of Baton Rouge Casino and
financing costs. The 2005 Credit Facility also provided for a
Revolving Loan of up to $50,000, none of which was drawn at
December 31, 2005 and 2006. Interest under the Term Loan A
is either based on the thirty day LIBOR rate or a base rate, at
the Companys option. The LIBOR rate option is based on the
thirty day LIBOR rate plus a spread of between 1.75% and 2.75%
depending on the Companys leverage ratio. The base rate
option is the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of
1% or the Bank of America prime rate, plus a spread
of between 0.5% and 1.5% depending on the Companys
leverage ratio. The Company elected the base rate option for the
December 2006 period, (9.0% at December 31, 2006), and the
LIBOR rate option for all prior periods. Interest under the Term
Loan B is either based on the thirty day LIBOR rate or a base
rate, at the Companys option. The LIBOR rate option is
based on the thirty day LIBOR rate plus 2.50%. The base rate
option is the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of
1% or the Bank of America prime rate, plus 2.5%. The
Company elected the base rate option for the December 2006
period, (10.75% at December 31, 2006), and the LIBOR rate
option for all prior periods. Both the Term Loan A and Term Loan
B each have mandatory quarterly principal payments of $250 each
beginning December 31, 2005. The Credit Facility provides
for additional mandatory principal payments of excess cash flow,
as defined in the agreement, on March 31, 2006 and 2007. A
total of $1,871 of excess cash flow has been included in current
portion of long-term debt under this provision as of
December 31, 2005. The Credit Facility also restricts
distributions to owners to amounts needed to pay income taxes
and additional amounts if the Company exceeds a minimum fixed
charge coverage ratio requirement. The Credit Facility contains
various covenants and restrictions including restrictions on
additional borrowing, limits on capital expenditures, a maximum
total leverage ratio requirement and a minimum fixed charge
coverage ratio limit. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006, the
Company was in compliance with these covenants. The Credit
Facility is collateralized by the Companys property and
equipment, excluding the assets of Greenville (See Note 4),
a pledge of the Companys interest in Greenville and the
pledge of the stock of the Company.
A portion of the debt that was paid off in connection with the
2005 Credit Facility described above was guaranteed by CSC (see
Note 8).
The scheduled maturities of long-term debt for the years
subsequent to 2006 are as follows: 2007 $2,000;
2008 $2,000; 2009 $2,000;
2010 $94,879; 2011 $94,750; and
2014 $960,000. Both Term Loan A and Term Loan B were
paid in full on January 3, 2007
Other long-term liabilities include an unfavorable lease
liability of $521 and $237 as of December 31, 2005 and
2006, respectively, which will be fully amortized in 2008.
F-41
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
|
|
8.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The Company is related by common ownership to CSC and its
various subsidiaries and other affiliated companies discussed
below. As of December 31, 2005 and 2006 the Company owed
certain of these other affiliated companies $1,099 and $9,651,
respectively, and certain of these affiliated companies owed the
Company $94 and $2,293, respectively. In addition, casinos to be
transferred, as discussed in Note 10, owed the Company
$3,033 and $3,635 as of December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively and the Company owed casinos to be transferred
$2,325 as of December 31, 2006. The following is a
description of the transactions with these affiliated companies.
CSC provides various services to the Company and its
subsidiaries primarily under administrative service agreements.
These services are primarily related to accounting and
administrative services in the areas of payroll, accounts
payable, cash management, purchasing, tax and accounting. CSC
charged the Company $898, $930 and $1,199 for these
administrative services during 2004, 2005 and 2006,
respectively. Also, the Company participates in general
liability, workers compensation, property and health
insurance programs arranged by CSC but for which the Company
pays its related share of the cost as explained in
Note 3 Self Insurance. In addition, the Company
and its subsidiaries have adopted the CSCs 401(k) pension
plan as discussed in Note 3 Retirement Plans.
The operations of the Company are separate and apart from CSC.
Any costs incurred by CSC for the benefit of or related to the
Companys operations (such as insurance) are charged to the
Company. In addition, CSC guaranteed the Companys
performance under debt that was paid off during 2005 (see
Note 7), and the Companys performance under various
surety bonds which totaled $1,301 and $1,806 at
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Holdings loaned the Company $312.7 million in connection
with its planned merger with Aztar Corporation (see
Note 2) on May 19, 2006 and $37.5 million in
connection with the issuance of the Senior Subordinated Notes
(see Note 7) on December 28, 2006. The loans are
in the form of promissory notes that accrue interest at the
thirty day LIBOR rate plus five percent and mature on
May 19, 2018 and December 28, 2018, respectively. No
principal or interest payments are due until maturity. The
Company accrued $18.9 million for interest on these notes
as of December 31, 2006.
Sargasso Corporation (SC), an affiliated company,
subleases a portion of the land that is leased by the Company at
its Greenville, MS operation (see Note 9). SC has
constructed a restaurant and lounge on this land, which is
adjacent to the Companys Greenville riverboat gaming
operation. Rent on the sublease is $3 per month. The lease
expires in 2009; additional renewal options are available to
extend the term to 2044. SC also developed a hotel on land it
owns near the leased land. SC provides its restaurant, lounge
and hotel facilities to the Company for its guests and
employees. SC charges the Company at its normal rates for these
services, which totaled $669, $352 and $157 in 2004, 2005 and
2006, respectively. The Company provides various administrative
services to SC for which the Company charged SC $33 in both 2004
and 2005 and $48 in 2006. SC leases office space in its
restaurant and lounge building to the Company on a
month-to-month basis for which SC charged the Company $30 in
2004, 2005 and 2006. SC owed the Company $36 at
December 31, 2005 and $41 at December 31, 2006 related
to these various services and transactions.
Walnut Street, Inc. (WS), a company owned by SC,
leases an advertising sign to Greenville for $4 per month
through May 2007. Greenville is responsible for all taxes,
utilities, maintenance and insurance related to the operation of
the sign. WS charged Greenville $43 each year for 2004, 2005 and
2006 under this lease.
A portion of the Companys insurance for general liability
and workers compensation claims were insured through a
captive insurance company controlled by CSCs controlling
stockholder through
F-42
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
October 31, 2004. Such premiums were actuarially determined
based on the historical experience of paid claims. The Company
expensed premiums to this captive insurance company of $1,358 in
2004.
The Companys operation in Greenville, MS shares the cost
of operating shuttle buses that service various establishments
in downtown Greenville with JMBS Casino, LLC (JMBS),
an entity controlled by relatives of the sole shareholder of TCR
and an affiliate guarantor of the new credit facility discussed
in Note 14. JMBS owns a competing casino in Greenville, MS.
The Companys share of these costs was $81, $77 and $101 in
2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
The following table summarizes related party transactions
included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Other casino and hotel revenues
|
|
$
|
69
|
|
|
$
|
69
|
|
|
$
|
84
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotion
|
|
|
669
|
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
|
157
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
1,358
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
898
|
|
|
|
930
|
|
|
|
1,199
|
|
Leased land and facilities expense
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
|
|
30
|
|
Rent expense charged to operations amounted to $6,003, $10,232
and $14,963 for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Company
has various short-term operating equipment and space leases. In
addition, the Company leases land for its casino and hotel
operations in Lake Tahoe, NV (Horizon), Greenville, MS, New
Orleans, LA and Baton Rouge, LA, and leases buildings for its
casino and hotel operations in Lake Tahoe, NV (MontBleu).
A land lease for the Horizon facility in Lake Tahoe, NV provides
for rentals equal to the greater of a base amount, which
increases each year based on changes in the consumer price
index, or 5% (6% after 2015) of the net gaming revenues and
expenses. The lease expires in 2040. Rent for 2004, 2005 and
2006 was at the base amount which was $285, $292 and $295 per
month, respectively.
A land and building lease for the MontBleu facility in Lake
Tahoe, NV provides for fixed rentals which increase each year
based on changes in the consumer price index but not more than
5%. The lease expires in 2028 and has an option to extend the
term to 2053. The monthly fixed rent for 2005 and 2006 was $448
and $464, respectively.
Both of the Lake Tahoe leases are with the same landlord. The
landlord has made demands that certain repairs be made to both
properties. The landlord has declared the Horizon lease to be in
default due to alleged deficiencies in the maintenance of the
facilities, and is pursuing remedies under the lease to take
possession of the Horizon facility. The Company is vigorously
defending the Horizon action. The Company is indemnified by the
seller of the MontBleu facility for up to $10,000 for any
repairs needed to obtain a clean estoppel certificate from the
landlord.
The Company leases land and buildings related to its Baton
Rouge, LA hotel and casino operation. The leases provide for
fixed monthly rentals totaling $22, subject to re-evaluation
every five years based on changes in the consumer price index.
The current lease terms expire in 2012, and the leases have
options to extend the term for up to an additional seventy years.
F-43
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The Greenville, MS land lease is for approximately four acres,
which is used for the docking, entry and parking facilities for
the riverboat casino. The term of the lease has been extended to
June 2009, and has renewal options that can extend the term to
2044. The agreement provides for monthly percentage rental equal
to 2% of gross gaming revenues subject to a minimum rental of
$75 per month. If gross gaming revenue for Greenville exceeds
$36,575, the percentage rental on the amount over this level is
at 8%. Greenville has subleased a portion of the land to SC (see
Note 8) for $3 per month.
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases
that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in
excess of one year are as follows for the year ended December 31:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
10,582
|
|
2008
|
|
|
10,554
|
|
2009
|
|
|
10,096
|
|
2010
|
|
|
9,630
|
|
2011
|
|
|
9,619
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
203,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
$
|
253,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10.
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS CASINOS TO BE TRANSFERRED
|
As described in Note 1 and Note 14, as a result of the
Companys expected contribution of certain direct
subsidiaries and operations to TE, the remaining subsidiaries,
Orleans, Las Vegas and Trop PA have been presented as
discontinued operations.
Operating results of discontinued operations are summarized as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Net revenues
|
|
$
|
4,634
|
|
|
$
|
14,059
|
|
|
$
|
4,100
|
|
Operating income (expenses)(1)
|
|
|
(7,497
|
)
|
|
|
(22,988
|
)
|
|
|
605
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
(2,863
|
)
|
|
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
(2,869
|
)
|
|
$
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
$
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1) |
|
Operating expenses for 2006 are net of insurance proceeds of
$22,625. |
F-44
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The assets and liabilities to be transferred are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
2005
|
|
2006
|
|
Cash
|
|
$
|
1,550
|
|
|
$
|
1,185
|
|
Amounts due from related parties(2)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,754
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
335
|
|
|
|
1,866
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current assets to be transferred
|
|
$
|
1,885
|
|
|
$
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
23,223
|
|
|
$
|
31,682
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
8,804
|
|
|
|
10,696
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term assets to be transferred
|
|
$
|
32,027
|
|
|
$
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
1,957
|
|
|
$
|
1,907
|
|
Amounts due to related parties(3)
|
|
|
3,330
|
|
|
|
5,005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities to be transferred
|
|
$
|
5,287
|
|
|
$
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term liabilities to be transferred
|
|
$
|
251
|
|
|
$
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2) |
|
Includes amounts due from the Company of $2,325 as of
December 31, 2006. |
|
|
|
(3) |
|
Includes amounts due to the Company of $3,033 and $3,635 as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively. |
A subsidiary of CSC leases space in its hotel in Las Vegas,
Nevada to Las Vegas for its casino operation. The lease expires
in 2012 and was amended in 2005 to reduce the monthly rent to
$42 from $150 effective June 1, 2005. Deferred rental
expense recorded under the terms of the lease before amendments
is being amortized over the remaining term of the lease at the
rate of $3 per month. Unamortized deferred rental expense
totaled $251 and $215 at December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively, and is included in Other Liabilities of
Casinos to be Transferred in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet. The lessor is responsible for real estate taxes
and insurance on the premises. The Company is responsible for
property taxes and insurance on its gaming equipment and its
allocable portion of utility costs. The lessor also provides its
restaurant, lounge and hotel facilities to the Company for its
guests and employees. The lessor charges the Company at its
normal rates for these services which totaled $718, $663 and
$641 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Company owes the
lessor $138 and $1,332 as of December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively, related to these services.
Orleans leased land and docking facilities for its New Orleans,
LA riverboat casino. The lease provided for fixed quarterly rent
of $415 plus percentage monthly rental of 5% of gross revenue
subject to a minimum of $110. The current term of the lease
expires in 2013 and has three remaining ten year renewal
options. Orleans, on the advice of counsel, suspended payment of
rent due to the impairment of the lease facility damaged by
Hurricane Katrina (discussed in further detail in the following
paragraph). The landlord has filed suit against Orleans and the
Company for unpaid rent, future rent and damages caused to the
leased facilities by Orleans riverboat. Orleans and the
Company have meritorious defenses including Article 2715 of
the Louisiana Civil Code, which protects lessees upon the
substantial impairment of the lease premises. Orleans and the
Company are vigorously defending themselves in this lawsuit and
Orleans has accrued the unpaid rent through December 31,
2005 in the accompanying financial statements but has not
accrued any amounts for 2006 unpaid rent aggregating
approximately $1,660.
F-45
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina struck the Gulf Coast
and damaged the New Orleans riverboat. Orleans and the Company
maintain property insurance, including business interruption
coverage, that covers this operation. The property was not
operational from August 28, 2005 through December 31,
2006 and therefore, was not being depreciated during this
period. Orleans plans to open the casino in May, 2007 in Amelia,
LA (its new location) and has renamed the casino the Amelia
Belle Casino. The Company has expensed direct costs related to
cleanup and remediation of damage of $3,357 and $1,886 in 2005
and 2006 respectively, has written off damaged property of
$2,200 and $7,721 in 2005 and 2006, respectively, and received
insurance proceeds of $2,000 and $22,625 in 2005 and 2006,
respectively. Insurance proceeds of $13,626 were used to acquire
property and equipment in 2006.
|
|
11.
|
VARIABLE
INTEREST ENTITY
|
The Company has adopted FASB Interpretation No. 46R
(revised December 2003), Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities (FIN 46R) effective
January 1, 2003. FIN 46R provides a new framework for
identifying variable interest entities (VIEs) and determining
when a company should include assets, liabilities and
noncontrolling interests and results of activities of the VIE in
its consolidated financial statements. This resulted in the
consolidation of one VIE, Realty (See Note 1), of which the
Company is considered the primary beneficiary. The
Companys variable interest in this VIE is the result of
effectively providing subordinated financial support through its
operating lease with Realty, an affiliated entity. The assets,
liabilities and noncontrolling interests of the VIE were
recorded in consolidation at their carrying values, as TCR and
Realty were subsidiaries under common control for the periods
presented. Accordingly, TCR did not record a cumulative effect
of a change in accounting principle upon adoption.
Under the operating lease, the Company leases real estate and
non-gaming furnishings and equipment from Realty. The lease
commenced on September 9, 2003 and ends on
December 31, 2008. Rent for the period from
September 9, 2003 to November 30, 2003 was equal to
interest cost incurred by Realty on its debt. Rent commencing
December 1, 2003 of $125 per month was due through November
2004; from December 2004 to November 2005, monthly rent was
$350, and thereafter monthly rent is $425.
The liabilities of Realty do not represent additional claims on
the Companys general assets; rather, they represent claims
against the specific assets of Realty. Likewise, the assets of
Realty do not represent additional assets available to satisfy
claims against the Companys general assets. As of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, the Companys consolidated
assets included $25.4 million and $24.2 million of
Realty assets, primarily property and equipment.
F-46
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The Company reviews results of operations based on distinct
geographic gaming market segments. The Company has aggregated
certain of its properties in order to present its reportable
segments. The Companys three Nevada properties are
included in the Nevada segment and the Greenville and Baton
Rouge properties are included in the Mississippi River Basin
segment. The operations and assets of Orleans, Las Vegas and
Trop PA are not included in these Segment disclosures as these
are considered discontinued operations, (see Note 10). The
Companys chief operating decision maker uses segment
adjusted EBITDA in assessing segment performance and deciding
how to allocate resources. The Companys segment
information is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Net Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
47,074
|
|
|
$
|
47,614
|
|
|
$
|
44,138
|
|
MontBleu Lake Tahoe(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,374
|
|
|
|
49,953
|
|
River Palms Laughlin
|
|
|
43,378
|
|
|
|
50,316
|
|
|
|
52,101
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada segment
|
|
|
94,452
|
|
|
|
131,304
|
|
|
|
146,192
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River basin segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point, Greenville, MS
|
|
|
27,465
|
|
|
|
29,041
|
|
|
|
28,426
|
|
Baton Rouge, LA(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,297
|
|
|
|
114,245
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River basin segment
|
|
|
27,465
|
|
|
|
55,338
|
|
|
|
142,671
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
121,917
|
|
|
$
|
186,642
|
|
|
$
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(c)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tahoe Horizon
|
|
$
|
13,202
|
|
|
$
|
13,051
|
|
|
$
|
12,649
|
|
MontBleu Lake Tahoe(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,917
|
|
|
|
640
|
|
River Palms Laughlin
|
|
|
8,611
|
|
|
|
10,649
|
|
|
|
13,012
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Nevada segment
|
|
|
21,813
|
|
|
|
29,617
|
|
|
|
26,301
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Mississippi River basin segment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lighthouse Point, Greenville, MS
|
|
|
12,621
|
|
|
|
14,320
|
|
|
|
12,957
|
|
Baton Rouge, LA(b)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,752
|
|
|
|
45,291
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Mississippi River basin segment
|
|
|
12,621
|
|
|
|
26,072
|
|
|
|
58,248
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
34,434
|
|
|
|
55,689
|
|
|
|
84,549
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(2,282
|
)
|
|
|
(3,584
|
)
|
|
|
(5,350
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
EBITDA
|
|
|
32,152
|
|
|
|
52,105
|
|
|
|
79,199
|
|
Write off of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition
|
|
|
(79
|
)
|
|
|
(2,742
|
)
|
|
|
(2,588
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(6,615
|
)
|
|
|
(9,646
|
)
|
|
|
(18,033
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
(35,563
|
)
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
20,789
|
|
|
$
|
30,773
|
|
|
$
|
28,709
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-47
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Reflects results since its June 10, 2005 acquisition.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, MontBleu incurred
expenses totaling $4,150 related to (a) re-branding of the
Casino. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
Reflects results since its October 25, 2005 acquisition. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA is net income before interest expense,
interest income, depreciation, amortization, corporate expenses,
write offs of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition and minority interest in net income of consolidated
subsidiary. Segment Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a
substitute for either operating income or net income as they are
determined in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles (GAAP). The Company uses Segment Adjusted EBITDA as a
measure to compare operating results between segments and
accounting periods. The Company manages cash and finances its
operations at the corporate level. The Company manages the
allocation of capital among segments at the corporate level. The
Company accordingly believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA is useful
as a measure of operating results at the segment level because
it reflects the results of operating decisions at that level
separated from the effects of financing decisions that are
managed at the corporate level. The Company also uses Segment
Adjusted EBITDA as an important operating performance measure in
its bonus programs for managers and executive officers. The
Company also believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a commonly
used measure of operating performance in the gaming industry and
is an important basis for the valuation of gaming companies. The
Companys calculation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA may not be
comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other
companies and, therefore, any such differences must be
considered when comparing performance among different companies.
While the Company believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA provides a
useful perspective for some purposes, Segment Adjusted EBITDA
has material limitations as an analytical tool. For example,
among other things, although depreciation, amortization and
write off of fixed assets and deposits related to abandoned
acquisition are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated,
amortized and written off may have to be replaced in the future,
and Segment Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the requirements
for such replacements. Interest expense, interest income, and
minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary are
also not reflected in Segment Adjusted EBITDA. Therefore, the
Company does not consider Segment Adjusted EBITDA in isolation,
and it should not be considered as a substitute for measures
determined in accordance with GAAP. A reconciliation of Segment
Adjusted EBITDA with operating income and net income as
determined in accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above
summary. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
$
|
5,028
|
|
|
$
|
7,111
|
|
|
$
|
10,795
|
|
Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
1,587
|
|
|
|
2,535
|
|
|
|
7,237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
6,615
|
|
|
$
|
9,646
|
|
|
$
|
18,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment, including acquisition of
casinos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
$
|
15,053
|
|
|
$
|
53,874
|
|
|
$
|
37,152
|
|
Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
2,442
|
|
|
|
144,500
|
|
|
|
3,601
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
17,495
|
|
|
$
|
198,374
|
|
|
$
|
40,753
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-48
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Property and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets Nevada
|
|
$
|
64,145
|
|
|
$
|
115,968
|
|
|
$
|
140,585
|
|
Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
9,568
|
|
|
|
158,300
|
|
|
|
153,906
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
73,713
|
|
|
$
|
274,268
|
|
|
$
|
294,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nevada
|
|
$
|
90,406
|
|
|
$
|
145,514
|
|
|
$
|
180,641
|
|
Mississippi River Basin
|
|
|
14,594
|
|
|
|
188,842
|
|
|
|
168,349
|
|
Casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
6,299
|
|
|
|
33,912
|
|
|
|
52,183
|
|
Deposits for pending acquisitions
|
|
|
4,509
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
Other Corporate assets, primarily deferred loan costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,892
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated assets
|
|
$
|
115,808
|
|
|
$
|
368,268
|
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-49
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
|
|
13.
|
SUMMARY
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
|
The following information sets forth the condensed consolidating
summary financial information of the parent and guarantors,
which guarantee the $960 million
95/8% Senior
Subordinate Notes due 2014, and the non-guarantor. The
guarantors are wholly owned and the guarantees are full,
unconditional, joint and several.
As of
and for the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
166
|
|
|
$
|
29,112
|
|
|
$
|
3,745
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
543
|
|
|
|
15,645
|
|
|
|
511
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,699
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,504
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
9,805
|
|
|
|
709
|
|
|
|
44,757
|
|
|
|
4,256
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
49,722
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
59,527
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
222,640
|
|
|
|
3,598
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226,238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
226,238
|
|
Deposit and costs for pending acquisition
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
977,967
|
|
|
|
332,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,310,026
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
126,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,802
|
|
Intangible
assets-net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
51,450
|
|
Deferred charges and other
assets-net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,183
|
|
|
|
5,481
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
27,670
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,670
|
|
Discontinued operations long-term assets of casinos
to be transferred
|
|
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,378
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
178,320
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,859
|
|
|
$
|
673,189
|
|
|
$
|
8,035
|
|
|
$
|
(175
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,681,908
|
|
|
$
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,295
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,684
|
|
|
|
11,470
|
|
|
|
595
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,749
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
|
27,288
|
|
|
|
1,707
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,174
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
37,086
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
6,912
|
|
|
|
3,863
|
|
|
|
41,053
|
|
|
|
2,302
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
47,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
54,130
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
25,494
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
|
|
168,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,128,186
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,153,680
|
|
Related party notes payable and accrued Interest
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
369,083
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
412
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
237
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
401,666
|
|
|
|
963,863
|
|
|
|
209,651
|
|
|
|
2,302
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
|
|
1,175,641
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,577,307
|
|
Minority interest in consolidated entities
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,853
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
(233,199
|
)
|
|
|
36,996
|
|
|
|
463,538
|
|
|
|
5,733
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
506,267
|
|
|
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
|
146,931
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
|
|
$
|
178,320
|
|
|
$
|
1,000,859
|
|
|
$
|
673,189
|
|
|
$
|
8,035
|
|
|
$
|
(175
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,681,908
|
|
|
$
|
(126,137
|
)
|
|
$
|
1,734,091
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-50
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
206,785
|
|
|
$
|
32,705
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
239,490
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,731
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,924
|
|
|
|
1,059
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,983
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,051
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300,491
|
|
|
|
33,945
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
333,527
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,145
|
)
|
|
|
(5,519
|
)
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44,664
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
261,346
|
|
|
|
28,426
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
288,863
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,285
|
|
|
|
5,197
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
40,482
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,647
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,690
|
|
|
|
889
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,579
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,136
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,141
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,735
|
|
|
|
339
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,074
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,074
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,278
|
|
|
|
1,235
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,513
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,513
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,734
|
|
|
|
588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,265
|
|
|
|
643
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,908
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,455
|
|
|
|
369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,824
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,824
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,111
|
|
|
|
3,758
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,869
|
|
Casino and hotel administrative and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
14,822
|
|
|
|
1,360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,184
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,184
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,643
|
|
|
|
707
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,350
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,702
|
|
|
|
1,978
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
10,771
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,771
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,914
|
|
|
|
1,119
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,033
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,588
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
213,005
|
|
|
|
18,187
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
230,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
48,341
|
|
|
|
10,239
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
58,578
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
6,700
|
|
|
|
543
|
|
|
|
1,633
|
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,218
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,918
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(18,931
|
)
|
|
|
(1,013
|
)
|
|
|
(15,619
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(16,632
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(35,563
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(12,231
|
)
|
|
|
(470
|
)
|
|
|
(13,986
|
)
|
|
|
42
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(14,414
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(26,645
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before minority interest
|
|
|
(12,231
|
)
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
34,355
|
|
|
|
10,281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,164
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31,933
|
|
Minority interest in net income of Consolidated
subsidiaries
|
|
|
41,762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(44,986
|
)
|
|
|
(3,224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
29,531
|
|
|
|
(472
|
)
|
|
|
34,355
|
|
|
|
10,281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
44,164
|
|
|
|
(44,986
|
)
|
|
|
28,709
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
34,236
|
|
|
$
|
(472
|
)
|
|
$
|
34,355
|
|
|
$
|
10,281
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
44,164
|
|
|
$
|
(44,986
|
)
|
|
$
|
33,414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-51
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the year ended December 31, 2006:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Parent
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$
|
48,830
|
|
|
$
|
2,525
|
|
|
$
|
55,767
|
|
|
$
|
11,436
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
69,728
|
|
|
$
|
(41,762
|
)
|
|
$
|
76,796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(22,857
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40,738
|
)
|
|
|
(186
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(40,924
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(63,781
|
)
|
Deposits and costs related to pending acquisition
|
|
|
(331,780
|
)
|
|
|
(979,135
|
)
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(979,116
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,310,896
|
)
|
Other cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
(64,469
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,917
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,917
|
|
|
|
44,101
|
|
|
|
13,549
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(419,106
|
)
|
|
|
(979,135
|
)
|
|
|
(6,802
|
)
|
|
|
(186
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(986,123
|
)
|
|
|
44,101
|
|
|
|
(1,361,128
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Issuance of bonds
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
960,000
|
|
Repayments of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,525
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,525
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,525
|
)
|
Financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(20,857
|
)
|
|
|
(236
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,093
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,093
|
)
|
Proceeds from related party note payable
|
|
|
350,152
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
350,152
|
|
Other cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
19,758
|
|
|
|
37,633
|
|
|
|
(52,981
|
)
|
|
|
(11,849
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(27,197
|
)
|
|
|
(2,339
|
)
|
|
|
(9,778
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
369,910
|
|
|
|
976,776
|
|
|
|
(56,742
|
)
|
|
|
(11,849
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
908,185
|
|
|
|
(2,339
|
)
|
|
|
1,275,756
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(366
|
)
|
|
|
166
|
|
|
|
(7,777
|
)
|
|
|
(599
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,210
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,576
|
)
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
1,550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
36,889
|
|
|
|
4,344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,233
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
42,783
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
1,184
|
|
|
$
|
166
|
|
|
$
|
29,112
|
|
|
$
|
3,745
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
33,023
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
34,207
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-52
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
As of
and for the year ending December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
36,889
|
|
|
$
|
4,344
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
41,233
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
41,233
|
|
Other current assets
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
12,283
|
|
|
|
303
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,471
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
49,172
|
|
|
|
4,647
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53,819
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,704
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,754
|
|
|
|
4,531
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,285
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
205,285
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
82,037
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(82,037
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,142
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,142
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,841
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,841
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
41,841
|
|
Deferred charges and other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,263
|
|
|
|
106
|
|
|
|
(100
|
)
|
|
|
6,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,269
|
|
Discontinued operations long-term assets of casinos
to be transferred
|
|
|
32,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
32,027
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
115,949
|
|
|
$
|
325,172
|
|
|
$
|
9,284
|
|
|
$
|
(100
|
)
|
|
$
|
334,356
|
|
|
$
|
(82,037
|
)
|
|
$
|
368,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current maturities of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,871
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,871
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,871
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,565
|
|
|
|
410
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,975
|
|
Other current liabilities
|
|
|
5,287
|
|
|
|
17,757
|
|
|
|
922
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,679
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,966
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
|
5,287
|
|
|
|
32,193
|
|
|
|
1,332
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,525
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
38,812
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
25,494
|
|
|
|
170,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
170,135
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
195,629
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(100
|
)
|
|
|
521
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
521
|
|
Discontinued operations-other liabilities of casinos to be
transferred
|
|
|
251
|
|
|
|
621
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
251
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
31,032
|
|
|
|
202,949
|
|
|
|
1,332
|
|
|
|
(100
|
)
|
|
|
204,181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
235,213
|
|
Minority interest in consolidated entities
|
|
|
13,038
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13,038
|
|
Stockholders equity
|
|
|
71,879
|
|
|
|
122,223
|
|
|
|
7,952
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,175
|
|
|
|
(82,037
|
)
|
|
|
120,017
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity
|
|
$
|
115,949
|
|
|
$
|
325,172
|
|
|
$
|
9,284
|
|
|
$
|
(100
|
)
|
|
$
|
334,356
|
|
|
$
|
(82,037
|
)
|
|
$
|
368,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-53
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the year ended December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
117,251
|
|
|
$
|
32,789
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
150,040
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
150,040
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,469
|
|
|
|
(88
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,381
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,381
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
29,270
|
|
|
|
762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
30,032
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,015
|
|
|
|
301
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
184,005
|
|
|
|
33,764
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
216,826
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
216,826
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(25,460
|
)
|
|
|
(4,724
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(30,184
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(30,184
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
158,545
|
|
|
|
29,040
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
186,642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
186,642
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,563
|
|
|
|
5,095
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,658
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,658
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,830
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,830
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,830
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,421
|
|
|
|
541
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,962
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,962
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,510
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,516
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,516
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,667
|
|
|
|
341
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,008
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,473
|
|
|
|
1,181
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,654
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,654
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,177
|
|
|
|
617
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,794
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,794
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,772
|
|
|
|
439
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,211
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,211
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,630
|
|
|
|
328
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,958
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,958
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,764
|
|
|
|
4,024
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,788
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,788
|
|
Casino and hotel administrative and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,645
|
|
|
|
1,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,014
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,014
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,952
|
|
|
|
633
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,585
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,520
|
|
|
|
1,982
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
7,559
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,559
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,497
|
|
|
|
1,149
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,646
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,646
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,650
|
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,742
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
130,071
|
|
|
|
17,797
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
146,925
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
146,925
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,474
|
|
|
|
11,243
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
39,717
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
463
|
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
482
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,993
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,530
|
)
|
|
|
19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,511
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(5,511
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) before minority interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,944
|
|
|
|
11,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,206
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,206
|
|
Minority interest in net income (loss) of Consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
17,676
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(21,109
|
)
|
|
|
(3,433
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
17,676
|
|
|
|
22,944
|
|
|
|
11,262
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
34,206
|
|
|
|
(21,109
|
)
|
|
|
30,773
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,929
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
8,747
|
|
|
$
|
22,944
|
|
|
$
|
11,262
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
34,206
|
|
|
$
|
(21,109
|
)
|
|
$
|
21,844
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-54
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the year ended December 31, 2005:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$
|
12,452
|
|
|
$
|
41,729
|
|
|
$
|
11,836
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
53,565
|
|
|
$
|
(19,484
|
)
|
|
$
|
46,533
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(8,428
|
)
|
|
|
(14,986
|
)
|
|
|
(799
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,785
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,213
|
)
|
Acquisition of casino, net of cash acquired
|
|
|
(22,201
|
)
|
|
|
(185,185
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(185,185
|
)
|
|
|
3,430
|
|
|
|
(203,956
|
)
|
Other cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
(69,188
|
)
|
|
|
(951
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(951
|
)
|
|
|
69,075
|
|
|
|
(1,064
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(99,817
|
)
|
|
|
(201,122
|
)
|
|
|
(799
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(201,921
|
)
|
|
|
72,505
|
|
|
|
(229,233
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from long-term debt
|
|
|
25,494
|
|
|
|
174,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
174,506
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
Financing costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,274
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,274
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,274
|
)
|
Other cash flows from financing activities
|
|
|
62,571
|
|
|
|
5,768
|
|
|
|
(10,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,982
|
)
|
|
|
(53,021
|
)
|
|
|
4,568
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
88,065
|
|
|
|
174,000
|
|
|
|
(10,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
163,250
|
|
|
|
(53,021
|
)
|
|
|
198,294
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
700
|
|
|
|
14,607
|
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,894
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,594
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
850
|
|
|
|
22,282
|
|
|
|
4,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,339
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
1,550
|
|
|
$
|
36,889
|
|
|
$
|
4,344
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
41,233
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
42,783
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-55
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the Year Ending December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
68,961
|
|
|
$
|
31,279
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
100,240
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
100,240
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,077
|
|
|
|
(45
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
18,032
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,557
|
|
|
|
1,272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,829
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,462
|
|
|
|
326
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
5,845
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,845
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
114,057
|
|
|
|
32,832
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
145,946
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
145,946
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(18,661
|
)
|
|
|
(5,368
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,029
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(24,029
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
95,396
|
|
|
|
27,464
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
121,917
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
121,917
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,867
|
|
|
|
4,955
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,822
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
19,822
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8,257
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,301
|
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,829
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,829
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
712
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
714
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
714
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,404
|
|
|
|
317
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,721
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,721
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,079
|
|
|
|
1,537
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,616
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,616
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,264
|
|
|
|
512
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,776
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,776
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,351
|
|
|
|
359
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,710
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
957
|
|
|
|
310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,267
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,267
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,527
|
|
|
|
3,842
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,369
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,369
|
|
Casino and hotel administrative and general
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,214
|
|
|
|
1,535
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,749
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,749
|
|
Corporate overhead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,519
|
|
|
|
763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,282
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,282
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,715
|
|
|
|
1,881
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
4,653
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,653
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,490
|
|
|
|
1,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,615
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,615
|
|
Write off of fixed assets, deposits and other costs related to
abandoned acquisitions
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13
|
)
|
|
|
92
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
79,644
|
|
|
|
17,758
|
|
|
|
(943
|
)
|
|
|
96,459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96,459
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,752
|
|
|
|
9,706
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
25,458
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
113
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(907
|
)
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(909
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(807
|
)
|
|
|
11
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(796
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(796
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income before minority interest
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14,945
|
|
|
|
9,717
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,662
|
|
Minority interest in net income of consolidated subsidiary
|
|
|
7,620
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(11,493
|
)
|
|
|
(3,873
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income (loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
7,620
|
|
|
|
14,945
|
|
|
|
9,717
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
24,662
|
|
|
|
(11,493
|
)
|
|
|
20,789
|
|
Discontinued operations, casinos to be transferred
|
|
|
(2,869
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,869
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
4,751
|
|
|
$
|
14,945
|
|
|
$
|
9,717
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
24,662
|
|
|
$
|
(11,493
|
)
|
|
$
|
17,920
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-56
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
For
the year ending December 31, 2004:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantors
|
|
|
Guarantor
|
|
|
|
|
|
TE
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
|
TCR
|
|
|
Subsidiaries
|
|
|
Subsidiary
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Elims.
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Cash flows from operating activities
|
|
$
|
3,223
|
|
|
$
|
16,469
|
|
|
$
|
11,100
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
27,569
|
|
|
$
|
(7,620
|
)
|
|
$
|
23,172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(476
|
)
|
|
|
(11,688
|
)
|
|
|
(1,297
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,985
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(13,461
|
)
|
Deposits on pending acquisition
|
|
|
(5,521
|
)
|
|
|
(1,080
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,080
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,601
|
)
|
Other cash flows from investing activities
|
|
|
(2,080
|
)
|
|
|
(1,091
|
)
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(987
|
)
|
|
|
3,098
|
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(8,077
|
)
|
|
|
(13,859
|
)
|
|
|
(1,193
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,052
|
)
|
|
|
3,098
|
|
|
|
(20,031
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
|
|
|
4,214
|
|
|
|
2,940
|
|
|
|
(11,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(8,060
|
)
|
|
|
4,520
|
|
|
|
674
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(640
|
)
|
|
|
5,550
|
|
|
|
(1,093
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,457
|
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
3,815
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year
|
|
|
1,490
|
|
|
|
16,734
|
|
|
|
5,150
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
21,884
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
23,374
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year
|
|
$
|
850
|
|
|
$
|
22,284
|
|
|
$
|
4,057
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
26,341
|
|
|
$
|
(2
|
)
|
|
$
|
27,189
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14.
|
SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCINGS
|
On January 3, 2007, the Company closed on the acquisition
of Aztar described in Note 2. In connection with this
acquisition, TCR contributed its interests in Laughlin,
Greenville, SLRE, Horizon, MontBleu and Baton Rouge to TE; TCR
made a capital contribution to TE of $465.4 million; TCR
applied funds on deposit of $319.8 million (which was part
of its capital contribution to TE) to the purchase; TCR borrowed
an additional $144 million from Holdings (which was also
part of its capital contribution to TE); TE borrowed
$1,970 million under two Senior Credit Facilities
(described below); TE distributed $196.9 million to TCR to
pay off amounts outstanding under TCRs existing Credit
Facility and applied funds held in escrow from the Senior
Subordinated Notes (see Note 7) to the purchase of
Aztar. TE simultaneously distributed to TCR its ownership in
Aztars Caruthersville, MO casino operation. TE paid off
Aztars existing debt of $737.9 million (including
prepayment premiums), retired Aztars common and preferred
stock for $2.106 billion (including payments to redeem
outstanding stock options), and incurred other acquisition costs
which totaled approximately $160 million.
On January 3, 2007, TE, in connection with the Aztar
acquisition described above, entered into a Senior Credit
Facility comprised of a $1,530 million senior secured term
loan and a $180 million senior secured revolving credit
facility. Interest on the Loan is at either a LIBOR Rate Option
or an Alternative Rate Option, at TEs option. The Loan
matures in January of 2012 and quarterly principal payment of
$3.825 million commenced on March 31, 2007. The Loan
is secured by guarantees of TEs direct subsidiaries,
Realty, Vicksburg and JMBS, security interests in all of
TEs and the guarantors tangible and
F-57
TROPICANA
CASINOS AND RESORTS, INC.
(fka WIMAR TAHOE CORPORATION) AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements
(Continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
intangible assets, including a pledge of all equity interests in
TE and the guarantors; and a guarantee of CSC to the extent that
the revolving facility exceeds $100 million with the
guarantee not to exceed $80 million.
On January 3, 2007, a subsidiary of TE, which will own the
Las Vegas operation of Aztar, entered into a Senior Secured Term
Loan (the Las Vegas Term Loan) for
$440.0 million. The Las Vegas Term Loan matures in June
2008, interest is due quarterly at either a LIBOR Rate option or
an Alternative Rate Option, and is secured by a security
interest in all the assets of the Aztar Las Vegas operation and
a guarantee of the Aztar Las Vegas subsidiary.
On April 20, 2006, CP St. Louis Casino, LLC (St. Louis
Casino), an affiliate of the Company, entered into an agreement
to acquire Casino Queen, which owns and operates a river boat
casino in East St. Louis, IL, for approximately
$200 million. In connection with this proposed acquisition,
St. Louis Casino deposited $10 million into an escrow
account for the purchase and borrowed $10 million from
Holdings. On January 3, 2007, the Companys sole
shareholder contributed 100% of the equity interest in
St. Louis Casino to the Company, which in turn transferred
its interest in St. Louis Casino to TE. On
February 28, 2007, the acquisition agreement terminated.
Costs related to the acquisition incurred by the Company prior
to December 31, 2006, which totaled $457, were expensed
during 2006.
F-58
Report
of Independent Auditors
To the Members of
Argosy of Baton Rouge
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of
Argosy of Baton Rouge as of December 31, 2004 and the
related consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders equity (deficit), and cash flows for the year
then ended and the consolidated statements of income, changes in
stockholders equity (deficit) for the period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005. These
consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Companys management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States. Those standards
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements
are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to
perform an audit of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of
internal control over financial reporting as a basis for
designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion
on the effectiveness of the Companys internal control over
financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An
audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence
supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated
financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used
and significant estimates made by management, as well as
evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We
believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Argosy of Baton Rouge at December 31,
2004, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for
the year ended December 31, 2004 and results of its
operations and its cash flows for the period January 1,
2005 to October 24, 2005, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
May 18, 2007
F-59
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2004
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
6,850
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
518
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
170
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
344
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
7,882
|
|
Property and Equipment Net
|
|
|
89,885
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
19,930
|
|
Other Assets
|
|
|
125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
117,822
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,135
|
|
Accrued payroll and related expenses
|
|
|
2,474
|
|
Accrued income taxes
|
|
|
2,581
|
|
Amounts due to affiliates
|
|
|
4,873
|
|
Other accrued liabilities
|
|
|
5,253
|
|
Notes payable current related party
|
|
|
762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
17,078
|
|
Long-term debt related party
|
|
|
97,839
|
|
Long-term debt other
|
|
|
1,703
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
5,989
|
|
Other long-term obligations
|
|
|
56
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
122,665
|
|
Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
|
|
|
(4,843
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Stockholders Equity (Deficit)
|
|
$
|
117,822
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-60
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended
|
|
|
January 1, 2005 to
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
October 24, 2005
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
82,940
|
|
|
$
|
80,719
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
6,298
|
|
|
|
7,586
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
6,564
|
|
|
|
7,845
|
|
Other casino and hotel revenue
|
|
|
1,511
|
|
|
|
1,586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
97,313
|
|
|
|
97,736
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(12,074
|
)
|
|
|
(10,704
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
85,239
|
|
|
|
87,032
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
15,347
|
|
|
|
13,629
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
2,647
|
|
|
|
2,735
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
6,841
|
|
|
|
7,837
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
1,754
|
|
|
|
1,740
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
1,430
|
|
|
|
1,397
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
2,248
|
|
|
|
1,474
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotion
|
|
|
5,494
|
|
|
|
3,790
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
1,761
|
|
|
|
1,081
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
21,096
|
|
|
|
20,418
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
6,248
|
|
|
|
5,246
|
|
Other operating expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
2,098
|
|
|
|
2,246
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
8,923
|
|
|
|
8,154
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
75,887
|
|
|
|
69,763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
9,352
|
|
|
|
17,269
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expenses):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
23
|
|
|
|
62
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(522
|
)
|
|
|
(285
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(499
|
)
|
|
|
(223
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income Before Income Taxes
|
|
|
8,853
|
|
|
|
17,046
|
|
Income Taxes
|
|
|
(4,449
|
)
|
|
|
(5,969
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
4,404
|
|
|
$
|
11,077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-61
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS EQUITY
(DEFICIT)
FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2004 TO OCTOBER 24, 2005
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
(9,417
|
)
|
|
$
|
(9,416
|
)
|
Stockholders contributions 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
|
169
|
|
Net income 2004
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,404
|
|
|
|
4,404
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
(4,844
|
)
|
|
|
(4,843
|
)
|
Net income through October 24, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11,077
|
|
|
|
11,077
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, October 24, 2005
|
|
$
|
1
|
|
|
$
|
6,233
|
|
|
$
|
6,234
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-62
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Period
|
|
|
|
For The Year Ended
|
|
|
January 1, 2005 to
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2004
|
|
|
October 24, 2005
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
4,404
|
|
|
$
|
11,077
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
8,923
|
|
|
|
8,154
|
|
Deferred taxes
|
|
|
1,812
|
|
|
|
259
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
314
|
|
|
|
(678
|
)
|
Inventories, prepaids and other assets
|
|
|
(61
|
)
|
|
|
(182
|
)
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
3,354
|
|
|
|
4,177
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
18,746
|
|
|
|
22,807
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(5,302
|
)
|
|
|
(4,996
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(5,302
|
)
|
|
|
(4,996
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(9,105
|
)
|
|
|
(29
|
)
|
Stockholders contributions
|
|
|
169
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments to related parties Argosy
|
|
|
(3,966
|
)
|
|
|
(17,218
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(12,902
|
)
|
|
|
(17,247
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
542
|
|
|
|
564
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
6,308
|
|
|
|
6,850
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
|
$
|
6,850
|
|
|
$
|
7,414
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the consolidated
financial statements.
F-63
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
for the
Year Ending December 31, 2004 and the Period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005
(In thousands)
These financial statements include the operations of Argosy of
Louisiana, Inc. (ALI), Jazz Enterprises, Inc.
(Jazz), and Centroplex Centre Convention Hotel,
L.L.C. (CCCH) which are all wholly owned
subsidiaries of Argosy Gaming Company (Argosy) and
represent all of Argosys business operations in Baton
Rouge, Louisiana and are referred to collectively as the
Company. ALI and Jazz own all of the partnership
interests of Catfish Queen Partnership in Comendam
(Catfish), which owns and operates the Argosy Casino
Baton Rouge. CCCH owns and operates the 300-room Sheraton
Hotel Baton Rouge. On October 24, 2005, Argosy sold all of
its ownership interests in ALI, Jazz, and CCCH to CP Baton Rouge
Casino, LLC (CPBR), a subsidiary of Tropicana
Casino & Resorts (TCR), f.k.a. Wimar Tahoe
Corporation, for approximately $149.7 million. These
financial statements present the consolidated operations of the
Company for the year ending December 31, 2004 and the
period January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005. All
intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in
consolidation.
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the consolidated financial
statements. The preparation of financial statements in
conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America requires the use of managements
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
revenues and expenses. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Amounts are presented in thousands of dollars unless
indicated otherwise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and cash
equivalents include cash, certificates of deposit, money market
funds and other highly liquid investments with maturities at
date of purchase of three months or less.
Accounts Receivable Accounts receivables,
including casino and hotel receivables, are typically
non-interest
bearing and are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are written
off when management deems the account to be uncollectible.
Recoveries of accounts previously written off are recorded when
received. An estimated allowance for doubtful accounts is
maintained to reduce the Companys receivables to their
carrying amount, which approximates fair value. The allowance is
estimated based on specific review of customer accounts as well
as historical collection experience and current economic and
business conditions.
Property and Equipment Depreciation and
amortization are computed over the estimated useful lives of the
property and equipment on the straight-line method. Estimated
useful lives for property and equipment in service range from 15
to 20 years for riverboats, dock and improvements and 3 to
10 years for equipment. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the lesser of the term of the lease or the useful
life of the asset.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
property and equipment retired or sold are removed from the
accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Management reviews hotel and casino assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted
undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets
relate, plus the assets residual value to the carrying
amount of the assets. If the operation is determined to be
unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then the
hotel and casino assets are written down to fair value. Fair
value is determined based on discounted cash flows. As of
October 24, 2005, management does not believe any assets
have been impaired.
F-64
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
for the
Year Ending December 31, 2004 and the Period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005
SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations, and FASB Interpretation No. 47, Accounting for
Conditional Asset Retirement Obligations (FIN 47), issued
in March 2005, address financial accounting and reporting for
obligations associated with the retirement of tangible
long-lived assets and the associated asset retirement cost.
SFAS No. 143 applies to legal obligations associated
with the retirement of long-lived assets that result from the
acquisition, construction, development
and/or the
normal operation of a long-lived asset. The Company currently
has no material legal obligation related to its retirement of
long-lived assets. If in the future the Company should have such
legal obligation, SFAS No. 143 and FIN 47 require
that the fair value of a liability for an asset retirement
obligation be recognized in the period in which it is incurred
if a reasonable estimate of fair value can be made. The
associated asset retirement costs are capitalized as part of the
carrying amount of the long-lived asset. The liability is
discounted and accretion expense is recognized using the
credit-adjusted risk-free interest rate in effect when the
liability was initially recognized.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill
represents the excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is
not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the asset might be impaired.
When testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment, the Company uses the income approach,
which includes an analysis of the market, cash flows, and risks
associated with achieving such cash flows. The income approach
focuses on the income producing capability of the existing
hotel/casino and best represents the present value of the future
economic benefits expected to be derived. Significant
assumptions used in the impairment test included earnings before
interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization
(EBITDA) projections, working capital requirements,
and the discount rate.
Deferred Charges and Other Assets The Company
entered into a License Agreement with The Sheraton Corporation
(Sheraton) in connection with its hotel operations in Baton
Rouge, LA. The agreement provides for the Companys use of
the Sheraton name, reservation system, operating methods,
training, and sales and marketing programs. The Company pays
Sheraton various fees, some of which are based on sales volume.
The agreement expires in 2025. The initial fees paid by the
Company to Sheraton were capitalized and are amortized on a
straight-line method from the effective date of the license
agreement.
Casino and Other Revenue and Promotional
Allowances The Company recognizes as casino
revenues the net win from gaming activities, which is the
difference between gaming wins and losses. Rooms, food and
beverage and other casino and hotel revenue are recognized as
earned, which is at the time the goods or services are provided.
The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other
services provided to customers without charge are included in
operating revenue and then charged to promotional allowances.
Promotional allowances which included cash back
awards (cash coupons, rebates or refunds), totaled $12,074 in
2004 and $10,704 for the period ended October 24, 2005.
Employee Benefit Plan The Company
participates in the Argosy Gaming Company Employee Savings Plan
and Trust, a 401(k) defined contribution plan which covers
substantially all of its full-time employees. Participants may
contribute a portion of their eligible salaries (as defined)
subject to maximum limits, as determined by provisions of the
Internal Revenue Code. The Company will match a portion of the
participants contributions in an amount determined
annually by the Company. Expense recognized by the Company under
the Plan was $223 in 2004 and $185 for the period
January 1, 2005 to October 25, 2005.
F-65
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
for the
Year Ending December 31, 2004 and the Period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005
Insurance Program The Company participates in
Argosys property, general liability, workers compensation
and other insurance programs. The Companys estimated share
of these costs, which is allocated directly to the Company by
Argosy, was $2,248 in 2004 and $1,474 for the period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005.
Customer Loyalty Program The Company provides
certain customer loyalty programs which reward customers for
gaming play. Under the programs customers are able to accumulate
points which may be redeemed in the future, subject to certain
limitations and the terms of the individual casino programs, for
cash, goods and services. For points that may be redeemed for
cash, the Company accrues this cost, after consideration of
estimated redemption rates, as they are earned. The cost is
recorded as promotional allowances. For points that may be
redeemed for goods or services, the Company estimates the cost
and accrues for this expense as the points are earned from
gaming play and are recorded as casino expense. The estimated
cost is based on estimates and assumptions regarding marginal
costs of the goods and services, redemption rates and the mix of
goods and services for which the points will be redeemed.
Advertising Costs for advertising are
expensed as incurred.
Income taxes Deferred taxes are recognized
for the expected future tax consequences of events that have
been included in the financial statements or income tax returns.
Deferred taxes are determined based on the difference between
the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities
using enacted rates expected to apply to taxable income in the
years in which those differences are expected to be recovered or
settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that
includes the enactment date.
Contingencies In the ordinary course of
business, the Company enters into numerous agreements that
contain standard guarantees and indemnities whereby the Company
indemnifies another party for breaches of representations and
warranties. In addition, many of these parties are also
indemnified against any third party claim resulting from the
transaction that is contemplated in the underlying agreement.
Such guarantees or indemnifications are granted under various
agreements, including those governing (i) purchases and
sales of casinos; (ii) leases of real estate;
(iii) franchise license agreements (iv) and certain
lending agreements. The guarantees or indemnifications issued
are for the benefit of the (i) buyers in sale agreements
and sellers in purchase agreements; (ii) landlords in lease
contracts (iii) franchisors or licensors of hotel brands
and (iv) lenders under borrowing transactions. While some
of these guarantees extend only for the duration of the
underlying agreement, many survive the expiration of the term of
the agreement. There are no specific limitations on the maximum
potential amount of future payments that the Company could be
required to make under some of these guarantees, however, most
purchase and sale agreements have stated maximum liabilities.
The Company is unable to develop an estimate of the maximum
potential amount of future payments to be made under these
guarantees as the triggering events are not subject to
predictability. With respect to certain of the aforementioned
guarantees, such as indemnifications of landlords and
franchisors against third party claims for the use of real
estate property leased or the brands licensed by the Company,
the Company maintains insurance coverage that mitigates any
potential payments to be made.
|
|
3.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The Company participates in various insurance programs sponsored
by Argosy, see Note 2 Insurance Program for
further details. The Company also participates in Argosys
retirement program for its employees. See
Note 2 Retirement Plans for further details.
Argosy has issued $550 million Senior Secured Subordinated
Notes (Subordinated Notes) and entered into a
five-year, $675 million Senior Secured revolving bank
credit agreement, including a
F-66
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
for the
Year Ending December 31, 2004 and the Period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005
$175 million Term Loan (Credit Facility). Prior
to the acquisition by CPBR, the Company was a guarantor under
the Credit Facility and the borrowings were secured by
substantially all of the assets of the Company. The Company was
a guarantor under the terms of the Subordinated Notes. The
Subordinated Notes rank junior to all of the senior indebtedness
of Argosy, including borrowings under the Credit Facility.
The provision for income taxes is comprised of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
2,307
|
|
|
$
|
5,008
|
|
State
|
|
|
330
|
|
|
|
702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current tax expense
|
|
|
2,637
|
|
|
|
5,710
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
1,586
|
|
|
|
227
|
|
State
|
|
|
226
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total deferred tax expense
|
|
|
1,812
|
|
|
|
259
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total income tax expense
|
|
$
|
4,449
|
|
|
$
|
5,969
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been
included in the financial statements or income tax returns.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of
assets and liabilities using enacted rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The Companys deferred
tax liability relates primarily to the use of accelerated
depreciation for tax purposes. The effect on deferred tax assets
and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income
in the period that includes the enactment date
The consolidated Companys effective income tax rate was
50.3% and 41.8% for the year ended December 31, 2004 and
the period January 1, 2005 through October 24, 2005,
compared to the U.S. statutory rate of 35.0%. A
reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax rate to the
effective income tax rate is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Statutory federal income tax rate
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
State and local net of federal benefit
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
|
|
5.0
|
|
Other flow through entity loss
|
|
|
10.3
|
|
|
|
1.8
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Effective income tax rate
|
|
|
50.3
|
%
|
|
|
41.8
|
%
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
CCCH is a single member LLC owned by Argosy. As an LLC the tax
attributes pass through to its member and as a result, no income
tax benefit is provided for in these financial statements.
Rent expense charged to operations amounted to $2,098 in 2004
and $2,246 for 2005. The Company has various short-term
operating equipment and space leases. The Company leases land
and building related to its Baton Rouge, LA hotel and casino
operation. The leases provide for fixed monthly rental of $22,
F-67
ARGOSY OF
BATON ROUGE
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
for the
Year Ending December 31, 2004 and the Period
January 1, 2005 to October 24, 2005
subject to re-evaluation every five years based on changes in
the consumer price index. The current lease terms expire in
2012, and the leases have options to extend the term for up to
an additional seventy years.
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases
that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in
excess of one year are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Period Ended December 31
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
$
|
298
|
|
2007
|
|
|
298
|
|
2008
|
|
|
285
|
|
2009
|
|
|
259
|
|
2010
|
|
|
259
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
330
|
|
F-68
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Desert Palace, Inc.:
We have audited the statement of direct revenues and expenses of
Desert Palace, Inc. (the Company), a company
previously owned by Caesars Entertainment, Inc.
(Caesars) and acquired by an affiliate of Columbia
Sussex Corporation (Columbia Sussex) pursuant to an
agreement between Caesars and Columbia Sussex dated
November 19, 2004, as described in Note 1, for the
period from January 1, 2005 though June 10, 2005. This
statement is the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the
statement based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted
auditing standards as established by the Auditing Standards
Board (United States) and in accordance with the auditing
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
(United States). Those standards require that we plan and
perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the statement is free of material misstatement. An audit
includes consideration of internal control over financial
reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are
appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of
expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of Companys
internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we
express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in
the statements, assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating
the overall presentation of these statements. We believe that
our audit provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
The accompanying financial statement has been prepared from the
separate records maintained by the Company and may not
necessarily be indicative of the results of operations if the
Company had been operated as an unaffiliated company. Portions
of certain expenses represent charges and allocations made from
home-office items applicable to Caesars Entertainment, Inc. as a
whole or transactions with other wholly-owned subsidiaries of
Caesars Entertainment, Inc., most of which are transacted at
amounts that approximate cost rather than market
rates for similar transactions with companies outside the
controlled group.
In our opinion, the statement referred to above presents fairly,
in all material respects, the direct revenues and expenses of
the Company for the period from January 1, 2005 though
June 10, 2005, pursuant to the agreement described in
Note 1, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
July 13, 2007
F-69
DESERT
PALACE, INC.
(A Wholly-Owned Indirect Subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment,
Inc.)
STATEMENT
OF DIRECT REVENUES AND EXPENSES FOR
THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY 1, 2005 THROUGH JUNE 10, 2005
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Period from
|
|
|
|
January 1,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
through
|
|
|
|
June 10,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Operating Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
16,312
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
4,963
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
5,416
|
|
Other revenue
|
|
|
2,650
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
29,341
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
11,178
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
1,521
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
5,367
|
|
Other expense
|
|
|
3,287
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
12,804
|
|
Management fee to parent
|
|
|
938
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,063
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
37,158
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating expense in excess of operating revenue
|
|
$
|
(7,817
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
See notes to financial statements.
F-70
DESERT
PALACE, INC.
(A Wholly-Owned Indirect Subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment,
Inc.)
Notes
to Statement of Direct Revenues and Expenses Period from
January 1, 2005
through June 10, 2005
|
|
1.
|
BASIS OF
PRESENTATION AND OPERATIONS
|
The accompanying financial statement presents the direct
revenues and expenses of the Caesars Tahoe Hotel and Casino
(Caesars Tahoe) which was owned by Desert Palace,
Inc. (the Company). The Company is a wholly-owned
indirect subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. (the
Parent). The accompanying financial statement has
been prepared from the separate records maintained for Caesars
Tahoe and may not necessarily be indicative of the conditions
that would have existed or the results of operations if Caesars
Tahoe had been operated as a stand alone company.
Caesars Tahoe is a hotel and casino located on the south shore
of Lake Tahoe in Stateline, Nevada. Caesars Tahoe occupies
approximately 21 acres and features 440 guest rooms and
suites, a 42,000 square foot casino, five restaurants, a
nightclub, a 1,500-seat showroom, a health spa, and
approximately 16,000 square feet of meeting space. Caesars
Tahoe benefits from the scenic beauty of the Lake Tahoe region
and the many recreational facilities and activities in the area.
Caesars Tahoe draws a significant portion of its customers from
the northern California area.
On November 19, 2004, the Parent entered into a definitive
agreement to sell substantially all of the assets and certain
liabilities of the Caesars Tahoe to an affiliate of Columbia
Sussex Corporation (Columbia Sussex), a hotel,
resort and casino operator based in Crestview Hills, Kentucky,
for approximately $45,000,000. The transaction closed on
June 10, 2005.
Under the terms of the agreement, Columbia Sussex purchased most
of the assets of the Company and assumed certain related
liabilities, which comprised the operations of Caesars Tahoe.
The aggregate consideration was adjusted for changes in net
working capital. In addition, certain gaming devices leased from
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (as discussed in
Note 3) were included in the assets sold to Columbia
Sussex.
On June 13, 2005, Harrahs Entertainment, Inc.
acquired the Parent (see Note 5).
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
Concentration of Credit Risk Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentration of credit risk consist principally of accounts
receivable.
The Company extends credit to certain customers following an
evaluation of the creditworthiness of the individual or entity.
The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts to
reduce the accounts receivable to their estimated collectible
amount. As of June 10, 2005, management believes that there
are no concentrations of credit risk for which an allowance has
not been established and recorded. The collectibility of foreign
and domestic accounts receivable could be affected by future
economic or other significant events in the United States or in
the countries in which such foreign customers reside.
Self-Insurance The Company is self-insured
for various levels of general liability, workers
compensation, and non-union employee medical and life insurance
coverage. Self-insurance reserves are estimated based on the
Companys claims experience.
Revenue Recognition Casino revenue is derived
primarily from patrons wagering on slot machines, table games
and other gaming activities. Table games generally include
Blackjack or Twenty One, Craps, Baccarat and Roulette. Other
gaming activities include Keno and Race and Sports. Casino
revenue is defined as the win from gaming activities, computed
as the difference between gaming wins and losses, not the total
amounts wagered. Casino revenue is recognized at the end of each
gaming day.
F-71
DESERT
PALACE, INC.
(A
Wholly-Owned Indirect Subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment,
Inc.)
Notes to
Statement of Direct Revenues and Expenses Period from
January 1, 2005
through June 10,
2005 (Continued)
Rooms revenue is derived from rooms and suites rented to guests.
Rooms revenue is recognized at the time the room is provided to
the guest.
Food and beverage revenues are derived from food and beverage
sales in the food outlets of the casino and hotel, including
restaurants, room service and banquets. Food and beverage
revenue is recognized at the time the food
and/or
beverage is provided to the guest.
Other revenue includes retail sales, entertainment sales,
telephone, and other miscellaneous income at the casino and
hotel.
The revenue components presented in the statement of direct
revenues and expenses exclude the retail value of rooms, food
and beverage, and other goods or services provided to customers
on a complimentary basis. Complimentary revenues which have been
excluded from the accompanying statement are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
$
|
1,692
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
2,263
|
|
Other revenue
|
|
|
467
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total complimentary revenues
|
|
$
|
4,422
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The estimated departmental costs of providing these
complimentaries are classified in the statement of direct
revenues and expenses as an expense of the department issuing
the complimentary, primarily the casino department, and are as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(In thousands)
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
$
|
516
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
2,130
|
|
Other expenses
|
|
|
622
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total complimentary revenues
|
|
$
|
3,268
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and Equipment Costs of normal
repairs and maintenance are charged to expense as incurred. Upon
the sale or retirement of property and equipment, the cost and
related accumulated depreciation are removed from the respective
accounts, and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is included in
the statement of direct revenues and expenses.
Depreciation is provided on a straight-line basis over the
estimated useful life of the assets. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of the asset life or lease term. The
service lives of assets are generally 30 to 40 years for
buildings and riverboats and 3 to 10 years for furniture
and equipment.
The carrying values of the Companys assets are reviewed
when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Asset
impairment is determined to exist if estimated future cash
flows, undiscounted and without interest charges, are less than
the carrying amount. Assets are grouped at the property level
when estimating future cash flows for determining whether an
asset has been impaired. If it is determined that an impairment
has occurred, then an impairment loss is recognized in the
statement of direct revenues and expenses.
Income Taxes Caesars Tahoe is not a legal
entity subject to federal or state income taxes. The Company is
included in the consolidated federal income tax return of the
Parent. Accordingly, the current federal tax liability or
benefit resulting from the taxable income or loss generated by
the Company and
F-72
DESERT
PALACE, INC.
(A
Wholly-Owned Indirect Subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment,
Inc.)
Notes to
Statement of Direct Revenues and Expenses Period from
January 1, 2005
through June 10,
2005 (Continued)
Caesars Tahoe is recognized by Parent in its consolidated
federal tax return; however, no allocation for taxes is recorded
on the Caesars Tahoes statement of direct revenues and
expenses.
Use of Estimates The preparation of the financial
statement in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America requires management to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts
of operating revenue and operating expenses during the reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
|
|
3.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
Caesars Tahoe has ongoing related party transactions with the
Company and Parent and certain other wholly-owned subsidiaries
of the Parent, most of which are transacted at amounts which
approximate cost rather than market rates for
similar transactions with companies outside the controlled
group. Some examples of these transactions are employee benefit
plans, insurance coverage, advertising, support services, and
construction project management.
Caesars Tahoe also leases gaming devices from a wholly-owned
subsidiary of Parent. Lease expense for such gaming devices
pursuant to these lease agreements totaled approximately
$612,000 for the period ended June 10, 2005.
The Parent receives a management fee for services provided to
Caesars Tahoe that is based upon certain operating results. The
services provided to Caesars Tahoe include centralized
information technology, internal audit, risk management, legal
and other administrative functions. The fee charged totaled
approximately $938,000 for the period ended June 10, 2005.
|
|
4.
|
COMMITMENTS
AND CONTINGENCIES
|
Litigation Caesars Tahoe and the Company are
involved in various legal proceedings relating to its business.
Caesars Tahoe and the Company believe that all the actions
brought against it are without merit and will continue to
vigorously defend against them. While any proceeding or
litigation has an element of uncertainty, Caesars Tahoe and the
Company believe that the final outcome of these matters is not
likely to have a material adverse effect upon the results of
operations of Caesars Tahoe.
On June 13, 2005, Harrahs Entertainment, Inc.
completed its acquisition of the outstanding shares of Parent.
Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Parents
shareholders were to receive either $17.75 in cash or
0.3247 shares of Harrahs common stock for each
outstanding share of the Parents common stock, subject to
limitations on the aggregate amount of cash to be paid and
shares of stock to be issued. Parents shareholders were
able to elect to receive solely shares of Harrahs common
stock or cash, to the extent available pursuant to the terms of
the purchase agreement.
F-73
CONDENSED
BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
Deferred rent current portion
|
|
|
1,093
|
|
|
|
1,093
|
|
Amount due from related parties
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
|
4,675
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
3,427
|
|
|
|
5,977
|
|
Property and equipment net
|
|
|
21,586
|
|
|
|
20,980
|
|
Deferred rent, net of current portion
|
|
|
820
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Intangible assets net
|
|
|
333
|
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
26,166
|
|
|
$
|
27,538
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion, long-term debt
|
|
$
|
2,000
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
|
1,789
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
3,179
|
|
|
|
1,789
|
|
Long-term debt, net of current portion
|
|
|
193,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term loan from affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
196,808
|
|
|
|
17,539
|
|
Members Equity (Deficit)
|
|
|
(170,642
|
)
|
|
|
9,999
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
26,166
|
|
|
$
|
27,538
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-74
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Operating Revenue:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental income related party
|
|
$
|
1,002
|
|
|
$
|
1,002
|
|
|
$
|
2,004
|
|
|
$
|
2,004
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
433
|
|
|
|
314
|
|
|
|
637
|
|
|
|
631
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
569
|
|
|
|
688
|
|
|
|
1,367
|
|
|
|
1,373
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
3,738
|
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
|
7,466
|
|
|
|
725
|
|
Interest allocated to co-borrower
|
|
|
(3,439
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(6,877
|
)
|
|
|
(115
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest expense
|
|
|
299
|
|
|
|
308
|
|
|
|
589
|
|
|
|
610
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
270
|
|
|
$
|
380
|
|
|
$
|
778
|
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-75
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
778
|
|
|
$
|
763
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
637
|
|
|
|
631
|
|
Decrease in deferred rent
|
|
|
546
|
|
|
|
547
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
1,961
|
|
|
|
1,941
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(15,750
|
)
|
Distribution to member
|
|
|
(900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Loan from affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,750
|
|
Advances to related parties
|
|
|
(1,961
|
)
|
|
|
(1,941
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(2,861
|
)
|
|
|
(1,941
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
1,784
|
|
|
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
884
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-76
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
(Unaudited)
CP Laughlin Realty, LLC (Realty or the
Company) was formed on August 1, 2003 for the
purpose of acquiring and leasing to Columbia Properties
Laughlin, LLC (Laughlin) the non-gaming assets of
the 1,003-room River Palms Hotel and Casino in Laughlin,
Nevada (Hotel and Casino). Realty commenced
operations on September 9, 2003, when the Hotel and Casino
was acquired. Laughlin is an affiliate of Realty due to common
control of their respective parent entities. Laughlin operates
the Hotel and Casino and owns all gaming related equipment and
certain other non-gaming equipment. Realty is a wholly owned
subsidiary of CSC Holdings, LLC, a subsidiary of Columbia Sussex
Corporation (CSC). The Company is a co-guarantor
under certain financing obligations of an affiliated company.
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP) requires the use of managements
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of
contingent liabilities in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Amounts are presented in thousands of dollars unless
indicated otherwise.
Interim Unaudited Information The
accompanying interim financial statements as of June 30,
2007 and for the three month and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and related disclosures in the
accompanying notes have not been audited. Certain information
and footnote disclosures required for annual financial
statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules
and regulations and therefore do not include all information and
notes necessary for the presentation of financial position,
results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included to
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of June 30, 2007 and the results of its
operations for the three month and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and its cash flows for the six
months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007. Operating results for
the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2007
should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements and the notes for the year ended December 31,
2006.
Income Taxes Realty is a pass through entity
for Federal and State income tax purposes. As a pass through
entity, the tax attributes pass through to its members, who then
owe any related income taxes. As a result, the accompanying
statements of income show no income tax expense or benefit.
Recently
Issued Accounting and Reporting Standards
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157
(SFAS No. 157) In September
2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements, which defines fair value in GAAP
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
Statement will be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the
effect, if any, SFAS No. 157 will have on its
financial statements.
F-77
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial Statements (Continued)
Quarter
and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
$
|
15,264
|
|
|
$
|
15,264
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
4,988
|
|
|
|
4,988
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,252
|
|
|
|
20,252
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(3,666
|
)
|
|
|
(4,272
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
16,586
|
|
|
|
15,980
|
|
Land
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
21,586
|
|
|
$
|
20,980
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys management determined the fair value of the
trade name at the time of acquisition was $500 based on
estimated future cash flows under the lease agreement with
Laughlin. This is the Companys only intangible asset.
Amortization of the intangible asset is computed on a
straight-line basis over ten years, the estimated useful life.
Management periodically assesses the amortization period of the
intangible asset based upon an estimate of future cash flows
from related operations. Amortization expense was $25 for the
six months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007.
Intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Trade name
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(167
|
)
|
|
|
(192
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
333
|
|
|
$
|
308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys estimate of future amortization expense
related to the amortizable intangible asset is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007 (six months)
|
|
$
|
25
|
|
2008
|
|
|
50
|
|
2009
|
|
|
50
|
|
2010
|
|
|
50
|
|
2011
|
|
|
50
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
83
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
308
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-78
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial Statements (Continued)
Quarter
and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan A due 2010
|
|
$
|
96,879
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan B due 2011
|
|
|
98,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
195,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less current portion of term loan
|
|
|
(2,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
193,629
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2005, the Company and certain other co-borrower
affiliated companies including Laughlin and Tropicana
Casino & Resorts (TCR) f.k.a. Wimar Tahoe
Corporation (WTC), a company controlled by the
managing member of the Company, borrowed a total of $200,000
under a Credit Facility which provided for a Term Loan A
borrowing of $100,000 for the purchase of two casinos owned by
TCR, retirement of existing debt, financing costs and other
corporate purposes, and a Term Loan B borrowing of $100,000 for
the purchase of another casino owned by TCR and financing costs.
The Companys allocated portion of Term Loan A is $15,750
which equaled the amount of its debt that was refinanced.
However, since the Company was a co-borrower under the Credit
Facility, the entire outstanding balance has been recorded as
long-term debt with an adjustment to members equity. The
Credit Facility also provided for a Revolving Loan of up to
$50,000, none of which was drawn at December 31, 2006. Term
Loan A and B were repaid January 3, 2007 with the proceeds
of the borrowings described in Note 6 below. At the time of
repayment an adjustment to members equity of $179,879 was
recorded to reflect TCRs repayment of Term Loan A and B.
In connection with the repayment of its allocated portion of
Term Loan A, the Company borrowed $15,750 from Tropicana
Entertainment, LLC an affiliated entity on January 3, 2007.
The loan matures on January 3, 2009 and accrues interest at
the
thirty-day
LIBOR rate plus 2.5%. No principal payments are due until
maturity.
The Company is a co-guarantor under certain long-term debt
obligations of Tropicana Entertainment LLC (TE), an
affiliated entity. The Company and TE are affiliated through
common ownership. In December 2006, TE issued $960,000 of
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (the Notes)
and in January 2007, entered into a Senior Credit Facility
comprised of a $1,530,000 senior secured term loan
(Loan) and a $180,000 senior secured revolving
credit facility (Revolver), all of which are
guaranteed jointly and severally by certain subsidiaries of TE,
JMBS Casino LLC (JMBS), Columbia Properties
Vicksburg LLC (Vicksburg), and the Company
(collectively the Guarantor Entities). In the event
of non-performance by TE under the Notes
and/or Loan
agreement, the Guarantor Entities would be obligated to make
necessary payments of principal and interest then due, on behalf
of TE. The Companys potential obligation under this
agreement is ultimately limited to a pro-rata share of any total
payment due under the Notes and Loan agreements, based on the
ratio of its net assets to the total net assets of the Guarantor
Entities at that time. As of June 30, 2007, TE reported
$960,000 and $1,340,269 outstanding on the Notes and Loan
obligations, respectively.
F-79
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Member of
CP Laughlin Realty, LLC
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of CP Laughlin
Realty, LLC as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the
related statements of income, changes in members equity
(deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2006. These financial statements
are the responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of CP Laughlin Realty, LLC at December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the consolidated results of its operations and its cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 23, 2007
F-80
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
BALANCE
SHEETS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,784
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
Deferred rent, current portion
|
|
|
1,093
|
|
|
|
1,093
|
|
Amounts due from related party
|
|
|
425
|
|
|
|
2,125
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Assets
|
|
|
3,302
|
|
|
|
3,427
|
|
Property and
Equipment-Net
|
|
|
22,802
|
|
|
|
21,586
|
|
Deferred Rent, Net of Current Portion
|
|
|
1,913
|
|
|
|
820
|
|
Intangible
Assets-Net
|
|
|
383
|
|
|
|
333
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
28,400
|
|
|
$
|
26,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
3,871
|
|
|
$
|
2,000
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts due to related party
|
|
|
576
|
|
|
|
1,179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Current Liabilities
|
|
|
4,456
|
|
|
|
3,179
|
|
Long-Term Debt, Net of Current Portion
|
|
|
195,629
|
|
|
|
193,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
200,085
|
|
|
|
196,808
|
|
Members Deficit
|
|
|
(171,685
|
)
|
|
|
(170,642
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Deficit
|
|
$
|
28,400
|
|
|
$
|
26,166
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-81
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
STATEMENTS
OF INCOME
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rental income related party
|
|
$
|
4,007
|
|
|
$
|
4,007
|
|
|
$
|
4,007
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Guarantee fees related party
|
|
|
178
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
50
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
976
|
|
|
|
1,268
|
|
|
|
1,266
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
1,204
|
|
|
|
1,352
|
|
|
|
1,257
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from operations
|
|
|
2,803
|
|
|
|
2,655
|
|
|
|
2,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
731
|
|
|
|
5,437
|
|
|
|
14,950
|
|
Interest allocated to co-borrower
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,406
|
)
|
|
|
(13,772
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net interest expense
|
|
|
731
|
|
|
|
1,031
|
|
|
|
1,178
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
2,072
|
|
|
$
|
1,624
|
|
|
$
|
1,572
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-82
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
STATEMENTS
OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY (DEFICIT)
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
4,792
|
|
Net income for 2004
|
|
|
2,072
|
|
Contribution from member in 2004
|
|
|
3,926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
10,790
|
|
Net income for 2005
|
|
|
1,624
|
|
Distribution to member in 2005
|
|
|
(349
|
)
|
Net equity adjustment for debt under co-borrower arrangement
|
|
|
(183,750
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit, December 31, 2005
|
|
|
(171,685
|
)
|
Net income for 2006
|
|
|
1,572
|
|
Distribution to member in 2006
|
|
|
(4,400
|
)
|
Net equity adjustment for debt under co-borrower arrangement
|
|
|
3,871
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deficit, December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
(170,642
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-83
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
2,072
|
|
|
$
|
1,624
|
|
|
$
|
1,572
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,007
|
|
|
|
1,383
|
|
|
|
1,266
|
|
(Increase) decrease in deferred rent
|
|
|
(2,282
|
)
|
|
|
267
|
|
|
|
1,093
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(81
|
)
|
|
|
(101
|
)
|
|
|
(9
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
716
|
|
|
|
3,173
|
|
|
|
3,922
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment
|
|
|
(2,944
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(2,944
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on debt
|
|
|
(750
|
)
|
|
|
(17,250
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from (repayments to) related parties
|
|
|
(1,147
|
)
|
|
|
460
|
|
|
|
(1,097
|
)
|
Distribution to member
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(349
|
)
|
|
|
(4,400
|
)
|
Contributions by member
|
|
|
3,926
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
2,029
|
|
|
|
(1,389
|
)
|
|
|
(5,497
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(199
|
)
|
|
|
1,784
|
|
|
|
(1,575
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year
|
|
|
199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,784
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,784
|
|
|
$
|
209
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure Cash Paid for Interest
|
|
$
|
762
|
|
|
$
|
965
|
|
|
$
|
1,178
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-84
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
CP Laughlin Realty, LLC (Realty or the
Company) was formed on August 1, 2003 for the
purpose of acquiring and leasing to Columbia Properties
Laughlin, LLC (Laughlin) the non-gaming assets of
the 1,003-room River Palms Hotel and Casino in Laughlin,
Nevada (Hotel and Casino). Realty commenced
operations on September 9, 2003, when the Hotel and Casino
was acquired. Laughlin is an affiliate of Realty due to common
control of their respective parent entities. Laughlin operates
the Hotel and Casino and owns any gaming related equipment.
Realty is a wholly owned subsidiary of CSC Holdings, LLC, a
subsidiary of Columbia Sussex Corporation (CSC).
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires the use of managements estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures of contingent
liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from these estimates. Amounts are
presented in thousands of dollars unless indicated otherwise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company
considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three
months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Property and Equipment Property and equipment
are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property
and equipment are computed by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful
lives for property and equipment in service range from ten to
thirty-five years for building and building components and five
to ten years for equipment.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
property and equipment retired or sold are removed from the
accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Management reviews assets for impairment whenever events or
changes in circumstances indicate the carrying amounts of the
assets may not be recoverable. Recoverability is determined by
comparing the forecasted undiscounted cash flows of the
operation to which the assets relate, plus the assets
residual value to the carrying amount of the assets. If the
operation is determined to be unable to recover the carrying
amount of its assets, then the assets are written down to fair
value. Fair value is determined based on discounted cash flows.
Intangible Assets Intangible assets represent
assets other than goodwill or financial assets, which lack
physical substance. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, intangible
assets with a definite life are amortized over their useful
life. An intangible assets useful life is defined as the
period over which the asset is expected to contribute directly
or indirectly to future cash flows.
The Companys management determined the fair value of the
trade name at the time of acquisition was $500 based on
estimated future cash flows under the lease agreement with
Laughlin. This is the Companys only intangible asset.
Amortization of the intangible asset is computed on a
straight-line basis over ten years, the estimated useful life.
Management periodically assesses the amortization period of the
intangible asset based upon an estimate of future cash flows
from related operations. Amortization expense was $50 in 2004,
2005 and 2006.
F-85
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Trade name
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
|
$
|
500
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(117
|
)
|
|
|
(167
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
383
|
|
|
$
|
333
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys estimate of future amortization expense
related to the amortizable intangible asset is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
50
|
|
2008
|
|
|
50
|
|
2009
|
|
|
50
|
|
2010
|
|
|
50
|
|
2011
|
|
|
50
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
83
|
|
Revenue Recognition Rental income is
recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. See
Note 5 for additional information on the Companys
related party lease.
Income Taxes Realty is a pass through entity
for Federal and State income tax purposes. As a pass through
entity, the tax attributes pass through to its members, who then
owe any related income taxes. As a result, the accompanying
statements of income show no income tax expense or benefit. On
an aggregate basis, Realtys reported amounts of assets and
liabilities exceed the tax bases by approximately $4,996 and
$3,909 at December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair
value of current assets and liabilities approximates their
reported carrying amounts. The fair value of variable rate
long-term debt approximates its reported carrying amount, due to
variable rate nature of this debt.
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Buildings
|
|
$
|
15,264
|
|
|
$
|
15,264
|
|
Equipment
|
|
|
4,988
|
|
|
|
4,988
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
20,252
|
|
|
|
20,252
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(2,450
|
)
|
|
|
(3,666
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
17,802
|
|
|
|
16,586
|
|
Land
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
5,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
22,802
|
|
|
$
|
21,586
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was $926, $1,218 and 1,216 in 2004, 2005
and 2006, respectively.
F-86
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan A due 2010
|
|
$
|
99,750
|
|
|
$
|
96,879
|
|
Credit Facility, Term Loan B due 2011
|
|
|
99,750
|
|
|
|
98,750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
199,500
|
|
|
|
195,629
|
|
Less current portion of term loan
|
|
|
(3,871
|
)
|
|
|
(2,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total long-term debt
|
|
$
|
195,629
|
|
|
$
|
193,629
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
During 2005, the Company and certain other co-borrower
affiliated companies including Laughlin and Tropicana
Casino & Resorts (TCR) f.k.a. Wimar Tahoe
Corporation (WTC), a company controlled by the
managing member of the Company, borrowed a total of $200,000
under a Credit Facility which provided for a Term Loan A
borrowing of $100,000 for the purchase of two casinos owned by
TCR, retirement of existing debt, financing costs and other
corporate purposes, and a Term Loan B borrowing of $100,000 for
the purchase of another casino owned by TCR and financing costs.
The Companys allocated portion of Term Loan A is $15,750
which equaled the amount of its debt that was refinanced.
However, since the Company was a co-borrower under the Credit
Facility, the entire outstanding balance has been recorded as
long-term debt with an adjustment to members equity. Also,
the interest expense shown on the 2005 and 2006 statements
of income represents all interest expense related to the Credit
Facility with an allocation to TCR for the portion of interest
expense related to the Credit Facility outstanding balance not
allocated to the Company. The Credit Facility also provided for
a Revolving Loan of up to $50,000, none of which was drawn at
December 31, 2005 or 2006. Interest under the Term Loan A
is either based on the thirty day LIBOR rate or a base rate, at
the Companys option. The LIBOR rate option is based on the
thirty day LIBOR rate plus a spread of between 1.75% and 2.75%
depending on the Companys leverage ratio. The base rate
option is the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of
1% or the Bank of America prime rate, plus a spread
of between 0.5% and 1.5% depending on the Companys
leverage ratio. The Company elected the base rate option for the
December 2006 period, (9.0% at December 31, 2006), and the
LIBOR rate option for all prior periods. Interest under the Term
Loan B is either based on the thirty day LIBOR rate or a base
rate, at the Companys option. The LIBOR rate option is
based on the thirty day LIBOR rate plus 2.50%. The base rate
option is the higher of the Federal Funds Rate plus one half of
1% or the Bank of America prime rate, plus 2.5%. The
Company elected the base rate option for the December 2006
period, (10.75% at December 31, 2006), and the LIBOR rate
option for all prior periods. Both Term Loan A and B had
mandatory quarterly principal payments of $250 beginning
December 31, 2005. The Credit Facility provided for
additional mandatory principal payments of excess cash flow, as
defined in the agreement on March 31, 2006 and 2007. A
total of $1,871 of excess cash flow has been included in current
portion of long-term debt under this provision as of
December 31, 2005 and none as of December 31, 2006 as
the loan was paid off on January 3, 2007 (see Note 6).
The Credit Facility also restricted distributions to owners to
amounts needed to pay income taxes and additional amounts if the
Company exceeded a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio
requirement. The Credit Facility contained various covenants and
restrictions. As of December 31, 2006, the Company was in
compliance with these covenants. These covenants were measured
on a combined basis for the Company and TCR. Term Loan A and B
were repaid January 3, 2007. (see Note 6)
The Realty term loan and a $3,000 revolving credit facility
(none of the credit facility is outstanding as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006) were provided under the
same loan agreement with the same lender. The Realty term loan
was repaid in 2005 with proceeds of the Credit Facility,
described above. The Realty term
F-87
CP
LAUGHLIN REALTY, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
loan was cross collateralized by the property and equipment of
Laughlin and Realty and guaranteed by TCR. TCR and Columbia
Sussex Corporation (CSC) are under common control.
Realty made quarterly payments to TCR of 0.25% of the
outstanding balance of the Realty term loan at the beginning of
each quarter related to the guarantees provided by TCR. These
guarantee fees totaled $178 and $84 for the Company in 2004 and
2005. Realty owes TCR $576 and $1,179 as of December 31,
2005 and 2006, respectively, related to interest paid by TCR on
Realtys allocated debt.
|
|
5.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
Realty leases real estate and non-gaming furnishings and
equipment to Laughlin under a triple net lease arrangement
whereby Laughlin is responsible for all costs associated with
the property leased, including real estate and property taxes,
insurance, maintenance and utility costs. Realty is responsible
for any major repairs that exceed $50 individually or aggregate
related repairs totaling over $250 in any one year. Laughlin is
responsible for all other repairs, cosmetic renovations and
equipment replacements. The lease commenced on September 9,
2003 and ends on December 31, 2008. Rent for the period
from September 9, 2003 to November 30, 2003 was equal
to the interest cost incurred by Realty on its debt. Rent
commencing December 1, 2003 of $125 per month was due
through November 2004; from December 2004 to November
2005 monthly rent was $350, and thereafter monthly rent is
$425. Accounting principles generally accepted in the United
States of America require that rental income be recognized on a
straight-line basis over the entire term of the lease,
therefore, the monthly income for rent under the lease is $334.
The Company has recorded $3,006 and $1,913 as deferred rent at
December 31, 2005 and 2006. This represents rent payments
to be received in the future in excess of the rental income to
be recognized. Amounts in excess of rental income to be
recognized within one year are recorded as a current asset. As
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, Laughlin owes Realty $425
and $2,125 respectively, for unpaid rent.
|
|
6.
|
SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCING
|
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of the Company closed on the
acquisition of Aztar Corporation (Aztar). In connection with
this acquisition, TCR through its indirect wholly owned
subsidiary, Tropicana Entertainment, LLC (TE) entered into a
Senior Credit Facility comprised of a $1.53 billion senior
secured term loan and a $180.0 million senior secured
revolving credit facility, (the Loan). Proceeds of
the Loan were used to payoff amounts outstanding under the
Companys Credit Facility described in Note 4.
Interest on the Loan is at either a LIBOR Rate Option or an
Alternative Rate Option, at TEs option. The Loan matures
in January of 2012 and quarterly principal payment of
$3.825 million commence on March 31, 2007. The Loan is
secured by guarantees of TEs direct subsidiaries, certain
affiliated companies and the Company, and security interests in
all of TEs and the guarantors tangible and
intangible assets, including a pledge of all equity interests in
TE and the guarantors (including the Company).
F-88
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC.
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
June 30, 2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
3,705
|
|
|
$
|
3,990
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
58
|
|
Amount due from related parties
|
|
|
152
|
|
|
|
181
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
490
|
|
|
|
361
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
4,386
|
|
|
|
4,590
|
|
Property and equipment net
|
|
|
30,289
|
|
|
|
29,052
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
590
|
|
|
|
590
|
|
Intangible assets net
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
927
|
|
Loans to Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,000
|
|
Other assets net
|
|
|
129
|
|
|
|
130
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
$
|
36,540
|
|
|
$
|
38,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
1,058
|
|
|
$
|
1,126
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
3,243
|
|
|
|
3,252
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
857
|
|
|
|
796
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
5,158
|
|
|
|
5,174
|
|
Long-term portion of lease liability
|
|
|
2,406
|
|
|
|
2,330
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
7,564
|
|
|
|
7,504
|
|
Members Equity
|
|
|
28,976
|
|
|
|
30,785
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
36,540
|
|
|
$
|
38,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-89
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
8,315
|
|
|
$
|
6,665
|
|
|
$
|
18,006
|
|
|
$
|
14,898
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
|
406
|
|
|
|
1,068
|
|
|
|
751
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
1,174
|
|
|
|
815
|
|
|
|
2,419
|
|
|
|
1,655
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
329
|
|
|
|
124
|
|
|
|
511
|
|
|
|
238
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
10,348
|
|
|
|
8,010
|
|
|
|
22,004
|
|
|
|
17,542
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(1,618
|
)
|
|
|
(932
|
)
|
|
|
(3,232
|
)
|
|
|
(1,953
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
8,730
|
|
|
|
7,078
|
|
|
|
18,772
|
|
|
|
15,589
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
2,491
|
|
|
|
1,225
|
|
|
|
3,648
|
|
|
|
2,326
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
422
|
|
|
|
483
|
|
|
|
722
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
985
|
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
|
2,116
|
|
|
|
1,580
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
82
|
|
|
|
24
|
|
|
|
93
|
|
|
|
31
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
305
|
|
|
|
227
|
|
|
|
676
|
|
|
|
465
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
1,081
|
|
|
|
604
|
|
|
|
1,915
|
|
|
|
1,131
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
51
|
|
|
|
493
|
|
|
|
207
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
176
|
|
|
|
240
|
|
|
|
262
|
|
|
|
436
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
175
|
|
|
|
175
|
|
|
|
350
|
|
|
|
351
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
1,005
|
|
|
|
826
|
|
|
|
2,204
|
|
|
|
1,836
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
528
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
|
|
1,564
|
|
|
|
2,250
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
283
|
|
|
|
342
|
|
|
|
566
|
|
|
|
652
|
|
Loss on disposition of assets
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
760
|
|
|
|
837
|
|
|
|
1,522
|
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
8,298
|
|
|
|
7,015
|
|
|
|
15,910
|
|
|
|
13,780
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
432
|
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
2,862
|
|
|
|
1,809
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(485
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,007
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
(53
|
)
|
|
$
|
63
|
|
|
$
|
1,855
|
|
|
$
|
1,809
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-90
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
1,855
|
|
|
$
|
1,809
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,535
|
|
|
|
1,764
|
|
Decrease in lease liability
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
|
76
|
|
Loss from disposition of assets
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
(476
|
)
|
|
|
128
|
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(880
|
)
|
|
|
(74
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
2,137
|
|
|
|
3,713
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions of property and equipment
|
|
|
(800
|
)
|
|
|
(337
|
)
|
Proceeds from disposition of equipment
|
|
|
250
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(550
|
)
|
|
|
(337
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(1,429
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from (to) related parties
|
|
|
977
|
|
|
|
(91
|
)
|
Loans to Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
Contribution by members
|
|
|
150
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(302
|
)
|
|
|
(3,091
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
1,285
|
|
|
|
285
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
5,072
|
|
|
|
3,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
|
$
|
6,357
|
|
|
$
|
3,990
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-91
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to Condensed Financial Statements
Quarter
and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
(Unaudited)
Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC (the Company) was
formed on January 23, 2003 for the purpose of acquiring a
riverboat gaming operation in Vicksburg, Mississippi operating
as Horizon Casino Hotel Vicksburg (the Casino)
(f.k.a. Harrahs Vicksburg Hotel and Casino). The Casino
operation includes a 117-room hotel. The Company is a
co-guarantor under certain financing obligations of an
affiliated company. (see Note 7)
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP) requires the use of managements
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of
contingent liabilities in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Amounts are presented in thousands of dollars unless
indicated otherwise.
Interim Unaudited Information The
accompanying interim financial statements as of June 30,
2007, and for the three month and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and related disclosures in the
accompanying notes have not been audited. Certain information
and footnote disclosures required for annual financial
statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules
and regulations and therefore do not include all information and
notes necessary for the presentation of financial position,
results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included to
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of June 30, 2007 and the results of its
operations for the three month and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and its cash flows for the six
months ended June 30, 2006 and 2007. Operating results for
the three month and six month periods ended June 30, 2007
should be read in conjunction with the audited financial
statements and the notes for the year ended December 31,
2006.
Income Taxes The Company is a pass through
entity for Federal and State income tax purposes. As a pass
through entity the tax attributes of the Company will pass
through to its owners, who will then owe any related income
taxes. As a result, the accompanying statements of income show
no income tax expense.
|
|
|
Recently
Issued Accounting and Reporting Standards
|
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157
(SFAS No. 157) In September
2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements, which defines fair value in GAAP
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
Statement will be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the
effect, if any, SFAS No. 157 will have on its
financial statements.
F-92
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial Statements (Continued)
Quarter
and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
$
|
2,309
|
|
|
$
|
2,309
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
22,939
|
|
|
|
22,993
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
|
10,425
|
|
|
|
10,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
35,673
|
|
|
|
35,958
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
(9,532
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
27,663
|
|
|
|
26,426
|
|
Land
|
|
|
2,626
|
|
|
|
2,626
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
30,289
|
|
|
$
|
29,052
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
GOODWILL
AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
In connection with the acquisition of the Casino in October of
2003, the Company acquired $2,533 of identified intangible
assets and recorded $590 of goodwill. The estimates of fair
value used in the purchase price allocation were determined by
the Companys management based on information furnished by
an independent appraiser. Amortization is computed on a
straight-line basis for intangible assets with definite lives
over an estimated useful life of 5 to 35 years.
Amortization expense was $206 and $219 for the six months ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007, respectively.
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
590
|
|
|
$
|
590
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Player lists (5 year useful life)
|
|
$
|
1,795
|
|
|
$
|
1,795
|
|
Other amortizing intangibles (5 to 35 year useful life)
|
|
|
738
|
|
|
|
738
|
|
Less accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(1,387
|
)
|
|
|
(1,606
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets, net
|
|
$
|
1,146
|
|
|
$
|
927
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys estimate of future amortization expense
related to the amortizable intangible assets is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007 (six months)
|
|
$
|
218
|
|
2008
|
|
|
368
|
|
2009
|
|
|
20
|
|
2010
|
|
|
20
|
|
2011
|
|
|
20
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
281
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
927
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-93
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial Statements (Continued)
Quarter
and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
The Company elected to pay off its outstanding long-term debt in
its entirety on December 7, 2006. As of December 31,
2006 and June 30, 2007, the Company had no long-term debt
outstanding.
The Company assumed an agreement with the City of Vicksburg
(the City) that permitted the development of the
Companys hotel and casino and provided for ongoing
payments to the City. The agreement expires in 2033 and provides
that certain parcels of land, primarily parking, casino dockage
and casino entry parcels revert back to the City upon
termination of the agreement. Monthly amounts owed to the City
include a fixed annual payment, subject to adjustment for
changes in the consumer price index, and a percentage amount on
net revenue, as defined in the agreement (primarily gaming and
food and beverage revenues). The Companys performance
under this agreement is guaranteed by Columbia Sussex
Corporation, a company controlled by the Companys managing
member (CSC). The Company also has various
short-term operating equipment leases.
The lease liability reflected in the accompanying balance sheets
represents the amount needed to adjust the future lease payments
to current market rents, based on appraisal at the date of
purchase, and is being amortized over the remaining term of the
lease agreement with the City of Vicksburg (thirty years) on a
straight-line basis.
The Company is a co-guarantor under certain long-term debt
obligations of Tropicana Entertainment LLC (TE), an
affiliated entity. The Company and TE are affiliated through
common ownership. In December 2006, TE issued $960,000 of
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (the Notes)
and in January 2007 entered into a Senior Credit Facility
comprised of a $1,530,000 senior secured term loan
(Loan) and a $180,000 senior secured revolving
credit facility (Revolver), all of which are
guaranteed jointly and severally by certain subsidiaries of TE,
JMBS Casino LLC (JMBS), CP Laughlin Realty LLC
(Realty), and the Company (collectively the
Guarantor Entities). In the event of non-performance
by TE under the Notes
and/or Loan
agreement, the Guarantor Entities would be obligated to make
necessary payments of principal and interest then due, on behalf
of TE. The Companys potential obligation under this
agreement is ultimately limited to a pro-rata share of any total
payment due under the Notes and Loan agreements, based on the
ratio of its net assets to the total net assets of the Guarantor
Entities at that time. As of June 30, 2007, TE reported
$960,000 and $1,340,269 outstanding on the Notes and Loan
obligations, respectively. The Company loaned $3,000 to TE on
June 27, 2007. The loan earns interest at the fixed rate of
12% and is due January 1, 2015.
F-94
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting
Firm
To the Members of
Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of Columbia
Properties Vicksburg, LLC as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the related statements of operations, changes in
members equity, and cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2006. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC at December 31, 2006
and 2005, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006, in conformity with U.S. generally
accepted accounting principles.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 23, 2007
F-95
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
BALANCE
SHEETS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
5,072
|
|
|
$
|
3,705
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
39
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
58
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
Deposits
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
152
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
435
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
5,594
|
|
|
|
4,512
|
|
Property and Equipment Net
|
|
|
32,441
|
|
|
|
30,289
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
590
|
|
|
|
590
|
|
Intangible Assets Net
|
|
|
1,556
|
|
|
|
1,146
|
|
Other Assets Net
|
|
|
85
|
|
|
|
3
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
40,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND MEMBERS EQUITY
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
2,857
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Account payable
|
|
|
1,720
|
|
|
|
1,058
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
3,254
|
|
|
|
3,243
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
128
|
|
|
|
857
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
7,959
|
|
|
|
5,158
|
|
Long-Term Portion of Lease Liability
|
|
|
2,719
|
|
|
|
2,406
|
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
14,286
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities
|
|
|
24,964
|
|
|
|
7,564
|
|
Members Equity
|
|
|
15,302
|
|
|
|
28,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
40,266
|
|
|
$
|
36,540
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-96
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
24,093
|
|
|
$
|
31,364
|
|
|
$
|
32,427
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
1,751
|
|
|
|
1,738
|
|
|
|
1,921
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
3,272
|
|
|
|
4,088
|
|
|
|
4,423
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
385
|
|
|
|
559
|
|
|
|
731
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
29,501
|
|
|
|
37,749
|
|
|
|
39,502
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(3,968
|
)
|
|
|
(4,978
|
)
|
|
|
(5,903
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
25,533
|
|
|
|
32,771
|
|
|
|
33,599
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
6,703
|
|
|
|
6,948
|
|
|
|
7,201
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
1,085
|
|
|
|
974
|
|
|
|
981
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
3,007
|
|
|
|
3,660
|
|
|
|
4,048
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
76
|
|
|
|
116
|
|
|
|
133
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
940
|
|
|
|
1,010
|
|
|
|
1,202
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
2,199
|
|
|
|
3,090
|
|
|
|
3,167
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
1,121
|
|
|
|
1,195
|
|
|
|
1,347
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
332
|
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
|
733
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
704
|
|
|
|
504
|
|
|
|
596
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
3,163
|
|
|
|
3,994
|
|
|
|
4,040
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
2,489
|
|
|
|
2,606
|
|
|
|
3,075
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
745
|
|
|
|
1,011
|
|
|
|
748
|
|
Write off of fixed and other assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,724
|
|
|
|
3,033
|
|
|
|
3,413
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
25,288
|
|
|
|
28,493
|
|
|
|
30,957
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
245
|
|
|
|
4,278
|
|
|
|
2,642
|
|
Interest Expense
|
|
|
(877
|
)
|
|
|
(1,168
|
)
|
|
|
(1,118
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income (Loss)
|
|
$
|
(632
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-97
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
14,274
|
|
Net loss for 2004
|
|
|
(632
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
13,642
|
|
Distributions to members in 2005
|
|
|
(1,450
|
)
|
Net income for 2005
|
|
|
3,110
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005
|
|
|
15,302
|
|
Distributions to members in 2006
|
|
|
(350
|
)
|
Contributions by members in 2006
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
Net income for 2006
|
|
|
1,524
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
28,976
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-98
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income (loss)
|
|
$
|
(632
|
)
|
|
$
|
3,110
|
|
|
$
|
1,524
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,753
|
|
|
|
3,061
|
|
|
|
3,441
|
|
Loss on disposal and write off of assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
273
|
|
Decrease in lease liability
|
|
|
(101
|
)
|
|
|
(101
|
)
|
|
|
(314
|
)
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(26
|
)
|
|
|
(5
|
)
|
|
|
14
|
|
Inventories, deposits, prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
(80
|
)
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
(187
|
)
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
448
|
|
|
|
2,044
|
|
|
|
(673
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
2,362
|
|
|
|
8,068
|
|
|
|
4,078
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(2,826
|
)
|
|
|
(3,368
|
)
|
|
|
(1,176
|
)
|
Proceeds from sale of equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
94
|
|
Other
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(2,809
|
)
|
|
|
(3,368
|
)
|
|
|
(1,069
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from (repayments to) related parties
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
(256
|
)
|
|
|
617
|
|
Repayments of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,857
|
)
|
|
|
(17,143
|
)
|
Distributions to members
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,450
|
)
|
|
|
(350
|
)
|
Contributions by members
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
(4,563
|
)
|
|
|
(4,376
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
(416
|
)
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
(1,367
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
5,351
|
|
|
|
4,935
|
|
|
|
5,072
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
|
$
|
4,935
|
|
|
$
|
5,072
|
|
|
$
|
3,705
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure-Cash Paid for Interest
|
|
$
|
830
|
|
|
$
|
1,095
|
|
|
$
|
1,294
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-99
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to Financial Statements
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
Columbia Properties Vicksburg, LLC (the Company) was
formed on January 23, 2003 for the purpose of acquiring a
riverboat gaming operation in Vicksburg, Mississippi operating
as Horizon Casino Hotel Vicksburg (the Casino)
(f.k.a. Harrahs Vicksburg Hotel and Casino). The Casino
operation includes a 117-room hotel.
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities,
revenues and expenses and disclosure of contingent assets and
liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from those estimates. Amounts are
presented in thousands of dollars unless indicated otherwise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable Accounts receivables,
including casino and hotel receivables, are typically
non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost.
Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be
uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are
recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful
accounts is maintained, if necessary, to reduce the
Companys receivables to their carrying amount, which
approximates fair value. The allowance, if any, is estimated
based on specific review of customer accounts as well as
historical collection experience and current economic and
business conditions.
Inventories Inventories consisting
principally of food, beverage and operating supplies are stated
at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the
first-in,
first-out method.
Property and Equipment Property and equipment
are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property
and equipment are computed by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful
lives for property and equipment in service are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
|
10 years
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
15-45 years
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
|
5-10 years
|
|
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the term
of the lease or the life of the asset.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
property and equipment retired or sold are removed from the
accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Management reviews casino and hotel assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying amounts of the assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted
undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets
relate, plus the assets residual value to the carrying
amount of the assets. If the operation is determined to be
unable to recover the carrying amount of its assets, then the
hotel and casino assets are written down to fair value. Fair
value is determined based on discounted cash flows. As of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, management did not believe any
assets were impaired.
F-100
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Unamortized
debt issuance costs, which are included in other assets, related
to the Companys debt obligations and were amortized over
the life of the related debt. Amortization expense of $29, $28
and $28 for the years ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and
2006, respectively, is included in interest expense in the
accompanying statements of operations. The Company paid off the
related debt obligation in 2006 and wrote off the remaining
unamortized balance of debt issuance costs of $51.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill
represents the excess of purchase price over net assets
acquired. In accordance with SFAS No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is
not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the asset might be impaired.
Intangible assets represent assets, other than goodwill or
financial assets, which lack physical substance. In accordance
with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets, an intangible asset with a definite life should be
amortized over its useful life. An intangible assets
useful life is defined as the period over which the asset is
expected to contribute directly or indirectly to future cash
flows.
When testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment, the Company uses the income approach,
which includes an analysis of the market, cash flows and risks
associated with achieving such cash flows. The income approach
focuses on the income producing capability of the existing
hotel/casino and best represents the present value of the future
economic benefits expected to be derived. Significant
assumptions used in the impairment test included EBITDA
projections, working capital requirements and the discount rate.
In connection with the acquisition of the Casino in October of
2003, the Company acquired $2,533 of identified intangible
assets and recorded $590 of goodwill. The estimates of fair
value used in the purchase price allocation were determined by
the Companys management based on information furnished by
an independent valuation of the purchased intangibles.
Amortization is computed on a straight-line basis for intangible
assets with definite lives over an estimated useful life of 5 to
35 years. Amortization expense was $497 in 2004, $397 in
2005 and $410 in 2006.
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
590
|
|
|
$
|
590
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Player lists (5 year useful life)
|
|
|
1,795
|
|
|
|
1,795
|
|
Other amortizing intangibles (5 to 35 year useful life)
|
|
|
738
|
|
|
|
738
|
|
Less accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(977
|
)
|
|
|
(1,387
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets, net
|
|
$
|
1,556
|
|
|
$
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-101
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
The Companys estimate of future annual amortization
expense related to the amortizable intangible assets is as
follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
|
Expense
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
438
|
|
2008
|
|
|
368
|
|
2009
|
|
|
20
|
|
2010
|
|
|
20
|
|
2011
|
|
|
20
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,146
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino and Other Revenue and Promotional
Allowances The Company recognizes as casino
revenues the net win from gaming activities, which is the
difference between gaming wins and losses. Rooms, food and
beverage and other casino and hotel revenues are recognized as
earned, which is at the time the goods or services are provided.
The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other
services provided to customers without charge are included in
operating revenue and then charged to promotional allowances.
Promotional allowances also include cash back awards
(cash coupons, rebates or refunds) which totaled $311, $276 and
$198 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Customer Loyalty Program The Company provides
certain customer loyalty programs at its casino, which reward
customers for gaming play. Under the programs customers are able
to accumulate points which may be redeemed in the future,
subject to certain limitations and the terms of the individual
casino programs, for cash, goods and services. For points that
may be redeemed for cash, the Company accrues this cost, after
consideration of estimated redemption rates, as they are earned.
The cost is recorded as promotional allowances. For points that
may be redeemed for goods or services, the Company estimates the
cost and accrues for this expense as the points are earned from
gaming play and are recorded as casino expense. The estimated
cost is based on estimates and assumptions regarding marginal
costs of the goods and services, redemption rates and the mix of
goods and services for which the points will be redeemed.
Advertising Costs for advertising are
expensed as incurred.
Self Insurance Effective November 1,
2004, the Company is self insured for general liability and
workers compensation claims up to $1,000 per occurrence. The
Company has recorded a liability for estimated claims within
this retention level of $430 and $755 at December 31, 2005
and 2006, respectively.
Concentration of Credit Risk Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and
cash equivalent accounts in financial institutions. The Company
maintains its cash balances in one financial institution.
Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation up to $100. Cash and cash equivalents exceeding
federally insured limits totaled approximately $1.7 million
and $1.2 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair
value of current assets and liabilities approximates their
reported carrying amounts. The fair value of variable rate
long-term debt approximates its reported carrying amount, due to
variable rate nature of this debt.
Retirement Plan The Company adopted a defined
contribution pension plan sponsored by Columbia Sussex
Corporation (CSC), a company controlled by the
Companys managing member and sole voting member, which
operates under the provisions of Internal Revenue Code
Section 401(k). The plan is available to all employees who
meet certain eligibility requirements. The Companys
contributions are to
F-102
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
salaried employees based on the level of employee contributions
and are funded annually. The Companys contribution
amounted to $5, $7 and $8 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Income Taxes The Company is a pass through
entity for Federal and State income tax purposes. As a pass
through entity, the tax attributes of the Company will pass
through to its members, who will then owe any related income
taxes. As a result, the accompanying statements of operations
show no income tax expense or benefit. On an aggregate basis the
Companys reported amounts of assets and liabilities
exceeded the tax basis by approximately $3,565 and $3,151 at
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
$
|
2,286
|
|
|
$
|
2,309
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
22,733
|
|
|
|
22,939
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
|
9,933
|
|
|
|
10,425
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
34,952
|
|
|
|
35,673
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(5,137
|
)
|
|
|
(8,010
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
29,815
|
|
|
|
27,663
|
|
Land
|
|
|
2,626
|
|
|
|
2,626
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
32,441
|
|
|
$
|
30,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was $2,225, $2,633 and $3,001 in 2004, 2005
and 2006, respectively.
|
|
4.
|
ACCRUED
EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
$
|
858
|
|
|
$
|
669
|
|
Insurance reserves
|
|
|
430
|
|
|
|
755
|
|
Gaming related accruals
|
|
|
951
|
|
|
|
1,023
|
|
Real estate taxes
|
|
|
596
|
|
|
|
596
|
|
Accrued lease liability
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
152
|
|
Accrued interest
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other accruals
|
|
|
114
|
|
|
|
48
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,254
|
|
|
$
|
3,243
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-103
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
First mortgage note, due October 27, 2008, variable
interest rate (6.99% at December 31, 2005)
|
|
$
|
17,143
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(2,857
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion
|
|
$
|
14,286
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Under the terms of the Loan, quarterly principal payments of
$714 were due until the Loan maturity on October 27, 2008,
however, the Company elected to pay off the loan in its entirety
on December 7, 2006.
The interest rate was either based on LIBOR or a base rate, at
the Companys option. The LIBOR rate option could be based
on the one, two or three month LIBOR rate plus 1.75% to 2.75%,
based on the ratio of funded debt to EBITDA, as defined in the
agreement. The base rate option was based on the higher of the
prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus one half of one
percent, plus an additional 0.0% to 0.5%, based on the ratio of
funded debt to EBITDA, as defined in the agreement. The interest
rate was determined on a quarterly basis.
The Loan was collateralized by all of the tangible assets of the
Company and a guaranty provided by CSC. The Loan agreement
required compliance with financial and other covenants. The
Company was in compliance with these covenants as of
December 31, 2005.
The Company made quarterly payments to CSC of 0.25% of the
outstanding balance of the Loan at the beginning of each quarter
related to the guarantee provided. These guarantee fee payments,
which are included in Administrative and general in
the accompanying statements of operations, totaled $200, $190
and $161 in 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Also, in connection with the debt payoff, the balance of prepaid
loan costs were written off in the amount of $51 in 2006.
|
|
6.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
In addition to guaranteeing the Loan described in Note 5
above and guaranteeing the Companys performance under the
lease with the City of Vicksburg (City) (see
Note 7), CSC provides various administrative and accounting
services to the Company under an administrative services
agreement. CSC charged the Company $120 for these management
services in 2004, 2005 and 2006. The Company owes CSC $113 and
$372 as of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
The Company licenses the use of the name Horizon
from Tropicana Casino & Resorts (TCR)
f.k.a. Wimar Tahoe Corporation (WTC), a company
controlled by the managing member of the Company. The trademark
license agreement is for ten years and provides for an annual
fee of $12. The Company owes TCR $15 and $162 as of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
A portion of the Companys insurance for general liability,
workers compensation and property insurance claims was insured
through a captive insurance company controlled by the managing
member of the Company through October 31, 2004. Such
premiums were actuarially determined based on the Companys
historical experience of paid claims. The Company expensed
premiums to this captive insurance company during 2004 of $185.
F-104
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
During 2006, the Company transferred gaming equipment with a net
book value of $94 to a subsidiary of TCR and received gaming
equipment with a net book value of $375 from another subsidiary
of TCR. The Company owes this subsidiary of TCR $317 as of
December 31, 2006.
The following table summarizes related party transactions
included in the accompanying statement of operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Insurance
|
|
$
|
185
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
$
|
332
|
|
|
$
|
322
|
|
|
$
|
293
|
|
The Company assumed an agreement with the City that permitted
the development of the Companys hotel and casino and
provided for ongoing payments to the City. The agreement expires
in 2033 and provides that certain parcels of land, primarily
parking, casino dockage and casino entry parcels, revert back to
the City upon termination of the agreement. Monthly amounts owed
to the City include a fixed annual payment of $576, subject to
adjustment for changes in the consumer price index, and a
percentage amount of 1.5% on net revenue, as defined in the
agreement (primarily gaming and food and beverage revenues). The
Companys performance under this agreement is guaranteed by
CSC. The Company also has various short-term operating equipment
leases.
The lease liability reflected in the accompanying balance sheets
represents the amount needed to adjust the future lease payments
to current market rents, based on appraisal at the date of
purchase, and is being amortized over the remaining term of the
lease agreement with the City of Vicksburg (twenty years) on a
straight-line basis.
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases
that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in
excess of one year as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
576
|
|
2008
|
|
|
576
|
|
2009
|
|
|
576
|
|
2010
|
|
|
576
|
|
2011
|
|
|
576
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
12,669
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total minimum operating lease payments
|
|
$
|
15,549
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lease expense charged to operations amounted to $745, $1,011 and
$748 for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
F-105
COLUMBIA
PROPERTIES VICKSBURG, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
|
|
8.
|
SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCING
|
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of the Company closed on the
acquisition of Aztar Corporation (Aztar). In connection with
this acquisition, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (TCR) through
its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Tropicana Entertainment,
LLC (TE) entered into a Senior Credit Facility comprised of a
$1.53 billion senior secured term loan and a
$180.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility.
Interest on the Loan is at either a LIBOR Rate Option or an
Alternative Rate Option, at TEs option. The Loan matures
in January of 2012 and quarterly principal payment of
$3.825 million commence on March 31, 2007. The Loan is
secured by guarantees of TEs direct subsidiaries, certain
affiliated companies and the Company, and security interests in
all of TEs and the guarantors tangible and
intangible assets, including a pledge of all equity interests in
TE and the guarantors (including the Company).
F-106
CONDENSED
BALANCE SHEETS
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
4,031
|
|
|
$
|
4,227
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
Amount due from related parties
|
|
|
133
|
|
|
|
140
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
509
|
|
|
|
385
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
4,702
|
|
|
|
4,781
|
|
Property and equipment net
|
|
|
15,899
|
|
|
|
15,364
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
16,732
|
|
|
|
16,732
|
|
Intangible assets net
|
|
|
120
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
Other assets net
|
|
|
359
|
|
|
|
359
|
|
Loan to Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,000
|
|
Assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
37,912
|
|
|
$
|
41,256
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
$
|
686
|
|
|
$
|
193
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
1,585
|
|
|
|
1,192
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
109
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
2,355
|
|
|
|
1,494
|
|
Members equity
|
|
|
35,557
|
|
|
|
39,762
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members equity
|
|
$
|
37,912
|
|
|
$
|
41,256
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-107
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Three Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
7,246
|
|
|
$
|
7,012
|
|
|
$
|
16,235
|
|
|
$
|
15,662
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
101
|
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
|
173
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
122
|
|
|
|
398
|
|
|
|
283
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
72
|
|
|
|
90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
7,569
|
|
|
|
7,312
|
|
|
|
16,878
|
|
|
|
16,207
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(1,199
|
)
|
|
|
(845
|
)
|
|
|
(2,484
|
)
|
|
|
(1,742
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
6,370
|
|
|
|
6,467
|
|
|
|
14,394
|
|
|
|
14,465
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
1,076
|
|
|
|
1,190
|
|
|
|
2,025
|
|
|
|
2,396
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
63
|
|
|
|
98
|
|
|
|
112
|
|
|
|
195
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
167
|
|
|
|
158
|
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
|
331
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
166
|
|
|
|
126
|
|
|
|
383
|
|
|
|
255
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotions
|
|
|
132
|
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
280
|
|
|
|
234
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
67
|
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
135
|
|
|
|
172
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
232
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
321
|
|
|
|
438
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
287
|
|
|
|
287
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
711
|
|
|
|
734
|
|
|
|
1,839
|
|
|
|
1,804
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
806
|
|
|
|
830
|
|
|
|
1,522
|
|
|
|
1,466
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
253
|
|
|
|
233
|
|
|
|
473
|
|
|
|
447
|
|
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
117
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
680
|
|
|
|
463
|
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
1,117
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
4,457
|
|
|
|
4,392
|
|
|
|
9,084
|
|
|
|
9,266
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
1,913
|
|
|
|
2,075
|
|
|
|
5,310
|
|
|
|
5,199
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Income (Expense):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
55
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(122
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(235
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other income (expense)
|
|
|
(88
|
)
|
|
|
29
|
|
|
|
(178
|
)
|
|
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
1,825
|
|
|
$
|
2,104
|
|
|
$
|
5,132
|
|
|
$
|
5,254
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-108
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
CONDENSED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For the Six Months Ended June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
5,132
|
|
|
$
|
5,254
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
1,409
|
|
|
|
1,117
|
|
Loss (gain) on disposition of assets
|
|
|
(40
|
)
|
|
|
117
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
(107
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
(1,109
|
)
|
|
|
124
|
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
(250
|
)
|
|
|
(886
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
5,035
|
|
|
|
5,726
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Additions of property and equipment
|
|
|
(2
|
)
|
|
|
(599
|
)
|
Proceeds from disposition of equipment
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of assets of discontinued operations
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
|
|
38
|
|
|
|
(499
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(1,913
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from related parties
|
|
|
917
|
|
|
|
18
|
|
Loan to Tropicana Entertainment, LLC, an affiliate
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(4,000
|
)
|
Distributions to members
|
|
|
(4,725
|
)
|
|
|
(1,049
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(5,721
|
)
|
|
|
(5,031
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
(648
|
)
|
|
|
196
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
|
5,435
|
|
|
|
4,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
|
|
$
|
4,787
|
|
|
$
|
4,227
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-109
Notes to
Condensed Financial Statements
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
(Unaudited)
JMBS Casino, LLC (the Company) was formed on
January 23, 2002 for the purpose of acquiring a riverboat
gaming operation in Greenville, Mississippi operating as Bayou
Caddys Jubilee Casino (the Casino). The
Company also owns and operates the Greenville Inn and Suites and
owned and operated the Key West Inn (the Hotel)
until April 10, 2007 when it was sold. On May 1, 2004,
the Company closed the Key West Inn and it was sold on
April 10, 2007. The estimated fair value of the hotel is
recorded as assets of discontinued operations at
December 31, 2006 in the accompanying balance sheets. The
Company is a co-guarantor under certain financing obligations of
an affiliated company.
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America (GAAP) requires the use of managements
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosure of
contingent liabilities in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from these
estimates. Amounts are presented in thousands of dollars unless
indicated otherwise.
Interim Unaudited Information The
accompanying interim financial statements as of June 30,
2007, and for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and related disclosures in the
accompanying notes have not been audited. Certain information
and footnote disclosures required for annual financial
statements have been condensed or excluded pursuant to SEC rules
and regulations and therefore do not include all information and
notes necessary for the presentation of financial position,
results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP.
However, in the opinion of management, all adjustments
(consisting of normal recurring accruals) have been included to
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of the Company as of June 30, 2007 and the results of its
operations for the three and six month periods ended
June 30, 2006 and 2007 and cash flows for the six months
ended June 30, 2006 and 2007. Operating results for the
three and six month periods ended June 30, 2007 should be
read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and
notes for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Income Taxes The Company is a pass through
entity for federal and state income tax purposes. As a pass
through entity, the tax attributes of the Company will pass
through to its members, who will then owe any related income
taxes. As a result, the accompanying statement of income shows
no income tax expense or benefit.
Recently
Issued Accounting and Reporting Standards
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157
(SFAS No. 157) In September
2006, the FASB issued SFAS No. 157, Fair
Value Measurements, which defines fair value in GAAP
and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. This
Statement will be effective for the Company beginning
January 1, 2008. The Company has not yet determined the
effect, if any, SFAS No. 157 will have on its
financial statements.
F-110
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
$
|
15,007
|
|
|
$
|
15,013
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
2,753
|
|
|
|
2,853
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
|
7,847
|
|
|
|
7,892
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
25,607
|
|
|
|
25,758
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(10,148
|
)
|
|
|
(10,834
|
)
|
Land
|
|
|
440
|
|
|
|
440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
15,899
|
|
|
$
|
15,364
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4.
|
GOODWILL
AND INTANGIBLE ASSETS
|
In connection with the acquisition of the Casino and the Hotels,
the Company acquired $3,020 of identified intangible assets and
recorded $16,732 of goodwill. The estimates of fair value used
in the purchase price allocation were determined by the
Companys management based on information furnished by an
independent appraiser. Amortization is computed on a
straight-line basis for intangible assets with definite lives
over an estimated useful life of five years. Amortization
expense was $300 for six months ended June 30, 2006 and
$100 for the six months ended June 30, 2007.
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Audited
|
|
|
Unaudited
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
June 30,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2007
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-compete agreement (five year useful life)
|
|
$
|
3,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,000
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(2,900
|
)
|
|
|
(3,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amortizing intangible assets
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-amortizing
intangible assets-trademark and other
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets, net
|
|
$
|
120
|
|
|
$
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company elected to pay off its outstanding long-term debt in
its entirety on December 7, 2006. As of December 31,
2006 and June 30, 2007, the Company had no long-term debt
outstanding.
F-111
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Condensed Financial
Statements (Continued)
Quarter and Six Months Ended June 30, 2007
|
|
6.
|
RELATED
PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
The Company shares the cost of operating shuttle buses that
services the Companys casino, another casino and various
food and beverage establishments in downtown Greenville with
Greenville Riverboat, LLC (GR), which is a
subsidiary of Tropicana Entertainment Inc. (TE). GR
owns the other casino. GR owed the Company $113 and $65 at
December 31, 2006 and June 30, 2007 respectively.
The Company is a co-guarantor under certain long-term debt
obligations of Tropicana Entertainment LLC (TE), an
affiliated entity. The Company and TE are affiliated through
common ownership. In December 2006, TE issued $960,000 of
9.625% Senior Subordinated Notes (the Notes) in
January 2007 and entered into a Senior Credit Facility comprised
of a $1,530,000 senior secured term loan (Loan) and
a $180,000 senior secured revolving credit facility
(Revolver), all of which are guaranteed jointly and
severally by certain subsidiaries of TE, Columbia Properties
Vicksburg LLC (Vicksburg), CP Laughlin Realty LLC
(Realty), and the Company (collectively the
Guarantor Entities). In the event of non-performance
by TE under the Notes
and/or Loan
agreement, the Guarantor Entities would be obligated to make
necessary payments of principal and interest then due, on behalf
of TE. The Companys potential obligation under this
agreement is ultimately limited to a pro-rata share of any total
payment due under the Notes and Loan agreements, based on the
ratio of its net assets to the total net assets of the Guarantor
Entities at that time. As of June 30, 2007, TE reported
$960,000 and $1,340,269 outstanding on the Notes and Loan
obligations, respectively. The Company loaned $4,000 to TE on
June 29, 2007. The loan earns interest at the fixed rate of
12% and is due January 1, 2015.
F-112
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Member of
JMBS Casino, LLC
We have audited the accompanying balance sheets of JMBS Casino,
LLC as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related
statements of income, changes in members equity, and cash
flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 2006. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Companys management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the
Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are
free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an
audit of the Companys internal control over financial
reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control
over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit
procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not
for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of
the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of JMBS Casino, LLC at December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31,
2006, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting
principles.
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 23, 2007
F-113
BALANCE
SHEETS
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Current Assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
5,435
|
|
|
$
|
4,031
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
40
|
|
|
|
29
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
22
|
|
Amounts due from related parties
|
|
|
39
|
|
|
|
133
|
|
Prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
187
|
|
|
|
487
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
5,744
|
|
|
|
4,702
|
|
Property and Equipment Net
|
|
|
18,091
|
|
|
|
15,899
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
|
16,732
|
|
|
|
16,732
|
|
Intangible Assets Net
|
|
|
720
|
|
|
|
120
|
|
Other Assets Net
|
|
|
451
|
|
|
|
359
|
|
Assets of Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
144
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Assets
|
|
$
|
41,882
|
|
|
$
|
37,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current Liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
3,825
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Accounts payable
|
|
|
391
|
|
|
|
686
|
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
1,608
|
|
|
|
1,585
|
|
Amounts due to related parties
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
84
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
5,846
|
|
|
|
2,355
|
|
Long-Term Debt
|
|
|
3,241
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities
|
|
|
9,087
|
|
|
|
2,355
|
|
Members Equity
|
|
|
32,795
|
|
|
|
35,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Liabilities and Members Equity
|
|
$
|
41,882
|
|
|
$
|
37,912
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-114
STATEMENTS
OF INCOME
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
For The Years Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Operating Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
34,656
|
|
|
$
|
30,607
|
|
|
$
|
30,545
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
502
|
|
|
|
428
|
|
|
|
353
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
1,289
|
|
|
|
929
|
|
|
|
757
|
|
Other casino and hotel
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
141
|
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating revenues
|
|
|
36,694
|
|
|
|
32,105
|
|
|
|
31,838
|
|
Less promotional allowances
|
|
|
(5,786
|
)
|
|
|
(4,295
|
)
|
|
|
(4,221
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net operating revenues
|
|
|
30,908
|
|
|
|
27,810
|
|
|
|
27,617
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
5,355
|
|
|
|
5,107
|
|
|
|
5,740
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
176
|
|
|
|
204
|
|
|
|
201
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
628
|
|
|
|
497
|
|
|
|
529
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
638
|
|
|
|
592
|
|
|
|
667
|
|
Marketing, advertising and casino promotion
|
|
|
1,705
|
|
|
|
909
|
|
|
|
913
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
613
|
|
|
|
677
|
|
|
|
714
|
|
Insurance
|
|
|
431
|
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
|
568
|
|
Property and local taxes
|
|
|
598
|
|
|
|
531
|
|
|
|
523
|
|
Gaming taxes and licenses
|
|
|
4,239
|
|
|
|
3,771
|
|
|
|
3,709
|
|
Administrative and general
|
|
|
1,562
|
|
|
|
1,925
|
|
|
|
1,694
|
|
Leased land and facilities
|
|
|
830
|
|
|
|
909
|
|
|
|
914
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,709
|
|
|
|
2,915
|
|
|
|
2,918
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total operating expenses
|
|
|
19,484
|
|
|
|
18,393
|
|
|
|
19,090
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Operations
|
|
|
11,424
|
|
|
|
9,417
|
|
|
|
8,527
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other income (loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10
|
)
|
Interest income
|
|
|
18
|
|
|
|
33
|
|
|
|
80
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(572
|
)
|
|
|
(565
|
)
|
|
|
(416
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total other expense
|
|
|
(554
|
)
|
|
|
(532
|
)
|
|
|
(346
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from Continuing Operations
|
|
|
10,870
|
|
|
|
8,885
|
|
|
|
8,181
|
|
Loss from Discontinued Operations
|
|
|
(568
|
)
|
|
|
(430
|
)
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Income
|
|
$
|
10,302
|
|
|
$
|
8,455
|
|
|
$
|
8,137
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-115
STATEMENTS
OF CHANGES IN MEMBERS EQUITY
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
30,768
|
|
Net income for 2004
|
|
|
10,302
|
|
Distributions to member in 2004
|
|
|
(7,000
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2004
|
|
|
34,070
|
|
Net income for 2005
|
|
|
8,455
|
|
Distributions to member in 2005
|
|
|
(9,730
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005
|
|
|
32,795
|
|
Net income for 2006
|
|
|
8,137
|
|
Distributions to member in 2006
|
|
|
(6,125
|
)
|
Contributions by member in 2006
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
35,557
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-116
STATEMENTS
OF CASH FLOWS
(In
thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year Ended December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income
|
|
$
|
10,302
|
|
|
$
|
8,455
|
|
|
$
|
8,137
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
2,788
|
|
|
|
2,975
|
|
|
|
2,978
|
|
Impairment loss on discontinued operations
|
|
|
500
|
|
|
|
430
|
|
|
|
44
|
|
Changes in current assets and current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts receivable
|
|
|
200
|
|
|
|
(3
|
)
|
|
|
11
|
|
Inventories, prepaid expenses and other assets
|
|
|
183
|
|
|
|
26
|
|
|
|
(187
|
)
|
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities
|
|
|
175
|
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
272
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
14,148
|
|
|
|
11,884
|
|
|
|
11,255
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Purchase of property and equipment
|
|
|
(1,097
|
)
|
|
|
(109
|
)
|
|
|
(167
|
)
|
Other
|
|
|
14
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(19
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
|
(1,083
|
)
|
|
|
(109
|
)
|
|
|
(186
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Advances from (repayments to) related parties
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
(125
|
)
|
|
|
(32
|
)
|
Repayments of debt
|
|
|
(3,825
|
)
|
|
|
(3,506
|
)
|
|
|
(7,066
|
)
|
Distributions to member
|
|
|
(7,000
|
)
|
|
|
(9,730
|
)
|
|
|
(6,125
|
)
|
Contributions by member
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
750
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in financing activities
|
|
|
(10,717
|
)
|
|
|
(13,361
|
)
|
|
|
(12,473
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Increase (Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents
|
|
|
2,348
|
|
|
|
(1,586
|
)
|
|
|
(1,404
|
)
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period
|
|
|
4,673
|
|
|
|
7,021
|
|
|
|
5,435
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period
|
|
$
|
7,021
|
|
|
$
|
5,435
|
|
|
$
|
4,031
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Disclosure Cash Paid for Interest
|
|
$
|
599
|
|
|
$
|
581
|
|
|
$
|
400
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial
statements.
F-117
Notes to
Financial Statements
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
(In thousands, except where noted otherwise)
JMBS Casino, LLC (the Company) was formed on
January 23, 2002 for the purpose of acquiring a riverboat
gaming operation in Greenville, Mississippi operating as Bayou
Caddys Jubilee Casino (the Casino). The
Company also owns and operates the Greenville Inn and Suites and
Key West Inn (the Hotels). On May 1, 2004, the
Company closed the Key West Inn. As a result of the closing, the
operations and impairment loss of the Key West Inn are presented
as discontinued operations in the accompanying statements of
income. The estimated fair value of the hotel is recorded as
assets of discontinued operations at December 31, 2005 and
2006 in the accompanying balance sheets (see Note 5).
|
|
2.
|
SUMMARY
OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
The following is a summary of significant accounting policies
followed in the preparation of the financial statements. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of
America requires the use of managements estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and disclosures of contingent
liabilities in the financial statements and accompanying notes.
Actual results could differ from these estimates. Amounts are
presented in thousands of dollars unless indicated otherwise.
Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company
considers all highly liquid debt instruments with a maturity of
three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.
Accounts Receivable Accounts receivables,
including casino and hotel receivables, are typically
non-interest bearing and are initially recorded at cost.
Accounts are written off when management deems the account to be
uncollectible. Recoveries of accounts previously written off are
recorded when received. An estimated allowance for doubtful
accounts is maintained, if necessary, to reduce the
Companys receivables to their carrying amount, which
approximates fair value. The allowance, if any, is estimated
based on specific review of customer accounts as well as
historical collection experience and current economic and
business conditions.
Inventories Inventories consisting
principally of food, beverage and operating supplies are stated
at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined by the
first-in,
first-out method.
Property and Equipment Property and equipment
are stated at cost. Depreciation and amortization of property
and equipment are computed by the straight-line method over the
estimated useful lives of the related assets. Estimated useful
lives for property and equipment in service are as follows:
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
10 years
|
Buildings and land improvements
|
|
10-30 years
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
5-10 years
|
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the life
of the related asset or the life of the lease.
Routine maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as
incurred. The cost and related accumulated depreciation of
property and equipment retired or sold are removed from the
accounts and the resulting gain or loss is included in
operations.
Management reviews casino and hotel assets for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the
carrying accounts of the assets may not be recoverable.
Recoverability is determined by comparing the forecasted
undiscounted cash flows of the operation to which the assets
relate, plus the assets residual value to the carrying
amount of the assets. If the operation is determined to be
unable to
F-118
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
recover the carrying amount of the assets, then the casino and
hotel assets are written down to fair value. Fair value is
determined based on discounted cash flows. As of
December 31, 2005 and 2006, management did not believe any
assets were impaired.
Unamortized Debt Issuance Costs Amortization
of debt issuance costs related to the Companys debt
obligations and were amortized over the life of the related
debt. Amortization expense of $60 for each of the years ended
December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006 is included in interest
expense in the accompanying statements of income. The Company
paid off the related debt obligation in 2006 and wrote off the
remaining unamortized balance of debt issuance costs of $30.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill
represents the excess of purchase price over net assets acquired
related to the acquisition of the Casino. In accordance with
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 142,
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill is
not amortized. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually or
more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the asset might be impaired.
Intangible assets represent assets, other than goodwill or
financial assets, which lack physical substance. In accordance
with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets, an intangible asset with a definite life should be
amortized over its useful life. An intangible assets useful life
is defined as the period over which the asset is expected to
contribute directly or indirectly to future cash flows.
Also, in accordance with SFAS No. 142, an intangible
asset with an indefinite life should not be amortized. An
intangible asset that is not subject to amortization will be
tested for impairment annually or more frequently if events or
changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be
impaired.
When testing goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite
lives for impairment, the Company uses the income approach,
which includes an analysis of the market, cash flows and risks
associated with achieving such cash flows. The income approach
focuses on the income producing capability of the existing
Casino and Hotels and best represents the present value of the
future economic benefits expected to be derived. Significant
assumptions used in the impairment test included EBITDA
projections, working capital requirements and the discount rate.
In connection with the acquisition of the Casino and the Hotels,
the Company acquired $3,020 of identified intangible assets and
recorded $16,732 of goodwill. The estimates of fair value used
in the purchase price allocation were determined by the
Companys management based on information furnished by an
independent appraiser. Amortization is computed on a
straight-line basis for intangible assets with definite lives
over an estimated useful life of five years. Amortization
expense was $600 for each of the years 2004, 2005 and 2006.
F-119
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Goodwill and intangible assets consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Goodwill
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
$
|
16,732
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortizing intangible assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Non-compete agreement (five year useful life)
|
|
$
|
3,000
|
|
|
$
|
3,000
|
|
Accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(2,300
|
)
|
|
|
(2,900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amortizing intangible assets
|
|
|
700
|
|
|
|
100
|
|
Non-amortizing
intangible assets-trademark
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
20
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total intangible assets, net
|
|
$
|
720
|
|
|
$
|
120
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Companys estimate of future amortization expense
related to the amortizable intangible assets is $100 in 2007.
Casino and Other Revenue and Promotional
Allowances The Company recognizes as casino
revenues the net win from gaming activities, which is the
difference between gaming wins and losses. Rooms, food and
beverage and other casino and hotel revenues are recognized as
earned which is at the time the goods or services are provided.
The retail value of accommodations, food and beverage, and other
services provided to customers without charge are included in
operating revenue and then charged to promotional allowances.
Promotional allowances also include cash back awards
(cash coupons, rebates or refunds) which totaled $4,387, $3,380
and $3,586 in 2004, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
Customer Loyalty Program The Company provides
certain customer loyalty programs at its casino, which reward
customers for gaming play. Under the programs customers are able
to accumulate points which may be redeemed in the future,
subject to certain limitations and the terms of the individual
casino programs, for cash, goods and services. For points that
may be redeemed for cash, the Company accrues this cost, after
consideration of estimated redemption rates, as they are earned.
The cost is recorded as promotional allowances. For points that
may be redeemed for goods or services, the Company estimates the
cost and accrues for this expense as the points are earned from
gaming play and are recorded as casino expense. The estimated
cost is based on estimates and assumptions regarding marginal
costs of the goods and services, redemption rates and the mix of
goods and services for which the points will be redeemed.
Advertising Costs for advertising are
expensed as incurred.
Concentration of Credit Risk Financial
instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and
cash equivalent accounts in financial institutions. The Company
maintains its cash balances in one financial institution.
Accounts are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance
Corporation up to $100. Cash and cash equivalents exceeding
federally insured limits totaled approximately $2.7 million
and $1.3 million at December 31, 2005 and 2006,
respectively.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments The fair
value of current assets and liabilities approximates their
reported carrying amounts. The fair value of variable rate
long-term debt approximates its reported carrying amount, due to
variable rate nature of this debt.
Income Taxes The Company is a pass through
entity for Federal and State income tax purposes. As a pass
through entity, the tax attributes of the Company will pass
through to its members, who will then owe any related income
taxes. As a result, the accompanying statement of income shows
no income tax
F-120
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
expense or benefit. On an aggregate basis the Companys
reported amount of assets and liabilities exceed their tax basis
by approximately $7.4 million and $8.3 million at
December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
|
|
3.
|
PROPERTY
AND EQUIPMENT
|
Property and equipment consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Barge
|
|
$
|
14,986
|
|
|
$
|
15,007
|
|
Buildings and improvements
|
|
|
2,752
|
|
|
|
2,753
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
|
7,831
|
|
|
|
7,847
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
25,569
|
|
|
|
25,607
|
|
Less accumulated depreciation
|
|
|
(7,918
|
)
|
|
|
(10,148
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
17,651
|
|
|
|
15,459
|
|
Land
|
|
|
440
|
|
|
|
440
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
$
|
18,091
|
|
|
$
|
15,899
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation expense was $2,109, $2,315 and $2,315 in 2004, 2005
and 2006, respectively.
|
|
4.
|
ACCRUED
EXPENSES AND OTHER LIABILITIES
|
Accrued expenses and other liabilities consist of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
$
|
462
|
|
|
$
|
406
|
|
Reserve for insurance claims
|
|
|
290
|
|
|
|
192
|
|
Real estate taxes
|
|
|
530
|
|
|
|
523
|
|
Casino related
|
|
|
218
|
|
|
|
349
|
|
Other accruals
|
|
|
108
|
|
|
|
115
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,608
|
|
|
$
|
1,585
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5.
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
On May 1, 2004, the Company closed the Key West Inn, a
56-room hotel, and listed the hotel for sale. The Company
recorded impairment losses of $500, $430 and $44 in 2004, 2005
and 2006, respectively, to adjust the carrying value of this
hotel to its estimated fair value. The assets related to this
hotel at December 31, 2005 and 2006 are included in
Assets of Discontinued Operations in the
accompanying balance sheets. The operating results for the Key
West Inn and the loss on impairment are included in Loss
from Discontinued Operations in the accompanying
statements of income. Cash flows of discontinued operations have
not been segregated from the cash flows of continuing operations
on the accompanying
F-121
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
statement of cash flows. The following is a summary of financial
information included in Loss from Discontinued
Operations for this hotel:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Operating revenues
|
|
$
|
86
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Operating expenses, including depreciation of $19 in 2004
|
|
|
(154
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from operations
|
|
|
(68
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Impairment loss
|
|
|
(500
|
)
|
|
|
(430
|
)
|
|
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Loss from discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
(568
|
)
|
|
$
|
(430
|
)
|
|
$
|
(44
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term debt consists of the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As of December 31,
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
First mortgage note, due June 20, 2007, variable interest
rate (6.54% at December 31, 2005)
|
|
$
|
7,066
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(3,825
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion
|
|
$
|
3,241
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Monthly principal payments were fixed at $319. A balloon
principal payment of $1,328 was due at maturity, however, the
Company elected to pay off the loan in its entirety on
December 7, 2006. Also, in connection with the debt payoff,
the balance of prepaid loan costs were written off in the amount
of $30 in 2006. Interest payments were due monthly. The interest
rate was either based on LIBOR or a base rate, at the
Companys option. The LIBOR rate option could have been
based on the one, two, three or six month LIBOR rate plus 2.25%
to 3.25%, based on the Companys leverage ratio as defined
in the agreement. The base rate option was based on the higher
of the prime rate or the Federal Funds rate plus one half of one
percent, plus an additional 0.0% to 1.25%, based on the
Companys leverage ratio, as defined in the agreement. The
interest rate was determined on a quarterly basis.
The Loan was collateralized by all of the tangible assets of the
Company, the trademark name purchased by the Company in the
acquisition of the Casino, and a $5,000 officers life
insurance policy.
|
|
7.
|
SELF
INSURANCE AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
|
Effective November 1, 2004, the Company is self insured for
general liability and workers compensation claims up to $1,000
per occurrence. The Company has recorded a liability for
estimated claims within this retention level of $290 and $192 as
of December 31, 2005 and 2006, respectively.
Columbia Sussex Corporation, (CSC) provides various
administrative and accounting services to the Company under an
administrative services agreement. CSC charged the Company $40,
$120 and $120 for these management services in 2004, 2005 and
2006.
The Company shares the cost of operating shuttle buses that
services the Companys casino, another casino and various
food and beverage establishments in downtown Greenville with
Greenville Riverboat, LLC (GR), which is a
subsidiary of Tropicana Casino & Resorts, Inc.
(TCR). GR owns the other casino. The Companys
share of these costs, exclusive of the cost of the buses, was
$72 and $94 in 2005 and 2006 respectively. GR owed the Company
$19 and $113 at December 31, 2005 and 2006 respectively.
F-122
JMBS
CASINO, LLC
Notes to
Financial Statements (Continued)
Years
Ended December 31, 2004, 2005 and 2006
Rent expense charged to operations amounted to $1,144, $1,407
and $1,974 for 2004, 2005 and 2006, respectively. The Company
has various short-term operating equipment leases, storage space
lease, vehicle parking lot leases, and three land leases
relative to land used in connection with its riverboat gaming
operation for docking, entry, and parking facilities. One land
lease is for dockage rights for the Casino and expires in 2010.
The agreement provides for monthly rental payments of $35.
Another land lease is for dockage rights and riverfront property
for the Companys second barge. This lease expires in 2008
and has additional renewal options which can extend the term to
2017. The agreement provides for monthly rental payments of $30
plus 5% of net pretax profits up to $4,000. The renewal option
term includes an adjustment for the Consumer Price Index. An
additional lease for docking and entry expires in 2013 and
provides for monthly lease payments of $1.
Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases
that have initial or remaining non-cancelable lease terms in
excess of one year as of December 31, 2006 are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
862
|
|
2008
|
|
|
682
|
|
2009
|
|
|
452
|
|
2010
|
|
|
298
|
|
2011
|
|
|
12
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total future minimum operating lease payments
|
|
$
|
2,323
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9.
|
SUBSEQUENT
EVENTS ACQUISITIONS AND FINANCINGS
|
On January 3, 2007, affiliates of the Company closed on the
acquisition of Aztar Corporation (Aztar). In connection with
this acquisition, Tropicana Casinos and Resorts (TCR) through
its indirect wholly owned subsidiary, Tropicana Entertainment,
LLC (TE) entered into a Senior Credit Facility comprised of a
$1.53 billion senior secured term loan and a
$180.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility.
Interest on the Loan is at either a LIBOR Rate Option or an
Alternative Rate Option, at TEs option. The Loan matures
in January of 2012 and quarterly principal payment of
$3.825 million commence on March 31, 2007. The Loan is
secured by guarantees of TEs direct subsidiaries, certain
affiliated companies and the Company, and security interests in
all of TEs and the guarantors tangible and
intangible assets, including a pledge of all equity interests in
TE and the guarantors (including the Company).
F-123
Report
of Independent Auditors
To Shareholders of
Aztar Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheet of
Aztar Corporation as of December 31, 2006, and the related
consolidated statements of operations, shareholders
equity, and cash flows for the year then ended. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards
generally accepted in the United States. Those standards require
that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of
material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit
of the Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Our audit included consideration of internal control over
financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures
that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the
purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the
Companys internal control over financial reporting.
Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall consolidated financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above
present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Aztar Corporation at December 31,
2006, and the consolidated results of its operations and its
cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
Cincinnati, Ohio
April 20, 2007
F-124
Report
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Aztar Corporation:
In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheet as of
December 31, 2005 and the related consolidated statements
of operations, of shareholders equity and of cash flows
for each of two years in the period ended December 31, 2005
present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of Aztar Corporation and its subsidiaries at December 31,
2005, and the results of their operations and their cash flows
for each of the two years in the period ended December 31,
2005, in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Companys
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our
audits of these statements in accordance with the standards of
the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).
Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to
obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes
examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, and evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable
basis for our opinion.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Phoenix, Arizona
February 23, 2006, except with
respect to the effects of the
discontinued operation
discussed in Note 17,
as to which the date is
November 20, 2006
F-125
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2006 AND 2005
(In thousands, except share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
ASSETS
|
Current assets:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
121,416
|
|
|
$
|
86,361
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
26,347
|
|
|
|
26,469
|
|
Construction accident receivables
|
|
|
1,599
|
|
|
|
2,949
|
|
Refundable income taxes
|
|
|
6,205
|
|
|
|
1,288
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
8,782
|
|
|
|
7,350
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
18,218
|
|
|
|
13,394
|
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
|
35,998
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
8,322
|
|
|
|
11,026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current assets
|
|
|
226,887
|
|
|
|
148,837
|
|
Investments
|
|
|
25,129
|
|
|
|
25,215
|
|
Assets held for sale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
33,559
|
|
Property and equipment:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Buildings, riverboats and equipment, net
|
|
|
991,746
|
|
|
|
986,025
|
|
Land
|
|
|
207,513
|
|
|
|
207,514
|
|
Construction in progress
|
|
|
22,432
|
|
|
|
18,339
|
|
Leased under capital leases, net
|
|
|
81
|
|
|
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,221,772
|
|
|
|
1,211,887
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
32,999
|
|
|
|
33,331
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
66,465
|
|
|
|
102,505
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,573,252
|
|
|
$
|
1,555,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY
|
Current liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accruals
|
|
$
|
68,524
|
|
|
$
|
91,369
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
|
24,060
|
|
|
|
25,765
|
|
Accrued interest payable
|
|
|
7,330
|
|
|
|
7,577
|
|
Accrued rent
|
|
|
1
|
|
|
|
760
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
7,046
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
Current portion of other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
949
|
|
|
|
824
|
|
Merger termination fee reimbursement
|
|
|
78,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities related to assets held for sale
|
|
|
2,634
|
|
|
|
2,495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total current liabilities
|
|
|
188,544
|
|
|
|
130,083
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
695,665
|
|
|
|
721,676
|
|
Other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
21,418
|
|
|
|
16,419
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
41,469
|
|
|
|
46,006
|
|
Contingencies and commitments
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Series B convertible preferred stock (redemption value
$23,713 and $15,107)
|
|
|
4,182
|
|
|
|
4,620
|
|
Shareholders equity:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common stock, $.01 par value (36,876,814 and
35,778,952 shares outstanding)
|
|
|
559
|
|
|
|
546
|
|
Paid-in capital
|
|
|
514,106
|
|
|
|
474,637
|
|
Retained earnings
|
|
|
332,075
|
|
|
|
373,897
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
|
|
|
(4,712
|
)
|
|
|
(1,899
|
)
|
Less: Treasury stock
|
|
|
(220,054
|
)
|
|
|
(210,651
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total shareholders equity
|
|
|
621,974
|
|
|
|
636,530
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
1,573,252
|
|
|
$
|
1,555,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-126
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006,
DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND DECEMBER 30, 2004
(In thousands, except per share data)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
$
|
673,929
|
|
|
$
|
673,342
|
|
|
$
|
587,114
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
107,289
|
|
|
|
104,051
|
|
|
|
85,713
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
58,773
|
|
|
|
59,438
|
|
|
|
54,677
|
|
Other
|
|
|
54,345
|
|
|
|
50,833
|
|
|
|
39,310
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
894,336
|
|
|
|
887,664
|
|
|
|
766,814
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costs and expenses
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
|
265,823
|
|
|
|
268,346
|
|
|
|
246,445
|
|
Rooms
|
|
|
48,258
|
|
|
|
47,495
|
|
|
|
42,602
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
57,313
|
|
|
|
56,886
|
|
|
|
53,729
|
|
Other
|
|
|
29,200
|
|
|
|
29,844
|
|
|
|
27,891
|
|
Marketing
|
|
|
82,025
|
|
|
|
90,980
|
|
|
|
74,102
|
|
General and administrative
|
|
|
88,338
|
|
|
|
89,900
|
|
|
|
81,824
|
|
Utilities
|
|
|
25,234
|
|
|
|
25,864
|
|
|
|
19,844
|
|
Repairs and maintenance
|
|
|
27,254
|
|
|
|
26,926
|
|
|
|
25,535
|
|
Provision for doubtful accounts
|
|
|
2,475
|
|
|
|
1,687
|
|
|
|
967
|
|
Property taxes and insurance
|
|
|
38,078
|
|
|
|
32,956
|
|
|
|
29,589
|
|
Rent
|
|
|
11,590
|
|
|
|
7,856
|
|
|
|
8,711
|
|
Construction accident related
|
|
|
5,420
|
|
|
|
4,276
|
|
|
|
3,956
|
|
Construction accident insurance recoveries, net
|
|
|
(12,229
|
)
|
|
|
(871
|
)
|
|
|
(12,217
|
)
|
Merger related
|
|
|
92,972
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
70,027
|
|
|
|
64,381
|
|
|
|
52,213
|
|
Preopening costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,893
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development costs write-off
|
|
|
26,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
857,799
|
|
|
|
746,526
|
|
|
|
658,084
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
36,537
|
|
|
|
141,138
|
|
|
|
108,730
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
|
|
6,001
|
|
|
|
3,907
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,849
|
|
|
|
1,390
|
|
|
|
807
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(55,935
|
)
|
|
|
(56,366
|
)
|
|
|
(37,012
|
)
|
Loss on early retirement of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,372
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes
|
|
|
(14,909
|
)
|
|
|
92,163
|
|
|
|
66,060
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
|
(38,598
|
)
|
|
|
(38,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
|
53,565
|
|
|
|
27,087
|
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
|
|
4,351
|
|
|
|
2,395
|
|
|
|
1,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share assuming no dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
(1.27
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.48
|
|
|
$
|
.75
|
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
|
|
.12
|
|
|
|
.07
|
|
|
|
.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
.79
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share assuming dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
(1.27
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.42
|
|
|
$
|
.72
|
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
|
|
.12
|
|
|
|
.07
|
|
|
|
.04
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
.76
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common shares applicable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Earnings per common share assuming no dilution
|
|
|
36,281
|
|
|
|
35,332
|
|
|
|
34,547
|
|
Earnings per common share assuming dilution
|
|
|
36,281
|
|
|
|
37,111
|
|
|
|
36,038
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-127
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND
DECEMBER 30, 2004
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Operating Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
Adjustments to reconcile net income(loss) to net cash provided
by operating activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
73,666
|
|
|
|
69,786
|
|
|
|
56,950
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas capitalized development costs write-off
|
|
|
26,021
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options compensation expense
|
|
|
3,739
|
|
|
|
462
|
|
|
|
|
|
Provision for losses on accounts receivable
|
|
|
2,475
|
|
|
|
1,687
|
|
|
|
967
|
|
Loss on early retirement of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10,372
|
|
Loss on reinvestment obligation
|
|
|
1,122
|
|
|
|
1,885
|
|
|
|
991
|
|
Amortization of prepaid rent
|
|
|
504
|
|
|
|
591
|
|
|
|
470
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
(1,833
|
)
|
|
|
5,323
|
|
|
|
17,140
|
|
Proceeds from insurance
|
|
|
(7,602
|
)
|
|
|
(6,706
|
)
|
|
|
(10,879
|
)
|
Stock options excess tax benefit
|
|
|
(11,606
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(Increase) decrease in receivables
|
|
|
(932
|
)
|
|
|
(8,778
|
)
|
|
|
(5,275
|
)
|
(Increase) decrease in refundable income taxes
|
|
|
(4,917
|
)
|
|
|
18,169
|
|
|
|
(13,870
|
)
|
(Increase) decrease in inventories and prepaid expenses
|
|
|
(3,332
|
)
|
|
|
(3,390
|
)
|
|
|
(1,745
|
)
|
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and
income taxes payable
|
|
|
6,272
|
|
|
|
(2,567
|
)
|
|
|
19,879
|
|
Other items, net
|
|
|
2,273
|
|
|
|
(7,823
|
)
|
|
|
1,791
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by operating activities
|
|
|
46,045
|
|
|
|
124,599
|
|
|
|
105,266
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Investing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in investments
|
|
|
3,714
|
|
|
|
3,747
|
|
|
|
1,930
|
|
Return of insurance deposits
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from sale of other assets
|
|
|
8,499
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from insurance
|
|
|
7,602
|
|
|
|
6,706
|
|
|
|
10,879
|
|
Reduction in other assets
|
|
|
7,758
|
|
|
|
8,330
|
|
|
|
1,575
|
|
Purchases of property and equipment
|
|
|
(76,114
|
)
|
|
|
(85,936
|
)
|
|
|
(160,327
|
)
|
Additions to other long-term assets
|
|
|
(20,636
|
)
|
|
|
(38,693
|
)
|
|
|
(44,624
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash used in investing activities
|
|
$
|
(69,177
|
)
|
|
$
|
(99,846
|
)
|
|
$
|
(190,567
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash Flows from Financing Activities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
|
|
$
|
645,050
|
|
|
$
|
446,980
|
|
|
$
|
1,018,572
|
|
Proceeds from issuance of common stock
|
|
|
20,675
|
|
|
|
10,120
|
|
|
|
3,613
|
|
Merger termination fee reimbursement
|
|
|
78,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options excess tax benefit
|
|
|
11,606
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Principal payments on long-term debt
|
|
|
(683,987
|
)
|
|
|
(439,359
|
)
|
|
|
(930,921
|
)
|
Premium paid on early retirement of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(7,616
|
)
|
Principal payments on other long-term liabilities
|
|
|
(23
|
)
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
|
|
(22
|
)
|
Debt issuance costs
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(12,768
|
)
|
Repurchase of common stock
|
|
|
(9,403
|
)
|
|
|
(5,799
|
)
|
|
|
(1,858
|
)
|
Preferred stock dividend
|
|
|
(349
|
)
|
|
|
(383
|
)
|
|
|
(406
|
)
|
Redemption of preferred stock
|
|
|
(2,115
|
)
|
|
|
(999
|
)
|
|
|
(971
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net cash provided by financing activities
|
|
|
59,454
|
|
|
|
10,538
|
|
|
|
67,623
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
|
36,322
|
|
|
|
35,291
|
|
|
|
(17,678
|
)
|
Less the change related to assets held for sale
|
|
|
(1,267
|
)
|
|
|
(283
|
)
|
|
|
28
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
|
|
|
86,361
|
|
|
|
51,353
|
|
|
|
69,003
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
|
|
$
|
121,416
|
|
|
$
|
86,361
|
|
|
$
|
51,353
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Supplemental Cash Flow Disclosures
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Summary of non-cash investing and financing activities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other assets reduced for property and equipment
|
|
$
|
2,236
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
|
$
|
|
|
Investments reduced for property and equipment
|
|
|
1,680
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract payable incurred for intangible assets
|
|
|
307
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Contract payable incurred for property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
356
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accruals incurred for property and equipment
|
|
|
543
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Capital lease obligations incurred for property and equipment
|
|
|
94
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities incurred for property and equipment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,087
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other long-term liabilities reduced for property and equipment
|
|
|
795
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exchange of common stock in lieu of cash payments in connection
with the exercise of stock options
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,447
|
|
|
|
2,050
|
|
Cash flow during the year for the following:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Interest paid, net of amount capitalized
|
|
$
|
53,858
|
|
|
$
|
55,549
|
|
|
$
|
35,639
|
|
Income taxes paid
|
|
|
21,616
|
|
|
|
7,596
|
|
|
|
30,806
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-128
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS
EQUITY
FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2006, DECEMBER 31, 2005 AND
DECEMBER 30, 2004
(In thousands)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Comprehensive
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Common
|
|
|
Paid-in
|
|
|
Retained
|
|
|
Loss-Pension
|
|
|
Treasury
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Earnings
|
|
|
Adjustment
|
|
|
Stock
|
|
|
Total
|
|
|
Balance, January 1, 2004
|
|
$
|
526
|
|
|
$
|
441,498
|
|
|
$
|
291,573
|
|
|
$
|
(1,526
|
)
|
|
$
|
(197,497
|
)
|
|
$
|
534,574
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,475
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
28,475
|
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,733
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
26,742
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
7
|
|
|
|
5,656
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(3,908
|
)
|
|
|
1,755
|
|
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4,250
|
|
Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,030
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,030
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 30, 2004
|
|
|
533
|
|
|
|
451,404
|
|
|
|
319,018
|
|
|
|
(3,259
|
)
|
|
|
(201,405
|
)
|
|
|
566,291
|
|
Net income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,960
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
55,960
|
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,360
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,320
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
14,016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,246
|
)
|
|
|
4,783
|
|
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,217
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,217
|
|
Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,081
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(1,081
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2005
|
|
|
546
|
|
|
|
474,637
|
|
|
|
373,897
|
|
|
|
(1,899
|
)
|
|
|
(210,651
|
)
|
|
|
636,530
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,805
|
)
|
Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(109
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total comprehensive income(loss)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(39,914
|
)
|
Adjustment to initially apply FASB Statement No. 158, net
of income tax
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,704
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,704
|
)
|
Stock options compensation expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,739
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3,739
|
|
Stock options exercised
|
|
|
13
|
|
|
|
20,662
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(9,403
|
)
|
|
|
11,272
|
|
Tax benefit from stock options exercised
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,068
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
15,068
|
|
Preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,017
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(2,017
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Balance, December 31, 2006
|
|
$
|
559
|
|
|
$
|
514,106
|
|
|
$
|
332,075
|
|
|
$
|
(4,712
|
)
|
|
$
|
(220,054
|
)
|
|
$
|
621,974
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial
statements.
F-129
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
|
NOTE 1.
|
SIGNIFICANT
ACCOUNTING POLICIES
|
Basis
of Consolidated Statements
Aztar Corporation (Aztar or Company) was
incorporated in Delaware in June 1989 to operate the gaming
business of Ramada Inc. (Ramada) after the
restructuring of Ramada (Restructuring). The
Restructuring involved the disposition of Ramadas hotel
and restaurant businesses with Ramadas shareholders
retaining their interest in the gaming business. As part of the
Restructuring, the gaming business and certain other assets and
liabilities of Ramada were transferred to Aztar, and a
wholly-owned subsidiary of New World Hotels (U.S.A.), Inc. was
merged with Ramada (Merger). In the Merger, each
share of Ramada common stock was converted into the right to
receive $1.00 and one share of Aztar common stock.
The Company operates casino hotels in Atlantic City, New Jersey
and Las Vegas, Nevada, under the Tropicana name and in Laughlin,
Nevada, as Ramada Express. The Company operates casino
riverboats in Caruthersville, Missouri and Evansville, Indiana
under the Casino Aztar name. Refer to Note 13: Merger
Related for information regarding changes to the Company
and its riverboat in Caruthersville, Missouri. A substantial
portion of the Companys consolidated revenues and assets
is concentrated at the Atlantic City Tropicana.
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Aztar and all of its controlled subsidiaries and partnerships.
All subsidiary companies are wholly owned. All material
intercompany transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
The Company changed its fiscal year to the calendar year,
effective December 31, 2005. The Company previously used a
52/53 week fiscal year ending on the Thursday nearest
December 31. The twelve months ended 2006 reflects the
Companys results of operations for a
365-day
period beginning January 1, 2006 and ending
December 31, 2006. The twelve months ended 2005 reflects
the Companys results of operations for a
366-day
period beginning December 31, 2004 and ending
December 31, 2005. The twelve months ended 2004 reflects
the Companys results of operations for a
364-day
period beginning January 2, 2004 and ending
December 30, 2004.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of
America requires management to make estimates and assumptions
that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and
accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.
Cash
and Cash Equivalents
Highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of
three months or less are classified as cash equivalents. These
instruments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value
because of their short maturity.
Inventories
Inventories, which consist primarily of food, beverage and
operating supplies, are stated at the lower of cost or market
value. Costs are determined using the
first-in,
first-out and the average cost methods.
Advertising
Costs
Costs for advertising are expensed as incurred, except costs for
direct-response advertising, which are capitalized and amortized
over the period of the related program, which varies from one
month to six months. Direct-response advertising costs consist
primarily of mailing costs associated with direct-mail programs.
Capitalized advertising costs, included in prepaid expenses,
were immaterial at December 31,
F-130
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
2006 and December 31, 2005. Advertising costs that were
expensed during the year and included in continuing operations
were $16,487,000 in 2006, $17,017,000 in 2005 and $17,665,000 in
2004.
Investments
The Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA)
deposits are carried at cost less a valuation allowance because
they have to be used to purchase CRDA bonds that carry below
market interest rates unless an alternative investment is
approved. The valuation allowance is established by a charge to
the Statement of Operations at the time the obligation is
incurred to make the deposit unless there is an agreement with
the CRDA for a return of the deposit at full face value. If the
CRDA deposits are used to purchase CRDA bonds, the valuation
allowance is transferred to the bonds as a discount, which is
amortized to interest income using the interest method. If the
CRDA deposits are used to make other investments, the valuation
allowance is transferred to those investments and remains a
valuation allowance.
The CRDA bonds are classified as held-to-maturity securities and
are carried at amortized cost less a valuation allowance.
Property
and Equipment
Property and equipment are stated at cost. During construction,
the Company capitalizes interest and other direct and indirect
costs, which are primarily property taxes, insurance costs,
outside legal costs and the compensation costs of project
personnel devoted exclusively to managing the project. Interest
is capitalized monthly by applying the effective interest rate
on certain borrowings to the average balance of expenditures.
The interest that was capitalized during the year was $1,032,000
in 2006, $127,000 in 2005 and $12,886,000 in 2004.
Depreciation and amortization are computed by the straight-line
method based upon the following useful lives: buildings and
improvements, 3-40 years; riverboats, barge, docking
facilities and improvements, 3-35 years; furniture and
equipment, 3-15 years; and leasehold improvements, shorter
of lease term or asset useful life. Accumulated depreciation and
amortization on buildings, riverboats and equipment was
$652,165,000 at December 31, 2006 and $600,010,000 at
December 31, 2005.
Improvements, renewals and extraordinary repairs that extend the
life of the asset are capitalized; other repairs and maintenance
are expensed. The cost and accumulated depreciation applicable
to assets retired are removed from the accounts and the gain or
loss, if any, on disposition is recognized in income as realized.
Intangible
Assets
Costs incurred to obtain initial gaming licenses to operate a
casino are capitalized as incurred. These costs are not being
amortized as the Company has determined that the useful life of
the initial gaming licenses is indefinite. Subsequent costs
incurred to renew gaming licenses are capitalized and amortized
evenly over the renewal period. Licensing costs consist
primarily of payments or obligations to civic and community
organizations, legal and consulting fees, application and
selection fees with associated investigative costs and direct
internal salaries and related costs of development personnel.
Other
Assets
Debt issuance costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized
using the interest method.
Development costs associated with pursuing opportunities in
gaming jurisdictions, as well as in jurisdictions in which
gaming has not been approved, are expensed as incurred until a
particular opportunity is determined to be viable, generally
when the Company has been selected as the operator of a new
gaming
F-131
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
facility, has applied for a gaming license or has obtained
rights to a specific site. Development costs incurred subsequent
to these criteria being met are capitalized. Development costs
associated with the Companys existing properties are
expensed as incurred until a particular project is deemed viable
and selected for further evaluation, after which they are
capitalized. Development costs consist primarily of licensing
costs, site acquisition costs, concept and design fees and
architectural fees. In jurisdictions in which gaming has not
been approved, only site acquisition costs are capitalized. In
the event a project is later determined not to be viable or the
Company is not licensed to operate a facility at a site, the
capitalized costs related to this project or site would be
expensed. There were no capitalized costs related to development
projects at December 31, 2006. At December 31, 2005,
the Company had capitalized development costs of $25,008,000.
Refer to Note 14: Tropicana Las Vegas Capitalized
Development Costs Write-Off for information regarding the
write-off in 2006 of capitalized development costs.
Leasing costs are capitalized as incurred and amortized evenly,
as a reduction to rental income, over the related lease terms.
Leasing costs consist primarily of tenant allowances, which are
incentives provided to tenants whereby the Company agrees to pay
certain amounts toward tenant leasehold improvements or other
tenant development costs. Leasing costs also include lease
acquisition costs, which consist primarily of leasing agent fees
and legal fees incurred by the Company.
Valuation
of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangible assets
held and used by the Company are reviewed for impairment
whenever events or changes in circumstances warrant such a
review. The carrying value of a long-lived or amortizable
intangible asset is considered impaired when the anticipated
undiscounted cash flow from such asset is separately
identifiable and is less than its carrying value. In that event,
a loss is recognized based on the amount by which the carrying
value exceeds the fair value of the asset. Losses on long-lived
assets to be disposed of are determined in a similar manner,
except that fair values are reduced for the cost of disposition.
If and when a long-lived asset is reviewed for impairment, the
Company performs the review on a
property-by-property
basis. In doing so, a propertys long-lived assets are
grouped with all of the propertys other assets and
liabilities since the Company believes the property is the
lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely
independent of the cash flows of its other assets and
liabilities. An annual impairment review based on fair value is
required for all intangible assets with indefinite lives. The
Company performed an impairment test of its intangible assets
with indefinite lives during the year 2006 and concluded that
there was no impairment.
Equity
Instruments
In December 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123
(revised 2004) (SFAS 123(R)), Share-Based
Payment. SFAS 123(R), which became effective for the
Company on January 1, 2006, establishes standards for the
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its
equity instruments for goods or services. SFAS 123(R)
supersedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25,
Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees and related
interpretations, which the Company previously elected to follow.
In addition, SFAS 123(R) replaces Financial Accounting
Standards Board Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation.
SFAS 123(R) requires an entity to measure the cost of
employee services received in exchange for an award of equity
instruments based on the grant-date fair value of the award and
the estimated number of awards that are expected to vest. That
cost is recognized over the period during which an employee is
required to provide service in exchange for the award, which is
usually the vesting period. As permitted under SFAS 123(R),
the Company has elected to apply a modified prospective
application as the transition method from APB 25 to
SFAS 123(R). Compensation cost for the portion of awards
for which the
F-132
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
requisite service has not been rendered that are outstanding as
of the required effective date is recognized as the requisite
service is rendered on or after the required effective date
based on the grant-date fair value as previously determined
under SFAS 123. For periods before the required effective
date, companies may elect to adjust financial statements of
prior periods on a basis consistent with the pro forma
disclosures required for those periods by SFAS 123. The
Company has elected not to adjust its financial statements for
prior periods. The Company recognized $3,739,000 in 2006 of
compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations. After the related income tax effect, this resulted
in an increase in net loss, net loss per common share assuming
no dilution and net loss per common share assuming dilution of
$2,395,000, $.07 in 2006. Under APB 25, there would not have
been any compensation expense. The Company classifies its
stock-based compensation expense in the Consolidated Statement
of Operations in a manner consistent with its classification of
cash compensation paid to the same employees. Also in the 2006
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows, the Company decreased cash
from operating activities and increased cash from financing
activities by $11,606,000 related to excess tax benefits from
stock options exercised. Under APB 25, the Company would not
have decreased cash from operating activities or increased cash
from financing activities by $11,606,000. As of
December 31, 2006, the Company had $3,084,000 of
unrecognized compensation cost related to awards granted under
its stock option plans. The Company expects to recognize that
cost over a weighted-average period of 1.2 years.
Prior to January 1, 2006, the Company measured the cost of
its stock options by applying the intrinsic-value-based method
of accounting as prescribed by APB 25 and related
interpretations. Under APB 25, because the exercise price of the
Companys stock options equaled the market price of the
underlying stock on the date of grant, no compensation expense
was recognized. Because of the prior election to follow APB 25,
the Company is required to continue providing pro forma
information regarding net income(loss) and earnings per share
for all reporting periods ending prior to January 1, 2006
as if the Company had accounted for its stock option plans under
the fair-value-based method of SFAS 123. The fair value for
options granted was estimated at the date of grant or
modification using a Black-Scholes option pricing model with
weighted-average assumptions. In 2006, there were no stock
options granted; therefore no weighted-average assumptions were
made for the year 2006. The weighted-average assumptions for the
2005 and 2004 fiscal years are as follows: risk-free interest
rate of 3.8% in 2005 and 4.2% in 2004, no dividend in 2005 and
2004, volatility factor of the expected market price of the
Companys common stock of .36 in 2005 and .47 in 2004, and
an expected life of the option of 5.0 years in 2005 and
2004. The risk-free interest rate was derived from the annual
interest yield on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with a
remaining term equal to the expected term of the options. The
annual interest yield was taken from an authoritative published
source such as the Wall Street Journal on the date the options
were granted. Expected volatility was estimated through a review
of historical stock price volatility adjusted for future
expectations. The expected term of the options represented the
period of time options granted were expected to be outstanding
and was estimated through a review of historical exercise
behavior and other factors expected to influence behavior such
as expected volatility and employees ages and lengths of
service.
During the 2002 fiscal year, the Company began including a
retirement eligible clause in its stock option
grants, whereby stock options granted to employees who have
reached the age of sixty and who have provided ten years of
service automatically vest on the employees retirement
date. For purposes of the SFAS 123 pro forma disclosures,
the Company has historically amortized the fair value of the
options to expense over the options vesting period, a
methodology referred to as the nominal vesting approach. Under
the nominal vesting approach, if a retirement eligible employee
elected retirement before the end of the options vesting
period, the Company recognized an expense on the retirement date
for the remaining unamortized compensation cost.
Starting in 2006, the Company adopted the non-substantive
vesting approach for new options granted. Under the
non-substantive approach, the fair value of the options granted
to retirement eligible employees
F-133
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
is expensed immediately at the date of grant. For those
employees who become retirement eligible during the vesting
period, the expense is amortized over the period from the grant
date to the date of retirement eligibility. The Company will
continue to use the nominal vesting approach after
January 1, 2006 for all options granted prior to
January 1, 2006.
The computations of proforma net income(loss) under
SFAS 123 using both the nominal vesting approach and the
non-substantive vesting approach are presented below. The pro
forma information using the nominal vesting approach is as
follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Net income, as reported
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in
reported net income, net of income tax benefit
|
|
|
300
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense
determined under the fair-value-based method of accounting, net
of income tax benefit
|
|
|
(4,122
|
)
|
|
|
(3,977
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income
|
|
$
|
52,138
|
|
|
$
|
24,498
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common share assuming no dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
.79
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
$
|
1.45
|
|
|
$
|
.68
|
|
Net income per common share assuming dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
.76
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
$
|
1.38
|
|
|
$
|
.65
|
|
The pro forma information assuming the Company had previously
adopted the non-substantive vesting approach is as follows (in
thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Net income(loss), as reported
|
|
$
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
Add: Stock-based employee compensation expense included in
reported net income, net of income tax benefit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
300
|
|
|
|
|
|
Add(Deduct): Impact of stock-based employee compensation expense
if the non-substantive approach had been used to amortize
compensation expense determined under the
fair-value-based
method of accounting, net of income tax
|
|
|
927
|
|
|
|
(3,652
|
)
|
|
|
(4,782
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Pro forma net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(38,878
|
)
|
|
$
|
52,608
|
|
|
$
|
23,693
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss) per common share assuming no dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.55
|
|
|
$
|
.79
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
$
|
(1.13
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.46
|
|
|
$
|
.66
|
|
Net income(loss) per common share assuming dilution:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
As reported
|
|
$
|
(1.15
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.49
|
|
|
$
|
.76
|
|
Pro forma
|
|
$
|
(1.13
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.39
|
|
|
$
|
.63
|
|
Revenue
Recognition
Casino revenue consists of gaming win net of losses. Other
revenue consists of revenue from many various sources such as
entertainment, retail outlets including gift shops, telephone,
commissions and surcharges, hotel services and rental income.
These revenues are recognized as earned. The Company
F-134
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
makes cash promotional offers to certain of its customers,
including cash rebates as part of loyalty programs generally
based on an individuals level of gaming play. These costs
are classified as a reduction in casino revenue. Revenues
exclude the retail value of complimentary food and beverage,
accommodations and other goods and services provided to
customers. The estimated costs of providing such complimentaries
have been classified as casino expenses through
interdepartmental allocations and the amounts included in
continuing operations are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Rooms
|
|
$
|
20,215
|
|
|
$
|
20,511
|
|
|
$
|
18,451
|
|
Food and beverage
|
|
|
53,416
|
|
|
|
55,137
|
|
|
|
48,289
|
|
Other
|
|
|
2,303
|
|
|
|
1,849
|
|
|
|
2,702
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
75,934
|
|
|
$
|
77,497
|
|
|
$
|
69,442
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income
Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
expected future tax consequences of events that have been
included in the financial statements or income tax returns.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the
difference between the financial statement and tax bases of
assets and liabilities using enacted rates expected to apply to
taxable income in the years in which those differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax
assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in
income in the period that includes the enactment date.
Earnings
per Share
Earnings per common share assuming no dilution is computed by
dividing income applicable to common shareholders by the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Earnings
per common share, assuming dilution, is computed based on the
weighted-average number of common shares outstanding after
consideration of the dilutive effect of stock options and the
assumed conversion of the preferred stock at the stated rate.
Recent
Accounting Pronouncements
In June 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued
Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty in
Income Taxes, an interpretation of FASB Statement
No. 109. FIN 48 clarifies the accounting for
uncertainty in income taxes recognized in an enterprises
financial statements in accordance with SFAS 109. In doing
so, FIN 48 prescribes the application of a two-step process
to account for tax positions. The first step establishes
standards for the recognition of the financial effect of a tax
position. The second step establishes standards for the
measurement of the financial effect of a tax position that meets
the recognition standards of step one. A tax position, as used
in FIN 48, refers to a position taken in a previously filed
tax return or a position expected to be taken in a future tax
return that is reflected in measuring current or deferred income
tax assets and liabilities for interim or annual periods. Under
the first step, the financial statement effect of a tax position
is recognized when it is more-likely-than-not, based on the
technical merits, that the position will be sustained upon
examination. Under the second step, a tax position that meets
the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold shall initially
and subsequently be measured as the largest amount of tax
benefit that is greater than 50 percent likely of being
realized upon ultimate settlement with a taxing authority that
has full knowledge of all relevant information. FIN 48 is
effective for the Company at the beginning of the 2007 calendar
year. The cumulative effect of adopting FIN 48, if any,
shall be reported as an adjustment to the opening balance of
retained earnings or other appropriate component of
shareholders equity. The Company has not determined the
effect of FIN 48 on its consolidated financial position.
F-135
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Reclassifications
The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect
certain reclassifications for discontinued operations as
described in Note 17: Discontinued Operations.
These reclassifications have no effect on previously reported
net income(loss). In addition, certain reclassifications have
been made in the 2005 Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in
order to be comparable with the 2006 presentation.
|
|
NOTE 2.
|
CONCENTRATIONS
OF CREDIT RISK
|
Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to
concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash and
cash equivalents, investments and trade accounts receivable. The
Company places its cash and temporary cash investments with
high-credit-quality financial institutions. At times, such
investments may be in excess of the FDIC and SIPC insurance
limits.
The Atlantic City Tropicana has a concentration of credit risk
in the northeast region of the U.S. The accounts receivable
at the Nevada operations are concentrated in California and the
southwest region of the U.S. As a general policy, the
Company does not require collateral for these receivables. At
December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005, the net
accounts receivable at Tropicana Atlantic City were $20,318,000
and $21,344,000, respectively, and the net accounts receivable
at Tropicana Las Vegas and Ramada Express combined were
$3,696,000 and $4,250,000, respectively.
Trade receivables are initially recorded at cost. Accounts are
written off when the Company deems the account to be
uncollectible. An allowance for doubtful accounts is maintained
at a level considered adequate to provide for possible future
losses. The allowance is estimated based on specific review of
customer accounts, the age of the receivables, the
Companys historical collection experience and current
economic conditions. At December 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005, the allowance for doubtful accounts was
$8,574,000 and $12,601,000, respectively.
Investments consist of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
CRDA deposits, net of a valuation allowance of $4,894 and $4,148
|
|
$
|
13,736
|
|
|
$
|
11,872
|
|
CRDA bonds, net of a valuation allowance of $1,958 and $1,943
and an unamortized discount of $3,297 and $3,481
|
|
|
6,411
|
|
|
|
6,679
|
|
CRDA other investments, net of a valuation allowance of $1,297
and $2,073
|
|
|
4,982
|
|
|
|
6,664
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
25,129
|
|
|
$
|
25,215
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Company has a New Jersey investment obligation based upon
its New Jersey casino revenue. The Company may satisfy this
investment obligation by investing in qualified eligible direct
investments, by making qualified contributions or by depositing
funds with the CRDA. Deposits with the CRDA bear interest at
money market rates. These deposits, under certain circumstances,
may be donated to the CRDA in exchange for credits against
future investment obligations. If not used for other purposes,
the CRDA deposits are used to invest in bonds issued by the CRDA
as they become available that bear interest at two-thirds of
market rates. The CRDA bonds have various contractual maturities
that range from 8 to 40 years. Actual maturities may differ
from contractual maturities because of prepayment rights.
In April 2002, the Company commenced construction on a major
expansion project at the Atlantic City Tropicana. The Company
has an agreement with the CRDA for approximately $20,100,000 in
funding in connection with this expansion project. As of
December 31, 2006, the Company has received
F-136
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
approximately $18,800,000 in funding from the CRDA under this
agreement. At December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005,
the Company had approximately $100,000 and $500,000,
respectively, in available deposits with the CRDA that qualified
for this funding and accordingly reclassified these amounts to
accounts receivable.
|
|
NOTE 4:
|
INTANGIBLE
ASSETS
|
Acquired intangible assets consist of the following (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31, 2006
|
|
|
December 31, 2005
|
|
|
|
Gross Carrying
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
Gross Carrying
|
|
|
Accumulated
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Amortization
|
|
|
Subject to amortization:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gaming license renewal costs
|
|
$
|
2,653
|
|
|
$
|
2,092
|
|
|
$
|
2,636
|
|
|
$
|
1,560
|
|
Other
|
|
|
422
|
|
|
|
117
|
|
|
|
211
|
|
|
|
89
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
3,075
|
|
|
$
|
2,209
|
|
|
$
|
2,847
|
|
|
$
|
1,649
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Not subject to amortization:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana trademark
|
|
$
|
22,172
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
22,172
|
|
|
|
|
|
Initial gaming licenses
|
|
|
9,961
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9,961
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
32,133
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
32,133
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of acquired intangible assets included in
continuing operations was $561,000 in 2006, $617,000 in 2005 and
$637,000 in 2004.
Estimated future amortization expense applicable to continuing
operations for the acquired intangible assets subject to
amortization at December 31, 2006 is as follows for each of
the five years subsequent to December 31, 2006 (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
505
|
|
2008
|
|
|
58
|
|
2009
|
|
|
58
|
|
2010
|
|
|
55
|
|
2011
|
|
|
51
|
|
F-137
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Long-term debt consists of the following (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
9% Senior Subordinated Notes Due 2011; redeemable at a
defined premium
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
|
$
|
175,000
|
|
77/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2014; redeemable at a defined premium
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
|
|
300,000
|
|
Revolver; floating rate, 8.5% at December 31, 2006; matures
July 22, 2009
|
|
|
105,220
|
|
|
|
124,500
|
|
Term Loan; floating rate, 8.5% at December 31, 2006;
matures July 22, 2009
|
|
|
121,875
|
|
|
|
123,125
|
|
Contracts payable; 4.3% to 9.5%; maturities to 2014
|
|
|
545
|
|
|
|
328
|
|
Obligations under capital leases
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
|
16
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
702,711
|
|
|
|
722,969
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(7,046
|
)
|
|
|
(1,293
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
695,665
|
|
|
$
|
721,676
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to
December 31, 2006 are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
7,046
|
|
2008
|
|
|
16,413
|
|
2009
|
|
|
204,046
|
|
2010
|
|
|
36
|
|
2011
|
|
|
175,039
|
|
Interest on the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due
August 15, 2011 (9% Notes) is payable on
February 15 and August 15. At any time prior to
August 15, 2006, the 9% Notes are redeemable at the
option of the Company, in whole or in part, at a price of 100%
of the principal amount plus a redemption premium plus accrued
and unpaid interest. The redemption premium will be equal to the
greater of (1) 1% of the principal amount or (2) the
excess of (A) the sum of the present values of
(i) 104.5% of the principal amount and (ii) all
required interest payments through August 15, 2006,
excluding accrued but unpaid interest, computed in each case
using a discount rate equal to the Treasury rate at the time of
redemption plus 50 basis points over (B) the principal
amount. On or after August 15, 2006, the 9% Notes are
redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in part, at
prices from 104.5% of the principal amount plus interest
declining to 100% of the principal amount plus interest
beginning August 15, 2009.
Interest on the
77/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due June 15, 2014 (7
7/8% Notes)
is payable semiannually on June 15 and December 15. At any
time prior to June 15, 2009, the
77/8% Notes
are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at a price of 100% of the principal amount plus a
redemption premium plus accrued and unpaid interest. The
redemption premium will be equal to the greater of (1) 1%
of the principal amount or (2) the excess of (A) the
sum of the present values of (i) 103.938% of the principal
amount and (ii) all required interest payments through
June 15, 2009, excluding accrued but unpaid interest,
computed in each case using a discount rate equal to the
Treasury rate at the time of redemption plus 50 basis
points over (B) the principal amount. On or after
June 15, 2009, the
77/8% Notes
are redeemable at the option of the Company, in whole or in
part, at prices from
F-138
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
103.938% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest declining to 100% of the principal amount plus accrued
and unpaid interest beginning June 15, 2012.
At any time on or prior to June 15, 2007, the Company may
redeem up to 35% of the aggregate principal amount of the notes
issued under the indenture for the
77/8% Notes
with the net proceeds of one or more equity offerings by the
Company at a redemption price of 107.875% of the principal
amount plus accrued and unpaid interest, provided that
(1) at least 65% of the principal amount of the
77/8% Notes
issued remains outstanding immediately after such redemption and
(2) the redemption occurs within 60 days of the
closing of such equity offering.
The 9% Notes and
77/8% Notes,
ranked pari passu, are general unsecured obligations of
the Company and are subordinated in right of payment to all
present and future senior indebtedness (as defined) of the
Company. Upon change of control of the Company, the holders of
the 9% Notes and
77/8% Notes
would have the right to require repurchase of the respective
notes at 101% of the principal amount plus accrued and unpaid
interest. Certain covenants in the 9% Notes and
77/8% Notes
limit the ability of the Company to incur indebtedness, make
certain payments or engage in mergers, consolidations or sales
of assets.
The Company has a $675,000,000 senior secured credit facility
(Credit Agreement) consisting of a five-year
revolving credit facility (including letter of credit and
swingline sublimits) of up to $550,000,000
(Revolver) and a five-year term loan facility of
$125,000,000 (Term Loan). On June 30, 2006, the
maximum amount available under the Revolver decreased by
$125,000,000, leaving $313,887,000 available as of
December 31, 2006 for future borrowing after consideration
of outstanding letters of credit, subject to quarterly financial
tests as described below. The maximum amount available under the
Revolver decreased since the Company did not commence
redevelopment of the Las Vegas Tropicana property or enter into
an alternative project approved by the lenders holding a
majority of the commitments.
Under the Credit Agreement, the original Term Loan calls for
quarterly principal payments of $312,500 on a calendar basis
through June 29, 2007, then $3,125,000 through
June 30, 2008 and then $5,000,000 through March 31,
2009, with the balance due at maturity. Under the Credit
Agreement, interest on the respective facilities is computed
based upon, at the Companys option, a one-, two-, three-
or six-month Eurodollar rate plus a margin ranging from 1.25% to
2.75%, or the prime rate plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to
1.75%; the applicable margin is dependent on the Companys
ratio of outstanding indebtedness to operating cash flow, as
defined. As of December 31, 2006, the margin was at the
lowest level. Interest computed based upon the Eurodollar rate
is payable quarterly or on the last day of the applicable
Eurodollar interest period, if earlier. Interest computed based
upon the prime rate is payable quarterly. The Company incurs a
commitment fee ranging from 0.25% to 0.625% per annum on the
unused portion of the Revolver.
Under the Credit Agreement, each of the revolving credit
facility and term loan facility and any additional facility is
unconditionally guaranteed by each of the Companys
existing and future subsidiaries (other than certain
unrestricted subsidiaries) and the facilities (and guarantees
thereof) are secured by a perfected first priority security
interest in substantially all of the personal and real property
assets of the Company and such subsidiaries. The Credit
Agreement imposes various restrictions on the Company, including
limitations on its ability to incur additional debt, commit
funds to capital expenditures and investments, merge or sell
assets. The Credit Agreement prohibits dividends on the
Companys common stock (other than those payable in common
stock) and repurchases of the Companys common stock in
excess of $30,000,000 per year with limited exceptions. In
addition, the Credit Agreement contains quarterly financial
tests, including a minimum fixed charge coverage and maximum
ratios of total debt and senior debt to operating cash flow. The
senior secured credit facility includes usual and customary
events of default for facilities of this nature (with customary
grace periods, as applicable), and provides that, in the event
of a change in control, as defined, the majority lenders will
have the right to require prepayment of the facility.
F-139
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 6.
|
LEASE
OBLIGATIONS
|
The Company is a lessee under a number of noncancelable lease
agreements involving land, buildings, leasehold improvements and
equipment, some of which provide for contingent rentals based on
revenues. The leases extend for various periods up to five years
and generally provide for the payment of executory costs (taxes,
insurance and maintenance) by the Company. Certain of these
leases have provisions for renewal options ranging from one to
30 years, primarily under similar terms,
and/or
options to purchase at various dates.
Properties leased under capital leases are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Furniture and equipment
|
|
$
|
1,447
|
|
|
$
|
1,367
|
|
Less accumulated amortization
|
|
|
(1,366
|
)
|
|
|
(1,358
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
81
|
|
|
$
|
9
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amortization of furniture and equipment leased under capital
leases included in continuing operations, computed on a
straight-line basis, was $22,000 in 2006, $17,000 in 2005 and
$18,000 in 2004.
Minimum future lease obligations on long-term, noncancelable
leases in effect at December 31, 2006 are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Year
|
|
Capital
|
|
|
Operating
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
64
|
|
|
$
|
3,911
|
|
2008
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
2,513
|
|
2009
|
|
|
6
|
|
|
|
1,275
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,131
|
|
2011
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
215
|
|
Thereafter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
53
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
104
|
|
|
$
|
9,098
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount representing executory costs
|
|
|
(17
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
Amount representing interest
|
|
|
(16
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net present value
|
|
|
71
|
|
|
|
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(41
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Long-term portion
|
|
$
|
30
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The above net present value is computed based on specific
interest rates determined at the inception of the leases. Rent
expense included in continuing operations is detailed as follows
(in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Minimum rentals
|
|
$
|
6,814
|
|
|
$
|
6,555
|
|
|
$
|
6,431
|
|
Contingent rentals
|
|
|
4,776
|
|
|
|
1,301
|
|
|
|
2,280
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
11,590
|
|
|
$
|
7,856
|
|
|
$
|
8,711
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The total minimum rentals to be received in the future under
noncancelable subleases is $115,000 as of December 31, 2006.
F-140
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 7.
|
OTHER
LONG-TERM LIABILITIES
|
Other long-term liabilities consist of the following (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Deferred compensation and retirement plans
|
|
$
|
21,528
|
|
|
$
|
15,630
|
|
Asset retirement obligations
|
|
|
592
|
|
|
|
1,342
|
|
Las Vegas Boulevard beautification assessment
|
|
|
247
|
|
|
|
271
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
22,367
|
|
|
|
17,243
|
|
Less current portion
|
|
|
(949
|
)
|
|
|
(824
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
21,418
|
|
|
$
|
16,419
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Refer to Note 11: Benefit Plans for information
on a lump-sum cash payment made to a defined benefit plan
participant. The deferred compensation and retirement plans
liability noted above decreased during 2005 as a result of the
cash payment.
|
|
NOTE 8.
|
REDEEMABLE
PREFERRED STOCK
|
A series of preferred stock consisting of 100,000 shares
has been designated Series B ESOP Convertible Preferred
Stock (Series B Stock) and those shares were
issued on December 20, 1989, to the Companys Employee
Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). In 2001, the ESOP was
merged into the Aztar Corporation 401(k) Plan (401(k)
Plan) and the assets of the ESOP were subsequently
transferred to the 401(k) Plan.
Beginning January 1, 2001, the Series B Stock was held
by the Aztar Corporation 401(k) Plan Stock and Insurance Trust.
During 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, 4,377 shares,
2,946 shares and 3,385 shares were redeemed primarily
in connection with employee terminations. At December 31,
2006, cumulative redemptions totaled 58,178 shares. The
Series B Stock has an annual dividend rate of $8.00 per
share per annum payable semiannually in arrears. These shares
have no voting rights except under certain limited, specified
conditions. Shares may be converted into common stock at $9.46
per share of common stock and have a liquidation preference of
$100 per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends.
The shares that have vested are redeemable at the higher of $100
per share plus accrued and unpaid dividends, appraised value or
conversion value, at the election of the participant upon
becoming eligible to redeem Series B Stock or at the
election of the Company. The participant or beneficiary may
elect to receive cash or common stock of the Company for the
redemption value. The Company may elect to fund the redemption
with either cash or its common stock. The excess of the
redemption value of the Series B Stock over the carrying
value is charged to retained earnings upon redemption. In order
for a Series B Stock redemption to occur, a request for
distribution is made by the participant or beneficiary. Those
participants or beneficiaries who are eligible to redeem their
Series B Stock are permitted to leave their Series B
Stock in their account until an election for redemption is made
or until federal statutes require a form of distribution.
In the event of default in the payment of dividends on the
Series B Stock for six consecutive semiannual periods, each
outstanding share would have one vote per share of common stock
into which the preferred stock is convertible.
F-141
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The Company is authorized to issue 10,000,000 shares of
preferred stock, par value $.01 per share, issuable in series as
the Board of Directors may designate. Approximately
100,000 shares of preferred stock have been designated
Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock but none have
been issued.
The Company is authorized to issue 100,000,000 shares of
common stock with a par value of $.01 per share. Shares issued
were 55,865,332 at December 31, 2006 and 54,567,666 at
December 31, 2005. Common stock outstanding was net of
18,988,518 and 18,788,714 treasury shares at December 31,
2006 and December 31 2005, respectively. One preferred stock
purchase right (Right) is attached to each share of
the Companys common stock. Each Right will entitle the
holder, subject to the occurrence of certain events, to purchase
one one-thousandth of a share of Series A Junior
Participating Preferred Stock at a price of $50.00 per one
one-thousandth of a share, subject to adjustment. The Rights
will expire in December 2009 if not earlier extended or redeemed
by the Company at $.01 per Right.
In December 2002, the Board of Directors authorized the Company
to make discretionary repurchases of up to 4,000,000 shares
of its common stock. There were 2,922,576 and
283,200 shares repurchased under this program in 2003 and
2002, respectively. At December 31, 2006, there remained
authority to repurchase 794,224 shares of common stock
under this program. All purchases under the Companys stock
repurchase program were made or may be made in the future from
time to time in the open market or privately negotiated
transactions, depending upon market prices and other business
factors. Repurchased shares are stated at cost and held as
treasury shares to be used for general corporate purposes.
The Company accepted 199,804, 308,967 and 170,052 shares of
its common stock in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, in
connection with the exercise of stock options. Such shares of
common stock are stated at cost and held as treasury shares to
be used for general corporate purposes.
At December 31, 2006, December 31, 2005 and
December 30, 2004, common shares reserved for future grants
of stock options under the Companys stock option plans
were 3,073,494, 3,043,494 and 3,576,663, respectively. At
December 31, 2006, common shares reserved for the
conversion of the Series B Stock were 442,000 and shares of
preferred stock reserved for exercise of the Rights were 50,000.
The Companys 1989 Stock Option and Incentive Plan
(1989 Plan) expired in June 1999. The 1989 Plan had
authorized the grant of up to 6,000,000 shares of the
Companys common stock pursuant to options, restricted
shares and performance shares to officers and key employees of
the Company. During 1999, the Company adopted the 1999 Employee
Stock Option and Incentive Plan (1999 Plan). The
1999 Plan has authorized the grant of up to
4,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock
pursuant to options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
shares, deferred shares and performance shares to officers and
key employees of the Company. During 2004, the Company adopted
the 2004 Employee Stock Option and Incentive Plan (2004
Plan). The 2004 Plan has authorized the grant of up to
4,000,000 shares of the Companys common stock
pursuant to options, stock appreciation rights, restricted
shares, deferred shares and performance shares to officers and
key employees of the Company. Options granted under the 1989,
1999 and 2004 Plans have
10-year
terms, vest and become exercisable at the rate of
1/3
per year on each of the first three anniversary dates of the
grant, subject to continued employment on those dates. Options
granted on May 8, 2002, or later, under the 1999 and 2004
Plans include an additional provision that provides for
accelerated vesting under certain circumstances related to
retirement, disability or death.
The Companys 1990 Nonemployee Directors Stock Option Plan
(1990 Plan) expired in July 2000. The 1990 Plan had
authorized the grant of up to 250,000 shares of the
Companys common stock pursuant to options granted to
nonemployee Directors of the Company. Options granted under the
1990 Plan have
10-year
terms and vested and became exercisable on the date of grant.
During 2001, the Companys
F-142
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
shareholders approved the 2000 Nonemployee Directors Stock
Option Plan (2000 Plan). The 2000 Plan has
authorized the grant of up to 250,000 shares of the
Companys common stock pursuant to options granted to
nonemployee Directors of the Company. Options granted under the
2000 Plan have
10-year
terms. The 2000 Plan provides for the granting of options that
vest and become exercisable on the date of grant and provides
for the granting of options whereby a portion vests and becomes
exercisable on the date of grant and the remainder vests and
becomes exercisable evenly over varying terms depending on the
date of the grant, subject to being a Company Director on those
dates.
The Company received cash of $20,675,000, $10,120,000 and
$3,613,000, respectively, in 2006, 2005 and 2004 in connection
with stock option exercises. The Company issued 1,297,666,
1,306,334 and 680,834 shares of its common stock in 2006,
2005 and 2004, respectively, in connection with stock option
exercises. The Company accepted 119,649 and 89,207 shares
of its common stock in 2005 and 2004, respectively, in lieu of
cash due to the Company in connection with the exercise of stock
options. In addition, the Company accepted 199,804, 189,318 and
80,845 shares of its common stock in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively, in satisfaction of $9,403,000, $5,799,000 and
$1,858,000 of tax obligations paid by the Company in 2006, 2005
and 2004, respectively, which were associated with the exercise
of stock options. Such shares of common stock are stated at cost
and held as treasury shares to be used for general corporate
purposes. The Company satisfies stock option exercises by
authorizing its transfer agent to issue new shares after
confirming that all requisite consideration has been received
from the option holder. The total intrinsic value of options
exercised in 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $42,730,000, $26,706,000
and $11,868,000, respectively. The tax benefit realized for
these option exercises was $15,182,000, $9,379,000 and
$4,250,000, respectively, in 2006, 2005 and 2004.
During 2005, the Company modified the terms of an
employees stock options to provide for accelerated
vesting. Options to purchase 13,333 shares of the
Companys common stock at an exercise price of $15.71 that
were to vest in May 2006 were accelerated to vest in June 2005.
In addition, options to purchase 26,666 shares of the
Companys common stock at an exercise price of $24.39, of
which 13,333 options were to vest in May 2006 and 13,333 options
were to vest in May 2007, were accelerated to vest in June 2005.
In connection with the acceleration of these options
vesting periods, the Company recorded approximately $462,000 of
compensation expense.
A summary of the Companys stock option activity and
related information is as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-
|
|
|
Remaining
|
|
|
Aggregate
|
|
|
|
Shares
|
|
|
Average
|
|
|
Contractual
|
|
|
Intrinsic Value
|
|
Options
|
|
(000)
|
|
|
Exercise Price
|
|
|
Term
|
|
|
($000)
|
|
|
Outstanding at January 1, 2006
|
|
|
3,750
|
|
|
$
|
17.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Granted
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercised
|
|
|
(1,298
|
)
|
|
$
|
15.93
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forfeited or expired
|
|
|
(30
|
)
|
|
$
|
30.90
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Outstanding at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
2,422
|
|
|
$
|
18.52
|
|
|
|
5.4 years
|
|
|
$
|
86,954
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Exercisable at December 31, 2006
|
|
|
1,963
|
|
|
$
|
15.96
|
|
|
|
4.8 years
|
|
|
$
|
75,490
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options that were granted in 2005 and 2004 were 562,500
and 535,000, respectively; the weighted-average grant-date fair
value of these options was $11.73 and $11.29, respectively.
There were no stock options granted in 2006.
F-143
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The Company has nonqualified defined benefit pension plans and a
deferred compensation plan. These plans are unfunded. To support
the benefit liability of one of the Companys nonqualified
defined benefit pension plans, the Company established the Aztar
Corporation Nonqualified Retirement Trust. The Company makes
periodic contributions to this irrevocable trust so that the
funds in the trust approximate the benefit obligation. In 2006,
the Company contributed $3,975,000 to this irrevocable trust. To
support the benefit liability of the deferred compensation plan,
the Company has purchased life insurance contracts. The market
value of the trust and the cash value of the life insurance was
$11,714,000 and $7,251,000 at December 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005, respectively. The funds in the trust and
life insurance contracts are assets of the Company and are
included in other assets.
In September 2006, the Financial Accounting Standards Board
issued Statement No. 158, Employers Accounting
for Defined Benefit Pension and Other Postretirement Plans, an
amendment of FASB Statements No. 87, 88, 106, and
132(R). SFAS 158, which became effective for the
Company on December 31, 2006, requires employers to
recognize the funded status of a defined benefit postretirement
plan as an asset or liability in its statement of financial
position and to recognize changes in that funded status in
comprehensive income in the year in which the changes occur. The
funded status of a defined benefit pension plan is measured as
the difference between plan assets at fair value and the
plans projected benefit obligation.
Under SFAS 158, employers are required to measure plan
assets and benefit obligations at the date of their fiscal
year-end statement of financial position.
Based on the projected benefit obligations of the Companys
defined benefit plans and deferred compensation plan at
December 31, 2006, the aggregate underfunded status of the
Companys defined benefit postretirement plans was
$21,528,000.
The following table shows the incremental effect of applying
SFAS 158 on individual line items in the Consolidated
Balance Sheet at December 31, 2006 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Before
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application of
|
|
|
|
|
|
After Application
|
|
|
|
Statement 158
|
|
|
Adjustments
|
|
|
of Statement 158
|
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
|
$
|
17,390
|
|
|
$
|
4,138
|
|
|
$
|
21,528
|
|
Deferred income taxes
|
|
|
42,925
|
|
|
|
(1,456
|
)
|
|
|
41,469
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes
|
|
|
(2,008
|
)
|
|
|
(2,704
|
)
|
|
|
(4,712
|
)
|
Total stockholders equity
|
|
|
624,678
|
|
|
|
(2,704
|
)
|
|
|
621,974
|
|
F-144
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The following table shows a reconciliation of the changes in the
plans benefit obligation for the years 2006 and 2005 and a
reconciliation of the funded status with amounts recognized in
the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005 (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year
|
|
$
|
13,022
|
|
|
$
|
18,508
|
|
|
$
|
6,522
|
|
|
$
|
6,609
|
|
Service cost
|
|
|
137
|
|
|
|
177
|
|
|
|
2
|
|
|
|
4
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
|
597
|
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
|
352
|
|
Actuarial (gain) loss
|
|
|
1,778
|
|
|
|
2,249
|
|
|
|
(153
|
)
|
|
|
56
|
|
Benefits paid
|
|
|
(271
|
)
|
|
|
(8,509
|
)
|
|
|
(542
|
)
|
|
|
(499
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Projected benefit obligation at end of year
|
|
|
15,361
|
|
|
|
13,022
|
|
|
|
6,167
|
|
|
|
6,522
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Plan assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Funded status at year end
|
|
$
|
(15,361
|
)
|
|
|
(13,022
|
)
|
|
$
|
(6,167
|
)
|
|
|
(6,522
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Unrecognized actuarial loss
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5,893
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
622
|
|
Unrecognized prior service cost
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(7,033
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(5,900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet before the
adoption of SFAS 158 consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accrued benefit liability
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(9,108
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(6,522
|
)
|
Intangible asset
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
96
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accumulated other comprehensive loss(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
1,979
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
622
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net amount recognized
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(7,033
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(5,900
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
In the Consolidated Statements of Shareholders Equity,
accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to a minimum
pension liability adjustment during the year is reported net of
an income tax (provision)benefit of $(735) and $871 in 2005 and
2004, respectively. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
Plans
|
|
|
Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet after the
adoption of SFAS 158 consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current liabilities
|
|
$
|
354
|
|
|
$
|
571
|
|
Noncurrent liabilities
|
|
|
15,007
|
|
|
|
5,596
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount recognized
|
|
$
|
15,361
|
|
|
$
|
6,167
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-145
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
Plans
|
|
|
Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss
consist of:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Actuarial loss
|
|
$
|
6,535
|
|
|
$
|
469
|
|
Prior service cost
|
|
|
22
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount recognized(a)
|
|
$
|
6,557
|
|
|
$
|
469
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
In the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders Equity,
accumulated other comprehensive loss relating to a minimum
pension liability adjustment during the year 2006 is net of an
income tax benefit of $156. In addition, in the Consolidated
Statement of Shareholders Equity, accumulated other
comprehensive loss relating to the adjustment to initially adopt
SFAS 158 is reported net of an income tax benefit of $1,456
in 2006. |
The accumulated benefit obligation for the defined benefit plans
was $11,223,000 and $9,108,000 at December 31, 2006 and
December 31, 2005, respectively. The accumulated benefit
obligation for the deferred compensation plan was $6,167,000 and
$6,522,000 at December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005,
respectively.
The estimated actuarial loss and prior service cost for the
defined benefit pension plans that will be amortized from
accumulated other comprehensive loss into net periodic benefit
expense in 2007 are $1,626,000 and $22,000, respectively. The
estimated actuarial loss for the deferred compensation plan that
will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive loss into
net periodic benefit cost over the next fiscal year is $0. The
weighted average assumptions used to determine the
Companys benefit obligation are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Discount rate(a)
|
|
|
5.70
|
%
|
|
|
5.40
|
%
|
|
|
5.70
|
%
|
|
|
5.40
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
In selecting a discount rate for the Companys benefit
obligation as of December 31, 2006, the Company reviewed a
number of high-grade corporate bond indices and spot-rate
discount curves. It was determined that the spot-rate discount
curves provide the more direct recognition of the expected
timing of cash flows and therefore a pension discount curve was
the preferred choice. The Citigroup Pension Discount Curve was
chosen and was used to determine the present value of expected
benefit payments under each plan. For each plan a single
discount rate was found that produced the same liabilities as
determined using the discount curve. These single discount rates
were weighted with the projected benefit obligations under each
plan to determine a single discount rate to be applied to all
plans rounded to the nearest 10 basis points. The resulting
single discount rate used for all plans as of December 31,
2006 is 5.70%. |
F-146
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The components of benefit plan expense included in continuing
operations are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Service cost
|
|
$
|
137
|
|
|
$
|
177
|
|
|
$
|
95
|
|
|
$
|
2
|
|
|
$
|
4
|
|
|
$
|
11
|
|
Interest cost
|
|
|
695
|
|
|
|
597
|
|
|
|
963
|
|
|
|
338
|
|
|
|
352
|
|
|
|
384
|
|
Amortization of prior service cost
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
74
|
|
|
|
113
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recognized net actuarial loss
|
|
|
1,136
|
|
|
|
537
|
|
|
|
898
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Settlement loss(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,851
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash surrender value increase net of premium expense
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(375
|
)
|
|
|
(344
|
)
|
|
|
(340
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
2,042
|
|
|
$
|
4,236
|
|
|
$
|
2,069
|
|
|
$
|
(35
|
)
|
|
$
|
12
|
|
|
$
|
55
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
During 2005, the Company made a lump-sum cash payment of $8,239
to a defined benefit plan participant in exchange for the
participants right to receive specified pension benefits.
As a result, the Company recognized a settlement loss of $2,851.
The recognition of this settlement loss resulted in a reduction
of $1,556, net of income taxes of $838 in the accumulated other
comprehensive loss relating to the minimum pension liability
adjustment in the Consolidated Statement of Shareholders
Equity for the year ended December 31, 2005. |
The weighted average assumptions used to determine the
Companys benefit plan expense are as follows:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred Compensation
|
|
|
|
Defined Benefit Plans
|
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Discount rate
|
|
|
5.40
|
%
|
|
|
5.50
|
%
|
|
|
6.00
|
%
|
|
|
5.40
|
%
|
|
|
5.50
|
%
|
|
|
6.00
|
%
|
Rate of compensation increase
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
5.00
|
%
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
|
|
N/A
|
|
The estimated future benefit payments, which reflect expected
future service, as appropriate, are expected to be paid in the
following years (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Defined
|
|
|
Deferred
|
|
|
|
Benefit
|
|
|
Compensation
|
|
|
|
Plans
|
|
|
Plan
|
|
|
2007
|
|
$
|
353
|
|
|
$
|
571
|
|
2008
|
|
|
347
|
|
|
|
590
|
|
2009
|
|
|
340
|
|
|
|
548
|
|
2010
|
|
|
1,340
|
|
|
|
571
|
|
2011
|
|
|
1,419
|
|
|
|
556
|
|
2012 to 2016
|
|
|
7,367
|
|
|
|
2,778
|
|
The Company has a defined contribution plan that covers
substantially all employees who are not covered by a collective
bargaining unit. The plan allows employees, at their discretion,
to make contributions of their before-tax earnings to the plan
up to an annual maximum amount. The Company matches 50% of the
employee contributions that are based on up to 6% of an
employees before-tax earnings. Compensation expense
included in continuing operations with regard to Company
matching contributions was $1,904,000, $2,111,000 and $2,145,000
in 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. The Company contributed
$6,044,000, $5,789,000 and $4,901,000 in 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively, to trusteed pension plans under various collective
bargaining agreements.
F-147
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 12.
|
ACCOUNTING
FOR THE IMPACT OF THE OCTOBER 30, 2003 CONSTRUCTION
ACCIDENT
|
An accident occurred on the site of the construction of the
expansion of the Atlantic City Tropicana on October 30,
2003. The accident resulted in a loss of life and serious
injuries, as well as extensive damage to the facilities under
construction.
Construction on the expansion project was substantially
completed by December 30, 2004. The expansion includes 502
additional hotel rooms, 20,000 square feet of meeting
space, 2,400 parking spaces, and The Quarter at
Tropicana, a 200,000- square-foot dining, entertainment
and retail center.
The Company incurred $5,420,000, $4,276,000 and $3,956,000 in
2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, of construction accident
related costs and expenses that may not be reimbursed by
insurance. The costs and expenses in 2006 and 2005 primarily
consist of professional fees incurred as a result of the
accident. The costs and expenses in 2004 primarily consist of
supplemental marketing costs incurred to decrease the effect of
the business interruption caused by the accident as well as
professional fees incurred.
In 2006, 2005 and 2004, the Company recorded $12,229,000,
$871,000 and $8,717,000, respectively, of insurance recoveries
due to the delay of the opening of the expansion, which
represent a portion of the anticipated profit that the Company
would have recognized had the expansion opened as originally
projected as well as some reimbursement for costs incurred as a
result of the delay. Also, in 2004, the Company recorded
$3,500,000 of business interruption insurance recovery, which
reflects a profit recovery applicable to the fourth quarter of
2003. These insurance recoveries were classified as construction
accident insurance recoveries in the Consolidated Statements of
Operations. Insurance claims for business interruption that
occurred from the date of the accident through December 31,
2005 have been filed with the Companys insurers in the
amount of approximately $52,100,000, of which $3,500,000 has
been received by the Company. In addition, the Company has filed
insurance claims for lost profits and additional costs as a
result of the delay in the opening of the expansion. The total
of these claims is approximately $64,600,000, of which
$22,116,000 has been received by the Company. Profit recovery
from insurance is recorded when the amount of recovery, which
may be different from the amount claimed, is agreed to by the
insurers. The Company has also filed insurance claims of
approximately $9,000,000 for other costs it has incurred that
are related to the construction accident, of which $1,500,000
has been received by the Company. These other costs are
primarily supplemental marketing costs and approximately
$1,600,000 was included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as
part of the construction accident receivables at
December 31, 2006.
During 2003, the Company reduced construction in progress for
the estimated asset loss and recorded a receivable of
approximately $3,000,000. By September 30, 2004, the
contractor had made substantial progress in rebuilding the
damaged structure. Because the cost of the reconstructed portion
that was fully paid by the contractor exceeded the $3,000,000
asset loss previously incurred, the Company increased
construction in progress for $3,000,000 and relieved the
corresponding receivable at September 30, 2004. In addition
to the $3,000,000 asset loss that was recognized and
subsequently recovered, the Company recognized $5,000,000 of
expense in 2004 for costs incurred to repair areas that were
damaged as a result of the accident. This expense was classified
in the Consolidated Statement of Operations as a component of
other income.
In order to ensure that the construction proceed expeditiously
and in order to settle certain disputes, the Company and the
general contractor entered into a settlement agreement on
October 6, 2004 that delineates how the Company and its
contractor will share the cost of and the insurance proceeds
received for the dismantlement, debris removal and rebuild.
During 2004, the Company estimated and recognized $1,625,000 of
expense for dismantlement and debris removal activities that are
probable of not being recovered under insurance. These
dismantlement and debris removal costs were also classified as a
component of other income in the Consolidated Statement of
Operations. During 2006, 2005 and 2004, the
F-148
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Company recorded $2,640,000, $6,001,000 and $10,532,000,
respectively, of insurance recoveries associated with the
rebuild, net of direct costs to obtain the recoveries. These
amounts were classified as other income in the Consolidated
Statements of Operations. In addition, at December 31,
2006, the Companys share of claims outstanding for
dismantlement, debris removal and rebuild was approximately
$23,600,000.
In April 2007, the Company and its insurance carriers reached a
settlement agreement regarding all outstanding claims for
dismantlement, debris removal and rebuild claims. The settlement
agreement resulted in the Company recovering $20,000,000 of the
claim, less the amount of $1,750,000 payable to the general
contract under the sharing agreement of October 6, 2004.
Also in April 2007, the Company was a party to a settlement
agreement that has fully resolved all liability claims that
arose from the construction accident. The claims were satisfied
in full within the policy limits of the Companys insurance
programs and will have no material effect on the Companys
financial condition.
On March 13, 2006, the Company entered into an Agreement
and Plan of Merger (the Merger Agreement) with
Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc. (Pinnacle) and
Pinnacles wholly-owned subsidiary, PNK Development 1, Inc.
Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, Pinnacle agreed to pay
$38.00 in cash for each share of the Companys common stock
and $401.90 in cash for each share of the Companys
Series B convertible preferred stock outstanding at the
Effective Time (as defined in the Merger Agreement).
Subsequently, the Merger Agreement was amended three times and
on May 5, 2006, the Company entered into a fourth amendment
(the Fourth Amendment) to the Merger Agreement with
Pinnacle. Pursuant to the Fourth Amendment, each share of Aztar
common stock would be exchanged for $47.00 in cash and a
fraction of a share of Pinnacle common stock equal to $4.00
divided by the trading price of a share of Pinnacle common stock
over a specified trading period, but no more than
0.16584 shares and no fewer than 0.11056 shares, and
each share of Aztar preferred stock would be exchanged for
$497.09 in cash plus $42.304 of Pinnacle common stock, subject
to a collar provision. The Fourth Amendment increased a
termination fee provision to $52,160,000 plus the reimbursement
of up to $25,840,000 of merger-related costs incurred by
Pinnacle.
On May 19, 2006, the Company entered into an Agreement and
Plan of Merger (the Columbia Merger Agreement) with
Columbia Sussex Corporation (Sussex), Wimar Tahoe
Corporation, d/b/a Columbia Entertainment, the gaming affiliate
of Sussex (Columbia Entertainment), and WT-Columbia
Development, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Columbia
Entertainment. Prior to signing the Columbia Merger Agreement,
the Company terminated its earlier merger agreement with
Pinnacle and paid to Pinnacle a termination fee of $52,160,000
and termination expenses of $25,840,000. The payment is not
deductible for tax purposes. The termination fee and termination
expenses paid to Pinnacle were classified as merger-related
expenses in the 2006 Consolidated Statement of Operations.
Under the Columbia Merger Agreement, Columbia Entertainment will
acquire all the outstanding shares of Aztar common stock for
$54.00 per share in cash and all the outstanding shares of Aztar
preferred stock for $571.13 per share in cash. The Columbia
Merger Agreement also provides for an increase in the purchase
price under certain conditions at the rate per day of $0.00888
per share of Aztar common stock and $0.09388 per share of Aztar
preferred stock beginning November 20, 2006. The actual
amounts paid on the closing date of the merger on
January 3, 2007 were $54.3996 per common share and
$575.3546 per preferred share. The Columbia Merger Agreement
contains a termination fee provision of $55,228,000 plus the
reimbursement of up to $27,360,000 of merger- related costs
incurred by Columbia Entertainment. On October 17, 2006,
Aztar shareholders approved the Columbia Merger Agreement at a
special meeting of Aztar shareholders. The merger closed on
January 3, 2007.
In the Columbia Merger Agreement, the Company agreed to use
commercially reasonable efforts to sell or close the
Companys Missouri property, Casino Aztar Caruthersville.
The Company signed an
F-149
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
agreement with Fortunes Entertainment, LLC on August 17,
2006 under which Fortunes Entertainment would acquire the
Caruthersville property. Approval by Missouri gaming authorities
is required for any transaction involving the sale, or a
closure, of the Companys Missouri property. On
October 25, 2006, the Missouri Gaming Commission determined
that the licensing of Fortunes Entertainment will not occur on
or before November 19, 2006, the deadline for obtaining the
necessary licenses to complete the sale. In addition, the
Commission directed its staff to take the necessary legal steps
for the appointment of a supervisor of Casino Aztar
Caruthersville to avoid closure of the gaming operation. On
November 3, 2006, the Companys agreement to sell
Casino Aztar Caruthersville to Fortunes Entertainment was
mutually terminated. On March 16, 2007, Columbia
Entertainment entered into an agreement to sell Casino Aztar
Caruthersville to Isle of Capri, Inc. for $45 million in
cash subject to regulatory approvals. If the sale is not
consummated by August 3, 2007, the agreement will terminate.
In connection with the Columbia Merger Agreement, Sussex
deposited $313,000,000 into a custody account, payable to Aztar
in certain circumstances (including failure to obtain regulatory
approvals) in the event that the Columbia Merger Agreement is
terminated. Of the deposit, $78,000,000 has been paid to Aztar
as reimbursement of the termination fees and expenses paid to
Pinnacle. Since this reimbursement is considered to be a deposit
toward the merger for accounting purposes, it was classified as
a current liability in the Consolidated Balance Sheet as merger
termination fee reimbursement at December 31, 2006. If the
merger is terminated under certain conditions, the reimbursement
is repayable by the Company to Sussex and if the merger is
terminated under certain other conditions or if the merger is
consummated, it is retained by the Company.
In 2006, the Company recorded $92,972,000 of merger-related
costs and expenses. These cost and expenses primarily consist of
the Pinnacle termination fee and expenses of $78,000,000 and
professional fees.
|
|
NOTE 14.
|
TROPICANA
LAS VEGAS CAPITALIZED DEVELOPMENT COSTS WRITE-OFF
|
During the 2006 first quarter, the Company concluded that it was
not probable that it would implement its plans for redevelopment
of Tropicana Las Vegas. As a result, the Company wrote off
$26,021,000 of capitalized development costs.
|
|
NOTE 15.
|
LOSS ON
EARLY RETIREMENT OF DEBT
|
In connection with the redemptions of
87/8% Senior
Subordinated Notes due 2007 during 2004, the Company expensed
the redemption premiums of $7,616,000 and the remaining
unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,756,000 for a total of
$10,372,000. These items were reflected as a loss on early
retirement of debt.
F-150
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
The (provision) benefit for income taxes from continuing
operations is comprised of (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Current:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
$
|
(26,797
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,155
|
)
|
|
$
|
2,189
|
|
State
|
|
|
(4,809
|
)
|
|
|
(9,885
|
)
|
|
|
(24,876
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(31,606
|
)
|
|
|
(33,040
|
)
|
|
|
(22,687
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Federal
|
|
|
3,850
|
|
|
|
(5,509
|
)
|
|
|
(16,089
|
)
|
State
|
|
|
(1,491
|
)
|
|
|
(49
|
)
|
|
|
(197
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2,359
|
|
|
|
(5,558
|
)
|
|
|
(16,286
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,598
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In 2006, the Company reached a favorable settlement with the
Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on the only remaining
issue in dispute for the examinations of the Companys
federal income tax returns for the years 1994 through 2003. The
issue involved the deductibility of a portion of payments on
certain liabilities related to the restructuring of Ramada, Inc.
(the Restructuring). As a result of the settlement,
the Company recorded an income tax benefit of $1,383,000.
During 2005, the IRS completed its examination of the
Companys income tax return for the year 2003. During 2004,
the IRS completed its examination of the Companys income
tax returns for the years 2000 through 2002.
The IRS is examining the 2003 and 2004 income tax returns of
Aztar Riverboat Holding Company, LLC, an indirect subsidiary of
the Company that holds the Companys interests in its
operations in Indiana and Missouri. The New Jersey Division of
Taxation is examining the New Jersey income tax returns for the
years 1995 through 2001. In 2006, the Companys application
for tax credits available from New Jersey was approved. As a
result of the approval, the Company recognized, net of a federal
income tax effect, a non-recurring income tax benefit of
$1,993,000. The Indiana Department of Revenue completed their
examination of the Indiana income tax returns for the years 2003
and 2004 and issued no change reports for both years. Management
believes that adequate provision for income taxes and interest
has been made in the financial statements.
The Company received proposed assessments from the Indiana
Department of Revenue (IDR) in connection with the
examination of the Companys Indiana income tax returns for
the years 1996 through 2002. The assessments were based on the
IDRs position that the Companys gaming taxes that
are based on gaming revenue are not deductible for Indiana
income tax purposes. The Company filed a petition in Indiana Tax
Court for the 1996 and 1997 tax years and oral arguments were
heard in April 2001. The Company filed a formal protest for the
years 1998 through 2002. In April 2004, the Indiana Tax Court
ruled against the Company. The Company asked the Indiana Supreme
Court to review the ruling. The Companys request was
denied. As a result, the Company estimated that it was obligated
to pay approximately $17,300,000 to cover assessments of taxes
and interest from 1996 through the end of the first quarter of
2004. These assessments were paid by the Company by
December 30, 2004. This amount was deductible for federal
income tax purposes, resulting in a net effect of approximately
$11,300,000, which was recorded as an increase to income tax
expense in the first quarter of 2004. The ongoing effect of this
issue is also included in income taxes after the first quarter
of 2004.
F-151
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
General business credits are taken as a reduction of the
provision for income taxes during the year such credits become
available. The (provision) benefit for income taxes from
continuing operations differs from the amount computed by
applying the U.S. federal income tax rate (35%) because of
the effect of the following items (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Tax (provision) benefit at U.S. federal income tax rate
|
|
$
|
5,218
|
|
|
$
|
(32,257
|
)
|
|
$
|
(23,121
|
)
|
State income taxes, net
|
|
|
(3,966
|
)
|
|
|
(6,461
|
)
|
|
|
(16,222
|
)
|
Nondeductible merger-related expenses
|
|
|
(31,730
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Nondeductible business expenses
|
|
|
(113
|
)
|
|
|
(51
|
)
|
|
|
(259
|
)
|
IRS examination
|
|
|
1,383
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
358
|
|
General business credits
|
|
|
577
|
|
|
|
416
|
|
|
|
442
|
|
Other, net
|
|
|
(616
|
)
|
|
|
(245
|
)
|
|
|
(171
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
$
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,598
|
)
|
|
$
|
(38,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The income tax effects of loss carryforwards, tax credit
carryforwards and temporary differences between financial and
income tax reporting that give rise to the deferred income tax
assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Net operating loss carryforward
|
|
$
|
281
|
|
|
$
|
296
|
|
Accrued bad debt expense
|
|
|
6,533
|
|
|
|
8,136
|
|
Accrued compensation
|
|
|
11,005
|
|
|
|
6,861
|
|
Accrued liabilities
|
|
|
8,885
|
|
|
|
9,569
|
|
Income tax credit carryforward
|
|
|
967
|
|
|
|
1,396
|
|
Other
|
|
|
34
|
|
|
|
31
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax assets
|
|
|
27,705
|
|
|
|
26,289
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
|
|
|
(281
|
)
|
|
|
(296
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Deductible prepaids
|
|
|
(4,960
|
)
|
|
|
(4,462
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(55,611
|
)
|
|
|
(56,511
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax liabilities
|
|
|
(60,571
|
)
|
|
|
(60,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net deferred tax liabilities
|
|
$
|
(33,147
|
)
|
|
$
|
(34,980
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Gross deferred tax assets are reduced by a valuation allowance.
The beginning-of-year valuation allowance was reduced during
2006, 2005 and 2004, which caused a decrease in income tax
expense from continuing operations of $15,000, $27,000 and
$14,000, respectively.
At December 31, 2006, the Company has an alternative
minimum assessment tax credit carryforward of $1,487,000 for New
Jersey purposes that can be carried forward indefinitely. In
addition, the Company has net operating loss carryforwards of
$35,464,000 for state income tax purposes that will expire in
the years 2011 through 2024 if not used.
|
|
NOTE 17.
|
DISCONTINUED
OPERATIONS
|
The results of operations for Casino Aztar Caruthersville are
reported as discontinued operations net of income taxes,
reflecting the Companys commitment to sell or close that
property as part of the Companys
F-152
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Columbia Merger Agreement. On August 17, 2006, the Company
signed an agreement with Fortunes Entertainment, LLC under which
Fortunes Entertainment would acquire the Caruthersville
property. Approval by Missouri gaming authorities is required
for any transaction involving the sale, or a closure, of the
property. Any gain related to the sale would be recognized when
the transaction is completed. On October 25, 2006, the
Missouri Gaming Commission determined that the licensing of
Fortunes Entertainment will not occur on or before
November 19, 2006, the deadline for obtaining the necessary
licenses to complete the sale. In addition, the Commission
directed its staff to take the necessary legal steps for the
appointment of a supervisor of Casino Aztar Caruthersville to
avoid closure of the gaming operation. On November 3, 2006,
the Companys agreement to sell Casino Aztar Caruthersville
to Fortunes Entertainment, LLC was mutually terminated,
resulting in Fortunes Entertainment paying to the Company a
termination fee of $550,000. This termination fee income was
recorded as $358,000 net of income taxes and was classified
as discontinued operations net of income taxes in the 2006
Consolidated Statement of Operations.
The consolidated financial statements for all prior periods have
been reclassified to reflect the results of operations of Casino
Aztar Caruthersville as discontinued. In accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, the assets held for
sale are no longer depreciated. The assets and liabilities of
Casino Aztar Caruthersville are classified as assets held for
sale and liabilities related to assets held for sale,
respectively, in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets as
of December 31, 2006 and 2005.
Summary operating results of Casino Aztar Caruthersville
including the Fortunes Entertainment, LLC termination fee income
are as follows (in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
29,086
|
|
|
$
|
27,778
|
|
|
$
|
23,179
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
$
|
6,100
|
|
|
$
|
3,367
|
|
|
$
|
1,612
|
|
Termination fee income
|
|
|
550
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(2,299
|
)
|
|
|
(972
|
)
|
|
|
(224
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income from discontinued operations
|
|
$
|
4,351
|
|
|
$
|
2,395
|
|
|
$
|
1,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Assets held for sale and liabilities related to assets held for
sale as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 are as follows (in
thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cash and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
3,105
|
|
|
$
|
1,838
|
|
Accounts receivable, net
|
|
|
212
|
|
|
|
21
|
|
Inventories
|
|
|
27
|
|
|
|
32
|
|
Prepaid expenses
|
|
|
293
|
|
|
|
149
|
|
Property and equipment, net
|
|
|
31,965
|
|
|
|
31,123
|
|
Intangible assets
|
|
|
391
|
|
|
|
391
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
5
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total assets held for sale
|
|
$
|
35,998
|
|
|
$
|
33,559
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Accounts payable and accruals
|
|
$
|
1,723
|
|
|
$
|
1,466
|
|
Accrued payroll and employee benefits
|
|
|
911
|
|
|
|
1,029
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total liabilities related to assets held for sale
|
|
$
|
2,634
|
|
|
$
|
2,495
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-153
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 18.
|
EARNINGS
PER SHARE
|
The computations of income(loss) from continuing operations per
common share assuming no dilution and income(loss) from
continuing operations per common share, assuming dilution, are
as follows (in thousands, except per share data):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
$
|
53,565
|
|
|
$
|
27,087
|
|
Less: preferred stock dividend and losses on redemption
|
|
|
(2,017
|
)
|
|
|
(1,081
|
)
|
|
|
(1,030
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations available to common
shareholders
|
|
|
(46,173
|
)
|
|
|
52,484
|
|
|
|
26,057
|
|
Plus: income impact of assumed conversion of dilutive preferred
stock
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
370
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations available to common
shareholders plus dilutive potential common shares
|
|
$
|
(46,173
|
)
|
|
$
|
52,854
|
|
|
$
|
26,057
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common shares applicable to income(loss) from
continuing operations per common share assuming no dilution
|
|
|
36,281
|
|
|
|
35,332
|
|
|
|
34,547
|
|
Effect of dilutive securities:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock option incremental shares
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,290
|
|
|
|
1,491
|
|
Assumed conversion of preferred stock
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
489
|
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dilutive potential common shares
|
|
|
|
*
|
|
|
1,779
|
|
|
|
1,491
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Weighted-average common shares applicable to income(loss) from
continuing operations per common share assuming dilution
|
|
|
36,281
|
|
|
|
37,111
|
|
|
|
36,038
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations per common share
assuming no dilution
|
|
$
|
(1.27
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.48
|
|
|
$
|
.75
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations per common share
assuming dilution
|
|
$
|
(1.27
|
)
|
|
$
|
1.42
|
|
|
$
|
.72
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stock options that were excluded from consideration for the
earnings per share computations because their effect would have
been antidilutive were 556,500 at December 31, 2005 and
none at December 31, 2006 and December 30, 2004.
The assumed conversion of preferred stock to 520,000 equivalent
common shares was excluded from the December 30, 2004
income from continuing operations per common share assuming
dilution computation because their effect would have been
antidilutive. In addition, at December 31, 2006, no
potential common shares were included in the computation of
earnings per common share assuming dilution because there was a
loss from continuing operations.
F-154
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 19.
|
SEGMENT
INFORMATION
|
The Company reviews results of operations based on distinct
geographic gaming market segments. The Companys chief
operating decision maker uses only Segment Adjusted EBITDA in
assessing segment performance and deciding how to allocate
resources. The Companys segment information is as follows
(in thousands):
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City
|
|
$
|
496,178
|
|
|
$
|
490,159
|
|
|
$
|
384,618
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas
|
|
|
162,879
|
|
|
|
163,771
|
|
|
|
162,006
|
|
Ramada Express Laughlin
|
|
|
97,650
|
|
|
|
97,161
|
|
|
|
91,008
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
|
|
|
137,629
|
|
|
|
136,573
|
|
|
|
129,182
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
894,336
|
|
|
$
|
887,664
|
|
|
$
|
766,814
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA(a)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City
|
|
$
|
144,389
|
|
|
$
|
118,717
|
|
|
$
|
81,820
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas
|
|
|
37,698
|
|
|
|
38,952
|
|
|
|
36,156
|
|
Ramada Express Laughlin
|
|
|
26,530
|
|
|
|
27,304
|
|
|
|
23,031
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
|
|
|
37,546
|
|
|
|
41,341
|
|
|
|
37,390
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total Segment Adjusted EBITDA
|
|
|
246,163
|
|
|
|
226,314
|
|
|
|
178,397
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
(139,599
|
)
|
|
|
(20,795
|
)
|
|
|
(17,454
|
)
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
(70,027
|
)
|
|
|
(64,381
|
)
|
|
|
(52,213
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Operating income
|
|
|
36,537
|
|
|
|
141,138
|
|
|
|
108,730
|
|
Other income
|
|
|
2,640
|
|
|
|
6,001
|
|
|
|
3,907
|
|
Interest income
|
|
|
1,849
|
|
|
|
1,390
|
|
|
|
807
|
|
Interest expense
|
|
|
(55,935
|
)
|
|
|
(56,366
|
)
|
|
|
(37,012
|
)
|
Loss on early retirement of debt
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(10,372
|
)
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(29,247
|
)
|
|
|
(38,598
|
)
|
|
|
(38,973
|
)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
|
(44,156
|
)
|
|
|
53,565
|
|
|
|
27,087
|
|
Discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
|
|
4,351
|
|
|
|
2,395
|
|
|
|
1,388
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
$
|
(39,805
|
)
|
|
$
|
55,960
|
|
|
$
|
28,475
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
Segment Adjusted EBITDA is net income(loss) before discontinued
operations, income taxes, loss on early retirement of debt,
interest expense, interest income, other income, depreciation
and amortization and corporate. Segment Adjusted EBITDA should
not be construed as a substitute for either operating income or
net income(loss) as they are determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Segment
Adjusted EBITDA, which is computed in accordance with
SFAS No. 131, does not represent a non-GAAP financial
measure as it is presented in the above summary. The use of
Segment Adjusted EBITDA for any other purpose would constitute a
non-GAAP financial measure. The Company uses Segment Adjusted
EBITDA as a measure to compare operating results among its
properties and between accounting periods. The Company manages
cash and finances its operations at the corporate level. The
Company manages the allocation of capital among properties at
the corporate level. The Company also files a consolidated
income tax return. The Company accordingly believes Segment
Adjusted EBITDA is useful as a measure of operating results at
the property level because it reflects the results of operating
decisions at that level separated from the effects of tax |
F-155
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
and financing decisions that are managed at the corporate level.
The Company also believes that Segment Adjusted EBITDA is a
commonly used measure of operating performance in the gaming
industry and is an important basis for the valuation of gaming
companies. The Companys calculation of Segment Adjusted
EBITDA may not be comparable to similarly titled measures
reported by other companies and, therefore, any such differences
must be considered when comparing performance among different
companies. While the Company believes Segment Adjusted EBITDA
provides a useful perspective for some purposes, Segment
Adjusted EBITDA has material limitations as an analytical tool.
For example, among other things, although depreciation and
amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated
and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Segment
Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect the requirements for such
replacements. Corporate, other income, interest expense, net of
interest income, loss on early retirement of debt, income taxes
and discontinued operations are also not reflected in Segment
Adjusted EBITDA. Therefore, the Company does not consider
Segment Adjusted EBITDA in isolation, and it should not be
considered as a substitute for measures determined in accordance
with GAAP. A reconciliation of Segment Adjusted EBITDA with
operating income and net income(loss) as determined in
accordance with GAAP is reflected in the above summary. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Depreciation and amortization
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City
|
|
$
|
49,578
|
|
|
$
|
44,520
|
|
|
$
|
33,370
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas
|
|
|
5,598
|
|
|
|
5,805
|
|
|
|
5,914
|
|
Ramada Express Laughlin
|
|
|
7,406
|
|
|
|
6,900
|
|
|
|
6,298
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
|
|
|
7,388
|
|
|
|
7,115
|
|
|
|
6,588
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
57
|
|
|
|
41
|
|
|
|
43
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
70,027
|
|
|
$
|
64,381
|
|
|
$
|
52,213
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
2004
|
|
|
Additions to property and equipment, intangible assets and other
assets Tropicana Atlantic City
|
|
$
|
31,733
|
|
|
$
|
71,918
|
|
|
$
|
162,678
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas
|
|
|
7,867
|
|
|
|
3,385
|
|
|
|
3,024
|
|
Ramada Express Laughlin
|
|
|
7,766
|
|
|
|
6,071
|
|
|
|
6,259
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
|
|
|
28,207
|
|
|
|
28,199
|
|
|
|
12,099
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
13,259
|
|
|
|
7,284
|
|
|
|
14,802
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
88,832
|
|
|
$
|
116,857
|
|
|
$
|
198,862
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
Total assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tropicana Atlantic City
|
|
$
|
994,095
|
|
|
$
|
1,007,700
|
|
Tropicana Las Vegas
|
|
|
217,737
|
|
|
|
210,771
|
|
Ramada Express Laughlin
|
|
|
116,378
|
|
|
|
115,845
|
|
Casino Aztar Evansville
|
|
|
162,832
|
|
|
|
136,154
|
|
Corporate
|
|
|
46,212
|
|
|
|
51,305
|
|
Discontinued operations
|
|
|
35,998
|
|
|
|
33,559
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total consolidated
|
|
$
|
1,573,252
|
|
|
$
|
1,555,334
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
F-156
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
NOTE 20.
|
CONTINGENCIES
AND COMMITMENTS
|
The Company is a party to various other claims, legal actions
and complaints arising in the ordinary course of business or
asserted by way of defense or counterclaim in actions filed by
the Company. Management believes that its defenses are
substantial in each of these matters and that the Companys
legal posture can be successfully defended without material
adverse effect on its consolidated financial position, results
of operations or cash flows.
The Company has severance agreements with certain of its senior
executives. Severance benefits range from a lump-sum cash
payment equal to three times the sum of the executives
annual base salary and the average of the executives
annual bonuses awarded in the preceding three years plus payment
of the value in the executives outstanding stock options
and vesting and distribution of any restricted stock to a
lump-sum cash payment equal to one-fourth of the
executives annual base salary. In certain agreements, the
termination must be as a result of a change in control of the
Company. Based upon salary levels and stock options at
December 31, 2006, the aggregate commitment under the
severance agreements should all these executives be terminated
was approximately $82,000,000 at December 31, 2006.
At December 31, 2006, the Company had commitments of
approximately $1,700,000 for a hotel and entertainment complex
project at Casino Aztar Evansville.
|
|
NOTE 21.
|
FAIR
VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
|
The following table presents (in thousands) the carrying amounts
and estimated fair values of the Companys financial
instruments as of December 31, 2006 and 2005. The fair
value of a financial instrument is the amount at which the
instrument could be exchanged in a current transaction between
willing parties, other than in a forced or liquidation sale.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
2005
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
|
|
|
Carrying
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Amount
|
|
|
Fair Value
|
|
|
Assets
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Investments
|
|
$
|
25,129
|
|
|
$
|
25,129
|
|
|
|
25,215
|
|
|
$
|
25,215
|
|
Other assets
|
|
|
9,408
|
|
|
|
9,408
|
|
|
|
5,138
|
|
|
|
5,138
|
|
Liabilities
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Current portion of long-term debt
|
|
|
7,046
|
|
|
|
7,046
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
|
|
1,293
|
|
Long-term debt
|
|
|
695,665
|
|
|
|
730,915
|
|
|
|
721,676
|
|
|
|
747,614
|
|
Series B convertible preferred stock
|
|
|
4,182
|
|
|
|
23,713
|
|
|
|
4,620
|
|
|
|
15,107
|
|
Off-Balance-Sheet
Letters of credit
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7,169
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
57,165
|
|
The carrying amounts shown in the table are included, if
applicable, in the Consolidated Balance Sheets under the
indicated captions. All of the Companys financial
instruments are held or issued for purposes other than trading.
The following notes summarize the major methods and assumptions
used in estimating the fair values of financial instruments.
Investments consisted of deposits with the CRDA, CRDA bonds that
bear interest at two-thirds of market rates resulting in a fair
value lower than cost and other CRDA investments (primarily
loans). The carrying amounts of these deposits, bonds and other
investments are presented net of a valuation allowance and in
the case of the bonds an unamortized discount that result in an
approximation of fair values.
F-157
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
Included in other assets is a trust established to support the
benefit liability of one of the Companys nonqualified
defined benefit pension plans. The funds in the trust are
invested in money market securities. The fair values of the
money market securities approximate cost.
The fair values of the Companys publicly traded debt were
estimated based on the bid prices in the public bond markets.
The carrying amounts of the Revolver and Term Loan are
reasonable estimates of fair values because this debt is carried
with a floating interest rate.
The fair values reported for the Series B convertible
preferred stock represent the appraised fair values as
determined by an independent appraisal.
The fair values of the letters of credit were estimated to be
the same as the contract values based on the nature of the fee
arrangement with the issuing financial institution.
|
|
NOTE 22.
|
UNAUDITED
QUARTERLY RESULTS/COMMON STOCK PRICES
|
The following unaudited information reflects the results of
operations for Casino Aztar Caruthersville as a discontinued
operation and shows selected items in thousands, except per
share data, for each quarter. The Companys common stock
was listed on the New York Stock Exchange through
January 4, 2007.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
First
|
|
|
Second
|
|
|
Third
|
|
|
Fourth
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
221,270
|
|
|
$
|
221,926
|
|
|
$
|
233,964
|
|
|
$
|
217,176
|
|
Operating income(loss)(a)(b)(c)
|
|
|
9,999
|
|
|
|
(42,139
|
)
|
|
|
48,156
|
|
|
|
20,521
|
|
Income(loss) from continuing operations before income taxes(d)
|
|
|
(1,103
|
)
|
|
|
(56,158
|
)
|
|
|
37,157
|
|
|
|
5,195
|
|
Income taxes(b)(e)
|
|
|
3,613
|
|
|
|
(10,880
|
)
|
|
|
(15,310
|
)
|
|
|
(6,670
|
)
|
Net income(loss)
|
|
|
3,214
|
|
|
|
(66,107
|
)
|
|
|
23,263
|
|
|
|
(175
|
)
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income(loss) per common share
|
|
|
.08
|
|
|
|
(1.84
|
)
|
|
|
.62
|
|
|
|
(.02
|
)
|
Net income(loss) per common share assuming dilution
|
|
|
.08
|
|
|
|
(1.84
|
)
|
|
|
.60
|
|
|
|
(.02
|
)
|
2005(f)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Revenues
|
|
$
|
215,915
|
|
|
$
|
221,399
|
|
|
$
|
234,254
|
|
|
$
|
216,096
|
|
Operating income(g)
|
|
|
28,309
|
|
|
|
36,815
|
|
|
|
45,903
|
|
|
|
30,111
|
|
Income from continuing operations before income taxes(h)
|
|
|
16,262
|
|
|
|
25,758
|
|
|
|
31,845
|
|
|
|
18,298
|
|
Income taxes
|
|
|
(7,106
|
)
|
|
|
(10,848
|
)
|
|
|
(13,075
|
)
|
|
|
(7,569
|
)
|
Net income
|
|
|
9,911
|
|
|
|
15,453
|
|
|
|
19,383
|
|
|
|
11,213
|
|
Earnings per share:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net income per common share
|
|
|
.28
|
|
|
|
.43
|
|
|
|
.54
|
|
|
|
.30
|
|
Net income per common share assuming dilution
|
|
|
.27
|
|
|
|
.41
|
|
|
|
.51
|
|
|
|
.29
|
|
Common Stock Prices
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2006 High
|
|
$
|
42.90
|
|
|
$
|
52.42
|
|
|
$
|
53.25
|
|
|
$
|
54.42
|
|
Low
|
|
|
28.82
|
|
|
|
43.87
|
|
|
|
51.50
|
|
|
|
52.94
|
|
2005 High
|
|
|
35.18
|
|
|
|
35.15
|
|
|
|
35.67
|
|
|
|
32.75
|
|
Low
|
|
|
27.55
|
|
|
|
25.99
|
|
|
|
29.92
|
|
|
|
28.50
|
|
|
|
|
(a) |
|
During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2006, the
Company incurred $1,644, $1,997, $1,019 and $760, respectively,
of construction accident related costs and expenses that may not
be |
F-158
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
|
|
reimbursed by insurance. These costs and expenses primarily
consist of professional fees incurred as a result of the
accident. |
|
|
|
|
|
During the first, second and third quarters of 2006, the Company
recorded $4,789, $3,569 and $3,871, respectively, of insurance
recoveries due to the delay of the opening of the expansion,
which represent a portion of the anticipated profit that the
Company would have recognized had the expansion opened as
originally projected as well as some reimbursement for costs
incurred as a result of the delay. Profit recovery from
insurance is recorded when the amount of recovery, which may be
different from the amount claimed, is agreed to by the insurers. |
|
|
|
(b) |
|
During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2006, the
Company recorded $884, $80,476, $1,176 and $10,436,
respectively, of merger-related costs and expenses. These costs
and expenses primarily consist of the Pinnacle termination fee
and expenses of $78,000 recorded during the second quarter of
2006 and professional fees. For the most part merger-related
costs and expenses are not deductible for income tax purposes. |
|
|
|
(c) |
|
During the first quarter of 2006, the Company concluded that it
was not probable that it would implement its plan for
redevelopment of Tropicana Las Vegas. As a result, the Company
wrote off $26,021 of capitalized development costs. |
|
|
|
(d) |
|
During the first and third quarters of 2006, the Company
recorded $2,640 and $2,712, respectively, of insurance
recoveries associated with the rebuilding of the expansion, net
of direct costs to obtain the recoveries. During the second and
fourth quarters of 2006, the Company recorded $398 and $2,314,
respectively, of direct costs to obtain insurance recoveries
associated with the rebuild. |
|
|
|
(e) |
|
In the first quarter of 2006, the Company reached a favorable
settlement with the Internal Revenue Service on the only
remaining issue in dispute for the examinations of the
Companys federal income tax returns for the years 1994
through 2003. The issue involved the deductibility of a portion
of payments on certain liabilities related to the Restructuring.
As a result of the settlement, the Company recorded an income
tax benefit of $1,383. Also in the first quarter of 2006, the
Companys application for tax credits available from New
Jersey was approved. As a result of the approval, the Company
recognized, net of a federal income tax effect, a non-recurring
income tax benefit of $1,993. |
|
|
|
(f) |
|
On December 7, 2005, the Board of Directors of the Company
adopted a resolution changing the Companys 52/53 week
fiscal year (ending on the Thursday nearest December 31) to
a calendar year. The change is effective for the reporting
period ended December 31, 2005. The period ended
December 31, 2005 reflects the Companys results of
operations for a
366-day
period beginning December 31, 2004 and covers the
two-day
transition period of December 30 and 31, 2005. The period ended
December 31, 2006 reflects the Companys results of
operations for a
365-day
calendar year. The first, second and third quarters of 2005
included 92 days; the fourth quarter included 93 days.
The first quarter of 2006 included 90 days; the second
quarter included 91 days; and the third and fourth quarters
each included 92 days. |
F-159
AZTAR
CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
Notes to
Consolidated Financial
Statements (Continued)
|
|
|
(g) |
|
During the first, second, third and fourth quarters of 2005, the
Company incurred $409, $860, $1,383 and $1,624, respectively, of
construction accident related costs and expenses that may not be
reimbursed by insurance. These costs and expenses primarily
consist of professional fees incurred as a result of the
accident. During the first, second and fourth quarters of 2005,
the Company recorded $225, $301 and $345, respectively, of
insurance recoveries due to the delay of the opening of the
expansion, which represent a portion of the anticipated profit
that the Company would have recognized had the expansion opened
as originally projected as well as some reimbursement for costs
incurred as a result of the delay. Profit recovery from
insurance is recorded when the amount of recovery, which may be
different from the amount claimed, is agreed to by the insurers. |
|
|
|
(h) |
|
During the first, second and fourth quarters of 2005, the
Company recorded $1,573, $2,855 and $1,840, respectively, of
insurance recoveries associated with the rebuilding of the
expansion, net of direct costs to obtain the recoveries. During
the third quarter of 2005, the Company recorded $267 of direct
costs to obtain insurance recoveries associated with the rebuild. |
F-160
No dealer,
salesperson or any other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representations other than those
contained in this prospectus in connection with the exchange
offer covered by this prospectus and, if given or made, such
information or representations must not be relied upon as having
been authorized by us. Neither the delivery of this prospectus
nor any sale made hereunder shall, under any circumstances,
create any implication that there has been no change in our
affairs since the dates as of which information is given in this
prospectus. This prospectus does not constitute an offer or
solicitation by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such offer
or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making
such offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any
person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or solicitation.
All tendered
outstanding notes, executed letters of transmittal and other
related documents should be directed to the exchange agent.
Questions and requests for assistance and requests for
additional copies of this prospectus, the letter of transmittal
or other related documents should be addressed to the exchange
agent as follows:
U.S. Bank National
Association,
By Regular Mail, Overnight Courier or in Person (By Hand
Only):
West Side Flats
60 Livingston Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55107
Attention: Specialized Finance
By Facsimile Transmission
(for Eligible Institutions only):
(651) 495-8158
Confirm Facsimile Transmission by Telephone:
(800) 934-6802
TROPICANA
ENTERTAINMENT, LLC
TROPICANA FINANCE
CORP.
OFFER TO EXCHANGE
ALL OUTSTANDING
95/8%
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE
2014
FOR
95/8%
SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2014
PROSPECTUS
Each
broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account
in the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a
prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange
notes.
Dated October 18,
2007