SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
x | ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2010
OR
¨ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
Commission File No. 1-10410
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware | 62-1411755 | |
(State of incorporation) | (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.) | |
One Caesars Palace Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada | 89109 | |
(Address of principal executive offices) | (Zip code) |
Registrants telephone number, including area code:
(702) 407-6000
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT:
None
SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT:
voting common stock, $0.01 par value
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ¨ No x
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ¨ No ¨
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrants knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of large accelerated filer, accelerated filer and smaller reporting company in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer ¨ | Accelerated filer ¨ | Non-accelerated filer x | Smaller reporting company ¨ | |||
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company) |
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ¨ No x
As of March 4, 2011, the Registrant had 71,799,659 shares of voting Common Stock outstanding. There is not a market for the Registrants common stock; therefore, the aggregate market value of the Registrants common stock held by non-affiliates is not calculable.
CAESARS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page |
||||||
Forward-Looking Statements |
||||||
3 | ||||||
8 | ||||||
16 | ||||||
17 | ||||||
19 | ||||||
19 | ||||||
Part II | ||||||
20 | ||||||
21 | ||||||
Item 7 Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations |
22 | |||||
Item 7A Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk |
55 | |||||
57 | ||||||
57 | ||||||
58 | ||||||
65 | ||||||
Item 9 Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure |
119 | |||||
119 | ||||||
119 | ||||||
Part III | ||||||
Item 10 Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance |
121 | |||||
129 | ||||||
160 | ||||||
Item 13 Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence |
163 | |||||
166 | ||||||
Part IV | ||||||
168 | ||||||
Signatures | 181 |
We have proprietary rights to a number of trademarks used in this 10-K that are important to our business, including, without limitation, Caesars Entertainment, Caesars Palace, Harrahs, Total Rewards, World Series of Poker, Horseshoe, Paris Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas and Ballys. We have omitted the ® and trademark designations for such trademarks named in this 10-K.
2
ITEM 1. | Business |
Overview
Caesars Entertainment Corporation (formerly known as Harrahs Entertainment, Inc.) (referred to in this discussion, together with its consolidated subsidiaries where appropriate, as Caesars Entertainment, the Company, we, our and us), is a Delaware corporation, and is one of the largest casino entertainment providers in the world. Our business is primarily conducted through a wholly-owned subsidiary, Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. (CEOC) (formerly known as Harrahs Operating Company, Inc.) although certain material properties are not owned by CEOC. As of December 31, 2010, we owned, operated or managed, through various subsidiaries, 52 casinos in 12 U.S. states and in seven countries. The vast majority of these casinos operate in the United States and England, primarily under the Harrahs, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names in the United States. Our casino entertainment facilities include 33 land-based casinos, 12 riverboat or dockside casinos, three managed casinos on Indian lands in the United States, one operated casino in Canada, one combination greyhound racetrack and casino, one combination thoroughbred racetrack and casino and one harness racetrack and casino. Our 33 land-based casinos include one in Uruguay, nine in England, one in Scotland, two in Egypt and one in South Africa. As of December 31, 2010, our facilities have an aggregate of approximately three million square feet of gaming space and approximately 42,000 hotel rooms. We have a customer loyalty program, Total Rewards, which has over 40 million members that we use for marketing promotions and to generate play by our customers when they travel among our markets in the United States and Canada. We also own and operate the World Series of Poker tournament and brand. Unless otherwise noted or indicated by the context, the terms Caesars, Caesars Entertainment, Company, we, us and our refer to Caesars Entertainment Corporation.
We were incorporated on November 2, 1989 in Delaware, and prior to such date operated under predecessor companies. Our principal executive offices are located at One Caesars Palace Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109, telephone (702) 407-6000. Until January 28, 2008, our common stock was traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HET.
On January 28, 2008, Caesars Entertainment was acquired by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (Apollo) and TPG Capital, LP (TPG and, together with Apollo, the Sponsors) in an all-cash transaction, hereinafter referred to as the Acquisition, valued at approximately $30.7 billion, including the assumption of $12.4 billion of debt and the incurrence of approximately $1.0 billion of acquisition costs. As a result of the Acquisition, our stock is no longer publicly traded. Currently, the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of Caesars Entertainment are owned by entities affiliated with Apollo, TPG, and Paulson & Co. Inc. (Paulson), certain co-investors and members of management.
Description of Business
Our casino business commenced operations in 1937. We own, operate or manage global casino entertainment facilities in more areas throughout the United States than any other participant in the casino industry. In addition to casinos, our facilities typically include hotel and convention space, restaurants and non-gaming entertainment facilities. The descriptions below are as of December 31, 2010, except where otherwise noted.
In southern Nevada, Harrahs Las Vegas, Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, Caesars Palace, Ballys Las Vegas, Flamingo Las Vegas, Paris Las Vegas, Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, Imperial Palace Hotel & Casino, Bills Gamblin Hall & Saloon and Hot Spot Oasis are located in Las Vegas, and draw customers from throughout the United States. Harrahs Laughlin is located near both the Arizona and California borders and draws customers primarily from the southern California and Phoenix metropolitan areas and, to a lesser extent, from throughout the U.S. via charter aircraft.
In northern Nevada, Harrahs Lake Tahoe and Harveys Resort & Casino are located near Lake Tahoe and Harrahs Reno is located in downtown Reno. These facilities draw customers primarily from northern California, the Pacific Northwest and Canada.
Our Atlantic City casinos, Harrahs Resort Atlantic City, Showboat Atlantic City, Caesars Atlantic City and Ballys Atlantic City, draw customers primarily from the Philadelphia metropolitan area, New York and New Jersey.
Harrahs Chester is a combination harness racetrack and casino located approximately six miles south of Philadelphia International Airport which draws customers primarily from the Philadelphia metropolitan area and Delaware. We have a 95 percent ownership interest in this property.
Our Chicagoland dockside casinos, Harrahs Joliet in Joliet, Illinois, and Horseshoe Hammond in Hammond, Indiana, draw customers primarily from the greater Chicago metropolitan area. In southern Indiana, we own Horseshoe Southern Indiana, a
3
dockside casino complex located in Elizabeth, Indiana, which draws customers primarily from northern Kentucky, including the Louisville metropolitan area, and southern Indiana, including Indianapolis.
In Louisiana, we own Harrahs New Orleans, a land-based casino located in downtown New Orleans, which attracts customers primarily from the New Orleans metropolitan area. In northwest Louisiana, Horseshoe Bossier City, a dockside casino, and Harrahs Louisiana Downs, a thoroughbred racetrack with slot machines, both located in Bossier City, cater to customers in northwestern Louisiana and east Texas, including the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area.
On the Mississippi gulf coast, we own the Grand Casino Biloxi, located in Biloxi, Mississippi, which caters to customers in southern Mississippi, southern Alabama and northern Florida.
Harrahs North Kansas City and Harrahs St. Louis, both dockside casinos, draw customers from the Kansas City and St. Louis metropolitan areas, respectively. Harrahs Metropolis is a dockside casino located in Metropolis, Illinois, on the Ohio River, drawing customers from southern Illinois, western Kentucky and central Tennessee.
Horseshoe Tunica, Harrahs Tunica and Tunica Roadhouse Hotel & Casino, dockside casino complexes located in Tunica, Mississippi, are approximately 30 miles from Memphis, Tennessee and draw customers primarily from the Memphis area and, to a lesser extent, from throughout the U.S. via charter aircraft.
Horseshoe Casino and Bluffs Run Greyhound Park, a land-based casino and pari-mutuel facility, and Harrahs Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel, a dockside casino facility, are located in Council Bluffs, Iowa, across the Missouri River from Omaha, Nebraska. At Horseshoe Casino and Bluffs Run Greyhound Park, we own the assets other than gaming equipment, and lease these assets to the Iowa West Racing Association, or IWRA, a nonprofit corporation, and we manage the facility for the IWRA under a management agreement expiring in October 2024. Iowa law requires that a qualified nonprofit corporation hold Bluffs Runs gaming and pari-mutuel licenses and own its gaming equipment. The license to operate Harrahs Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel is held jointly with IWRA, the qualified sponsoring organization. The Sponsorship and Operations Agreement between IWRA and us terminates on December 31, 2015, subject to our option to extend the term of the agreement for five succeeding three year terms, provided we are not in default.
In December 2010, we formed a joint venture, Rock Ohio Caesars LLC, with Rock Gaming, LLC, to pursue casino developments in Cincinnati and Cleveland. The properties, Horseshoe Cleveland Casino and Horseshoe Cincinnati Casino, are under development and expected to open (in the first quarter of 2012 and late 2012, respectively) assuming completion of the regulatory and licensing process.
Caesars Windsor, located in Windsor, Ontario, draws customers primarily from the Detroit metropolitan area and the Conrad Resort & Casino located in Punta Del Este, Uruguay, draws customers primarily from Argentina and Uruguay.
We own or manage four casinos in London: the Sportsman, the Golden Nugget, the Rendezvous, and The Casino at the Empire. Our casinos in London draw customers primarily from the London metropolitan area as well as international visitors. We also own Alea Nottingham, Alea Glasgow, Alea Leeds, Manchester235, Rendezvous Brighton and Rendezvous Southend-on-Sea in the provinces of the United Kingdom, which primarily draw customers from their local areas. Pursuant to a concession agreement, we also operate two casinos in Cairo, Egypt, The London Club Cairo (which is located at the Ramses Hilton) and Caesars Cairo (which is located at the Four Seasons Cairo), which draw customers primarily from other countries in the Middle East. Emerald Safari, located in the province of Gauteng in South Africa, draws customers primarily from South Africa.
We also earn fees through our management of three casinos for Indian tribes:
¡ | Harrahs Phoenix Ak-Chin, located near Phoenix, Arizona, which we manage for the Ak-Chin Indian Community under a management agreement that expires in December 2014. Harrahs Phoenix Ak-Chin draws customers from the Phoenix metropolitan area; |
¡ | Harrahs Cherokee Casino and Hotel, which we manage for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians on their reservation in Cherokee, North Carolina under a management contract that expires in November 2011. Harrahs Cherokee draws customers from eastern Tennessee, western North Carolina, northern Georgia and South Carolina; and |
¡ | Harrahs Rincon Casino and Resort, located near San Diego, California, which we manage for the Rincon San Luiseno Band of Mission Indians under a management agreement that expires in November 2013. Harrahs Rincon draws customers from the San Diego metropolitan area and Orange County, California. |
4
We own and operate Bluegrass Downs, a harness racetrack located in Paducah, Kentucky, and own a one-half interest in Turfway Park LLC, which is the owner of the Turfway Park thoroughbred racetrack in Boone County, Kentucky. Turfway Park LLC owns a minority interest in Kentucky Downs LLC, which is the owner of the Kentucky Downs racetrack located in Simpson County, Kentucky.
We also own and operate the Thistledown Racetrack, a thoroughbred racing facility, located near Cleveland, Ohio.
We also operate the World Series of Poker tournaments, and we license trademarks for a variety of products and businesses related to this brand. We also have real money online gaming operations in the United Kingdom, as well as license agreements in place for online real money gaming alliances in France and Italy expected to launch in 2011. In addition, we offer online play-for-fun poker applications to residents in most countries in the world, including the United States.
We also own Macau Orient Golf located on a 175 acre site on the Cotai strip in Macau.
Additional information about our casino entertainment properties is set forth below in Item 2, Properties.
Sales and Marketing
We believe that our distribution system of casino entertainment facilities provides us the ability to generate play by our customers when they travel among markets, which we refer to as cross-market play. In addition, we have several critical multi-property markets like Las Vegas, Atlantic City and Tunica, and we have seen increased revenue from customers visiting multiple properties in the same market. We believe our customer loyalty program, Total Rewards, in conjunction with this distribution system, allows us to capture a growing share of our customers gaming budget and compete more effectively.
Our Total Rewards program is structured in tiers, providing customers an incentive to consolidate their play at our casinos. Total Rewards customers are able to earn Tier Credits and Reward Credits and redeem those credits at substantially all of our casino entertainment facilities located in the U.S. and Canada for on-property entertainment expenses. Total Rewards members can also earn Tier Credits and Reward Credits for non-gaming purchases at our facilities. Depending on their level of play with us in a calendar year, customers may be designated as either Gold, Platinum, Diamond, or Seven Stars customers. Customers who do not participate in Total Rewards are encouraged to join, and those with a Total Rewards card are encouraged to consolidate their play through targeted promotional offers and rewards.
We have developed a database containing information for our customers and aspects of their casino gaming play. We use this information for marketing promotions, including through direct mail campaigns and the use of electronic mail and our website.
Patents and Trademarks
The development of intellectual property is part of our overall business strategy, and we regard our intellectual property to be an important element of our success. While our business as a whole is not substantially dependent on any one patent or combination of several of our patents or other intellectual property, we seek to establish and maintain our proprietary rights in our business operations and technology through the use of patents, copyrights, trademarks and trade secret laws. We file applications for and obtain patents, copyrights and trademarks in the United States and in foreign countries where we believe filing for such protection is appropriate. We also seek to maintain our trade secrets and confidential information by nondisclosure policies and through the use of appropriate confidentiality agreements. We have obtained thirty-two patents in the United States and ten patents in other countries. Our U.S. patents have patent terms that variously expire between 2011 and 2025.
We have not applied for patents or the registration of all of our technology or trademarks, as the case may be, and may not be successful in obtaining the patents and trademarks that we have applied for. Despite our efforts to protect our proprietary rights, parties may infringe our patents and use information that we regard as proprietary and our rights may be invalidated or unenforceable. The laws of some foreign countries do not protect proprietary rights to as great an extent as do the laws of the United States. In addition, others may be able independently to develop substantially equivalent intellectual property.
We hold the following trademarks used in this document: Ballys, Bills, Bluffs Run, Caesars, Caesars Palace, Flamingo, Grand Casino, Harrahs, Harveys, Horseshoe, Louisiana Downs, Paris, Reward Credits, Rio, Showboat, Seven Stars, Thistledown, Total Rewards, Tunica Roadhouse, World Series of Poker and WSOP. Trademark rights are perpetual provided that the mark remains in use by us or a licensee. In addition, we hold trademark licenses for Planet Hollywood used in connection with the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, which will expire on February 19, 2045, and for Imperial Palace used in connection with the Imperial Palace Las Vegas hotel and casino, which will expire on December 23, 2012. We consider all of these marks, and the associated name recognition, to be valuable to our business.
5
Competition
We own, operate or manage land-based, dockside, riverboat and Indian casino facilities in most U.S. casino entertainment jurisdictions. We also own, operate or manage properties in Canada, the provinces of the United Kingdom, South Africa, Egypt and Uruguay. We compete with numerous casinos and casino hotels of varying quality and size in the market areas where our properties are located. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses. The casino entertainment business is characterized by competitors that vary considerably by their size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity.
In most markets, we compete directly with other casino facilities operating in the immediate and surrounding market areas. In some markets, we face competition from nearby markets in addition to direct competition within our market areas.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, competition in existing markets has intensified. Many casino operators, including us, have invested in expanding existing facilities, developing new facilities, and acquiring established facilities in existing markets, such as our acquisition of Caesars Entertainment, Inc. in 2005 and our renovated and expanded facility in Hammond, Indiana. This expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors has increased competition in many markets in which we compete, and this intense competition can be expected to continue.
The expansion of casino entertainment into new markets, such as the expansion of tribal casino opportunities in New York and California and the approval of gaming facilities and introduction of table games in Pennsylvania present competitive issues for us which have had a negative impact on our financial results.
The casino entertainment industry is also subject to political and regulatory uncertainty. See Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of OperationsConsolidated Operating Results and Regional Operating Results.
2010 Events
Planet Hollywood
On February 19, 2010, we completed the acquisition of the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. Planet Hollywood is adjacent to Paris Las Vegas and gives Caesars seven contiguous resorts on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip.
LINQ Project
In June 2010, we announced plans to build a retail and entertainment development between our Flamingo and Imperial Palace casinos, on the east side of the Las Vegas Strip, which we refer to as the LINQ project. The estimated $500 million-project anticipates the construction of bars, restaurants, shops and entertainment along a 1,200-foot pedestrian walkway. Over 20 bars and restaurants opening to the street will be anchored by a giant observation wheel that will reach heights of over 550 feet. We intend to rely on foot traffic in this area to capture an increased share of existing visitors entertainment budget.
Ohio
On May 25, 2010, we entered into a new agreement to purchase the assets of Thistledown Racetrack, a thoroughbred racing facility located in Cleveland, Ohio. The purchase was completed on July 28, 2010.
In December 2010, we formed a joint venture, Rock Ohio Caesars LLC, with Rock Gaming, LLC, to pursue casino developments in Cincinnati and Cleveland. Pursuant to the agreements forming the joint venture, we have committed to invest up to $200 million for an approximately 30% interest in the joint venture. As part of our investment, we also plan to contribute Thistledown to the joint venture. The casino developments will be managed by subsidiaries of Caesars. Completion of the casino developments is subject to a number of conditions, including, without limitation, the joint ventures ability to obtain financing for development of the projects, the adoption of final rules and regulations by the Ohio casino control commission (once appointed), and receipt of necessary licensing to operate casinos in the State of Ohio.
Company Name Change
In November 2010, we changed our name to Caesars Entertainment Corporation. The Harrahs name will continue to be one of the Companys primary brands, along with Caesars, Horseshoe, Total Rewards and World Series of Poker.
Financing Activity
6
Bond Offering. In April 2010, CEOC issued $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 12.75% second-priority senior secured notes due 2018 and used the proceeds to redeem or repay certain outstanding notes and revolving loans under its senior secured credit facilities.
Private Placement. On November 23, 2010, certain affiliates of Paulson & Co. Inc. (the Paulson Investors) and certain affiliates of the Sponsors (the Sponsor Investors), exchanged $835.4 million of 5.625% senior notes due 2015, 6.5% senior notes due 2016 and 5.75% senior notes due 2017 of CEOC (collectively, the Notes) they had acquired from a subsidiary of Caesars, together with $282.9 million of Notes they had previously acquired, for shares of Caesars voting common stock at an exchange ratio of 10 shares per $1,000 principal amount of Notes tendered. As a result, the Paulson Investors own approximately 9.9% of the Caesars common stock outstanding.
Reclassification and Irrevocable Proxy. In connection with the private placement, on November 22, 2010, we reclassified Caesars existing non-voting common stock into a new class of voting common stock and canceled the existing class of non-economic voting common stock that was held by Hamlet Holdings LLC, which is owned by certain individuals affiliated with Apollo and TPG. Additionally, on November 22, affiliates of the Sponsors and their co-investors entered into an irrevocable proxy vesting voting and dispositive control of their common stock of Caesars in Hamlet Holdings. As a result, Hamlet Holdings has voting and dispositive control of approximately 89.3% of our common stock outstanding.
Amendment to CMBS Financing. On August 31, 2010, Caesars subsidiaries that are borrowers (the CMBS Entities) under our CMBS financing (CMBS Financing) and the lenders amended the terms of the CMBS Financing to, among other things, (i) provide our subsidiaries that are borrowers under the CMBS mortgage loan and/or related mezzanine loans (CMBS Loans), the right to extend the maturity of the CMBS Loans, subject to certain conditions, by up to two years until February 2015, (ii) amend certain terms of the CMBS Loans with respect to reserve requirements, collateral rights, property release prices and the payment of management fees, (iii) provide for ongoing mandatory offers to repurchase CMBS Loans using excess cash flow from the CMBS Entities at discounted prices of thirty to fifty cents per dollar, (iv) provide for the amortization of the mortgage loan in certain minimum amounts upon the occurrence of certain conditions and (v) provide for certain limitations with respect to the amount of excess cash flow from the CMBS Entities that may be distributed to us. In connection with the amendment, we purchased $123.8 million face value of the CMBS Loans for $37.1 million in September 2010, and $191.3 million face value of CMBS Loans for $95.6 million in December 2010, reducing the outstanding face value of our CMBS Financing to approximately $5,189.6 million as of December 31, 2010.
Governmental Regulation
The gaming industry is highly regulated, and we must maintain our licenses and pay gaming taxes to continue our operations. Each of our casinos is subject to extensive regulation under the laws, rules and regulations of the jurisdiction where it is located. These laws, rules and regulations generally concern the responsibility, financial stability and character of the owners, managers, and persons with financial interests in the gaming operations. Violations of laws in one jurisdiction could result in disciplinary action in other jurisdictions. A more detailed description of the regulations to which we are subject is contained in Exhibit 99.3 to this Annual Report on Form 10-K, which Exhibit is incorporated herein by reference.
Our businesses are subject to various foreign, federal, state and local laws and regulations in addition to gaming regulations. These laws and regulations include, but are not limited to, restrictions and conditions concerning alcoholic beverages, environmental matters, employees, currency transactions, 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 operating results.
Employee Relations
We have approximately 69,000 employees through our various subsidiaries. Approximately 26,000 employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements with certain of our subsidiaries, relating to certain casino, hotel and restaurant employees at certain of our properties. Most of our employees covered by collective bargaining agreements are located at our properties in Las Vegas and Atlantic City. Our collective bargaining agreements with employees located at our Atlantic City properties expire at various times throughout 2011 and 2015 and our collective bargaining agreements with our employees located at our Las Vegas properties expire at various times between 2011 and 2014.
Available Information
Our internet address is www.caesars.com. We make available free of charge on or through our website our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports filed or
7
furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC). We also make available through our website all filings of our executive officers and directors on Forms 3, 4 and 5 under Section 16 of the Exchange Act. These filings are also available on the SECs website at www.sec.gov. Our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics for Principal Officers is available on our website under the Investor Relations link. We will provide a copy of these documents without charge to any person upon receipt of a written request addressed to Caesars Entertainment Corporation, Attn: Corporate Secretary, One Caesars Palace Drive, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. Reference in this document to our website address does not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the website.
ITEM 1A. | Risk Factors. |
If we are unable to effectively compete against our competitors, our profits will decline.
The gaming industry is highly competitive and our competitors vary considerably in size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses. Our competitors in each market that we participate may have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do, and there can be no assurance that they will not in the future engage in aggressive pricing action to compete with us. Although we believe we are currently able to compete effectively in each of the various markets in which we participate, we cannot assure you that we will be able to continue to do so or that we will be capable of maintaining or further increasing our current market share. Our failure to compete successfully in our various markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, many casino operators have been reinvesting in existing markets to attract new customers or to gain market share, thereby increasing competition in those markets. As companies have completed new expansion projects, supply has typically grown at a faster pace than demand in some markets, including Las Vegas, our largest market, and competition has increased significantly. For example, CityCenter, a large development of resorts and residences, opened in December 2009 in Las Vegas. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in many markets in which we operate, and this intense competition is expected to continue. These competitive pressures have and are expected to continue to adversely affect our financial performance in certain markets, including Atlantic City.
In particular, our business may be adversely impacted by the additional gaming and room capacity in Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Mississippi, Missouri, Maryland, Michigan, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Louisiana, Ontario, South Africa, Uruguay, United Kingdom, Egypt and/or other projects not yet announced which may be competitive in the other markets where we operate or intend to operate. Several states, such as Kentucky, Texas and Massachusetts, and Indian tribes are also considering enabling the development and operation of casinos or casino-like operations in their jurisdictions. In addition, our operations located in New Jersey and Nevada may be adversely impacted by the expansion of Indian gaming in New York and California, respectively.
The recent downturn in the national economy, the volatility and disruption of the capital and credit markets and adverse changes in the global economy could negatively impact our financial performance and our ability to access financing.
The recent severe economic downturn and adverse conditions in the local, regional, national and global markets have negatively affected our operations, and may continue to negatively affect our operations in the future. During periods of economic contraction such as the current period, our revenues may decrease while some of our costs remain fixed or even increase, resulting in decreased earnings. Gaming and other leisure activities we offer represent discretionary expenditures and participation in such activities may decline during economic downturns, during which consumers generally earn less disposable income. For example, key determinants of our revenues and operating performance include hotel ADR, number of gaming trips and average spend per trip by our customers. Our average system-wide ADR was $109 in 2007, compared to $86 during 2010. Given that 2007 was the peak year for our financial performance and the gaming industry in the United States in general, we may not attain those financial levels in the near term, or at all. If we fail to increase ADR or any other similar metric in the near term, our revenues may not increase and, as a result, we may not be able to pay down our existing debt, fund our operations, fund planned capital expenditures or achieve expected growth rates, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Even an uncertain economic outlook may adversely affect consumer spending in our gaming operations and related facilities, as consumers spend less in anticipation of a potential economic downturn. Furthermore, other uncertainties, including national and global economic conditions, terrorist attacks or other global events, could adversely affect consumer spending and adversely affect our operations.
8
We are subject to extensive governmental regulation and taxation policies, the enforcement of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We are subject to extensive gaming regulations and political and regulatory uncertainty. Regulatory authorities in the jurisdictions where we operate have broad powers with respect to the licensing of casino operations and may revoke, suspend, condition or limit our gaming or other licenses, impose substantial fines and take other actions, any one of which could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, revenues and income from operations were negatively impacted during July 2006 in Atlantic City by a three-day government-imposed casino shutdown. Furthermore, in many jurisdictions where we operate, licenses are granted for limited durations and require renewal from time to time. For example, in Iowa, our ability to continue our gaming operations is subject to a referendum every eight years or at any time upon petition of the voters in the county in which we operate; the most recent referendum which approved our ability to continue to operate our casinos occurred on November 2, 2010. There can be no assurance that continued gaming activity will be approved in any referendum in the future. If we do not obtain the requisite approval in any future referendum, we will not be able to operate our gaming operations in Iowa, which would negatively impact our future performance.
From time to time, individual jurisdictions have also considered legislation or referendums, such as bans on smoking in casinos and other entertainment and dining facilities, which could adversely impact our operations. For example, the City Council of Atlantic City passed an ordinance in 2007 requiring that we segregate at least 75% of the casino gaming floor as a nonsmoking area, leaving no more than 25% of the casino gaming floor as a smoking area. Illinois also passed the Smoke Free Illinois Act which became effective January 1, 2008, and bans smoking in nearly all public places, including bars, restaurants, work places, schools and casinos. The Act also bans smoking within 15 feet of any entrance, window or air intake area of these public places. These smoking bans have adversely affected revenues and operating results at our properties. The likelihood or outcome of similar legislation in other jurisdictions and referendums in the future cannot be predicted, though any smoking ban would be expected to negatively impact our financial performance.
The casino entertainment industry represents a significant source of tax revenues to the various jurisdictions in which casinos operate. 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. If adopted, such changes could adversely impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion of existing ones are susceptible to delays, cost overruns and other uncertainties, which could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
We may decide to develop, construct and open new hotels, casinos and other gaming venues in response to opportunities that may arise. Future development projects and acquisitions may require significant capital commitments, the incurrence of additional debt, guarantees of third-party debt, the incurrence of contingent liabilities and an increase in amortization expense related to intangible assets, which could have an adverse effect upon our business, financial condition and results of operations. The development and construction of new hotels, casinos and gaming venues and the expansion of existing ones, such as our recent expansion at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, are susceptible to various risks and uncertainties, such as:
| the existence of acceptable market conditions and demand for the completed project; |
| general construction risks, including cost overruns, change orders and plan or specification modification, shortages of equipment, materials or skilled labor, labor disputes, unforeseen environmental, engineering or geological problems, work stoppages, fire and other natural disasters, construction scheduling problems and weather interferences; |
| changes and concessions required by governmental or regulatory authorities; |
| the ability to finance the projects, especially in light of our substantial indebtedness; |
| delays in obtaining, or inability to obtain, all licenses, permits and authorizations required to complete and/or operate the project; and |
| disruption of our existing operations and facilities. |
Moreover, our development and expansion projects are sometimes jointly pursued with third parties. These joint development or expansion projects are subject to risks, in addition to those disclosed above, as they are dependent on our ability to reach and maintain agreements with third parties. For example, although we executed a definitive agreement in December 2010 with Rock Gaming, LLC to jointly develop two casinos in Ohio, we can give no assurances that the development project will be undertaken.
9
Our failure to complete any new development or expansion project, or consummate any joint development or expansion projects, as planned, on schedule, within budget or in a manner that generates anticipated profits, could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Acts of terrorism and war, natural disasters and severe weather may negatively impact our future profits.
Terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility have created many economic and political uncertainties. We cannot predict the extent to which terrorism, security alerts or war, popular uprisings or hostilities in Iraq and Afghanistan and other countries throughout the world will continue to directly or indirectly impact our business and operating results. For example, our operations in Cairo, Egypt were negatively affected from the popular uprising there in January 2011. As a consequence of the threat of terrorist attacks and other acts of war or hostility in the future, premiums for a variety of insurance products have increased, and some types of insurance are no longer available. Given current conditions in the global insurance markets, we are substantially uninsured for losses and interruptions caused by terrorist acts and acts of war. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted.
In addition, natural and man-made disasters such as major fires, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and oil spills could also adversely impact our business and operating results. For example, four of our properties were closed for an extended period of time due to the damage sustained from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in August and September 2005, respectively. Such events could lead to the loss of use of one or more of our properties for an extended period of time and disrupt our ability to attract customers to certain of our gaming facilities. If any such event were to affect our properties, we would likely be adversely impacted. Additionally, the Gulf of Mexico oil spill that began in April 2010 may have adversely affected our results in that region due to lower levels of tourism and increased costs of food, including seafood.
In most cases, we have insurance that covers portions of any losses from a natural disaster, but it is subject to deductibles and maximum payouts in many cases. Although we may be covered by insurance from a natural disaster, the timing of our receipt of insurance proceeds, if any, is out of our control. Additionally, a natural disaster affecting one or more of our properties may affect the level and cost of insurance coverage we may be able to obtain in the future, which may adversely affect our financial position.
As our operations depend in part on our customers ability to travel, severe or inclement weather can also have a negative impact on our results of operations.
Work stoppages and other labor problems could negatively impact our future profits.
Some of our employees are represented by labor unions. A lengthy 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. From time to time, we have also experienced attempts to unionize certain of our non-union employees. While these efforts have achieved only limited success to date, we cannot provide any assurance that we will not experience additional and more successful union activity in the future. There has been a trend towards unionization for employees in Atlantic City and Las Vegas. The impact of this union activity is undetermined and could negatively impact our profits.
Our obligation to fund multi-employer pension plans to which we contribute may have an adverse impact on us.
We contribute to and participate in various multi-employer pension plans for employees represented by certain unions. We are required to make contributions to these plans in amounts established under collective bargaining agreements. We do not administer these plans and, generally, are not represented on the boards of trustees of these plans. The Pension Protection Act enacted in 2006, or the PPA, requires under-funded pension plans to improve their funding ratios. Based on the information available to us, we believe that some of the multi-employer plans to which we contribute are either critical or endangered as those terms are defined in the PPA. We cannot determine at this time the amount of additional funding, if any, we may be required to make to these plans. However, plan assessments could have an adverse impact on our results of operations or cash flows for a given period. Furthermore, under current law, upon the termination of a multi-employer pension plan, or in the event of a withdrawal by us, which we consider from time to time, or a mass withdrawal or insolvency of contributing employers, we would be required to make payments to the plan for our proportionate share of the plans unfunded vested liabilities. Any termination of a multi-employer plan, or mass withdrawal or insolvency of contributing employers, could require us to contribute an amount under a plan of rehabilitation or surcharge assessment that would have a material adverse impact on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
10
We may not realize all of the anticipated benefits of current or potential future acquisitions.
Our ability to realize the anticipated benefits of acquisitions will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate the businesses of such acquired company with our businesses. The combination of two independent companies is a complex, costly and time consuming process. This process may disrupt the business of either or both of the companies, and may not result in the full benefits expected. The difficulties of combining the operations of the companies, including our recent acquisitions of Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas and Thistledown Racetrack in Cleveland, Ohio, include, among others:
| coordinating marketing functions; |
| unanticipated issues in integrating information, communications and other systems; |
| unanticipated incompatibility of purchasing, logistics, marketing and administration methods; |
| retaining key employees; |
| consolidating corporate and administrative infrastructures; |
| the diversion of managements attention from ongoing business concerns; and |
| coordinating geographically separate organizations. |
We may be unable to realize in whole or in part the benefits anticipated for any current or future acquisitions.
We may not realize any or all of our projected cost savings which would have a negative effect on our results of operations and could have a negative effect on our stock price.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2008, we initiated a company-wide cost savings plan in an effort to align our expenses with current revenue levels. While these efforts have allowed us to realize, as of December 31, 2010, approximately $648.8 million in savings since we initiated our cost savings plan, our continued reduction efforts may fail to achieve similar or continued savings. Although we believe, as of December 31, 2010, there were $207.5 million of estimated cost savings yet-to-be realized from these initiatives, we may not realize some or all of these projected savings without impairing our revenues. Our cost savings plans are intended to increase our effectiveness and efficiency in our operations without impairing our revenues and margins. Our cost savings plan is subject to numerous risks and uncertainties that may change at any time, and, therefore, our actual savings may differ materially from what we anticipate. For example, cutting advertising expenses may have an unintended negative affect on our revenues. In addition, our expected savings from procurement may be affected by unexpected increases in the cost of raw materials.
We may be required to pay our future tax obligation on our deferred cancellation of debt income.
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or the ARRA, we will receive temporary federal tax relief under the Delayed Recognition of Cancellation of Debt Income, or CODI, rules. The ARRA contains a provision that allows for a deferral for tax purposes of CODI for debt reacquired in 2009 and 2010, followed by recognition of CODI ratably from 2014 through 2018. In connection with the debt that we reacquired in 2009 and 2010, we have deferred related CODI of $3.6 billion for tax purposes (net of Original Issue Discount (OID) interest expense, some of which must also be deferred to 2014 through 2018 under the ARRA). We are required to include one-fifth of the deferred CODI, net of deferred and regularly scheduled OID, in taxable income each year from 2014 through 2018. To the extent that our federal taxable income exceeds our available federal net operating loss carry forwards in those years, we will have a cash tax obligation. Our tax obligations related to CODI could be substantial and could materially and adversely affect our cash flows as a result of tax payments. For more information on the debt that we reacquired in 2009 and 2010, see Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation-Capital Resources-Issuances and Redemptions.
The risks associated with our international operations could reduce our profits.
Some of our properties are located outside the United States, and our 2006 acquisition of London Clubs has increased the percentage of our revenue derived from operations outside the United States. International operations are subject to inherent risks including:
| political and economic instability; |
| variation in local economies; |
11
| currency fluctuation; |
| greater difficulty in accounts receivable collection; |
| trade barriers; and |
| burden of complying with a variety of international laws |
For example, the political instability in Egypt due to the uprising in January 2011 has negatively affected our properties there.
The loss of the services of key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business.
The leadership of our chief executive officer, Mr. Loveman, and other executive officers has been a critical element of our success. The death or disability of Mr. Loveman or other extended or permanent loss of his services, or any negative market or industry perception with respect to him or arising from his loss, could have a material adverse effect on our business. Our other executive officers and other members of senior management have substantial experience and expertise in our business and have made significant contributions to our growth and success. The unexpected loss of services of one or more of these individuals could also adversely affect us. We are not protected by key man or similar life insurance covering members of our senior management. We have employment agreements with our executive officers, but these agreements do not guarantee that any given executive will remain with us.
If we are unable to attract, retain and motivate employees, we may not be able to compete effectively and will not be able to expand our business.
Our success and ability to grow are dependent, in part, on our ability to hire, retain and motivate sufficient numbers of talented people, with the increasingly diverse skills needed to serve clients and expand our business, in many locations around the world. Competition for highly qualified, specialized technical and managerial, and particularly consulting personnel, is intense. Recruiting, training, retention and benefit costs place significant demands on our resources. Additionally, our substantial indebtedness and the recent downturn in the gaming, travel and leisure sectors has made recruiting executives to our business more difficult. The inability to attract qualified employees in sufficient numbers to meet particular demands or the loss of a significant number of our employees could have an adverse effect on us.
We are controlled by the Sponsors, whose interests may not be aligned with ours.
Hamlet Holdings, the members of which are comprised of an equal number of individuals affiliated with each of the Sponsors, beneficially owns approximately 89.3% of our common stock pursuant to an irrevocable proxy providing Hamlet Holdings with sole voting and sole dispositive power over those shares. As a result, the Sponsors have the power to elect all of our directors. Therefore, the Sponsors have the ability to vote on any transaction that requires the approval of our Board or our stockholders, including the approval of significant corporate transactions such as mergers and the sale of substantially all of our assets. The interests of the Sponsors could conflict with or differ from the interests of other holders of our common stock. For example, the concentration of ownership held by the Sponsors could delay, defer or prevent a change of control of us or impede a merger, takeover or other business combination which another stockholder may otherwise view favorably. Additionally, the Sponsors are in the business of making or advising on investments in companies it holds, and may from time to time in the future acquire interests in or provide advice to businesses that directly or indirectly compete with certain portions of our business or are suppliers or customers of ours. One or both of the Sponsors may also pursue acquisitions that may be complementary to our business, and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. A sale of a substantial number of shares of stock in the future by funds affiliated with the Sponsors or their co-investors could cause our stock price to decline. So long as Hamlet Holdings continues to hold the irrevocable proxy, they will continue to be able to strongly influence or effectively control our decisions.
In addition, we have an executive committee that serves at the discretion of our Board and is authorized to take such actions as it reasonably determines appropriate. Currently, the executive committee may act by a majority of its members, provided that at least one member affiliated with TPG and Apollo must approve any action of the executive committee. See Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance - Executive Committee for a further discussion.
12
We are or may become involved in legal proceedings that, if adversely adjudicated or settled, could impact our financial condition.
From time to time, we are defendants in various lawsuits or other legal proceedings relating to matters incidental to our business. The nature of our business subjects us to the risk of lawsuits filed by customers, past and present employees, competitors, business partners, Indian tribes and others in the ordinary course of business. As with all legal proceedings, no assurance can be provided as to the outcome of these matters and in general, legal proceedings can be expensive and time consuming. For example, we may have potential liability arising from a class action lawsuit against Hilton Hotels Corporation relating to employee benefit obligations. We may not be successful in the defense or prosecution of these lawsuits, which could result in settlements or damages that could significantly impact our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business.
Our senior secured credit facilities, the CMBS financing and the indentures governing most of our existing notes contain, and any future indebtedness of ours would likely contain, a number of covenants that impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us, including restrictions on our ability to and on our subsidiaries ability to, among other things:
| incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares; |
| pay dividends on or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments; |
| make certain investments; |
| sell certain assets; |
| create liens on certain assets; |
| consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of our assets; |
| enter into certain transactions with our affiliates; and |
| designate our subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. |
As a result of these covenants, we are limited in the manner in which we conduct our business, and we may be unable to engage in favorable business activities or finance future operations or capital needs.
We have pledged and will pledge a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our senior secured credit facilities, the CMBS financing, our first lien notes, our second lien notes, the senior secured loan of PHW Las Vegas, LLC, or PHW Las Vegas, or the senior secured loan of Chester Downs. If any of these lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient assets to repay our indebtedness.
Under our senior secured credit facilities, we are required to satisfy and maintain specified financial ratios. Our ability to meet those financial ratios can be affected by events beyond our control, and there can be no assurance that we will meet those ratios. A failure to comply with the covenants contained in our senior secured credit facilities or our other indebtedness could result in an event of default under the facilities or the existing agreements, which, if not cured or waived, could have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In the event of any default under our senior secured credit facilities or our other indebtedness, the lenders thereunder:
| will not be required to lend any additional amounts to us; |
| could elect to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest and fees, to be due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit; or |
| require us to apply all of our available cash to repay these borrowings. |
Such actions by the lenders could cause cross defaults under our other indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our senior secured credit facilities, our CMBS financing and our first and second lien notes could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness.
If the indebtedness under our first and second lien notes, senior secured credit facilities, CMBS financing or our other indebtedness were to be accelerated, there can be no assurance that our assets would be sufficient to repay such indebtedness in full.
13
Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry and prevent us from making debt service payments.
We are a highly leveraged company. As of December 31, 2010, we had $21,847.7 million face value of outstanding indebtedness and our current debt service obligation is $1,701.0 million, which includes required interest payments of $1,645.4 million. As of December 31, 2010, CEOC had $18,294.5 million face value of outstanding indebtedness including $1,636.5 million owed to Caesars Entertainment, and CEOCs debt service obligation is $1,613.0 million, which includes required interest payments of $1,557.4 million.
Our substantial indebtedness could:
| limit our ability to borrow money for our working capital, capital expenditures, development projects, debt service requirements, strategic initiatives or other purposes; |
| make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our indebtedness, and any failure to comply with the obligations of any of our debt instruments, including restrictive covenants and borrowing conditions, could result in an event of default under the agreements governing our indebtedness; |
| require us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to the repayment of our indebtedness thereby reducing funds available to us for other purposes; |
| limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our operations or business; |
| make us more highly leveraged than some of our competitors, which may place us at a competitive disadvantage; |
| make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business or the economy; |
| restrict us from making strategic acquisitions, developing new gaming facilities, introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities; |
| affect our ability to renew gaming and other licenses; |
| limit, along with the financial and other restrictive covenants in our indebtedness, among other things, our ability to borrow additional funds or dispose of assets; and |
| expose us to the risk of increased interest rates as certain of our borrowings are at variable rates of interest. |
Despite our substantial indebtedness, we may still be able to incur significantly more debt. This could intensify the risks described above.
We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial indebtedness at any time, and from time to time, including in the near future. Although the terms of the agreements governing our indebtedness contain restrictions on our ability to incur additional indebtedness, these restrictions are subject to a number of important qualifications and exceptions, and the indebtedness incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial.
For example, as of December 31, 2010, we had $1,510.2 million available for additional borrowing under our senior secured revolving credit facility after giving effect to $119.8 million in outstanding letters of credit thereunder, all of which would be secured. None of our existing indebtedness limits the amount of debt that may be incurred by Caesars Entertainment. Our senior secured credit facilities allow for one or more future issuances of additional secured notes or loans, which may include, in each case, indebtedness secured on a pari passu basis with the obligations under the senior secured credit facilities and our first lien notes. This indebtedness could be used for a variety of purposes, including financing capital expenditures, refinancing or repurchasing our outstanding indebtedness, including existing unsecured indebtedness, or for general corporate purposes. We have raised and expect to continue to raise debt, including secured debt, to directly or indirectly refinance our outstanding unsecured debt on an opportunistic basis, as well as development opportunities.
We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness that may not be successful.
Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations will depend upon, among other things:
14
| our future financial and operating performance, which will be affected by prevailing economic conditions and financial, business, regulatory and other factors, many of which are beyond our control; and |
| our future ability to borrow under our senior secured credit facilities, the availability of which depends on, among other things, our complying with the covenants in our senior secured credit facilities. |
We may be unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, or unable to draw under our senior secured credit facilities or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to fund our liquidity needs.
If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to service our indebtedness, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such 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. For example, the interest rates on our first and second lien notes are substantially higher than the interest rates under our senior secured credit facility. In addition, the terms of existing or future debt agreements may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those dispositions for fair market value or at all. Furthermore, any proceeds that we could realize from any such dispositions may not be adequate to meet our debt service obligations then due. Neither the Sponsors nor any of their respective affiliates has any continuing obligation to provide us with debt or equity financing.
PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT
This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains or may contain forward-looking statements intended to qualify for the safe harbor from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. We have based these forward-looking statements on our current expectations about future events. Further, statements that include words such as may, will, project, might, expect, believe, anticipate, intend, could, would, estimate, continue or pursue, or the negative of these words or other words or expressions of similar meaning may identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are found at various places throughout the report. These forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, those relating to future actions, new projects, strategies, future performance, the outcome of contingencies such as legal proceedings, and future financial results, wherever they occur in this report, are necessarily estimates reflecting the best judgment of our management and involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements should, therefore, be considered in light of various important factors set forth above and from time to time in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In addition to the risk factors set forth above, important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or projections contained in the forward-looking statements include without limitation:
| the impact of the Companys significant indebtedness; |
| the impact, if any, of unfunded pension benefits under the multi-employer pension plans; |
| the effect of local and national economic, credit and capital market conditions on the economy in general, and on the gaming and hotel industries in particular; |
| construction factors, including delays, increased costs of labor and materials, availability of labor and materials, zoning issues, environmental restrictions, soil and water conditions, weather and other hazards, site access matters and building permit issues; |
| the effects of environmental and structural building conditions relating to our properties; |
| the ability to timely and cost-effectively integrate companies that we acquire into our operations; |
| the ability to realize the expense reductions from our cost savings programs; |
| access to available and reasonable financing on a timely basis; |
15
| changes in laws, including increased tax rates, smoking bans, regulations or accounting standards, third-party relations and approvals, and decisions, disciplines and fines of courts, regulators and governmental bodies; |
| litigation outcomes and judicial and governmental body actions, including gaming legislative action, referenda, regulatory disciplinary actions and fines and taxation; |
| the ability of our customer-tracking, customer loyalty and yield-management programs to continue to increase customer loyalty and same store sales or hotel sales; |
| our ability to recoup costs of capital investments through higher revenues; |
| acts of war or terrorist incidents, severe weather conditions, political uprisings or natural disasters; |
| access to insurance on reasonable terms for our assets; |
| abnormal gaming holds; |
| the potential difficulties in employee retention and recruitment as a result of our substantial indebtedness, the recent downturn in the gaming and hotel industries, or any other factor; |
| the effects of competition, including locations of competitors and operating and market competition; and |
| the other factors set forth under Risk Factors above. |
You are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as required by law.
ITEM 1B. | Unresolved Staff Comments. |
None.
16
ITEM 2. | Properties. |
The following table sets forth information about our casino entertainment facilities as of December 31, 2010:
Summary of Property Information
Property |
Type of Casino | Casino Space Sq. Ft. (a) |
Slot Machines (a) |
Table Games (a) |
Hotel Rooms & Suites (a) |
|||||||||||||||
Atlantic City, New Jersey |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Atlantic City |
Land-based | 177,000 | 2,870 | 170 | 2,590 | |||||||||||||||
Showboat Atlantic City |
Land-based | 120,100 | 2,650 | 110 | 1,330 | |||||||||||||||
Ballys Atlantic City |
Land-based | 167,200 | 3,430 | 210 | 1,760 | |||||||||||||||
Caesars Atlantic City |
Land-based | 140,800 | 2,520 | 180 | 1,140 | |||||||||||||||
Las Vegas, Nevada |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Las Vegas |
Land-based | 90,600 | 1,410 | 100 | 2,530 | |||||||||||||||
Rio |
Land-based | 117,300 | 1,110 | 90 | 2,520 | |||||||||||||||
Caesars Palace |
Land-based | 131,100 | 1,400 | 170 | 3,290 | |||||||||||||||
Paris Las Vegas |
Land-based | 95,300 | 1,120 | 90 | 2,920 | |||||||||||||||
Ballys Las Vegas |
Land-based | 66,200 | 1,030 | 60 | 2,810 | |||||||||||||||
Flamingo Las Vegas (b) |
Land-based | 76,800 | 1,270 | 130 | 3,460 | |||||||||||||||
Imperial Palace |
Land-based | 118,000 | 790 | 60 | 2,640 | |||||||||||||||
Bills Gamblin Hall & Saloon |
Land-based | 42,500 | 360 | 50 | 200 | |||||||||||||||
Hot Spot Oasis |
Land-based | 1,000 | 20 | | | |||||||||||||||
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino |
Land-based | 108,900 | 1,190 | 90 | 2,500 | |||||||||||||||
Laughlin, Nevada |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Laughlin |
Land-based | 56,000 | 890 | 30 | 1,510 | |||||||||||||||
Reno, Nevada |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Reno |
Land-based | 41,600 | 810 | 50 | 930 | |||||||||||||||
Lake Tahoe, Nevada |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Lake Tahoe |
Land-based | 57,500 | 820 | 70 | 510 | |||||||||||||||
Harveys Lake Tahoe |
Land-based | 71,500 | 780 | 80 | 740 | |||||||||||||||
Chicago, Illinois area |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Joliet (Illinois) (c) |
Dockside | 38,900 | 1,190 | 20 | 200 | |||||||||||||||
Horseshoe Hammond (Indiana) |
Dockside | 108,200 | 3,110 | 150 | | |||||||||||||||
Metropolis, Illinois |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Metropolis (d) |
Dockside | 31,000 | 1,150 | 30 | 260 | |||||||||||||||
Southern Indiana |
||||||||||||||||||||
Horseshoe Southern Indiana |
Dockside | 86,600 | 1,840 | 100 | 500 | |||||||||||||||
Council Bluffs, Iowa |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Council Bluffs |
Dockside | 28,000 | 920 | 30 | 250 | |||||||||||||||
Horseshoe Council Bluffs (e) |
|
Greyhound racing facility and land- based casino |
|
78,800 | 1,800 | 70 | | |||||||||||||
Tunica, Mississippi |
||||||||||||||||||||
Horseshoe Tunica |
Dockside | 63,000 | 1,570 | 80 | 510 | |||||||||||||||
Harrahs Tunica |
Dockside | 136,000 | 1,370 | 70 | 1,360 | |||||||||||||||
Tunica Roadhouse Hotel & Casino |
Dockside | 31,000 | 800 | 20 | 130 | |||||||||||||||
Mississippi Gulf Coast |
||||||||||||||||||||
Grand Casino Biloxi |
Dockside | 28,800 | 830 | 30 | 490 | |||||||||||||||
St. Louis, Missouri |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs St. Louis |
Dockside | 109,000 | 2,660 | 80 | 500 | |||||||||||||||
North Kansas City, Missouri |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs North Kansas City |
Dockside | 60,100 | 1,720 | 60 | 390 |
17
Property |
Type of Casino | Casino Space Sq. Ft. (a) |
Slot Machines (a) |
Table Games (a) |
Hotel Rooms & Suites (a) |
|||||||||||||||
New Orleans, Louisiana |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs New Orleans |
Land-based | 125,100 | 2,020 | 120 | 450 | |||||||||||||||
Bossier City, Louisiana |
||||||||||||||||||||
Louisiana Downs (f) |
|
Thoroughbred racing facility |
|
14,900 | 1,050 | | | |||||||||||||
Horseshoe Bossier City |
Dockside | 29,900 | 1,360 | 70 | 610 | |||||||||||||||
Chester, Pennsylvania |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Chester (g) |
|
Harness racing facility
and based casino |
|
110,500 | 2,960 | 120 | | |||||||||||||
Phoenix, Arizona |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Ak-Chin (h) |
|
Indian Reservation |
|
50,300 | 1,090 | 30 | 150 | |||||||||||||
Cherokee, North Carolina |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Cherokee (h) |
|
Indian Reservation |
|
140,900 | 3,640 | 50 | 1,110 | |||||||||||||
San Diego, California |
||||||||||||||||||||
Harrahs Rincon (h) |
|
Indian Reservation |
|
72,900 | 1,990 | 70 | 660 | |||||||||||||
Punta del Este, Uruguay |
||||||||||||||||||||
Conrad Punta del Este Resort and Casino (g) |
Land-based | 44,500 | 470 | 60 | 300 | |||||||||||||||
Ontario, Canada |
||||||||||||||||||||
Caesars Windsor (i) |
Land-based | 100,000 | 2,330 | 80 | 760 | |||||||||||||||
United Kingdom |
||||||||||||||||||||
Golden Nugget |
Land-based | 5,100 | 40 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
Rendezvous Casino |
Land-based | 6,200 | 20 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
The Sportsman |
Land-based | 5,200 | 50 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
Rendezvous Brighton |
Land-based | 7,800 | 70 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
Rendezvous Southend-on-Sea |
Land-based | 8,700 | 50 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
Manchester235 |
Land-based | 11,500 | 60 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
The Casino at the Empire |
Land-based | 20,900 | 100 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
Alea Nottingham |
Land-based | 10,000 | 50 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
Alea Glasgow |
Land-based | 15,000 | 50 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
Alea Leeds |
Land-based | 10,300 | 50 | 30 | | |||||||||||||||
Egypt |
||||||||||||||||||||
The London Clubs Cairo-Ramses |
Land-based | 2,700 | 40 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
Caesars Cairo |
Land-based | 5,500 | 30 | 20 | | |||||||||||||||
South Africa |
||||||||||||||||||||
Emerald Safari (j) |
Land-based | 37,700 | 660 | 30 | 190 |
(a) | Approximate. |
(b) | Information includes OSheas Casino, which is adjacent to this property. |
(c) | We have an 80 percent ownership interest in and manage this property. |
(d) | A hotel, in which we own a 12.5 percent special limited partnership interest, is adjacent to the Metropolis facility. We own a second 260-room hotel. |
18
(e) | The property is owned by the Company, leased to the operator, and managed by the Company for the operator for a fee pursuant to an agreement that expires in October 2024. This information includes the Bluffs Run greyhound racetrack that operates at the property. |
(f) | We own a 49 percent share of a joint venture that owns a 150-room hotel located near the property. |
(g) | We have approximately 95 percent ownership interest in this property. |
(h) | Managed. |
(i) | We have a 50 percent interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which operates this property. The Province of Ontario owns the complex. |
(j) | We have a 70 percent interest in and manage this property. During 2010 we sold twenty five percent of the shares in this property as required to a Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment shareholder. |
ITEM 3. | Legal Proceedings. |
The Company is party to ordinary and routine litigation incidental to our business. We do not expect the outcome of any pending litigation to have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.
ITEM 4. | Reserved. |
19
ITEM 5. | Market for the Companys Common Stock, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities. |
Our outstanding common stock is privately held and there is no established public trading market for our common stock. Until January 28, 2008, our common stock was listed on the New York Stock Exchange and traded under the ticker symbol HET. Until January 28, 2008, our common stock was also listed on the Chicago Stock Exchange and the Philadelphia Stock Exchange.
The approximate number of holders of record of our voting common stock as of March 4, 2011, was 172.
We did not pay any cash dividends in 2010, 2009 or 2008. The following table sets forth repurchases of our equity securities during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report:
Period |
Total Number
of Shares Purchased |
Average Price Paid Per Share |
Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs |
Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs |
||||||||||||
10/1/2010 10/31/2010 |
3,919 | $ | 66.00 | | | |||||||||||
11/1/2010 11/30/2010 |
| | | | ||||||||||||
12/1/2010 12/31/2010 |
| | | |
20
ITEM 6. | Selected Financial Data. |
The selected financial data set forth below for the five years ended December 31, 2010, should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and accompanying notes thereto.
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions, except common stock data and ratios) |
2010 (a) | 2009 (b) | Jan. 28,
2008 through Dec. 31, 2008 (c) |
Jan. 1,
2008 through Jan. 27, 2008 (d) |
2007 (e) | 2006 (f) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
OPERATING DATA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 8,818.6 | $ | 8,907.4 | $ | 9,366.9 | $ | 760.1 | $ | 10,825.2 | $ | 9,673.9 | ||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
532.3 | (607.8 | ) | (4,237.5 | ) | (36.8 | ) | 1,652.0 | 1,556.6 | |||||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/income from continuing operations, net of tax |
(823.3 | ) | 846.4 | (5,174.7 | ) | (99.4 | ) | 542.4 | 539.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss)/income attributable to Caesars Entertainment Corporation |
(831.1 | ) | 827.6 | (5,096.3 | ) | (100.9 | ) | 619.4 | 535.8 | |||||||||||||||||||
COMMON STOCK DATA |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Earnings per share-diluted (g) |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
From continuing operations |
(14.58 | ) | 6.88 | (134.59 | ) | (0.54 | ) | 2.77 | 2.79 | |||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss)/income |
(14.58 | ) | 6.88 | (132.37 | ) | (0.54 | ) | 3.25 | 2.85 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash dividends declared per share |
| | | | 1.60 | 1.53 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
FINANCIAL POSITION |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total assets |
28,587.7 | 28,979.2 | 31,048.6 | 23,371.3 | 23,357.7 | 22,284.9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
18,785.5 | 18,868.8 | 23,123.3 | 12,367.5 | 12,429.6 | 11,638.7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Stockholders (deficit)/equity |
1,672.6 | (867.0 | ) | (1,360.8 | ) | 6,733.4 | 6,679.1 | 6,123.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||
RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (h) |
| 2.3 | | | 2.1 | 2.2 |
(a) | The full year results of 2010 include approximately $115.6 million in pre-tax gains on early extinguishments of debt, $193.0 million in pre-tax charges for impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets and $147.6 million in net pre-tax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries. |
(b) | The full year results of 2009 include approximately $4,965.5 million in pre-tax gains on early extinguishments of debt, $1,638.0 million in pre-tax charges for impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets and $107.9 million in net pre-tax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries. |
(c) | The Successor period of 2008 includes $5,489.6 million in pre-tax charges for impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets, $742.1 million in pre-tax gains on early extinguishment of debt, $24.0 million in pre-tax charges related to the sale of the Company, and $16.2 million in net pre-tax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries. |
(d) | The Predecessor period of 2008 includes $4.7 million in net pre-tax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $125.6 million in pre-tax charges related to the sale of the Company. |
(e) | 2007 includes $59.9 million in net pre-tax credits for write-downs, reserves and recoveries and $13.4 million in pre-tax charges related to the proposed sale of the Company. 2007 also includes the financial results of Bills Gamblin Hall & Saloon from its February 27, 2007 date of acquisition and Macau Orient Golf from its September 12, 2007 date of acquisition. |
(f) | 2006 includes $62.6 million in net pre-tax charges for write-downs, reserves and recoveries, $37.0 million in pre-tax charges related to the review of certain strategic matters by the special committee of our Board of Directors and the integration of Caesars into Caesars Entertainment, and $62.0 million in pre-tax losses associated with early extinguishment |
21
of debt. 2006 also includes the financial results of London Clubs International from the date of our acquisition of a majority ownership interest in November 2006. |
(g) | As a result of the Acquisition, our stock is no longer publicly traded. |
(h) | Ratio computed based on (Loss)/income from continuing operations. For details of the computation of this ratio, see Exhibit 12. For the year ended December 31, 2010, the Successor period from January 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the Predecessor period from January 1, 2008 through January 27, 2008, our earnings were insufficient to cover fixed charges by $1,278.1 million, $5,475.3 million and $122.5 million, respectively. |
ITEM 7. | Managements Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations. |
In November 2010, Harrahs Entertainment Inc. changed its name to Caesars Entertainment Corporation. Caesars Entertainment Corporation, a Delaware corporation, was incorporated on November 2, 1989, and prior to such date operated under predecessor companies. In this discussion, the words Caesars Entertainment, Company, we, our, and us refer to Caesars Entertainment Corporation, together with its subsidiaries where appropriate.
OVERVIEW
We are one of the largest casino entertainment providers in the world. As of December 31, 2010, we owned, operated or managed 52 casinos in seven countries, but primarily in the United States and England. Our casino entertainment facilities operate primarily under the Harrahs, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names in the United States, and include land-based casinos and casino hotels, dockside casinos, a combination greyhound racetrack and casino, a combination thoroughbred racetrack and casino, a combination harness racetrack and casino, casino clubs and managed casinos. We are focused on building customer loyalty through a unique combination of customer service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership and on exploiting the value of our major hotel/casino brands and our loyalty program, Total Rewards. We believe that the customer-relationship marketing and business-intelligence capabilities fueled by Total Rewards are constantly bringing us closer to our customers so we better understand their preferences, and from that understanding, we are able to improve the entertainment experiences that we offer accordingly.
On January 28, 2008, Caesars Entertainment was acquired by affiliates of Apollo Global Management, LLC (Apollo) and TPG Capital, LP (TPG) in an all-cash transaction, hereinafter referred to as the Acquisition, valued at approximately $30.7 billion, including the assumption of $12.4 billion of debt and the incurrence of approximately $1.0 billion of acquisition costs. Holders of Caesars Entertainment stock received $90.00 in cash for each outstanding share of common stock. As a result of the Acquisition, the then issued and outstanding shares of non-voting common stock and the non-voting preferred stock of Caesars Entertainment were owned by entities affiliated with Apollo and TPG and certain co-investors and members of management, and the then issued and outstanding shares of voting common stock of Caesars Entertainment were owned by Hamlet Holdings LLC, which is owned by certain individuals affiliated with Apollo and TPG. As a result of the Acquisition, our stock is no longer publicly traded. During 2010, our shares of non-voting common stock and non-voting preferred stock were converted to a recently issued class of voting common stock, and our existing voting stock was canceled, as more fully described in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Preferred and Common Stock, included in Item 8 of this report.
REGIONAL AGGREGATION
The executive officers of our Company review operating results, assess performance and make decisions related to the allocation of resources on a property-by-property basis. We believe, therefore, that each property is an operating segment and that it is appropriate to aggregate and present the operations of our Company as one reportable segment. In order to provide more meaningful information than would be possible on a consolidated basis, our casino properties as of December 31, 2010, have been grouped as follows to facilitate discussion of our operating results:
22
Las Vegas |
Atlantic City |
Louisiana/Mississippi |
Iowa/Missouri | |||
Caesars Palace | Harrahs Atlantic City | Harrahs New Orleans | Harrahs St. Louis | |||
Ballys Las Vegas | Showboat Atlantic City | Harrahs Louisiana Downs | Harrahs North Kansas City | |||
Flamingo Las Vegas(a) | Ballys Atlantic City | Horseshoe Bossier City | Harrahs Council Bluffs | |||
Harrahs Las Vegas | Caesars Atlantic City | Grand Biloxi | Horseshoe Council Bluffs/Bluffs Run | |||
Paris Las Vegas | Harrahs Chester(c) | Harrahs Tunica | ||||
Rio | Horseshoe Tunica | |||||
Imperial Palace | Tunica Roadhouse Hotel & Casino | |||||
Bills Gamblin Hall & Saloon | ||||||
Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino(b) |
Illinois/Indiana |
Other Nevada |
Managed/International/Other | ||
Horseshoe Southern Indiana | Harrahs Reno | Harrahs Ak-Chin(d) | ||
Harrahs Joliet(c) | Harrahs Lake Tahoe | Harrahs Cherokee(d) | ||
Horseshoe Hammond | Harrahs Laughlin | Harrahs Rincon(d) | ||
Harrahs Metropolis | Harveys Lake Tahoe | Conrad Punta del Este(c) | ||
Caesars Windsor(e) | ||||
London Clubs International(f) |
(a) | Includes OSheas Casino, which is adjacent to this property. |
(b) | Acquired February 19, 2010. |
(c) | We have approximately 95 percent ownership interest in this property. |
(d) | Managed. |
(e) | We have a 50 percent interest in Windsor Casino Limited, which operates this property. The province of Ontario owns the complex. |
(f) | We operate/manage ten casino clubs in the provinces of the United Kingdom and two in Egypt. We have a 70 percent ownership interest in and manage one casino club in South Africa. |
CONSOLIDATED OPERATING RESULTS
In accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (U.S. GAAP), we have separated our historical financial results for the period subsequent to the Acquisition (the Successor period) and the period prior to the Acquisition (the Predecessor period). However, we have also combined results for the Successor and Predecessor periods for 2008 in the presentations below because we believe that it enables a meaningful presentation and comparison of results. As a result of the application of purchase accounting as of the Acquisition date, financial information for the Successor periods and the Predecessor period are presented on different bases and, therefore, are not comparable. We have reclassified certain amounts for prior periods to conform to our 2010 presentation.
Because the financial results for 2010, 2009 and 2008 include significant impairment charges for goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets, the following tables also present separately income/(loss) from operations before such impairment charges and the impairment charges to provide more meaningful comparisons of results. This presentation is not in accordance with U.S. GAAP.
23
Successor | Predecessor | Combined 2008 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Jan. 28,
2008 through Dec. 31, 2008 |
Jan. 1,
2008 through Jan. 27, 2008 |
Percentage Increase/(Decrease) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 6,917.9 | $ | 7,124.3 | $ | 7,476.9 | $ | 614.6 | $ | 8,091.5 | (2.9 | )% | (12.0 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
8,818.6 | 8,907.4 | 9,366.9 | 760.1 | 10,127.0 | (1.0 | )% | (12.0 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
532.3 | (607.8 | ) | (4,237.5 | ) | (36.8 | ) | (4,274.3 | ) | N/M | 85.8 | % | ||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
193.0 | 1,638.0 | 5,489.6 | | 5,489.6 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations before impairment charges |
725.3 | 1,030.2 | 1,252.1 | (36.8 | ) | 1,215.3 | (29.6 | )% | (15.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/income from continuing operations, net of tax |
(823.3 | ) | 846.4 | (5,174.7 | ) | (99.4 | ) | (5,274.1 | ) | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Net (loss)/income attributable to Caesars Entertainment Corporation |
(831.1 | ) | 827.6 | (5,096.3 | ) | (100.9 | ) | (5,197.2 | ) | N/M | N/M |
N/M = Not Meaningful
The Companys 2010 net revenues decreased approximately 1.0 percent to $8,818.6 million from $8,907.4 million in 2009, as incremental revenues associated with our February 2010 acquisition of Planet Hollywood were unable to offset the continuing impact of the weak economic environment on customers discretionary spending.
Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $532.3 million, compared with a loss from operations of $607.8 million for the same period in 2009. Included in income/(loss) from operations for 2010 and 2009 were impairment charges for goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets totaling $193.0 million and $1,638.0 million, respectively. Prior to consideration of these impairment charges, income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 decreased to $725.3 million from $1,030.2 million in the prior year. The decline was driven by the income impact of reduced revenues and the previously disclosed contingent liability reserve and asset reserve charges recorded during the second quarter 2010, which were partially offset by a tangible asset impairment charge in 2009 that did not recur in 2010 and the benefit of a $23.5 million property tax accrual adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter 2010.
Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2010 was $823.3 million compared with income from continuing operations, net of tax, of $846.4 million for the year-ago period. Loss from continuing operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2010 included i) the aforementioned impairment charges for intangible assets and ii) gains related to the early extinguishment of debt of $115.6 million. Income from continuing operations, net of tax, for the year ended December 31, 2009 included i) the aforementioned impairment charges for intangible assets and ii) gains related to the early extinguishment of debt of $4,965.5 million. Gains on early extinguishments of debt in the year ended December 31, 2009 represented discounts related to the exchange of certain outstanding debt for new debt in the second quarter, CMBS debt repurchases in the fourth quarter, and purchases of certain of our debt in the open market during 2009. The gains were partially offset by the write-off of market value premiums and unamortized debt issue costs. These events are discussed more fully in the Liquidity and Capital Resources section that follows herein.
24
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2009 declined as compared to 2008 as a result of reduced customer visitation and spend per trip due to the impact of the recession on customers discretionary spending, as well as reduced aggregate demand, which impacted average daily room rates. The earnings impact of the declines in revenue in 2009 as compared to 2008 was partially offset by company-wide cost savings initiatives that began in the third quarter of 2008. The year ended December 31, 2008 included charges of $5,489.6 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets, and expenses incurred in connection with the Acquisition, primarily related to accelerated vesting of employee stock options, stock appreciation rights (SARs) and restricted stock, and higher interest expense. Offsetting a portion of these costs in 2008 were net gains on the early extinguishments of debt and proceeds received from the settlement of insurance claims related to hurricane damage in 2005.
25
REGIONAL OPERATING RESULTS
On a consolidated basis, when compared with 2009, visitation by our rated players decreased 1 percent and the amount spent per rated-player trip decreased approximately 2 percent. Average daily room rates and occupancy were generally flat for 2010.
For the Las Vegas region, when compared with 2009, visitation by our rated players increased 4 percent for 2010, and the amount spent per rated-player trip decreased 4 percent. From a hotel perspective, revenue increased 9.2 percent when compared to 2009, as our occupancy increased 1.8 percentage points and our average daily room rates decreased 3 percent.
For the Atlantic City region, when compared with 2009, visitation by our rated players decreased 1 percent for 2010, and the amount spent per rated-player trip decreased 7 percent. From a hotel perspective, revenue increased 5 percent when compared to 2009, as our occupancy percentage was relatively consistent with the prior year and our average daily room rates increased 5 percent.
For the remainder of our United States markets, visitation by our rated players for 2010 was down 3 percent while customer spend per rated trip increased 2 percent.
Further discussion of our results by region follow:
Las Vegas Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 1,544.4 | $ | 1,476.0 | $ | 1,579.9 | $ | 138.7 | $ | 1,718.6 | 4.6 | % | (14.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
2,834.8 | 2,698.0 | 3,000.6 | 253.6 | 3,254.2 | 5.1 | % | (17.1 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
349.9 | (681.0 | ) | (1,988.0 | ) | 51.9 | (1,936.1 | ) | N/M | 64.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
| 1,130.9 | 2,579.4 | | 2,579.4 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
349.9 | 449.9 | 591.4 | 51.9 | 643.3 | (22.2 | )% | (30.1 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
12.3 | % | (25.2 | )% | (66.3 | )% | 20.5 | % | (59.5 | )% | 37.5pts | 34.3pts | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
12.3 | % | 16.7 | % | 19.7 | % | 20.5 | % | 19.8 | % | (4.4 | )pts | (3.1 | )pts |
On February 19, 2010, Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. (CEOC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Corporation, acquired 100% of the equity interests of PHW Las Vegas, LLC (PHW Las Vegas), which owns the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino (Planet Hollywood) located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Net revenues and income from continuing operations before income taxes (excluding transaction costs associated with the acquisition) of Planet Hollywood subsequent to the date of acquisition through December 31, 2010 are included in consolidated results from operations.
26
Hotel occupancy remained above 90 percent, and revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased 5.1 percent in the Las Vegas Region from 2009 due to our February 2010 acquisition of Planet Hollywood. On a same-store basis, revenues declined 3.5 percent for the year ended December 31, 2010, resulting primarily from decreased spend per visitor. Increased labor and depreciation expenses in the region combined with the income impact of reduced same-store revenues resulted in reduced income from operations for 2010, before consideration of impairment charges. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 includes incremental depreciation associated with the Caesars Palace expansions placed into service late in 2009, increased levels of remediation costs during 2010 at two properties within the region, and the write-off of assets associated with certain capital projects. Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 includes charges of $1,130.9 million related to impairment of intangible assets in the region.
An expansion and renovation of Caesars Palace Las Vegas was completed in stages during 2009 on the Octavius Tower, a new hotel tower with 110,000 square feet of additional meeting and convention space, three 10,000-square-foot luxury villa suites and an expanded pool and garden area. We have deferred completion of approximately 660 rooms, including 75 luxury suites, in the hotel tower expansion as a result of current economic conditions impacting the Las Vegas tourism sector. The convention center and the remainder of the expansion project, other than the deferred rooms, was completed during 2009. The Company has incurred capital expenditures of approximately $640.3 million on this project through December 31, 2010. The Company does not expect to incur significant additional capital expenditures on this project until construction on the deferred rooms is resumed, at which time the Company estimates that between approximately $90.0 million and $110.0 million will be required to complete the project. We anticipate initiating activity on this project during 2011.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, revenues and income from operations before impairment charges were lower than in 2008, driven by lower spend per customer and declines in the group-travel business due to the recession. While hotel occupancy was strong at approximately 90%, average room rates declined due to the impact of reduced aggregate demand. Loss from operations for 2008 included charges of $2,579.4 million recorded for the impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets.
27
Atlantic City Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 1,696.8 | $ | 1,894.5 | $ | 2,111.8 | $ | 163.4 | $ | 2,275.2 | (10.4 | )% | (16.7 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
1,899.9 | 2,025.9 | 2,156.0 | 160.8 | 2,316.8 | (6.2 | )% | (12.6 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
83.7 | 28.3 | (415.4 | ) | 18.7 | (396.7 | ) | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
| 178.7 | 699.9 | | 699.9 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
83.7 | 207.0 | 284.5 | 18.7 | 303.2 | (59.6 | )% | (31.7 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
4.4 | % | 1.4 | % | (19.3 | )% | 11.6 | % | (17.1 | )% | 3.0pts | 18.5pts | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
4.4 | % | 10.2 | % | 13.2 | % | 11.6 | % | 13.1 | % | (5.8 | )pts | (2.9 | )pts |
The Atlantic City market continues to be affected by the current economic environment as well as competition from new casinos outside of Atlantic City and the mid-2010 introduction of table games in the Pennsylvania market.
Reduced customer spend per trip and increased competition from other markets led to lower Atlantic City Region revenues during the year ended December 31, 2010. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included a charge of $178.7 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at certain of the regions properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was lower than the prior year, prior to consideration of the impairment charge, as cost-saving initiatives were unable to offset the income impact of reduced revenues and increased marketing and labor-related expenses. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 also included the write-off of assets associated with certain capital projects.
Revenues for 2009 were lower than in 2008 due to reduced visitor volume and spend per trip, as well as competition from slot parlors in Pennsylvania. Income from operations before impairment charges for 2009 was also lower than in 2008 as cost savings initiatives were insufficient to offset the earnings impact of the reduced revenues and increased marketing expenses. These adverse factors were partially offset by the full-year impact of the 2008 expansion of the Harrahs Atlantic City property.
28
Louisiana/Mississippi Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 1,096.4 | $ | 1,140.8 | $ | 1,252.7 | $ | 99.0 | $ | 1,351.7 | (3.9 | )% | (15.6 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
1,193.4 | 1,245.2 | 1,340.8 | 106.1 | 1,446.9 | (4.2 | )% | (13.9 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations |
69.9 | 181.4 | 28.3 | 10.1 | 38.4 | (61.5 | )% | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
51.0 | 6.0 | 328.9 | | 328.9 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
120.9 | 187.4 | 357.2 | 10.1 | 367.3 | (35.5 | )% | (49.0 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
5.9 | % | 14.6 | % | 2.1 | % | 9.5 | % | 2.7 | % | (8.7 | )pts | 11.9pts | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
10.1 | % | 15.0 | % | 26.6 | % | 9.5 | % | 25.4 | % | (4.9 | )pts | (10.4 | )pts |
Reduced visitation and customer spend per trip unfavorably impacted the Louisiana/ Mississippi Region revenues during the year ended December 31, 2010. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a charge of $51.0 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at one of the regions properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included a charge of $6.0 million related to impairment of intangible assets at one of the regions properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 was lower than in 2009, prior to consideration of impairment charges, as cost-saving initiatives were unable to offset the income impact of reduced revenues and increased marketing expenses.
Revenues for 2009 in the region were lower compared to 2008 driven by lower visitor volume due to the current economic environment. Included in income from operations for 2008 were $328.9 million of impairment charges for goodwill and other non-amortizing assets of certain properties within the region. Prior to the consideration of impairment charges and the insurance proceeds received in 2008 of $185.4 million from the final settlement of claims related to 2005 hurricane damage at certain properties, income from operations before impairment charges for 2009 improved slightly when compared to 2008 primarily as a result of cost savings initiatives within the region. During December 2009, we rebranded Sheraton Tunica to Tunica Roadhouse. For the rebranding, the property was closed for a minimal amount of time, during a traditionally quiet period, resulting in limited disruptions to operations.
Construction began in third quarter 2007 on a casino and resort in Biloxi. We have halted construction on this project, and continue to evaluate our development options. As of December 31, 2010, approximately $180.0 million had been spent on this project.
29
Iowa/Missouri Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 688.4 | $ | 707.3 | $ | 678.7 | $ | 52.5 | $ | 731.2 | (2.7 | )% | (3.3 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
735.4 | 756.6 | 727.0 | 55.8 | 782.8 | (2.8 | )% | (3.3 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations |
171.0 | 187.5 | 108.2 | 7.7 | 115.9 | (8.8 | )% | 61.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
9.0 | | 49.0 | | 49.0 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
180.0 | 187.5 | 157.2 | 7.7 | 164.9 | (4.0 | )% | 13.7 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
23.3 | % | 24.8 | % | 14.9 | % | 13.8 | % | 14.8 | % | (1.5 | )pts | 10.0pts | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
24.5 | % | 24.8 | % | 21.6 | % | 13.8 | % | 21.1 | % | (0.3 | )pts | 3.7pts |
Revenues in the region declined for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2009 due to new competition in the region and lower customer spend per trip. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a charge of $9.0 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at one of the regions properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 declined from 2009 primarily due to the income impact of revenue declines.
Revenues for 2009 at our Iowa and Missouri properties were slightly lower compared to the same period in 2008 driven by the weak economy that impacted guest visitation. The region was also impacted by severe winter storms during the fourth quarter of 2009 which also affected guest visitation. Income from operations before impairment charges and operating margin in 2009 were higher than in the prior year due primarily to cost-savings initiatives.
30
Illinois/Indiana Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 1,152.9 | $ | 1,180.7 | $ | 1,102.5 | $ | 86.9 | $ | 1,189.4 | (2.4 | )% | (0.7 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
1,160.1 | 1,172.3 | 1,098.7 | 85.5 | 1,184.2 | (1.0 | )% | (1.0 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
119.0 | (35.4 | ) | (505.9 | ) | 8.7 | (497.2 | ) | N/M | 92.9 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
58.0 | 180.7 | 617.1 | | 617.1 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
177.0 | 145.3 | 111.2 | 8.7 | 119.9 | 21.8 | % | 21.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
10.3 | % | (3.0 | )% | (46.0 | )% | 10.2 | % | (42.0 | )% | 13.3pts | 39.0pts | ||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
15.3 | % | 12.4 | % | 10.1 | % | 10.2 | % | 10.1 | % | 2.9pts | 2.3pts |
Revenues in the region decreased for the year ended December 31, 2010 from 2009 due to decreased customer spend per trip. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a charge of $58.0 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at certain of the regions properties, partially offset by the benefit of a $23.5 million property tax accrual adjustment recorded in the fourth quarter 2010. Loss from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included a charge of $180.7 million related to impairment of intangible assets at certain of the regions properties. Income from operations, prior to consideration of impairment charges, increased for the year ended December 31, 2010 relative to 2009 as a result of reduced marketing expenses and the aforementioned property tax accrual adjustment.
For the year ended December 31, 2009, revenues were relatively unchanged compared to 2008 due to the full year impact of the 2008 expansion of the Horseshoe Hammond property, which offset the revenue declines at other properties in the region. The Horseshoe Hammond renovation and expansion was completed in August 2008. Cost savings initiatives at properties in the region also contributed to the increase in income from operations before impairment charges in 2009.
Other Nevada Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Casino revenues |
$ | 351.0 | $ | 372.0 | $ | 425.4 | $ | 30.2 | $ | 455.6 | (5.6 | )% | (18.3 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
447.5 | 472.6 | 534.0 | 38.9 | 572.9 | (5.3 | )% | (17.5 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Loss)/income from operations |
(13.9 | ) | 47.3 | (255.9 | ) | 0.5 | (255.4 | ) | N/M | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
49.0 | 4.0 | 318.5 | | 318.5 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from operations before impairment charges |
35.1 | 51.3 | 62.6 | 0.5 | 63.1 | (31.6 | )% | (18.7 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin |
(3.1 | )% | 10.0 | % | (47.9 | )% | 1.3 | % | (44.6 | )% | (13.1 | )pts | 54.6pts | |||||||||||||||||||
Operating margin before impairment charges |
7.8 | % | 10.9 | % | 11.7 | % | 1.3 | % | 11.0 | % | (3.1 | )pts | (0.1 | )pts |
Results for the year ended December 31, 2010 for the Other Nevada Region declined from 2009 due to lower visitation and decreased customer spend per trip. Also contributing to the decline in income from operations for the year ended December 31,
31
2010 was a charge of $49.0 million, recorded during the second quarter of 2010, related to the impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at one of the regions properties.
For 2009, revenues from our Nevada properties outside of Las Vegas were lower than in 2008 due to lower guest visitation and lower customer spend per trip. Cost-savings initiatives implemented throughout 2009 partially offset the earnings impact of the net revenue declines. During December 2009, we announced the permanent closure of Bills Lake Tahoe effective in January 2010, which was later sold in February 2010. The closure and sale were the result of several years of declining business levels at that property.
Managed and International Results
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Revenues |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed |
$ | 43.9 | $ | 56.3 | $ | 59.1 | $ | 5.0 | $ | 64.1 | (22.0 | )% | (12.2 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
International |
431.1 | 403.8 | 375.7 | 51.2 | 426.9 | 6.8 | % | (5.4 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Net revenues |
$ | 475.0 | $ | 460.1 | $ | 434.8 | $ | 56.2 | $ | 491.0 | 3.2 | % | (6.3 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed |
$ | 11.9 | $ | 19.4 | $ | 22.1 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 26.1 | (38.7 | )% | (25.7 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
International |
10.5 | (23.0 | ) | (276.0 | ) | 2.2 | (273.8 | ) | N/M | 91.6 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations |
$ | 22.4 | $ | (3.6 | ) | $ | (253.9 | ) | $ | 6.2 | $ | (247.7 | ) | N/M | 98.5 | % | ||||||||||||||||
Impairment of intangible assets, including goodwill |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed |
$ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | $ | | N/M | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
International |
6.0 | 31.0 | 210.8 | | 210.8 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total charges |
$ | 6.0 | $ | 31.0 | $ | 210.8 | $ | | $ | 210.8 | N/M | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations before impairment |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Managed |
$ | 11.9 | $ | 19.4 | $ | 22.1 | $ | 4.0 | $ | 26.1 | (38.7 | )% | (25.7 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
International |
16.5 | 8.0 | (65.2 | ) | 2.2 | (63.0 | ) | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income/(loss) from operations before impairment |
$ | 28.4 | $ | 27.4 | $ | (43.1 | ) | $ | 6.2 | $ | (36.9 | ) | 3.6 | % | N/M | |||||||||||||||||
Managed and international results include income from our managed properties and Thistledown Racetrack, and the results of our international properties.
Managed
We manage three tribal casinos. The table below gives the location and expiration date of the current management contracts for our three tribal casino properties as of December 31, 2010.
Casino |
Location |
Expiration of Management Agreement | ||
Harrahs Rincon | near San Diego, California | November 2013 | ||
Harrahs Cherokee | Cherokee, North Carolina | November 2011 | ||
Harrahs Ak-Chin | near Phoenix, Arizona | December 2014 |
In December 2010, we formed Rock Ohio Caesars LLC, a joint venture with Rock Gaming, LLC, created to pursue casino developments in Cincinnati and Cleveland. Pursuant to the agreements forming the joint venture, we have committed to invest
32
up to $200 million for an approximately 30% interest in the joint venture. As part of our investment, we also plan to contribute Thistledown Racetrack (Thistledown), a non-casino racetrack located outside Cleveland, Ohio, to the joint venture. Based upon this commitment, we have included Thistledown as a managed property. As of December 31, 2010 we have invested approximately $64.0 million in the joint venture.
The decline in revenues from our managed properties for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, when compared to their respective prior periods, reflects the impact of the current economic environment on our managed properties, partially offset by incremental revenues of $7.2 million associated with our July 2010 acquisition of Thistledown.
International
Our international results include the operations of our property in Punta del Este, Uruguay, and our London Clubs International Limited (London Clubs) entities. As of December 31, 2010, London Clubs owns or manages ten casinos in the United Kingdom, two in Egypt and one in South Africa. During 2009, one of the London Clubs owned properties, Fifty, was closed and liquidated.
Revenues for the year ended December 31, 2010 increased over 2009 due to increased visitation and increased spend per trip at our Uruguay and London Clubs properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2010 included a charge of $6.0 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets at our international properties. Income from operations for the year ended December 31, 2009 included a charge of $31.0 million related to impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets. Prior to consideration of impairment charges, international income from operations significantly increased for the year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with 2009 due to strong revenue performance and cost-saving initiatives.
Revenues for London Clubs decreased slightly in 2009 when compared to 2008 as the increase in local currency revenues attributable to the full-year impact in 2009 of two new properties which opened in 2008 was insufficient to offset the adverse movements in exchange rates. Loss from operations in 2009 was improved compared to 2008 as a result of the $210.8 million impairment charge recorded in 2008 compared to the $31.0 million charged in 2009. Income from operations before impairment in 2009 improved when compared to a loss from operations before impairment in 2008 due to the income impact of increased revenues and cost-savings initiatives throughout the international properties.
OTHER FACTORS AFFECTING NET INCOME
33
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Jan. 28, 2008 | Jan. 1, 2008 | Percentage |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
through | through | Combined | Increase/(Decrease) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Expense/(income) |
2010 | 2009 | Dec. 31, 2008 | Jan. 27, 2008 | 2008 | 10 vs. 09 | 09 vs. 08 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Corporate expense |
$ | 140.9 | $ | 150.7 | $ | 131.8 | $ | 8.5 | $ | 140.3 | (6.5 | )% | 7.4 | % | ||||||||||||||||||
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries |
147.6 | 107.9 | 16.2 | 4.7 | 20.9 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets |
193.0 | 1,638.0 | 5,489.6 | | 5,489.6 | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
Acquisition and integration costs |
13.6 | 0.3 | 24.0 | 125.6 | 149.6 | N/M | (99.8 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
Amortization of intangible assets |
160.8 | 174.8 | 162.9 | 5.5 | 168.4 | (8.0 | )% | 3.8 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest expense, net |
1,981.6 | 1,892.5 | 2,074.9 | 89.7 | 2,164.6 | 4.7 | % | (12.6 | )% | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(Gains)/losses on early extinguishments of debt |
(115.6 | ) | (4,965.5 | ) | (742.1 | ) | | (742.1 | ) | (97.7 | )% | N/M | ||||||||||||||||||||
Other income |
(41.7 | ) | (33.0 | ) | (35.2 | ) | (1.1 | ) | (36.3 | ) | 26.4 | % | (9.1 | )% | ||||||||||||||||||
(Benefit)/provision for income taxes |
(468.7 | ) | 1,651.8 | (360.4 | ) | (26.0 | ) | (386.4 | ) | N/M | N/M | |||||||||||||||||||||
Income attributable to non-controlling interests |
7.8 | 18.8 | 12.0 | 1.6 | 13.6 | (58.5 | )% | 38.2 | % | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Income from discontinued operations, net of income taxes |
| | (90.4 | ) | (0.1 | ) | (90.5 | ) | N/M | N/M |
N/M = Not meaningful
34
Corporate Expense
Corporate expense decreased in 2010 from the comparable period in 2009 due primarily to expenses incurred in connection with our April 2009 debt exchange transaction that did not recur during 2010 and reduced expense associated with incentive compensation, partially offset by increased labor-related expenses for year ended December 31, 2010 when compared with the same period of 2009.
Corporate expense increased in 2009 from 2008 due to certain non-capitalizable expenses related to the debt exchange offer and other advisory services, partially offset by the continued realization of cost-savings initiatives that began in the third quarter of 2008.
Corporate expense includes expenses associated with share-based compensation plans in the amounts of $18.1 million, $16.4 million, $15.8 million, and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Successor period from January 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the Predecessor period from January 1, 2008 through January 27, 2008, respectively.
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries include various pre-tax charges to record certain long-lived tangible asset impairments, contingent liability or litigation reserves or settlements, project write-offs, demolition costs, remediation costs, recoveries of previously recorded reserves and other non-routine transactions. Given the nature of the transactions included within write-downs, reserves and recoveries, these amounts are not expected to be comparable from year-to-year, nor are the amounts expected to follow any particular trend from year-to-year.
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries for 2010 were $147.6 million, compared with $107.9 million in 2009. Included in write-downs, reserves and recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2010 with no comparable amounts in 2009 is an accrual of $25.0 million (see Note 14, Commitments and Contingent Liabilities in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements), and a charge of approximately $52.2 million to fully reserve a note receivable balance related to land and pre-development costs contributed to a venture for development of a casino project in Philadelphia with which we were involved prior to December 2005. Also included in write-downs, reserves and recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2010 were charges of $29.0 million to write-off assets associated with certain capital projects in the Las Vegas and Atlantic City regions.
Amounts incurred during 2010 for remediation costs were $42.7 million, and increased by $3.4 million when compared to 2009.
Write-downs, reserves and recoveries in 2009 of $107.9 million increased when compared with $20.9 million in 2008. Included in the amounts for 2008 are insurance proceeds related to the 2005 hurricanes totaling $185.4 million. Prior to these insurance proceeds, write-downs, reserves and recoveries for 2008 were $206.3 million. Amounts incurred in 2009 for remediation costs were $39.3 million, a decrease of $25.6 million from similar costs in 2008. We recorded $59.3 million in impairment charges for long-lived tangible assets during 2009, an increase of $19.7 million when compared to 2008. The majority of the 2009 charge was related to the Companys office building in Memphis, Tennessee due to the relocation to Las Vegas, Nevada of those corporate functions formerly performed at that location. We recorded $34.8 million in charges related to efficiency projects that were also a result of the relocation.
Also during 2009, associated with its closure and ultimate liquidation, we wrote off the assets and liabilities on one of our London Club properties. Because the assets and liabilities were in a net liability position, a pre-tax gain of $9.0 million was recognized in the fourth quarter of 2009. The recognized gain was partially offset by charges related to other projects. 2009 also included a reversal of an accrual for approximately $30.0 million due to a judgment against the Company that was vacated in third quarter of 2009. This amount was previously charged to write-downs, reserves and recoveries in 2006 and was reversed accordingly upon the vacated judgment.
For additional discussion of write-downs, reserves and recoveries, refer to Note 11, Write-downs, Reserves and Recoveries, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Impairment of intangible assets
During the fourth quarter of each year, we perform annual assessments for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization as of September 30. We perform assessments for impairment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets more frequently if impairment indicators exist.
35
During 2010, due to the relative impact of weak economic conditions on certain properties in the Other Nevada and Louisiana/Mississippi regions, we performed an interim assessment of goodwill and certain non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment during the second quarter, which resulted in an impairment charge of $100.0 million. During the third quarter, we completed a preliminary annual assessment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets as of September 30, which resulted in an impairment charge of $44.0 million. We finalized our annual assessment during the fourth quarter, and as a result of the final assessment, we recorded an impairment charge of $49.0 million, which brought the aggregate charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $193.0 million.
During 2009, we performed an interim assessment of goodwill and certain non-amortizing intangible assets for impairment during the second quarter, due to the relative impact of weak economic conditions on certain properties in the Las Vegas market, which resulted in an impairment charge of $297.1 million. During the third quarter, we completed a preliminary annual assessment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets as of September 30, which resulted in an impairment charge of $1,328.6 million. We finalized our annual assessment during the fourth quarter, and as a result of the final assessment, we recorded an impairment charge of approximately $12.3 million, which brought the aggregate charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 to approximately $1,638.0 million.
Our 2008 analysis indicated that certain of our goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets were impaired based upon projected performance which reflected factors impacted by the then-current market conditions, including lower valuation multiples for gaming assets, higher discount rates resulting from turmoil in the credit markets, and the completion of our 2009 budget and forecasting process. As a result of our projected deterioration in financial performance, an impairment charge of $5,489.6 million was recorded in the fourth quarter of 2008.
For additional discussion of impairment of intangible assets, refer to Note 5, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Acquisition and integration costs
Acquisition and integration costs in 2010 include costs in connection with our acquisitions of Planet Hollywood and Thistledown Racetrack, and costs associated with potential development and investment activities.
Acquisition and integration costs in 2008 include costs incurred in connection with the Acquisition, including the expense related to the accelerated vesting of employee stock options, SARs and restricted stock.
Amortization of intangible assets
Amortization of intangible assets was lower in 2010 when compared to 2009 due to lower intangible asset balances as a result of certain contract rights being fully amortized during 2009.
Amortization expense associated with intangible assets for 2009 was slightly higher than the amounts recorded in 2008 due to the amounts in 2008 including only eleven months of amortization of post-Acquisition intangible assets.
Interest Expense
Interest expense increased by $89.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009. Interest expense is reported net of capitalized interest of $1.4 million and $32.4 million for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, respectively. The majority of the capitalized interest in 2009 related to the Caesars Palace expansion in Las Vegas. Prior to the consideration of capitalized interest, interest expense increased by $58.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010, compared to the same period in 2009 due primarily to (i) debt issuances that occurred in the second quarter of 2010 that resulted in higher debt levels and a higher weighted average interest rate; and (ii) changes in hedging designations related to our $6,500.0 million interest rate cap agreement related to our CMBS Financing and one interest rate swap agreement. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2010, as a result of interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreements, included (i) $76.6 million of gains due to measured ineffectiveness for derivatives designated as hedging instruments; (ii) $1.9 million of expense due to changes in fair value for derivatives not designated as hedging instruments; and (iii) $36.3 million of expense due to amortization of deferred losses frozen in Other Comprehensive Income (OCI). At December 31, 2010, our variable-rate debt, excluding $5,810.1 million of variable-rate debt for which we have entered into interest rate swap agreements, represents approximately 36% of our total debt, while our fixed-rate debt is approximately 64% of our total debt.
36
Interest expense declined by $272.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 compared to the same period in 2008 primarily due to lower debt levels resulting from debt exchanges completed in April 2009 and December 2008 and debt purchases on the open market during 2009. Interest expense for 2009, as a result of interest rate swap agreements and interest rate cap agreement, was (i) reduced $7.6 million due to measured ineffectiveness; (ii) increased $3.8 million due to amortization of deferred losses frozen in OCI; and (iii) increased $12.1 million due to losses originally deferred in OCI and subsequently reclassified to interest expense associated with hedges for which the forecasted future transactions are no longer probable of occurring. At December 31, 2009, our variable-rate debt, excluding $5,810 million of variable-rate debt for which we have entered into interest rate swap agreements, represents approximately 37% of our total debt, while our fixed-rate debt is approximately 63% of our total debt.
For additional discussion of interest expense, refer to Note 7, Debt, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
(Gains)/losses on early extinguishments of debt
Gains on early extinguishments of debt were $115.6 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. In the fourth quarter of 2009, we purchased $948.8 million of face value of CMBS Loans for $237.2 million. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment, we agreed to pay lenders selling CMBS Loans during the fourth quarter 2009 an additional $47.4 million for their loans previously sold. This additional liability was recorded as a loss on early extinguishment of debt during the first quarter of 2010 and was paid during the fourth quarter of 2010.
In May 2010, we extinguished $216.8 million face value of bonds and paid down amounts outstanding under our revolving credit facility, recognizing a pre-tax loss on the transaction of approximately $4.7 million.
In June 2010, we purchased $46.6 million face value of CMBS Loans for $22.6 million, recognizing a net gain on the transaction of approximately $23.3 million during the second quarter of 2010. In September 2010, in connection with the execution of an amendment to our CMBS Financing (as more fully discussed in the Liquidity and Capital Resources Section below, we purchased $123.8 million face value of CMBS Loans for $37.1 million and recognized a pre-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $77.4 million, net of deferred finance charges.
In December 2010, we purchased $191.3 million face value of CMBS Loans for $95.6 millions, recognizing a net gain on the transaction of approximately $66.9 million, net of deferred finance charges and discounts on the CMBS Loans.
Gains on early extinguishments of debt of $4,965.5 million in the year ended December 31, 2009 related to multiple debt transactions initiated throughout the year, including i) the exchange of approximately $3,648.8 million principal amount of new 10% second-priority senior secured notes due in 2018 for approximately $5,470.1 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt with maturity dates ranging from 2010 to 2018; ii) the purchase of approximately $1,601.5 million principal amount of outstanding debt through tender offers or open market purchases; and iii) the early retirement of approximately $948.8 million principal amount of CMBS Loans represented discounts related to the exchange of certain outstanding debt for new debt in the second quarter, CMBS debt repurchases in the fourth quarter, and purchases of certain of our debt in the open market during 2009. The gains were partially offset by the write-off of market value premiums and unamortized debt issue costs.
Gains on early extinguishments of debt of $742.1 million in 2008 represented discounts related to the exchange of certain debt for new debt and purchases of certain of our debt in connection with an exchange offer in December 2008 and in the open market. The gains were partially offset by the write-off of market value premiums and unamortized deferred financing costs.
For additional discussion of extinguishments of debt, refer to Note 7, Debt, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Other income
As a result of the cancellation of our debt investment in certain predecessor entities of PHW Las Vegas in exchange for the equity of PHW Las Vegas, the Company recognized a gain of $7.1 million to adjust our investment to reflect the estimated fair value of consideration paid for the acquisition. This gain is reflected in Other income, including interest income, in our Consolidated Statement of Operations for the year ended December 31, 2010. In addition, other income for all periods presented included insurance policy proceeds related to the Companys deferred compensation plan.
Income tax (benefit)/provision
37
For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded tax benefit of $468.7 million on pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $1,292.0 million, compared with an income tax provision of $1,651.8 million on pre-tax income from continuing operations of $2,498.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2009. Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010 was favorably impacted by the effects of state income tax benefits and other discrete items.
Income tax benefit for the year ended December 31, 2010 was primarily attributable to tax benefits associated with operating losses, partially offset by the non-deductibility of the impairment charges on goodwill and international income taxes. In 2009, income tax expense was primarily attributable to the tax impact of gains on early extinguishments of debt and the non-deductibility of the impairment charges on goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets. Refer to Note 12 Income Taxes, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report for more information.
Other items
Discontinued operations for 2008 reflects insurance proceeds of $87.3 million, after taxes, representing the final funds received that were in excess of the net book value of the impacted assets and costs and expenses that were reimbursed under our business interruption claims for a 2005 hurricane that caused damage to our Grand Casino Gulfport property.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Cost Savings Initiatives
Over the past three years, in light of the severe economic downturn and adverse conditions in the travel and leisure industry generally, Caesars Entertainment has undertaken comprehensive cost reduction efforts to right-size expenses with business levels. The efforts have included organizational restructurings within our functional and operating units, reduction of employee travel and entertainment expenses, rationalization of our corporate-wide marketing expenses, and procurement savings, among others. During the fourth quarter of 2010, the Company began a new initiative to attempt to reinvent certain aspects of its functional and operating units in an effort to gain significant further cost reductions and streamline our operations.
Since the inception of our cost initiatives programs, Caesars Entertainment has identified $856.3 million in estimated cost savings, of which approximately $648.8 million had been realized as of December 31, 2010. Included in the $856.3 million program size are additional initiatives that total $153.2 million identified during the fourth quarter of 2010.
Capital Spending and Development
In addition to the development and expansion projects discussed in the Regional Operating Results section, we also perform on-going refurbishment and maintenance at our casino entertainment facilities to maintain our quality standards, and we continue to pursue development and acquisition opportunities for additional casino entertainment facilities that meet our strategic and return on investment criteria. Prior to the receipt of necessary regulatory approvals, the costs of pursuing development projects are expensed as incurred. Construction-related costs incurred after the receipt of necessary approvals are capitalized and depreciated over the estimated useful life of the resulting asset. Project opening costs are expensed as incurred.
Our planned development projects, if they go forward, will require, individually and in the aggregate, significant capital commitments and, if completed, may result in significant additional revenues. The commitment of capital, the timing of completion and the commencement of operations of casino entertainment development projects are contingent upon, among other things, negotiation of final agreements and receipt of approvals from the appropriate political and regulatory bodies. We must also comply with covenants and restrictions set forth in our debt agreements. Cash needed to finance projects currently under development as well as additional projects being pursued is expected to be made available from operating cash flows, established debt programs, joint venture partners, specific project financing, guarantees of third-party debt and additional debt offerings. Our capital spending for the year ended December 31, 2010 totaled approximately $160.7 million. Estimated total capital expenditures for 2011 are expected to be between $425.0 million and $500.0 million.
Capital spending in 2009 totaled approximately $464.5 million. Our capital spending for the combined Predecessor and Successor periods of 2008 totaled approximately $1,307.0 million.
Liquidity
We generate substantial cash flows from operating activities, as reflected on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in our audited Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report. We use the cash flows generated by our
38
operations to fund debt service, to reinvest in existing properties for both refurbishment and expansion projects and to pursue additional growth opportunities via new development. When necessary, we supplement the cash flows generated by our operations with funds provided by financing activities to balance our cash requirements.
Our ability to fund our operations, pay our debt obligations and fund planned capital expenditures depends, in part, upon economic and other factors that are beyond our control, and disruptions in capital markets and restrictive covenants related to our existing debt could impact our ability to secure additional funds through financing activities. We believe that our cash and cash equivalents balance, our cash flows from operations and the financing sources discussed herein will be sufficient to meet our normal operating requirements during the next twelve months and to fund capital expenditures. In addition, we may consider issuing additional debt in the future to refinance existing debt or to finance specific capital projects. In connection with the Acquisition, we incurred substantial additional debt, which has significantly impacted our financial position.
We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flows from operations, or that future borrowings will be available to us, to fund our liquidity needs and pay our indebtedness. If we are unable to meet our liquidity needs or pay our indebtedness when it is due, we may have to reduce or delay refurbishment and expansion projects, reduce expenses, sell assets or attempt to restructure our debt. In addition, we have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under certain of our debt agreements, and if any of those lenders accelerate the repayment of borrowings, there can be no assurance that we will have sufficient assets to repay our indebtedness.
During 2010, in conjunction with filing our 2009 tax return, we implemented several accounting method changes for tax purposes including a method change to deduct currently certain repairs and maintenance expenditures which had been previously capitalized. As a result of the combination of the tax accounting method changes with our net operating loss, we reported a taxable loss for 2009 of $1,248.9 million. Approximately $170.9 million of this loss was carried back to the 2008 tax year to offset federal taxable income recognized and tax payable from that year. In addition, under a new tax law, we elected to extend our loss carryback period. As a result, approximately $630.3 million of the 2009 taxable loss was carried back to 2006. We received an income tax refund of approximately $220.8 million, net of interest due on the 2008 tax payable, in the fourth quarter 2010.
Our cash and cash equivalents totaled $987.0 million at December 31, 2010, compared to $918.1 million at December 31, 2009. The following provides a summary of our cash flows for the Successor periods ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the Successor period from January 28, 2008 through December 31, 2008, and the Predecessor period from January 1, 2008 through January 27, 2008:
Successor | Predecessor | |||||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
2010 | 2009 | Jan. 28,
2008 through Dec. 31, 2008 |
Jan. 1, 2008 through Jan. 27, 2008 |
Combined 2008 |
|||||||||||||||||||
Cash provided by operating activities |
$ | 170.8 | $ | 220.2 | $ | 522.1 | $ | 7.2 | $ | 529.3 | ||||||||||||||
Capital investments |
(160.7 | ) | (464.5 | ) | (1,181.4 | ) | (125.6 | ) | (1,307.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Investments in and advances to non-consolidated affiliates |
(64.0 | ) | (66.9 | ) | (5.9 | ) | | (5.9 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Investments in subsidiaries |
(44.6 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Cash acquired in business acquisitions, net of transaction costs |
14.0 | | | | | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance proceeds for hurricane losses for continuing operations |
| | 98.1 | | 98.1 | |||||||||||||||||||
Insurance proceeds for hurricane losses for discontinued operations |
| | 83.3 | | 83.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Payment for the Acquisition |
| | (17,490.2 | ) | | (17,490.2 | ) | |||||||||||||||||
Other investing activities |
(32.6 | ) | 8.1 | (18.1 | ) | 1.5 | (16.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Cash used in operating/investing activities |
(117.1 | ) | (303.1 | ) | (17,992.1 | ) | (116.9 | ) | (18,109.0 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Cash provided by financing activities |
187.4 | 570.7 | 18,027.0 | 17.3 | 18,044.3 | |||||||||||||||||||
Cash provided by discontinued operations |
| | 4.7 | 0.5 | 5.2 | |||||||||||||||||||
Effect of deconsolidation of variable interest entities |
(1.4 | ) | | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents |
$ | 68.9 | $ | 267.6 | $ | 39.6 | $ | (99.1 | ) | $ | (59.5 | ) | ||||||||||||
39
The increase in cash and cash equivalents from 2009 to 2010 was primarily due to the scaling back of capital spending in our investing activities, and due to the net cash impact of our debt related activities. For additional information regarding cash provided by financing activities, refer to the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows in our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
Capital Resources
The majority of our debt is due in 2015 and beyond. Payments of short-term debt obligations and other commitments are expected to be made from operating cash flows and from borrowings under our established debt programs. Long-term obligations are expected to be paid through operating cash flows, refinancing of debt, joint venture partners or, if necessary, additional debt offerings.
The following table presents our outstanding debt as of December 31, 2010 and 2009
40
Detail of Debt (dollars in millions) |
Final Maturity |
Rate(s) at Dec. 31, 2010 |
Face Value at Dec 31, 2010 |
Book Value at Dec 31, 2010 |
Book Value at Dec. 31, 2009 |
|||||||||||||||
Credit Facilities and Secured Debt |
||||||||||||||||||||
Term Loans B1 - B3 |
2015 | 3.29%-3.30% | $ | 5,815.1 | $ | 5,815.1 | $ | 5,835.3 | ||||||||||||
Term Loans B4 |
2016 | 9.5% | 990.0 | 968.3 | 975.3 | |||||||||||||||
Revolving Credit Facility |
2014 | 3.23%-3.75% | | | 427.0 | |||||||||||||||
Senior Secured notes |
2017 | 11.25% | 2,095.0 | 2,049.7 | 2,045.2 | |||||||||||||||
CMBS financing |
2015* | 3.25% | 5,189.6 | 5,182.3 | 5,551.2 | |||||||||||||||
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes |
2018 | 12.75% | 750.0 | 741.3 | | |||||||||||||||
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes |
2018 | 10.0% | 4,553.1 | 2,033.3 | 1,959.1 | |||||||||||||||
Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes |
2015 | 10.0% | 214.8 | 156.2 | 150.7 | |||||||||||||||
Secured debt |
2010 | 6.0% | | | 25.0 | |||||||||||||||
Chester Downs term loan |
2016 | 12.375% | 248.4 | 237.5 | 217.2 | |||||||||||||||
PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan |
2015** | 3.12% | 530.5 | 423.8 | | |||||||||||||||
Other |
Various | 4.25%-6.0% | 1.4 | 1.4 | | |||||||||||||||
Subsidiary-guaranteed debt |
||||||||||||||||||||
Senior Notes, including senior interim loans |
2016 | 10.75% | 478.6 | 478.6 | 478.6 | |||||||||||||||
Senior PIK Toggle Notes, including senior interim loans |
2018 | 10.75%/11.5% | 10.5 | 10.5 | 9.4 | |||||||||||||||
Unsecured Senior Debt |
||||||||||||||||||||
5.5% |
2010 | 5.5% | | | 186.9 | |||||||||||||||
8.0% |
2011 | 8.0% | | | 12.5 | |||||||||||||||
5.375% |
2013 | 5.375% | 125.2 | 101.6 | 95.5 | |||||||||||||||
7.0% |
2013 | 7.0% | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | |||||||||||||||
5.625% |
2015 | 5.625% | 364.6 | 273.9 | 319.5 | |||||||||||||||
6.5% |
2016 | 6.5% | 248.7 | 183.8 | 251.9 | |||||||||||||||
5.75% |
2017 | 5.75% | 153.9 | 105.5 | 151.3 | |||||||||||||||
Floating Rate Contingent Convertible Senior Notes |
2024 | 0.51% | 0.2 | 0.2 | 0.2 | |||||||||||||||
Unsecured Senior Subordinated Notes |
||||||||||||||||||||
7.875% |
2010 | 7.875% | | | 142.5 | |||||||||||||||
8.125% |
2011 | 8.125% | | | 11.4 | |||||||||||||||
Other Unsecured Borrowings |
||||||||||||||||||||
5.3% special improvement district bonds |
2035 | 5.3% | 67.1 | 67.1 | 68.4 | |||||||||||||||
Other |
Various | Various | 1.0 | 1.0 | 18.1 | |||||||||||||||
Capitalized Lease Obligations |
||||||||||||||||||||
6.42%-9.8% |
to 2020 | 6.42%-9.8% | 9.4 | 9.4 | 10.2 | |||||||||||||||
Total debt |
21,847.7 | 18,841.1 | 18,943.1 | |||||||||||||||||
Current portion of long-term debt |
(57.0 | ) | (55.6 | ) | (74.3 | ) | ||||||||||||||
Long-term debt |
$ | 21,790.7 | $ | 18,785.5 | $ | 18,868.8 | ||||||||||||||
* | We are permitted to extend the maturity of the CMBS Loans from 2013 to 2015, subject to satisfying certain conditions, in connection with the amendment to the CMBS Facilities |
** | The Planet Hollywood Las Vegas senior secured loan is subject to extension options moving its maturity from 2011 to 2015, subject to certain conditions |
41
Book values of debt as of December 31, 2010 are presented net of unamortized discounts of $3,006.6 million. As of December 31, 2009, book values are presented net of unamortized discounts of $3,108.9 million and unamortized premiums of $0.1 million.
Our current maturities of debt include required interim principal payments on each of our Term Loans, our Chester Downs term loan, and the special improvement district bonds.
As of December 31, 2010, aggregate annual principal maturities for the four years subsequent to 2011 were as follows, assuming all conditions to extending the maturities of the CMBS Financing and the Planet Hollywood Las Vegas senior secured loan are met, and such maturities are extended: 2012, $47.6 million; 2013, $172.6 million; 2014, $45.1 million; and 2015, $12,059.7 million.
Credit Agreement
In connection with the Acquisition, CEOC entered into the senior secured credit facilities (the Credit Facilities.) This financing is neither secured nor guaranteed by Caesars Entertainments other direct, wholly-owned subsidiaries, including the subsidiaries that own properties that are security for the CMBS Financing.
As of December 31, 2010, our Credit Facilities provide for senior secured financing of up to $8,435.1 million, consisting of (i) senior secured term loan facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $6,805.1 million with $5,815.1 million maturing on January 20, 2015 and $990.0 million maturing on October 31, 2016, and (ii) a senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $1,630.0 million, maturing January 28, 2014, including both a letter of credit sub-facility and a swingline loan sub-facility. The term loans under the Credit Facilities require scheduled quarterly payments of $7.5 million, with the balance due at maturity. A total of $6,805.1 million face amount of borrowings were outstanding under the Credit Facilities as of December 31, 2010, with $119.8 million of the revolving credit facility committed to outstanding letters of credit. After consideration of these borrowings and letters of credit, $1,510.2 million of additional borrowing capacity was available to the Company under its revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2010.
CMBS Financing
In connection with the Acquisition, eight of our properties (the CMBS properties) and their related assets were spun out of CEOC to Caesars Entertainment. As of the Acquisition date, the CMBS properties were Harrahs Las Vegas, Rio, Flamingo Las Vegas, Harrahs Atlantic City, Showboat Atlantic City, Harrahs Lake Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe and Bills Lake Tahoe. The CMBS properties borrowed $6,500 million of CMBS financing (the CMBS Financing). The CMBS Financing is secured by the assets of the CMBS properties and certain aspects of the financing are guaranteed by Caesars Entertainment. On May 22, 2008, Paris Las Vegas and Harrahs Laughlin and their related operating assets were spun out of CEOC to Caesars Entertainment and became property secured under the CMBS loans, and Harrahs Lake Tahoe, Harveys Lake Tahoe, Bills Lake Tahoe and Showboat Atlantic City were transferred to CEOC from Caesars Entertainment as contemplated under the debt agreements effective pursuant to the Acquisition.
On August 31, 2010, we executed an agreement with the lenders to amend the terms of our CMBS Financing to, among other things, (i) provide our subsidiaries that are borrowers under the CMBS mortgage loan and/or related mezzanine loans (CMBS Loans) the right to extend the maturity of the CMBS Loans, subject to certain conditions, by up to 2 years until February 2015, (ii) amend certain terms of the CMBS Loans with respect to reserve requirements, collateral rights, property release prices and the payment of management fees, (iii) provide for ongoing mandatory offers to repurchase CMBS Loans using excess cash flow from the CMBS entities at discounted prices, (iv) provide for the amortization of the mortgage loan in certain minimum amounts upon the occurrence of certain conditions and (v) provide for certain limitations with respect to the amount of excess cash flow from the CMBS entities that may be distributed to us. Any CMBS Loan purchased pursuant to the amendments will be canceled.
In the fourth quarter of 2009, we purchased $948.8 million of face value of CMBS Loans for $237.2 million. Pursuant to the terms of the amendment as initially agreed to on March 5, 2010, we agreed to pay lenders selling CMBS Loans during the fourth quarter 2009 an additional $47.4 million for their loans previously sold, to be paid no later than December 31, 2010. This additional liability was recorded as a loss on early extinguishment of debt during the first quarter of 2010 and was paid during the fourth quarter of 2010.
In June 2010, we purchased $46.6 million face value of CMBS Loans for $22.6 million, recognizing a net gain on the transaction of approximately $23.3 million during the second quarter of 2010. In September 2010, in connection with the execution of the amendment, we purchased $123.8 million face value of CMBS Loans for $37.1 million, of which $31.0 million was paid at the closing of the CMBS amendment, and the remainder of which was paid during fourth quarter 2010. We
42
recognized a pre-tax gain on the transaction of approximately $77.4 million, net of deferred finance charges. In December 2010, we purchased $191.3 million of face value of CMBS Loans for $95.6 million, recognizing a pre-tax gain of $66.9 million, net of deferred finance charges.
As part of the amendment to the CMBS Financing, in order to extend the maturity of the CMBS Loans under the extension option, we are required to extend our interest rate cap agreement to cover the two years of extended maturity of the CMBS Loans, with a maximum aggregate purchase price for such extended interest rate cap for $5.0 million. We funded the $5.0 million obligation on September 1, 2010 in connection with the closing of the CMBS Loan amendment.
PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan
On February 19, 2010, CEOC acquired 100% of the equity interests of PHW Las Vegas, which owns the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino located in Las Vegas, Nevada. In connection with this transaction, PHW Las Vegas assumed a $554.3 million, face value, senior secured loan, and a subsidiary of CEOC cancelled certain debt issued by PHW Las Vegas predecessor entities. The outstanding amount is secured by the assets of PHW Las Vegas, and is non-recourse to other subsidiaries of the Company.
In connection with the transaction and the assumption of debt, PHW Las Vegas entered into the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as trustee for The Credit Suisse First Boston Mortgage Securities Corp. Commercial Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-TFL2 (Lender). The maturity date for this loan is December 2011, with two extension options (subject to certain conditions), which, if exercised, would extend maturity until April 2015. At December 31, 2010, the loan has been classified as long-term in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, included in Item 8 of this report, because the Company has both the intent and ability to exercise the extension options. PHW Las Vegas is an unrestricted subsidiary of CEOC and therefore not a borrower under CEOCs Credit Facilities. A subsidiary of CEOC manages the property for PHW Las Vegas for a fee.
PHW Las Vegas may, at its option, voluntarily prepay the loan in whole or in part upon twenty (20) days prior written notice to Lender. PHW Las Vegas is required to prepay the loan in (i) the amount of any insurance proceeds received by Lender for which Lender is not obligated to make available to PHW Las Vegas for restoration in accordance with the terms of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, (ii) the amount of any proceeds received from the operator of the timeshare property adjacent to the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino, subject to the limitations set forth in the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement and (iii) the amount of any excess cash remaining after application of the cash management provisions of the Amended and Restated Loan Agreement.
Other Financing Transactions
During 2009, Chester Downs and Marina LLC (Chester Downs), a majority-owned subsidiary of CEOC and owner of Harrahs Chester, entered into an agreement to borrow under a senior secured term loan with a principal amount of $230.0 million and borrowed such amount, net of original issue discount. The proceeds of the term loan were used to pay off intercompany debt due to CEOC and to repurchase equity interests from certain minority partners of Chester Downs. As a result of the purchase of these equity interests, CEOC currently owns 95.0% of Chester Downs.
On October 8, 2010, Chester Downs amended its existing senior secured term loan facility to obtain an additional $40.0 million term loan. The additional loan has substantially the same terms as the existing term loan with respect to interest rates, maturity and security. The proceeds of the additional term loans were used for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness and capital expenditures.
Exchange Offers, Debt Repurchases and Open Market Purchases
From time to time, we may retire portions of our outstanding debt in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise. These repurchases will be funded through available cash from operations and from our established debt programs. Such repurchases are dependent on prevailing market conditions, the Companys liquidity requirements, contractual restrictions and other factors.
On April 15, 2009, CEOC completed private exchange offers to exchange approximately $3,648.8 million aggregate principal amount of new 10.0% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2018 for approximately $5,470.1 million principal amount of its outstanding debt due between 2010 and 2018. The new notes are guaranteed by Caesars Entertainment and are secured on a second-priority lien basis by substantially all of CEOCs and its subsidiaries assets that secure the senior secured credit facilities. In addition to the exchange offers, a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment paid approximately $96.7 million to purchase for cash certain notes of CEOC with an aggregate principal amount of approximately $522.9 million maturing between 2015 and 2017. The notes purchased pursuant to this tender offer remained outstanding for CEOC but reduce Caesars
43
Entertainments outstanding debt on a consolidated basis. Additionally, CEOC paid approximately $4.8 million in cash to purchase notes of approximately $24.0 million aggregate principal amount from retail holders that were not eligible to participate in the exchange offers. As a result of the exchange and tender offers, we recorded a pre-tax gain in the second quarter 2009 of approximately $4,023.0 million.
On October 22, 2009, CEOC completed cash tender offers for certain of its outstanding debt securities with maturities in 2010 and 2011. CEOC purchased $4.5 million principal amount of its 5.5% senior notes due 2010, $17.2 million principal amount of its 7.875% senior subordinated notes due 2010, $19.6 million principal amount of its 8.0% senior notes due 2011 and $4.2 million principal amount of its 8.125% senior subordinated notes due 2011 for an aggregate consideration of approximately $44.5 million.
As a result of the receipt of the requisite consent of lenders having loans made under the Senior Unsecured Interim Loan Agreement (Interim Loan Agreement) representing more than 50% of the sum of all loans outstanding under the Interim Loan Agreement, waivers or amendments of certain provisions of the Interim Loan Agreement to permit CEOC, from time to time, to buy back loans at prices below par from specific lenders in the form of voluntary prepayments of the loans by CEOC on a non-pro rata basis are now operative. Included in the exchanged debt discussed above are approximately $296.9 million of 10.0% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes that were exchanged for approximately $442.3 million principal amount of loans surrendered in the exchange offer for loans outstanding under the Interim Loan Agreement. As a result of these transactions, all loans outstanding under the Interim Loan Agreement have been retired.
As a result of the 2009 exchange and tender offers, the CMBS Financing repurchases, and purchases of our debt on the open market, we recorded a pre-tax gain in 2009 of $4,965.5 million arising from early extinguishment of debt, comprised as follows:
(In millions) |
Year ended Dec. 31, 2009 |
|||
Face value of CEOC Open Market Purchases: |
||||
5.50% due 7/01/2010 |
$ | 68.0 | ||
7.875% due 3/15/2010 |
111.5 | |||
8.00% due 02/01/2011 |
37.7 | |||
8.125% due 05/15/2011 |
178.2 | |||
5.375% due 12/15/2013 |
87.2 | |||
10.75% due 1/28/2016 |
265.0 | |||
Face value of other CET Subsidiary Open Market Purchases: |
||||
5.625% due 06/01/2015 |
$ | 138.0 | ||
5.750% due 06/01/2017 |
169.0 | |||
6.50% due 06/01/2016 |
24.0 | |||
Total Face Value of open market purchases |
1,078.6 | |||
Cash paid for open market purchases |
(657.0 | ) | ||
Net cash gain on open market purchases |
421.6 | |||
Write-off of unamortized discounts and fees |
(167.2 | ) | ||
Gain on CMBS repurchases |
688.1 | |||
Gain on debt exchanges |
4,023.0 | |||
Aggregate gains on early extinguishments of debt |
$ | 4,965.5 | ||
Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, or the ARRA, the Company will receive temporary federal tax relief under the Delayed Recognition of Cancellation of Debt Income, or CODI, rules. The ARRA contains a provision that allows for a deferral for tax purposes of CODI for debt reacquired in 2009 and 2010, followed by recognition of CODI ratably from 2014 through 2018. In connection with the debt that we reacquired in 2009 and 2010, we have deferred related CODI of $3.6 billion for tax purposes (net of Original Issue Discount (OID) interest expense, some of which must also be deferred to
44
2014 through 2018 under the ARRA). We are required to include one-fifth of the deferred CODI, net of deferred and regularly scheduled OID, in taxable income each year from 2014 through 2018. For state income tax purposes, certain states have conformed to the Act and others have not.
Issuances and Redemptions
During the second quarter of 2010, CEOC completed the offering of $750.0 million aggregate principal amount of 12.75% second-priority senior secured notes due 2018 and used the proceeds of this offering to redeem or repay the following outstanding debt:
Debt (dollars in millions) |
Maturity | Interest Rate | Face Value | |||||||
5.5% Senior Notes |
2010 | 5.5% | $ | 191.6 | ||||||
8.0% Senior Notes |
2011 | 8.0% | 13.2 | |||||||
8.125% Senior Subordinated Notes |
2011 | 8.125% | 12.0 | |||||||
Revolving Credit Facility |
2014 | 3.23%-3.25% | 525.0 |
In connection with the retirement of the outstanding senior and senior subordinated notes above, CEOC recorded a pre-tax loss of $4.7 million during the second quarter of 2010.
On June 3, 2010, Caesars announced an agreement under which affiliates of each of Apollo, TPG and Paulson & Co. Inc. (Paulson) were to exchange approximately $1,118.3 million face amount of debt for approximately 15.7% of the common equity of Caesars Entertainment, subject to regulatory approvals and certain other conditions. In connection with the transaction, Apollo, TPG, and Paulson purchased approximately $835.4 million, face amount, of CEOC notes that were held by another subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment for aggregate consideration of approximately $557.0 million, including accrued interest. The notes that were purchased, together with $282.9 million face amount of notes they had previously acquired, were exchanged for equity in the fourth quarter of 2010 and the notes exchanged for equity are held by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment and remain outstanding for purposes of CEOC. The exchange was 10 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes tendered. Accrued and unpaid interest on the notes held by affiliates of each of Apollo and TPG was also paid in shares of common stock at the same exchange ratio. The above exchange resulted in the issuance of 11,270,331 shares of common stock.
The notes exchanged for equity are held by a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment and remain outstanding for purposes of CEOC.
Interest and Fees
Borrowings under the Credit Facilities, other than borrowings under the Incremental Loans, bear interest at a rate equal to the then-current LIBOR rate or at a rate equal to the alternate base rate, in each case plus an applicable margin. As of December 31, 2010, the Credit Facilities, other than borrowings under the Incremental Loans, bore interest at LIBOR plus 300 basis points for the term loans and a portion of the revolver loan and 150 basis points over LIBOR for the swingline loan and at the alternate base rate plus 200 basis points for the remainder of the revolver loan.
Borrowings under the Incremental Loans bear interest at a rate equal to either the alternate base rate or the greater of (i) the then-current LIBOR rate or (ii) 2.0%; in each case plus an applicable margin. At December 31, 2010, borrowings under the Incremental Loans bore interest at the minimum base rate of 2.0%, plus 750 basis points.
In addition, on a quarterly basis, we are required to pay each lender (i) a commitment fee in respect of any unborrowed amounts under the revolving credit facility and (ii) a letter of credit fee in respect of the aggregate face amount of outstanding letters of credit under the revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2010, the Credit Facilities bore a commitment fee for unborrowed amounts of 50 basis points.
We make monthly interest payments on our CMBS Financing. Our Senior Secured Notes, including the Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes, and our unsecured debt have semi-annual interest payments, with the majority of those payments on June 15 and December 15. Our previously outstanding senior secured notes that were retired as part of the exchange offers had semi-annual interest payments on February 1 and August 1 of every year.
The amount outstanding under the PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan bears interest, payable to third party lenders on a monthly basis, at a rate per annum equal to LIBOR plus 1.530%. Interest only participations of PHW Las Vegas bear interest at a fixed rate equal to $7.3 million per year, payable to a subsidiary of Caesars Entertainment Operating Company, Inc. that owns such participations.
45
Collateral and Guarantors
CEOCs Credit Facilities are guaranteed by Caesars Entertainment, and are secured by a pledge of CEOCs capital stock, and by substantially all of the existing and future property and assets of CEOC and its material, wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries, including a pledge of the capital stock of CEOCs material, wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries and 65% of the capital stock of the first-tier foreign subsidiaries, in each case subject to exceptions. The following casino properties have mortgages under the Credit Facilities:
Las Vegas |
Atlantic City |
Louisiana/Mississippi |
Iowa/Missouri | |||
Caesars Palace | Ballys Atlantic City | Harrahs New Orleans | Harrahs St. Louis | |||
Ballys Las Vegas | Caesars Atlantic City | (Hotel only) | Harrahs Council Bluffs | |||
Imperial Palace | Showboat Atlantic City | Harrahs Louisiana Downs | Horseshoe Council Bluffs/ | |||
Bills Gamblin Hall & Saloon | Horseshoe Bossier City | Bluffs Run | ||||
Harrahs Tunica | ||||||
Horseshoe Tunica | ||||||
Tunica Roadhouse Hotel & Casino | ||||||
Illinois/Indiana |
Other Nevada |
|||||
Horseshoe Southern Indiana | Harrahs Reno | |||||
Harrahs Metropolis | Harrahs Lake Tahoe | |||||
Horseshoe Hammond | Harveys Lake Tahoe |
Additionally, certain undeveloped land in Las Vegas also is mortgaged.
In connection with PHW Las Vegas Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, Caesars Entertainment entered into a Guaranty Agreement (the Guaranty) for the benefit of Lender pursuant to which Caesars Entertainment guaranteed to Lender certain recourse liabilities of PHW Las Vegas. Caesars Entertainments maximum aggregate liability for such recourse liabilities is limited to $30.0 million provided that such recourse liabilities of PHW Las Vegas do not arise from (i) events, acts, or circumstances that are actually committed by, or voluntarily or willfully brought about by Caesars Entertainment or (ii) event, acts, or circumstances (regardless of the cause of the same) that provide actual benefit (in cash, cash equivalent, or other quantifiable amount) to the Registrant, to the full extent of the actual benefit received by the Registrant. Pursuant to the Guaranty, Caesars Entertainment is required to maintain a net worth or liquid assets of at least $100.0 million.
Restrictive Covenants and Other Matters
The Credit Facilities require compliance on a quarterly basis with a maximum net senior secured first lien debt leverage test. In addition, the Credit Facilities include negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, restricting or limiting CEOCs ability and the ability of its restricted subsidiaries to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens on certain assets; (iii) enter into sale and lease-back transactions; (iv) make certain investments, loans and advances; (v) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its assets or to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire all or any substantial part of assets of any other person; (vi) pay dividends or make distributions or make other restricted payments; (vii) enter into certain transactions with its affiliates; (viii) engage in any business other than the business activity conducted at the closing date of the loan or business activities incidental or related thereto; (ix) amend or modify the articles or certificate of incorporation, by-laws and certain agreements or make certain payments or modifications of indebtedness; and (x) designate or permit the designation of any indebtedness as Designated Senior Debt.
Caesars Entertainment is not bound by any financial or negative covenants contained in CEOCs credit agreement, other than with respect to the incurrence of liens on and the pledge of its stock of CEOC.
All borrowings under the senior secured revolving credit facility are subject to the satisfaction of customary conditions, including the absence of a default and the accuracy of representations and warranties, and the requirement that such borrowing does not reduce the amount of obligations otherwise permitted to be secured under our new senior secured credit facilities without ratably securing the retained notes.
Certain covenants contained in CEOCs credit agreement require the maintenance of a senior first priority secured debt to last twelve months (LTM) Adjusted EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), as defined in the agreements, ratio (Senior Secured Leverage Ratio). The June 3, 2009 amendment and waiver to our credit agreement
46
excludes from the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio (a) the $1,375.0 million Original First Lien Notes issued June 15, 2009 and the $720.0 million Additional First Lien Notes issued on September 11, 2009 and (b) up to $250.0 million aggregate principal amount of consolidated debt of subsidiaries that are not wholly owned subsidiaries. Certain covenants contained in CEOCs credit agreement governing its senior secured credit facilities, the indenture and other agreements governing CEOCs 10.0% Second-Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2015 and 2018, and our first lien notes restrict our ability to take certain actions such as incurring additional debt or making acquisitions if we are unable to meet defined Adjusted EBITDA to Fixed Charges, senior secured debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA and consolidated debt to LTM Adjusted EBITDA ratios. The covenants that restrict additional indebtedness and the ability to make future acquisitions require an LTM Adjusted EBITDA to Fixed Charges ratio (measured on a trailing four-quarter basis) of 2.0:1.0. Failure to comply with these covenants can result in limiting our long-term growth prospects by hindering our ability to incur future indebtedness or grow through acquisitions.
The indenture governing the 10.75% Senior Notes, 10.75%/11.5% Senior Toggle Notes and the agreements governing the other cash pay debt and PIK toggle debt limit CEOCs (and most of its subsidiaries) ability to among other things: (i) incur additional debt or issue certain preferred shares; (ii) pay dividends or make distributions in respect of our capital stock or make other restricted payments; (iii) make certain investments; (iv) sell certain assets; (v) with respect to CEOC only, engage in any business or own any material asset other than all of the equity interest of CEOC so long as certain investors hold a majority of the notes; (vi) create or permit to exist dividend and/or payment restrictions affecting its restricted subsidiaries; (vii) create liens on certain assets to secure debt; (viii) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of its assets; (ix) enter into certain transactions with its affiliates; and (x) designate its subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries. Subject to certain exceptions, the indenture governing the notes and the agreements governing the other cash pay debt and PIK toggle debt will permit us and our restricted subsidiaries to incur additional indebtedness, including secured indebtedness.
We believe we are in compliance with CEOCs credit agreement and indentures, including the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, as of December 31, 2010. If our LTM Adjusted EBITDA were to decline significantly from the level achieved in 2010, it could cause us to exceed the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio and could be an Event of Default under CEOCs credit agreement. However, we could implement certain actions in an effort to minimize the possibility of a breach of the Senior Secured Leverage Ratio, including reducing payroll and other operating costs, deferring or eliminating certain maintenance, delaying or deferring capital expenditures, or selling assets. In addition, under certain circumstances, our credit agreement allows us to apply the cash contributions received by CEOC as a capital contribution to cure covenant breaches. However, there is no guarantee that such contributions will be able to be secured.
The CMBS Financing includes negative covenants, subject to certain exceptions, restricting or limiting the ability of the borrowers and operating companies under the CMBS Financing (collectively, the CMBS entities) to, among other things: (i) incur additional debt; (ii) create liens on assets; (iii) make certain investments, loans and advances; (iv) consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its assets or to purchase, lease or otherwise acquire all or any substantial part of assets of any other person; (v) enter into certain transactions with its affiliates; (vi) engage in any business other than the ownership of the properties and business activities ancillary thereto; and (vi) amend or modify the articles or certificate of incorporation, by-laws and certain agreements. The CMBS Financing also includes affirmative covenants that require the CMBS entities to, among other things, maintain the borrowers as special purpose entities, maintain certain reserve funds in respect of FF&E, taxes, and insurance, and comply with other customary obligations for CMBS real estate financings. In addition, the CMBS Financing obligates the CMBS entities to apply excess cash flow from the CMBS properties in certain specified manners, depending on the outstanding principal amount of various tranches of the CMBS loans and other factors. These obligations will limit the amount of excess cash flow from the CMBS entities that may be distributed to Caesars Entertainment Corporation. For example, the CMBS entities are required to use 100% of excess cash flow to make ongoing mandatory offers on a quarterly basis to purchase CMBS mezzanine loans at discounted prices from the holders thereof. To the extent such offers are accepted, such excess cash flow will need to be so utilized and will not be available for distribution to Caesars Entertainment. To the extent such offers are not accepted with respect to any fiscal quarter, the amount of excess cash flow that may be distributed to Caesars Entertainment is limited to 85% of excess cash flow with respect to such quarter. In addition, the CMBS Financing provides that once the aggregate principal amount of the CMBS mezzanine loans is less than or equal to $625.0 million, the mortgage loan will begin to amortize on a quarterly basis in an amount equal to the greater of 100% of excess cash flow for such quarter and $31.25 million. If the CMBS mortgage loan begins to amortize, the excess cash flow from the CMBS entities will need to be utilized in connection with such amortization and will not be available for distribution to Caesars Entertainment.
Derivative Instruments
We account for derivative instruments in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 815 (Accounting for Derivatives and Hedging Activities,) which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements at fair value. Any changes in fair value are recorded in the statements of operations or in other comprehensive income/(loss), depending upon whether or not the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting, the type of hedge
47
transaction and the effectiveness of the hedge. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are based on market prices obtained from dealer quotes. Such quotes represent the estimated amounts we would receive or pay to terminate the contracts.
Our derivative instruments contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We minimize that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions. Our derivatives are recorded at their fair values, adjusted for the credit rating of the counterparty if the derivative is an asset, or adjusted for the credit rating of the Company if the derivative is a liability.
Derivative Instruments - Interest Rate Swap Agreements
We use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of our debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. As of December 31, 2010 we have entered into 13 interest rate swap agreements, three of which have effective dates starting in 2011. As a result of staggering the effective dates, we have a notional amount of $6,500.0 million outstanding through April 25, 2011, and a notional amount of $5,750.0 million outstanding beginning after April 25, 2011. The difference to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements is accrued as interest rates change and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense for the related debt. Changes in the variable interest rates to be paid or received pursuant to the terms of the interest rate swap agreements will have a corresponding effect on future cash flows. The major terms of the interest rate swap agreements as of December 31, 2010 are as follows.
Effective Date |
Notional Amount |
Fixed Rate Paid |
Variable Rate Received as of Dec. 31, 2010 |
Next Reset Date | Maturity Date | |||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
April 25, 2007 |
$ | 200 | 4.898 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | ||||||||||||
April 25, 2007 |
200 | 4.896 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2007 |
200 | 4.925 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2007 |
200 | 4.917 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2007 |
200 | 4.907 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
September 26, 2007 |
250 | 4.809 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
September 26, 2007 |
250 | 4.775 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2011 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2008 |
2,000 | 4.276 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2013 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2008 |
2,000 | 4.263 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2013 | |||||||||||||
April 25, 2008 |
1,000 | 4.172 | % | 0.288 | % | January 25, 2011 | April 25, 2012 | |||||||||||||
April 26, 2011 |
250 | 1.351 | % | | % | April 26, 2011 | January 25, 2015 | |||||||||||||
April 26, 2011 |
250 | 1.347 | % | | % | April 26, 2011 | January 25, 2015 | |||||||||||||
April 26, 2011 |
250 | 1.350 | % | | % | April 26, 2011 | January 25, 2015 |
The variable rate on our interest rate swap agreements did not materially change as a result of the January 25, 2011 reset.
Prior to February 15, 2008, our interest rate swap agreements were not designated as hedging instruments; therefore, gains or losses resulting from changes in the fair value of the swaps were recognized in interest expense in the period of the change. On February 15, 2008, eight of our interest rate swap agreements for notional amounts totaling $3,500.0 million were designated as cash flow hedging instruments for accounting purposes and on April 1, 2008, the remaining swap agreements were designated as cash flow hedging instruments for accounting purposes.
During October 2009, we borrowed $1,000.0 million under the Incremental Loans and used a majority of the net proceeds to temporarily repay most of our revolving debt under the Credit Facility. As a result, we no longer had a sufficient amount of outstanding debt under the same terms as our interest rate swap agreements to support hedge accounting treatment for the full $6,500.0 million in interest rate swaps. Thus, as of September 30, 2009, we removed the cash flow hedge designation for the $1,000.0 million swap agreement, freezing the amount of deferred losses recorded in Other Comprehensive Income associated with this swap agreement, and reducing the total notional amount on interest rate swaps designated as cash flow hedging instruments to $5,500.0 million. Beginning October 1, 2009, we began amortizing deferred losses frozen in Other Comprehensive Income into income over the original remaining term of the hedged forecasted transactions that are still considered to be probable of occurring. For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded $8.7 million as an increase to interest expense, and we will record an additional $8.7 million as an increase to interest expense and other comprehensive income over the next twelve months, all related to deferred losses on the $1,000.0 million interest rate swap.
48
During the fourth quarter of 2009, we re-designated approximately $310.1 million of the $1,000.0 million swap as a cash flow hedging instrument. Also, on September 29, 2010, we entered into three forward interest rate swap agreements for notional amounts totaling $750.0 million that have been designated as cash flow hedging instruments. As a result, at December 31, 2010, $5,810.1 million of our total interest rate swap notional amount of $7,250.0 million remained designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes. Any future changes in fair value of the portion of the interest rate swap not designated as a hedging instrument will be recognized in interest expense during the period in which the changes in value occur.
Derivative Instruments - Interest Rate Cap Agreements
On January 28, 2008, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement to partially hedge the risk of future increases in the variable rate of the CMBS Financing. The interest rate cap agreement, which was effective January 28, 2008 and terminates February 13, 2013, is for a notional amount of $6,500.0 million at a LIBOR cap rate of 4.5%. The interest rate cap was designated as a cash flow hedging instrument for accounting purposes on May 1, 2008.
On November 30, 2009, June 7, 2010, September 1, 2010 and December 13, 2010, we purchased and extinguished approximately $948.8 million, $46.6 million, $123.8 million and $191.3 million, respectively, of the CMBS Financing. The hedging relationship between the CMBS Financing and the interest rate cap has remained effective subsequent to each debt extinguishment. As a result of the extinguishments in the fourth quarter of 2009, second quarter 2010, third quarter 2010, and fourth quarter 2010, we reclassified approximately $12.1 million, $0.8 million, $1.5 million and $3.3 million, respectively, of deferred losses out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income and into interest expense associated with hedges for which the forecasted future transactions are no longer probable of occurring.
On January 31, 2010, we removed the cash flow hedge designation for the $6,500.0 million interest rate cap, freezing the amount of deferred losses recorded in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss associated with the interest rate cap. Beginning February 1, 2010, we began amortizing deferred losses frozen in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss into income over the original remaining term of the hedge forecasted transactions that are still probable of occurring. For the year ending December 31, 2010, we recorded $19.2 million as an increase to interest expense, and we will record an additional $20.9 million as an increase to interest expense and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss over the next twelve months, all related to deferred losses on the interest rate cap.
On January 31, 2010, we re-designated $4,650.2 million of the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedging instrument for accounting purposes. Any future changes in fair value of the portion of the interest rate cap not designated as a hedging instrument will be recognized in interest expense during the period in which the changes in value occur.
On April 5, 2010, as required under the PHW Las Vegas Amended and Restated Loan Agreement, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement to partially hedge the risk of future increases in the variable rate of the PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan. The interest rate cap agreement is for a notional amount of $554.3 million at a LIBOR cap rate of 5.0%, and matures on December 9, 2011. To give proper consideration to the prepayment requirements of the PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan, we have designated $525.0 million of the $554.3 million notional amount of the interest rate cap as a cash flow hedging instrument for accounting purposes.
The following table represents the fair values of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2010 and 2009:
49
Asset Derivatives |
Liability Derivatives |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
2010 |
2009 |
2010 |
2009 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
(In millions) |
Balance Sheet Location |
Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location |
Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location |
Fair Value | Balance Sheet Location |
Fair Value | ||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
$ | | $ | | Accrued expenses | $ | (21.6 | ) | $ | | ||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
Deferred charges and other | 11.6 | | Deferred credits and other | (305.5 | ) | Deferred credits and other | (337.6 | ) | |||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Cap |
Deferred charges and other | 3.7 | Deferred charges and other | 56.8 | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal |
15.3 | 56.8 | (327.1 | ) | (337.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments |
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Swaps |
| | Deferred credits and other | (32.2 | ) | Deferred credits and other | (37.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Cap |
Deferred charges and other | 1.5 | Deferred charges and other | | | | ||||||||||||||||||
Subtotal |
1.5 | | (32.2 | ) | (37.6 | ) | ||||||||||||||||||
Total Derivatives |
$ | 16.8 | $ | 56.8 | $ | (359.3 | ) | $ | (375.2 | ) | ||||||||||||||
The following table represents the effect of derivative instruments in the Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 2010 and December 31, 2009 for amounts transferred into or out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:
(In millions) |
Amount of (Gain) or Loss on Derivatives Recognized in OCI (Effective Portion) |
Location of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified From Accumulated OCI Into Income (Effective Portion) |
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion) |
Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) |
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives (Ineffective Portion) |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
Derivatives designated as hedging instruments |
2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | 2010 | 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Interest Rate Contracts |
$ | 99.2 | $ | 20.9 | Interest Expense | $ | 36.3 | $ | 15.1 | Interest Expense | $ | (76.6 | ) | $ | (7.6 | ) |
Amount of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives |
||||||||||
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments |
Location of (Gain) or Loss Recognized in Income on Derivatives |
2010 | 2009 | |||||||
Interest Rate Contracts |
Interest Expense |
$ | 1.9 | $ | (7.6 | ) |
In addition to the impact on interest expense from amounts reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss, the difference to be paid or received under the terms of the interest rate swap agreements is recognized as interest expense and is paid quarterly. This cash settlement portion of the interest rate swap agreements increased interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009 by approximately $265.8 million and $214.2 million, respectively.
A change in interest rates on variable-rate debt will impact our financial results. For example, assuming a constant outstanding balance for our variable-rate debt, excluding the $5,810.1 million of variable-rate debt for which our interest rate swap agreements are designated as hedging instruments for accounting purposes, for the next twelve months, a hypothetical 1% increase in corresponding interest rates would increase interest expense for the twelve months following December 31, 2010 by approximately $62.4 million. At December 31, 2010, our weighted average USD LIBOR rate for our variable rate debt was
50
0.2679%. A hypothetical reduction of this rate to 0% would decrease interest expense for the next twelve months by approximately $16.7 million. At December 31, 2010, our variable-rate debt, excluding the aforementioned $5,810.1 million of variable-rate debt hedged against interest rate swap agreements, represents approximately 36% of our total debt, while our fixed-rate debt is approximately 64% of our total debt.
Guarantees of Third-Party Debt and Other Obligations and Commitments
The following tables summarize our contractual obligations and other commitments as of December 31, 2010.
Payments due by Period | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations (a) |
Total | Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
4-5 years |
After
5 years |
|||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Debt, face value (c) |
$ | 21,838.3 | $ | 51.8 | $ | 216.0 | $ | 12,104.8 | $ | 9,465.7 | ||||||||||
Capital lease obligations |
9.4 | 5.2 | 4.2 | | | |||||||||||||||
Estimated interest payments (b) (c) |
9,366.1 | 1,645.4 | 3,080.0 | 2,537.6 | 2,103.1 | |||||||||||||||
Operating lease obligations |
2,210.6 | 84.4 | 142.6 | 124.1 | 1,859.5 | |||||||||||||||
Purchase orders obligations |
49.9 | 49.9 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Guaranteed payments to State of Louisiana (d) |
15.0 | 15.0 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Community reinvestment |
83.4 | 6.4 | 11.7 | 11.8 | 53.5 | |||||||||||||||
Construction commitments |
35.9 | 35.9 | | | | |||||||||||||||
Entertainment obligations |
84.8 | 39.8 | 41.9 | 3.1 | | |||||||||||||||
Other contractual obligations |
578.3 | 91.2 | 118.8 | 92.4 | 275.9 | |||||||||||||||
$ | 34,271.7 | $ | 2,025.0 | $ | 3,615.2 | $ | 14,873.8 | $ | 13,757.7 | |||||||||||
(a) | In addition to the contractual obligations disclosed in this table, we have unrecognized tax benefits that, based on uncertainties associated with the items, we are unable to make reasonably reliable estimates of the period of potential cash settlements, if any, with taxing authorities. (See Note 12, Income Taxes, to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this report.) |
(b) | Estimated interest for variable rate debt included in this table is based on rates at December 31, 2010. Estimated interest includes the estimated impact of our interest rate swap and interest rate cap agreements. |
(c) | Estimated interest assumes the extension of maturities of the CMBS Loans from 2013 to 2015 and the PHW Las Vegas senior secured loan from 2011 to 2015, resulting in a net increase of interest of approximately $469.1 million. |
(d) | In February 2008, we entered into an agreement with the State of Louisiana whereby we extended our guarantee of a $60.0 million annual payment obligation of Jazz Casino Company, LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary and owner of Harrahs New Orleans, to the State of Louisiana. The agreement ends March 31, 2011. |
Amounts of Commitment Per Year | ||||||||||||||||||||
Contractual Obligations (a) |
Total amounts committed |
Less than 1 year |
1-3 years |
4-5 years |
After
5 years |
|||||||||||||||
(In millions) | ||||||||||||||||||||
Letters of credit |
$ | 119.8 | $ | 119.8 | $ | | $ | | $ | | ||||||||||
Minimum payments to tribes |
16.9 | 12.8 | 3.5 | 0.6 | |
The agreements pursuant to which we manage casinos on Indian lands contain provisions required by law that provide that a minimum monthly payment be made to the tribe. That obligation has priority over scheduled repayments of borrowings for development costs and over the management fee earned and paid to the manager. In the event that insufficient cash flow is generated by the operations to fund this payment, we must pay the shortfall to the tribe. Subject to certain limitations as to time, such advances, if any, would be repaid to us in future periods in which operations generate cash flow in excess of the required minimum payment. These commitments will terminate upon the occurrence of certain defined events, including termination of
51
the management contract. Our aggregate monthly commitment for the minimum guaranteed payments pursuant to the contracts for the three managed Indian-owned facilities now open, which extend for periods of up to 48 months from December 31, 2010, is $1.2 million. Each of these casinos currently generates sufficient cash flows to cover all of its obligations, including its debt service.
COMPETITIVE PRESSURES
The gaming industry is highly competitive and our competitors vary considerably in size, quality of facilities, number of operations, brand identities, marketing and growth strategies, financial strength and capabilities, level of amenities, management talent and geographic diversity. We also compete with other non-gaming resorts and vacation areas, and with various other entertainment businesses. Our competitors in each market may have substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do and there can be no assurance that they will not in the future engage in aggressive pricing action to compete with us. Although we believe we are currently able to compete effectively in each of the various markets in which we participate, we cannot make assurances that we will be able to continue to do so or that we will be capable of maintaining or further increasing our current market share. Our failure to compete successfully in our various markets could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flow.
In recent years, with fewer new markets opening for development, many casino operators have been reinvesting in existing markets to attract new customers or to gain market share, thereby increasing competition in those markets. As companies have completed expansion projects, supply has typically grown at a faster pace than demand in some markets and competition has increased significantly. The expansion of existing casino entertainment properties, the increase in the number of properties and the aggressive marketing strategies of many of our competitors have increased competition in many markets in which we operate, and this intense competition is expected to continue. These competitive pressures have affected, and are expected to continue to adversely affect our financial performance in certain markets.
Several states and Indian tribes are also considering enabling the development and operation of casinos or casino-like operations in their jurisdictions.
Although, historically, the short-term effect of such competitive developments on our Company generally has been negative, we are not able to determine the long-term impact, whether favorable or unfavorable, that development and expansion trends and events will have on current or future markets. We also cannot determine the long-term impact of the financial crisis on the economy, and casinos specifically. In the short-term, the current financial crisis has stalled or delayed some of our capital projects, as well as those of many of our competitors. In addition, our substantial indebtedness could limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our operations or business and restrict us from developing new gaming facilities, introducing new technologies or exploiting business opportunities, all of which could place us at a competitive disadvantage. We believe that the geographic diversity of our operations; our focus on multi-market customer relationships; our service training, our rewards and customer loyalty programs; and our continuing efforts to establish our brands as premier brands upon which we have built strong customer loyalty have well-positioned us to face the challenges present within our industry. We utilize the unique capabilities of WINet, a sophisticated nationwide customer database, and Total Rewards, a nationwide loyalty program that allows our customers to earn complimentary items and other benefits for playing at our casinos. We believe these sophisticated marketing tools provide us with competitive advantages, particularly with players who visit more than one market.
SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES
The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report, have been prepared in conformity with U.S. GAAP, and accordingly, our accounting policies have been disclosed in Note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report. We consider accounting estimates to be critical accounting policies when:
| the estimates involve matters that are highly uncertain at the time the accounting estimate is made; and |
| different estimates or changes to estimates could have a material impact on the reported financial position, changes in financial position, or results of operations |
When more than one accounting principle, or method of its application, is generally accepted, we select the principle or method that we consider to be the most appropriate when given the specific circumstances. Application of these accounting principles requires us to make estimates about the future resolution of existing uncertainties. Estimates are typically based upon historical experience, current trends, contractual documentation, and other information, as appropriate. Due to the inherent uncertainty involving estimates, actual results reported in the future may differ from those estimates. In preparing these
52
financial statements, we have made our best estimates and judgments of the amounts and disclosures included in the financial statements, giving regard to materiality. The following summarizes our critical accounting policies.
Property and Equipment
We have significant capital invested in our property and equipment, the book value of which represents approximately 62.1% of our total assets as of December 31, 2010. Judgments are made in determining the estimated useful lives of assets, salvage values to be assigned to assets and if or when an asset has been impaired. The accuracy of these estimates affects the amount of depreciation expense recognized in our financial results and whether we have a gain or loss on the disposal of an asset. We assign lives to our assets based on our standard policy, which is established by management as representative of the useful life of each category of asset. We review the carrying value of our property and equipment whenever events and circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable from the estimated future cash flows expected to result from its use and eventual disposition. The factors considered by management in performing this assessment include current operating results, trends and prospects, as well as the effect of obsolescence, demand, competition and other economic factors. In estimating expected future cash flows for determining whether an asset is impaired, assets are grouped at the operating unit level, which for most of our assets is the individual casino.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
The purchase price of an acquisition is allocated to the underlying assets acquired and liabilities assumed based upon their estimated fair values at the date of acquisition. We determine the estimated fair values after review and consideration of relevant information including discounted cash flows, quoted market prices and estimates made by management. To the extent the purchase price exceeds the fair value of the net identifiable tangible and intangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed, such excess is allocated to goodwill.
During the fourth quarter of each year, we perform annual assessments for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets that are not subject to amortization as of September 30. We perform assessments for impairment of goodwill and other intangible assets more frequently if impairment indicators exist.
During 2010, due to the relative impact of weak economic conditions on certain properties in the Other Nevada and Louisiana/Mississippi regions, we performed an interim assessment of goodwill and certain intangible assets for impairment during the second quarter, which resulted in an impairment charge of $100.0 million. During the third quarter, we completed a preliminary annual assessment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets as of September 30, which resulted in an impairment charge of $44.0 million. We finalized our annual assessment during the fourth quarter, and as a result of the final assessment, we recorded a charge of $49.0 million, which brought the aggregate charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2010 to $193.0 million.
During 2009, we performed an interim assessment of goodwill and certain intangible assets for impairment during the second quarter, due to the relative impact of weak economic conditions on certain properties in the Las Vegas market, which resulted in an impairment charge of $297.1 million. During the third quarter, we completed a preliminary annual assessment of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets as of September 30, which resulted in an impairment charge of $1,328.6 million. We finalized our annual assessment during the fourth quarter, and as a result of the final assessment, we recorded a charge of approximately $12.3 million, which brought the aggregate charges recorded for the year ended December 31, 2009 to approximately $1,638.0 million.
We determine estimated fair value of a reporting unit as a function, or multiple, of EBITDA combined with estimated future cash flows discounted at rates commensurate with the Companys capital structure and the prevailing borrowing rates within the casino industry in general. We determine the estimated fair values of our intangible assets by using the relief from royalty and excess earnings methods under the income approach. After consideration of the impairment charges recorded in 2010 and 2009, we have approximately $8,132.7 million in goodwill and other intangible assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet at December 31, 2010 as compared to $8,408.2 million at December 31, 2009.
The annual evaluation of goodwill and other non-amortizing intangible assets requires the use of estimates about future operating results, valuation multiples and discount rates of each reporting unit to determine their estimated fair value. Changes in these assumptions can materially affect these estimates. Thus, to the extent the economy deteriorates during 2011, discount rates increase significantly, or the Company does not meet its projected performance, the Company could have additional impairment to record within its 2011 financial statements, and such impairments could be material. This is especially true for our Las Vegas region which has a significant portion of our remaining goodwill as of December 31, 2010. In accordance with U.S. GAAP, once an impairment of goodwill or other intangible asset has been recorded, it cannot be reversed.
53
Total Rewards Point Liability Program
Our customer loyalty program, Total Rewards, offers incentives to customers who gamble at certain of our casinos throughout the United States. Under the program, customers are able to accumulate, or bank, reward credits over time that they may redeem at their discretion under the terms of the program. The reward credit balance will be forfeited if the customer does not earn a reward credit over the prior six-month period. As a result of the ability of the customer to bank the reward credits, we accrue the expense of reward credits, after consideration of estimated forfeitures (referred to as breakage), as they are earned. The value of the cost to provide reward credits is expensed as the reward credits are earned and is included in Casino expense on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. To arrive at the estimated cost associated with reward credits, estimates and assumptions are made regarding incremental marginal costs of the benefits, breakage rates and the mix of goods and services for which reward credits will be redeemed. We use historical data to assist in the determination of estimated accruals. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, $57.7 million and $53.2 million, respectively, were accrued for the cost of anticipated Total Rewards credit redemptions.
In addition to reward credits, customers at certain of our properties can earn points based on play that are redeemable in cash (cash-back points). In 2007, certain of our properties introduced a modification to the cash-back program whereby points are redeemable in playable credits at slot machines where, after one play-through, the credits can be cashed out. We accrue the cost of cash-back points and the modified program, after consideration of estimated breakage, as they are earned. The cost is recorded as contra-revenue and included in Casino promotional allowances on our Consolidated Statements of Operations. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, the liability related to outstanding cash-back points, which is based on historical redemption activity, was $1.2 million and $2.8 million, respectively.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We reserve an estimated amount for receivables that may not be collected. Methodologies for estimating allowance for doubtful accounts range from specific reserves to various percentages applied to aged receivables. Historical collection rates are considered, as are customer relationships, in determining specific reserves. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had $216.3 million and $207.1 million, respectively, in our allowance for doubtful accounts. As with many estimates, management must make judgments about potential actions by third parties in establishing and evaluating our reserves for allowance for doubtful accounts.
Self-Insurance Accruals
We are self-insured up to certain limits for costs associated with general liability, workers compensation and employee health coverage. 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. At December 31, 2010 and 2009, we had total self-insurance accruals reflected in our Consolidated Balance Sheets of $215.7 million and $209.6 million, respectively. In estimating these reserves, we consider historical loss experience and make judgments about the expected levels of costs per claim. We also rely on consultants to assist in the determination of certain estimated accruals. These claims are accounted for based on actuarial estimates of the undiscounted claims, including those claims incurred but not reported. We believe the use of actuarial methods to account for these liabilities provides a consistent and effective way to measure these highly judgmental accruals; however, changes in health care costs, accident frequency and severity and other factors can materially affect the estimates for these liabilities. We regularly monitor the potential for changes in estimates, evaluate our insurance accruals and adjust our recorded provisions.
Income Taxes
We are subject to income taxes in the United States (including federal and state) and numerous foreign jurisdictions in which we operate. We record income taxes under the asset and liability method, whereby deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and attributable to operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. ASC 740 (Income Taxes) requires a reduction of the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets by a valuation allowance if, based on the available evidence, it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. Accordingly, the need to establish valuation allowances for deferred tax assets is assessed periodically based on the ASC 740 more likely than not realization threshold. This assessment considers, among other matters, the nature, frequency and severity of current and cumulative losses, forecasts of future profitability, the duration of statutory carryforward periods, our experience with operating loss and tax credit carryforwards not expiring unused, and tax planning alternatives.
54
The effect on the income tax provision and deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We have previously provided a valuation allowance on foreign tax credits, certain foreign and state net operating losses (NOLs), and other deferred foreign and state tax assets. Certain foreign and state NOLs and other deferred foreign and state tax assets were not deemed realizable because they are attributable to subsidiaries that are not expected to produce future earnings.
We adopted the directives of ASC 740 regarding uncertain income tax positions on January 1, 2007. We classify reserves for tax uncertainties within Accrued expenses and Deferred credits and other in our Consolidated Balance Sheets, separate from any related income tax payable or deferred income taxes. In accordance with ASC 740s directives regarding uncertain tax positions, reserve amounts relate to any potential income tax liabilities resulting from uncertain tax positions, as well as potential interest or penalties associated with those liabilities.
We file income tax returns, including returns for our subsidiaries, with federal, state, and foreign jurisdictions. We are under regular and recurring audit by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) on open tax positions, and it is possible that the amount of the liability for unrecognized tax benefits could change during the next twelve months.
Derivative Instruments
We account for derivative instruments in accordance with ASC 815 (Derivatives and Hedging), which requires that all derivative instruments be recognized in the financial statements at fair value. Any changes in fair value are recorded in the statements of operations or in other comprehensive income/(loss) within the equity section of the balance sheets, depending upon whether or not the derivative is designated and qualifies for hedge accounting, the type of hedge transaction and the effectiveness of the hedge. The estimated fair values of our derivative instruments are based on market prices obtained from dealer quotes. Such quotes represent the estimated amounts we would receive or pay to terminate the contracts.
Our derivative instruments contain a credit risk that the counterparties may be unable to meet the terms of the agreements. We minimize that risk by evaluating the creditworthiness of our counterparties, which are limited to major banks and financial institutions. Our derivatives are recorded at their fair values, adjusted for the credit rating of the counterparty if the derivative is an asset, or adjusted for the credit rating of the Company if the derivative is a liability.
RECENTLY ISSUED AND PROPOSED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS
For discussions of the adoption and potential impacts of recently issued accounting standards, refer to Note 2, Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements, to our Consolidated Financial Statements, included in Item 8 of this report.
ITEM 7A. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk. |
Market risk is the risk of loss arising from adverse changes in market rates and prices, such as interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our primary exposure to market risk is interest rate risk associated with our debt. We attempt to limit our exposure to interest rate risk by managing the mix of our debt between fixed-rate and variable-rate obligations. Of our $18,841.1 million total book value of debt at December 31, 2010, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements to fix the interest rate on $5,810.1 million of variable rate debt, and $6,715.2 million of debt remains subject to variable interest rates.
We use interest rate swaps to manage the mix of our debt between fixed and variable rate instruments. As of December 31, 2010 we have entered into 13 interest rate swap agreements, three of which have effective dates starting in 2011. As a result of staggering the effective dates, we have a notional amount of $6,500 million outstanding through April 25, 2011, and a notional amount of $5,750 million outstanding beginning after April 25, 2011. All of our interest rate swap agreements fix the floating rates of interest to fixed rates.
In addition to the swap agreements, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement for a notional amount of $6,500.0 million at a LIBOR cap rate of 4.5% and an interest rate cap agreement for a notional amount of $554.3 million at a LIBOR cap rate of 5.0%. Assuming a constant outstanding balance for our variable rate debt for the next twelve months, a hypothetical 1% increase in interest rates would increase interest expense for the next twelve months by approximately $62.4 million. At December 31, 2010, the weighted average USD LIBOR rate on our variable rate debt was 0.268%. A hypothetical reduction of this rate to 0% would decrease interest expense for the next twelve months by approximately $16.7 million.
We do not purchase or hold any derivative financial instruments for trading purposes.
55
The table below provides information as of Dec