ICAHN ENTERPRISES L.P. - Annual Report: 2006 (Form 10-K)
UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington,
D.C. 20549
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FORM
10-K
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(Mark
One)
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ANNUAL
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the fiscal year ended December 31, 2006
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OR
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TRANSITION
REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION
13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 |
For
the transition period from _______ to
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Commission
file number 1-9516
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AMERICAN
REAL ESTATE PARTNERS, L.P.
(Exact
name of registrant as specified in its
charter)
Delaware
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13-3398766
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(State
or Other Jurisdiction of
Incorporation or Organization) |
(IRS
Employer
Identification No.) |
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767
Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700
New York, New York 10153
(Address of principal executive office)(Zip Code)
New York, New York 10153
(Address of principal executive office)(Zip Code)
(212) 702-4300
(Registrant’s
telephone number, including area code)
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Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title
of Each Class
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Name
of Each Exchange on Which
Registered
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Depositary
Units Representing Limited Partner Interests
5% Cumulative Pay-in-Kind Redeemable Preferred Units |
New
York Stock Exchange
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Representing
Limited Partner Interests
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New
York Stock Exchange
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Securities
registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined
in
Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ¨ No ý
Indicate
by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to
Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act. Yes ¨ No ý
Note
– Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file
reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act from their
obligations under those Sections.
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 ý 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 registrant’s 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. ý
Indicate
by a check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an
accelerated file, or a non-accelerated filer. See definition of “accelerated
filer and large accelerated filer” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act (Check
one):
Large
Accelerated Filer ¨
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Accelerated
Filer ý
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Non-accelerated
Filer ¨
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Indicate
by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule
12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes ¨ No ý
The
aggregate market value of depositary units held by nonaffiliates of the
registrant as of June 30, 2006, the last business day of the registrant’s most
recently completed second fiscal quarter, based upon the closing price of
depositary units on the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape on such date
was
$253,019,078.
The
number of depositary and preferred units outstanding as of the close of business
on March 1, 2007 was 61,856,830 and 11,340,243, respectively.
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PART
I |
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PART
II |
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PART
III |
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PART
IV |
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PART I
American
Real Estate Partners, L.P., or AREP, is a master limited partnership formed
in
Delaware on February 17, 1987. We are a diversified holding company engaged
in a variety of businesses including Gaming, Real Estate and Home Fashion.
In
addition, we invest a portion of our available liquidity in debt and equity
securities with a view towards enhancing returns as we continue to assess
further acquisitions of operating businesses. Our primary business strategy
is
to maximize value for our unitholders. We may also seek to acquire additional
businesses that are distressed or in out-of-favor industries and will consider
divestiture of businesses.
Our
general partner is American Property Investors, Inc., or API, a Delaware
corporation wholly-owned, through an intermediate subsidiary, by Carl C. Icahn.
We own our businesses and conduct our investment activities through a subsidiary
limited partnership, American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, or
AREH,
and its subsidiaries. References to AREP in this annual report on Form 10-K
include AREH and its subsidiaries, unless the context otherwise requires.
As of
March 1, 2007, affiliates of Mr. Icahn beneficially owned 55,655,382
depositary units representing AREP limited partnership interests, or the
depositary units, representing approximately 90.0% of the outstanding depositary
units, and 9,813,346 cumulative pay-in-kind redeemable preferred units,
representing AREP limited partnership interests, or the preferred units,
representing approximately 86.5% of the outstanding preferred units. See
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
Management.
We
believe that our core strengths include:
·
operating
and investing in our core
businesses;
·
increasing
value through management,
financial or other operational changes;
·
identifying
and acquiring undervalued
assets and businesses, often through the purchase of distressed
securities;
·
managing
complex legal, regulatory or
financial issues which may include bankruptcy or insolvency; and
·
realizing
significant returns on
assets.
Our
business strategy includes the following:
Enhance
Value of Existing Businesses. We continually evaluate our operating
businesses with a view to maximizing their value to us. In each of our
businesses, we place senior management with the expertise to run their
businesses and give them operating objectives that they must achieve. We may
make additional investments in a business segment to improve the performance
of
their operations.
Invest
Capital to Grow Existing Operations or Add New Operating Platforms. Our
management team has extensive experience in identifying, acquiring and
developing undervalued businesses or assets. We may look to make acquisitions
of
assets or operations that complement our existing operations. We also may look
to add new operating platforms by acquiring businesses or assets directly or
establishing an ownership position through the purchase of debt or equity
securities of troubled entities and may then negotiate for the ownership or
effective control of their assets.
Enhance
Returns on Assets. We continually look for opportunities to enhance returns
on both liquid and operating assets. We may seek to unlock value by selling
all
or a part of a business segment.
1
Background
In
furtherance of our strategy, we assembled our oil and gas operations in a number
of acquisitions beginning in 2001, including significant acquisitions in 2005
and smaller add-on acquisitions in 2006.
In May
2006, we enhanced the value of our Atlantic City gaming operations by acquiring
additional land adjacent to The Sands Hotel and Casino, which was operated
by
our majority-owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc.
In
connection with the Atlantic City acquisition we also acquired the Aquarius
Hotel and Casino in Laughlin, Nevada.
During
the fourth quarter of 2006, we completed the sales of our oil and gas operations
and our Atlantic City gaming operations. These sales resulted in a gain of
approximately $663.7 million.
Sale of Atlantic
City Gaming Operations
On
November 17, 2006, our indirect majority-owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast
Entertainment Holdings, Inc., or Atlantic Coast, ACE Gaming LLC, or ACE, a
New
Jersey limited liability company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic
Coast
which owns The Sands Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, AREH, and certain other
entities owned by or affiliated with AREH completed the sale to Pinnacle
Entertainment, Inc. of the outstanding membership interests in ACE and 100%
of
the equity interests in certain subsidiaries of AREH which owned parcels of
real
estate adjacent to The Sands, including 7.7 acres of land adjacent to The Sands
known as the Traymore site. The aggregate price was approximately $274.8
million, of which approximately $200.6 million was paid to Atlantic Coast and
approximately $74.2 million was paid to affiliates of AREH for subsidiaries
which owned the Traymore site and the adjacent properties. $50.0 million of
the
purchase price paid to Atlantic Coast was deposited into escrow pending
satisfaction of certain conditions, including the resolution of claims by
certain creditors of GB Holdings, Inc., or GBH. On February 22, 2007, we
resolved these claims. All issues relating to GBH have now been resolved. See
Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Sale of Oil and
Gas
Operations
On
November 21, 2006, we sold all of the issued and outstanding membership
interests of our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, NEG Oil & Gas LLC, or NEG
Oil & Gas, to SandRidge Energy, Inc., formerly Riata Energy, Inc., for
consideration consisting of $1.025 billion in cash, 12,842,000 shares of
SandRidge’s common stock, valued at $18 per share at the date of closing, and
the repayment by SandRidge of $300.0 million of debt of NEG Oil & Gas. The
purchase price is subject to post-closing adjustment based on the amounts of
net
working capital and cash balances of NEG Oil & Gas.
On
November 21, 2006, National Energy Group, Inc., or NEGI, our majority-owned
subsidiary, sold its membership interest in NEG Holding LLC to NEG Oil & Gas
for approximately $260.8 million. NEG Oil & Gas owned the managing
membership interest in NEG Holding LLC, which constituted all of the membership
interests in NEG Holding LLC other than those held by NEGI. Of the amount paid
to NEGI, $149.6 million was used to repay the NEGI 10.75% senior notes due
2007,
including principal and accrued interest, all of which was held by us. We
continue to hold a 50.01% interest in NEGI. On February
15, 2007, NEGI paid a one-time cash dividend on its outstanding stock of $3.31
per share, or approximately $37.0 million, approximately $18.5 million of which
was paid to us.
Agreement to
Acquire Lear Corporation
On
February 9, 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant
to
which we would acquire Lear Corporation for aggregate consideration of
approximately $5.2 billion, including the assumption of debt. Lear is a leading
global supplier of automotive interior systems and components with 2006 net
sales of $17.8 billion. Lear’s business is focused on providing complete seat
systems, electronic products and electrical distribution systems and other
products. Our agreement with Lear permits Lear to solicit proposals from other
potential purchasers for 45 days after the signing of the agreement, until
March
26, 2007, after which Lear may continue discussions with any party that has
made
a bona fide acquisition proposal and respond to unsolicited acquisition
proposals until Lear’s stockholders approve the transaction with us.
2
Consummation
of the merger is subject to various conditions, including receipt of the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Lear,
antitrust approvals, and other customary closing conditions. Mr. Icahn
beneficially owns approximately 15.8% of Lear’s outstanding common stock.
On
February 8, 2007, our subsidiary, AREP Car Holdings Corp., entered into a
commitment letter with Bank of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities
LLC, pursuant to which Bank of America will act as the initial lender under
two
senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $3.6
billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion senior secured revolving facility and
a $2.6 billion senior secured term loan B facility. The credit facilities,
along
with cash on hand, are intended to refinance and replace Lear’s existing credit
facilities and to fund the transactions contemplated by the merger. We intend
to
fund approximately $1.4 billion of the purchase price from our cash and cash
equivalents and investments. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Proposals
to Acquire American Railcar and Philip Services
Mr. Icahn
has proposed that we acquire his interests in American Railcar, Inc. and Philip
Services Corporation. Two committees, one consisting of two independent
directors and the other of three independent directors of our board, have been
formed to consider the proposals. No agreement has been reached as to price
or
terms. Any acquisition would be subject to, among other things, the negotiation,
execution and closing of a definitive agreement and the receipt of a fairness
opinion. American Railcar is a publicly traded company that is primarily engaged
in the business of manufacturing covered hoppers and tank railcars. Philip
Services is an industrial services company that provides industrial outsourcing,
environmental services and metal services to major industry sectors throughout
North America.
Possible
Refinancing, Recapitalization or Sale of Gaming Operations
In
furtherance of our strategy to maximize value for our unitholders and in light
of favorable market conditions, we are currently evaluating alternatives for
refinancing, recapitalizing or selling our Gaming segment.
ACEP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
Effective
May 11, 2006, American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP, and
certain of ACEP’s subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into an amended and
restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as syndication agent,
Bear
Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as administrative agent, and certain other
lender parties, amending and restating the credit agreement entered into in
January 2004. Under the amended credit agreement, ACEP’s credit line was
increased to up to $60.0 million. ACEP’s obligations under the credit agreement
are secured by first liens on substantially all of the assets of ACEP and its
subsidiaries and all outstanding amounts will be due and payable on May 10,
2010. As of December 31, 2006, ACEP had outstanding borrowings of $40.0 million
with an interest rate of 6.85% per annum. The borrowings were incurred to
finance a portion of the purchase price of the Aquarius Casino Resort in
Laughlin, Nevada.
WestPoint Home
Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On
June 16, 2006, WestPoint Home, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
our
majority-owned subsidiary, WestPoint International, Inc., or WPI, entered into
a
$250.0 million loan and security agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as
administrative agent and lender. Under the five-year agreement, borrowings
are
subject to a monthly borrowing base calculation and include a $75.0 million
sub-limit that may be used for letters of credit. Borrowings under the agreement
bear interest, at the election of WestPoint Home, either at the prime rate
adjusted by an applicable margin ranging from minus 0.25% to plus 0.50% or
LIBOR
adjusted by an applicable margin ranging from plus 1.25% to 2.00%. WestPoint
Home pays an unused line fee of 0.25% to 0.275%. Obligations under the agreement
are secured by WestPoint Home’s receivables, inventory and certain machinery and
equipment. As of December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the
agreement, but there were outstanding letters of credit of approximately $40.1
million.
3
New Seabury Real
Estate Mortgage
On
June 30, 2006, certain of our indirect subsidiaries engaged in property
development and associated resort activities entered into a $32.5 million loan
agreement with Textron Financial Corp. The loan is secured by a mortgage on
our
New Seabury golf course and resort in Mashpee, Massachusetts. The loan bears
interest at the rate of 7.96% per annum and matures in five years with a balloon
payment due of $30.0 million. Annual debt service payments of $3.0 million
are
required, which are payable in monthly installment amounts based on a 25-year
amortization schedule.
AREP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
On
August 21, 2006, we and American Real Estate Finance Corp., or AREP Finance,
as
the borrowers, and certain of our subsidiaries, as guarantors, entered into
a
credit agreement with Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as administrative
agent, and certain other lender parties. Under the credit agreement, we are
permitted to borrow up to $150.0 million, including a $50.0 million sub-limit
that may be used for letters of credit. Borrowings under the credit agreement,
which are based on our credit rating, bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.0% to 2.0%.
We pay an unused line fee of 0.25% to 0.5%. Our obligations are guaranteed
by
and secured by liens on substantially all of the assets of certain of our
indirect wholly-owned holding company subsidiaries. All amounts outstanding
under the credit agreement will be due and payable on August 21, 2010. As of
December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the agreement.
WestPoint
International Preferred Stock Purchase
On
December 20, 2006, pursuant to a subscription and standby commitment agreement,
we purchased from WPI 1,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and
1,000,000 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock, for an aggregate purchase price
of $200.0 million. WPI used a portion of the proceeds to acquire manufacturing
facilities in Bahrain, creating WestPoint Home (Bahrain) WLL, in furtherance
of
WPI’s initiatives to provide lower cost manufacturing capability.
AREP Senior Notes
Offering
On
January 16, 2007, we and AREP Finance issued $500.0 million principal amount
of
7 1/8% senior notes due 2013. The notes were issued pursuant to an indenture
dated February 7, 2005, among us, as issuer, AREP Finance, as co-issuer, AREH,
as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee. The notes were issued
by
us at 99.5% of principal amount or at a 0.5 % discount, and the amount paid
to
us included accrued interest from August 15, 2006 through the issue date. The
notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7 1/8% per annum, which will be
paid
every six months on February 15 and August 15 commencing on February 15,
2007. The notes will mature on February 15, 2013.
We
currently own and operate gaming properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada.
In May 2006, we acquired the Aquarius Casino Resort, or the Aquarius, in
Laughlin, Nevada and, in November 2006, we sold The Sands Hotel and Casino
in
Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Our four
Nevada gaming properties are operated through our wholly-owned subsidiary,
American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC, or ACEP. Our Las Vegas
properties are the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, or the Stratosphere,
which is located on the Las Vegas Strip and caters to visitors to Las Vegas,
and
two off-Strip casinos, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder,
which cater primarily to residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding communities.
The Stratosphere is one of the most recognized landmarks in Las Vegas and our
two Arizona Charlie’s properties are well-known casinos in their respective
marketplaces.
Our
fourth property is the Aquarius, in Laughlin, Nevada. The Aquarius is the
largest hotel in Laughlin. It is located on the Colorado River and caters to
tourists seeking a gaming and entertainment destination.
Stratosphere
Casino Hotel & Tower.The Stratosphere owns approximately 34 acres
located at the northern end of the Las Vegas Strip of which approximately 17
acres is available for development. The Stratosphere operates the tallest
free-standing observation tower in the United States and, at 1,149 feet, it
is
the tallest building west of the
4
Mississippi River. The tower
includes an award-winning 336-seat revolving restaurant with unparalleled views
of Las Vegas, known as the Top of the World, and features the three highest
amusement rides in the world.
The
Stratosphere’s casino contains approximately 80,000 square feet of gaming space,
with approximately 1,300 slot machines, 49 table games, a six table poker room
and a race and sports book. Six themed restaurants and six lounges, two of
which
feature live entertainment, and five of which are located adjacent to the
casino. For 2006, 2005 and 2004, approximately 68.2%, 70.7% and 70.6%,
respectively, of the Stratosphere’s gaming revenue was generated by slot machine
play and 27.3%, 25.9% and 27.4%, respectively, by table games. The Stratosphere
derives its other gaming revenue from the poker room and the race and sports
book, which primarily are intended to attract customers for slot machines and
table games.
The hotel
has 2,444 rooms, including 131 suites. The hotel amenities include a 67,000
square foot pool and a recreation area located on the eighth floor which
includes a café, cocktail bar, private cabanas and a fitness center. The Beach
Club 25, located on the 25th floor, provides a secluded adult pool.
During 2006, the Stratosphere refurbished its casino floor, added a high limit
gaming area and built a new center bar. The Stratosphere also refurbished
approximately 1,700 of its guest rooms during the three years ended December
31,
2006.
The
retail center, located on the second floor of the base building, occupies
approximately 110,000 square feet of developed retail space and an additional
80,000 square feet of undeveloped space. The retail center contains 43 shops,
six of which are food venues, and, in addition, 11 merchant kiosks. Adjacent
to
the retail center is the 640-seat showroom that currently offers evening shows
designed to appeal to value-minded visitors who come to Las Vegas.
Arizona
Charlie’s Decatur.Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, a full-service hotel and casino
geared toward residents of Las Vegas and surrounding communities, is located
on
approximately 17 acres four miles west of the Las Vegas Strip in the heavily
populated west Las Vegas area. The property is easily accessible from State
Route 95, a major highway in Las Vegas.
As of
December 31, 2006, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur contained approximately 52,000
square feet of gaming space with 1,400 slot machines, 15 table games, a race
and
sports book, a 24-hour bingo parlor, a keno lounge and a poker room.
Approximately 57.0% of the slot machines at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur are video
poker games. Arizona Charlie’s Decatur emphasizes video poker because it is
popular with local players and therefore generates high volumes of play and
casino revenue. For 2006, 2005 and 2004, approximately 89.7%, 89.3% and 90.0%,
respectively, of the property’s gaming revenue was generated by slot machine
play and 5.3%, 4.9% and 5.1%, respectively, by table games. Arizona Charlie’s
Decatur derives its other gaming revenue from bingo, keno, poker and the race
and sports book, which are primarily intended to attract customers for slot
machines.
Arizona
Charlie’s Decatur currently has 258 rooms, including nine suites. Hotel
customers include local residents and their out-of-town guests, as well as
those
business and leisure travelers who, because of location and cost considerations,
choose not to stay on the Las Vegas Strip or at other hotels in Las Vegas.
During 2006, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur added an Outback Steakhouse to provide
another dining alternative to its current guests as well as to attract new
customers.
Arizona
Charlie’s Boulder.Arizona Charlie’s Boulder operates a full-service casino,
hotel and RV park situated on approximately 24 acres of land located on Boulder
Highway, in an established retail and residential neighborhood in the eastern
metropolitan area of Las Vegas. The property is easily accessible from I-515,
the most heavily traveled east/west highway in Las Vegas.
Arizona
Charlie’s Boulder completed renovations to its gaming facilities in June 2006.
As of December 31, 2006, the casino contained approximately 47,000 square feet
of gaming space, 6,000 of which was added in June 2006, with 1,100 slot
machines, 16 table games, a race and sports book and a 24-hour bingo parlor.
As
of December 31, 2006, 51.0% of the slot machines at Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
are video poker games. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder emphasizes video poker because
it is popular with local players and, as a result, generates high volumes of
play and casino revenue. For 2006, 2005 and 2004, approximately 89.3%, 88.1%
and
89.1%, respectively, of gaming revenue was generated by slot machine play and
6.0%, 7.1% and 7.0%, respectively, by table games. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
derives its other gaming revenue from bingo and the race and sports book, which
are primarily intended to attract customers for slot machines.
5
Arizona
Charlie’s Boulder currently has 303 rooms, including 221 suites. Hotel customers
include local residents and their out-of-town guests, as well as those business
and leisure travelers who, because of location and cost considerations, choose
not to stay on the Las Vegas Strip or at other hotels in Las Vegas.
Arizona
Charlie’s Boulder also has an RV park. The RV park is one of the largest
short-term RV parks on the Boulder Strip with 30- to 70-foot pull through
stations and over 200 spaces.
Aquarius
Casino Resort.The Aquarius, a full-service hotel and casino, is located on
approximately 18 acres of land next to the Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada
and is a tourist-oriented gaming and entertainment destination.
As of
December 31, 2006, the Aquarius contained approximately 57,000 square feet
of
gaming space with approximately 1,100 slot machines, 49 table games, a race
and
sports book, a keno lounge and a four table poker room. Approximately 31.0%
of
the slot machines at the Aquarius are video poker games. The Aquarius emphasizes
slot play because it is popular with local players and therefore generates
high
volumes of casino revenue. From the date of acquisition through December 31,
2006, approximately 80.5% of the property’s gaming revenue was generated by slot
machine play and 15.5% by table games. The Aquarius derives its other gaming
revenue from keno, poker and the race and sports book, which are primarily
intended to attract customers for slot machines and tables games.
The
Aquarius is the largest hotel in Laughlin, Nevada, with 1,907 hotel rooms,
including 90 suites in two
15-story towers. The hotel amenities include seven restaurants, over 35,000 square feet of meeting space and a 3,300 – seat amphitheater. The property features an outdoor pool, fitness center and lighted tennis courts. In 2006 we completed upgrading the casino and plan to refurbish the hotel rooms in 2007 and 2008.
15-story towers. The hotel amenities include seven restaurants, over 35,000 square feet of meeting space and a 3,300 – seat amphitheater. The property features an outdoor pool, fitness center and lighted tennis courts. In 2006 we completed upgrading the casino and plan to refurbish the hotel rooms in 2007 and 2008.
Strategy
In Las
Vegas, we target primarily middle-market customers who focus on obtaining value
in their gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment experiences. We emphasize
the
Stratosphere as a destination property for visitors to Las Vegas by offering
an
attractive experience for the value minded customer. We strive to deliver value
to our gaming customers at our Arizona Charlie’s locations by offering payout
ratios on our slot and video poker machines that we believe are among the
highest payout ratios in Las Vegas. Our Las Vegas management team has improved
operating results by repositioning each of our properties to better target
their
respective markets, expanding and improving our existing facilities, focusing
on
customer service and implementing a targeted cost reduction program.
The
Laughlin market is a value-oriented destination for travelers seeking an
alternative to the fast-paced Las Vegas experience. The property targets the
mid-high end customer in the Laughlin market seeking value. Since we acquired
the Aquarius in May 2006, we have added a breadth of amenities and services
in
their gaming, lodging, dining and entertainment experiences. The facility has
been upgraded with 1,000 new slot machines, a new lobby, a new V.I.P. Check-In,
Players Lounge, a refurbished Center Bar and the addition of a patio lounge
providing views of the Colorado River. Currently, Outback Steakhouse is
developing a restaurant at the site.
Marketing
The
Stratosphere utilizes the unique amenities of its tower to attract visitors.
Gaming products, hotel rooms, entertainment and food and beverage products
are
priced to appeal to the value-conscious middle-market Las Vegas visitor. The
Top
of the World restaurant, however, caters to higher-end customers. The
Stratosphere participates in the A.C.E Rewards Club which provides members
with
cash and/or complimentaries at the casino, which can be used at Arizona
Charlie’s Decatur, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder or the Aquarius. Advertising and
promotional campaigns are designed to maximize hotel room occupancy, and visits
to the tower and to attract and retain players on property.
Arizona
Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder market their hotels and casinos
primarily to local residents of Las Vegas and the surrounding communities.
We
believe that the properties’ pricing and gaming odds make them one of the best
values in the market and that their gaming products, hotel rooms, restaurants
and other amenities attract local customers in search of reasonable prices,
smaller casinos and more attentive service.
We focus
our Las Vegas marketing efforts on attracting customers with an affinity for
playing slot and video poker machines. Similarly, we have intentionally avoided
competing for the attention of high-stakes table game customers.
6
The
Aquarius focuses its marketing efforts primarily on the mid-high end customer
in
the Laughlin market. We believe that the property’s new state-of-the-art slot
floor, new amenities and liberal A.C.E Rewards Club position the property to
target this market segment.
Competition
Investments
in
the gaming and entertainment industries involve significant competitive
pressures and political and regulatory considerations. In recent years, there
have been many new gaming establishments opened as well as facility expansions,
providing an increased supply of competitive products and properties in the
industry, which may adversely affect our operating margins and investment
returns. The hotel and casino industry is highly competitive.
Hotels
located on or near the Las Vegas Strip compete primarily with other Las Vegas
strip hotels and with a few major hotels in downtown Las Vegas. The
Stratosphere, which is located on the Las Vegas strip, also competes with a
large number of hotels and motels located in or near Las Vegas. The
Stratosphere’s tower competes with all other forms of entertainment,
recreational activities and other attractions in and near Las Vegas. Arizona
Charlie’s Boulder and Arizona Charlie’s Decatur compete with other casinos and
other forms of entertainment, which cater to local residents. The Aquarius
competes primarily with other Laughlin hotels and casinos located along the
Colorado River.
Regulation
Our
gaming activities are subject to extensive regulation by authorities in Nevada.
Gaming registrations, licenses and approvals, once obtained, can be suspended
or
revoked for a variety of reasons. To date, our casino properties have obtained
all gaming licenses necessary for the operation of their existing gaming
operations; however, we cannot assure you that we will obtain any new gaming
license or related approval or renewal of an existing license on a timely basis
or at all, or that, once obtained, the registrations, findings of suitability,
licenses and approvals will not be suspended, conditioned, limited or
revoked.
Nevada Gaming
Law
The
ownership and operation of casino gaming facilities in the State of Nevada
are
subject to the Nevada Gaming Control Act and the regulations made under such
Act, as well as various local ordinances. The gaming operations of our casinos
are subject to the licensing and regulatory control of the Nevada Gaming
Commission and the Nevada State Gaming Control Board. Our casinos’ operations
are also subject to regulation by the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing
Board and the City of Las Vegas. These agencies are referred to herein
collectively as the Nevada Gaming Authorities.
The laws,
regulations and supervisory procedures of the Nevada Gaming Authorities are
based upon declarations of public policy. These public policy concerns include,
among other things:
·
preventing
unsavory or unsuitable persons
from being directly or indirectly involved with gaming at any time or in any
capacity;
·
establishing
and maintaining responsible
accounting practices and procedures;
·
maintaining
effective controls over the
financial practices of licensees, including establishing minimum procedures
for
internal fiscal affairs, and safeguarding assets and revenue, providing reliable
recordkeeping and requiring the filing of periodic reports with the Nevada
Gaming Authorities;
·
preventing
cheating and fraudulent
practices; and
·
providing
a source of state and local
revenue through taxation and licensing fees.
Changes
in these laws, regulations and procedures could have significant negative
effects on our gaming operations and our financial condition and results of
operations.
7
Owner and Operator
Licensing Requirements
Our
Nevada casinos are licensed by the Nevada Gaming Authorities as corporate and
limited liability company licensees, which we refer to herein as company
licensees. Under their gaming licenses, our casinos are required to pay periodic
fees and taxes. The gaming licenses are not transferable.
To date,
our casino properties have obtained all gaming licenses necessary for the
operation of their existing gaming operations; however, gaming licenses and
related approvals are privileges under Nevada law, and we cannot assure you
that
any new gaming license or related approvals that may be required in the future
will be granted, or that any existing gaming licenses or related approvals
will
not be limited, conditioned, suspended or revoked or will be renewed.
Our Registration
Requirements
We have
been registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as a publicly traded
corporation, which we refer to as a registered company for the purposes of
the
Nevada Gaming Control Act. API’s parent company, API, AREH, and AREH’s direct
and indirect subsidiaries involved in Nevada gaming operations have been
registered by the Nevada Gaming Commission as holding companies to the extent
required by law.
Periodically,
we are required to submit detailed financial and operating reports to the Nevada
Gaming Commission and to provide any other information that the Nevada Gaming
Commission may require. Substantially all of our material loans, leases, sales
of securities and similar financing transactions must be reported to, or
approved by, the Nevada Gaming Commission.
Individual
Licensing Requirements
No person
may become a stockholder or member of, or receive any percentage of the profits
of, a non-publicly traded holding or intermediary company or company licensee
without first obtaining licenses and approvals from the Nevada Gaming
Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may investigate any individual who
has a material relationship to or material involvement with us to determine
whether the individual is suitable or should be licensed as a business associate
of a gaming licensee. We and certain of our officers, directors and key
employees are required to file applications with the Nevada Gaming Authorities
and may be required to be licensed or found suitable by the Nevada Gaming
Authorities. The Nevada Gaming Authorities may deny an application for licensing
for any cause which they deem reasonable. A finding of suitability is comparable
to licensing, and both require submission of detailed personal and financial
information followed by a thorough investigation. An applicant for licensing
or
an applicant for a finding of suitability must pay or must cause to be paid
all
the costs of the investigation. Changes in licensed positions must be reported
to the Nevada Gaming Authorities and, in addition to their authority to deny
an
application for a finding of suitability or licensing, the Nevada Gaming
Authorities have the jurisdiction to disapprove a change in a corporate
position.
If the
Nevada Gaming Authorities were to find an officer, director or key employee
unsuitable for licensing or unsuitable to continue having a relationship with
us, we would have to sever all relationships with that person. In addition,
the
Nevada Gaming Commission may require us to terminate the employment of any
person who refuses to file appropriate applications. Determinations of
suitability or questions pertaining to licensing are not subject to judicial
review in Nevada.
Consequences
of
Violating Gaming Laws
If the
Nevada Gaming Commission decides that we have violated the Nevada Gaming Control
Act or any of its regulations, it could limit, condition, suspend or revoke
our
registrations and gaming licenses. In addition, we and the persons involved
could be subject to substantial fines for each separate violation of the Nevada
Gaming Control Act, or of the regulations of the Nevada Gaming Commission,
at
the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Further, the Nevada Gaming
Commission could appoint a supervisor to conduct the operations of our casinos
and, under specified circumstances, earnings generated during the supervisor’s
appointment (except for the reasonable rental value of the premises) could
be
forfeited to the State of Nevada. Limitation, conditioning or suspension of
any
of our gaming licenses and the appointment of a supervisor could, and revocation
of any gaming license would, have a significant negative effect on our gaming
operations.
8
Requirements
for
Beneficial Securities Holders
Regardless
of
the number of shares held, any beneficial holder of our voting securities may
be
required to file an application, be investigated and have that person’s
suitability as a beneficial holder of voting securities determined if the Nevada
Gaming Commission has reason to believe that the ownership would otherwise
be
inconsistent with the declared policies of the State of Nevada. If the
beneficial holder of the voting securities who must be found suitable is a
corporation, partnership, limited partnership, limited liability company or
trust, it must submit detailed business and financial information including
a
list of its beneficial owners. The applicant must pay all costs of the
investigation incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities in conducting any
investigation.
The
Nevada Gaming Control Act requires any person who acquires more than 5% of
the
voting securities of a registered company to report the acquisition to the
Nevada Gaming Commission. The Nevada Gaming Control Act requires beneficial
owners of more than 10% of a registered company’s voting securities to apply to
the Nevada Gaming Commission for a finding of suitability within 30 days after
the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board mails the written notice
requiring such filing. Under certain circumstances, an “institutional investor,”
as defined in the Nevada Gaming Control Act, which acquires more than 10%,
but
not more than 15%, of the registered company’s voting securities may apply to
the Nevada Gaming Commission for a waiver of a finding of suitability if the
institutional investor holds the voting securities for investment purposes
only.
In certain circumstances, an institutional investor that has obtained a waiver
can hold up to 19% of a registered company’s voting securities for a limited
period of time and maintain the waiver. An institutional investor will not
be
deemed to hold voting securities for investment purposes unless the voting
securities were acquired and are held in the ordinary course of business as
an
institutional investor and not for the purpose of causing, directly or
indirectly, the election of a majority of the members of the board at directors
of the registered company, a change in the corporate charter, bylaws,
management, policies or operations of the registered company, or any of its
gaming affiliates, or any other action which the Nevada Gaming Commission finds
to be inconsistent with holding the registered company’s voting securities for
investment purposes only. Activities which are not deemed to be inconsistent
with holding voting securities for investment purposes only include:
·
voting
on all matters voted on by
stockholders or interest holders;
·
making
financial and other inquiries of
management of the type normally made by securities analysts for informational
purposes and not to cause a change in its management, policies or operations;
and
·
other
activities that the Nevada Gaming
Commission may determine to be consistent with such investment
intent.
Consequences
of
Being Found Unsuitable
Any
person who fails or refuses to apply for a finding of suitability or a license
within 30 days after being ordered to do so by the Nevada Gaming Commission
or
by the Chairman of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, or who refuses or
fails to pay the investigative costs incurred by the Nevada Gaming Authorities
in connection with the investigation of its application, may be found
unsuitable. The same restrictions apply to a record owner if the record owner,
after request, fails to identify the beneficial owner. Any person found
unsuitable and who holds, directly or indirectly, any beneficial ownership
of
any voting security or debt security of a registered company beyond the period
of time as may be prescribed by the Nevada Gaming Commission may be guilty
of a
criminal offense. We will be subject to disciplinary action if, after we receive
notice that a person is unsuitable to hold an equity interest or to have any
other relationship with, we:
·
pay
that person any dividend or interest
upon any voting securities;
·
allow
that person to exercise, directly or
indirectly, any voting right held by that person;
·
pay
remuneration in any form to that person
for services rendered or otherwise; or
·
fail
to pursue all lawful efforts to
require the unsuitable person to relinquish such person’s voting securities
including, if necessary, the immediate purchase of the voting securities for
cash at fair market value.
9
Gaming Laws
Relating to Securities Ownership
The
Nevada Gaming Commission may, in its discretion, require the holder of any
debt
or similar securities of a registered company to file applications, be
investigated and be found suitable to own the debt or other security of the
registered company if the Nevada Gaming Commission; has reason to believe that
such ownership would otherwise be inconsistent with the declared policies of
the
State of Nevada. If the Nevada Gaming Commission decides that a person is
unsuitable to own the security, then under the Nevada Gaming Control Act, the
registered company can be sanctioned, including the loss of its approvals if,
without the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission, it:
·
pays
to the unsuitable person any dividend,
interest or any distribution whatsoever;
·
recognizes
any voting right by the
unsuitable person in connection with the securities;
·
pays
the unsuitable person remuneration in
any form; or
·
makes
any payment to the unsuitable person
by way of principal, redemption, conversion, exchange, liquidation or similar
transaction.
We are
required to maintain a current stock ledger in Nevada which may be examined
by
the Nevada Gaming Authorities at any time. If any securities are held in trust
by an agent or by a nominee, the record holder may be required to disclose
the
identity of the beneficial owner to the Nevada Gaming Authorities. A failure
to
make the disclosure may be grounds for finding the record holder unsuitable.
We
will be required to render maximum assistance in determining the identity of
the
beneficial owner of any of our voting securities. The Nevada Gaming Commission
has the power to require the stock certificates of any registered company to
bear a legend indicating that the securities are subject to the Nevada Gaming
Control Act and certain subject to restrictions imposed by applicable gaming
laws. To date, this requirement has not been imposed on us.
Approval of Public
Offerings
Neither
we nor any of our affiliates may make a public offering of securities without
the prior approval of the Nevada Gaming Commission if the proceeds from the
offering are intended to be used to construct, acquire or finance gaming
facilities in Nevada, or to retire or extend obligations incurred for those
purposes or for similar transactions. The Nevada Commission has granted AREP
prior approval to make public offerings for a period of two years expiring
in
May 2008, subject to certain conditions. This approval, or the shelf approval,
may be rescinded for good cause without prior notice upon the issuance of an
interlocutory stop order by the Chairman of the Nevada Board and must be renewed
at the end of the two-year approval period. The shelf approval applies to any
affiliated company wholly owned by us, or an affiliate, which is a publicly
traded corporation or would thereby become a publicly traded corporation
pursuant to a public offering. The shelf approval includes approval for
Stratosphere Gaming Corp. to guarantee any security issued by, or to hypothecate
its assets to secure the payment or performance of any obligations evidenced
by
a security issued by us or an affiliate in a public offering under the shelf
approval. The shelf approval also includes approval for us to place restrictions
upon the transfer of, and to enter into agreements not to encumber the equity
securities of our subsidiaries licensed or registered in Nevada, as applicable,
in conjunction with public offerings made under the shelf approval. The shelf
approval does not constitute a finding, recommendation or approval by the Nevada
Commission or the Nevada Board as to the accuracy or adequacy of the prospectus
or the investment merits of the securities offered. Any representation to the
contrary is unlawful.
Approval of Changes
in Control
As a
registered company, we must obtain prior approval of the Nevada Gaming
Commission with respect to a change in control through:
·
mergers;
·
consolidation;
·
stock
or asset acquisitions;
·
management
or consulting agreements;
or
·
any
act or conduct by a person by which the
person obtains control of us.
10
Entities
seeking to acquire control of a registered company must satisfy the Nevada
State
Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission with respect to a variety
of
stringent standards before assuming control of the registered company. The
Nevada Gaming Commission may also require controlling stockholders, officers,
directors and other persons having a material relationship or involvement with
the entity proposing to acquire control to be investigated and licensed as
part
of the approval process relating to the transaction.
Approval of
Defensive Tactics
The
Nevada legislature has declared that some corporate acquisitions opposed by
management, repurchases of voting securities and corporate defense tactics
affecting Nevada gaming licenses or affecting registered companies that are
affiliated with the operations permitted by Nevada gaming licenses may be
harmful to stable and productive corporate gaming. The Nevada Gaming Commission
has established a regulatory scheme to reduce the potentially adverse effects
of
these business practices upon Nevada’s gaming industry and to further Nevada’s
policy to:
·
assure
the financial stability of corporate
gaming operators and their affiliates;
·
preserve
the beneficial aspects of
conducting business in the corporate form; and
·
promote
a neutral environment for the
orderly governance of corporate affairs.
As a
registered company, we may need to obtain approvals from the Nevada Gaming
Commission before we can make exceptional repurchases of voting securities
above
our current market price and before a corporate acquisition opposed by
management can be consummated. The Nevada Gaming Control Act also requires
prior
approval of a plan of recapitalization proposed by a registered company’s board
of directors in response to a tender offer made directly to its stockholders
for
the purpose of acquiring control.
Fees and
Taxes
License
fees and taxes, computed in various ways depending on the type of gaming or
activity involved, are payable to the State of Nevada and to the counties and
cities in which the licensed subsidiaries respective operations are conducted.
Depending upon the particular fee or tax involved, these fees and taxes are
payable either monthly, quarterly or annually and are based upon:
·
a
percentage of gross revenues
received;
·
the
number of gaming devices operated;
or
·
the
number of table games
operated.
Our
casinos are also subject to a state payroll tax based on the wages paid to
their
employees.
Foreign Gaming
Investigations
Any
person who is licensed, required to be licensed, registered, required to be
registered, or is under common control with those persons, or licensees, and
who
proposes to become involved in a gaming venture outside of Nevada, is required
to deposit with the Nevada State Gaming Control Board, and thereafter maintain,
a revolving fund in the amount of $10,000 to pay the expenses of investigation
of the Nevada State Gaming Control Board of the licensee’s or registrant’s
participation in such foreign gaming. The revolving fund is subject to increase
or decrease in the discretion of the Nevada Gaming Commission. Licensees and
registrants are required to comply with the reporting requirements imposed
by
the Nevada Gaming Control Act. A licensee or registrant is also subject to
disciplinary action by the Nevada Gaming Commission if it:
·
knowingly
violates any laws of the foreign
jurisdiction pertaining to the foreign gaming operation;
·
fails
to conduct the foreign gaming
operation in accordance with the standards of honesty and integrity required
of
Nevada gaming operations;
·
engages
in any activity or enters into any
association that is unsuitable because it poses an unreasonable threat to the
control of gaming in Nevada, reflects, or tends to reflect, discredit or
disrepute upon the State of Nevada or gaming in Nevada, or is contrary to the
gaming policies of Nevada;
11
·
engages
in activities or enters into
associations that are harmful to the State of Nevada or its ability to collect
gaming taxes and fees; or
·
employs,
contracts with or associates with
a person in the foreign operation who has been denied a license or finding
of
suitability in Nevada on the ground of unsuitability.
License for Conduct
of Gaming and Sale of Alcoholic Beverage
The
conduct of our gaming activities and the service and sale of alcoholic beverages
by our casinos are subject to licensing, control and regulation by the Clark
County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board and the City of Las Vegas. In addition
to approving our casinos, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming License Board
and
the City of Las Vegas have the authority to approve all persons owning or
controlling the stock of any corporation controlling a gaming license. All
licenses are revocable and are not transferable. The county and city agencies
have full power to limit, condition, suspend or revoke any license. Any
disciplinary action could, and revocation would, have a substantial negative
impact upon our operations.
Seasonality
Generally,
our
Las Vegas gaming and entertainment properties are not affected by seasonal
trends. However, the Aquarius tends to have increased customer flow from
mid-January through April.
Employees
At
December 31, 2006, our Gaming segment had approximately 5,340 employees, of
whom
approximately 2,060 were covered by various collective bargaining agreements
providing, generally, for basic pay rates, working hours, other conditions
of
employment, and orderly settlement of labor disputes. Our Gaming segment
historically has had good relationships with the unions representing its
employees and believes that its employee relations are good.
Rental Real
Estate
Our
rental real estate operations consist primarily of retail, office and industrial
properties leased to single corporate tenants. Historically, substantially
all
of our real estate assets leased to others have been net-leased under long-term
leases. With certain exceptions, these tenants are required to pay all expenses
relating to the leased property and, therefore, we are typically not responsible
for payment of expenses, including maintenance, utilities, taxes, insurance
or
any capital items associated with such properties.
In 2006,
we continued to capitalize on favorable real estate market conditions and the
mature nature of our commercial real estate portfolio by selling 18 rental
real
estate properties for approximately $25.3 million. These properties were
unencumbered by mortgage debt. As of December 31, 2006, we owned 37 rental
real
estate properties with a book value of approximately $136.2 million,
individually encumbered by mortgage debt which aggregated approximately $77.0
million. We continue to evaluate our remaining commercial portfolio with the
view of selling assets at favorable prices.
We also
seek opportunities to acquire additional rental real estate properties. While
we
believe opportunities in real estate related acquisitions continue to remain
available, there is increasing competition for these opportunities which affects
price and the ability to find quality assets that provide attractive
returns.
Real Estate
Development
Our
residential home development operations focus primarily on the construction
and
sale of single-family homes, custom-built homes, multi-family homes and
residential lots in subdivisions and in planned communities. Our home building
business is managed by Bayswater Development LLC, our wholly-owned subsidiary.
Our long-term investment horizon and operational expertise allow us to acquire
properties with limited current income and complex entitlement and development
issues.
12
We are
currently developing seven residential subdivisions in New York, Florida and
Massachusetts. In New York, we are developing two high-end residential
subdivisions in Westchester County: Penwood, located in Bedford, and Hammond
Ridge, located in Armonk and New Castle. We are also seeking approval to develop
Pond View Estates which is located in Patterson and Kent in Putnam County,
New
York. In Cape Cod, Massachusetts, we are developing our New Seabury property,
a
luxury second-home waterfront community. In Vero Beach, Florida, we are building
out our Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor properties, two residential waterfront
communities. In Naples, Florida, we are building Falling Waters, a condominium
community.
New
Seabury Development. New Seabury is a 2,000 acre resort community located in
Cape Cod, Massachusetts overlooking Nantucket Sound and Martha’s Vineyard. We
have begun the first phase of our planned 457 unit residential development.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, 37 homes were built and sold. The
average sales price was $975,000 with a range of sales prices between $458,000
and $2.4 million. As of December 31, 2006, of our remaining 420 units, 29 units
were in various stages of construction, eight of which were under contract.
The
average sale price of the units under contract is $797,000 with a range of
sales
prices between $458,000 and $1.8 million. In addition, two lots are under
contract with an average sales price of $785,000.
Grand
Harbor and Oak Harbor. Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor are two waterfront
communities located in Vero Beach, Florida. During the year ended December
31,
2006, 21 homes and one lot were sold. The average sales price of the homes
was
$770,000 with a range of sales prices between $335,000 and $1.1 million. The
lot
was sold for $250,000. As of December 31, 2006, we had 355 lots remaining and
homes on 35 of these lots were in various stages of construction, seven of
which
were under contract. The average sales price of the units under contract is
$811,000 with a range of sales prices between $673,000 and $995,000. In
addition, we own approximately 400 acres to the north of Grand Harbor available
for development.
Penwood.
Located in Bedford, New York, Penwood consists of 44 lots situated on 297 acres.
The development is approximately one hour from Manhattan. Homes are situated
on
lots that range from 2.1 acres to 14.5 acres. Homes range in size from 5,400
square feet to 9,600 square feet. In 2006, we sold one Penwood home for $2.4
million. At December 31, 2006, our three remaining lots had homes under
construction. Two of the homes were under contract for an average price of
$2.75
million.
Hammond
Ridge. Located in Armonk and New Castle, New York, Hammond Ridge consists of
37 single-family lots situated on 220 acres. The development is approximately
40
minutes from Manhattan. Purchasers of Hammond Ridge units may select one of
many
home designs and many options and upgrades that we offer or customize designs.
During the year ended December 31, 2006, nine homes and two lots were sold.
The
average sales price of the homes was $2.2 million with a range of sales prices
between $1.6 million and $3.2 million. The average price of the lots was
$920,000. At December 31, 2006, we had 18 remaining units in various stages
of
completion of which seven homes and one lot were under contract. The average
sales price of the units under contract is $2.1 million with a range of prices
between $1.6 million and $2.7 million. The price of the lot under contract
is
$650,000.
Pond
View Estates. Located in Patterson and Kent, New York, Pond View Estates is
a townhouse condominium development on a 91-acre wooded hillside overlooking
an
on-site pond. We expect to build a 50-townhouse condominium once final approvals
are granted. Pre-sales are expected to begin in 2008.
Falling
Waters. Located in Naples, Florida, Falling Waters is a 793-unit condominium
development on 158 acres located approximately ten minutes from downtown Naples,
Florida. It is a gated community with 24-hour security. During the year ended
December 31, 2006, we sold 57 condominium units at an average price of $252,000.
At December 31, 2006, we had 52 units remaining in various stages of completion
of which 39 units were under contract for sale.
Additional
Developments. We have invested and expect to continue to invest in
undeveloped land and development properties. We are highly selective in making
investments in residential home development. Currently we are reviewing a wide
variety of potential developments in New York and Florida.
Hotel and Resort
Operations
New
Seabury Resort. New Seabury is a resort community overlooking Nantucket
Sound and Martha’s Vineyard in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. In addition to our
residential development at New Seabury, we operate a full-service resort. The
property currently includes a golf club with two 18-hole championship golf
courses, the Popponesset Inn,
13
which is a casual waterfront
dining and wedding facility, a private beach club, a fitness center, a 16 court
tennis facility and a total of 19 rental units (condominiums and
cottages).
Grand
Harbor and Oak Harbor. In addition to the residential development at Grand
Harbor and Oak Harbor, we operate three golf courses (45 holes), a tennis
complex (ten courts), fitness center, beach club, two clubhouses and a 24 bed
assisted living facility located adjacent to the Intracoastal Waterway in Vero
Beach, Florida.
Seasonality
Resort
operations are highly seasonal with peak activity in Cape Cod from June to
September and in Florida from November to February. Sales activity for our
real
estate developments in Cape Cod and New York typically peak in late winter
and
early spring while in Florida our peak selling season is during the winter
months.
Employees
Our real
estate-related activities, including rental real estate, real estate development
and hotel and resort operations, have approximately 450 full and part-time
employees, which fluctuates due to the seasonal nature of certain of our
businesses. No such employees are covered by collective bargaining
agreements.
Background
We
conduct our Home Fashion operations through WPI, a manufacturer and distributor
of home fashion consumer products based in New York, NY. On August 8, 2005,
WPI
and its subsidiaries completed the purchase of substantially all the assets
of
WestPoint Stevens Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries pursuant to an asset
purchase agreement, or the Purchase Agreement, approved by The United States
Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York in connection with
Chapter 11 proceedings of WestPoint Stevens. WestPoint Stevens was a premier
manufacturer and marketer of bed and bath home fashions supplying leading U.S.
retailers and institutional customers. Before the asset purchase transaction,
WPI did not have any operations.
On August
8, 2005, we acquired 13.2 million, or 67.7%, of the 19.5 million outstanding
common shares of WPI. In consideration for the shares, we paid $219.9 million
in
cash and received the balance in respect of a portion of the debt of WestPoint
Stevens. Pursuant to the purchase agreement, rights to subscribe for an
additional 10.5 million shares of common stock at a price of $8.772 per share,
or the rights offering, were allocated among former creditors of WestPoint
Stevens. Under the purchase agreement and the Bankruptcy Court order approving
the sale, or the Sale Order, we would receive rights to subscribe for at least
2.5 million of such shares and we agreed to purchase up to an additional 8.0
million shares of common stock to the extent that any rights were not exercised
by other holders of subscription rights. Accordingly, upon completion of the
rights offering and depending upon the extent to which the other holders
exercise certain subscription rights, we would beneficially own between 15.7
million and 23.7 million shares of WPI common stock representing between 52.3%
and 79.0% of the 30.0 million shares that would then be outstanding.
On
December 20, 2006, we acquired (1) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred
Stock of WPI for a purchase price of $100 per share, for an aggregate purchase
price of $100.0 million, and (2) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-2 Preferred
Stock of WPI for a purchase price of $100 per share, for an aggregate purchase
price of $100.0 million. Each of the Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock
has a 4.50% annual dividend rate which is paid quarterly. For the first two
years after issuance, the dividends are to be paid in the form of additional
preferred stock. Thereafter, the dividends are to be paid in cash or in
additional preferred stock at the option of WPI. Each of the Series A-1 and
Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares of WPI at a rate
of
$10.50 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions.
WPI has
its own board of directors and audit committee. We are the only holders of
WPI’s
preferred stock, and, in accordance with its terms, we have the right to elect
six of the ten directors of the WPI board of directors. The WPI board of
directors does not include any of our independent directors.
In
2005,certain of the first lien lenders of WestPoint Stevens appealed portions
of
the Bankruptcy Court’s Sale Order. In connection with that appeal, the
subscription rights distributed to the second lien lenders at closing were
14
placed in escrow. In 2006,
these first lien lenders also filed a complaint in the Delaware Chancery Court
together with the trustee for the first lien lenders, Beal Bank, S.S.O.,
seeking, among other things, an order to “unwind” the issuance of the preferred
stock, or alternatively directing that such preferred stock be held in trust.
We
are vigorously contesting both proceedings. Depending on the implementation
of
any changes to the Sale Order or any action taken by the Delaware Chancery
Court, ownership in WPI may be distributed in a different manner than described
above, we may own less than a majority of WPI’s shares of common stock and our
ownership of the preferred stock may change. Our loss of control of WPI could
adversely affect WPI’s business and the value of our investment. See
Item 1A. Risk Factors and Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
We
consolidated the balance sheet and results of operations of WPI as of December
31, 2006 and 2005 and for the period from the date of acquisition through
December 31, 2006. If we were to own less than 50% of the outstanding common
stock, we would have to evaluate whether we should consolidate WPI and our
financial statements could be materially different than as presented as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and for the periods then ended. See Item 1A.
Risk Factors and Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Business
WPI’s
business consists of manufacturing, sourcing, distributing, marketing and
selling home fashion consumer products. WPI differentiates itself in the $14.0
billion home fashion textile industry based on its nearly 200 year reputation
for providing its customers with (1) the full assortment of home fashion
products, (2) best-in-class customer service, (3) a superior value
proposition and (4) branded and private label products with strong consumer
recognition. WPI markets a broad range of manufactured and sourced bed, bath
and
basic bedding products, including sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads, quilts,
comforters and duvet covers, bath towels, bath rugs, beach towels, shower
curtains, bath accessories, bedskirts, bed pillows, flocked blankets, woven
blankets and throws, and heated blankets and mattress pads. WPI continues to
serve substantially all the former customers of WestPoint Stevens using assets
acquired from WestPoint Stevens and through sourcing activities.
WPI
manufactures and sources its products in a wide assortment of colors and
patterns from a variety of fabrics, including chambray, twill, sateen, flannel
and linen, and from a variety of fibers, including cotton, synthetics and cotton
blends. WPI seeks to position its business as a single-source supplier to
retailers of bed and bath products, offering a broad assortment of products
across multiple price points. WPI believes that product and price point breadth
will allow it to provide a comprehensive product offering for each major
distribution channel.
WPI
operates its business through its corporate office, showroom and design studio
in New York City, office space in Georgia and Alabama, eight manufacturing
facilities in Alabama, Florida, Maine and North Carolina, a chemical plant
in
Alabama, a printing facility in Georgia, a manufacturing facility in Bahrain,
a
manufacturing facility in Pakistan (through a joint venture), ten distribution
centers and warehouses and 32 retail stores.
Strategy
WPI’s
strategy is to lower its cost of goods sold and improve its long-term
profitability by lessening its dependence upon higher-cost domestic sources
of
manufactured products through establishing offshore manufacturing and sourcing
arrangements. This may entail further domestic plant closings in addition to
the
ones already closed. WPI’s offshore sourcing arrangements employ a combination
of owned and operated facilities, joint ventures and long term supply contracts.
In addition, WPI is lowering its general and administrative expense by
consolidating its locations, reducing headcount and applying more stringent
oversight of expense areas where potential savings may be realized. WPI is
also
seeking to increase its revenues by selling more licensed, differentiated and
proprietary products to WPI’s existing customers. WPI believes that it can
improve margins over time through upgraded marketing, selective product
development, enhanced design and improved customer service capabilities.
Beginning
in late 2005, WPI began to identify potentially viable manufacturing and
third-party sourcing opportunities outside of the U.S. In 2006, WPI entered
into
an equity joint venture in Pakistan with Indus Dyeing & Manufacturing Ltd.
This joint venture, Indus Home Ltd., began production in October 2006 of bath
products and is in the process of expanding its existing capacity. In December
2006, WPI acquired bed products manufacturing facilities from Manama Textile
Mills WLL in Bahrain, creating WestPoint Home (Bahrain) WLL. These initiatives
have permitted WPI to replace certain of its higher cost U.S.-based
manufacturing capacity.
15
Brands, Trademarks
and Licenses
WPI
markets its products under trademarks, brand names and private labels. WPI
uses
trademarks, brand names and private labels as merchandising tools to assist
its
customers in coordinating their product offerings and differentiating their
products from those of their competitors.
WPI manufactures
and sells its own branded line of home fashion products consisting of merchandise
bearing trademarks that include Atelier Martex®, Grand Patrician®,
Martex®, Patrician®, Lady Pepperell®, Luxor®, Seduction®,
Utica®, Vellux®, Baby Martex® and Chatham®.
In
addition, some of WPI’s home fashion products are manufactured and sold pursuant
to licensing agreements under designer and brand names that include, among
others, Lauren/Ralph Lauren, Charisma, Rachel Ray, Scooby Doo and Harley
Davidson.
Private
label brands, also known as “store brands,” are controlled by individual retail
customers through use of their own brands or through an exclusive license or
other arrangement with brand owners. Private label brands provide retail
customers with a way to promote consumer loyalty. As the brand is owned and
controlled by WPI’s retail customers and not by WPI, WPI tends to earn smaller
margins and has limited ability to prevent retail customers from discontinuing
doing business with it. As WPI’s customer base has experienced consolidation,
there has been an increasing focus on proprietary branding strategies.
The
percentage of WPI net sales derived from the sale of private label branded
and
from unbranded products for 2006 was approximately 47%. For 2006, the percentage
of WPI net sales derived from sales under brands it owns and controls was 26%,
and the percentage of WPI net sales derived from sales under brands owned by
third parties pursuant to licensing arrangements with WPI was 20%. Sales from
WPI’s stores accounted for approximately 7% of total sales for 2006.
Marketing
WPI
markets its products through leading department stores, mass merchants,
specialty stores, institutional channels and retail stores owned and operated
by
WPI. Through marketing efforts directed towards retailers and institutional
clients, WPI seeks to create products and services in direct response to
recognized consumer trends by focusing on elements such as product design,
product innovation, packaging, store displays and other marketing support.
WPI works
closely with its major customers to assist them in merchandising and promoting
WPI’s products to consumers. In addition, WPI periodically meets with its
customers in an effort to maximize product exposure and sales and to jointly
develop merchandise assortments and plan promotional events specifically
tailored to the customer. WPI provides merchandising assistance with store
layouts, fixture designs, advertising and point-of-sale displays. A national
consumer and trade advertising campaign and comprehensive internet website
have
served to enhance brand recognition. WPI also provides its customers with
suggested customized advertising materials designed to increase product sales.
A
heightened focus on consumer research provides needed products on a continual
basis. WPI distributes finished products directly to retailers. The majority
of
WPI’s remaining sales of home fashion products are through the institutional
channel, which includes hospitality and healthcare establishments, as well
as
laundry supply businesses.
WPI also
sells its and other manufacturer’s products through its retail stores division,
which, at December 31, 2006, consisted of 32 geographically dispersed,
value-priced retail outlets throughout the United States, most of which are
located in factory outlet shopping centers. WestPoint Home retail stores sell
first quality products, overstocks, seconds, discontinued items and other
products.
Competition
The
home fashion industry is highly competitive in terms of price, quality and
service. Future success will, to a large extent, depend on WestPoint’s ability
to be a low-cost producer and to be competitive. WPI competes with both foreign
and domestic companies on, among other factors, the basis of price, quality
and
customer service. In the sheet and towel markets, WPI competes with many
competitors. WPI may also face competition in the future from companies that
are
currently suppliers. Future success depends on the ability to remain competitive
in the areas of marketing, product development, price, quality, brand names,
manufacturing capabilities, distribution and order
16
processing.
Additionally, the easing of trade restrictions over time has led to growing
competition from low priced products imported from Asia and Latin America.
Seasonality and
Cyclicality
The Home
Fashion industry is seasonal, with a peak sales season in the fall. In response
to this seasonality, WPI increases its inventory levels during the first six
months of the year to meet customer demands for the peak fall season. In
addition, the Home Fashion industry is cyclical and performance may be
negatively affected by downturns in consumer spending.
Employees
WPI and
its subsidiaries employed approximately 7,580 employees as of December 31,
2006.
Currently, less than 3% of WPI’s employees are unionized.
We seek
to invest our available cash and cash equivalents in debt and equity securities
with a view to enhancing returns as we continue to assess further acquisitions
of operating businesses. During 2006, we had a net gain on investment activity
of approximately $91.3 million, comprised of approximately $51.9 million in
realized gains and $39.4 million in unrealized gains.
As
of December 31, 2006, 30.4% of our total investments, or $163.7 million, were
managed by an unaffiliated third-party investment manager. These investments
are
predominantly fixed income securities that have an average duration of less
than
one month, and, in total, are managed to have an average S&P credit quality
of above A-. We make these investments to maintain liquidity while achieving
better risk-adjusted returns than could be attained by investing in cash or
cash
equivalents.
We
also may invest in debt, equity and derivative securities that we believe have
the potential for achieving returns significantly in excess of overall market
performance or with the prospect of the issuers of the securities becoming
operating businesses we control. We believe that these securities may have
greater inherent value than indicated by their market price and may present
the
opportunity for “activist” bondholders or shareholders to be catalysts to
realize value. The equity securities in which we may invest may include common
stock, preferred stock and securities convertible into common stock, as well
as
warrants to purchase these securities and equity derivatives. The debt
securities and obligations in which we may invest may include bonds, debentures,
notes, mortgage-related securities and municipal obligations as well as debt
derivatives. Certain of these securities may include lower-rated securities
which may provide the potential for higher yields and therefore may entail
higher risks. In addition, we may engage in various investment techniques,
including short selling, options, futures, foreign currency transactions and
leveraging for hedging or other purposes.
We
conduct our activities in a manner so as not to be deemed an investment company
under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended. Generally, this means
that
we do not intend to invest in securities as our primary business and that no
more than 40% of our total assets will be invested in investment securities
as
such term is defined in the Investment Company Act. In addition, we intend
to
structure our investments so as to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather
than as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules
of
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
Available
Information
Our
annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports
on
Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports are available, without charge, on
our
website, http://www.arep.com/investor.shtml as soon as reasonably practicable
after they are filed electronically with the SEC. Copies are also available,
without charge, by writing American Real Estate Partners, L.P., 767 Fifth
Avenue, Suite 4700, New York, NY 10153, Attention: Investor Relations. Our
website is http://www.arep.com.
Each
of
ACEP, Atlantic Coast and NEGI separately files with the Securities and Exchange
Commission annual, quarterly and current reports that are available to the
public free of charge either from each respective company or at the SEC website
at http://www.sec.gov.
17
Risks Relating to
Our
Structure
Our general partner
and its control person could exercise their influence over us to your
detriment.
Mr. Icahn,
through affiliates, currently owns 100% of API, our general partner, and
approximately 86.5% of our outstanding preferred units and approximately 90.0%
of our outstanding depositary units, and, as a result, has the ability to
influence many aspects of our operations and affairs. API also is the general
partner of AREH.
The
interests of Mr. Icahn, including his interests in entities in which he and
we have invested or may invest in the future, may differ from your interests
as
a unitholder and, as such, he may take actions that may not be in your interest.
For example, if we encounter financial difficulties or are unable to pay our
debts as they mature, Mr. Icahn’s interests might conflict with your
interests.
In
addition, if Mr. Icahn were to sell, or otherwise transfer, some or all of
his interests in us to an unrelated party or group, a change of control could
be
deemed to have occurred under the terms of the indentures governing our notes
which would require us to offer to repurchase all outstanding notes at 101%
of
their principal amount plus accrued and unpaid interest and liquidated damages,
if any, to the date of repurchase. However, it is possible that we will not
have
sufficient funds at the time of the change of control to make the required
repurchase of notes.
We have engaged,
and in the future may engage, in transactions with our
affiliates.
We have
invested and may in the future invest in entities in which Mr. Icahn also
invests. We also have purchased and may in the future purchase entities or
investments from him or his affiliates. Although API has never received fees
in
connection with our investments, our partnership agreement allows for the
payment of these fees. Mr. Icahn may pursue other business opportunities in
industries in which we compete and there is no requirement that any additional
business opportunities be presented to us.
Mr. Icahn
has proposed that we acquire his interests in American Railcar and Philip
Services. American Railcar is a publicly traded company that is primarily
engaged in the business of manufacturing covered hoppers and tank railcars.
Philip Services is an industrial services company that provides industrial
outsourcing, environmental services and metal services to major industry sectors
throughout North America. Two committees, one consisting of two independent
directors and the other of three independent directors of our board, have been
formed to consider the proposals. The committees are in various stages of
reviewing the proposals with counsel and financial advisers. No agreement has
been reached as to price or terms. Each acquisition would be subject to, among
other things, the negotiation, execution and closing of a definitive agreement
and the receipt of a fairness opinion.
We
continuously identify, evaluate and engage in discussions concerning potential
investments and acquisitions, including potential investments in and
acquisitions of affiliates of Mr. Icahn. There cannot be any assurance that
the current proposals or any other potential transactions that we consider
will
be completed.
Certain of our
management are committed to the management of other
businesses.
Certain
of the individuals who conduct the affairs of API, including the chairman of
our
board of directors, Mr. Icahn, our principal executive officer and vice
chairman of the board of directors, Keith A. Meister, and our President, Peter
K. Shea, are, and will be, committed to the management of other businesses
owned
or controlled by Mr. Icahn and his affiliates. Accordingly, these
individuals may focus significant amounts of time and attention on managing
these other businesses. Conflicts may arise between our interests and the other
entities or business activities in which such individuals are involved.
Conflicts of interest may arise in the future as we may compete with such
affiliates for the same assets, purchasers and sellers of assets or
financings.
To service our
indebtedness and pay distributions with respect to our units, we will require
a
significant amount of cash. Our ability to maintain our current cash position
or
generate cash depends on many factors beyond our control.
Our
ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, to pay
distributions with respect to our units and to fund operations will depend
on
existing cash balances and our ability to generate cash in the future. This,
to
a
18
certain extent, is subject
to general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that
are beyond our control.
Our
current businesses and businesses that we acquire may not generate sufficient
cash to service our debt. In addition, we may not generate sufficient cash
flow
from operations or investments and future borrowings may not be available to
us
in an amount sufficient to enable us to service our indebtedness or to fund
our
other liquidity needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our
indebtedness on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able
to
refinance any of our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at
all.
We are a holding
company and will depend on the businesses of our subsidiaries to satisfy our
obligations.
We are
a
holding company. In addition to cash and cash equivalents, U.S. government
and
agency obligations, marketable equity and debt securities and other short-term
investments, our assets consist primarily of investments in our subsidiaries.
Moreover, if we make significant investments in operating businesses, it is
likely that we will reduce the liquid assets at AREP and AREH in order to fund
those investments and the ongoing operations of our subsidiaries. Consequently,
our cash flow and our ability to meet our debt service obligations and make
distributions with respect to depositary units and preferred units likely will
depend on the cash flow of our subsidiaries and the payment of funds to us
by
our subsidiaries in the form of dividends, distributions, loans or
otherwise.
The
operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient to make
distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make
funds available to us, and distributions and intercompany transfers from our
subsidiaries to us may be restricted by applicable law or covenants contained
in
debt agreements and other agreements to which these subsidiaries may be subject
or enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our subsidiaries
or
other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends, distributions
or
loans to us. For example, the notes issued by our indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary, ACEP, contain restrictions on dividends and distributions and loans
to us, as well as on other transactions with us. ACEP also has a credit
agreement which contains financial covenants that have the effect of restricting
dividends or distributions. This agreement precludes our receiving payments
from
the operations of our Gaming properties which account for a significant portion
of our revenues and cash flows. We have credit facilities for WPI and our real
estate development properties which also restrict dividends, distributions
and
other transactions with us. To the degree any distributions and transfers are
impaired or prohibited, our ability to make payments on our debt will be
limited.
We or our
subsidiaries may be able to incur substantially more debt.
We or
our
subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the
future. The terms of our 8.125% senior notes due 2012 and our 7.125% senior
notes due 2013 do not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from doing so. We and
AREH
may incur additional indebtedness if we comply with certain financial tests
contained in the indentures that govern these notes. As of December 31, 2006,
based on these tests, we and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.6
billion of additional indebtedness. Since that date, we issued $500.0 million
principal amount of our 7.125% senior notes due 2013, reducing the amount that
we and AREH could incur based upon this test. If we complete the acquisition
of
Lear and fund the acquisition with borrowings, as we currently contemplate,
under the financial tests contained in the indentures, AREP and AREH will not
be
able to incur additional indebtedness. However, our subsidiaries, other than
AREH, are not subject to any of the covenants contained in the indentures with
respect to our senior notes, including the covenant restricting debt incurrence.
If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries’ current debt levels, the
related risks that we, and they, now face could intensify.
Our failure to
comply with the covenants contained under any of our debt instruments, including
the indentures governing our outstanding notes, including our failure as a
result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default which
would materially and adversely affect our financial
condition.
If there
were an event of default under one of our debt instruments, the holders of
the
defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt
to
be due and payable immediately. In addition, any event of default or declaration
of acceleration under one debt instrument could result in an event of default
under one or more of our other debt instruments. It is possible that, if the
defaulted debt is accelerated, our assets and cash flow may not be sufficient
to
fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt instruments and we cannot
assure you that we would be able to refinance or restructure the payments on
those debt securities.
19
The market for
our
securities may be volatile.
The
market for our equity securities may be subject to disruptions that could cause
substantial volatility in their prices. Any such disruptions may adversely
affect the value of your securities.
We have only
recently made cash distributions to our unitholders, and future distributions,
if any, can be affected by numerous factors.
While
we
made cash distributions with respect to each of the four quarters of 2006 in
the
amount of $0.10 per depositary unit, the payment of future distributions will
be
determined by the board of directors of our general partner quarterly, based
on
a review of a number of factors, including those described below and other
factors that it deems relevant at the time that declaration of a distribution
is
considered. Our ability to pay distributions will depend on numerous factors,
including the availability of adequate cash flow from operations; the proceeds,
if any, from divestitures; our capital requirements and other obligations;
restrictions contained in our financing arrangements, and our issuances of
additional equity and debt securities. The availability of cash flow in the
future depends as well upon events and circumstances outside our control,
including prevailing economic and industry conditions and financial, business
and similar factors. No assurance can be given that we will be able to make
distributions or as to the timing of any distribution. If distributions are
made, there can be no assurance that holders of depositary units may not be
required to recognize taxable income in excess of cash distributions made in
respect of the period in which a distribution is made.
Holders
of our depositary
units have limited voting rights, rights to participate in our management and
control of us.
Our
general partner manages and operates
AREP. Unlike the holders of common stock in a corporation, holders of our
outstanding depositary units have only limited voting rights on matters
affecting our business. Holders of depositary units have no right to elect
the
general partner on an annual or other continuing basis, and our general partner
generally may not be removed except pursuant to the vote of the holders of
not
less than 75% of the outstanding depositary units. In addition, removal of
the
general partner may result in a default under our debt securities. As a result,
holders of depositary units have limited say in matters affecting our operations
and others may find it difficult to attempt to gain control or influence our
activities.
Holders of
depositary units may not have limited liability in certain circumstances and
may
be liable for the return of distributions that cause our liabilities to exceed
our assets.
We
conduct our businesses through AREH in several states. Maintenance of limited
liability will require compliance with legal requirements of those states.
We
are the sole limited partner of AREH. Limitations on the liability of a limited
partner for the obligations of a limited partnership have not clearly been
established in several states. If it were determined that AREH has been
conducting business in any state without compliance with the applicable limited
partnership statute or the possession or exercise of the right by the
partnership, as limited partner of AREH, to remove its general partner, to
approve certain amendments to the AREH partnership agreement or to take other
action pursuant to the AREH partnership agreement, constituted “control” of
AREH’s business for the purposes of the statutes of any relevant state, AREP
and/or unitholders, under certain circumstances, might be held personally liable
for AREH’s obligations to the same extent as our general partner. Further, under
the laws of certain states, AREP might be liable for the amount of distributions
made to AREP by AREH.
Holders
of our depositary units may also have to repay AREP amounts wrongfully
distributed to them. Under Delaware law, we may not make a distribution to
holders of common units if the distribution causes our liabilities to exceed
the
fair value of our assets. Liabilities to partners on account of their
partnership interests and nonrecourse liabilities are not counted for purposes
of determining whether a distribution is permitted. Delaware law provides that
a
limited partner who receives such a distribution and knew at the time of the
distribution that the distribution violated Delaware law will be liable to
the
limited partnership for the distribution amount for three years from the
distribution date.
Additionally,
under Delaware law an assignee who becomes a substituted limited partner of
a
limited partnership is liable for the obligations, if any, of the assignor
to
make contributions to the partnership. However, such an assignee is not
obligated for liabilities unknown to him or her at the time he or she became
a
limited partner if the liabilities could not be determined from the partnership
agreement.
20
We may be subject
to the pension liabilities of our affiliates.
Mr. Icahn,
through certain affiliates, currently owns 100% of API and approximately 90.0%
of our outstanding depositary units and 86.5% of our outstanding preferred
units. Applicable pension and tax laws make each member of a “controlled group”
of entities, generally defined as entities in which there are at least an 80%
common ownership interest, jointly and severally liable for certain pension
plan
obligations of any member of the controlled group. These pension obligations
include ongoing contributions to fund the plan, as well as liability for any
unfunded liabilities that may exist at the time the plan is terminated. In
addition, the failure to pay these pension obligations when due may result
in
the creation of liens in favor of the pension plan or the Pension Benefit
Guaranty Corporation, or the PBGC, against the assets of each member of the
controlled group.
As
a result of the more than 80% ownership interest in us by Mr. Icahn’s
affiliates, we and our subsidiaries are subject to the pension liabilities
of
all entities in which Mr. Icahn has a direct or indirect ownership interest
of at least 80%. One such entity, ACF Industries LLC, is the sponsor of several
pension plans which, as of December 31, 2006, were not underfunded on an ongoing
actuarial basis but would be underfunded by approximately $87.2 million if
those plans were terminated, as most recently reported by the plans’ actuaries.
These liabilities could increase or decrease, depending on a number of factors,
including future changes in promised benefits, investment returns, and the
assumptions used to calculate the liability. As members of the controlled group,
we would be liable for any failure of ACF to make ongoing pension contributions
or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of the ACF pension plans.
In addition, other entities now or in the future within the controlled group
that includes us may have pension plan obligations that are, or may become,
underfunded and we would be liable for any failure of such entities to make
ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a
termination of such plans.
The
current underfunded status of the ACF pension plans requires ACF to notify
the
PBGC of certain “reportable events,” such as if we cease to be a member of the
ACF controlled group, or if we make certain extraordinary dividends or stock
redemptions. The obligation to report could cause us to seek to delay or
reconsider the occurrence of such reportable events.
Starfire
Holding Corporation, which is 100% owned by Mr. Icahn, has undertaken to
indemnify us and our subsidiaries from losses resulting from any imposition
of
certain pension funding or termination liabilities that may be imposed on us
and
our subsidiaries or our assets as a result of being a member of the Icahn
controlled group. The Starfire indemnity (which does not extend to pension
liabilities of our subsidiaries that would be imposed on us as a result of
our
interest in these subsidiaries and not as a result of Mr. Icahn and his
affiliates more than 80% ownership interest in us) provides, among other things,
that so long as such contingent liabilities exist and could be imposed on us,
Starfire will not make any distributions to its stockholders that would reduce
its net worth to below $250.0 million. Nonetheless, Starfire may not be able
to
fund its indemnification obligations to us.
We are subject
to
the risk of possibly becoming an investment company.
Because
we are a holding company and a significant portion of our assets may, from
time
to time, consist of investments in companies in which we own less than a 50%
interest, we run the risk of inadvertently becoming an investment company that
is required to register under the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
Registered investment companies are subject to extensive, restrictive and
potentially adverse regulation relating to, among other things, operating
methods, management, capital structure, dividends and transactions with
affiliates. Registered investment companies are not permitted to operate their
business in the manner in which we operate our business, nor are registered
investment companies permitted to have many of the relationships that we have
with our affiliated companies.
In
order not to become an investment company required to register under the
Investment Company Act, we monitor the value of our investments and structure
transactions with an eye toward the Investment Company Act. As a result, we
may
structure transactions in a less advantageous manner than if we did not have
Investment Company Act concerns, or we may avoid otherwiseeconomically desirable
transactions due to those concerns. In addition, events beyond our control,
including significant appreciation or depreciation in the market value of
certain of our publicly traded holdings or adverse developments with respect
to
our ownership of certain of our subsidiaries, such as our loss of control of
WPI, could result in our inadvertently becoming an investment company. See
Note
20of notes to consolidated financial statements and Item 3. Legal
Proceedings.
If
it were established that we were an investment company, there would be a risk,
among other material adverse consequences, that we could become subject to
monetary penalties or injunctive relief, or both, in an action brought
21
by the
SEC, that we would be unable to enforce contracts with third parties or that
third parties could seek to obtain rescission of transactions with us undertaken
during the period it was established that we were an unregistered investment
company.
We may become
taxable as a corporation.
We
believe that we have been and are properly treated as a partnership for federal
income tax purposes. This allows us to pass through our income and deductions
to
our partners. However, the Internal Revenue Service, or IRS, could challenge
our
partnership status and we could fail to qualify as a partnership for past years
as well as future years. Qualification as a partnership involves the application
of highly technical and complex provisions of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986,
as amended. For example, a publicly traded partnership is generally taxable
as a
corporation unless 90% or more of its gross income is “qualifying” income, which
includes interest, dividends, oil and gas revenues, real property rents, gains
from the sale or other disposition of real property, gain from the sale or
other
disposition of capital assets held for the production of interest or dividends,
and certain other items. We believe that in all prior years of our existence
at
least 90% of our gross income was qualifying income and we intend to structure
our business in a manner such that at least 90% of our gross income will
constitute qualifying income this year and in the future. However, there can
be
no assurance that such structuring will be effective in all events to avoid
the
receipt of more than 10% of non-qualifying income. If less than 90% of our
gross
income constitutes qualifying income, we may be subject to corporate tax on
our
net income, at a Federal rate of up to 35% plus possible state taxes. Further,
if less than 90% of our gross income constituted qualifying income for past
years, we may be subject to corporate level tax plus interest and possibly
penalties. In addition, if we register under the Investment Company Act of
1940,
it is likely that we would be treated as a corporation for U.S. federal income
tax purposes. The cost of paying federal and possibly state income tax, either
for past years or going forward, could be a significant liability and would
reduce our funds available to make distributions to holders of units, and to
make interest and principal payments on our debt securities. To meet the
qualifying income test we may structure transactions in a manner which is less
advantageous than if this were not a consideration, or we avoid otherwise
economically desirable transactions.
Holders of units
may be required to pay tax on their share of our income even if they did not
receive cash distributions from us.
Because
we are treated as a partnership for income tax purposes, holders of units are
generally required to pay federal income tax, and, in some cases, state or
local
income tax, on the portion of our taxable income allocated to them, whether
or
not such income is distributed. Accordingly, it is possible that holder of
units
may not receive cash distributions from us equal to their share of our taxable
income, or even equal to their tax liability on the portion of our income
allocated to them.
If we discover
significant deficiencies in our internal controls over financial reporting
or at
any recently acquired entity, it may adversely affect our ability to provide
timely and reliable financial information and satisfy our reporting obligations
under federal securities laws, which also could affect the market price of
our
depositary units or our ability to remain listed with the New York Stock
Exchange.
Effective
internal and disclosure controls are necessary for us to provide reliable
financial reports and effectively prevent fraud and to operate successfully
as a
public company. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent
fraud, our reputation and operating results would be harmed. As of December
31,
2006, we completed remediation of previously reported significant deficiencies
in internal controls, as defined under interim standards adopted by the Public
Company Accounting Oversight Board, or PCAOB; two at the Holding Company and
one
at a subsidiary. A “significant deficiency” is a control deficiency, or
combination of control deficiencies, that adversely affects a company’s ability
to initiate, authorize, record, process, or report external financial data
reliably in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles such that
there is a more than remote likelihood that a misstatement of a company’s annual
or interim financial statements that is more than inconsequential will not
be
prevented or detected.
To the
extent that any material weakness or significant deficiency exists in our or
our
consolidated subsidiaries internal control over financial reporting, such
material weakness or significant deficiency may adversely affect our ability
to
provide timely and reliable financial information necessary for the conduct
of
our business and satisfaction of our reporting obligations under federal
securities laws, which could affect our ability to remain listed with the New
York Stock Exchange. Ineffective internal and disclosure controls could cause
investors to lose confidence in
22
our reported financial
information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of our
depositary units or the rating of our debt.
Since we are
a
limited partnership, you may not be able to pursue legal claims against us
in
U.S. federal courts.
We are
a
limited partnership organized under the laws of the state of Delaware. Under
the
rules of federal civil procedure, you may not be able to sue us in federal
court
on claims other than those based solely on federal law, because of lack of
complete diversity. Case law applying diversity jurisdiction deems us to have
the citizenship of each of our limited partners. Because we are a publicly
traded limited partnership, it may not be possible for you to attempt to sue
us
in a federal court because we have citizenship in all 50 U.S. states and
operations in many states. Accordingly, you will be limited to bring any claims
in state court. Furthermore, AREP Finance, our corporate co-issuer for the
notes, has only nominal assets and no operations. While you may be able to
sue
the corporate co., issuer in a federal court, you are not likely to be able
to
realize on any judgment rendered against it.
Our failure to
comply with the covenants contained under one of our debt instruments or the
indenture governing the notes, including our failure as a result of events
beyond our control, could result in an event of default which would materially
and adversely affect our financial condition.
If there
were an event of default under one of our debt instruments, the holders of
the
defaulted debt could cause all amounts outstanding with respect to that debt
to
be due and payable immediately. In addition, any event of default or declaration
of acceleration under one debt instrument could result in an event of default
under one or more of our other debt instruments, including the notes. It is
possible that, if the defaulted debt is accelerated, our assets and cash flow
may not be sufficient to fully repay borrowings under our outstanding debt
instruments and we cannot assure you that we would be able to refinance or
restructure the payments on those debt securities.
To service our
indebtedness, we will require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to
maintain our current cash position or generate cash depends on many factors
beyond our control.
Our
ability to make payments on and to refinance our indebtedness, including the
notes, and to fund operations will depend on existing cash balances and our
ability to generate cash in the future. This, to a certain extent, is subject
to
general economic, financial, competitive, regulatory and other factors that
are
beyond our control.
The
businesses or assets we currently operate or may acquire may not generate
sufficient cash to service our debt, including the notes. In addition, we may
not generate sufficient cash flow from operations or investments and future
borrowings may not be available to us in an amount sufficient to enable us
to
service our indebtedness, including the notes, or to fund our other liquidity
needs. We may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness, including
the notes, on or before maturity. We cannot assure you that we will be able
to
refinance any of our indebtedness, including the notes, on commercially
reasonable terms or at all.
Risks Related to
our
Businesses
General
In
addition to the following risk factors specific to each of our businesses,
all
of our businesses are subject to the effects of the following:
·
the
continued threat of
terrorism;
·
economic
downturn;
·
loss
of any of our or our subsidiaries key
personnel;
·
the
unavailability, as needed, of
additional financing; and
·
the
unavailability of insurance at
acceptable rates.
Our acquisition
of
Lear Corporation will require a significant investment or may not be
successfully completed.
On
February 9, 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger, pursuant
to
which we would acquire Lear, a publicly traded company that provides automotive
interior systems worldwide for aggregate consideration of
23
approximately
$5.2 billion including the assumption of debt. If we complete the acquisition
of
Lear, it would require a significant investment by us, including approximately
$1.4 billion in cash. Under the financial tests contained in the indentures
that
govern our notes due 2012 and 2013, AREP and AREH will not be able to incur
additional indebtedness as a result of borrowings to finance the Lear
acquisition, which may limit our flexibility in entering into future financing
arrangements, including those to support our existing businesses or to acquire
new businesses. Lear also has significant pension and related liabilities for
which we could become liable as a member of a controlled group of
entities.
Our
agreement with Lear permits Lear to solicit proposals from other potential
purchasers for 45 days after the signing of the agreement and to respond to
offers after that date and until Lear’s stockholders approve the transaction
with us. We cannot assure you that we will be able to complete the transaction
or that the completion of the transaction will be for the consideration
described above.
Furthermore,
the proposed transaction is subject to additional risks and uncertainties,
including, but not limited to, the satisfaction of conditions to closing, which
requires Lear stockholder approval and U.S. and foreign antitrust approval.
If
we were to complete the acquisition, Lear's business and operations would be
subject to various risks, including the uncertainty of its financial performance
following completion of the proposed transaction; general conditions affecting
the automotive industry, particularly in the United States, and general domestic
and international market conditions.
In
addition, we have been named as a co-defendant in actions brought on behalf
of
Lear stockholders that, among other things, allege that the purchase price
is
unfair to Lear stockholders and seek to enjoin the transaction. See Item 3.
Legal Proceedings.
Gaming
The gaming industry
is highly regulated. The gaming authorities and state and municipal licensing
authorities have significant control over our operations.
Our
properties currently conduct licensed gaming operations in Nevada. Various
regulatory authorities, including the Nevada State Gaming Control Board and
the
Nevada Gaining Commission, require our properties to hold various licenses
and
registrations, findings of suitability, permits and approvals to engage in
gaming operations and to meet requirements of suitability. These gaming
authorities also control approval of ownership interests in gaming operations.
These gaming authorities may deny, limit, condition, suspend or revoke our
gaming licenses, registrations, findings of suitability or the approval of
any
of our ownership interests in any of or licensed gaming operations any of which
could have a significant adverse effect on our business, financial condition
and
results of operations, for any cause they may deem reasonable. If we violate
gaming laws or regulations that are applicable to us, we may have to pay
substantial fines or forfeit assets. If, in the future, we operate or have
an
ownership interest in casino gaming facilities located outside of Nevada, we
may
also be subject to the gaming laws and regulations of those other
jurisdictions.
The
sale of alcoholic beverages at our Gaming properties is subject to licensing
and
regulation by local authorities. Any limitation, condition, suspension or
revocation of any such license, and any disciplinary action may, and revocation
would, reduce the number of visitors to our casinos to the extent the
availability of alcoholic beverages is important to them. Any reduction in
our
number of visitors will reduce our revenue and cash flow.
Rising operating
costs for our gaming properties could have a negative impact on our
profitability.
The
operating expenses associated with our gaming properties could increase due
to
some of the following factors:
·
our
properties use significant amounts of
electricity, natural gas and other forms of energy, and energy price increases
may reduce our profitability;
·
our
properties use significant amounts of
water and a water shortage may adversely affect our operations;
·
some
of our employees are covered by
collective bargaining agreements and we may incur higher costs or work
slow-downs or stoppages due to union activities; and
·
our
reliance on slot machine revenues and
the concentration of manufacturing of slot machines in certain companies could
impose additional costs on us.
24
We face substantial
competition in the gaming industry.
The
gaming industry in general, and the markets in which we compete in particular,
are highly competitive:
·
we
compete with many world-class
destination resorts with greater name recognition, different attractions,
amenities and entertainment options;
·
we
compete with the continued growth of
gaming on Native American tribal lands;
·
the
existence of legalized gambling in
other jurisdictions may reduce the number of visitors to our
properties;
·
certain
states have legalized, and others
may legalize, casino gaming in specific venues, including race tracks and/or
in
specific areas, including metropolitan areas from which we traditionally attract
customers; and
·
our
properties also compete, and will in
the future compete, with all forms of legalized gambling.
Many
of
our competitors have greater financial, selling and marketing, technical and
other resources than we do. We may not be able to compete effectively with
our
competitors and we may lose market share, which could reduce our revenue and
cash flow.
We cannot guarantee
that we will be able to recover our investment made in connection with the
acquisition of the Aquarius.
On May
19, 2006, our wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP Laughlin, acquired the Aquarius
from
affiliates of Harrah’s for approximately $113.6 million, including working
capital.
We
currently plan to spend approximately $40.0 million through 2008 to refurbish
rooms, upgrade amenities and acquire new gaming equipment for the Aquarius.
Acquisitions generally involve significant risks, including difficulties in
the
assimilation of the operations, services and corporate culture of the acquired
company.
Net
revenues and operating income for the Aquarius from its acquisition in May
2006
through December 31, 2006 have decreased from the same period in 2005, when
it
was operated as a division of Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., primarily due to
disruptions to the gaming floor related to construction, upgrading of facilities
and the implementation of new marketing programs intended to change the
Aquarius’ customer mix. The casino construction program was substantially
completed in 2006. We plan to refurbish rooms in 2007 and 2008.
There
can
be no assurance that this acquisition will be profitable or that we will be
able
to recover our investments.
Operating results
for our Gaming segment have been adversely affected by a number of factors
that
have affected and may continue to affect results.
Net
income for our Gaming segment for the year ended December 31, 2006 decreased
from the year ended December 31, 2005. We attribute this decrease to a number
of
factors, including, but not limited to, increased gas prices, which affect
traffic to Las Vegas and Laughlin, disruption from construction at the
Stratosphere, the Aquarius and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, the entrance of a new
competitor in the market served by Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and decreased net
revenues and operating income at the Aquarius. These factors have affected
and
may continue to affect our gaming segment’s operating results.
Real Estate
Operations
Our investment
in
property development may be more costly than anticipated.
We have
invested and expect to continue to invest in unentitled land, undeveloped land
and distressed development properties. These properties involve more risk than
properties on which development has been completed. Unentitled land may not
be
approved for development. These investments do not generate any operating
revenue, while costs are incurred to obtain government approvals and develop
the
properties. Construction may not be completed within budget or as scheduled
and
projected rental levels or sales prices may not be achieved and other
25
unpredictable contingencies
beyond our control could occur. We will not be able to recoup any of such costs
until such time as these properties, or parcels thereof, are either disposed
of
or developed into income producing assets.
We may be subject
to environmental liability as an owner or operator of development and rental
real estate.
Under
various federal, state and local laws, ordinances and regulations, an owner
or
operator of real property may become liable for the costs of removal or
remediation of certain hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants
released on, under, in or from its property. These laws often impose liability
without regard to whether the owner or operator knew of, or was responsible
for,
the release of such substances. To the extent any such substances are found
in
or on any property invested in by us, we could be exposed to liability and
be
required to incur substantial remediation costs. The presence of such substances
or the failure to undertake proper remediation may adversely affect the ability
to finance, refinance or dispose of such property. We generally conduct a Phase
I environmental site assessment on properties in which we are considering
investing. A Phase I environmental site assessment involves record review,
visual site assessment and personnel interviews, but does not typically include
invasive testing procedures such as air, soil or groundwater sampling or other
tests performed as part of a Phase II environmental site assessment.
Accordingly, there can be no assurance that these assessments will disclose
all
potential liabilities or that future property uses or conditions or changes
in
applicable environmental laws and regulations or activities at nearby properties
will not result in the creation of environmental liabilities with respect to
a
property.
Home Fashion
Operations
Pending bankruptcy
proceedings may result in our ownership of WPI’s common stock being reduced to
less than 50%. A legal action in Delaware challenges our ownership of the
preferred stock of WPI. Uncertainties arising from these proceedings may
adversely affect WPI’s operations and prospects and the value of our investment
in it.
We
currently own approximately 67.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock
and
100% of the preferred stock of WPI. As a result of the decision of the U.S.
District Court for the Southern District of New York reversing certain
provisions of the Bankruptcy Court order pursuant to which we acquired our
ownership of a majority of the common stock of WPI, the proceedings in the
Bankruptcy Court on remand, and the proceedings in the Delaware action, our
percentage of the outstanding shares of common stock of WPI could be reduced
to
less than 50% and perhaps substantially less and our ownership of the preferred
stock of WPI could also be affected. If we were to lose control of WPI, it
could
adversely affect the business and prospects of WPI and the value of our
investment in it. In addition, we consolidated the balance sheet of WPI as
of
December 31, 2006 and 2005 and WPI’s results of operations for the period from
the date of acquisition through December 31, 2006. If we were to own less than
50% of the outstanding common stock or the challenge to our preferred stock
ownership is successful, we would have to evaluate whether we should consolidate
WPI and if so our financial statements could be materially different than as
presented as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and for the periods
then
ended. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
WPI acquired
its
business from the former owners through bankruptcy proceedings. We cannot assure
you that it will be able to operate profitably.
WPI
acquired the assets of WestPoint Stevens as part of its bankruptcy proceedings.
Certain of the issues that contributed to WestPoint Stevens’ filing for
bankruptcy, such as intense industry competition, the inability to produce
goods
at a cost competitive with overseas suppliers, the increasing prevalence of
direct sourcing by principal customers and continued incurrence of overhead
costs associated with an enterprise larger than the current business can
profitably support, continue to exist and may continue to affect WPI’s business
operations and financial condition adversely. In addition, during the protracted
bankruptcy proceedings of WestPoint Stevens, several of its customers reduced
the volume of business done with WestPoint Stevens. We have installed new
management to address these issues, but we cannot assure you that new management
will be effective.
WPI
operated at a loss during 2006 and we expect that WPI will continue to operate
at a loss during 2007. We cannot assure you that it will be able to operate
profitably in the future.
26
The loss of any
of
WPI’s large customers could have an adverse effect on WPI’s
business.
During
2006 and 2005, WPI’s six largest customers accounted for approximately 50% and
51%, respectively, of its net sales (including net sales by WestPoint Stevens).
Other retailers have indicated that they intend to significantly increase their
direct sourcing of home fashion products from foreign sources. The loss of
any
of WPI’s largest accounts, or a material portion of sales to those accounts,
would have an adverse effect upon its business, which could be material.
A portion of
WPI’s
sales are derived from licensed designer brands. The loss of a significant
license could have an adverse effect on WPI’s business.
A portion
of WPI’s sales is derived from licensed designer brands. The license agreements
for WPI’s designer brands generally are for a term of two or three years. Some
of the licenses are automatically renewable for additional periods, provided
that sales thresholds set forth in the license agreements are met. The loss
of a
significant license could have an adverse effect upon WPI’s business, which
effect could be material. Under certain circumstances, these licenses can be
terminated without WPI’s consent due to circumstances beyond WPI’s
control.
A shortage of
the
principal raw materials WPI uses to manufacture its products could force WPI
to
pay more for those materials and, possibly, cause WPI to increase its prices,
which could have an adverse effect on WPI’s operations.
Any
shortage in the raw materials WPI uses to manufacture its products could
adversely affect its operations. The principal raw materials that WPI uses
in
the manufacture of its products are cotton of various grades and staple lengths
and polyester and nylon in staple and filament form. Since cotton is an
agricultural product, its supply and quality are subject to weather patterns,
disease and other factors. The price of cotton is also influenced by supply
and
demand considerations, both domestically and worldwide, and by the cost of
polyester. Although WPI has been able to acquire sufficient quantities of cotton
for its operations in the past, any shortage in the cotton supply by reason
of
weather patterns, disease or other factors, or a significant increase in the
price of cotton, could adversely affect its operations. The price of man-made
fibers, such as polyester and nylon, is influenced by demand, manufacturing
capacity and costs, petroleum prices, cotton prices and the cost of polymers
used in producing these fibers. In particular, the effect of increased energy
prices may have a direct impact upon the cost of dye and chemicals, polyester
and other synthetic fibers. Any significant prolonged petrochemical shortages
could significantly affect the availability of man-made fibers and could cause
a
substantial increase in demand for cotton. This could result in decreased
availability of cotton and possibly increased prices and could adversely affect
WPI’s operations.
The home fashion
industry is highly competitive and WPI’s success depends on WPI’s ability to
compete effectively in the market.
The home
fashion industry is highly competitive. WPI’s future success will, to a large
extent, depend on its ability to remain a low-cost producer and to remain
competitive. WPI competes with both foreign and domestic companies on, among
other factors, the basis of price, quality and customer service. In the home
fashion market, WPI competes with many companies. WPI’s future success depends
on its ability to remain competitive in the areas of marketing, product
development, price, quality, brand names, manufacturing capabilities,
distribution and order processing. We cannot assure you of WPI’s ability to
compete effectively in any of these areas. Any failure to compete effectively
could adversely affect WPI’s sales and, accordingly, its operations.
Additionally, the easing of trade restrictions over time has led to growing
competition from low priced products imported from Asia and Latin America.
The
lifting of import quotas in 2005 has accelerated the loss of WPI’s market share.
There can be no assurance that the foreign competition will not grow to a level
that could have an adverse effect upon WPI’s ability to compete
effectively.
WPI intends to
increase the percentage of its products that are made overseas. There is no
assurance that WPI will be successful in obtaining goods of sufficient quality
on a timely basis and on advantageous terms. WPI will be subject to additional
risks relating to doing business overseas.
WPI
intends to increase the percentage of its products that are made overseas and
may face additional risks associated with these efforts. Adverse factors that
WPI may encounter include:
·
logistical
challenges caused by
distance;
27
·
language
and cultural
differences;
·
legal
and regulatory
restrictions;
·
the
difficulty of enforcing agreements with
overseas suppliers;
·
currency
exchange rate
fluctuations;
·
political
and economic instability;
and
·
potential
adverse tax
consequences.
There has been
consolidation of retailers of WPI’s products that may reduce its
profitability.
Retailers
of consumer goods have become fewer and more powerful over time. As buying
power
has become more concentrated, pricing pressure on vendors has grown. With the
ability to buy imported products directly from foreign sources, retailers’
pricing leverage has increased and also allowed for growth in private label
brands that displace and compete with WPI proprietary brands. Retailers’ pricing
leverage has resulted in a decline in WPI’s unit pricing and margins and
resulted in a shift in product mix to more private label programs. If WPI is
unable to diminish the decline in its pricing and margins, it may not be able
to
achieve or maintain profitability.
WPI is subject
to
various federal, state and local environmental and health and safety laws and
regulations. If it does not comply with these regulations, it may incur
significant costs in the future to become compliant.
WPI is
subject to various federal, state and local laws and regulations governing,
among other things, the discharge, storage, handling, usage and disposal of
a
variety of hazardous and non-hazardous substances and wastes used in, or
resulting from, its operations, including potential remediation obligations
under those laws and regulations. WPI’s operations are also governed by federal,
state and local laws and regulations relating to employee safety and health
which, among other things, establish exposure limitations for cotton dust,
formaldehyde, asbestos and noise, and which regulate chemical, physical and
ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Consumer product safety laws, regulations
and standards at the federal and state level govern the manufacture and sale
of
products by WPI. Although WPI does not expect that compliance with any of these
laws and regulations will adversely affect its operations, we cannot assure
you
that regulatory requirements will not become more stringent in the future or
that WPI will not incur significant costs to comply with those
requirements.
Investments
We may not be
able
to identify suitable investments, and our investments may not result in
favorable returns or mayresult in
losses.
Our
partnership agreement allows us to take advantage of investment opportunities
we
believe exist outside of our operating businesses. The equity securities in
which we may invest may include common stocks, preferred stocks and securities
convertible into common stocks, as well as warrants to purchase these
securities. The debt securities in which we may invest may include bonds,
debentures, notes, or non-rated mortgage-related securities, municipal
obligations, bank debt and mezzanine loans. Certain of these securities may
include lower rated or non-rated securities which may provide the potential
for
higher yields and therefore may entail higher risk and may include the
securities of bankrupt or distressed companies. In addition, we may engage
in
various investment techniques, including derivatives, options and futures
transactions, foreign currency transactions, “short” sales and leveraging for
either hedging or other purposes. We may concentrate our activities by owning
a
significant or controlling interest in certain investments. We may not be
successful in finding suitable opportunities to invest our cash and our strategy
of investing in undervalued assets may expose us to numerous risks.
Our investments
may
be subject to significant uncertainties.
Our
investments may not be successful for many reasons including, but not limited
to:
·
fluctuation
of interest rates;
·
lack
of control in minority
investments;
·
worsening
of general economic and market
conditions;
28
·
lack
of diversification;
·
fluctuation
of U.S. dollar exchange rates;
and
·
adverse
legal and regulatory developments
that may affect particular businesses.
There
are
no unresolved SEC staff comments.
Gaming
Las Vegas
We
own and operate the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower, located in Las Vegas,
Nevada, which is centered around the Stratosphere Tower, the tallest
free-standing observation tower in the United States. The hotel and
entertainment facility is located on 34 acres, has 2,444 rooms and suites,
an
80,000 square foot casino and related amenities.
We
own Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder. Arizona Charlie’s
Decatur is located on 17 acres, has 258 hotel rooms and a 52,000 square
foot casino and related amenities. Arizona Charlie’s Boulder is located on 24
acres, has 303 hotel rooms and a 47,000 square foot casino and related
amenities.
Laughlin
The
Aquarius owns approximately 18 acres located next to the Colorado River in
Laughlin, Nevada and is a tourist-oriented gaming and entertainment destination
property. The Aquarius features the largest hotel in Laughlin with 1,907 hotel
rooms, a 57,000 square foot casino, seven dining options, 2,420 parking spaces,
over 35,000 square feet of meeting space and a 3,300-seat outdoor
amphitheater.
Real
Estate
Rental Real
Estate
As of
December 31, 2006, we owned 37 separate real estate properties, excluding our
real estate development, hotel and resort operations, hotel and casino
operations and properties related to our home fashion operations. These
primarily consist of fee and leasehold interests in 19 states. Most of these
properties are net-leased to single corporate tenants. Approximately 89% of
these properties are currently net-leased, 3% are operating properties and
8%
are vacant.
Real Estate
Development
We own,
primarily through our subsidiary, Bayswater Development LLC, residential
development properties. Bayswater, a real estate investment, management and
development company, focuses primarily on the construction and sale of
single-family houses, multi-family homes and lots in subdivisions and planned
communities and raw land for residential development.
Our New
Seabury Resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts, includes land for future residential
and commercial development. We developed and sold 37 homes and are continuing
construction and sales on the additional phases of our approximately 457-unit
residential development.
We own
the waterfront communities of Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor in Vero Beach,
Florida. These communities include properties in various stages of development.
We also own 400 acres of developable land adjacent to Grand Harbor.
We also
own and are developing residential communities in Westchester County, New York
and Naples, Florida.
29
Hotel and Resort
Operations
We own
the New Seabury resort in Cape Cod, Massachusetts. The resort is comprised
of a
golf club, with two championship golf courses, the Popponesset Inn, a private
beach club, a fitness center and a tennis facility.
We also
own three golf courses, a tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and
clubhouses and an assisted living facility located adjacent to the Intercoastal
Waterway in Vero Beach, Florida.
Home
Fashion
WPI’s
properties are indirectly owned or leased through its subsidiaries. Its
properties include approximately 86,600 square feet of office, showroom and
design space in New York, New York. WPI leases approximately 33,000 square
feet
elsewhere for other administrative, storage and office space. WPI owns and
utilizes eight manufacturing facilities located in Alabama, Florida, Maine
and
North Carolina which contain, in the aggregate, approximately 3.1 million square
feet. WPI leases and utilizes three manufacturing facilities which contain,
in
the aggregate, approximately 378,000 square feet. In 2006, WPI closed its
Calhoun Falls, SC; Clemson Complex, SC; Lanett, AL; Opelika Greige, AL and
Scotland Greige facilities. These closures brought the number of operating
manufacturing facilities to eight.
WPI also
owns a chemical plant in Opelika, Alabama containing approximately 43,000 square
feet of floor space and operates a fleet of tractors and trailers from a
company-owned transportation center in Valley, Alabama containing approximately
25,000 square feet of floor space. In addition, WPI owns a printing facility
in
West Point, Georgia consisting of approximately 38,000 square feet at which
product packaging and labeling are printed.
In
December 2006, WPI purchased a manufacturing facility in Bahrain containing
approximately 764,000 square feet. The facility is located on land leased from
the Kingdom of Bahrain under various long-term leases.
WPI owns
and operates ten distribution centers and warehouses for its operations which
contain, in the aggregate, approximately three million square feet of floor
space and leases and operates three distribution outlets and warehouses
containing approximately 500,000 square feet of floor space. In addition, WPI
owns two retail outlet stores and leases 29 other retail stores which range
in
size from approximately 9,000 square feet to approximately 38,000 square
feet.
We are
from time to time parties to various legal proceedings arising out of our
businesses. We believe however, that other than the proceedings discussed below,
there are no proceedings pending or threatened against us which, if determined
adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Lear
Corporation
We have
been named as a defendant in various actions recently filed in connection with
our agreement and plan of merger to acquire Lear Corporation. The following
actions have been filed in the Court of Chancery of State of Delaware, New
Castle County: Market Street Securities, Inc. v. Rossiter, et al.; Harry
Massie, Jr. v. Lear Corporation, et al.; and Classic Fund Management AG v.
Lear
Corporation, et al. These actions are purported class actions filed on
behalf of stockholders of Lear and have been consolidated into a single action
that names as defendants Lear, us and certain of our affiliates and one of
our
directors who serves on the board of Lear, alleging generally that we and our
named affiliates aided and abetted the Lear directors’ claimed breaches of their
fiduciary duties to the stockholders of Lear. On February 23, 2007, the
plaintiffs in the consolidated Delaware action filed a consolidated amended
complaint, a motion for expedited proceedings and a motion to preliminarily
enjoin our proposed merger with Lear. The Delaware Court of Chancery has stated
that it will hear the parties on March 27, 2007 to determine whether a motion
for a preliminary injunction should be scheduled.
The
following actions have been filed in the Circuit Court for Oakland County,
Michigan: Louis Carulli v. Lear Corp et al.; Emilio Valentine v. Lear Corp et
al.; and Jeanette Ciambella v. Lear Corp. et al. These actions are
also purported class actions on behalf of stockholders of Lear that assert
claims against us, and one of our directors who
30
also serves on the board
of
Lear. The allegations in these actions are generally similar to those asserted
in the Delaware lawsuits.
On March
1, 2007, we and two of our directors were named as defendants in a purported
class action lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in Detroit,
Michigan as a purported class action on behalf of participants in certain of
Lear’s stock option plans, alleging that members of Lear's board of directors
breached their fiduciary duties to the employees as owners of shares of the
stock of Lear and that the transaction violates the Employment Retirement Income
Security Act.
We intend
to vigorously defend against these claims.
WPI
Litigation
In
November and December 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of
New York rendered a decision in Contrarian Funds Inc. v. WestPoint Stevens,
Inc. et al., and issued orders reversing certain provisions of the
Bankruptcy Court order, or the Sale Order, pursuant to which we acquired our
ownership of a majority of the common stock of WPI. WPI acquired substantially
all of the assets of WestPoint Stevens, Inc. On April 13, 2006, the Bankruptcy
Court entered a remand order, or the Remand Order, which provides, among other
things, that all of the shares of common stock and rights to acquire shares
of
common stock of WPI issued to us and the other first lien lenders or held in
escrow pursuant to the Sale Order constituted “replacement collateral”, other
than 5,250,000 shares of common stock that we acquired for cash. The 5,250,000
shares represent approximately 27% of the 19,498,389 shares of common stock
of
WPI now outstanding. According to the Remand Order, we would share pro rata
with the other first lien lenders in proceeds realized from the disposition
of the replacement collateral and, to the extent there is remaining replacement
collateral after satisfying first lien lender claims, we would share pro rata
with the other second lien lenders in any further proceeds. We were
holders
of approximately 39.99% of the outstanding first lien debt and approximately
51.21% of the outstanding second lien debt. On April 13, 2006, the Bankruptcy
Court also entered an order staying the Remand Order pending appeal. The parties
filed cross-appeals of the Remand Order and Contrarian Funds and certain other
first lien lenders, or the Contrarian Group, filed a motion to lift the stay
of
the Remand Order pending appeal. Oral argument was held in the District Court
on
October 19, 2006. As of the date hereof, no decision has been issued.
On
December 11, 2006, the Contrarian Group filed a motion in the District Court
seeking a temporary restraining order, or the NY TRO, restraining WPI from
proceeding with a stockholders’ meeting scheduled for December 20, 2006, which
was to consider corporate actions relating to a proposed offering of $200
million of preferred stock of WPI, and for related relief. The District Court
held a hearing on December 15, 2006, at which it entered an order denying the
Contrarian Group’s application for the NY TRO.
On
December 18, 2006, the Contrarian Group filed an action in the Court of Chancery
of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, Contrarian Funds, LLC, et al v.
WestPoint International Inc., et al., seeking, among other things, a
temporary order restraining the stockholders’ meeting and the preferred stock
offering. The application was denied by order dated December 19, 2006. The
stockholders’ meeting took place on December 20, 2006, the preferred stock
offering was approved, and other corporate actions were taken. We purchased
all
of the $200.0 million of preferred stock.
On
January 19, 2007, Beal Bank and the Contrarian Group filed an Amended
Complaint, captioned Beal Bank, S.S.B. et al v. WestPoint International,
Inc., et al. Plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an order declaring that
WPI is obliged to register the common stock (other than the 5,250,000 shares
purchased by us) in Beal Bank’s name, an order declaring certain corporate
governance changes implemented in 2005 invalid, an order declaring invalid
the
actions taken at the December 20, 2006 stockholders’ meeting and an order to
“unwind” the issuance of the preferred stock, or, alternatively, directing that
such preferred stock be held in trust. The Delaware action remains pending
and
we intend to vigorously defend against such claims.
We
currently own 67.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock of WPI. As a
result of the District Court’s order in the Bankruptcy case and the proceedings
on remand, our percentage of the outstanding shares of common stock of WPI
could
be reduced to less than 50% and perhaps substantially less. However, neither
the
District Court order nor the proceedings on remand, involves our ownership
of
the Series A-1 Preferred Stock or the Series A-2 Preferred Stock. Each series
of
Preferred Stock is entitled to elect three of the ten directors of WPI’s Board
and, as a result of our ownership of the Preferred Stock, we could continue
to
elect a majority of the Board. In addition, each
31
of the
Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into
common shares of WPI at a rate of $10.50 per share, subject to certain
anti-dilution provisions, or 19,047,619 shares. If we were to convert all of
our
shares of preferred stock into common shares, we would continue to own more
than
a majority of the shares of common stock, based on the number of shares
currently outstanding, including 5,250,000 shares of common stock that we
acquired for cash and which are not subject to the District Court’s order, even
if we were to lose ownership of all other shares of common stock as a result
of
the District Court order.
If
the proceedings in the Bankruptcy Court and in the Delaware action are both
adverse to us, our percentage of the outstanding shares of common stock of
WPI
could be reduced to less than 50%. If we were to lose control of WPI, it could
adversely affect the business and prospects of WPI and the value of our
investment in it. In addition, we consolidated the balance sheet of WPI as
of
December 31, 2006 and WPI’s results of operations for the period from the date
of acquisition through December 31, 2006. If we were to own less than 50%
of the outstanding common stock or the challenge to our preferred stock
ownership is successful, we would have to evaluate whether we should consolidate
WPI and if so our financial statements could be materially different than as
presented as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and for the periods
then
ended.
We cannot
predict the outcome of these proceedings or the ultimate impact on our
investment in WPI or the business prospects of WPI.
GBH
On
September 29, 2005, GBH filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. As a result of this filing, we determined
that we no longer control GBH for accounting purposes, and deconsolidated our
investment in GBH effective September 30, 2005.
An
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, or the Committee, of GBH, was formed
and on October 13, 2006, was granted standing by the Bankruptcy Court to
commence litigation in the name of GBH against us, ACE, Atlantic Coast and
other
entities affiliated with Carl C. Icahn, as well as the directors of GBH. The
Committee challenged the transaction in July 2004 that, among other things,
resulted in the transfer of The Sands to ACE, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Atlantic Coast, the exchange by certain holders of GBH’s 11% notes for Atlantic
Coast 3% senior secured convertible notes due 2008, or the 3% notes, the
issuance to the holders of GBH’s common stock of warrants allowing the holders
to purchase shares of Atlantic Coast common stock and, ultimately, our ownership
of approximately 67.6% of the outstanding shares of Atlantic Coast common stock
and ownership by GBH of approximately 30.7% of such stock. We also maintained
ownership of approximately 77.5% of the outstanding shares of GBH common stock.
The Committee originally filed an objection to the allowance of our claims
against GBH. The Bankruptcy Court placed the consideration of the Committee’s
Proposed Plan of Liquidation and Disclosure Statement in abeyance until the
resolution of the proposed litigation.
Additionally,
on September 2, 2005, Robino Stortini Holdings, LLC, or RSH, which claimed
to
own beneficially 1,652,590 shares of common stock of GBH, filed a complaint
in
the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against GBH and its Board of
Directors seeking appointment of a custodian and receiver for GBH and a
declaration that the director defendants breached their fiduciary duties.
During
the fourth quarter of 2006, we and other entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn
entered into a term sheet with the Committee, GBH and RSH which outlined the
resolution of claims relating to the July 2004 transactions. The provisions
of
the term sheet were incorporated in the Committee’s Eighth Modified Chapter 11
Plan of Liquidation of GBH. On January 30, 2007, the Bankruptcy Court approved
the plan. On February 22, 2007, in accordance with the plan, we acquired
(1) all of the Atlantic Coast common stock owned by GBH for a cash payment
of approximately $52.0 million and in satisfaction of all claims arising under
the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, between GBH and
us
and (2) all of the warrants to acquire Atlantic Coast common stock and the
Atlantic Coast common stock owned by RSH for a cash payment of $3.7 million.
As
a result, Atlantic Coast is our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary. In accordance
with the plan, GBH used the $52.0 million to pay amounts owed to its creditors,
including the holders of GBH’s 11% notes and holders of administrative claims,
and to establish an approximate $330,000 fund to be distributed pro rata
to holders of equity interests in GBH other than us and other Icahn affiliated
entities. In addition, we and other Icahn affiliated entities received releases
of all direct and derivative claims that could be asserted by GBH, its creditors
and stockholders, including RSH. All claims relating to GBH asserted by its
creditors and RSH have now been resolved.
No
matters were submitted to our security holders during the fourth quarter of
2006.
32
PART II
Item 5. Market
for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Security Holder Matters and Issuer
Purchases of Equity Securities.
Our
depositary units are traded on the New York Stock Exchange, or NYSE, under
the
symbol “ACP.” The range of high and low sales prices for the depositary units on
the New York Stock Exchange Composite Tape (as reported by The Wall Street
Journal) for each quarter from January 1, 2005 through December 31, 2006 is
as follows:
Quarter
Ended:
|
High
|
Low
|
Dividends per
Depositary Unit |
|||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
March 31,
2005
|
$
|
30.78
|
$
|
25.40
|
|
$
|
—
|
|||
June 30,
2005
|
29.35
|
26.60
|
—
|
|||||||
September 30,
2005
|
39.74
|
28.20
|
0.10
|
|||||||
December 31,
2005
|
39.30
|
28.70
|
0.10
|
|||||||
March 31,
2006
|
47.37
|
33.54
|
0.10
|
|||||||
June 30,
2006
|
47.60
|
35.25
|
0.10
|
|||||||
September 30,
2006
|
54.50
|
40.50
|
0.10
|
|||||||
December 31,
2006
|
87.98
|
53.40
|
0.10
|
As of
December 31, 2006, there were approximately 8,800 record holders of the
depositary units.
There
were no repurchases of our depositary units during 2005 or 2006.
Distributions
Distribution
Policy
and Quarterly Distribution
During
2006, we paid four quarterly distributions to holders of our depositary units.
Each distribution was $0.10 per depositary unit.
On
February 27, 2007 the Board of Directors approved payment of a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.10 per unit on its depositary units for the first quarter
of
2007 consistent with the distribution policy adopted in 2005. The distribution
is payable on March 29, 2007 to depositary unitholders of record at the close
of
business on March 14, 2007.
The
declaration and payment of distributions is reviewed quarterly by our Board
of
Directors based upon a review of our balance sheet and cash flow, the ratio
of
current assets to current liabilities, our expected capital and liquidity
requirements, the provisions of our partnership agreement and provisions in
our
financing arrangements governing distributions, and keeping in mind that limited
partners subject to U.S. federal income tax have recognized income on our
earnings without receiving distributions that could be used to satisfy any
resulting tax obligations. The payment of future distributions will be
determined by the Board of Directors quarterly, based upon the factors described
above and other factors that it deems relevant at the time that declaration
of a
distribution is considered. There can be no assurance as to whether or in what
amounts any future distributions might be paid.
As of
March 1, 2007, there were 61,856,830 depositary units and 11,340,243 preferred
units outstanding. Trading in the preferred units commenced March 31, 1995
on
the NYSE under the symbol “ACP-P.” The preferred units represent limited partner
interests in AREP and have certain rights and designations, generally as
follows. Each preferred unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles
the holder to receive distributions payable solely in additional preferred
units, at a rate of $0.50 per preferred unit per annum (which is equal to a
rate
of 5% of the liquidation preference of the unit) payable annually on March
31 of
each year, each referred to as a payment date.
On any
payment date, with the approval of our audit committee, we may opt to redeem
all, but not less than all, of the preferred units for a price, payable either
in all cash or by issuance of additional depositary units, equal to the
liquidation preference of the preferred units, plus any accrued but unpaid
distributions thereon. On March 31, 2010, we must redeem all, but not less
than
all, of the preferred units on the same terms as any optional redemption.
33
On
March 31, 2006, we distributed to holders of record of our preferred units
as of
March 15, 2006, 539,846 additional preferred units. Pursuant to the terms of
the
preferred units, on February 27, 2007, we declared our scheduled annual
preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred units at the rate
of
5% of the liquidation preference of $10.00. The distribution is payable on
March
30, 2007 to holders of record as of March 15, 2007. In March 2007, the number
of
authorized preferred units was increased to 12,100,000.
Each
depositary unitholder will be taxed on the unitholder’s allocable share of our
taxable income and gains and, with respect to preferred unitholders, accrued
guaranteed payments, whether or not any cash is distributed to the
unitholder.
The
following table summarizes certain of our selected historical consolidated
financial data, which you should read in conjunction with our consolidated
financial statements and the related notes and “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” contained in this
annual report on Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial
data
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and for the years ended December 31, 2006,
2005, and 2004, have each been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements at those dates and for those periods, contained elsewhere in this
annual report Form 10-K. The selected historical consolidated financial data
as
of December 31, 2004, 2003 and 2002 and for the years ended December 31, 2003
and 2002 has each been derived from our audited consolidated financial
statements at that date and for that period, not contained in this Form 10-K,
as
adjusted retrospectively for reclassifications of our Oil and Gas and Atlantic
City gaming properties as discontinued operations.
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003
|
|
2002
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(in
000s, except per unit amounts and ratio)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Statement
of Operations Data:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
1,477,930
|
$
|
900,962
|
$
|
361,538
|
$
|
309,213
|
$
|
358,109
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
23,069
|
$
|
(22,656
|
)
|
$
|
65,176
|
$
|
42,415
|
$
|
53,046
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Total
income (loss) from discontinued operations
|
$
|
775,764
|
$
|
(3,013
|
)
|
$
|
88,578
|
$
|
26,005
|
$
|
(4,320
|
)
|
|||||||||||||||||||
Earnings
(loss) before cumulative effect of
accounting change |
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
$
|
68,420
|
$
|
48,726
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Cumulative
effect of accounting change
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
1,912
|
—
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
$
|
70,332
|
$
|
48,726
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss) attributable to:
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Limited
partners
|
$
|
782,936
|
$
|
(20,292
|
)
|
$
|
130,850
|
$
|
51,074
|
$
|
63,168
|
||||||||||||||||||||
General
partner
|
15,897
|
(5,377
|
)
|
22,904
|
19,258
|
(14,442
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
$
|
70,332
|
$
|
48,726
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
earnings:
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations per
LP Unit |
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.96
|
$
|
0.50
|
$
|
1.37
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Income
from (loss) discontinued operations per
LP Unit |
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.88
|
0.55
|
(0.10
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
earnings (loss) per LP Unit
|
$
|
12.69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.84
|
$
|
1.05
|
$
|
1.27
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted
average limited partnership units outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
46,098
|
46,098
|
46,098
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted
earnings:
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.95
|
$
|
0.50
|
$
|
1.20
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations per
LP Unit |
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.69
|
0.55
|
(0.08
|
)
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
Diluted
earnings (loss) per LP Unit
|
$
|
12,69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.64
|
$
|
1.05
|
$
|
1.12
|
||||||||||||||||||||
Weighted
average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units
outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
51,542
|
46,098
|
56,467
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Other
financial data:
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||
EBITDA(1)
|
$
|
1,138,763
|
$
|
254,100
|
341,647
|
$
|
171,806
|
$
|
149,499
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Adjusted
EBITDA(1)
|
$
|
1,039,056
|
$
|
323,354
|
350,826
|
$
|
174,420
|
$
|
153,107
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
dividends declared (per LP Unit)
|
$
|
0.40
|
0.20
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ratio
of earnings to fixed charges(2)
|
—
|
—
|
2.6
|
2.0
|
2.2
|
34
As
of December 31,
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
2003(1)
|
|
2002
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
(in
$000s)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Balance
sheet data:
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
$
|
1,912,235
|
$
|
460,091
|
$
|
762,708
|
$
|
487,498
|
$
|
79,540
|
|||||||||||||||||||||
Investments
|
719,047
|
820,817
|
350,527
|
167,727
|
395,495
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
907,071
|
749,712
|
580,428
|
597,487
|
735,236
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Total
assets
|
4,244,747
|
3,963,545
|
2,861,153
|
2,156,892
|
2,002,493
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Long
term debt (including current portion and debt related to assets held
for
sale)
|
1,208,960
|
1,435,821
|
759,807
|
374,421
|
435,675
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Liability
for preferred limited partnership units(3)
|
117,656
|
112,067
|
106,731
|
101,649
|
—
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Partners’
equity
|
2,310,655
|
1,495,532
|
1,641,755
|
1,527,396
|
1,387,253
|
——————
(1)
EBITDA
represents earnings before interest expense, income tax (benefit) expense and
depreciation, depletion and amortization. We define Adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA
excluding the effect of unrealized losses or gains on derivative contracts.
We
present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA because we consider them important
supplemental measures of our performance and believe they are frequently used
by
securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in the evaluation
of
companies issuing debt, many of which present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA when
reporting their results. We present EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA on a consolidated
basis. However, we conduct substantially all of our operations through
subsidiaries. The operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient
to
make distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to
make funds available to us for payment of our senior notes or otherwise, and
distributions and intercompany transfers from our subsidiaries to us may be
restricted by applicable law or covenants contained in debt agreements and
other
agreements to which these subsidiaries currently may be subject or into which
they may enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our
subsidiaries or other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends,
distributions or loans to us.
EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA have limitations as analytical tools, and you should not
consider them in isolation, or as substitutes for analysis of our results as
reported under generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. For example,
EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:
·
do
not reflect our cash expenditures, or
future requirements for capital expenditures, or contractual
commitments;
·
do
not reflect changes in, or cash
requirements for, our working capital needs; and
·
do
not reflect the significant interest
expense, or the cash requirements necessary to service interest or principal
payments, on our debts.
Although
depreciation, depletion and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being
depreciated, depleted or amortized often will have to be replaced in the future,
and EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA do not reflect any cash requirements for such
replacements. Other companies in the industries in which we operate may
calculate EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA differently than we do, limiting their
usefulness as comparative measures. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
do
not reflect the impact of earnings or charges resulting from matters we consider
not to be indicative of our ongoing operations.
EBITDA
and Adjusted EBITDA are not measurements of our financial performance under
GAAP
and should not be considered as an alternative to net earnings, operating income
or any other performance measures derived in accordance with GAAP or as an
alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of our
liquidity. We compensate for these limitations by relying primarily on our
GAAP
results and using EBITDA only supplementally.
35
The
following table reconciles net earnings (loss) to EBITDA and EBITDA to Adjusted
EBITDA for the periods indicated (in $000s):
Year
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
2003
|
2002
|
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
$
|
70,332
|
$
|
48,726
|
|||||
Interest
expense
|
132,878
|
105,179
|
65,623
|
38,865
|
37,204
|
|||||||||||
Income
tax expense (benefit)
|
40,149
|
21,092
|
18,312
|
(15,792
|
)
|
10,880
|
||||||||||
Depreciation,
depletion and amortization
|
166,903
|
153,498
|
103,958
|
78,401
|
52,689
|
|
||||||||||
EBITDA
|
1,138,763
|
254,100
|
341,647
|
171,806
|
149,499
|
|||||||||||
Unrealized
(gains) losses on derivative contracts
|
(99,707
|
)
|
69,254
|
9,179
|
2,614
|
3,608
|
||||||||||
Adjusted
EBITDA
|
$
|
1,039,056
|
$
|
323,354
|
$
|
350,826
|
$
|
174,420
|
$
|
153,107
|
——————
(2)
Represents
our ratio of earnings to fixed charges for the periods indicated. For purposes
of computing the ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings represent earnings
from continuing operations before income taxes, equity in earnings (loss) of
investees and minority interest plus fixed charges. Fixed charges include
(a) interest on indebtedness (whether expensed or capitalized),
(b) amortization premiums, discounts and capitalized expenses related to
indebtedness and (c) the portion of rent expense we believe to be
representative of interest. For 2006 and 2005, fixed charges exceeded earnings
by $44.4 million and $15.9 million, respectively.
(3)
On
July 1, 2003, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 150
(SFAS 150), Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics
of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS 150 requires that a financial
instrument, which is an unconditional obligation, be classified as a liability.
Previous guidance required an entity to include in equity financial instruments
that the entity could redeem in either cash or stock. Pursuant, to SFAS 150,
our
preferred units, which are an unconditional obligation, have been reclassified
from “Partners equity” to a liability account in the consolidated balance
sheets.
Management’s
discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations is
comprised of the following sections:
1.
Overview
2.
Discontinued Operations
3.
Results of Operations
·
Consolidated
Financial Results
·
Gaming
·
Real
Estate
·
Home
Fashion
·
Holding
Company and
Investments
4.
Liquidity and Capital
Resources
·
Consolidated
Financial Results
·
Gaming
·
Real
Estate
·
Home
Fashion
5.
Critical Accounting Policies &
Estimates
6.
Certain Trends and
Uncertainties
36
Overview
American
Real Estate Partners, L.P., the “Company” or AREP or “we”, is a master limited
partnership formed in Delaware on February 17, 1987. AREP is a diversified
holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in the following operating
businesses: Gaming, Real Estate, and Home Fashion. In addition, during the
fourth quarter of 2006 we divested our Oil and Gas operating unit and our
Atlantic City Gaming property.
Our
primary business strategy is to continually evaluate our existing operating
businesses with a view to maximizing value to our unitholders. We may also
seek
to acquire additional businesses that are distressed or in out-of-favor
industries and will consider the divestiture of businesses. In addition, we
invest our available liquidity in debt and equity securities with a view to
enhancing returns as we continue to assess further acquisitions of operating
businesses.
We own
a
99% limited partnership interest in American Real Estate Holdings Limited
Partnership, or AREH. AREH and its subsidiaries hold our investments and
substantially all of our operations are conducted through AREH and its
subsidiaries. American Property Investors, Inc., or API, owns a 1% general
partnership interest in both us and AREH, representing an aggregate 1.99%
general partnership interest in us and AREH. API is owned and controlled by
Mr. Carl C. Icahn. As of December 31, 2006, affiliates of Mr. Icahn
beneficially owned approximately 90% of our outstanding depositary units and
approximately 86.5% of our outstanding preferred units.
In
addition to our Gaming, Real Estate and Home Fashion operating units, we discuss
the Holding Company. The Holding Company includes the unconsolidated results
of
AREH and AREP, and investment activity and expenses associated with the
activities of a holding company.
A summary
of the significant events that occurred in 2006 is as follows:
·
Sold
our Oil and Gas operating unit and our
Atlantic City gaming properties in November 2006, resulting in a gain of
approximately $663.7 million;
·
Enhanced
our liquidity: our total cash and
investments as of December 31, 2006 increased to approximately $2.6 billion,
as
compared to $1.3 billion as of December 31, 2005, resulting primarily from
the
proceeds from the sale of our Oil and Gas and Atlantic City gaming
properties;
·
Entered
into a credit agreement providing
for additional borrowings by AREP of up to $150.0 million. As of December 31,
2006 there were no borrowings under the facility;
·
Acquired
the Aquarius Casino Resort in
Laughlin, Nevada in May 2006; and
·
Increased
our investment in WPI through the
purchase of $200.0 million of preferred stock, the proceeds of which, in part,
WPI used to acquire a manufacturing facility in Bahrain.
The
key factors affecting the financial results for the year ended December 31,
2006
versus 2005 were:
·
Reclassified
the operating results of our
Oil and Gas operating unit and Atlantic City gaming properties to discontinued
operations as a result of the sale of those businesses in the fourth quarter
of
2006. These sales resulted in a gain of $663.7 million. Gains on sales of assets
from the sales and disposition of real estate were $12.7 million and $21.8
million for 2006 and 2005, respectively;
·
An
increase in operating income of $10.2
million from real estate property development, attributable primarily to $36.1
million of sales at our New Seabury, Massachusetts property;
·
Operating
losses of $150.6 million from our
Home Fashion segment, of which $45.6 million relates to restructuring costs
consisting primarily of impairment charges in connection with the closing of
plants, the effect of which on net earnings was offset in part by $68.2 million
relating to the minority interests’ share in WPI’s losses;
·
An
increase in Holding Company costs of
$8.7 million, principally due to a $6.2 million non-cash compensation charge
related to the cancellation of unit options, as well as higher legal and
professional fees;
·
Net
realized and unrealized gains on
investments of $91.3 million in 2006 compared to net realized and unrealized
losses on investments of $21.3 million in 2005;
37
·
Recorded
$34.5 million of income tax
benefits in 2006 as a result of the reversal of deferred tax valuation
allowances for our Oil and Gas operating unit and Atlantic City gaming
properties; and
·
Income
from discontinued operations
increased to $154.8 million in 2006 as compared to losses from discontinued
operations in 2005 of $28.5 million, primarily as a result of an increase in
oil
and gas operating income of $145.8 million (realized and unrealized oil and
gas
derivative gains in 2006 were $73.8 million compared to realized and unrealized
oil and gas derivative losses of $120.5 million in 2005). 2005 results were
negatively impacted by the impairment charge of $52.4 million in 2005 relating
to GB Holdings’ bankruptcy.
The
key factors affecting the financial results for the year ended December 31,
2005
versus 2004 were:
·
Decreased
operating income, principally due
to the operating loss of $22.4 million in the Home Fashion segment and an
increase of $12.4 million in Holding Company costs;
·
Net
losses on securities of $21.3 million
in 2005 versus gains of $16.5 million in 2004;
·
Interest
expense increased $43.9 million
due to higher debt levels; and
·
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
fell $91.6 million resulting from reduced gains on sales of properties and
impairment charges of $52.4 million in connection with the bankruptcy of
GBH.
Discontinued
Operations
The Sands and
Related Assets
On
November 17, 2006, our indirect majority-owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast
Entertainment Holdings, Inc., ACE Gaming LLC, a New Jersey limited liability
company and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Coast which owns The Sands
Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City, AREH, and certain other entities owned by
or
affiliated with AREH completed the sale to Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., of
the
outstanding membership interests in ACE and 100% of the equity interests in
certain subsidiaries of AREH which own parcels of real estate adjacent to The
Sands, including 7.7 acres of land known as the Traymore site. We own, through
subsidiaries, approximately 67.6% of Atlantic Coast, which owns 100% of ACE.
The
aggregate price was approximately $274.8 million, of which approximately $200.6
million was paid to Atlantic Coast and approximately $74.2 million was paid
to
affiliates of AREH for subsidiaries which own the Traymore site and the adjacent
properties. Under the terms of the agreement, $50.0 million of the purchase
price paid to Atlantic Coast was deposited into escrow pending satisfaction
of
certain conditions, including the conclusion of the GBH litigation. On February
22, 2007, we resolved all outstanding litigation involving our interest in
the
Atlantic City gaming operations, resulting in a release of all claims against
us. See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Oil and Gas
Operations
On
November 21, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP O & G Holdings
LLC, completed the sale of all of the issued and outstanding membership
interests of NEG Oil & Gas LLC to SandRidge for consideration consisting of
$1.025 billion in cash, 12,842,000 shares of SandRidge’s common stock, valued at
$18 per share on the date of closing, and the repayment by SandRidge of $300.0
million of debt of NEG Oil & Gas.
On
November 21, 2006, pursuant to an agreement dated October 25, 2006 among AREH,
NEG Oil & Gas and NEGI, NEGI sold its membership interest in NEG Holding LLC
to NEG Oil & Gas in consideration of approximately $261.1 million paid in
cash. Of that amount, $149.6 million was used to repay the NEGI 10.75% senior
notes due 2007, including principal and accrued interest, all of which was
held
by us.
Real
Estate
Certain
of our real estate properties are classified as discontinued operations. The
properties classified as discontinued operations changed during 2006 and,
accordingly, certain amounts in the accompanying 2005 and 2004 financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the current classification
of
properties.
38
Results of
Discontinued Operations
The
financial position and results of these operations are presented as assets
and
liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance
sheets and discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations,
respectively, for all periods presented in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards No. 144 (SFAS No. 144), “Accounting for the
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.” For further discussion, see Note 5
to our consolidated financial statements.
Summarized
financial information for discontinued operations is set forth below:
December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
497,060
|
$
|
368,133
|
$
|
329,600
|
||||
Total
operating income
|
174,334
|
34,852
|
46,720
|
|||||||
Interest
expense
|
(26,266
|
)
|
(14,005
|
)
|
(18,303
|
)
|
||||
Interest
and other income
|
11,004
|
5,897
|
6,703
|
|||||||
Impairment
loss on GBH
|
—
|
(52,366
|
)
|
(15,600
|
)
|
|||||
Income
tax expense
|
(4,241
|
)
|
(2,922
|
)
|
(8,213
|
)
|
||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
154,831
|
(28,544
|
)
|
11,307
|
||||||
Gain
on sales of discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
676,444
|
21,849
|
75,197
|
|||||||
Minority
interests
|
(55,511
|
)
|
3,682
|
2,074
|
||||||
$
|
775,764
|
$
|
(3,013
|
)
|
$
|
88,578
|
Results of
Operations
Consolidated
Financial Results
Year Ended December 31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenues
for 2006 increased by $577.0 million, or 64.0%, as compared to 2005. This
increase reflects the inclusion of WPI, which we acquired in August 2005, for
the entire year in 2006 (an increase of $485.0 million); increases in revenue
of
$57.7 million from Gaming and of $34.3 million from Real Estate. Gaming revenues
include $57.6 million of revenues generated by the Aquarius Casino Resort in
Laughlin, Nevada, which was acquired in May 2006.
We
reported an operating loss for 2006 of $89.8 million as compared to operating
income of $45.2 million for 2005. This change is primarily attributable to
the
inclusion of $150.6 million of operating losses for WPI, of which $45.6 million
relates to impairment and restructuring charges, reduction in operating income
of $8.3 million for Gaming, and an increase in Holding Company costs of $8.7
million. The effect of operating losses from WPI on our net earnings are offset,
in part, by $68.2 million attributable to the WPI minority interests’ share of
such losses. Operating income for 2006 from Real Estate increased by $10.2
million, primarily attributable to the sale of 37 units at New Seabury.
Interest
expense for 2006 increased by $15.4 million, or 16.9%, as compared to 2005.
This
increase includes a full year in 2006 of interest on the $480.0 million
principal amount of senior notes issued on February 7, 2005, an increase in
borrowings under credit facilities, as well as margin interest expense incurred
in the Holding Company’s investment brokerage accounts. Interest income
increased by $9.9 million, or 23.1%, as compared to the prior year, due to
the
increase in the Holding Company’s cash position. Other income (expense), net
increased by $112.1 million from the prior period, primarily reflecting net
realized and unrealized gains on investments.
Year Ended December 31,
2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenues
for 2005 increased by $539.4 million, or 149.2%, as compared to the prior year.
This increase reflects the inclusion of WPI ($472.7 million for five months),
increases of $28.0 million for Gaming and $38.7 million for Real Estate.
Operating
income for 2005 decreased by $10.8 million, or 19.2%, as compared to the prior
year. This decrease reflects the inclusion of losses on WPI of $22.4 million
and
an increase in Holding Company costs of $12.4 million,
39
of which $4.3 million
related to acquisitions. These items were offset by increases of $18.2 million
from Gaming, and $5.9 million from Real Estate activities.
Interest
expense for 2005 increased by $43.9 million, or 92.7%, as compared to the prior
year. This increase reflects the increased amount of borrowings, principally
attributable to the issuance in February 2005 of $480.0 million principal amount
of 7.125% senior notes due 2013. Interest income increased slightly by $0.6
million, or 1.5%, as compared to the prior year. Other income (expense), net
decreased by $37.3 million resulting primarily from net realized and unrealized
gains and losses on investments.
Gaming
Our
Gaming segment consists of our four gaming properties in Nevada: the
Stratosphere, Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, and Arizona Charlie’s Dacatur in Las
Vegas, and the Aquarius in Laughlin. As described above, operating results
for
The Sands are now classified as discontinued operations and are excluded from
the results of our continuing Gaming operations. As disclosed in Note 4 to
our
consolidated financial statements, we acquired the Aquarius on May 19, 2006.
Net
revenues and operating loss for the Aquarius from the date of acquisition,
May
19, 2006, through December 31, 2006 were $57.6 million and $0.4 million,
respectively.
The
Aquarius’ results are included in the table below in the column “Including
Aquarius”. The results of operations discussed below refer to our gaming
properties excluding the results of the Aquarius.
Summarized
income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004 is as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||||||||
2006
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||||
|
|
Including
Aquarius |
|
Excluding
Aquarius |
|
|
|
||||||
Revenues:
|
|||||||||||||
Casino
|
$
|
220,814
|
$
|
179,643
|
$
|
182,938
|
$
|
167,972
|
|||||
Hotel
|
75,587
|
65,359
|
61,862
|
54,653
|
|||||||||
Food
and beverage
|
83,667
|
72,346
|
70,060
|
66,953
|
|||||||||
Tower,
retail and other income
|
35,912
|
33,668
|
35,413
|
33,778
|
|||||||||
Gross
revenues
|
415,980
|
351,016
|
350,273
|
323,356
|
|||||||||
Less
promotional allowances
|
30,281
|
22,911
|
22,291
|
23,375
|
|||||||||
Net
revenues
|
385,699
|
328,105
|
327,982
|
299,981
|
|||||||||
Expenses:
|
|||||||||||||
Casino
|
80,060
|
65,115
|
63,216
|
61,985
|
|||||||||
Hotel
|
33,419
|
27,840
|
26,957
|
24,272
|
|||||||||
Food
and beverage
|
60,052
|
52,312
|
51,784
|
48,495
|
|||||||||
Other
operating expenses
|
16,856
|
15,416
|
15,372
|
14,035
|
|||||||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
108,977
|
84,764
|
81,321
|
78,816
|
|||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
27,620
|
23,550
|
22,305
|
23,516
|
|||||||||
326,984
|
268,997
|
260,955
|
251,119
|
||||||||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
58,715
|
$
|
59,108
|
$
|
67,027
|
$
|
48,862
|
As
disclosed in Note 4 to our consolidated financial statements, we acquired the
Aquarius on May 19, 2006. The following discussion of the results of operations
at our gaming properties excludes the results of Aquarius.
We use
certain key measurements to evaluate operating revenue. Casino revenue
measurements include table games drop and slot coin-in which are the total
amounts wagered by patrons. Participation expense includes fees paid to game
owners for use of their games. Hotel revenue measurements include hotel
occupancy rate, which is the average percentage of available hotel rooms
occupied during a period, and average daily room rate, which is the average
price of occupied rooms per day. Food and beverage revenue measurements include
number of covers, which is the number of guest checks, and the average check
amount.
40
Year Ended December 31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Gross
revenues increased 0.2% to $351.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2006
from $350.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was
primarily due to an increase in hotel and food and beverage revenues, partially
offset by a decrease in casino revenues as discussed below.
Casino
Revenues
Casino
revenues consist of revenues from slot machines, table games, poker, race and
sports book, bingo and keno. Casino revenues decreased 1.8% to $179.6 million,
or 51.2% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2006 from
$182.9 million, or 52.2% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31,
2005. This decrease was primarily due to a decline in slot revenue due to less
coin in, caused by increases in the price of gas, which adversely affected
automobile traffic to Las Vegas, construction disruption at the Stratosphere
and
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, and the entry of a new competitor in the market
served by Arizona Charlie’s Decatur. For the year ended December 31, 2006, slot
machine revenues were $145.6 million, or 81.1% of casino revenues, and table
game revenues were $25.6 million, or 14.3% of casino revenues, compared to
$149.2 million and $25.2 million, respectively, for the year ended December
31,
2005. Other casino revenues, consisting of race and sports book, poker, bingo
and keno, were $8.4 million and $8.5 million for the years ended December 31,
2006 and 2005, respectively.
Non-Casino
Revenues
Hotel
revenues increased 5.7% to $65.4 million, or 18.6% of gross revenues, for the
year ended December 31, 2006 from $61.9 million, or 17.7% of gross revenues,
for
the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily due to a 3.1%
increase in hotel occupancy rate and a 2.5% increase in average room rate.
Food
and
beverage revenues increased 3.3% to $72.3 million, or 20.6% of gross revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $70.1 million, or 20.0% of gross
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was due to an
increase in the average check amount partially offset by a decrease in the
number of covers.
Tower,
retail and other revenues decreased 4.9% to $33.7 million, or 9.6% of gross
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2006 from $35.4 million, or 10.1%
of
gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This decrease was
primarily due to a reduction in tower revenues because of the removal of the
roller coaster.
Promotional
Allowances
Promotional
allowances are comprised of the retail value of goods and services provided
to
casino patrons under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino
revenues, promotional allowances increased to 12.8% for the year ended December
31, 2006 from 12.2% for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was
primarily due to increased marketing promotions, especially at Arizona Charlie’s
Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder.
Operating
Expenses
Casino
operating expenses increased 3.0% to $65.1 million, or 36.3% of casino revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $63.2 million, or 34.6% of casino
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily
due
to higher participation expenses and labor costs.
Hotel
operating expenses increased 3.3% to $27.8 million, or 42.6% of hotel revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $27.0 million, or 43.6% of hotel
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily
due
to higher labor costs as a result of the increase in occupancy rate.
Food
and
beverage operating expenses increased 1.0% to $52.3 million, or 72.3% of food
and beverage revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2006, from $51.8 million,
or 73.9% of food and beverage revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005.
This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs.
Other
operating expenses remained flat at $15.4 million, or 45.8% of tower, retail
and
other revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2006, from 43.4% of tower,
retail and other revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005.
41
Selling,
general and administrative expenses primarily consisted of payroll, marketing,
advertising, utilities and other administrative expenses. These expenses
increased 4.2% to $84.8 million, or 24.2% of gross revenues, for the year ended
December 31, 2006, from $81.3 million, or 23.2% of gross revenues, for the
year
ended December 31, 2005. This increase was primarily due to an increase in
marketing expenses.
Year Ended December 31,
2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Gross
revenues increased 8.3% to $350.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005
from $323.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. This increase was
largely due to an increase in casino revenues, as well as increases in hotel,
food and beverage, tower, retail and other revenues. The increases were
primarily attributable to an increase in business volume, as discussed
below.
Casino
Revenues
Casino
revenues consist of revenues from slot machines, table games, poker, race and
sports book, bingo and keno. Casino revenues increased 8.9% to $182.9 million,
or 52.2% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $168.0
million, or 51.9% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Slot
machine revenues were $149.2 million, or 81.6% of casino revenues, and table
game revenues were $25.2 million, or 13.8% of casino revenues, for the year
ended December 31, 2005 compared to $137.1 million, or 81.6% of casino revenues,
and $25.1 million, or 14.9% of casino revenues, respectively, for the year
ended
December 31, 2004. The increase in casino revenues was primarily due to an
increase in our slot hold percentage. Other casino revenues increased $2.7
million, or 46.6%, from $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 to
$8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005.
Non-Casino
Revenues
Hotel
revenues increased 13.2% to $61.9 million, or 17.7% of gross revenues, for
the
year ended December 31, 2005 from $54.7 million, or 16.9% of gross revenues,
for
the year ended December 31, 2004. This increase was primarily due to a 12.8%
increase in the average daily room rate at the Stratosphere and a 1.9% increase
in overall hotel occupancy. The increase in the average daily room rate was
primarily attributable to an increase in direct bookings and a decrease in
rooms
sold through wholesalers.
Food
and
beverage revenues increased 4.6% to $70.1 million, or 20.0% of gross revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2005, from $67.0 million, or 20.7% of gross
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004. This increase was primarily
due
to an increase in food and beverage covers of 3.7%.
Tower,
retail and other revenues increased 4.7% to $35.4 million for the year ended
December 31, 2005 from $33.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
This
increase was primarily due to an increase in Stratosphere’s tower revenues as a
result of more visitors and an increase in the average ticket price due to
the
opening of the Insanity ride in March 2005.
Promotional
Allowances
Promotional
allowances are comprised of the retail value of goods and services provided
to
casino patrons under various marketing programs. As a percentage of casino
revenues, promotional allowances decreased to 12.2% for the year ended December
31, 2005 from 13.9% for the year ended December 31, 2004. This decrease was
primarily due to less aggressive promotional activities related to our slot
operations.
Operating
Expenses
Casino
operating expenses increased 1.9% to $63.2 million, or 34.6% of casino revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $62.0 million, or 36.9% of casino
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase was primarily
due
to costs related to increased utilization of participation games.
Hotel
operating expenses increased 11.1% to $27.0 million, or 43.6% of hotel revenues,
for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $24.3 million, or 44.4% of hotel
revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004. This increase was primarily
due
to an increase in labor costs and supplies associated with the increase in
hotel
occupancy.
42
The decrease in operating
expense as a percentage of hotel revenues was attributable to an increase in
the
average daily room rate.
Food
and
beverage operating expenses increased 6.8% to $51.8 million, or 73.9% of food
and beverage revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $48.5 million,
or 72.4% of food and beverage revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004.
This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs and costs
associated with an increase in the number of covers.
Other
operating expenses increased 9.5% to $15.4 million, or 43.5% of tower, retail
and other revenues for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $14.0 million,
or
41.4% of tower, retail and other revenues for the years ended December 31,
2004.
This increase was primarily due to an increase in labor costs associated with
the opening of the Insanity ride and the opening of a new gift shop.
Selling,
general and administrative expenses were primarily comprised of payroll,
marketing, advertising, repair and maintenance, utilities and other
administrative expenses. These expenses increased 3.2% to $81.3 million, or
23.2% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2005 from $78.8
million, or 24.3% of gross revenues, for the year ended December 31, 2004.
This
increase was primarily due to an increase in payroll expenses, credit card
fees
and information technology maintenance contracts.
Real
Estate
Our
real estate operations consist of rental real estate, property development
and
associated resort activities. The operating performance of the three segments
was as follows (in $000s):
Year
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||
Rental
real estate:
|
||||||||||
Interest
income on financing
leases
|
$
|
6,736
|
$
|
7,299
|
$
|
9,880
|
||||
Rental
income
|
8,177
|
7,083
|
6,686
|
|||||||
Property
development
|
90,955
|
58,270
|
27,073
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
28,707
|
27,647
|
17,918
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
134,575
|
100,299
|
61,557
|
|||||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||||||
Rental
real estate
|
5,015
|
4,588
|
8,171
|
|||||||
Property
development
|
73,041
|
48,679
|
22,949
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
28,565
|
29,245
|
18,561
|
|||||||
Total
expenses
|
106,621
|
82,512
|
49,681
|
|||||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
27,954
|
$
|
17,787
|
$
|
11,876
|
Rental Real
Estate
Year Ended December 31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenues
increased to $14.9 million, or by 3.7%, in 2006 from $14.4 million in the prior
year. The increase was primarily attributable to leasing of previously vacant
space partially offset by increased financing lease amortization and the sale
of
a financing lease property in 2005.
Operating
expenses increased to $5.0 million, or by 9.3%, in 2006 from $4.6 million in
the
prior year. The increase was primarily due to increased property write-downs
and
increased rental and administrative expenses of the real estate division.
Year Ended December 31,
2005 compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenues
decreased to $14.4 million, or by 13.2%, in 2005 from $16.6 million in the
prior
year. The decrease was primarily attributable to the sale of ten financing
lease
properties.
Operating
expenses decreased to $4.6 million, or by 43.9%, in 2005 from $8.2 million
in
the prior year. The decrease was primarily due to hurricane related losses
in
2004.
43
We
market portions of our commercial real estate portfolio for sale. Sale activity
was as follows (in $000s, except unit data):
Year
Ended December 31,
|
|||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Properties
sold
|
18
|
14
|
57
|
||||||
Proceeds
received
|
$
|
25,340
|
$
|
52,525
|
$
|
245,424
|
|||
Mortgage
debt repaid
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
10,702
|
$
|
93,845
|
|||
Total
gain recorded
|
$
|
12,776
|
$
|
16,315
|
$
|
80,459
|
|||
Gain
recorded in continuing operations
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
176
|
$
|
5,262
|
|||
Gain
recorded in discontinued
operations(1)
|
$
|
12,776
|
$
|
16,139
|
$
|
75,197
|
——————
(1)
In
addition to gains on the rental portfolio of $16.1 million, a gain of $5.7
million on the sale of a resort property was recognized in 2005.
Property
Development
Property
development sales activity was as follows (in $000s, except unit data):
Year
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
|
||||||||||
Units
sold
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
|
37
|
|
1
|
|
7
|
||||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
22
|
21
|
3
|
|||||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
57
|
66
|
16
|
|||||||
Westchester,
New York
|
12
|
16
|
12
|
|||||||
128
|
104
|
38
|
||||||||
Revenues
|
||||||||||
New
Seabury, Massachusetts
|
$
|
36,081
|
$
|
423
|
$
|
2,308
|
||||
Grand
Harbor/Oak Harbor, Florida
|
16,410
|
16,279
|
1,882
|
|||||||
Falling
Waters, Florida
|
14,355
|
12,771
|
2,844
|
|||||||
Westchester,
New York
|
24,109
|
28,797
|
20,039
|
|||||||
$
|
90,955
|
$
|
58,270
|
$
|
27,073
|
Year Ended December
31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenues
increased to $91.0 million, or by 56.1%, in 2006 from $58.3 million in the
prior
year. This increase was due to an increase in the number and the prices of
units
sold.
Operating
expenses increased to $73.0 million, or by 50.0%, in 2006 from $48.7 million
in
the prior year. Operating expenses increased due to an increase in the number
and costs of units sold.
In
2006, we sold 128 units at an average price of $710,586 with a profit margin
of
19.7%. In 2005, we sold 104 units at an average price of $560,288 with a profit
margin 16.5%.
The
primary driver of our increased revenues and operating income was the approval
of our New Seabury property for residential development. However, due to the
current residential/vacation home sales slowdown, property development sales
and
profits are expected to decline in 2007 from levels achieved in 2006.
Year
Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenues
increased to $58.3 million, or by 115.2%, in 2005 from $27.1 million in the
prior year. This increase was due to an increase in the number of units sold
partially offset by a decrease in the prices of units sold.
Operating
expenses increased to $48.7 million, or by 112.1%, in 2005 from $22.9 million
in
the prior year. Operating expenses increased due to an increase in the number
of
units sold partially offset by a decrease in the cost of units sold.
44
In
2005, we sold 104 units at an average price of $560,288 with a profit margin
of
16.5%. In 2004, we sold 38 units at an average price of $712,447 with a profit
margin of 15.2%.
Resort
Activities
Year Ended December
31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Revenues
increased to $28.7 million, or by 3.8%, in 2006 from $27.6 million in the prior
year primarily attributable to increased club dues.
Operating
expenses decreased to $28.6 million, or by 2.3%, in 2006 from $29.2 million
in
the prior year primarily due to decreased payroll and related expenses.
Year Ended December
31,
2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Revenues
increased to $27.6 million, or by 54.3%, in 2005 from $17.9 million in the
prior
year. This increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Grand Harbor in
July,
2004. Grand Harbor revenues were $14.3 million and $5.6 million in 2005 and
2004, respectively.
Operating
expenses increased to $29.2 million, or by 57.6%, in 2005 from $18.6 million
in
the prior year. This increase is primarily due to the acquisition of Grand
Harbor. Grand Harbor expenses were $16.3 million and $6.4 million in 2005 and
2004, respectively.
Home
Fashion
On
August 8, 2005, WestPoint International, Inc., or WPI, our indirect subsidiary,
completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of WestPoint
Stevens. The acquisition was completed pursuant to an agreement dated June
23,
2005, which was subsequently approved by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court.
WPI,
through its indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, WestPoint Home, Inc., is engaged
in the business of manufacturing, sourcing, marketing and distributing bed
and
bath home fashion products, including among others, sheets, pillowcases,
comforters, blankets, bedspreads, pillows, mattress pads, towels and related
products. WPI recognizes revenue primarily through the sale of home fashion
products to a variety of retail and institutional customers. WPI currently
operates 32 retail outlet stores that sell home fashion products consisting
principally of products manufactured by WPI. In addition, WPI receives a small
portion of its revenues through the licensing of its trademarks.
Ongoing
litigation may result in our ownership of WPI being reduced to less than 50%.
See Item 3. Legal Proceedings.
Results
of
Operations
Summarized
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the period
from
August 8, 2005 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2005 is as follows (in
$000s):
Year Ended
December 31, 2006 |
Period
August 8, 2005 to December 31, 2005 |
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
$
|
957,656
|
$
|
472,681
|
|||
Costs
and expenses:
|
|||||||
Cost
of sales
|
901,735
|
421,408
|
|||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
160,911
|
72,044
|
|||||
Restructuring
and impairment charges
|
45,647
|
1,658
|
|||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
1,108,293
|
495,110
|
|||||
Operating
loss
|
$
|
(150,637
|
)
|
$
|
(22,429
|
)
|
Historically,
WPI has been adversely affected by a variety of negative conditions, including
the following items that continue to have an impact on its operating
results:
·
adverse
competitive conditions for U.S.
mills compared to mills located overseas;
45
·
growth
of low priced imports from Asia and
Latin America resulting from lifting of import quotas;
·
retailers
of consumer goods have become
fewer and more powerful over time; and
·
long
term increases in pricing and
decreases in availability of raw materials.
Year ended December
31,
2006 and for Period from August 8, 2005 to December 31, 2005
Net
sales for the year ended December 31, 2006 were $957.7 million. Bed products
net
sales were $572.6 million, bath products net sales were $311.8 million and
other
net sales were $73.3 million (consisting primarily of sales from the Company’s
retail outlet stores). Net sales for the period August 8, 2005 (acquisition
date) to December 31, 2005 were $472.7 million. Bed products net sales were
$294.9 million, bath products net sales were $144.0 million and other net sales
were $33.8 million (consisting primarily of sales from the Company’s retail
outlet stores).
Total
depreciation expense for 2006 was $31.6 million, of which $25.5 million was
included in cost of sales and $6.1 million was included in selling, general
and
administrative expenses. Total depreciation expense for the period from August
8, 2005 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2005 was $19.4 million, of which
$16.0 million was included in cost of sales and $3.4 million was included in
selling, general and administrative expenses.
Gross
earnings before selling, general and administrative expenses for 2006 were
$55.9
million, and reflect gross margins of 5.8%. Gross earnings during 2006 were
negatively impacted by the carrying costs of certain U.S. based manufacturing
facilities that were closed in 2006 or are scheduled to be closed during 2007.
Gross earnings before selling, general and administrative expenses for the
period August 8, 2005 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2005 were $51.3
million, and reflect gross margins of 10.8%.
Selling,
general and administrative expenses were $160.9 million for 2006, and as a
percent of net sales represented 16.8%. Selling, general and administrative
expenses were $72.0 million for the period from August 8, 2005 (acquisition
date) to December 31, 2005, and as a percent of net sales represent 15.2%.
Total
expenses for 2006 included $33.3 million of non-cash impairment charges related
to the fixed assets of plants that have been or will be closed and $12.3 million
of restructuring charges (of which $3.4 million related to severance costs
and
$8.9 million related to continuing costs of closed plants). Total expenses
for
the period from August 8, 2005 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2005 included
$1.7 million of restructuring charges (of which $0.1 million related to
severance costs and $1.6 million related to continuing costs relating to closed
plants).
We expect
to continue our restructuring efforts and, accordingly, expect that
restructuring charges and operating losses will continue to be incurred
throughout 2007. If our restructuring efforts are unsuccessful, we may be
required to record additional impairment charges related to the carrying value
of long-lived assets. Additionally, as part of the restructuring efforts, we
expect to record impairment charges as additional plants are closed.
Holding
Company
Investment
Activities
The
Holding Company engages in various investment activities. The activities include
those associated with investing its available liquidity, investing to earn
returns from increases or decreases in the market price of securities, and
investing with the prospect of acquiring operating businesses that we
control.
Holding Company and
Acquisition Costs
Holding
Company and acquisition costs are treated as general and administrative
expenses, which are primarily related to payroll expense and professional fees
of the Holding Company.
Year Ended December 31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Holding
Company and acquisition costs increased 50.6% to $25.8 million, as compared
to
$17.1 million in the prior year due largely to the impact of a compensation
charge related to the cancellation of unit options of $6.2 million and
higher legal and other professional fees of $3.2 million and $2.8 million,
respectively.
46
Year Ended December 31,
2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Holding
company and acquisition costs increased 262% to $17.1 million, as compared
to
$4.7 million in the prior year due largely to higher direct acquisition costs
of
$4.3 million and other legal and professional fees of $3.3 million.
The
direct acquisition costs related to legal and professional fees associated
with
the five acquisitions that were made in the first two quarters of 2005. Direct
acquisition costs associated with the WPI acquisition have been capitalized.
Legal and professional expenses rose due to ongoing legal proceedings relating
to WPI, as well as increased expense associated with the preparation and review
of our financial results and other compliance related activities including
those
required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. Higher compensation costs reflect
increased headcount levels (average of 22 employees in 2005 compared to 15
in
the prior year) as well as costs associated with the CEO option plan.
Interest Income
and
Expense
Year Ended December 31,
2006 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2005
Interest
expense increased 16.9% to $106.6 million, during 2006 as compared to $91.2
million in the prior year. This increase reflects increased borrowings in 2006
as a result of margin expense of $7.9 million, borrowing under the ACEP
revolving credit facility, which was increased to $60.0 million in May 2006
and
a $32.5 million mortgage in June 2006.
Interest
income increased 23.1% to $52.7 million during 2006 as compared to $42.8 million
in 2005. This was primarily due to the substantial increase in the Holding
Company’s cash position from the sales of our Oil and Gas operations and ACE in
the fourth quarter of 2006.
Year Ended December 31,
2005 Compared to the Year Ended December 31, 2004
Interest
expense increased 92.7% to $91.2 million, during 2005 as compared to $47.3
million in the prior year. This increase reflects increased borrowings in 2005
as a result of the $480.0 million senior notes in February 2005 and a full
year’s interest on the $353.0 million senior notes issued in May 2004.
Interest
income for 2005 and 2004 was $42.8 million and $42.1 million, respectively.
Other Income
(Expense), net
Other
income (expense), net for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
is as
follows (in $000s):
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Net
realized gains on sales of marketable
securities
|
$
|
69,099
|
|
$
|
10,120
|
$
|
40,159
|
|||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on marketable securities
|
21,288
|
9,856
|
(4,812
|
)
|
||||||
Net
realized (losses) on securities sold short
|
(17,146
|
)
|
(37,058
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on securities sold short
|
18,067
|
(4,178
|
)
|
(18,807
|
)
|
|||||
Gain
on sale or disposition of real estate
|
3,372
|
176
|
5,262
|
|||||||
Other
|
4,597
|
8,223
|
2,651
|
|||||||
$
|
99,277
|
$
|
(12,861
|
)
|
$
|
24,453
|
Equity in Earnings
of Affiliate (ImClone Systems Incorporated)
In the
fourth quarter of 2006, we changed our method of accounting for our investment
in ImClone Systems Incorporated to the equity method of accounting. As a result,
the financial statements of prior years have been adjusted to apply the new
method retrospectively. See Notes 2 and 7 to the consolidated financial
statements.
The
effect of the change increased our 2006 net income by $12.6 million ($0.23
per
share). The financial statements for 2005 have been retrospectively adjusted
for
the change, which resulted in an increase of net income for 2005 of $1.4 million
($0.04 per share). The effect of the change resulted in an increase and decrease
in our total
47
partners’ equity by $42.2
million and $2.9 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as a
result of recording our proportionate share of ImClone’s net income, other
comprehensive income and other changes in ImClone’s stockholders’ equity.
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, our carrying value of our equity investment in
ImClone was $164.3 million and $97.3 million, respectively. As of December
31,
2006, the market value of our ImClone shares held was $122.2 million. As of
September 30, 2006, our underlying equity in the net assets of ImClone was
approximately $36.3 million. While we recognize that the carrying value of
our
investment in ImClone as of December 31, 2006 is greater than the market value
of our shares held, we do not believe that this is an other than temporary
decline and accordingly no impairment has been recognized. We evaluate the
carrying value of our investment in Imclone on a quarterly basis.
Effective Income
Tax Rate
For
the year ended December 31, 2006, we recorded an income tax provision of $13.3
million on a pre-tax loss of $31.8 million. For the year ended December 31,
2005, we recorded an income tax provision of $18.2 million on a pre-tax loss
of
$14.6 million. Our effective income tax rate was (41.7%) and (124.2%) for the
respective periods. The difference between the effective tax rate and statutory
federal rate of 35% is principally due to losses incurred for which a benefit
was not provided, changes in the valuation allowance and partnership income
not
subject to taxation, as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners.
For
the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded an income tax provision of $18.2
million on a pre-tax loss of $14.6 million. For the year ended December 31,
2004, we recorded an income tax provision of $10.1 million on pre-tax income
of
$75.3 million. Our effective income tax rate was (124.2%) and 13.4% for the
respective periods. The difference between the effective tax rate and statutory
federal rate of 35% is principally due to losses incurred for which a benefit
was not provided, changes in the valuation allowance and partnership income
not
subject to taxation, as such taxes are the responsibility of the partners.
Liquidity and Capital
Resources
Consolidated
Financial Results
We
are a holding company. In addition to cash and cash equivalents, U.S. government
and agency obligations, marketable equity and debt securities and other
short-term investments, our assets consist primarily of investments in our
subsidiaries. The sale of our Oil and Gas operating unit and Atlantic City
gaming properties resulted in significant increases in our liquid assets. As
we
continue to make investments in our operating businesses or make investments
in
new businesses, we expect to reduce the liquid assets at AREP and AREH to fund
those businesses and investments. Consequently, our cash flow and our ability
to
meet our debt service obligations and make distributions with respect to
depositary units and preferred units likely will depend on the cash flow of
our
subsidiaries and the payment of funds to us by our subsidiaries in the form
of
loans, dividends, distributions or otherwise.
The
operating results of our subsidiaries may not be sufficient to make
distributions to us. In addition, our subsidiaries are not obligated to make
funds available to us, and distributions and intercompany transfers from our
subsidiaries to us may be restricted by applicable law or covenants contained
in
debt agreements and other agreements to which our subsidiaries may be subject
or
enter into in the future. The terms of any borrowings of our subsidiaries or
other entities in which we own equity may restrict dividends, distributions
or
loans to us. For example, the notes issued by our indirect wholly-owned
subsidiary, ACEP, contain restrictions on dividends and distributions and loans
to us, as well as on other transactions with us. ACEP and WPI each also have
financing agreements that have the effect of restricting dividends,
distributions and other transactions with us. These agreements may preclude
our
receiving payments from these subsidiaries which account for a significant
portion of our revenues and cash flows. We may enter into similar agreements
for
other segments or subsidiaries. To the degree any distributions and transfers
are impaired or prohibited, our ability to make payments on our debt will be
limited.
In
February 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant to
which
we would acquire Lear for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $5.2
billion, of which we expect $2.6 billion will be financed with new borrowings,
$1.3 billion of existing debt will be assumed by us, and the remaining $1.4
billion of equity will be invested by us.
48
On
February 8, 2007, our subsidiary, AREP Car Holdings Corp., entered into a
commitment letter with Bank of America, N.A., and Banc of America Securities
LLC, pursuant to which Bank of America will act as the initial lender under
two
senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate principal amount of $3.6
billion, consisting of a $1.0 billion senior secured revolving facility and
a $2.6 billion senior secured term loan B facility. The credit facilities,
along
with cash on hand, are intended to refinance and replace Lear’s existing credit
facilities and to fund the transactions contemplated by the merger. We intend
to
fund approximately $1.4 billion of the purchase price from our cash and cash
equivalents and investments.
If we
complete the acquisition of Lear and fund the acquisition as we currently
contemplate, under the financial tests in their indentures, AREP and AREH will
not be able to incur additional indebtedness. Our subsidiaries, other than
AREH,
are not subject to any of the covenants contained in the indentures with respect
to our senior notes, including the covenants restricting debt incurred.
In
May 2004, we issued $353.0 million principal amount of 8.125% senior notes
due
2012. In February 2005, we issued $480.0 million principal amount of 7.125%
senior notes due 2013. In August 2006, we entered into a credit agreement
pursuant to which we will be permitted to borrow up to $150.0 million. As of
December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the facility. See “Borrowings”
below for additional information concerning credit facilities for our
subsidiaries.
On
January 16, 2007, we issued an additional $500.0 million aggregate
principal amount of 7 1/8 % senior notes due 2013. The notes were issued
pursuant to an indenture dated February 7, 2005, between us, as issuer, were
issued at a 99.5% of par, or at a discount of 0.5%, and AREP Finance, as
co-issuer, AREH, as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee. The
notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 7 1/8% per annum, which will be
paid
every six months on February 15 and August 15 commencing on February 15, 2007.
The notes will mature on February 15, 2013.
As of
December 31, 2006, the Holding Company had a cash and cash equivalents balance
of $1.3 billion, short-term investments of $657.8 million (of which $163.7
million was invested in short-term fixed-income securities) and total debt
of
$831.2 million, which primarily relates to the senior unsecured notes.
We
actively pursue various means to raise cash from our subsidiaries. To date,
such
means include payment of dividends from subsidiaries, obtaining loans or other
financings based on the asset values of subsidiaries or selling debt or equity
securities of subsidiaries through capital market transactions. As a result
of
financing transactions at our subsidiaries, we will face significant limitations
on the amounts of cash that we can receive from our subsidiaries. Our ability
to
make future interest payments, therefore, will be based on receiving cash from
those subsidiaries that do not have restrictions and from other financing and
liquidity sources available to AREP and AREH.
Cash
Flows
Net cash
provided by continuing operating activities was $117.7 million for the year
ended December 31, 2006 as compared to $45.1 million in 2005. The increase
primarily relates to net cash provided by activities and reductions in working
capital. Our cash and cash equivalents and investments in marketable equity
and
debt securities increased by $1.4 billion during the year ended December 31,
2006, primarily resulting from the sale of our Oil and Gas operating unit and
Atlantic City gaming properties, as well as $117.7 million net cash provided
by
continuing operations, partially offset by acquisitions of businesses of $208.6
million, and capital expenditures of $61.3 million.
We are
continuing to pursue the purchase of business and assets, including businesses
and assets that may not generate positive cash flow, are difficult to finance
or
may require additional capital, such as properties for development,
non-performing loans, securities of companies that are undergoing or that may
undergo restructuring, and companies that are in need of capital. All of these
activities require us to maintain a strong capital base and liquidity.
49
Borrowings
Long-term
debt consists of the following (in $000s):
December 31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Senior
unsecured 7.125% notes due
2013 — AREP
|
$
|
480,000
|
$
|
480,000
|
|||
Senior
unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012 — AREP, net of
discount
|
351,246
|
350,922
|
|||||
Senior
secured 7.85% notes due 2012 — ACEP
|
215,000
|
215,000
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facilities — ACEP
|
40,000
|
—
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facilities — NEG Oil & Gas(1)
|
—
|
300,000
|
|||||
Mortgages
payable
|
109,289
|
81,512
|
|||||
Other
|
13,425
|
8,387
|
|||||
Total
long-term debt
|
1,208,960
|
1,435,821
|
|||||
Less:
current portion, including debt related to assets held for sale
|
(23,970
|
)
|
(324,155
|
)
|
|||
|
$
|
1,184,990
|
$
|
1,111,666
|
——————
(1)
On
November 21, 2006, we sold all of the issued and outstanding membership interest
in NEG Oil & Gas to SandRidge, consideration for which included the
assumption by SandRidge of $300.0 million of debt of NEG Oil & Gas.
Senior unsecured
notes — AREP
Senior unsecured 7.125%
notes due 2013
On
February 7, 2005, AREP and American Real Estate Finance Corp., or AREF, closed
on their offering of senior notes due 2013. AREF, a wholly-owned subsidiary
of
the Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of
debt
securities. AREF does not have any operations or assets and does not have any
revenues. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480.0 million, were
priced at 100% of principal amount. The notes have a fixed annual interest
rate
of 7 1/8%, which will be paid every six months on February 15 and August 15.
The
notes will mature on February 15, 2013. AREH is a guarantor of the debt. No
other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes.
As
described below, the notes restrict the ability of AREP and AREH, subject to
certain exceptions, to, among other things: incur additional debt; pay dividends
or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into
transactions with affiliates.
Senior unsecured 8.125%
notes due 2012
On May
12, 2004, AREP and AREF closed on their offering of senior notes due 2012.
The
notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million, were priced at 99.266%
of principal amount. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of 8 1/8%,
which will be paid every six months on June 1 and December 1, commencing
December 1, 2004. The notes will mature on June 1, 2012. AREH is a guarantor
of
the debt. No other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes.
As
described below, the notes restrict the ability of AREP and AREH, subject to
certain exceptions, to, among other things: incur additional debt; pay dividends
or make distributions; repurchase stock; create liens; and enter into
transactions with affiliates.
Senior unsecured notes
restrictions and covenants
Both
issuances of our senior unsecured notes restrict the payment of cash dividends
or distributions, the purchase of equity interests or the purchase, redemption,
defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to the senior unsecured notes.
The notes also restrict the incurrence of debt or the issuance of disqualified
stock, as defined, with certain exceptions, provided that we may incur debt
or
issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance,
the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of
AREP
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to the tangible net worth of AREP
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have
50
been less than 1.75 to 1.0.
As of December 31, 2006, such ratio was less than 1.75 to 1.0. Based on this
ratio, we and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.6 billion of
additional indebtedness. If we complete the acquisition of Lear and fund the
acquisition as we currently contemplate, AREP and AREH will not be able to
incur
additional indebtedness under this test.
In
addition, both issuances of notes require that on each quarterly determination
date we and the guarantor of the notes (currently only AREH) maintain a minimum
ratio of cash flow to fixed charges each as defined, of 1.5 to 1.0, for the
four
consecutive fiscal quarters most recently completed prior to such quarterly
determination date. For the four quarters ended December 31, 2006, the ratio
of
cash flow to fixed charges was greater than 1.5 to 1.0.
The notes
also require, on each quarterly determination date, that the ratio of total
unencumbered assets, as defined, to the principal amount of unsecured
indebtedness, as defined, be greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of
the
most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2006, such ratio
was
in excess of 1.5 to 1.0.
The notes
also restrict the creation of liens, mergers, consolidations and sales of
substantially all of our assets, and transactions with affiliates.
As of
December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with each of the covenants contained
in
our senior unsecured notes. We expect to be in compliance with each of the
debt
covenants for the period of at least twelve months from December 31, 2006.
AREP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
On August
21, 2006, we and AREP Finance as the Borrowers, and certain of our subsidiaries,
as Guarantors, entered into a credit agreement with Bear Stearns Corporate
Lending Inc., as Administrative Agent, and certain other lender parties. Under
the credit agreement, we will be permitted to borrow up to $150.0 million,
including a $50.0 million sub-limit that may be used for letters of credit.
Borrowings under the agreement, which are based on our credit rating, bear
interest at LIBOR plus 1.0% to 2.0%. We pay an unused line fee of 0.25% to
0.5%.
As of December 31, 2006 there were no borrowings under the facility.
Obligations
under the credit agreement are guaranteed by and secured by liens on
substantially all of the assets of certain of our indirect wholly-owned holding
company subsidiaries. The credit agreement has a term of four years and all
amounts will be due and payable on August 21, 2010. The credit agreement
includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the creation of liens
and
certain dispositions of property by our wholly-owned holding company
subsidiaries that are guarantors. Obligations under the credit agreement are
immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain events of
default.
Senior secured
7.85% notes due 2012 — ACEP
In
January 2004, ACEP issued senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the
aggregate principal amount of $215.0 million, bear interest at the rate of
7.85%
per annum, which will be paid every six months, on February 1 and August
1.
ACEP’s
7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 restrict the payment of cash dividends
or
distributions by ACEP, the purchase of its equity interests, the purchase,
redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to ACEP’s notes and
investments as “restricted payments.” ACEP’s notes also prohibit the incurrence
of debt or the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined, by
ACEP,
with certain exceptions, provided that ACEP may incur debt or issue disqualified
stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of
consolidated cash flow to fixed charges (each as defined) for the most recently
ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are
available immediately preceding the date on which such additional indebtedness
is incurred or disqualified stock or preferred stock is issued would have been
at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to the debt
incurrence or issuance. As of December 31, 2006, such ratio was in excess of
2.0
to 1.0. The ACEP notes also restrict the creation of liens, the sale of assets,
mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of its assets, the lease
or grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use
ACEP’s assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and
certain related party transactions. The ACEP notes allow it to incur
indebtedness, among other things, of up to $50.0 million under credit
facilities, non-recourse financing of up to $15.0 million to finance the
construction, purchase or lease of personal or real property used in its
business, permitted affiliate subordinated indebtedness (as defined), the
issuance of additional 7.85% senior secured
51
notes due 2012 in an
aggregate principal amount not to exceed 2.0 times net cash proceeds received
from equity offerings and permitted affiliate subordinated debt, and additional
indebtedness of up to $10.0 million.
ACEP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
Effective
May 11, 2006, ACEP, and certain of ACEP’s subsidiaries, as Guarantors, entered
into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as
syndication agent, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as administrative agent,
and certain other lender parties. As of December 31, 2006, the interest rate
on
the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 6.85% per annum. The
credit agreement amends and restates, and is on substantially the same terms
as,
a credit agreement entered into as of January 29, 2004. Under the credit
agreement, ACEP will be permitted to borrow up to $60.0 million. Obligations
under the credit agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of the
assets of ACEP and its subsidiaries. The credit agreement has a term of four
years and all amounts will be due and payable on May 10, 2010. As of December
31, 2006, there were $40.0 million of borrowings under the credit agreement.
The
borrowings were incurred to finance a portion of the purchase price of the
Aquarius.
The
credit agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the
incurrence of additional indebtedness by ACEP and its subsidiaries, the issuance
of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined, the creation of liens by ACEP
or
its subsidiaries, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations or sales of
substantially all of ACEP’s assets, the lease or grant of a license or
concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use ACEP’s assets, the
issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain related party
transactions. The credit agreement also requires that, as of the last date
of
each fiscal quarter, ACEP’s ratio of consolidated first lien debt to
consolidated cash flow not be more than 1.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2006,
such ratio was less than 1.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2006, ACEP was in
compliance with each of the covenants.
The
restrictions imposed by ACEP’s senior secured notes and the credit facility
likely will limit our receiving payments from the operations of our hotel and
gaming properties.
Mortgages
payable
Mortgages
payable, all of which are nonrecourse to us, are summarized below. The mortgages
bear interest at rates between 4.97 and 7.99% and have maturities between
September 1, 2008 and July 1, 2016. The following is a summary of
mortgages payable (in $000s):
|
December 31,
|
|
|||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Total
mortgages
|
$
|
109,289
|
$
|
81,512
|
|||
Less:
current portion and mortgages on properties held for sale
|
(18,174
|
)
|
(18,104
|
)
|
|||
|
$
|
91,115
|
$
|
63,408
|
On June
30, 2006, certain of our indirect subsidiaries engaged in property development
and associated resort activities entered into a $32.5 million loan agreement
with Textron Financial Corp. The loan is secured by a mortgage on our New
Seabury golf course and resort in Mashpee, Massachusetts. The loan bears
interest at the rate of 7.96% per annum and matures in five years with a balloon
payment due of $30.0 million. Annual debt service payments of $3.0 million
are
required, which are payable in monthly installment amounts based on a 25-year
amortization schedule.
WestPoint Home
Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On June
16, 2006, WestPoint Home, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of WPI,
entered into a $250.0 million loan and security agreement with Bank of America,
N.A., as Administrative Agent and lender. On September 18, 2006, The CIT
Group/Commercial Services, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation and Wells
Fargo Foothill, LLC were added as lenders under this credit agreement. Under
the
five-year agreement, borrowings are subject to a monthly borrowing base
calculation and include a $75.0 million sub-limit that may be used for letters
of credit. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest, at the election of
WestPoint Home, either at the prime rate adjusted by an applicable margin
ranging from minus 0.25% to plus 0.50% or LIBOR adjusted by an applicable margin
ranging from plus 1.25% to 2.00%. WestPoint Home pays an unused line fee of
0.25% to 0.275%.
52
Obligations under the
agreement are secured by WestPoint Home’s receivables, inventory and certain
machinery and equipment.
The
agreement contains covenants including, among others, restrictions on the
incurrence of indebtedness, investments, redemption payments, distributions,
acquisition of stock, securities or assets of any other entity and capital
expenditures. However, WestPoint Home is not precluded from effecting any of
these transactions if excess availability, after giving effect to such
transaction, meets a minimum threshold.
As of
December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the agreement, but there
were
outstanding letters of credit of approximately $40.1 million.
Maturities
The
following is a summary of the maturities of our debt obligations (in
$000s):
2007
|
|
$
|
23,970
|
|
2008
|
29,227
|
|||
2009
|
6,670
|
|||
2010
|
1,684
|
|||
2011
|
31,446
|
|||
2012 — 2017
|
1,115,963
|
|||
|
$
|
1,208,960
|
Contractual
Commitments
The
following table reflects, at December 31, 2006, our contractual cash
obligations, subject to certain conditions, due over the indicated periods
and
when they come due ($ in millions):
Less
Than
1 Year |
1-3
Years |
3-5
Years |
After
5 Years |
Total
|
|||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||
Senior
unsecured 7.125% notes
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
480.0
|
$
|
480.0
|
|||||
Senior
unsecured 8.125% notes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
353.0
|
353.0
|
||||||||||
Senior
secured 7.85% notes
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
215.0
|
215.0
|
||||||||||
Senior
debt interest
|
82.5
|
165.0
|
160.7
|
105.6
|
513.8
|
||||||||||
Borrowing
under credit facilities – ACEP
|
—
|
—
|
40.0
|
—
|
40.0
|
||||||||||
Mortgages
payable
|
18.2
|
30.3
|
32.8
|
28.1
|
109.4
|
||||||||||
Lease
obligations
|
15.8
|
20.5
|
10.4
|
34.5
|
81.2
|
||||||||||
Construction
and development
obligations
|
9.4
|
0.8
|
—
|
—
|
10.2
|
||||||||||
Other
|
21.8
|
10.5
|
126.3
|
—
|
158.6
|
||||||||||
Total
|
$
|
147.7
|
$
|
227.1
|
$
|
370.2
|
$
|
1,216.2
|
$
|
1,961.2
|
Home Fashion
Purchase Orders
Purchase
orders or contracts for the purchase of certain inventory and other goods and
services are not included in the table above. We are not able to determine
the
aggregate amount of such purchase orders that represent contractual obligations,
as purchase orders may represent authorizations to purchase rather than binding
agreements. Purchase orders are based on our current needs and are fulfilled
by
vendors within short time horizons. We do not have significant agreements for
the purchase of inventory or other goods specifying minimum quantities or set
prices that exceed expected requirements.
Obligations
Related to Securities
As
discussed in Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements, we have
contractual liabilities of $25.4 million related to securities sold not yet
purchased. This amount has not been included in the table above as their
maturity is not subject to a contract and cannot properly be estimated.
Off Balance
Sheet
Arrangements
53
We do
not
maintain any off-balance sheet transactions, arrangements, obligations or other
relationships with unconsolidated entities or others.
Discussion of Segment
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Gaming
Our
primary source of cash from our Gaming operating unit is from the operation
of
our properties. At December 31, 2006, we had cash and cash equivalents of $54.9
million compared to $108.3 million in 2005 and $75.1 million at December 31,
2004. For the year ended December 31, 2006, net cash provided by operating
activities (including the operations of the Aquarius) totaled $63.5 million
compared to $62.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 and $54.6 million
for the year ended December 31, 2004. In addition to cash from operations,
cash
is available to us under the senior secured revolving credit facility entered
into by ACEP, as borrower, and certain of its subsidiaries, as guarantors.
In
May 2006, we entered into an amendment to the senior secured revolving credit
facility, increasing the amount of borrowings allowed by it to $60.0 million,
subject to compliance with financial and other covenants (discussed below),
until May 12, 2010. ACEP borrowed the maximum amount available under the
facility, $60.0 million, in order to fund the acquisition of the Aquarius.
At
December 31, 2006, there were outstanding borrowings under the senior secured
revolving credit facility of $40.0 million and availability of $20.0
million.
Our
primary use of cash during the year ended December 31, 2006 was for the
acquisition of the Aquarius as described below, operating expenses, capital
spending, to pay interest on our 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 and to
repay borrowings and interest under ACEP’s senior secured revolving credit
facility. Capital spending was approximately $46.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2006 compared to $28.2 million and $14.0 million for the years
ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. We have estimated our 2007
capital spending for our existing facilities at approximately $31.1 million,
which we anticipate to include approximately $14.9 million to purchase new
and
convert existing slot machines at the Aquarius and approximately $8.5 million
for Aquarius hotel renovations. The remainder of our capital spending estimate
for 2007 will be for upgrades or maintenance to our existing assets.
We
funded the acquisition of the Aquarius with existing cash and borrowings of
$60.0 million, under the senior secured revolving credit facility. We intend
to
fund the planned capital improvements with existing cash and cash flow from
operations. The purchase price, including direct acquisition costs for the
Aquarius, was $113.6 million. We currently estimate the cost of the improvements
to be approximately $40.0 million through 2008, and have expended approximately
$24.4 million through December 31, 2006. The capital improvement plan includes
replacing slot machines, hotel renovations, signage and various other
improvements.
Our
cash used by financing activities in 2006 was primarily used to fund the
acquisition of the Aquarius in 2006, to pay for the capital lease on our
exterior signage for 2005 and to complete the acquisitions of three Las Vegas,
Nevada gaming and entertainment properties from affiliated parties on May 26,
2004.
We
believe operating cash flows will be adequate to meet our anticipated
requirements for working capital, capital spending and scheduled interest
payments on the notes and under the senior secured revolving credit facility,
lease payments and other indebtedness at least through the next twelve months.
However, additional financing, if needed, may not be available to us, or if
available, the financing may not be on terms favorable to us. Our estimates
of
our reasonably anticipated liquidity needs may not be accurate and new business
opportunities or other unforeseen events could occur, resulting in the need
to
raise additional funds from outside sources.
Additionally,
as described above, ACEP has a senior secured revolving credit facility that
allows for borrowings of up to $60.0 million, including the issuance of letters
of credit of up to $10.0 million. Loans made under the senior secured revolving
facility will mature and the commitments under them will terminate in May 2010.
The facility contains restrictive covenants similar to those contained in the
7.85% senior secured notes due 2012. In addition, the facility requires that,
as
of the last date of each fiscal quarter, ACEP’s ratio of consolidated first lien
debt to consolidated cash flow be not more than 1.0 to 1.0. As of December
31,
2006, this ratio was less than 1.0 to 1.0. At December 31, 2006, there were
$40.0 million of borrowings outstanding under the facility.
In
furtherance of our strategy to maximize value for our unitholders and in light
of favorable market conditions, we are currently evaluating alternatives for
refinancing, recapitalizing and/or selling our Gaming segment.
54
Real
Estate
Our
real estate operating units generate cash through rentals, leases and asset
sales (principally sales of rental and residential properties) and the operation
of resorts. All of these operations generate cash flows from operations.
Real
estate development activities require a significant amount of funds. With our
renewed development activity at New Seabury and Grand Harbor, it is expected
that cash expenditures in 2007 will approximate $50 million. We expect that
such
amounts will be funded through advances from AREP’s existing cash reserves and
from unit sales and, to the extent such proceeds are insufficient, by AREP
from
available cash.
During
the year ended December 31, 2006, we sold 18 rental real estate properties
for
$25.3 million, which were unencumbered by mortgage debt.
During
the year ended December 31, 2005, we sold 14 rental real estate properties
for
$52.5 million, which were encumbered by mortgage debt of $10.7 million. Net
sales proceeds were $41.8 million. Also in 2005, we sold a resort property
for
$8.5 million.
Home
Fashion
For
the year ended December 31, 2006, our Home Fashion segment had a negative cash
flow from operations of $36.9 million. Such negative cash flow was principally
due to ongoing restructuring efforts partially offset by reductions in working
capital. As discussed above, WPI expects to continue its restructuring efforts
and, accordingly, expects that restructuring charges and operating losses will
continue to be incurred through the end of 2007.
On
December 20, 2006, pursuant to a subscription and standby commitment agreement,
AREH purchased from WPI, 1,000,000 shares of WPI’s Series A-1 Preferred Stock,
par value $0.01 per share, and 1,000,000 shares of WPI’s series A-2 Preferred
Stock, par value of $0.01 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $200.0
million. Each share of Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible
into WestPoint common stock at a conversion price of $10.50 per share, subject
to adjustment in certain events. However, until certain conditions are met,
the
Series A-1 and Series A-2 Preferred Stock may not be converted into common
stock. In addition, WestPoint may cause the conversion of all Series A-1 or
Series A-2 Preferred Stock upon the occurrence of certain events.
On
December 21, 2006 WPI used $98.6 million of the proceeds to finance the
acquisition of certain bed products manufacturing facilities from Manama Textile
Mills WLL in Bahrain. The remainder of the proceeds from the preferred stock
offering will provide for additional payments due under this purchase agreement,
working capital, capital expenditures, possible additional acquisitions and
joint ventures and general corporate purposes.
At
December 31, 2006, WPI had approximately $178.5 million of unrestricted cash
and
cash equivalents.
On June
16, 2006, WPI’s primary operating subsidiary, WestPoint Home, Inc., entered into
a $250.0 million senior secured revolving credit facility from Bank of America,
N.A. with an expiration date of June 15, 2011. The borrowing availability under
the senior credit facility is subject to a monthly borrowing base calculation
less outstanding loans, letters of credit and other reserves under the facility.
Borrowings under the agreement bear interest, at the election of WestPoint
Home,
either at the prime rate adjusted by an applicable margin ranging from minus
0.25% to plus 0.50% or at LIBOR adjusted by an applicable margin ranging from
plus 1.25% to 2.00%. WestPoint Home pays an unused line fee of 0.25% to 0.275%.
Obligations under the agreement are secured by WestPoint Home’s receivables,
inventory and certain machinery and equipment.
At
December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the agreement, but there
were
outstanding letters of credit of $40.1 million. Based upon the eligibility
and
reserve calculations within the agreement, WestPoint Home had unused borrowing
availability of approximately $122.7 million at December 31, 2006.
The
senior secured revolving credit agreement contains various covenants including,
among others, restrictions on indebtedness, investments, redemption payments,
distributions, acquisition of stock, securities or assets of any other entity
and capital expenditures. However, WestPoint Home is not precluded from
effecting any of these, if excess availability, as defined after giving effect
to any such debt issuance, investment, redemption, distribution or other
transition or payment restricted by covenant meets a minimum threshold.
55
Capital
expenditures by WPI were $11.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2006.
Capital expenditures for 2007 are expected to total approximately $25.9 million.
During 2006, WPI invested approximately $12.4 million, to acquire a 50%
ownership interest in a joint venture in Pakistan for a bath products
manufacturing facility. WPI may expend additional amounts in connection with
further joint ventures and acquisitions, and such amounts may be
significant.
Through
a
combination of its existing cash on hand and its borrowing availability under
the WestPoint Home senior secured revolving credit facility, WPI believes that
it has adequate capital resources and liquidity to meet its anticipated
requirements to continue its operational restructuring initiatives and for
working capital, capital spending and scheduled payments on the notes payable
at
least through the next twelve months. However, depending upon the levels of
additional acquisitions and joint venture investment activity, if any,
additional financing, if needed, may not be available to WPI, or if available,
the financing may not be on terms favorable to WPI. WPI’s estimates of its
reasonably anticipated liquidity needs may not be accurate and new business
opportunities or other unforeseen events could occur, resulting in the need
to
raise additional funds from outside sources.
Distributions
During
2005, we began to pay distributions to our unitholders. Total distributions
of
$0.40 per unit were declared and paid during 2006 in an aggregate amount of
$25.2 million.
On March
31, 2006, we distributed to holders of record of our preferred units as of
March
15, 2006, 539,846 additional preferred units. Pursuant to the terms of the
preferred units, on February 27, 2007, we declared our scheduled annual
preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred units at the rate
of
5% of the liquidation preference of $10.00. The distribution is payable on
March
30, 2007 to holders of record as of March 15, 2007. On February 27, 2007, the
number of authorized preferred units was increased to 12,100,000.
Our
preferred units are subject to redemption at our option on any payment date,
and
the preferred units must be redeemed by us on or before March 31, 2010. The
redemption price is payable, at our option, subject to the indenture, either
all
in cash or by the issuance of depositary units, in either case, in an amount
equal to the liquidation preference of the preferred units plus any accrued
but
unpaid distributions thereon.
Critical Accounting
Policies and Estimates
Our
significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of our consolidated
financial statements. Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared
in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, or GAAP. The
preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management
to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets,
liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets
and
liabilities. Among others, estimates are used when accounting for valuation
of
investments, recognition of casino revenues and promotional allowances and
estimated costs to complete its land, house and condominium developments.
Estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on
historical and other factors believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
The results of these estimates may form the basis of the carrying value of
certain assets and liabilities and may not be readily apparent from other
sources. Actual results, under conditions and circumstances different from
those
assumed, may differ from estimates.
We
believe the following accounting policies are critical to our business
operations and the understanding of results of operations and affect the more
significant judgments and estimates used in the preparation of our consolidated
financial statements.
Accounting for the
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Long-lived
assets held and used by us and long-lived assets to be disposed of, are reviewed
for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances, such as vacancies
and rejected leases, indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not
be
recoverable.
In
performing the review for recoverability, we estimate the future cash flows
expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition.
If
the sum of the expected future cash flows, undiscounted and without interest
charges, is less than the carrying amount of the asset an impairment loss is
recognized. Measurement of an
56
impairment loss for
long-lived assets that we expect to hold and use is based on the fair value
of
the asset. Long-lived assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of
carrying amount or fair value less cost to sell.
Commitments and
Contingencies — Litigation
On an
ongoing basis, we assess the potential liabilities related to any lawsuits
or
claims brought against us. While it is typically very difficult to determine
the
timing and ultimate outcome of such actions, we use our best judgment to
determine if it is probable that we will incur an expense related to the
settlement or final adjudication of such matters and whether a reasonable
estimation of such probable loss, if any, can be made. In assessing probable
losses, we make estimates of the amount of insurance recoveries, if any. We
accrue a liability when we believe a loss is probable and the amount of loss
can
be reasonably estimated. Due to the inherent uncertainties related to the
eventual outcome of litigation and potential insurance recovery, it is possible
that certain matters may be resolved for amounts materially different from
any
provisions or disclosures that we have previously made.
Use of Estimates in
Preparation of Financial Statements
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at
the
date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and
expenses during the period.
The more
significant estimates include (1) the valuation allowances of accounts
receivable and inventory, (2) the valuation of long-lived assets, mortgages
and notes receivable, marketable equity and debt securities and other
investments, (3) costs to complete for land, house and condominium
developments, (4) gaming-related liability and promotional programs,
(5) deferred tax assets, (6) oil and gas reserve estimates,
(7) asset retirement obligations and (8) fair value of derivatives.
Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing
the consolidated financial statements.
Income
Taxes
No
provision has been made for federal, state or local income taxes on the results
of operations generated by partnership activities as such taxes are the
responsibility of the partners. Our corporate subsidiaries account for their
income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and
liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to
differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit
carry forwards.
Deferred
tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are
expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and
liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period
that
includes the enactment date.
Management
periodically evaluates all evidence, both positive and negative, in determining
whether a valuation allowance to reduce the carrying value of deferred tax
assets is still needed. In 2006 and 2005, we concluded, based on the projections
of taxable income, that certain of our corporate subsidiaries more likely than
not will realize a partial benefit from their deferred tax assets and loss
carry
forwards. Ultimate realization of the deferred tax assets is dependent upon,
among other factors, our corporate subsidiaries’ ability to generate sufficient
taxable income within the carry forward periods and is subject to change
depending on the tax laws in effect in the years in which the carry forwards
are
used.
Forward Looking
Statements
Statements
included in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations” which are not historical in nature are intended to be,
and are hereby identified as, “forward looking statements” for purposes of the
safe harbor provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section
21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended by Public Law
104-67.
Forward
looking statements regarding management’s present plans or expectations involve
risks and uncertainties and changing economic or competitive conditions, as
well
as the negotiation of agreements with third parties, which could cause actual
results to differ from present plans or expectations, and such differences
could
be material. Readers should consider that such statements speak only as of
the
date hereof.
57
Certain Trends
and
Uncertainties
We have
in the past and may in the future make forward looking statements. Certain
of
the statements contained in this document involve risks and uncertainties.
Our
future results could differ materially from those statements. Factors that
could
cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to those
discussed in this document. These statements are subject to risks and
uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
predicted. Also, please see Item 1A. Risk Factors of this Form 10-K.
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 significant market risks are primarily associated with interest
rates, equity prices and derivatives. The following sections address the
significant market risks associated with our business activities.
Interest Rate
Risk
The fair
values of our long term debt and other borrowings will fluctuate in response
to
changes in market interest rates. Increases and decreases in prevailing interest
rates generally translate into decreases and increases in fair values of those
instruments. Additionally, fair values of interest rate sensitive instruments
may be affected by the creditworthiness of the issuer, relative values of
alternative investments, the liquidity of the instrument and other general
market conditions.
We do
not
invest in derivative financial instruments, interest rate swaps or other
investments that alter interest rate exposure.
We have
predominately long-term fixed interest rate debt. Generally, the fair market
value of debt securities with a fixed interest rate will increase as interest
rates fall, and the fair market value will decrease as interest rates rise.
At
December 31, 2006, the impact of a 100 basis point increase in interest rates
on
fixed rate debt would result in a decrease in market value of approximately
$40
million. A 100 basis point decrease would result in an increase in market value
of approximately $40 million.
Equity Price
Risk
The
carrying values of investments subject to equity price risks are based on quoted
market prices or management’s estimates of fair value as of the balance sheet
dates. Market prices are subject to fluctuation and, consequently, the amount
realized in the subsequent sale of an investment may significantly differ from
the reported market value. Fluctuation in the market price of a security may
result from perceived changes in the underlying economic characteristics of
the
investee, the relative price of alternative investments and general market
conditions. Furthermore, amounts realized in the sale of a particular security
may be affected by the relative quantity of the security being sold.
Based
on
a sensitivity analysis for our equity price risks as of December 31, 2006 and
2005 the effects of a hypothetical 20% increase or decrease in market prices
as
of those dates would result in a gain or loss that would be approximately $132.0
million and $170.0 million, respectively. The selected hypothetical change
does
not reflect what could be considered the best or worst case scenarios. Indeed,
results could be far worse due to the nature of equity markets.
58
REPORT
OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board of Directors and
Partners of
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
We have
audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of American Real Estate
Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the
related consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners’ equity and
comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 2006. These consolidated financial statements are the
responsibility of the Partnership’s management. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit
the financial statements of GB Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries for the year
ended December 31, 2004, which statements reflect losses of $12,822,000 included
in the discontinued operations. Those statements were audited by other auditors,
whose report thereon has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as
it
relates to the amounts included for GB Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries, is
based
solely on the report of the other auditors. Those auditors expressed an
unqualified opinion with emphasis on a going concern matter on those financial
statements in their report dated March 11, 2005. Also, we did not audit the
financial statements of ImClone Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary, the
investment in which, as discussed in Notes 2 and 7 to the financial statements,
is accounted for by the equity method of accounting. The investment in ImClone
Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary was $164,307,000 and $97,255,000 as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and the equity in its net income
was
$12,620,000 and $1,375,000 respectively, for the years then ended. The financial
statements of ImClone Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary were audited by other
auditors whose report has been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as
it
relates to the amounts included for ImClone Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary,
is based solely on the reports of the other auditors.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits and the reports
of
the other auditors provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, based on our audits and the reports of the other auditors, the
consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the consolidated financial position of American Real Estate
Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their consolidated cash flows
for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2006 in conformity
with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
As
discussed in Notes 2 and 7, in 2006, the Partnership changed the accounting
for
its investment in ImClone Systems Incorporated and Subsidiary from an available
for sale security to the equity method.
We have
also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the effectiveness of American Real Estate
Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 2, 2007 expressed an
unqualified opinion thereon.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
March 2, 2007
March 2, 2007
59
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To the Shareholders of GB
Holdings, Inc.
We have
audited the consolidated statements of operations, changes in shareholders’
equity and cash flows for the year ended December 31, 2004 of GB Holdings,
Inc.
and subsidiaries. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility
of the company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on
these consolidated financial statements based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the results of operations and cash flows of GB
Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2004, in
conformity with US generally accepted accounting principles.
The
consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that GB Holdings,
Inc. will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the
consolidated financial statements, the Company has suffered recurring net
losses, has a net working capital deficiency and has significant debt
obligations which are due within one year that raise substantial doubt about
its
ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s plans in regard to these
matters are also described in Notes 1 and 2. The consolidated financial
statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome
of
this uncertainty.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Short Hills, New
Jersey
March 11, 2005
March 11, 2005
60
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
To Board of Directors and
Stockholders
ImClone Systems Incorporated:
ImClone Systems Incorporated:
We have
audited the consolidated balance sheets of ImClone Systems Incorporated and
subsidiary as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders’ equity (deficit) and comprehensive
income, and cash flows for the years then ended, not presented separately
herein. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
We
conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used
and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our
opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of ImClone Systems Incorporated
and subsidiary as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with
U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.
As
discussed in notes 2(i) and 11(d) to the consolidated financial statements,
the
Company adopted the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” effective January 1, 2006.
/s/ KPMG LLP
Princeton, New Jersey
March 1, 2007
March 1, 2007
61
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2006 and 2005
December 31, 2006 and 2005
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
(in
$000s, except unit amounts)
|
|||||||
ASSETS
|
|||||||
Current
assets:
|
|||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
1,912,235
|
|
$
|
460,091
|
|
Investments
|
539,115
|
720,526
|
|||||
Inventories,
net
|
245,502
|
244,239
|
|||||
Trade,
notes and other receivables, net
|
176,496
|
195,321
|
|||||
Other
current assets
|
134,987
|
214,860
|
|||||
Assets
held for sale
|
47,503
|
1,177,397
|
|||||
Total
current assets
|
3,055,838
|
3,012,434
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net:
|
|||||||
Gaming
|
422,715
|
295,432
|
|||||
Real
Estate
|
283,974
|
288,254
|
|||||
Home
Fashion
|
200,382
|
166,026
|
|||||
Total
property, plant and equipment, net
|
907,071
|
749,712
|
|||||
Equity
investment and other
|
179,932
|
100,291
|
|||||
Intangible
assets
|
25,916
|
23,402
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
75,990
|
77,706
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
$
|
3,963,545
|
|||
LIABILITIES
AND PARTNERS’ EQUITY
|
|||||||
Current
liabilities:
|
|||||||
Accounts
payable
|
$
|
69,853
|
$
|
57,602
|
|||
Accrued
expenses and other current liabilities
|
197,792
|
143,427
|
|||||
Current
portion of long-term debt
|
23,970
|
18,103
|
|||||
Securities
sold not yet purchased
|
25,398
|
75,883
|
|||||
Margin
liability on marketable securities
|
—
|
131,061
|
|||||
Liabilities
of discontinued operations held for sale
|
—
|
489,598
|
|||||
Total
current liabilities
|
317,013
|
915,674
|
|||||
Long-term
debt
|
1,184,990
|
1,111,666
|
|||||
Other
non-current liabilities
|
22,212
|
24,007
|
|||||
Preferred
limited partnership units:
|
|||||||
$10
per unit liquidation preference, 5% cumulative pay-in-kind; 11,400,000
authorized; 11,340,243 and 10,800,397 issued and outstanding as of
December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively
|
117,656
|
112,067
|
|||||
Total
long-term liabilities
|
1,324,858
|
1,247,740
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
1,641,871
|
2,163,414
|
|||||
Minority
interests
|
292,221
|
304,599
|
|||||
Commitments
and contingencies (Note 20)
|
|||||||
Partners’
equity
|
|||||||
Limited
partners:
|
|||||||
Depositary
units; 67,850,000 authorized; 62,994,030 issued and 61,856,830 outstanding
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
2,524,615
|
1,725,714
|
|||||
General
partner
|
(202,039
|
)
|
(218,261
|
)
|
|||
Treasury
units at cost:
|
|||||||
1,137,200
depositary units
|
(11,921
|
)
|
(11,921
|
)
|
|||
Partners’
equity
|
2,310,655
|
1,495,532
|
|||||
Total
liabilities and partners’ equity
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
$
|
3,963,545
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
62
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
(in
000s, except per unit data)
|
||||||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||
Gaming
|
|
$
|
385,699
|
|
$
|
327,982
|
|
$
|
299,981
|
|
Real
Estate
|
134,575
|
100,299
|
61,557
|
|||||||
Home
Fashion
|
957,656
|
472,681
|
—
|
|||||||
1,477,930
|
900,962
|
361,538
|
||||||||
Expenses:
|
||||||||||
Gaming
|
326,984
|
260,955
|
251,119
|
|||||||
Real
Estate
|
106,621
|
82,512
|
49,681
|
|||||||
Home
Fashion
|
1,108,293
|
495,110
|
—
|
|||||||
Holding
Company
|
25,822
|
12,478
|
4,327
|
|||||||
Acquisition
costs
|
—
|
4,664
|
414
|
|||||||
1,567,720
|
855,719
|
305,541
|
||||||||
Operating
(loss) income
|
(89,790
|
)
|
45,243
|
55,997
|
||||||
Other
income (expense), net:
|
||||||||||
Interest
expense
|
(106,612
|
)
|
(91,174
|
)
|
(47,320
|
)
|
||||
Interest
income
|
52,672
|
42,791
|
42,145
|
|||||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
99,277
|
(12,861
|
)
|
24,453
|
||||||
Equity
in earnings of affiliate
|
12,620
|
1,375
|
—
|
|||||||
(Loss)
income from continuing operations before income taxes and minority
interests
|
(31,833
|
)
|
(14,626
|
)
|
75,275
|
|||||
Income
tax expense
|
(13,271
|
)
|
(18,170
|
)
|
(10,099
|
)
|
||||
Minority
interests
|
68,173
|
10,140
|
—
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
23,069
|
(22,656
|
)
|
65,176
|
||||||
Discontinued
operations:
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes
|
154,831
|
(28,544
|
)
|
11,307
|
||||||
Gain
on sales of assets, net of income taxes
|
676,444
|
21,849
|
75,197
|
|||||||
Minority
interests
|
(55,511
|
)
|
3,682
|
2,074
|
||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
775,764
|
(3,013
|
)
|
88,578
|
||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
|||
Net
earnings (loss) attributable to:
|
||||||||||
Limited
partners
|
$
|
782,936
|
$
|
(20,292
|
)
|
$
|
130,850
|
|||
General
partner
|
15,897
|
(5,377
|
)
|
22,904
|
||||||
$
|
798,833
|
$
|
(25,669
|
)
|
$
|
153,754
|
||||
Net
earnings per limited partnership unit:
|
||||||||||
Basic
earnings (loss):
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.96
|
|||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.88
|
||||||
Basic
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
12.69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.84
|
|||
Weighted
average limited partnership units outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
46,098
|
|||||||
Diluted
earnings:
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.95
|
|||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.69
|
||||||
Diluted
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
12.69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.64
|
|||
Weighted
average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership
units outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
51,542
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
63
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN PARTNERS’
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
EQUITY AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
General
Partner’s Equity (Deficit) |
Limited
Partners’
Equity |
Held
in Treasury
|
Total
Partners’ Equity |
||||||||||||||
Depositary
Units |
Preferred
Units |
Amounts
|
Units
|
||||||||||||||
(in
000s)
|
|||||||||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2003
|
|
$
|
358,239
|
|
$
|
1,181,078
|
|
—
|
|
$
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
|
$
|
1,527,396
|
|
Comprehensive
income:
|
|
||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings
|
22,904
|
130,850
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
153,754
|
|||||||||||
Reclassification
of unrealized gains on marketable
securities sold |
(190
|
)
|
(9,378
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(9,568
|
)
|
||||||||
Net
unrealized gains on securities available for sale
|
1
|
32
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
33
|
|||||||||||
Comprehensive
income
|
22,715
|
121,504
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
144,219
|
|||||||||||
Capital
distribution from American Casino
|
(17,916
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(17,916
|
)
|
|||||||||
Capital
contribution to American Casino
|
22,800
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
22,800
|
|||||||||||
Arizona
Charlies acquisition
|
(125,900
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(125,900
|
)
|
|||||||||
Change
in deferred tax asset related to acquisition of Arizona Charlies
|
2,490
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
2,490
|
|||||||||||
Net
adjustment for Panaco acquisition
|
91,561
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
91,561
|
|||||||||||
Distribution
to general partner
|
(1,919
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(1,919
|
)
|
|||||||||
Other
|
(19
|
)
|
(957
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(976
|
)
|
||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2004
|
352,051
|
1,301,625
|
—
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
1,641,755
|
||||||||||
Comprehensive
income:
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
(5,377
|
)
|
(20,292
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(25,669
|
)
|
||||||||
Net
unrealized gains (loss) on securities available for sale
|
(83
|
)
|
(4,114
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(4,197
|
)
|
||||||||
Other
comprehensive income (loss)
|
(2
|
)
|
(75
|
)
|
(77
|
)
|
|||||||||||
Comprehensive
loss
|
(5,462
|
)
|
(24,481
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(29,943
|
)
|
||||||||
General
partner contribution
|
9,279
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
9,279
|
|||||||||||
AREP
Oil & Gas acquisitions
|
(616,740
|
)
|
444,998
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(171,742
|
)
|
|||||||||
GBH/Atlantic
Coast acquisitions
|
46,249
|
12,000
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
58,249
|
|||||||||||
Change
in reporting entity and other
|
(803
|
)
|
3,253
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
2,450
|
||||||||||
CEO
LP unit options
|
10
|
482
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
492
|
|||||||||||
Return
of capital to GB Holdings, Inc.
|
(2,598
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(2,598
|
)
|
|||||||||
Partnership
distributions
|
(251
|
)
|
(12,371
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(12,622
|
)
|
||||||||
Equity
in ImClone capital transactions
|
4
|
208
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
212
|
|||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2005
|
|
(218,261
|
)
|
1,725,714
|
|
—
|
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
|
1,495,532
|
|||||
Comprehensive
income:
|
|||||||||||||||||
Net
earnings
|
15,897
|
782,936
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
798,833
|
|||||||||||
Net
unrealized gains on securities available for sale
|
591
|
29,093
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
29,684
|
|||||||||||
Other
comprehensive income
|
3
|
147
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
150
|
|||||||||||
Comprehensive
Income
|
16,491
|
812,176
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
828,667
|
|||||||||||
CEO
LP unit options
|
124
|
6,124
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
6,248
|
|||||||||||
Atlantic
Coast bond conversion
|
44
|
2,167
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
2,211
|
|||||||||||
Partnership
distributions
|
(502
|
)
|
(24,743
|
)
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
(25,245
|
)
|
||||||||
Equity
in ImClone capital transactions
|
65
|
3,177
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
3,242
|
|||||||||||
Balance,
December 31, 2006
|
$
|
(202,039
|
)
|
$
|
2,524,615
|
—
|
$
|
(11,921
|
)
|
1,137
|
$
|
2,310,655
|
Accumulated
other comprehensive income (loss) at December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $25.4
million, $(4.5) million and $(0.1) million, respectively.
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
64
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
(dollars
in thousands)
|
||||||||||
Cash
Flows from Operating Activities:
Cash
Flows from Continuing Operations:
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
|
$
|
23,069
|
|
$
|
(22,656
|
)
|
$
|
65,176
|
|
Adjustments
to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by
operating activities: |
||||||||||
Depreciation
and amortization
|
71,454
|
50,335
|
29,646
|
|||||||
Investment
(gains) losses
|
(91,308
|
)
|
21,260
|
(16,540
|
)
|
|||||
Preferred
LP unit interest expense
|
5,589
|
5,336
|
5,082
|
|||||||
Minority
interest
|
(68,173
|
)
|
(10,140
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Equity
in earnings of affiliate
|
(12,620
|
)
|
(1,375
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Stock
based compensation expense
|
6,248
|
492
|
—
|
|||||||
Deferred
income tax expense
|
2
|
8,364
|
7,507
|
|||||||
Impairment
loss on fixed assets
|
33,701
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
Net
cash provided by activities on trading securities
|
70,636
|
28,560
|
—
|
|||||||
Other,
net
|
(5,927
|
)
|
(2,571
|
)
|
(9,690
|
)
|
||||
Changes
in operating assets and liabilities:
|
||||||||||
Decrease
(increase) in trade notes and other receivables
|
49,710
|
10,671
|
(7,921
|
)
|
||||||
Decrease
(increase) in other assets
|
34,102
|
(9,684
|
)
|
(124,004
|
)
|
|||||
(Increase)
decrease in inventory
|
8,822
|
17,880
|
—
|
|||||||
Increase
(decrease) in accounts payable, accrued expenses and
other liabilities |
(7,570
|
)
|
(51,399
|
)
|
89,477
|
|||||
Net
cash provided by continuing operations
|
117,735
|
45,073
|
38,733
|
|||||||
Cash
Flows from Discontinued Operations:
|
||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
775,764
|
(3,013
|
)
|
88,578
|
||||||
Depreciation,
depletion and amortization
|
106,936
|
108,496
|
77,458
|
|||||||
Change
in fair market value of Oil & Gas derivative contracts
|
(99,707
|
)
|
69,254
|
9,179
|
||||||
Impairment
loss on GBH
|
—
|
52,366
|
15,600
|
|||||||
Net
(gain) from sales of businesses and properties
|
(676,444
|
)
|
(21,849
|
)
|
(75,197
|
)
|
||||
Other,
net
|
65,904
|
(30,441
|
)
|
9,661
|
||||||
Net
cash provided by discontinued operations
|
172,453
|
174,813
|
125,279
|
|||||||
Net
cash provided by operating activities
|
290,188
|
219,886
|
164,012
|
|||||||
Cash
Flows from Investing Activities:
|
||||||||||
Cash
Flows from Continuing Operations:
|
||||||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
(61,338
|
)
|
(36,380
|
)
|
(109,532
|
)
|
||||
Purchases
of marketable equity and debt securities
|
(243,162
|
)
|
(764,271
|
)
|
(283,615
|
)
|
||||
Proceeds
from sales of marketable equity and debt securities
|
566,575
|
190,287
|
93,556
|
|||||||
Net
proceeds from the sale and disposition of real estate
|
—
|
8,414
|
43,590
|
|||||||
Net
proceeds from the sale and disposition of fixed assets
|
21,867
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||
Purchase
of debt securities of affiliates
|
—
|
—
|
(101,500
|
)
|
||||||
Acquisitions
of businesses, net of cash acquired
|
(208,645
|
)
|
(293,649
|
)
|
(125,900
|
)
|
||||
Other,
net
|
—
|
9,586
|
50,848
|
|||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities – continuing
operations
|
75,297
|
(886,013
|
)
|
(432,553
|
)
|
|||||
Cash
Flows from Discontinued Operations:
|
||||||||||
Capital
expenditures
|
(306,696
|
)
|
(326,309
|
)
|
(132,220
|
)
|
||||
Net
proceeds from the sales and disposition of assets
|
1,308,713
|
54,752
|
202,344
|
|||||||
Other,
net
|
(18,427
|
)
|
4,704
|
21,090
|
||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities – discontinued
operations
|
983,590
|
(266,853
|
)
|
91,214
|
||||||
Net
cash provided by (used in) investing activities
|
1,058,887
|
(1,152,866
|
)
|
(341,339
|
)
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
65
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS –
(continued)
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years Ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
Years
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
(dollars
in thousands)
|
||||||||||
Cash
Flows from Financing Activities:
|
||||||||||
Cash
Flows from Continuing Operations:
|
||||||||||
Partners’
equity:
|
||||||||||
Members
contribution
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
9,279
|
|
$
|
22,800
|
|
Partnership
distributions
|
|
(25,245
|
)
|
|
(12,622
|
)
|
|
(17,916
|
)
|
|
Debt:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Proceeds
from issuance of senior notes payable
|
|
—
|
|
|
480,000
|
|
|
565,409
|
|
|
Proceeds
from credit facilities
|
|
60,000
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
|
|
|
Repayment
of credit facilities
|
|
(21,034
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net
change in due to/from affiliates
|
|
—
|
|
|
14,557
|
|
|
(24,925
|
)
|
|
Proceeds
from mortgages payable
|
|
34,250
|
|
|
4,425
|
|
|
10,000
|
|
|
Mortgages
paid upon disposition of properties
|
|
—
|
|
|
(3,777
|
)
|
|
(26,800
|
)
|
|
Periodic
principal payments
|
|
(6,473
|
)
|
|
(3,941
|
)
|
|
(5,248
|
)
|
|
Debt
issuance costs
|
|
(8,257
|
)
|
|
(8,952
|
)
|
|
(18,111
|
)
|
|
Other,
net
|
|
—
|
|
|
4,258
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities – continuing operations
|
|
33,241
|
|
|
483,227
|
|
|
505,209
|
|
|
Cash
Flows from Discontinued Operations:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net
cash (used in) provided by financing activities –
discontinued
operations
|
|
(24,276
|
)
|
|
219,568
|
|
|
(74,797
|
)
|
|
Net
cash provided by financing activities
|
|
8,965
|
|
|
702,795
|
|
|
430,412
|
|
|
Net
increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
|
|
1,358,040
|
|
|
(230,185
|
)
|
|
253,085
|
|
|
Net
change in cash of assets held for sale
|
|
94,104
|
|
|
(72,432
|
)
|
|
22,125
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, beginning of period
|
|
460,091
|
|
|
762,708
|
|
|
487,498
|
|
|
Cash
and cash equivalents, end of period
|
$
|
1,912,235
|
|
$
|
460,091
|
|
$
|
762,708
|
|
|
Supplemental
information
|
||||||||||
Cash
payments for interest, net of amounts capitalized
|
$
|
106,635
|
$
|
77,745
|
$
|
60,472
|
||||
Cash
payments for income taxes, net of refunds
|
$
|
15,439
|
$
|
10,194
|
$
|
2,912
|
||||
Conversion
of bonds in connection with acquisition of WPI
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
205,850
|
$
|
—
|
||||
Net
unrealized gains (losses) on securities available for sale
|
$
|
29,684
|
$
|
(4,197
|
)
|
$
|
33
|
|||
LP
unit issuance
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
456,998
|
$
|
—
|
||||
Change
in tax asset related to acquisitions
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
7,329
|
$
|
2,490
|
||||
Debt
conversion relating to Atlantic Coast
|
$
|
2,211
|
$
|
29,500
|
$
|
—
|
||||
Equity
received in consideration for sale of oil and gas operations
|
$
|
231,156
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
See notes
to
consolidated financial statements.
66
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
1. Description of
Business and Basis of Presentation
General
American
Real Estate Partners, L.P., or the Company or AREP, is a master limited
partnership formed in Delaware on February 17, 1987. AREP is a diversified
holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in the following continuing
operating businesses: Gaming; Real Estate; and Home Fashion. In November 2006,
we divested our Oil and Gas operating business and our Atlantic City gaming
properties. Further information regarding our reportable segments is contained
in Note 18.
We own a
99%
limited partner interest in American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership,
or AREH. AREH, the operating partnership, holds our investments and conducts
our
business operations. Substantially all of our assets and liabilities are owned
by AREH and substantially all of our operations are conducted through AREH
and
its subsidiaries. American Property Investors, Inc., or API, owns a 1% general
partner interest in both us and AREH, representing an aggregate 1.99% general
partner interest in us and AREH. API is owned and controlled by Mr. Carl C.
Icahn.
Under our
amended and restated partnership agreement we are permitted to make non-real
estate related acquisitions and investments to enhance unitholder value and
further diversify our assets. Investments may include equity and debt securities
of domestic and foreign issuers. The portion of our assets invested in any
one
type of security or any single issuer are not limited.
We will
conduct our activities in such a manner as not to be deemed an investment
company under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or the 1940 Act. Generally,
this means that no more than 40% of the Company’s total assets will be invested
in investment securities, as such term is defined in the 1940 Act. In addition,
we do not intend to invest in securities as our primary business. We will
structure our investments to continue to be taxed as a partnership rather than
as a corporation under the applicable publicly traded partnership rules of
the
Internal Revenue Code.
As of
December 31, 2006, affiliates of Mr. Icahn owned 9,813,346 preferred units
and 55,655,382 depositary units which represented approximately 86.5% and 90%
of
the outstanding preferred units and depositary units, respectively.
Acquisitions
On August
8,
2005, WestPoint International, Inc., or WPI, our indirect majority-owned
subsidiary, completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of
WestPoint Stevens Inc., or WPS. Operating results for WPI are included with
AREP’s results beginning as of August 8, 2005. In December 2006, WPI acquired a
manufacturing facility in Bahrain for an aggregate cash consideration of $98.6
million and a seller note of $10.6 million. The purchase price is subject to
working capital adjustments.
On May 19,
2006, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, AREP Laughlin Corporation, and AREP
Boardwalk Properties LLC, completed the purchases, respectively, of the Flamingo
Laughlin Hotel and Casino, now known as the Aquarius Casino Resort, or the
Aquarius, in Laughlin, Nevada, and 7.7 acres of land adjacent to The Sands
Hotel
and Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey, known as the Traymore site, from
affiliates of Harrah’s Operating Company, Inc., or Harrah’s. Operating results
for the Aquarius are included with AREP’s results beginning as of May 19,
2006.
Discontinued
Operations
On
November 17, 2006, our indirect majority
owned subsidiary, Atlantic Coast Entertainment Holdings, Inc., completed the
sale to Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., or Pinnacle, of the outstanding membership
interests in ACE Gaming LLC, the owner of The Sands and 100% of the equity
interests in certain subsidiaries of AREH which own parcels of real estate
adjacent to The Sands, including the Traymore site to Pinnacle. See Note 5
for
additional information regarding the sale.
67
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
1. Description of
Business and Basis of Presentation – (continued)
On
November 21, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP O & G Holdings
LLC, consummated the sale of all of the issued and outstanding membership
interests of NEG Oil & Gas LLC to SandRidge Energy, Inc formerly Riata
Energy, Inc. See Note 5 for additional information regarding the sale.
Certain
of our real estate properties are classified as discontinued operations. The
properties classified as discontinued operations have changed during 2006 and,
accordingly, certain amounts in the accompanying 2005 and 2004 financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the current classification
of
properties.
The
financial position and results of these operations are presented as assets
and
liabilities of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance
sheets and discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations,
respectively, for all periods presented in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment
or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets.
Filing Status
of
Subsidiaries
National
Energy Group, Inc., or NEGI, and Atlantic Coast are reporting companies under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In addition, American Casino &
Entertainment Properties LLC, or American Casino or ACEP, voluntarily files
annual, quarterly and current reports. Each of these reports is separately
filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are publicly available.
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies
As
discussed in Note 1, we operate in several diversified segments. The accounting
policies related to the specific segments or industries are differentiated,
as
required, in the list of significant accounting policies set out below.
Principles of
Consolidation
The
accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of AREP
and
the majority-owned subsidiaries in which AREP has a controlling financial
interest as of the financial statement date. We are considered to have control
if we have a direct or indirect ability to make decisions about an entity’s
activities through voting or similar rights. We use the guidance set forth
in
AICPA Statement of Position No. 78-9, Accounting for Investments in Real
Estate Ventures, and Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 04-05,
Investor’s Accounting for an Investment in a Limited Partnership when the
Investor is the Sole General Partner and the Limited Partners have Certain
Rights, with respect to our investments in partnerships and limited
liability companies. All intercompany balance and transactions are
eliminated.
We
utilize the equity method of accounting with respect to investments where we
exercise significant influence, but not control, over the operating and
financial policies of the investee. A voting interest of at least 20% and no
greater than 50% is normally a prerequisite for utilizing the equity method.
However, we may apply the equity method with less than 20% voting interests
based upon the facts and circumstances including representation on the
investee’s Board of Directors, contractual veto or approval rights,
participation in policy making processes and the existence or absence of other
significant owners. In applying the equity method, investments are recorded
at
cost and subsequently increased or decreased by our proportionate share of
the
net earnings or losses of the investee. We also record our proportionate share
of other comprehensive income items of the investee as a component of our
comprehensive income. Dividends or other equity distributions are recorded
as a
reduction of the investment.
In
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets and liabilities
transferred between entities under common control are accounted for at
historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of interests, and the financial
statements of previously separate companies for periods prior to their
acquisition are retrospectively adjusted on a combined basis.
68
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
As
required by FIN 46R, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, we
evaluate our investments and other financial relationships to determine whether
any further entities are required to be consolidated.
Retrospective
Application of Change in Accounting for Investment in ImClone Systems
Incorporated
In
the fourth quarter of 2006 we changed our method of accounting for our
investment in ImClone Systems Incorporated, or ImClone, to the equity method
of
accounting. Previously, we accounted for our investment in ImClone as an
available for sale security. In accordance with SFAS No. 115, Accounting for
Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities, available for sale
securities are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses excluded
from earnings and reported in a separate component of shareholders’ equity as
“Other Comprehensive Income.” We record our proportionate equity in the
ImClone’s earnings and capital transactions on a one calendar quarter time
lag.
From
the first quarter of 2005 through the third quarter of 2006, AREP and certain
other affiliates of Mr. Icahn purchased shares of common stock of ImClone.
As of September 30, 2006, the total shares of ImClone held by AREP as a
percentage of ImClone’s total outstanding shares was 5.4%. Also, in October
2006, Mr. Icahn was appointed Chairman of the board of directors of ImClone
and certain other changes to ImClone’s board of directors took place which
resulted in Mr. Icahn having the ability to exercise significant influence
over the operating and financial policies of ImClone.
In
assessing the applicability of Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 18,
The Equity Method of Accounting for Investments in Common Stock, we have
determined that, because of the ability of Mr. Icahn to exercise
significant influence over ImClone’s operating and financial policies, we were
required to adopt the equity method of accounting for our investment in ImClone,
and accordingly the 2005 financial statements have been adjusted to apply the
new method retrospectively. See Note 7 for information regarding the effect
of
this change on net income and total partners equity.
Use of Estimates
in
Preparation of Financial Statements
The
preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and liabilities at
the
date of the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and
expenses during the period.
The more
significant estimates include (1) the valuation allowances of accounts
receivable and inventory, (2) the valuation of long-lived assets, mortgages
and
notes receivable, marketable equity and debt securities and other investments,
(3) costs to complete for land, house and condominium developments, (4)
gaming-related liability and promotional programs, (5) deferred tax assets,
(6)
oil and gas reserve estimates, (7) asset retirement obligations and (8) fair
value of derivatives. Actual results may differ from the estimates and
assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Cash and Cash
Equivalents
We
consider short-term investments, which are highly liquid with original
maturities of three months or less at date of purchase, to be cash
equivalents.
Restricted
Cash
Restricted
cash results primarily from escrow deposits, funds held in connection with
collateralizing letters of credit and proceeds from securities sold but not
yet
purchased that require cash to be on deposit with the relevant brokerage
institution. Restricted cash was $87.4 million and $161.2 million at December
31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, and is included as a component of other current
assets in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
69
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Investments
Investments
in
equity and debt securities are classified as either trading or available for
sale based upon whether we intend to hold the investment for the foreseeable
future. Trading securities are valued at quoted market value at each balance
sheet date with the unrealized gains or losses reflected in the consolidated
statements of operations. Available for sale securities are carried at fair
value on our balance sheet. Unrealized holding gains and losses on available
for
sale securities are excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component
of partners’ equity and when sold are reclassified out of partners’ equity. For
purposes of determining gains and losses, the cost of securities is based on
specific identification.
A decline
in the market value of any available for sale security below cost that is deemed
to be other than temporary results in an impairment that is charged to earnings
and the establishment of a new cost basis for the investment. Dividend income
is
recorded when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.
Accounts
Receivable
An
allowance for doubtful accounts is determined through analysis of the aging
of
accounts receivable at the date of the consolidated financial statements,
assessments of collectibility based on an evaluation of historic and anticipated
trends, the financial condition of our customers, and an evaluation of the
impact of economic conditions. Our allowance for doubtful accounts is an
estimate based on specifically identified accounts as well as general reserves
based on historical experience.
Inventories
Inventories
are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out method) or market. The
cost
of manufactured goods, which are held only by WPI, includes material, labor
and
factory overhead. We maintain reserves for estimated excess, slow moving and
obsolete inventory as well as inventory whose carrying value is in excess of
net
realizable value.
Inventories
consisted of the following (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Raw
materials and
supplies
|
|
$
|
32,059
|
|
$
|
33,083
|
|
Goods
in process
|
|
83,592
|
|
100,337
|
|
||
Finished
goods
|
|
129,851
|
|
110,819
|
|
||
|
$
|
245,502
|
$
|
244,239
|
|
Property, Plant
and
Equipment
Land
and
construction-in-progress costs are stated at the lower of cost or net realizable
value. Interest is capitalized on expenditures for long-term projects until
a
salable condition is reached. The interest capitalization rate is based on
the
interest rate on specific borrowings to fund the projects.
Buildings,
furniture and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation unless
declines in the values of the fixed assets are considered other than temporary,
at which time the property is written down to net realizable value. Depreciation
is principally computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful
lives of the particular property or equipment, as follows: buildings and
improvements, 4 to 40 years; furniture, fixtures and equipment, 1 to 18 years.
Leasehold improvements are amortized over the life of the lease or the life
of
the improvement, whichever is shorter.
70
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Maintenance
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. The cost of additions and
improvements is capitalized and depreciated over the remaining useful lives
of
the assets. The cost and accumulated depreciation of assets sold or retired
are
removed from our consolidated balance sheet, and any gain or loss is recognized
in the year of disposal.
Real
estate properties held for use or investment, other than those accounted for
under the financing method, are carried at cost less accumulated depreciation.
Where declines in the values of the properties are determined to be other than
temporary, the cost basis of the property is written down to net realizable
value. A property is classified as held for sale at the time management
determines that the criteria in SFAS No. 144 Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets have been met. Properties held for sale are
carried at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Such properties are no
longer depreciated and their results of operations are included in discontinued
operations. As a result of the reclassification of certain real estate to
properties held for sale during the year ended December 31, 2006, income and
expenses of such properties are reclassified to discontinued operations for
all
prior periods. If management determines that a property classified as held
for
sale no longer meets the criteria in SFAS 144, the property is reclassified
as
held for use.
Intangible
Assets
Intangible
assets consist of trademarks of WPI (Note 4). In accordance with SFAS No.
142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and intangible assets
with indefinite lives are no longer amortized, but instead tested for
impairment.
Accounting
for
the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
We
evaluate our long-lived assets in accordance with the application of SFAS No.
144. Accordingly, we evaluate the realizability of our long-lived assets
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount
of
an asset may not be recoverable. Inherent in the reviews of the carrying amounts
of the above assets are various estimates, including the expected usage of
the
asset. Assets must be tested at the lowest level for which identifiable cash
flows exist. Future cash flow estimates are, by their nature, subjective and
actual results may differ materially from our estimates. If our ongoing
estimates of future cash flows are not met, we may have to record impairment
charges in future accounting periods. Our estimates of cash flows are based
on
the current regulatory, social and economic climates, recent operating
information and budgets of the operating property.
Accounting
for
Asset Retirement Obligations
Effective
January 1, 2003, we adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 143, Accounting for
Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS No. 143 provides accounting requirements
for costs associated with legal obligations to retire tangible, long-lived
assets. Under SFAS No. 143, an asset retirement obligation is recorded at fair
value in the period in which it is incurred by increasing the carrying amount
for the related long-lived asset which is depreciated over its useful life.
In
each subsequent period, the liability is adjusted to reflect the passage of
time
and changes in the estimated future cash flows underlying the obligation. Our
asset retirement obligations relate to our oil and gas operating unit, which
was
sold to SandRidge in November 2006.
Oil and Natural
Gas
Properties
We
utilized the full cost method of accounting for our crude oil and natural gas
properties. Under the full cost method, all productive and nonproductive costs
incurred in connection with the acquisition, exploration and development of
crude oil and natural gas reserves are capitalized and amortized on the
units-of-production method based upon total proved reserves. The costs of
unproven properties are excluded from the amortization calculation until the
individual properties are evaluated and a determination is made as to whether
reserves exist. Conveyances of properties, including gains or losses on
abandonment of properties, are treated as adjustments to the cost of crude
oil
and natural gas properties, with no gain or loss recognized.
71
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Under
the
full cost method, the net book value of oil and natural gas properties, less
related deferred income taxes, may not exceed the estimated after-tax future
net
revenues from proved oil and natural gas properties, discounted at 10% per
year
(the ceiling limitation). In arriving at estimated future net revenues,
estimated lease operating expenses, development costs, abandonment costs, and
certain production related and ad-valorem taxes are deducted. In calculating
future net revenues, prices and costs in effect at the time of the calculation
are held constant indefinitely, except for changes which are fixed and
determinable by existing contracts. The net book value of oil and gas properties
is compared to the ceiling limitation on a quarterly basis. We did not incur
a
ceiling write-down in 2006, 2005 or 2004.
We have
capitalized internal general and administrative costs of $1.5 million, $1.1
million and $1.0 million for the period from January 1, 2006 to November 21,
2006 and the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively, with respect
to our oil and gas activities. We have not capitalized interest expense. In
November 2006, we sold our oil and gas operating units to SandRidge. Therefore,
as of December 31, 2006 we have no capitalized costs relating to these
operations.
Our oil
and natural gas properties are subject to extensive Federal, state and local
environmental laws and regulations. These laws, which are constantly changing,
regulate the discharge of materials into the environment and may require us
to
remove or mitigate the environment effects of the disposal or release of
petroleum or chemical substances at various sites. Environmental expenditures
are expensed or capitalized depending on their future economic benefit.
Expenditures that relate to an existing condition caused by past operations
and
that have no future economic benefits are expensed. Liabilities for expenditures
of a non-capital nature are recorded when environmental assessment and/or
remediation is probable, and the costs can be reasonably estimated.
Derivatives
From
time
to time our subsidiaries enter into derivative contracts, including (a)
commodity price collar agreements entered into by our Oil & Gas segment to
reduce our exposure to price risk in the spot market for natural gas and oil
and
(b) commodity futures contracts, forward purchase commodity contracts and option
contracts entered into by our Home Fashion segment primarily to manage our
exposure to cotton commodity price risk. We follow SFAS No. 133, Accounting
for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities, which was amended by SFAS
No. 138, Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Certain Hedging
Activities. These pronouncements established accounting and reporting
standards for derivative instruments and for hedging activities, which generally
require recognition of all derivatives as either assets or liabilities in the
balance sheet at their fair value. The accounting for changes in fair value
depends on the intended use of the derivative and its resulting designation.
Through December 31, 2006, we did not use hedge accounting and accordingly,
all
unrealized gains and losses are reflected in our consolidated statement of
operations.
Revenue and Expense
Recognition
Home
Fashion — WPI records revenue when the following criteria are met:
persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred, the price
to the customer is fixed and determinable and collectibility is reasonably
assured. Unless otherwise agreed in writing, title and risk of loss pass from
WPI to the customer when WPI delivers the merchandise to the designated point
of
delivery, to the designated point of destination, or to the designated carrier,
free on board. Provisions for certain rebates, sales incentives, product returns
and discounts to customers are recorded in the same period the related revenue
is recorded.
Customer
incentives are provided to WPI customers primarily for new sales programs.
These
incentives begin to accrue when a commitment has been made to the customer
and
are recorded as a reduction to sales.
72
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Gaming—
Gaming segment revenue consists of casino, hotel and restaurant revenues. We
recognize revenues in accordance with industry practice. Casino revenue is
the
net win from gaming activities (the difference between gaming wins and losses).
Casino revenues are net of accruals for anticipated payouts of progressive
and
certain other slot machine jackpots. Gross revenues include the estimated retail
value of hotel rooms, food and beverage and other items that are provided to
customers on a complimentary basis. A corresponding amount is deducted as
promotional allowances. The costs of such complimentary revenues are included
in
gaming expenses. Hotel and restaurant revenue is recognized when services are
performed.
We also
reward our customers, through the use of loyalty programs with points based
on
amounts wagered, that can be redeemed for a specified period of time for cash.
We deduct the cash incentive amounts from casino revenue.
Oil
and Gas — Revenues from the natural gas and oil produced are recognized upon
the passage of title, net of royalties. We account for natural gas production
imbalances using the sales method, whereby we recognize revenue on all natural
gas sold to our customers notwithstanding the fact its ownership may be less
than 100% of the natural gas sold. Liabilities are recorded by us for imbalances
greater than our proportionate share of remaining natural gas reserves. We
had
$0 million and $1.1 million in gas balancing liabilities as of December 31,
2006
and 2005, respectively.
Revenues
from the sale of oil and natural gas are shown net of the impact of realized
and
unrealized derivative losses.
Real
Estate — Revenue from real estate sales and related costs are recognized at
the time of closing primarily by specific identification. We follow the
guidelines for profit recognition set forth by SFAS No. 66, Accounting for
Sales of Real Estate.
Leases—
Substantially all of the property comprising our net lease portfolio is leased
to others under long-term net leases and we account for these leases in
accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, as
amended. This statement sets forth specific criteria for determining whether
a
lease is to be accounted for as a financing lease or an operating lease. Under
the financing method, minimum lease payments to be received plus the estimated
value of the property at the end of the lease are considered the gross
investment in the lease. Unearned income, representing the difference between
gross investment and actual cost of the leased property, is amortized to income
over the lease term so as to produce a constant periodic rate of return on
the
net investment in the lease. Under the operating method, revenue is recognized
as rentals become due, and expenses (including depreciation) are charged to
operations as incurred.
Income
Taxes
No
provision has been made for Federal, state or local income taxes on the results
of operations generated by partnership activities, as such taxes are the
responsibility of the partners. Provision has been made for Federal, state
or
local income taxes on the results of operations generated by our corporate
subsidiaries. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future
tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases and operating loss and tax credit carry forwards. Deferred tax assets
and
liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable
income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be
recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of
a
change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the
enactment date.
Deferred
tax assets are limited to amounts considered to be realizable in future periods.
A valuation allowance is recorded against deferred tax assets if management
does
not believe that we have met the “more likely than not” standard imposed by SFAS
No. 109 Accounting for Income Taxes to allow recognition of such an
asset.
73
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
Share-Based
Compensation
In
December 2004, SFAS No. 123 (Revised 2004), Share-Based Payment (“SFAS
No. 123R”) was issued. This accounting standard eliminated the ability to
account for share-based compensation transactions using the intrinsic value
method in accordance with APB Opinion No. 25 and requires instead that such
transactions be accounted for using a fair-value-based method. SFAS No. 123R
requires public entities to record non-cash compensation expense related to
payment for employee services by an equity award, such as stock options, in
their financial statements over the requisite service period. We have adopted
SFAS No. 123R as of June 30, 2005. The adoption of SFAS No. 123R did not have
any impact on our consolidated financial statements since there were no
pre-existing unit options.
Net Earnings
Per
Limited Partnership Unit
Basic
earnings per LP Unit are based on net earnings after deducting preferred
pay-in-kind distributions to preferred unitholders. The resulting net earnings
available for limited partners are divided by the weighted average number of
depositary limited partnership units outstanding.
Diluted
earnings per LP Unit uses net earnings attributable to limited partner
interests, as adjusted after July 1, 2003, for the preferred pay-in-kind
distributions, as a result of our adoption of SFAS 150. The preferred units
are
considered to be equivalent units. The number of equivalent units used in the
calculation of diluted income per LP unit was 5,444,028 units for the year
ended
December 31, 2004. For the years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, 2,403,583
and
3,538,196 equivalent units were excluded from the calculation of diluted income
per LP unit, respectively, as the effect of including them would have been
anti-dilutive.
For
accounting purposes, NEGI’s earnings prior to its acquisition in October 2003,
earnings from Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder prior to
their acquisition in May 2004, TransTexas’ earnings prior to its acquisition in
April 2005, and earnings from NEG Holding LLC, or NEG Holdings (excluding
earnings from NEG Holdings allocable to NEG), Panaco, GBH, and Atlantic Coast
prior to their acquisitions in June 2005 have been allocated to the General
Partner for accounting purposes and therefore are excluded from the computation
of basic and diluted earnings per LP unit.
Recently Issued
Accounting Pronouncements
In
September 2006, the SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 108, Considering
the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in
Current Year Financial Statements (“SAB 108”). SAB 108 provides guidance on
how to evaluate prior period financial statement misstatements for purposes
of
assessing their materiality in the current period. If the prior period effect
is
material to the current period, then the prior period is required to be
corrected. Correcting prior year financial statements would not require an
amendment of prior year financial statements, but such corrections would be
made
the next time the company files the prior year financial statements. Upon
adoption, SAB 108 allows a one-time transitional cumulative effect adjustment
to
retained earnings for corrections of prior period misstatements required under
this statement. SAB 108 is effective for fiscal years ending after November
15,
2006. The adoption of SAB 108 did not have a material affect on our consolidated
financial statements.
In
September 2006, the FASB issued FAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, which
defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in
generally accepted accounting principles, and expands disclosures about fair
value measurements. This statement applies under other accounting pronouncements
that require or permit fair value measurements and, accordingly, SFAS 157 does
not require any new fair value measurements. We are currently evaluating the
impact this standard will have on our operating income and statement of
financial position. This statement is effective for fiscal years beginning
after
November 15, 2007, and interim periods within those fiscal years. We will adopt
SFAS 157 as of January 1, 2008, as required.
74
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
2. Summary of
Significant Accounting Policies – (continued)
In July
2006, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 48, Accounting for Uncertainty
in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement 109 (“FIN 48”), which
clarifies the accounting for uncertainty in tax positions taken or expected
to
be taken in a tax return, including issues relating to financial statement
recognition and measurement. FIN 48 provides that the tax effects from an
uncertain tax position can be recognized in the financial statements only if
the
position is “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained if the position were to be
challenged by a taxing authority. The assessment of the tax position is based
solely on the technical merits of the position, without regard to the likelihood
that the tax position may be challenged. If an uncertain tax position meets
the
“more-likely-than-not” threshold, the largest amount of tax benefit that is
greater than 50 percent likely of being recognized upon ultimate settlement
with
the taxing authority, is recorded. The provisions of FIN 48 are effective for
fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2006, with the cumulative effect
of
the change in accounting principle recorded as an adjustment to opening retained
earnings. FIN 48 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15,
2006, and will be adopted by the Company on January 1, 2007. The Company has
not
been able to complete its evaluation of the impact of adopting FIN 48 and as
a
result, is not able to estimate what effect the adoption will have on its
financial position and results of operations, including its ability to comply
with current debt covenants.
On
February 16, 2006, the FASB issued Statement No. 155, Accounting for Certain
Hybrid Instruments - an amendment of FASB Statements No. 133 and 140. The
statement amends Statement 133 to permit fair value measurement for certain
hybrid financial instruments that contain an embedded derivative, provides
additional guidance on the applicability of Statement 133 and 140 to certain
financial instruments and subordinated concentrations of credit risk. The new
standard is effective for the first fiscal year beginning after September 15,
2006. We are currently evaluating the impact this new standard will have on
our
financial statements.
In
February 2007, the FASB issued FASB Statement No. 159, The Fair Value Option
for
Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities – Including an Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 115 (“SFAS 159”). The fair value option established by SFAS 159
permits all entities to choose to measure eligible items at fair value at
specified election dates. A business entity will report unrealized gains and
losses on items for which the fair value option has been elected in earnings
(or
another performance indicator if the business entity does not report earnings)
at each subsequent reporting date after adoption. The fair value option:
(a) may be applied instrument by instrument, with a few exceptions, such as
investments otherwise accounted for by the equity method; (b) is
irrevocable (unless a new election date occurs); and (c) is applied only to
entire instruments and not to portions of instruments. FASB No. 159 is
effective as of the beginning of fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007, but early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating the impact
of
adopting SFAS 159.
3. Operating
Units
Through
the second quarter of 2006, we conducted our continuing operating businesses
in
four principal areas: Oil and Gas, Gaming, Real Estate and Home Fashion. As
described above, in November 2006, we sold our Oil and Gas operations. As a
result, our Oil and Gas operations are now classified as discontinued operations
and thus are not considered a reportable segment of our continuing operations.
We now conduct our operating businesses in three principal areas: Gaming, Real
Estate and Home Fashion.
a.
Gaming
We own
and operate gaming properties in Nevada. Our properties include the Stratosphere
Casino Hotel and Tower, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
in Las Vegas and the Aquarius Casino Resort in Laughlin. Results for the
Aquarius are included from the date of its acquisition, May 19, 2006. As
described above, in November 2006, we sold our Atlantic City gaming property.
As
a result, such operations are now classified as discontinued operations.
75
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
Summary
balance sheets for our Gaming segment as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
included in the consolidated balance sheet, are as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
85,583
|
|
$
|
130,625
|
|
Property,
plant and equipment,
net
|
|
422,715
|
|
295,432
|
|
||
Other
assets
|
|
44,455
|
|
43,719
|
|
||
Total
assets
|
$
|
552,753
|
$
|
469,776
|
|
||
Current
liabilities
|
$
|
54,763
|
$
|
37,890
|
|
||
Long
term debt
|
|
257,329
|
|
217,335
|
|
||
Other
liabilities
|
|
5,993
|
|
10,327
|
|
||
Total
liabilities
|
$
|
318,085
|
$
|
265,552
|
|
Summarized
income statement information for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004 is as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||
Casino
|
|
$
|
220,814
|
|
$
|
182,938
|
|
$
|
167,972
|
|
Hotel
|
|
75,587
|
|
|
61,862
|
|
|
54,653
|
|
|
Food
and beverage
|
|
83,667
|
|
|
70,060
|
|
|
66,953
|
|
|
Tower,
retail and other income
|
|
35,912
|
|
|
35,413
|
|
|
33,778
|
|
|
Gross
Revenues
|
|
415,980
|
|
|
350,273
|
|
|
323,356
|
|
|
Less
promotional allowances
|
|
30,281
|
|
|
22,291
|
|
|
23,375
|
|
|
Net
revenues
|
|
385,699
|
|
|
327,982
|
|
|
299,981
|
|
|
Expenses:
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Casino
|
|
80,060
|
|
|
63,216
|
|
|
61,985
|
|
|
Hotel
|
|
33,419
|
|
|
26,957
|
|
|
24,272
|
|
|
Food
and beverage
|
|
60,052
|
|
|
51,784
|
|
|
48,495
|
|
|
Tower,
retail and other
|
|
16,856
|
|
|
15,372
|
|
|
14,035
|
|
|
Selling,
general and
administrative
|
|
108,977
|
|
|
81,321
|
|
|
78,816
|
|
|
Depreciation
and amortization
|
|
27,620
|
|
|
22,305
|
|
|
23,516
|
|
|
Total
costs and expenses
|
|
326,984
|
|
|
260,955
|
|
|
251,119
|
|
|
Operating
income
|
$
|
58,715
|
|
$
|
67,027
|
|
$
|
48,862
|
|
76
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
b. Real
Estate
Our Real
Estate operations consist of rental real estate, property development, and
associated resort activities.
Summarized
income statement information attributable to real estate operations is as
follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||
Rental
real estate:
|
||||||||||
Interest
income on financing
leases
|
$
|
6,736
|
$
|
7,299
|
$
|
9,880
|
||||
Rental
income
|
8,177
|
7,083
|
6,686
|
|||||||
Property
development
|
90,955
|
58,270
|
27,073
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
28,707
|
27,647
|
17,918
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
134,575
|
100,299
|
61,557
|
|||||||
Operating
expenses:
|
||||||||||
Rental
real estate
|
5,015
|
4,588
|
8,171
|
|||||||
Property
development
|
73,041
|
48,679
|
22,949
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
28,565
|
29,245
|
18,561
|
|||||||
Total
expenses
|
106,621
|
82,512
|
49,681
|
|||||||
Operating
income
|
$
|
27,954
|
$
|
17,787
|
$
|
11,876
|
Rental Real
Estate
As of
December 31, 2006, we owned 37 rental real estate properties. These primarily
consist of fee and leasehold interests in real estate in 19 states. Most of
these properties are net-leased to single corporate tenants. Approximately
89%
of these properties are currently net-leased, 3% are operating properties and
8%
are vacant.
Property
Development and Associated Resort Activities
We own,
primarily through our Bayswater subsidiary, residential development properties.
Bayswater, a real estate investment, management and development company, focuses
primarily on the construction and sale of single-family houses, multi-family
homes and lots in subdivisions and planned communities and raw land for
residential development. Our New Seabury development property in Cape Cod,
Massachusetts, and our Grand Harbor and Oak Harbor development property in
Vero
Beach, Florida each include land for future residential development of more
than
400 and 1,000 units of residential housing, respectively. Both developments
operate golf and resort activities.
A
summary of real estate assets as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, included in
the
consolidated balance sheet, is as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Rental
Properties:
|
|||||||
Finance
leases, net
|
$
|
66,335
|
$
|
73,292
|
|||
Operating
leases
|
46,170
|
52,572
|
|||||
Property
development
|
126,537
|
116,007
|
|||||
Resort
properties
|
44,932
|
46,383
|
|||||
Total
real estate
|
$
|
283,974
|
$
|
288,254
|
77
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
In
addition to the above are properties held for sale which amounted to $23.7
million and $27.2 million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. The
operating results of certain of these properties are classified as discontinued
operations.
Real Estate Leased
to Others Accounted for Under the Financing Method
Real
estate leased to others accounted for under the financing method is summarized
as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Minimum lease payments receivable
|
$
|
69,366
|
$
|
79,849
|
|||
Unguaranteed
residual value
|
39,843
|
43,429
|
|||||
109,209
|
123,278
|
||||||
Less
unearned income
|
39,341
|
46,239
|
|||||
69,868
|
77,039
|
||||||
Less
current portion of lease amortization
|
3,533
|
3,747
|
|||||
$
|
66,335
|
$
|
73,292
|
The
following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of the minimum lease
payments receivable at December 31, 2006 (in $000s):
2007
|
|
$
|
9,570
|
|
2008
|
8,214
|
|||
2009
|
7,993
|
|||
2010
|
5,067
|
|||
2011
|
4,973
|
|||
Thereafter
|
33,549
|
|||
$
|
69,366
|
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, $60.6 million and $65.4 million, respectively,
of
the net investment in financing leases was pledged to collateralize the payment
of nonrecourse mortgages payable.
Real Estate Leased
to Others Accounted for Under the Operating Method
Real
estate leased to others accounted for under the operating method is summarized
as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Land
|
$
|
8,605
|
$
|
12,449
|
|||
Commercial
Buildings
|
52,246
|
58,816
|
|||||
60,851
|
71,265
|
||||||
Less
accumulated
depreciation
|
14,681
|
18,693
|
|||||
$
|
46,170
|
$
|
52,572
|
78
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
The
following is a summary of the anticipated future receipts of minimum lease
payments under non-cancelable leases at December 31, 2006 (in $000s):
2007
|
|
$
|
11,963
|
|
2008
|
11,637
|
|||
2009
|
10,606
|
|||
2010
|
9,532
|
|||
2011
|
8,468
|
|||
Thereafter
|
24,635
|
|||
$
|
76,841
|
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, $22.7 million and $21.0 million, respectively,
of
net real estate leased to others were pledged to collateralize the payment
of
non-recourse mortgages payable.
Property Held
for
Sale
We
market for sale portions of our commercial real estate portfolio. Sales activity
was as follows (in $000s, except unit data):
December
31,
|
||||||||||
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|||||
|
||||||||||
Properties
sold
|
18
|
14
|
57
|
|||||||
Proceeds
received
|
$
|
25,340
|
$
|
52,525
|
$
|
254,424
|
||||
Mortgage
debt repaid
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
10,702
|
$
|
93,845
|
||||
Total
gain recorded
|
$
|
12,776
|
$
|
16,315
|
$
|
80,459
|
||||
Gain
recorded in continuing operations
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
176
|
$
|
5,262
|
||||
Gain
recorded in discontinued operations(1)
|
$
|
12,776
|
$
|
16,139
|
$
|
75,197
|
——————
(1)
In
addition to gains on the rental portfolio of $16.1 million, a gain of $5.7
million on the sale of a resort property was recognized in 2005.
The
following is a summary of property held for sale (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Leased
to others
|
$
|
28,668
|
$
|
29,230
|
|||
Vacant
|
50
|
1,049
|
|||||
28,718
|
30,279
|
||||||
Less
accumulated depreciation
|
5,053
|
3,046
|
|||||
$
|
23,665
|
$
|
27,233
|
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005, $19.8 million of real estate held for sale was
pledged to collateralize the payment of non-recourse mortgages payable.
Other
In
July 2004, we purchased two Vero Beach, Florida waterfront communities, Grand
Harbor and Oak Harbor, “Grand Harbor”, including their respective golf courses,
tennis complex, fitness center, beach club and clubhouses. The acquisition
also
included properties in various stages of development, including land for future
residential development, improved lots and finished residential units ready
for
sale. The purchase price was $75.0 million, which included $62.0 million of
land
and construction in progress. We plan to invest in the further development
of
these properties and the enhancement of the existing infrastructure.
79
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
c. Home
Fashion
WPI is
engaged in the business of manufacturing, sourcing, marketing and distributing
bed and bath home fashion products including, among others, sheets, pillowcases,
comforters, blankets, bedspreads, pillows, mattress pads, towels and related
products. WPI recognizes revenue primarily through the sale of home fashion
products to a variety of retail and institutional customers. WPI currently
operates 32 retail outlet stores that sell home fashion products, including,
but
not limited to, WPI’s home fashion products. In addition, WPI receives a small
portion of its revenues through the licensing of its trademarks.
Summary
balance sheets for Home Fashion as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 as included
in
the consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in $000s):
December 31,
2006 |
December 31,
2005 |
||||||
|
|
|
|||||
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
567,419
|
|
$
|
560,853
|
|
Assets
held for sale
|
23,838
|
22,643
|
|||||
Property,
plant and equipment, net
|
200,382
|
166,026
|
|||||
Other
assets
|
38,199
|
23,402
|
|||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
829,838
|
$
|
772,924
|
|||
Current
liabilities
|
$
|
101,609
|
$
|
103,931
|
|||
Other
liabilities
|
8,980
|
5,214
|
|||||
Total
liabilities
|
$
|
110,589
|
$
|
109,145
|
Summarized
statement of operations for the year ended December 31, 2006 and the period
from
August 8, 2005 (acquisition date) to December 31, 2005 is as follows (in
$000s):
|
|
Year
Ended December 31, 2006
|
|
Period
August 8, 2005 to December 31,
2005
|
|
||
|
|
|
|||||
Revenues
|
$
|
957,656
|
$
|
472,681
|
|||
Costs
and expenses:
|
|||||||
Cost
of sales
|
901,735
|
421,408
|
|||||
Selling,
general and administrative
|
160,911
|
72,044
|
|||||
Restructuring
and impairment charges
|
45,647
|
1,658
|
|||||
Total
costs and expenses
|
1,108,293
|
495,110
|
|||||
Operating
loss
|
$
|
(150,637
|
)
|
$
|
(22,429
|
)
|
A
relatively small number of customers have historically accounted for a
significant portion of WPI’s net revenue. During the year ended December 31,
2006 and the period August 8, 2005 to December 31, 2005, sales to six customers
amounted to approximately 49.9% of net revenues. One customer accounted for
15%
or more of WPI’s net revenue in both periods.
For the
year ended December 31, 2006, total depreciation was $31.6 million, of which
$25.5 million was included in cost of sales and $6.1 million was included in
selling, general and administrative expenses. Total expenses for the year
included $33.3 million of impairment charges related to the fixed assets of
plants that have been or will be closed and $12.3 million of restructuring
charges (of which approximately $3.4 million relates to severance and $8.9
million relates to continuing costs of closed plants).
80
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
3. Operating Units
–
(continued)
Impairment
and
restructuring charges for the year ended December 31, 2006 are included in
Home
Fashion operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
To
improve WPI’s competitive position, we intend to continue to restructure its
operations to significantly reduce its cost of goods sold by closing certain
plants located in the United States, sourcing goods from lower cost overseas
facilities, and acquiring overseas manufacturing facilities. The Company has
incurred impairment charges to write-down the value of WPI plants taken out
of
service to their estimated liquidation value. As of December 31, 2006,
approximately $139.5 million of WPI’s assets are located outside of the United
States, primarily in Bahrain.
Included
in restructuring expenses are cash charges associated with the ongoing costs
of
closed plants, employee severance, benefits and related costs. The amount of
accrued restructuring costs at December 31, 2005 was $0.1 million. During the
year ended December 31, 2006, we incurred additional restructuring costs of
$12.3 million, of which $11.2 million was paid during the period. As of December
31, 2006, the accrued liability balance was $1.2 million which is included
in
accounts payable and accrued expenses in our consolidated balance sheet.
Total
cumulative impairment and restructuring charges for the period from acquisition,
August 5, 2005, through December 31, 2006, were $47.3 million.
We expect
that restructuring charges will continue to be incurred throughout 2007. As
of
December 31, 2006, WPI expects to incur additional restructuring costs and
impairment charges over the next year relating to the current restructuring
plan
of between $25.0 million and $30.0 million. Restructuring costs could be
affected by, among other things, our decision to accelerate or delay
restructuring efforts. As a result, actual costs incurred could vary materially
from these amounts.
4.
Acquisitions
Gaming
As
described above, on May 19, 2006, our wholly-owned subsidiaries, AREP Laughlin
and AREP Boardwalk Properties, completed the purchases of the Aquarius and
the
Traymore site, respectively, from affiliates of Harrah’s. The transactions were
completed pursuant to an asset purchase agreement, dated as of November 28,
2005, between AREP Laughlin, AREP Boardwalk LLC, Harrah’s and certain affiliates
of Harrah’s. Under the agreement, AREP Laughlin acquired the Aquarius and AREP
Boardwalk Properties, an assignee of AREP Boardwalk LLC, acquired the Traymore
site for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $170 million (excluding
transaction costs and working capital of approximately $5.7 million). On
November 17, 2006, we sold the Traymore site to Pinnacle.
The
Aquarius is located on approximately 18 acres of land located next to the
Colorado River in Laughlin, Nevada and is a tourist-oriented gaming and
entertainment destination property. The Aquarius is the largest hotel in
Laughlin, with 1,907 rooms in two 15-story towers, a 57,000 square-foot casino,
five fast food franchise restaurants and four restaurants, a parking garage
with
capacity for 2,420 cars, over 35,000 square-feet of meeting space and a
3,300-seat amphitheater. The property also features an outdoor pool, fitness
center and lighted tennis courts.
81
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
4. Acquisitions –
(continued)
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the net assets acquired
on May 19, 2006 (in $000s):
May
19, 2006
Fair Value |
||||||||||
Aquarius
|
Traymore
Site
|
Total
|
||||||||
Current
assets
|
|
$
|
7,172
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
7,172
|
|
Land
|
|
13,000
|
|
|
61,651
|
|
|
74,651
|
|
|
Building
and equipment
|
|
95,336
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
95,336
|
|
|
Intangible
assets
|
|
2,939
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
2,939
|
|
|
Assets
acquired
|
|
118,447
|
|
|
61,651
|
|
|
180,098
|
|
|
Liabilities
assumed
|
|
(4,874
|
)
|
|
—
|
|
|
(4,874
|
)
|
|
Net
assets acquired
|
$
|
113,573
|
|
$
|
61,651
|
|
$
|
175,224
|
|
The
purchase price allocations for the Aquarius are based on estimated fair values
as determined by independent appraisers. If the acquisitions of the Aquarius
and
the Traymore site had occurred at the beginning of 2006, our consolidated
unaudited pro forma net revenue, net income and diluted earnings per share
for
the year ended December 31, 2006 would not have been materially different than
the amounts we reported, and, therefore, pro forma results are not
presented.
The
results of operations of the Aquarius from May 19, 2006 to December 31, 2006
are
included in the Company’s consolidated results of operations for the year ended
December 31, 2006.
Home
Fashion
On August
8, 2005, we acquired 13.2 million, or 67.7%, of the 19.5 million outstanding
common shares of WPI. In consideration for the shares, we paid $219.9 million
in
cash and received the balance in respect of a portion of the debt of WestPoint
Stevens owned by us. Pursuant to the asset purchase agreement between WPI and
WestPoint Stevens, rights to subscribe for an additional 10.5 million shares
of
common stock at a price of $8.772 per share, or the rights offering, were
allocated among former creditors of WestPoint Stevens. Under the asset purchase
agreement and the bankruptcy court order approving the sale, we would have
received rights to subscribe for 2.5 million of such shares and we agreed to
purchase up to an additional 8.0 million shares of common stock to the extent
that any rights were not exercised by the holders of such rights. Accordingly,
upon completion of the rights offering and depending upon the extent to which
the other holders exercise certain subscription rights, we would beneficially
own between 15.7 million and 23.7 million shares of WPI common stock
representing between 52.3% and 79.0% of the 30.0 million shares that would
then
be outstanding.
The
foregoing description assumes that the subscription rights are allocated and
exercised in the manner set forth in the asset purchase agreement and the sale
order. However, certain of the first lien creditors of WestPoint Stevens
appealed portions of the bankruptcy court’s ruling. In connection with that
appeal, the subscription rights distributed to the second lien lenders at
closing were placed in escrow. Additionally, the first lien creditors and Beal
Bank, S.S.B have filed a complaint in Delaware seeking among other relief,
an
order to “unwind” the issuance of the preferred stock, or, alternatively,
directing that such stock be held in escrow. We are vigorously contesting the
Delaware action and any changes to the sale order. As a result of the bankruptcy
proceedings and the Delaware proceedings, we may own less than a majority of
WPI’s shares of common stock and our ownership of the preferred stock may also
be affected. If we were to lose control of WPI, it could adversely affect
WPI’s business and the value of our investment.
82
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
4. Acquisitions –
(continued)
On
December 20, 2006, we acquired (1) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-1 Preferred
Stock for a purchase price of $100 per share, for an aggregate purchase price
of
$100.0 million, and (2) 1,000,000 shares of Series A-2 Preferred Stock for
a
purchase price of $100.0 per share, for an aggregate purchase price of $100.0
million. Each of the Series A-1 Preferred Stock and Series A-2 Preferred Stock
have a 4.50% annual dividend rate which is paid quarterly. For the first two
years after issuance, the dividends are paid in the form of additional preferred
stock. Thereafter, the dividends are to be paid in either cash or in additional
preferred stock at the option of WPI. Each of Series A-1 Preferred Stock and
Series A-2 Preferred Stock is convertible into common shares of WPI at a rate
of
$10.50 per share, subject to certain anti-dilution provisions. Assuming full
conversion of both series of preferred stock into common shares, prior to
completion of the rights offering, we would have owned, as of December 31,
2006,
32.2 million shares, representing 83.7% of the 38.5 million shares that
would then have been outstanding. Assuming the rights offering were to have
been
completed as of December 31, 2006, we would have owned between 32.7 million
shares or 69.5% and 34.0 million shares or 84.4% of the 47.0 million shares
or
40.3 million shares of WPI common stock, respectively, that would be outstanding
depending upon the extent to which the other shareholders exercised their
subscription rights.
We
consolidated the operating results and balance sheets of WPI as of December
31,
2006 and 2005 and for the period from the date of acquisition through December
31, 2006. If we were to own less than 50% of the outstanding common stock and
lose control of WPI, we no longer would consolidate it and our financial
statements could be materially different than those presented as of December
31,
2006 and 2005 and for the periods then ended.
The
aggregate consideration paid for the acquisition was as follows (in
$000s):
Book
value of first and second lien
debt
|
|
$
|
205,850
|
|
Cash
purchases of additional equity
|
187,000
|
|||
Exercise
of rights
|
32,881
|
|||
Transaction
costs
|
2,070
|
|||
$
|
427,801
|
The
following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the assets acquired
and
liabilities assumed on August 8, 2005. The purchase price allocations are based
on estimated fair values as determined by independent appraisers (in
$000s):
August 8,
2005 Fair Value |
Excess
Fair Value Over Cost |
Basis
August 8, 2005 |
||||||||
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Current
assets
|
$
|
588,000
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
588,000
|
||||
Property
and equipment
|
294,360
|
(98,399
|
)
|
195,961
|
||||||
Intangible
assets
|
35,700
|
(12,298
|
)
|
23,402
|
||||||
Assets
acquired
|
918,060
|
(110,697
|
)
|
807,363
|
||||||
Current
liabilities
|
111,363
|
—
|
111,363
|
|||||||
Other
liabilities
|
11,044
|
—
|
11,044
|
|||||||
Liabilities
assumed
|
122,407
|
—
|
122,407
|
|||||||
Net
assets acquired
|
$
|
795,653
|
$
|
(110,697
|
)
|
684,956
|
||||
Minority
interest at
acquisition
|
(257,155
|
)
|
||||||||
$
|
427,801
|
The
amount allocated to intangible assets was attributed to trademarks, which have
been determined to have an indefinite life.
Our
basis in WPI is less than our share of the equity in WPI by $110.7 million
as of
August 8, 2005. The excess of fair value over cost of net assets acquired has
been reflected as a reduction of long-lived assets in our consolidated balance
sheet. Fixed assets were reduced by $98.4 million and intangible assets were
reduced by $12.3 million. As a result, the financial statements of WPI
presented herein could be materially different from the results reflected in
the
books and records of WPI.
83
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
4. Acquisitions –
(continued)
The
following table summarizes unaudited pro forma financial information assuming
the acquisition of WPI had occurred on January 1, 2004. This unaudited pro
forma
financial information does not necessarily represent what would have occurred
if
the transaction had taken place on the dates presented and should not be taken
as representative of our future consolidated results of operations or financial
position.
Twelve
Months Ended December 31,
2005
|
|||||||||||||
AREP
|
WPI
|
Pro
Forma
Adjustments |
Total
|
||||||||||
|
(January 1, 2005
to August 7, 2005) |
|
|
|
|||||||||
|
(In
$000s)
|
||||||||||||
Revenues
|
$
|
900,962
|
|
$
|
728,362
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,629,324
|
||
(Loss)
income from continuing operations
|
$
|
(22,656
|
)
|
$
|
(157,935
|
)
|
$
|
98,487
|
$
|
(82,104
|
)
|
||
Earnings
(loss) per LP unit:
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
(1.41
|
)
|
|||||||
Diluted
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
(1.41
|
)
|
Twelve
Months Ended December 31,
2004
|
|||||||||||||
AREP
|
|
WPI
|
|
Pro
Forma
Adjustments |
|
Total
|
|||||||
|
(In
$000s)
|
||||||||||||
Revenues
|
$
|
361,538
|
|
$
|
1,618,684
|
|
$
|
—
|
|
$
|
1,980,222
|
||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
65,176
|
$
|
(183,275
|
)
|
$
|
178,954
|
$
|
60,855
|
||||
Earnings
per LP unit:
|
|||||||||||||
Basic
|
$
|
0.96
|
$
|
0.87
|
|||||||||
Diluted
|
$
|
0.95
|
$
|
0.87
|
The pro
forma adjustments relate, principally, to the elimination of interest expense,
bankruptcy expense and other expenses at WPI, a reduction in interest income
of
AREP and adjustments to reflect AREP’s depreciation expense based on values
assigned in applying purchase accounting. WPI balances included in the pro
forma
table for the twelve months ended December 31, 2004 are derived from the audited
financial statements of WestPoint for that period. Unaudited WPI balances
included in the pro forma table for the twelve months ended December 31, 2005
are for the period from January 1, 2005 to August 7, 2005. Data for the period
from August 8, 2005, the acquisition date, to December 31, 2005 are included
in
AREP’s results.
As
discussed in Note 20, legal proceedings with respect to the acquisition are
ongoing.
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale
The Sands and
Related Assets
On
November 17, 2006, Atlantic Coast, ACE, AREH, and certain other entities owned
by or affiliated with AREH completed the sale to Pinnacle of the outstanding
membership interests in ACE and 100% of the equity interests in certain
subsidiaries of AREH which own parcels of real estate adjacent to The Sands,
including 7.7 acres of land adjacent to The Sands known as the Traymore site.
We
own, through subsidiaries, approximately 67.6% of Atlantic Coast, which owned
100% of ACE. The aggregate price was approximately $274.8 million, of which
approximately $200.6 million was paid to Atlantic Coast and approximately $74.2
million was paid to affiliates of AREH for subsidiaries which own the Traymore
site and the adjacent properties. Under the terms of the agreement, $50.0
million of the purchase price paid to Atlantic Coast was deposited into escrow
to fund indemnification obligations with regard to the GBH creditors’ claims. In
February 2007 we resolved all outstanding litigation involving our interest
in
our Atlantic City gaming operations. See Note 24. Subsequent Events.
84
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
Oil and Gas
Operations
On
November 21, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, AREP O & G
Holdings, consummated the sale of all of the issued and outstanding membership
interests of NEG Oil & Gas to SandRidge, for consideration consisting of
$1.025 billion in cash, 12,842,000 shares of SandRidge’s common stock, valued,
at the date of closing, at $18 per share, and the repayment by SandRidge of
$300.0 million of debt of NEG Oil & Gas.
SandRidge
is a working interest owner and the operator of a majority of the Longfellow
Ranch area oil and gas properties. The interest in Longfellow Ranch was the
single largest oil and gas property owned by NEG Oil & Gas.
On
November 21, 2006, pursuant to an agreement dated October 25, 2006 among AREH,
NEG Oil & Gas and NEGI, NEGI sold its membership interest in NEG Holding to
NEG Oil & Gas for consideration of approximately $261.1 million. Of that
amount, $149.6 million was used to repay the principal of and accrued interest
with respect to the NEGI 10.75% senior notes due 2007, all of which was held
by
us.
Real
Estate
Certain
of our real estate properties are classified as discontinued operations. The
properties classified as discontinued operations have changed during 2006 and,
accordingly, certain amounts in the accompanying 2005 and 2004 financial
statements have been reclassified to conform to the current classification
of
properties.
Results of
Operations and Assets Held for Sale
The
financial position and results of our Oil and Gas, Real Estate and our Atlantic
City Gaming operations described above are presented as assets and liabilities
of discontinued operations held for sale in the consolidated balance sheets
and
discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations,
respectively, for all periods presented in accordance with SFAS
No. 144.
A
summary of the results of operations for our discontinued operations for years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 is as follows (in $000’s):
|
December 31,
|
|||||||||
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
|||||||
Revenues:
|
|
|
|
|||||||
Oil and
gas
|
$
|
353,539
|
$
|
198,854
|
$
|
137,988
|
||||
Atlantic
City gaming
|
138,378
|
162,339
|
170,855
|
|||||||
Real
estate
|
5,143
|
6,940
|
20,757
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
497,060
|
$
|
368,133
|
$
|
329,600
|
||||
Net
operating income (loss):
|
||||||||||
Oil and
gas
|
$
|
183,281
|
$
|
37,521
|
$
|
33,053
|
||||
Atlantic
City Gaming
|
(13,091
|
)
|
(6,848
|
)
|
2,373
|
|||||
Real
estate
|
4,144
|
4,179
|
11,294
|
|||||||
Total
operating income
|
174,334
|
34,852
|
46,720
|
|||||||
Interest
expense
|
(26,266
|
)
|
(14,005
|
)
|
(18,303
|
)
|
||||
Interest
and other income
|
11,004
|
5,897
|
6,703
|
|||||||
Impairment
loss on GBH bankruptcy
|
—
|
(52,366
|
)
|
(15,600
|
)
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operation before income taxes and minority
interest
|
159,072
|
(25,622
|
)
|
19,520
|
||||||
Income
tax (expense) benefit
|
(4,241
|
)
|
(2,922
|
)
|
(8,213
|
)
|
||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
154,831
|
(28,544
|
)
|
11,307
|
||||||
Gain
on sales of discontinued operations, net of income tax
expense of $22,637 in 2006 |
676,444
|
21,849
|
75,197
|
|||||||
Minority
interests
|
(55,511
|
)
|
3,682
|
2,074
|
||||||
$
|
775,764
|
$
|
(3,013
|
)
|
$
|
88,578
|
85
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
Derivative
Contracts
We
record derivative contracts as assets or liabilities in the balance sheet at
fair value. As of December 31, 2005, these derivatives were recorded as a
liability of discontinued operations held for sale of $85.0 million. We have
elected not to designate any of these instruments as hedges for accounting
purposes and, accordingly, both realized and unrealized gains and losses are
included in the oil and gas revenues for discontinued operations. Our realized
and unrealized losses on our derivative contracts for the periods indicated
were
as follows (in $000s):
|
Years
ended December 31,
|
|||||||||
|
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
|||||||
|
|
|
||||||||
Realized
loss (net cash
payments)
|
$
|
(25,948
|
)
|
$
|
(51,263)
|
$
|
(16,625)
|
|||
Unrealized
gain (loss)
|
99,707
|
(69,254)
|
(9,179)
|
|||||||
|
$
|
73,759
|
$
|
(120,517)
|
$
|
(25,804)
|
GBH Impairment
On
September 29, 2005, GBH filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy relief under
Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As a result of this filing, we
determined that we no longer control GBH and have deconsolidated our investment
effective the date of the bankruptcy filing. As a result of GBH’s bankruptcy, we
recorded impairment charges of $52.4 million related to the write-off of the
remaining carrying amount of our investment ($6.7 million) and also to reflect
a
dilution in our effective ownership percentage of Atlantic Coast, 41.7% of
which
is owned directly by GBH ($45.7 million).
In the
year ended December 31, 2004, we recorded an impairment loss of $15.6 million
on
our equity investment in GBH. The purchase price pursuant to an agreement to
purchase additional shares of GBH in 2005 indicated that the fair value of
our
investment was less than our carrying value. An impairment charge was recorded
to reduce the carrying value to the value implicit in the purchase
agreement.
We
recorded $34.5 million of income tax benefits in the third quarter of 2006
as a
result of the reversal of deferred tax valuation allowances for our oil and
gas
and Atlantic City gaming operations. See Note 19, Income Taxes, for further
information.
A
summary of assets held for sale and liabilities of discontinued operations
held
for sale as of December 31, 2006 and 2005 is as follows (in $000’s):
|
|
December
31,
|
|
||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Cash
and cash equivalents
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
116,032
|
|
|
Trade,
notes and other receivables
|
|
|
—
|
57,133
|
|
||
Other
current assets
|
|
|
47,503
|
73,125
|
|
||
Property,
plant and equipment
|
|
|
—
|
888,086
|
|
||
Other
assets
|
|
|
—
|
43,021
|
|
||
Assets
held for sale
|
|
$
|
47,503
|
$
|
1,177,397
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||
Accounts
payable and accrued expenses
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
118,468
|
|
|
Long-term
debt
|
|
|
—
|
306,052
|
|
||
Other
non-current liabilities
|
|
|
—
|
65,078
|
|
||
Liabilities
of discontinued operations held for sale
|
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
489,598
|
|
86
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
Oil and Gas
Disclosures
Capitalized Costs
Capitalized
costs as of December 31, 2005 relating to oil and gas producing activities
are
as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
2005 |
|||||
|
|
|
|
||
Proved
properties
|
$
|
1,229,923
|
|||
Other
property and equipment
|
6,029
|
||||
Total
|
1,235,952
|
||||
Less:
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and
amortization
|
493,493
|
||||
$
|
742,459
|
Costs
incurred in connection with property acquisition, exploration and development
activities for the period from January 1, 2006 to November 21, 2006 and the
years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows (in $000s, except
depletion rate):
January
1 –
November 21, |
Years Ended
December 31, |
|||||||||
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|||||
|
|
|||||||||
Acquisitions
|
$
|
14,113
|
$
|
114,244
|
$
|
128,673
|
||||
Exploration
costs
|
83,463
|
75,357
|
62,209
|
|||||||
Development
costs
|
133,459
|
124,305
|
52,765
|
|||||||
Total
|
$
|
231,035
|
$
|
313,906
|
$
|
243,647
|
||||
Depletion
rate per Mcfe
|
$
|
2.10
|
$
|
2.33
|
$
|
2.11
|
As of
December 31, 2005, all capitalized costs relating to oil and gas activities
have
been included in the full cost pool.
Supplemental Reserve
Information (Unaudited)
The
accompanying tables present information concerning our oil and natural gas
producing activities during the period from January 1, 2006 to November 21,
2006
and the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004 and are prepared in accordance
with SFAS No. 69, Disclosuresabout Oil and Gas Producing
Activities.
Estimates
of our proved reserves and proved developed reserves were prepared by
independent firms of petroleum engineers, based on data supplied to them by
NEG
Oil & Gas. Estimates relating to oil and gas reserves are inherently
imprecise and may be subject to substantial revisions due to changing prices
and
new information, such as reservoir performance, production data, additional
drilling and other factors becomes available.
87
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
Proved
reserves are estimated quantities of oil, natural gas, condensate and natural
gas liquids which geological and engineering data demonstrate with reasonable
certainty to be recoverable in future years from known reservoirs under existing
economic and operating conditions. Natural gas liquids and condensate are
included in oil reserves. Proved developed reserves are those proved reserves
that can be expected to be recovered through existing wells with existing
equipment and operating methods. Proved undeveloped reserves include those
reserves expected to be recovered from new wells on undrilled acreage or
existing wells on which a relatively major expenditure is required for
recompletion. Natural gas quantities represent gas volumes which include amounts
that will be extracted as natural gas liquids. Our estimated net proved reserves
and proved developed reserves of oil and condensate and natural gas for the
period from January 1, 2006 to November 21, 2006 and the years ended December
31, 2005 and 2004 were as follows:
Crude
Oil
|
Natural
Gas
|
||||||
(Barrels)
|
(Thousand
cubic feet) |
||||||
|
|
||||||
December 31,
2003
|
8,165,562
|
206,259,821
|
|||||
Reserves
of National Offshore purchased from affiliate of general partner
|
5,203,599
|
25,981,749
|
|||||
Sales
of reserves in place
|
(15,643
|
)
|
(344,271
|
)
|
|||
Extensions
and discoveries
|
524,089
|
50,226,279
|
|||||
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
204,272
|
9,810,665
|
|||||
Production
|
(1,484,005
|
)
|
(18,895,077
|
)
|
|||
December 31,
2004
|
12,597,874
|
273,039,166
|
|||||
Purchase
of reserves in place
|
483,108
|
94,937,034
|
|||||
Sales
of reserves in place
|
(624,507
|
)
|
(7,426,216
|
)
|
|||
Extensions
and discoveries
|
743,019
|
79,591,588
|
|||||
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
494,606
|
17,015,533
|
|||||
Production
|
(1,789,961
|
)
|
(28,106,819
|
)
|
|||
December 31,
2005
|
11,904,139
|
429,050,286
|
|||||
Purchase
of reserves in place
|
282,267
|
9,597,085
|
|||||
Extensions
and discoveries
|
2,169,222
|
73,753,558
|
|||||
Revisions
of previous estimates
|
(201,907
|
)
|
(58,470,950
|
)
|
|||
Production
|
(1,655,516
|
)
|
(31,094,079
|
)
|
|||
Sale
of properties to SandRidge
|
(12,498,206
|
)
|
(422,835,900
|
)
|
|||
November
21, 2006
|
—
|
—
|
|||||
Proved
developed reserves:
|
|||||||
December 31,
2004
|
8,955,300
|
151,765,372
|
|||||
December 31,
2005
|
8,340,077
|
200,519,972
|
Asset Retirement
Obligations — Oil and Gas
Our asset
retirement obligations represent expected future costs to plug and abandon
our
wells, dismantle facilities, and reclamate sites at the end of the related
assets’ useful lives.
88
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
5. Discontinued
Operations and Assets Held for Sale – (continued)
As
of
December 31, 2005, we had $24.3 million held in various escrow accounts relating
to the asset retirement obligations for certain offshore properties. The escrow
accounts and the asset retirement obligations were transferred to the purchaser
in connection with the sale of our Oil and Gas business. The following table
summarizes changes in the Company’s asset retirement obligations during the
period from January 1, 2006 to November 21, 2006 and the year ended December
31,
2005 (in $000s):
|
January
1 –
November 21, 2006
|
Year
Ended
December 31, 2005
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
Beginning
of
year
|
$
|
41,228
|
$
|
56,524
|
|||
Add:
Accretion
|
2,537
|
3,019
|
|||||
Drilling
additions/Purchases
|
4,269
|
2,067
|
|||||
Less:
Revisions
|
—
|
(2,813
|
)
|
||||
Settlements
|
—
|
(431
|
)
|
||||
Dispositions
|
(48,034
|
)
|
(17,138
|
)
|
|||
End
of period
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
41,228
|
6. Related Party
Transactions
We have
entered into several transactions with entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn.
The transactions include purchases by us of businesses and business interests,
including debt, of the affiliated entities. Additionally, other transactions
have occurred as described below.
All
related party transactions are reviewed and approved by our Audit Committee.
Where appropriate, our Audit Committee will obtain independent financial advice
and counsel on the transactions.
In
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, assets transferred
between entities under common control are accounted for at historical cost
similar to a pooling of interest, and the financial statements of previously
separate companies for periods prior to the acquisition are restated on a
combined basis. Additionally, the earnings, losses, capital contribution and
distributions of the acquired entities are allocated to the general partner
as
an adjustment to equity, as is the difference between the consideration paid
and
the book basis of the entity acquired.
a.
Acquisitions
Oil and
Gas
In
October 2003, pursuant to a purchase agreement dated as of May 16, 2003, we
acquired certain debt and equity securities of NEGI from entities affiliated
with Mr. Icahn for an aggregate cash consideration of $148.1 million
plus $6.7 million in cash for accrued interest on the debt securities. The
securities acquired were $148.6 million in principal amount of outstanding
10.75% senior notes due 2006 of NEGI and 5,584,044 shares of common stock of
NEGI. As a result of the foregoing transaction and the acquisition by us of
additional securities of NEGI prior to the closing, we beneficially owned in
excess of 50% of the outstanding common stock of NEGI. In connection with the
acquisition of stock in NEGI, the excess of cash disbursed over the historical
cost, which amounted to $2.8 million, was charged to the general partner’s
equity. NEGI owned a 50% interest in NEG Holdings; the other 50% interest in
NEG
Holdings was held by an affiliate of Mr. Icahn prior to our acquisition of
the interest during the second quarter of 2005. NEG Holdings owned NEG Operating
LLC (“Operating LLC”) which owned operating oil and gas properties managed by
NEGI.
On
December 6, 2004, we purchased from affiliates of Mr. Icahn $27.5 million
aggregate principal amount, or 100% of the outstanding term notes issued by
TransTexas, (the “TransTexas Notes”). The purchase price was $28.2 million
in cash, which equaled the principal amount of the TransTexas Notes plus accrued
but unpaid interest.
89
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
6. Related Party
Transactions – (continued)
In
December 2004, we purchased all of the membership interests of MidRiver LLC,
or
MidRiver, from affiliates of Mr. Icahn for an aggregate purchase price of
$38.0 million. The assets of Mid River consist of $38.0 million principal
amount of term loans of Panaco.
In
January 2005, we entered into an agreement to acquire TransTexas (subsequently
known as National Onshore), Panaco (subsequently known as National Offshore)
and
the membership interest in NEG Holdings other than that already owned by NEGI
for cash consideration of $180.0 million and depositary units valued, in the
aggregate, at $445.0 million, from affiliates of Mr. Icahn. The acquisition
of TransTexas was completed on April 6, 2005 for $180.0 million in cash. The
acquisition of Panaco and the membership interest in NEG Holdings was completed
on June 30, 2005 for 15,344,753 depository units, valued at $445.0
million.
As
discussed above, on November 21, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary,
AREP O & G Holdings, consummated the sale of all of the issued and
outstanding membership interests of NEG Oil & Gas to SandRidge. See Note 5
for additional information regarding the sale.
Gaming
Las Vegas
Properties
In January
2004, ACEP entered into an agreement to acquire Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and
Arizona Charlie’s Boulder, from Mr. Icahn and an entity affiliated with
Mr. Icahn, for aggregate consideration of $125.9 million. The acquisition
was completed on May 26, 2004.
Atlantic City
Property
In 1998
and
1999, we acquired an interest in The Sands, by purchasing the principal amount
of $31.4 million of first mortgage notes issued by GB Property Funding Corp.
or
GB Property. The purchase price for the notes was $25.3 million. GB Property
was
organized as a special purpose entity by Greate Bay Hotel and Casino, Inc.
or
Greate Bay for the purpose of borrowing funds. Greate Bay was a wholly-owned
subsidiary of GBH. An affiliate of the general partner also made an investment.
A total of $185.0 million in notes were issued.
In January
1998, GB Property and Greate Bay filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter
11 of the Bankruptcy Code to restructure its long-term debt.
In July
2000, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court ruled in favor of the reorganization plan
proposed by affiliates of the general partner which provided for an additional
investment of $65.0 million by the Icahn affiliates in exchange for a 46% equity
interest in GBH, with bondholders (which also included the Icahn affiliates)
to
receive $110.0 million principal amount of new notes of GB Property First
Mortgage, or the GB Notes, and a 54% equity interest in GBH. Interest on the
GB
Notes was payable at the rate of 11% per annum on March 29 and September 29,
beginning March 29, 2001. The outstanding principal was due September 29, 2005.
The principal and interest that was due on September 29, 2005 was not paid.
On
September 29, 2005, GBH filed for bankruptcy for protection under Chapter 11
of
the Bankruptcy Code.
Until July
22, 2004, Greate Bay was the owner and operator of The Sands. Atlantic Coast
was
a wholly-owned subsidiary of Greate Bay which was a wholly-owned subsidiary
of
GBH. ACE is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlantic Coast. Atlantic Coast and
ACE
were formed in connection with a transaction (the “Transaction”), which included
a Consent Solicitation and Offer to Exchange in which holders of the GB Notes
were given the opportunity to exchange such notes, on a dollar for dollar basis,
for $110.0 million of 3% Notes due 2008 (the “3% Notes”), issued by
Atlantic Coast. The Transaction and the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange were consummated on July 22, 2004, and holders of $66.3 million of
GB
Notes exchanged such notes for $66.3 million Atlantic Coast 3% Notes. Also
on
July 22, 2004, in connection with the Consent Solicitation and Offer to
Exchange, the indenture governing the GB Notes was amended to eliminate certain
covenants and to release the liens on the collateral securing such notes. The
Transaction included, among other things, the transfer of substantially all
of
the assets of GBH to Atlantic Coast.
90
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
6. Related Party
Transactions – (continued)
The
Atlantic Coast 3% Notes are guaranteed by ACE. Also on July 22, 2004, in
connection with the consummation of the Transaction and the Consent Solicitation
and Offer to Exchange, GB Property and Greate Bay merged into GBH, with GBH
as
the surviving entity. In connection with the transfer of the assets and certain
liabilities of GBH, including the assets and certain liabilities of Greate
Bay,
Atlantic Coast issued 2,882,937 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per
share, to Greate Bay which, following the merger of Greate Bay became the sole
asset of GBH. Substantially all of the assets and liabilities of GBH and Greate
Bay (with the exception of the remaining GB Notes and accrued interest thereon,
the Atlantic Coast Common Stock, and the related pro rata share of deferred
financing costs) were transferred to Atlantic Coast or ACE. As part of the
Transaction, an aggregate of 10,000,000 warrants were distributed on a pro
rata
basis to the stockholders of GBH upon the consummation of the Transaction.
Such
warrants allow the holders to purchase from Atlantic Coast at an exercise price
of $0.01 per share, an aggregate of 2,750,000 shares of Atlantic Coast Common
Stock and are only exercisable following the earlier of (a) either the 3% Notes
being paid in cash or upon conversion, in whole or in part, into Atlantic Coast
Common Stock, (b) payment in full of the outstanding principal of the GB Notes
exchanged, or (c) a determination by a majority of the board of directors of
Atlantic Coast (including at least one independent director of Atlantic Coast)
that the Warrants may be exercised. A gaming license to operate The Sands was
granted to ACE by the New Jersey Casino Control Commission.
On
December 27, 2004, we purchased $37.0 million principal amount of Atlantic
Coast
3% Notes from two Icahn affiliates for cash consideration of $36.0 million.
We
already owned $26.9 million principal amount of 3% Notes.
On
May 17, 2005, we (1) converted $28.8 million in principal amount of 3% Notes
into 1,891,181 shares of Atlantic Coast common stock and (2) exercised warrants
to acquire 997,620 shares of Atlantic Coast common stock. Also on May 17, 2005,
affiliates of Mr. Icahn exercised warrants to acquire 1,133,284 shares of
Atlantic Coast common stock. Prior to May 17, 2005, GBH owned 100% of the
outstanding Common Stock of Atlantic Coast.
On
June 30, 2005, we completed the purchase of 4,121,033 shares of common stock
of
GBH and 1,133,284 shares of Atlantic Coast from affiliates of Mr. Icahn in
consideration of 413,793 of our depositary units. The agreement provided that
up
to an additional 206,897 depositary units could be issued if Atlantic Coast
met
certain earnings targets during 2005 and 2006. The depositary units issued
in
consideration for the acquisitions were valued at $12.0 million. Based on the
2005 and 2006 operating performance of The Sands, no additional depositary
units
have been issued.
After
the
purchases from affiliates of Mr. Icahn, we owned 77.5% of the common stock
of GBH and 58.2% of the common stock of Atlantic Coast. As a result, we obtained
control of GBH and Atlantic Coast. The period of common control for GBH and
Atlantic Coast began prior to January 1, 2002. The financial statements give
retroactive effect to the consolidation of GBH and Atlantic Coast. We had
previously accounted for GBH on the equity method. On September 29, 2005, GBH
filed for bankruptcy.
On
November 17, 2006, we completed the sale to Pinnacle of the outstanding
membership interests in ACE which owns The Sands and 100% of the equity
interests in certain subsidiaries of AREH which own parcels of real estate
adjacent to The Sands, including the Traymore site. See Note 5 for additional
information regarding the sale.
b. Administrative
Services
In 1997,
we entered into a license agreement with an affiliate of API for office space.
The license agreement expired in June 2005. In July 2005, we entered into a
new
license agreement with an API affiliate for the non-exclusive use of
approximately 1,514 square feet for which we pay monthly base rent of $13,000
plus 16.4% of certain “additional rent.” The license agreement expires in May
2012. Under the agreement, base rent is subject to increases in July 2008 and
December 2011. Additionally, we are entitled to certain annual rent credits
each
December beginning December 2005 and continuing through December 2011. For
the
years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, we paid such affiliate $162,000,
$138,000 and $162,000, respectively, in connection with this licensing
agreement.
91
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
6. Related Party
Transactions – (continued)
An
affiliate occupies a portion of certain office space leased by us. Monthly
payments from the affiliate for the use of the space began on October 12, 2006.
For the period beginning October 12, 2006 and ending December 31, 2006, we
received $17,000 for the use of such space.
For the
years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, we paid $783,000, $1,016,000
and
$506,000, respectively, to XO Holdings, Inc., formerly known as XO
Communications, Inc., an affiliate of the general partner, for telecommunication
services.
An
affiliate of the general partner provided certain professional services to
us
for which we incurred charges from the affiliate of $344,986 and $81,600 for
the
years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004, respectively. No charges were incurred
in 2006.
We
provided certain professional services to an affiliate of the general partner
for which we charged $695,000, $324,548 and $80,000 for the years ended December
31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively. In October 2006, an affiliate remitted
$355,691 to us as an advance payment for future services. As of December 31,
2006, current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheet included $287,380
to
be applied to our charges to the affiliate for services to be supplied to it.
An
affiliate provided certain professional services to WPI for which it incurred
charges of approximately $218,000 for the year ended December 31, 2006.
c. Related Party
Debt
Transactions
In
connection with TransTexas’ plan of reorganization on September 1, 2003,
TransTexas as borrower, entered into the Restructured Oil and Gas (O&G) Note
with Thornwood, an affiliate of Mr. Icahn, as lender. The Restructured
O&G Note was a term loan in the amount of $32.5 million with interest at a
rate of 10% per annum. Interest was payable semi-annually commencing six months
after the effective date. Annual principal payments in the amount of $5.0
million was due on the first through fourth anniversary dates of the effective
date with the final principal payment of $12.5 million due on the fifth
anniversary of the effective date. The Restructured O&G Note was purchased
by us in December 2004 and is eliminated in consolidation.
During
fiscal year 2002, Fresca, LLC, which was acquired by American Casino in May
2004, entered into an unsecured line of credit in the amount of $25.0 million
with Starfire Holding Corporation, or Starfire, an affiliate of Mr. Icahn.
The outstanding balance, including accrued interest, was due and payable on
January 2, 2007. As of December 31, 2003, Fresca, LLC had $25.0 million
outstanding. The note bore interest on the unpaid principal balance from January
2, 2002 until maturity at the rate per annum equal to the prime rate, as
established by Fleet Bank, from time to time, plus 2.75%. Interest was payable
semi-annually in arrears on the first day of January and July, and at maturity.
The note was guaranteed by Mr. Icahn. The note was repaid during May 2004.
The interest rate at December 31, 2003 was 6.75%.
92
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
7. Investments and
Related Matters
Investments
consist of the following (in $000s):
December
31, 2006
|
December
31, 2005
|
||||||||||||
Amortized
Cost |
Carrying
Value |
Amortized
Cost |
Carrying
Value |
||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||
Current
Investments:
|
|||||||||||||
Trading
|
|||||||||||||
Marketable
equity and debt securities
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
—
|
$
|
33,301
|
$
|
39,232
|
|||||
Other
investments
|
—
|
20,538
|
—
|
—
|
|||||||||
Total
current trading
|
—
|
20,538
|
33,301
|
39,232
|
|||||||||
Available
for Sale
|
|||||||||||||
U.S. Government
and agency
obligations
|
—
|
—
|
3,346
|
3,346
|
|||||||||
Marketable
equity and debt securities
|
242,080
|
265,411
|
650,986
|
646,666
|
|||||||||
Other
securities
|
251,131
|
253,166
|
31,282
|
31,282
|
|||||||||
Total
current available for sale
|
493,211
|
518,577
|
685,614
|
681,294
|
|||||||||
Total
current investments
|
$
|
493,211
|
$
|
539,115
|
$
|
718,915
|
$
|
720,526
|
Proceeds
from the sales of available for sale securities were $726,807, $96,848 and
$82,300 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
The
gross realized gains on available for sale securities sold for the years ended
December 31 2006, 2005 and 2004 were $47,522, $8,552 and $37,200, respectively.
For purposes of determining gains and losses, the cost of securities is based
on
specific identification. Net unrealized holding gains (losses) on available
for
sale securities in the amount of $29,684, $(4,197) and $(9,535) for the years
ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively, have been included in
accumulated other comprehensive income.
In
the third quarter of 2005, we began using the services of an unaffiliated third
party investment manager to manage certain fixed income investments. At December
31, 2006 and 2005, $163.7 million and $448.8 million, respectively, had been
invested at the discretion of such manager in a diversified portfolio consisting
predominantly of short-term investment grade debt securities. Investments
managed by the third party investment manager are classified as available for
sale securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. As of December
31, 2006, accrued expenses and other current liabilities included $46.4 million
relating to unsettled trades of securities.
Included
in other securities are 12,842,000 shares of SandRidge’s common stock, received
as consideration for the sale of our Oil & Gas operations, and which are
valued at $231.2 million as of December 31, 2006. There is no readily available
market for such securities.
Investment in
ImClone Systems Incorporated
As
described in Note 2 above, in the fourth quarter of 2006 we changed our method
of accounting for our investment in ImClone Systems Incorporated to the equity
method of accounting. As a result, the financial statements of prior years
have
been adjusted to apply the new method retrospectively.
The
effect of the change increased our 2006 net income by $12.6 million, or $0.23
per unit. The financial statements for 2005 have been retrospectively adjusted
for the change, which resulted in an increase of net income for 2005 of $1.4
million, or $0.04 per unit. The cumulative effect of the change resulted in
an
increase and decrease in our total partners’ equity by $42.2 million and $2.9
million at December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively, as a result of
recording our proportionate share of ImClone’s net income, other
comprehensive income and other changes in ImClone’s stockholders’ equity.
At
December 31, 2006 and 2005 our carrying value of our equity investment in
ImClone was $164.3 million and $97.3 million, respectively. As of December
31,
2006, the market value of our ImClone shares held was $122.2 million. As of
September 30, 2006 our underlying equity in the net assets of ImClone was
approximately $36.3 million. While we recognize that the carrying value of
our
investment in ImClone as of December 31, 2006 is greater than the market value
of our shares held, we do not believe that this is an other than temporary
decline and accordingly no impairment has been recognized.
93
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
7. Investments and
Related Matters – (continued)
The
equity method of accounting requires an evaluation comparing the company’s
investment to the fair value of ImClone’s underlying net assets at each
acquisition date. Since the Company changed its method of accounting in the
fourth quarter of 2006, we have not yet been able to evaluate all of the factors
required in order to complete this analysis. We anticipate that such evaluation
will be completed in 2007.
The
combined results of operations and financial position of ImClone for the periods
indicated are as follows (in $000s):
Nine
Months
Ended September 30, 2006 |
Year
Ended
December 31, 2005 |
|||||
Condensed
Income Statement Information:
|
||||||
Net
Sales
|
|
$
|
545,684
|
|
$
|
383,673
|
Operating
Income
|
$
|
240,196
|
$
|
66,779
|
||
Net
Income
|
$
|
324,116
|
$
|
86,496
|
||
Condensed
Balance Sheet Information:
|
||||||
Current
Assets
|
$
|
1,187,060
|
$
|
909,118
|
||
Non-Current
Assets
|
597,728
|
434,297
|
||||
Total
Assets
|
$
|
1,784,788
|
$
|
1,343,415
|
||
Current
Liabilities
|
$
|
237,304
|
$
|
242,119
|
||
Non-Current
Liabilities
|
874,900
|
848,892
|
||||
Equity
|
672,584
|
252,404
|
||||
Total
Liabilities and Equity
|
$
|
1,784,788
|
$
|
1,343,415
|
Other
Investments
The
carrying value of other noncurrent investments was $15.6 million and $3.0
million as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively. Included in other
securities is an investment of 4.4% of the common stock of Philip Services
Corp., an entity controlled by related parties. The investment has a cost basis
of $0.7 million, which is net of significant impairment charges taken in prior
years.
Margin Liability
on
Marketable Securities
At
December 31, 2005, a liability of $131.3 million was recorded related to
purchases of securities from a broker that had been made on margin. There was
no
margin liability outstanding at December 31, 2006. The margin liability is
secured by the securities we purchased and cannot exceed certain pre-established
percentages of the fair market value of the securities collateralizing the
liability. If the balance of the margin exceeds certain pre-established
percentages of the fair market value of the securities collateralizing the
liability, we will be subject to a margin call and required to fund the account
to return the margin balance to certain pre-established percentages of the
fair
market value of the securities collateralizing the liability.
94
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
8. Trade, Notes and
Other Receivables, Net
Trade,
notes and other receivables, net consist of the following (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Trade
receivables – Home Fashion
|
$
|
134,111
|
$
|
173,050
|
|
||
Allowance
for doubtful accounts – Home
Fashion
|
(8,303
|
)
|
(8,313
|
)
|
|||
Other
|
50,688
|
30,584
|
|||||
$
|
176,496
|
$
|
195,321
|
9. Other Current
Assets
Other
current assets consist of the following (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|||
Restricted
cash
|
$
|
87,428
|
$
|
161,210
|
|||
Other
|
47,559
|
53,650
|
|||||
$
|
134,987
|
$
|
214,860
|
Restricted
cash is primarily composed of funds required as collateral for the outstanding
short security position. Additionally, there are restricted cash balances for
escrow deposits and funds held in connection with collateralizing letters of
credit. As of December 31, 2006, restricted cash included $50.8 million relating
to cash placed in escrow relating to our sale of ACE to Pinnacle.
10. Property, Plant
and Equipment, Net
Property,
plant and equipment consist of the following (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
|
|
||||
Land
|
$
|
129,729
|
$
|
122,586
|
|
||
Buildings
and improvements
|
446,878
|
324,917
|
|||||
Machinery,
equipment and furniture
|
333,741
|
255,807
|
|||||
Assets
leased to others
|
123,398
|
141,997
|
|||||
Construction
in progress
|
90,672
|
69,669
|
|||||
1,124,418
|
914,976
|
||||||
Less
accumulated depreciation and
amortization
|
(217,347
|
)
|
(165,264
|
)
|
|||
$
|
907,071
|
$
|
749,712
|
Depreciation
and amortization expense from continuing operations related to property, plant
and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 was $65.3
million, $46.8 million and $28.8 million, respectively.
95
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
11. Other Non-Current
Assets
Other
non-current assets consist of the following (in $000s):
December
31,
|
||||||
2006
|
2005
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|||
Deferred
income
taxes
|
$
|
48,976
|
$
|
51,509
|
||
Deferred
finance costs, net of accumulated amortization of $9,883 and $2,819
as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, respectively |
24,699
|
21,796
|
||||
Other
|
2,315
|
4,401
|
||||
$
|
75,990
|
$
|
77,706
|
12. Minority
Interests
Minority
interests consist of the following (in $000s):
|
December 31,
|
|||||
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||
|
|
|
||||
WPI
|
$
|
178,843
|
$
|
247,015
|
||
Atlantic
Coast
|
70,563
|
57,584
|
||||
NEGI
|
42,815
|
—
|
||||
$
|
292,221
|
$
|
304,599
|
13. Long-Term
Debt
Long-term
debt consists of the following (in $000s):
December 31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
|
|
||||||
Senior
unsecured 7.125% notes due
2013 – AREP
|
$
|
480,000
|
$
|
480,000
|
|||
Senior
unsecured 8.125% notes due 2012 – AREP, net of
discount
|
351,246
|
350,922
|
|||||
Senior
secured 7.85% notes due 2012 – ACEP
|
215,000
|
215,000
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facilities – ACEP
|
40,000
|
—
|
|||||
Borrowings
under credit facilities – NEG Oil & Gas
|
—
|
300,000
|
|||||
Mortgages
payable
|
109,289
|
81,512
|
|||||
Other
|
13,425
|
8,387
|
|||||
Total
long-term debt
|
1,208,960
|
1,435,821
|
|||||
Less:
current portion, including debt related to assets held for sale
|
(23,970
|
)
|
(324,155
|
)
|
|||
|
$
|
1,184,990
|
$
|
1,111,666
|
Senior unsecured
notes — AREP
Senior unsecured 7.125%
notes due 2013
On February
7, 2005, AREP and American Real Estate Finance Corp., or AREF, completed their
offering of senior notes due 2013. AREF, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
Company, was formed solely for the purpose of serving as a co-issuer of debt
securities. AREF does not have any operations or assets and does not have any
revenues. The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $480.0 million, were
priced at 100% of principal amount. The notes have a fixed annual interest
rate
of 7 1/8%, which will be paid every six months on February 15 and August 15.
The
notes will mature on February 15, 2013. AREH is a guarantor of the debt. No
other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes.
96
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
13. Long-Term Debt
–
(continued)
As described
below, the notes restrict the ability of AREP and AREH, subject to certain
exceptions, to, among other things: incur additional debt; pay dividends or
make
distributions; repurchase depository units; create liens; and enter into
transactions with affiliates.
Senior unsecured 8.125%
notes due 2012
On
May 12, 2004, AREP and AREF closed on their offering of senior notes due 2012.
The notes, in the aggregate principal amount of $353 million, were priced at
99.266% of principal amount. The notes have a fixed annual interest rate of
8
1/8%, which will be paid every six months on June 1 and December 1, commencing
December 1, 2004. The notes will mature on June 1, 2012. AREH is a guarantor
of
the debt. No other subsidiaries guarantee payment on the notes.
As
described below, the notes restrict the ability of AREP and AREH, subject to
certain exceptions, to, among other things; incur additional debt; pay dividends
or make distributions; repurchase depository units; create liens; and enter
into
transactions with affiliates.
Senior unsecured notes
restrictions and covenants
Both
issuances of our senior unsecured notes restrict the payment of cash
distributions, the purchase of equity interests or the purchase, redemption,
defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to the senior unsecured notes.
The notes also restrict the incurrence of debt or the issuance of disqualified
stock, as defined, with certain exceptions, provided that we may incur debt
or
issue disqualified stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance,
the
ratio of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding indebtedness of
AREP
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis to the tangible net worth of AREP
and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis would have been less than 1.75
to
1.0. As of December 31, 2006, such ratio was less than 1.75 to 1.0. Based on
this ratio, we and AREH could have incurred up to approximately $1.6 billion
of
additional indebtedness.
In
addition, both issuances of notes require that on each quarterly determination
date we and the guarantor of the notes (currently only AREH) maintain a minimum
ratio of cash flow to fixed charges each as defined, of 1.5 to 1.0, for the
four
consecutive fiscal quarters most recently completed prior to such quarterly
determination date. For the four quarters ended December 31, 2006, the ratio
of
cash flow to fixed charges was greater than 1.5 to 1.0.
The
notes also require, on each quarterly determination date, that the ratio of
total unencumbered assets, as defined, to the principal amount of unsecured
indebtedness, as defined, be greater than 1.5 to 1.0 as of the last day of
the
most recently completed fiscal quarter. As of December 31, 2006, such ratio
was
in excess of 1.5 to 1.0.
The
notes also restrict the creation of liens, mergers, consolidations and sales
of
substantially all of our assets, and transactions with affiliates.
As
of December 31, 2006, we were in compliance with each of the covenants contained
in our senior unsecured notes. We expect to be in compliance with each of the
debt covenants for the period of at least twelve months from December 31,
2006.
AREP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
On
August 21, 2006, we and AREP Finance as the Borrowers, and certain of our
subsidiaries, as Guarantors, entered into a credit agreement with Bear Stearns
Corporate Lending Inc., as Administrative Agent, and certain other lender
parties. Under the credit agreement, we are permitted to borrow up to $150.0
million, including a $50.0 million sub-limit that may be used for letters of
credit. Borrowings under the agreement, which are based on our credit rating,
bear interest at LIBOR plus 1.0% to 2.0%. We pay an unused line fee of 0.25%
to
0.5%. As of December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the
facility.
Obligations
under the credit agreement are guaranteed by and secured by liens on
substantially all of the assets of certain of our indirect wholly-owned holding
company subsidiaries. The credit agreement has a term of four years and all
amounts will be due and payable on August 21, 2010. The credit agreement
includes covenants that, among
97
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
13. Long-Term Debt
–
(continued)
other things, restrict the
creation of liens and certain dispositions of property by our wholly-owned
holding company subsidiaries that are guarantors. Obligations under the credit
agreement are immediately due and payable upon the occurrence of certain events
of default.
Senior secured
7.85% notes due 2012 — ACEP
In January
2004, ACEP issued senior secured notes due 2012. The notes, in the aggregate
principal amount of $215.0 million, bear interest at the rate of 7.85% per
annum, which will be paid every six months, on February 1 and August
1.
ACEP’s 7.85%
senior secured notes due 2012 restrict the payment of cash dividends or
distributions by ACEP, the purchase of its equity interests, the purchase,
redemption, defeasance or acquisition of debt subordinated to ACEP’s notes and
investments as “restricted payments.” ACEP’s notes also prohibit the incurrence
of debt or the issuance of disqualified or preferred stock, as defined, by
ACEP,
with certain exceptions, provided that ACEP may incur debt or issue disqualified
stock if, immediately after such incurrence or issuance, the ratio of
consolidated cash flow to fixed charges (each as defined) for the most recently
ended four full fiscal quarters for which internal financial statements are
available immediately preceding the date on which such additional indebtedness
is incurred or disqualified stock or preferred stock is issued would have been
at least 2.0 to 1.0, determined on a pro forma basis giving effect to the debt
incurrence or issuance. As of December 31, 2006, such ratio was in excess of
2.0
to 1.0. The ACEP notes also restrict the creation of liens, the sale of assets,
mergers, consolidations or sales of substantially all of its assets, the lease
or grant of a license, concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use
ACEP’s assets, the issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and
certain related party transactions. The ACEP notes allow it to incur
indebtedness, among other things, of up to $50.0 million under credit
facilities, non-recourse financing of up to $15.0 million to finance the
construction, purchase or lease of personal or real property used in its
business, permitted affiliate subordinated indebtedness (as defined), the
issuance of additional 7.85% senior secured notes due 2012 in an aggregate
principal amount not to exceed 2.0 times net cash proceeds received from equity
offerings and permitted affiliate subordinated debt, and additional indebtedness
of up to $10.0 million.
ACEP Senior Secured
Revolving Credit Facility
Effective
May 11, 2006, ACEP, and certain of ACEP’s subsidiaries, as Guarantors, entered
into an amended and restated credit agreement with Wells Fargo Bank N.A., as
syndication agent, Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as administrative agent,
and certain other lender parties. As of December 31, 2006, the interest rate
on
the outstanding borrowings under the credit facility was 6.85% per annum. The
credit agreement amends and restates, and is on substantially the same terms
as,
a credit agreement entered into as of January 29, 2004. Under the credit
agreement, ACEP will be permitted to borrow up to $60.0 million. Obligations
under the credit agreement are secured by liens on substantially all of the
assets of ACEP and its subsidiaries. The credit agreement has a term of four
years and all amounts will be due and payable on May 10, 2010. As of December
31, 2006, there were $40.0 million of borrowings under the credit
agreement. The borrowings were incurred to finance a portion of the purchase
price of the Aquarius.
The credit
agreement includes covenants that, among other things, restrict the incurrence
of additional indebtedness by ACEP and its subsidiaries, the issuance of
disqualified or preferred stock, as defined, the creation of liens by ACEP
or
its subsidiaries, the sale of assets, mergers, consolidations or sales of
substantially all of ACEP’s assets, the lease or grant of a license or
concession, other agreements to occupy, manage or use ACEP’s assets, the
issuance of capital stock of restricted subsidiaries and certain related party
transactions. The credit agreement also requires that, as of the last date
of
each fiscal quarter, ACEP’s ratio of consolidated first lien debt to
consolidated cash flow not be more than 1.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2006,
such ratio was less than 1.0 to 1.0. As of December 31, 2006, ACEP was in
compliance with each of the covenants.
The
restrictions imposed by ACEP’s senior secured notes and the credit facility
likely will limit our receiving payments from the operations of our hotel and
gaming properties.
98
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
13. Long-Term Debt
–
(continued)
NEG Oil & Gas
LLC Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
On
December 22, 2005, NEG Oil & Gas entered into a credit facility, dated as of
December 20, 2005, with Citicorp USA, Inc. as administrative agent, Bear Stearns
Corporate Lending Inc., as syndication agent, and certain other lender
parties.
Under
the
credit facility, NEG Oil & Gas was permitted to borrow up to $500.0 million.
Borrowings under the revolving credit facility was subject to a borrowing base
determination based on the oil and gas properties of NEG Oil & Gas and its
subsidiaries and the reserves and production related to those properties.
Obligations under the credit facility were secured by liens on all of the assets
of NEG Oil & Gas and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. The credit facility had
a term of five years and all amounts were due and payable on December 20, 2010.
Advances under the credit facility will be in the form of either base rate
loans
or Eurodollar loans, each as defined. At December 31, 2005, the interest rate
on
the outstanding amount under the credit facility was 6.44%. Commitment fees
for
the unused credit facility range from 0.375% to 0.50% and are payable
quarterly.
NEG Oil
& Gas used the proceeds of the initial $300.0 million borrowings to (1)
purchase the existing obligations of its indirect subsidiary, NEG Operating,
from the lenders under NEG Operating’s credit facility with Mizuho Corporate
Bank, Ltd., as administrative agent; (2) repay a National Onshore loan borrowed
from AREP of approximately $85.0 million used to purchase properties in the
Minden Field; (3) pay a distribution to AREP of $78.0 million; and (4) pay
transaction costs.
As
discussed above, on November 21, 2006, our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary,
AREP O & G Holdings LLC, consummated the sale of all of the issued and
outstanding membership interests of NEG Oil & Gas LLC to SandRidge Energy,
Inc. for consideration consisting of $1.025 billion in cash, 12,842,000 shares
of SandRidge’s common stock, valued at $18 per share on the date closing, and
the repayment by SandRidge of the outstanding borrowings under the NEG Oil
&
Gas $300.0 million credit facility.
Mortgages
Payable
Mortgages
payable, all of which are nonrecourse to us, are summarized below. The mortgages
bear interest at rates between 4.97 and 7.99% and have maturities between
September 1, 2008 and July 1, 2016. The following is a summary of mortgages
payable (in $000s):
|
|
December 31,
|
|
||||
|
2006
|
2005
|
|||||
|
|
||||||
Total
mortgages
|
$
|
109,289
|
$
|
81,512
|
|||
Less
current portion and mortgages on properties held for sale
|
(18,174
|
)
|
(18,104
|
)
|
|||
|
$
|
91,115
|
$
|
63,408
|
On
June 30, 2006, certain of our indirect subsidiaries engaged in property
development and associated resort activities entered into a $32.5 million loan
agreement with Textron Financial Corp. The loan is secured by a mortgage on
our
New Seabury golf course and resort in Mashpee, Massachusetts. The loan bears
interest at the rate of 7.96% per annum and matures in five years with a balloon
payment due of $30.0 million. Annual debt service payments of $3.0 million
are
required, which are payable in monthly installment amounts based on a 25-year
amortization schedule.
WestPoint Home
Secured Revolving Credit Agreement
On June
16, 2006, WestPoint Home, Inc., an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of WPI,
entered into a $250.0 million loan and security agreement with Bank of
America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and lender. On
99
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
13. Long-Term Debt
–
(continued)
September 18, 2006, The
CIT
Group/Commercial Services, Inc., General Electric Capital Corporation and Wells
Fargo Foothill, LLC were added as lenders under this credit agreement. Under
the
five-year agreement, borrowings are subject to a monthly borrowing base
calculation and include a $75.0 million sub-limit that may be used for letters
of credit. Borrowings under the agreement bear interest, at the election of
WestPoint Home, either at the prime rate adjusted by an applicable margin
ranging from minus 0.25% to plus 0.50% or LIBOR adjusted by an applicable margin
ranging from plus 1.25% to 2.00%. WestPoint Home pays an unused line fee of
0.25% to 0.275%. Obligations under the agreement are secured by WestPoint Home’s
receivables, inventory and certain machinery and equipment.
The
agreement contains covenants including, among others, restrictions on the
incurrence of indebtedness, investments, redemption payments, distributions,
acquisition of stock, securities or assets of any other entity and capital
expenditures. However, WestPoint Home is not precluded from effecting any of
these transactions if excess availability, after giving effect to such
transaction, meets a minimum threshold.
As of
December 31, 2006, there were no borrowings under the agreement, but there
were
outstanding letters of credit of approximately $40.1 million, the majority
of
which relate to trade obligations.
Maturities
The
following is a summary of the maturities of our debt obligations (in
$000s):
2007
|
|
$
|
23,970
|
2008
|
29,227
|
||
2009
|
6,670
|
||
2010
|
1,684
|
||
2011
|
31,446
|
||
2012 – 2017
|
1,115,963
|
||
|
$
|
1,208,960
|
14. Other Income
(Expense), Net
Other
Income (Expense), net, is comprised of the following (in $000s):
|
|
December 31,
|
|
|||||||
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|
|||
|
|
|
||||||||
Net
realized gains on sales of marketable securities
|
$
|
69,099
|
$
|
10,120
|
$
|
40,159
|
||||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on marketable securities
|
21,288
|
9,856
|
(4,812
|
)
|
||||||
Net
realized losses on securities sold short
|
(17,146
|
)
|
(37,058
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Unrealized
gains (losses) on securities sold short
|
18,067
|
(4,178
|
)
|
(18,807
|
)
|
|||||
Gain
on sale assets
|
3,372
|
201
|
5,262
|
|||||||
Other
|
4,597
|
8,198
|
2,651
|
|||||||
|
$
|
99,277
|
$
|
(12,861
|
)
|
$
|
24,453
|
15. Unit
Options
On June
29, 2005, we granted 700,000 nonqualified unit options (the “Options”) to our
Chief Executive Officer (the “CEO”). The option agreement permitted the CEO to
purchase up to 700,000 of our depositary units at an exercise price of $35
per
unit. The Options vested at a rate of 100,000 units on each of the first seven
anniversaries of the date of grant. The fair value of the Options on the grant
date was estimated using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The assumptions
used in the model were as follows:
100
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
15. Unit Options
–
(continued)
Risk
free interest
rate
|
|
3.5
|
%
|
Volatility
|
|
30.0
|
%
|
Dividend
yield
|
|
0.0
|
%
|
Expected
life
|
|
7–8
|
years
|
For
the year ended December 31, 2005, the amount of expense recognized for options
was $491,988. No amount of expense related to options was recognized in any
period prior to 2005.
On
March 14, 2006, our Chief Executive Officer resigned from that position, became
a director and Vice Chairman of the Board of API, and was designated as
Principal Executive Officer. These changes in status caused the options to
be
cancelled in accordance with their terms.
In
accordance with SFAS No. 123, Share Based Payment, the cancellation
required that any previously unrecognized compensation cost be recognized at
the
date of cancellation and accordingly we recorded a compensation charge of $6.2
million in the first quarter of 2006 related to the previously unrecognized
compensation cost.
16. Preferred
Units
Pursuant
to rights offerings consummated in 1995 and 1997, Preferred Units were issued.
The Preferred Units have certain rights and designations, generally as follows.
Each Preferred Unit has a liquidation preference of $10.00 and entitles the
holder to receive distributions, payable solely in additional Preferred Units,
at the rate of $0.50 per Preferred Unit per annum (which is equal to a rate
of
5% of the liquidation preference thereof), payable annually on March 31 of
each
year (each, a “Payment Date”). On any Payment Date commencing with the Payment
Date on March 31, 2000, we, with the approval of the Audit Committee, may opt
to
redeem all of the Preferred Units for a price, payable either in all cash or
by
issuance of additional Depositary Units, equal to the liquidation preference
of
the Preferred Units, plus any accrued but unpaid distributions thereon. On
March
31, 2010, the Company must redeem all of the Preferred Units on the same terms
as any optional redemption.
Pursuant
to the terms of the preferred units, on February 8, 2006, we declared our
scheduled annual preferred unit distribution payable in additional preferred
units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation preference per preferred unit of
$10.00 The distribution was paid on March 31, 2006 to holders of record as
of
March 15, 2006. A total of 539,846 additional preferred units were issued.
As of
December 31, 2006, 11,340,243 preferred units were issued and outstanding.
In
March 2006, the number of authorized preferred units was increased to
11,400,000.
On July
1, 2003, we adopted SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial
Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No.
150 requires that a financial instrument, which is an unconditional obligation,
be classified as a liability. Previous guidance required an entity to include
in
equity financial instruments that the entity could redeem in either cash or
stock. Pursuant to SFAS No. 150, our Preferred Units, which are an unconditional
obligation, have been reclassified from “Partners’ equity” to a liability
account in the consolidated balance sheets and the preferred pay-in-kind
distribution from July 1, 2003 forward have been and will be recorded as
interest expense in the consolidated statement of operations.
We
recorded $5.6 million, $5.3 million, and $5.1 million of interest expense,
in
the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005, and 2004 respectively, in connection
with the Preferred LP units distribution.
17. Earnings Per
Limited Partnership Unit
Basic
earnings per LP unit are based on earnings which are attributable to limited
partners. Net earnings available for limited partners are divided by the
weighted average number of limited partnership units outstanding. Diluted
earnings per LP unit are based on earnings before the preferred pay-in-kind
distribution as the numerator with the denominator based on the weighted average
number of units and equivalent units outstanding. The Preferred Units are
considered to be equivalent units.
101
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
17. Earnings
Per
Limited Partnership Unit – (continued)
|
Year
Ended December 31,
|
||||||||
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
2004
|
|||
|
(in
000s, except per unit data)
|
||||||||
Attributable
to Limited Partners:
|
|||||||||
Basic
income (loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
24,457
|
$
|
(16,504
|
)
|
$
|
44,035
|
||
Add
Preferred LP Unit distribution
|
—
|
—
|
4,981
|
||||||
Income
(loss) before discontinued operations
|
24,457
|
(16,504
|
)
|
49,016
|
|||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
760,326
|
(2,953
|
)
|
86,815
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
784,783
|
$
|
(19,457
|
)
|
$
|
135,831
|
||
Weighted
average limited partnership units outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
46,098
|
||||||
Dilutive
effect of redemption of Preferred LP Units
|
—
|
—
|
5,444
|
||||||
Weighted
average limited partnership units and equivalent partnership units
outstanding
|
61,857
|
54,085
|
51,542
|
||||||
Basic
earnings (loss) per LP unit:
|
|||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.96
|
||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.88
|
|||||
Basic
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
12.69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.84
|
||
Diluted
earnings (loss) per LP unit:
|
|||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
0.40
|
$
|
(0.31
|
)
|
$
|
0.95
|
||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
12.29
|
(0.05
|
)
|
1.69
|
|||||
Diluted
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
12.69
|
$
|
(0.36
|
)
|
$
|
2.64
|
——————
For
purposes of calculating earnings per LP Unit, the income relating to our share
of ImClone’s earnings per share is based on the earnings per share reported by
ImClone.
As
their effect would have been anti-dilutive, the following number of units have
been excluded from the weighted average LP units outstanding for 2006 and 2005
(in 000s):
2006
|
2005
|
|||
Dilutive
effect of LP options issued to our CEO
|
|
41,631
|
|
—
|
Diluted
effect of redemption of preferred LP units
|
2,361,952
|
3,538,196
|
18. Segment
Reporting
Through
the second quarter of 2006, we maintained the following six reportable segments:
(1) Oil and Gas;
(2) Gaming; (3) Rental Real Estate; (4) Property Development; (5) Associated Resort Activities; and (6) Home Fashion. Our three real estate related operating and reportable segments are all individually immaterial and have been aggregated for purposes of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations. WPI markets a broad range of manufactured and sourced bed, bath and basic bedding products, including sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads, quilts, comforters and duvet covers, bath towels, bath rugs, beach towels, shower curtains, bath accessories, bedskirts, bed pillows, flocked blankets, woven blankets and throws, and heated blankets and mattress pads.
(2) Gaming; (3) Rental Real Estate; (4) Property Development; (5) Associated Resort Activities; and (6) Home Fashion. Our three real estate related operating and reportable segments are all individually immaterial and have been aggregated for purposes of the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and statements of operations. WPI markets a broad range of manufactured and sourced bed, bath and basic bedding products, including sheets, pillowcases, bedspreads, quilts, comforters and duvet covers, bath towels, bath rugs, beach towels, shower curtains, bath accessories, bedskirts, bed pillows, flocked blankets, woven blankets and throws, and heated blankets and mattress pads.
As
described above, on November 21, 2006, we and AREH sold all of our Oil and
Gas
operations to SandRidge Energy, Inc. As a result, our Oil and Gas operations
are
now classified as discontinued operations and thus are not considered a
reportable segment of our continuing operations. We now maintain the five
remaining reportable segments.
We
assess and measure segment operating results based on segment earnings from
operations as disclosed below. Segment earnings from operations are not
necessarily indicative of cash available to fund cash requirements nor
synonymous with cash flow from operations. As discussed above, the terms of
financings for the Gaming, Home Fashion and Resorts segments impose restrictions
on their ability to transfer funds to us, including restrictions on dividends,
distributions, loans and other transactions.
Our
operating businesses are organized based on the nature of products and services
provided. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those
described in Note 2.
102
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
18. Segment Reporting
– (continued)
The
revenues, net segment operating income, assets and capital expenditures for
each
of the reportable segments are summarized as follows for the years ended
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004 (in $000s):
December
31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
Revenues:
|
||||||||||
Gaming
|
|
$
|
385,699
|
|
$
|
327,982
|
|
$
|
299,981
|
|
Real
estate
|
||||||||||
Property
development
|
90,955
|
58,270
|
27,073
|
|||||||
Rental
real estate
|
14,913
|
14,382
|
16,566
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
28,707
|
27,647
|
17,918
|
|||||||
Total
real estate
|
134,575
|
100,299
|
61,557
|
|||||||
Home
Fashion
|
957,656
|
472,681
|
—
|
|||||||
Total
revenues
|
$
|
1,477,930
|
$
|
900,962
|
$
|
361,538
|
||||
Net
segment operating income:
|
||||||||||
Gaming
|
$
|
58,715
|
$
|
67,027
|
$
|
48,862
|
||||
Real
estate
|
||||||||||
Property
development
|
17,914
|
9,591
|
4,124
|
|||||||
Rental
real estate
|
9,898
|
9,794
|
8,395
|
|||||||
Resort
operations
|
142
|
(1,598
|
)
|
(643
|
)
|
|||||
Total
real estate
|
27,954
|
17,787
|
11,876
|
|||||||
Home
Fashion
|
(150,637
|
)
|
(22,429
|
)
|
—
|
|||||
Total
segment earnings (loss)
|
(63,968
|
)
|
62,385
|
60,738
|
||||||
Holding
Company costs(i)
|
(25,822
|
)
|
(17,142
|
)
|
(4,741
|
)
|
||||
Total
operating income (loss)
|
(89,790
|
)
|
45,243
|
55,997
|
||||||
Interest
expense
|
(106,612
|
)
|
(91,174
|
)
|
(47,320
|
)
|
||||
Interest
income
|
52,672
|
42,791
|
42,145
|
|||||||
Other
income (expense)
|
99,277
|
(12,861
|
)
|
24,453
|
||||||
Equity
on earnings of affiliate
|
12,620
|
1,375
|
—
|
|||||||
Income
tax expense
|
(13,271
|
)
|
(18,170
|
)
|
(10,099
|
)
|
||||
Minority
Interest
|
68,173
|
10,140
|
—
|
|||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
23,069
|
$
|
(22,656
|
)
|
$
|
65,176
|
——————
(i)
Holding
Company costs include general and administrative expenses and acquisition (legal
and professional) costs at the holding company level. Certain real estate
expenses are included in the Holding Company to the extent they relate to
administration of our various real estate holdings. Selling, general and
administrative expenses of the segments are included in their respective
operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of
operations.
December
31,
|
||||||
2006
|
2005
|
|||||
|
|
|||||
Assets
|
||||||
Gaming
|
|
$
|
552,753
|
|
$
|
469,776
|
Real
estate
|
382,220
|
415,361
|
||||
Home
Fashion
|
806,000
|
750,281
|
||||
Subtotal
|
1,740,973
|
1,635,418
|
||||
Assets
held for sale
|
47,503
|
1,177,398
|
||||
Reconciling
items(ii)
|
2,456,271
|
1,150,729
|
||||
Total
assets
|
$
|
4,244,747
|
$
|
3,963,545
|
103
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
18. Segment
Reporting – (continued)
December
31,
|
|||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
|||||||
|
|
|
|||||||
Depreciation
and
amortization (D&A):
|
|||||||||
Gaming
|
|
$
|
27,620
|
|
$
|
22,305
|
|
$
|
23,516
|
Real
estate:
|
|||||||||
Rental
real estate
|
2,010
|
1,944
|
2,281
|
||||||
Property
Development
|
374
|
—
|
—
|
||||||
Resort
operations
|
3,666
|
3,158
|
2,989
|
||||||
Total
real
estate
|
6,050
|
5,102
|
5,270
|
||||||
Home
Fashion
|
31,584
|
19,406
|
—
|
||||||
D&A in
operating expenses
|
65,254
|
46,813
|
28,786
|
||||||
Amortization
in
interest expense
|
6,200
|
3,522
|
860
|
||||||
$
|
71,454
|
$
|
50,335
|
$
|
29,646
|
||||
Capital
expenditures:
|
|||||||||
Gaming
|
$
|
46,852
|
$
|
28,219
|
$
|
14,009
|
|||
Rental
real estate
|
1,262
|
187
|
11,783
|
||||||
Property
Development
|
—
|
—
|
67,843
|
||||||
Resort
operations
|
2,115
|
2,256
|
15,897
|
||||||
Home
Fashion
|
11,109
|
5,718
|
—
|
||||||
$
|
61,338
|
$
|
36,380
|
$
|
109,532
|
——————
(ii)
Reconciling
items relate principally to cash and investments of the Holding Company.
19. Income
Taxes
The
difference between the book basis and
the tax basis of our net assets, not directly subject to income taxes, is as
follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Book
basis
of AREH net assets excluding corporate
entities
|
|
$
|
1,954,251
|
|
$
|
2,156,608
|
|
Book/tax
basis difference
|
(15,084
|
)
|
(559,043
|
)
|
|||
Tax
basis
of net assets
|
$
|
1,939,167
|
$
|
1,597,565
|
Our
corporate subsidiaries recorded the following income tax (expense) benefit
attributable to our taxable subsidiaries (in $000s):
December
31,
|
||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
||||||||
Continuing
Operations:
|
||||||||||
Current
|
|
$
|
(13,269
|
)
|
$
|
(8,323
|
)
|
$
|
(2,670
|
)
|
Deferred
|
(2
|
)
|
(9,847
|
)
|
(7,429
|
)
|
||||
$
|
(13,271
|
)
|
$
|
(18,170
|
)
|
$
|
(10,099
|
)
|
||
Discontinued
Operations:
|
||||||||||
Current
|
$
|
(28,589
|
)
|
$
|
(2,639
|
)
|
$
|
(1,346
|
)
|
|
Deferred
|
1,711
|
(283
|
)
|
(6,867
|
)
|
|||||
$
|
(26,878
|
)
|
$
|
(2,922
|
)
|
$
|
(8,213
|
)
|
104
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
19. Income Taxes
–
(continued)
In 2006,
the
income tax expense attributable to income from discontinued operations was
$4.2
million and the income tax expense attributable to the gain on sale of assets
was $22.6 million.
The tax
effect of significant differences representing net deferred tax assets (the
difference between financial statement carrying values and the tax basis of
assets and liabilities) is as follows (in $000s):
December
31,
|
|||||||
2006
|
2005
|
||||||
Deferred
tax assets:
|
|||||||
Property,
plant and
equipment
|
|
$
|
63,308
|
|
$
|
26,219
|
|
Net
operating loss
|
70,504
|
54,583
|
|||||
Other
|
17,507
|
21,802
|
|||||
151,319
|
102,604
|
||||||
Valuation
allowance
|
(95,754
|
)
|
(48,788
|
)
|
|||
Net
deferred tax assets
|
$
|
55,565
|
$
|
53,816
|
|||
Less:
Current portion
|
(6,589
|
)
|
(2,307
|
)
|
|||
Deferred
tax asset – Non-current
|
$
|
48,976
|
$
|
51,509
|
A
reconciliation of the effective tax rate on continuing operations as shown
in
the consolidated statement of operations to the federal statutory rate is as
follows:
2006
|
2005
|
2004
|
|||||||
Federal
statutory rate
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
|
35.0
|
%
|
Valuation
allowance
|
(84.1
|
)
|
(83.5
|
)
|
(2.5
|
)
|
|||
Income
not subject to taxation
|
5.8
|
(81.0
|
)
|
(21.6
|
)
|
||||
Other
|
1.6
|
5.3
|
2.5
|
||||||
(41.7
|
)%
|
(124.2
|
)%
|
13.4
|
%
|
For the
year
ended December 31, 2006, the valuation allowance on deferred tax assets
increased approximately $47.0 million. The increase is primarily attributable
to
an $81.5 million increase attributable to the additional valuation allowance
established on the deferred tax assets of WPI, offset by a $25.7 million
reversal of the valuation allowance at Atlantic Coast, and an $8.8 million
reversal of the valuation allowance at NEG.
Gaming
Segment
SFAS No.
109
requires that a “more likely than not” criterion be applied when evaluating the
realizability of a deferred tax asset. As of December 31, 2005, given Atlantic
Coast’s history of losses for income tax purposes and certain other factors,
Atlantic Coast had established a valuation allowance of $27.7 million on its
deferred tax assets. However, at December 31, 2006, based on various
factors including the sale of its gaming operations and the future taxable
income projections from the reinvestment of the sales proceeds, Atlantic Coast
determined that it was more likely than not that a significant portion of
the deferred tax assets will be realized and removed $25.7 million of the
valuation allowance.
At December
31, 2006, Atlantic Coast had federal net operating loss carryforwards totaling
approximately $41.7 million, which will expire in the years 2023 through 2025.
We also had New Jersey net operating loss carryforwards totaling approximately
$0.6 million as of December 31, 2006, which will begin expiring in the year
2012. Additionally, Atlantic Coast had general business credit carryforwards
of
approximately $1.4 million which expire in 2009 through 2026, and New Jersey
alternative minimum assessment (AMA) credit carryforwards of approximately
$1.9
million, which can be carried forward indefinitely.
105
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
19. Income Taxes
–
(continued)
Oil and Gas
Operations
As
of December 31, 2005, NEGI had established a valuation allowance of
approximately $8.8 million due to the uncertainty that it would generate enough
future taxable income in order to utilize all of its deferred tax assets. During
the year ended December 31, 2006, NEGI generated enough taxable income,
primarily from the gain on its sale of its interest in NEG Holdings, to utilize
all of its net operating loss carryforwards, and as of December 31, 2006
has no remaining deferred tax assets. Accordingly, during the year ended
December 31, 2006, the valuation allowance of $8.8 million was also
reversed.
20. Commitments and
Contingencies
We are
from time to time parties to various legal proceedings arising out of our
businesses. We believe however, that other than the proceedings discussed below,
there are no proceedings pending or threatened against us which, if determined
adversely, would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, results of operations or liquidity.
Lear
Corporation
We have
been named as a defendant in various actions recently filed in connection with
our agreement and plan of merger to acquire Lear Corporation (See Note 23).
The
following actions have been filed in the Court of Chancery of State of Delaware,
New Castle County; Market Street Securities, Inc. v. Rossiter, et al; Harry
Massie, Jr. v. Lear Corporation, et al; and Emilio Valentine v. Lear
Corporation, et al. Some of the actions also name certain of our affiliates,
AREP Car Holdings, Corp. and AREP Car Acquisition Corp., and one of our
directors as defendants. The above referenced actions generally allege that
members of Lear’s board of directors breached their fiduciary duties to Lear and
that we, and in some cases our named affiliates, aided and abetted the Lear
directors. All of these cases were filed in February 2007 and thus are in the
very preliminary stages. We intend to vigorously defend against these
claims.
WPI
Litigation
In
November and December 2005, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District
of
New York rendered a decision in Contrarian Funds Inc. v. WestPoint Stevens,
Inc. et al., and issued orders reversing certain provisions of the
Bankruptcy Court order, or the Sale Order, pursuant to which we acquired our
ownership of a majority of the common stock of WPI. WPI acquired substantially
all of the assets of WestPoint Stevens, Inc. On April 13, 2006, the Bankruptcy
Court entered a remand order, or the Remand Order, which provides, among other
things, that all of the shares of common stock and rights to acquire shares
of
common stock of WPI issued to us and the other first lien lenders or held in
escrow pursuant to the Sale Order constituted “replacement collateral”, other
than 5,250,000 shares of common stock that we acquired for cash. The 5,250,000
shares represent approximately 27% of the 19,498,389 shares of common stock
of
WPI now outstanding. According to the Remand Order, we would share pro
rata with the other first lien lenders in proceeds realized from the
disposition of the replacement collateral and, to the extent there is remaining
replacement collateral after satisfying first lien lender claims, we would
share
pro rata with the other second lien lenders in any further proceeds. We
were holders of approximately 39.99% of the outstanding first lien debt and
approximately 51.21% of the outstanding second lien debt. On April 13, 2006,
the
Bankruptcy Court also entered an order staying the Remand Order pending appeal.
The parties filed cross-appeals of the Remand Order and Contrarian Funds and
certain other first lien lenders, or the Contrarian Group, filed a motion to
lift the stay of the Remand Order pending appeal. Oral argument was held in
the
District Court on October 19, 2006. As of the date hereof, no decision has
been
issued.
On
December 11, 2006, the Contrarian Group filed a motion in the District Court
seeking a temporary restraining order, or the NY TRO, restraining WPI from
proceeding with a stockholders’ meeting scheduled for December 20, 2006, which
was to consider corporate actions relating to a proposed offering of $200
million of
106
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
20. Commitments and
Contingencies – (continued)
preferred stock of WPI,
and
for related relief. The District Court held a hearing on December 15, 2006,
at
which it entered an order denying the Contrarian Group’s application for the NY
TRO.
On
December 18, 2006, the Contrarian Group filed an action in the Court of Chancery
of the State of Delaware, New Castle County, Contrarian Funds, LLC, et al v.
WestPoint International Inc., et al., seeking, among other things, a
temporary order restraining the stockholders’ meeting and the preferred stock
offering. The application was denied by order dated December 19, 2006. The
stockholders’ meeting took place on December 20, 2006, the preferred stock
offering was approved, and other corporate actions were taken. We purchased
all
of the $200.0 million of preferred stock.
On
January 19, 2007, Beal Bank and the Contrarian Group filed an Amended Complaint,
captioned Beal Bank, S.S.B. et al v. WestPoint International, Inc., et
al. Plaintiffs seek, among other relief, an order declaring that WPI is
obliged to register the common stock (other than the 5,250,000 shares purchased
by us) in Beal Bank’s name, an order declaring certain corporate governance
changes implemented in 2005 invalid, an order declaring invalid the actions
taken at the December 20, 2006 stockholders’ meeting and an order to “unwind”
the issuance of the preferred stock, or, alternatively, directing that such
preferred stock be held in trust. The Delaware action remains pending and we
intend to vigorously defend against such claims.
We
currently own approximately 67.7% of the outstanding shares of common stock
and
100% of the preferred stock of WPI. As a result of the District Court’s order in
the Bankruptcy case, the proceedings on remand, and the proceedings in the
Delaware action, our percentage of the outstanding shares of common stock of
WPI
could be reduced to less than 50% and perhaps substantially less and our
ownership of the preferred stock of WPI could also be affected. If we were
to
lose control of WPI, it could adversely affect the business and prospects of
WPI
and the value of our investment in it. In addition, we consolidated the balance
sheet of WPI as of December 31, 2006 and WPI’s results of operations for the
period from the date of acquisition through December 31, 2006. If we were to
own
less than 50% of the outstanding common stock or the challenge to our preferred
stock ownership is successful, we would have to evaluate whether we should
consolidate WPI and if so our financial statements could be materially different
than as presented as of December 31, 2006 and December 31, 2005 and for the
periods then ended.
We cannot
predict the outcome of these proceedings or the ultimate impact on our
investment in WPI or the business prospects of WPI.
GBH
On
September 29, 2005, GBH filed a voluntary petition for bankruptcy relief under
Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. As a result of this filing, we determined
that we no longer control GBH for accounting purposes, and deconsolidated our
investment in GBH effective September 30, 2005.
An
Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors, or the Committee, of GBH, was formed
and, on October 13, 2006, was granted standing by the Bankruptcy Court to
commence litigation in the name of GBH against us, ACE, Atlantic Coast and
other
entities affiliated with Carl C. Icahn, as well as the directors of GBH. The
Committee challenged the transaction in July 2004 that, among other things,
resulted in the transfer of The Sands to ACE, a wholly owned subsidiary of
Atlantic Coast, the exchange by certain holders of GBH’s 11% notes for Atlantic
Coast 3% senior secured convertible notes due 2008, or the 3% notes, the
issuance to the holders of GBH’s common stock of warrants allowing the holders
to purchase shares of Atlantic Coast common stock and, ultimately, our ownership
of approximately 67.6% of the outstanding shares of Atlantic Coast common stock
and ownership by GBH ^ of approximately 30.7% of such stock. We also maintained
ownership of approximately 77.5% of the outstanding shares of GBH common stock.
The Committee originally filed an objection to the allowance of our claims
against GBH. The Bankruptcy Court placed the consideration of the Committee’s
Proposed Plan of Liquidation and Disclosure Statement in abeyance until the
resolution of the proposed litigation.
107
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
20. Commitments and
Contingencies – (continued)
Additionally,
on September 2, 2005, Robino Stortini Holdings, LLC, or RSH, which claimed
to
own beneficially 1,652,590 shares of common stock of GBH, filed a complaint
in
the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against GBH and its Board of
Directors seeking appointment of a custodian and receiver for GBH and a
declaration that the director defendants breached their fiduciary duties.
During
the fourth quarter of 2006, we and other entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn
entered into a term sheet with the Committee, GBH and RSH which outlined the
resolution of claims relating to the July 2004 transactions. The provisions
of
the term sheet were incorporated in the Committee’s Eighth Modified Chapter 11
Plan of Liquidation of GBH. On January 30, 2007, the Bankruptcy Court approved
the plan. On February 22, 2007, in accordance with the plan, we acquired (1)
all
of the Atlantic Coast common stock owned by GBH for a cash payment of
approximately $52.0 million and in satisfaction of all claims arising under
the
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, between GBH and us
and
(2) all of the warrants to acquire Atlantic Coast common stock and the Atlantic
Coast common stock owned by RSH for a cash payment of $3.7 million. As a result,
Atlantic coast is our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary. In accordance with
the
Plan, GBH used the $52.0 million to pay amounts owed to its creditors, including
the holders of GBH’s 11% notes and holders of administrative claims and to
establish an approximate $330,000 fund to be distributed pro rata to
holders of equity interests in GBH other than us and other Icahn affiliated
entities. In addition, we and other Icahn affiliated entities received releases
of all direct and derivative claims that could be asserted by GBH, its creditors
and stockholders, including RSH. All issues relating to GBH have now been
resolved. See Note 23, Subsequent Events.
Leases
Future
minimum lease payments under operating leases and capital leases with initial
or
remaining terms of one or more years consist of the following at December 31,
2006 (in $000s):
Operating
Leases |
Capital
Leases |
|||||
2007
|
|
$
|
18,872
|
|
$
|
660
|
2008
|
16,121
|
660
|
||||
2009
|
13,102
|
963
|
||||
2010
|
9,921
|
85
|
||||
2011
|
6,928
|
85
|
||||
Thereafter
|
31,974
|
7,233
|
||||
Total
minimum lease payments
|
$
|
96,918
|
9,686
|
|||
Less
imputed interest costs
|
6,860
|
|||||
Present
value of net minimum capital lease
payments
|
$
|
2,826
|
Other
In the
ordinary course of business, we, our subsidiaries and other companies in which
we invest are parties to various legal actions. In management’s opinion, the
ultimate outcome of such legal actions will not have a material effect on our
consolidated financial statements taken as a whole.
21. Employee Benefit
Plans
Employees
of our subsidiaries who are members of various unions are covered by
union-sponsored, collectively bargained, multi-employer health and welfare
and
defined benefit pension plans. Our subsidiaries recorded expenses for such
plans
of $14.0 million, $14.7 million and $13.3 million for the years ended December
31, 2006, 2005 and 2004, respectively.
108
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
21. Employee Benefit
Plans – (continued)
We and
certain of our subsidiaries have retirement savings plans under Section 401(k)
of the Internal Revenue Code covering our non-union employees. The plans allow
employees to defer, within prescribed limits, a portion of their income on
a
pre-tax basis through contributions to the plans. We currently match the
deferrals based upon certain criteria, including levels of participation by
our
employees. We recorded charges for matching contributions of $1,197,000,
$824,000 and $840,000 for the years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.
22. Fair Value of
Financial Instruments
The
estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2006
and
2005 are as follows (in $000s):
Carrying
Value
|
Fair
Value
|
|||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2006
|
2005
|
|||||||||
Investments
|
|
$
|
719,047
|
|
$
|
820,817
|
|
$
|
676,863
|
|
$
|
836,663
|
Long-term
debt
|
1,184,990
|
1,111,666
|
1,189,985
|
1,137,133
|
In
determining fair value of financial instruments, we used quoted market prices
when available. For instruments where quoted market prices were not available,
we estimated the present values utilizing current risk adjusted market rates
of
similar instruments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable and payable, other accruals, securities sold under agreements to
repurchase and other liabilities are deemed to be reasonable estimates of their
fair values because of their short-term nature.
Considerable
judgment is necessarily required in interpreting market data used to develop
the
estimates of fair value. Accordingly, the estimates presented herein are not
necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market
exchange. The use of different market assumptions and/or estimation
methodologies may have a material effect on the estimated fair value.
23. Subsequent
Events
Debt
Offering
On
January 16, 2007, we issued $500.0 million principal amount of 7 1/8 % senior
notes due 2013. The notes were issued pursuant to an indenture dated February
7,
2005, between us, as issuer, AREP Finance as co-issuer, AREH, as Guarantor,
and
Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee. The notes were issued by us at 99.5%
of
par or a 0.5% discount and the amount paid to us included accrued interest
from
August 15, 2006 through the issue date. The notes have a fixed annual interest
rate of 7 1/8% per annum, which will be paid every six months on February 15
and
August 15 commencing on February 15, 2007. The notes will mature on February
15,
2013.
Potential
Acquisition of Lear Corporation
On
February 9, 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant
to
which we would acquire Lear Corporation for aggregate consideration of
approximately $5.2 billion, including the assumption of debt. Lear is a publicly
traded company that provides automotive interior systems worldwide. Our
agreement with Lear permits Lear to solicit proposals from other potential
purchasers for 45 days after the signing of the agreement, until March 26,
2007,
after which Lear may continue discussions with any party that has made a bona
fide acquisition proposal and respond to unsolicited acquisition proposals
until
Lear’s stockholders approve the transaction with us. Mr. Icahn beneficially owns
approximately 15.8% of Lear’s outstanding common stock.
Consummation
of the Merger is subject to various conditions, including receipt of the
affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of
Lear,
antitrust approvals, and other customary closing conditions. Mr. Icahn
beneficially owns approximately 15% of Lear’s outstanding common stock.
109
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
23. Subsequent Events
– (continued)
On
February 8, 2007, our subsidiary, AREP Car Holdings Corp. entered into a
commitment letter with Bank of America, N.A. and Banc of America Securities
LLC,
pursuant to which Bank of America will act as the initial lender under two
senior secured credit facilities in an aggregate amount of $3.6 billion,
consisting of a $1.0 billion senior secured revolving facility and a $2.6
billion senior secured term loan B facility. The credit facilities, along with
cash on hand, are intended to refinance and replace Lear’s existing credit
facilities and to fund the transactions contemplated by the merger.
Settlement of
GBH
Bankruptcy Proceedings
On
January 30, 2007, the Eighth Modified Chapter 11 Plan of Liquidation of GBH
was
approved. On February 22, 2007, in accordance with the plan, we acquired
(1) all of the Atlantic Coast common stock owned by GBH for a cash payment
of approximately $52.0 million and in satisfaction of all claims arising under
the Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of July 25, 2005, between GBH and
us
and (2) all of the warrants to acquire Atlantic Coast common stock and the
Atlantic Coast common stock owned by RSH for a cash payment of $3.7 million.
As
a result, Atlantic Coast is our indirect wholly-owned subsidiary. In accordance
with the plan, GBH used the $52.0 million to pay amounts owed to its creditors,
including the holders of GBH’s 11% notes and holders of administrative claims
and to establish an approximate $330,000 fund to be distributed pro rata
to holders of equity interests in GBH other than us and other Icahn affiliated
entities. In addition, we and other Icahn affiliated entities received releases
of all direct and derivative claims that could be asserted by GBH, its creditors
and stockholders, including RSH. We expect to record a gain of $18 million
in
the first quarter of 2007 in connection with the settlement of these claims.
All
claims relating to GBH asserted by its creditors and RSH have now been
resolved.
Declaration of
Dividend on Preferred Units
On
February 27, 2007, we declared our scheduled annual preferred unit distribution
payable in additional preferred units at the rate of 5% of the liquidation
preference of $10.00. The distribution is payable on March 30, 2007 to holders
of record as of March 15, 2007. In March 2007, the number of authorized
preferred units was increased to 12,100,000.
Declaration of
Dividend on Depositary Units
On
February 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved payment of a quarterly cash
distribution of $0.10 per unit on its depositary units for the first quarter
of
2007 consistent with the distribution policy established in 2005. The
distribution is payable on March 29, 2007 to depositary unitholders of record
at
the close of business on March 14, 2007.
110
AMERICAN REAL ESTATE PARTNERS,
L.P. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES
TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
24. Quarterly
Financial Data (Unaudited) (In $000s, except per unit data)
Three
Months Ended(1)
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
March
31,
|
June
30,
|
September
30,
|
December
31,
|
||||||||||||||||||||||
2006
|
2005
|
2006
|
2005
|
2006
|
2005
|
2006
|
2005
|
||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||
Revenues
|
$
|
350,444
|
$
|
100,446
|
$
|
379,033
|
$
|
106,623
|
$
|
373,197
|
$
|
289,386
|
$
|
375,256
|
$
|
404,507
|
|||||||||
Operating
income (loss)
|
$
|
(26,835
|
)
|
$
|
18,947
|
$
|
(22,831
|
)
|
$
|
16,201
|
$
|
(13,450
|
)
|
$
|
10,893
|
$
|
(26,674
|
)
|
$
|
(798
|
)
|
||||
Interest
expense
|
(25,155
|
)
|
(20,161
|
)
|
(26,220
|
)
|
(23,008
|
)
|
(27,776
|
)
|
(23,459
|
)
|
(27,461
|
)
|
(24,546
|
)
|
|||||||||
Interest
and other income
|
11,554
|
11,704
|
12,674
|
13,045
|
11,536
|
10,633
|
16,908
|
7,409
|
|||||||||||||||||
Other
income (expense), net
|
21,309
|
25,915
|
44,842
|
(19,284
|
)
|
22,441
|
(22,960
|
)
|
10,685
|
3,468
|
|||||||||||||||
Equity
on earnings of affiliate
|
24
|
(70
|
)
|
7,997
|
154
|
1,506
|
461
|
3,093
|
830
|
||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations before income tax and minority
interest
|
(19,103
|
)
|
36,335
|
16,462
|
(12,892
|
)
|
(5,743
|
)
|
(24,432
|
)
|
(23,449
|
)
|
(13,637
|
)
|
|||||||||||
Income
tax expense
|
(5,211
|
)
|
(5,327
|
)
|
(3,366
|
)
|
(4,622
|
)
|
(1,546
|
)
|
(3,469
|
)
|
(3,148
|
)
|
(4,752
|
)
|
|||||||||
Minority
interests
|
15,069
|
—
|
25,703
|
—
|
8,874
|
2,416
|
18,527
|
7,724
|
|||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
(9,245
|
)
|
31,008
|
38,799
|
(17,514
|
)
|
1,585
|
(25,485
|
)
|
(8,070
|
)
|
(10,665
|
)
|
||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from discontinued operations
|
58,975
|
(2,515
|
)
|
40,310
|
26,021
|
103,023
|
(100,154
|
)
|
573,456
|
73,635
|
|||||||||||||||
Net
earnings (loss)
|
$
|
49,730
|
$
|
28,493
|
$
|
79,109
|
$
|
8,507
|
$
|
104,608
|
$
|
(125,639
|
)
|
$
|
565,386
|
$
|
62,970
|
||||||||
Net
earnings (loss) per limited Partnership unit(2):
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Basic
earnings:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
$
|
0.98
|
$
|
0.64
|
$
|
(0.60
|
)
|
$
|
0.04
|
$
|
(0.39
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
$
|
(0.17
|
)
|
||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.93
|
(0.05
|
)
|
0.64
|
0.55
|
1.63
|
(1.59
|
)
|
9.09
|
1.17
|
|||||||||||||||
Basic
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
0.79
|
$
|
0.93
|
$
|
1.28
|
$
|
(0.05
|
)
|
$
|
1.67
|
$
|
(1.98
|
)
|
$
|
8.96
|
$
|
1.00
|
|||||||
Diluted
earnings:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||
Income
(loss) from continuing operations
|
$
|
(0.14
|
)
|
$
|
0.94
|
$
|
0.61
|
$
|
(0.60
|
)
|
$
|
0.04
|
$
|
(0.39
|
)
|
$
|
(0.13
|
)
|
$
|
(.017
|
)
|
||||
Income
from discontinued operations
|
0.93
|
(0.05
|
)
|
0.62
|
0.55
|
1.63
|
(1.59
|
)
|
9.09
|
1.17
|
|||||||||||||||
Diluted
earnings (loss) per LP unit
|
$
|
0.79
|
$
|
0.89
|
$
|
1.23
|
$
|
(0.05
|
)
|
$
|
1.67
|
$
|
(1.98
|
)
|
$
|
8.96
|
$
|
1.00
|
——————
(1)
All
quarterly amounts have been reclassified for the effects of reporting
discontinued operations.
(2)
Net
earnings (loss) per unit is computed separately for each period and, therefore,
the sum of such quarterly per unit amounts may differ from the total for the
year.
111
None.
Conclusion
Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of
December 31, 2006, our management, including our Principal Executive Officer
and
Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation
of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to the Exchange Act Rule
13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e). Based upon that evaluation, our Principal Executive
Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls
and
procedures are currently effective to ensure that information required to be
disclosed by us in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is
recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified
in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms, and include controls
and
procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by
us in
such reports is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our
principal executive officer and principal financial officer, as appropriate
to
allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.
During
the third quarter of 2005, we identified a significant deficiency related to
our
periodic reconciliation, review, and analysis of investment accounts. This
significant deficiency is not believed to be a material weakness and arose
from
a lack of review controls. We have hired additional resources in order to
provide the appropriate level of control. This significant deficiency was
remediated during 2006.
During
2006, we continued implementation of processes to address a significant
deficiency in our consolidation process noted by management in 2004 during
our
evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure
controls and procedures and our internal controls over financial reporting.
These processes included the implementation and testing of our new accounting
and consolidation program and continuing to retain the services of an
independent consultant to evaluate the effectiveness of our internal controls.
This significant deficiency was remediated during 2006.
We made
no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the fourth
quarter ended December 31, 2006 that has materially affected, or is
reasonably likely to materially affect, such internal control over financial
reporting.
Significant
Deficiency of Subsidiary
During
the course of completing the 2005 year end closing process, NEGI determined
that
it had a significant deficiency related to the review of its tax provision.
In
2006, NEGI implemented procedures to include verification of a detailed review
of the tax provision by a third party tax advisor including verification of
the
review and validation of all assumptions used in the determination of the
deferred tax asset valuation allowance. This significant deficiency was
remediated during 2006.
Management’s Report
on Internal Control over Financial Reporting
Our
management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal
control over financial reporting and for an assessment of the effectiveness
of
internal control over financial reporting; as such items are defined in Rule
13a-15f under the Securities Exchange Act.
Our
control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance
that our financial reporting and preparation of financial statements is reliable
and in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. Our policies
and procedures are designed to provide reasonable assurance that transactions
are recorded and records maintained in reasonable detail as necessary to
accurately and fairly reflect transactions and that all transactions are
properly authorized by management in order to prevent or timely detect
unauthorized transactions or misappropriation of assets that could have a
material effect on our financial statements.
Management
is
required to base its assessment on the effectiveness of our internal control
over financial reporting on a suitable, recognized control framework. Management
has utilized the criteria established in the Internal Control-Integrated
Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway
112
Commission (COSO) to
evaluate the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which
is a suitable framework as published by the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (PCAOB).
Our
management has performed an assessment according to the guidelines established
by COSO. Based on the assessment, management has concluded that our system
of
internal control over financial reporting, as of December 31, 2006, is
effective.
Grant
Thornton LLP, our independent registered public accounting firm, has audited
and
issued their report on management’s assessment of AREP’s internal control over
financial reporting, which appears below.
113
REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
Board
of Directors and Partners of
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.
We have
audited management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s
Assessment of Internal Control over Financial Reporting, that American Real
Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries (the “Company”) (a Delaware limited
partnership) maintained effective internal control over financial reporting
as
of December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”). The Company’s management is responsible for
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its
assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting.
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on management’s assessment and an
opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial
reporting based on our audit.
We
conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company
Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective
internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material
respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control
over
financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment, testing and evaluating
the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing
such
other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe
that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.
A
company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to
provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting
and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance
with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
A
company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and
procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable
detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of
the
assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in
accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States
of
America and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only
in
accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company;
and
(3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of
unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could
have a material effect on the financial statements.
Because
of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may
not
prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of
effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become
inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance
with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.
In our
opinion, management’s assessment that the Company maintained effective internal
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006, is fairly stated,
in
all material respects, based on criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in
all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting
as of
December 31, 2006, based on criteria established in Internal Control -
Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of
the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”).
We have
also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting
Oversight Board (United States), the consolidated balance sheets of American
Real Estate Partners, L.P. and Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2006 and 2005,
and the related consolidated statements of earnings, changes in partners’ equity
and comprehensive income, and cash flows for each of the three years in the
period ended December 31, 2006, and our report dated March 2, 2007, expressed
an
unqualified opinion on those financial statements.
GRANT THORNTON LLP
New York, New York
March 2, 2007
March 2, 2007
114
None.
115
PART III
The
names, offices held and ages of the directors and executive officers of API
as
of March 2, 2007 are as follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
||
Carl C. Icahn
|
|
71
|
|
Chairman of the Board
|
William A. Leidesdorf
|
61
|
Director
|
||
Vincent J. Intrieri
|
50
|
Director
|
||
James L. Nelson
|
57
|
Director
|
||
Jack G. Wasserman
|
70
|
Director
|
||
Keith A. Meister
|
33
|
Principal Executive Officer and Vice Chairman
of
the Board
|
||
Peter K. Shea
|
55
|
President
|
||
Hillel Moerman
|
34
|
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer
|
The
names, offices held and ages of certain key employees of us and our subsidiaries
are as follows:
Name
|
Age
|
Position
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
Richard P. Brown
|
59
|
President and Chief Executive Officer, American
Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC
|
||
|
|
|||
Joseph Pennacchio
|
60
|
President, WestPoint International,
Inc.
|
||
|
|
Carl
C. Icahn has served as Chairman of the Board of API since 1990. Mr.
Icahn has served as chairman of the board and a director of Starfire Holding
Corporation, a privately-held holding company, and chairman of the board and
a
director of various subsidiaries of Starfire, since 1984. Through his entities,
CCI Onshore Corp. and CCI Offshore Corp., Mr. Icahn manages private investment
funds, including Icahn Partners LP and Icahn Partners Master Fund LP. Since
February 2005, Mr. Icahn has served as a director of CCI Onshore Corp. and
CCI
Offshore Corp., which are in the business of managing private investment funds,
and, from September 2004 to February 2005, Mr. Icahn served as the sole
member of their predecessors, CCI Onshore LLC and CCI Offshore LLC,
respectively. Mr. Icahn was also chairman of the board and president of Icahn
& Co., Inc., a registered broker-dealer and a member of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, from 1968 to 2005. Since 1994, Mr. Icahn
has
been the principal beneficial stockholder of American Railcar, a publicly traded
company that is primarily engaged in the business of manufacturing covered
hopper and tank railcars, and has served as chairman of the board and as a
director of American Railcar since 1994. From October 1998 through May 2004,
Mr.
Icahn was the president and a director of Stratosphere Corporation, which
operates the Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower. Mr. Icahn has been chairman
of the board and a director of XO Holdings, Inc. since February 2006 and was
chairman of the board and a director of XO Communications, Inc. (XO Holdings’
predecessor) from January 2003 to February 2006. XO Holdings, Inc. is a publicly
traded telecommunications services provider that is majority owned by various
entities controlled by Mr. Icahn. Mr. Icahn has served as a director of Cadus
Corporation, a publicly traded company engaged in the ownership and licensing
of
yeast-based drug discovery technologies since July 1993. In May 2005, Mr. Icahn
became a director of Blockbuster Inc., a publicly traded provider of in-home
movie rental and game entertainment. In September 2006, Mr. Icahn became a
director of ImClone Systems Incorporated, a publicly traded biopharmaceutical
company, and since October 2006 has been the chairman of the board of ImClone
Systems.
Mr. Icahn has been licensed by the Nevada State Gaming Control Commission.
Mr. Icahn has been licensed by the Nevada State Gaming Control Commission.
William
A. Leidesdorf has served as a director of API since March 1991.
Since December 2003, Mr. Leidesdorf has served as a director of American
Entertainment Properties Corp., or AEPC, the sole member of ACEP. Since May
2005, Mr. Leidesdorf has served as a director of Atlantic Coast. Mr. Leidesdorf
was a director of Renco Steel Group, Inc. and was a director of its subsidiary,
WCI Steel, Inc., a steel producer which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
protection in September 2003. Since June 1997, Mr. Leidesdorf has been an owner
and a managing director of Renaissance Housing, LLC, a company primarily engaged
in acquiring multifamily residential properties. From April 1995 through
December 1997, Mr. Leidesdorf acted as an independent real estate investment
banker. Mr. Leidesdorf has been licensed by the Nevada State Gaming Control
Commission.
116
Vincent
J. Intrieri has served as a Director of API since July 2006. Since
December 2006, Mr. Intrieri has been a director of NEGI. Since November 2004,
Mr. Intrieri has been a Senior Managing Director of Icahn Partners LP and Icahn
Partners Master Fund LP, private investment funds controlled by Mr. Icahn.
Since
January 1, 2005, Mr. Intrieri has been Senior Managing Director of Icahn
Associates Corp. and High River Limited Partnership. From March 2003 to December
2004, Mr. Intrieri was a Managing Director of High River Limited Partnership
and
from 1998 to March 2003 served as portfolio manager for Icahn Associates Corp.
Each of Icahn Associates Corp. and High River Limited Partnership is owned
and
controlled by Mr. Icahn and is primarily engaged in the business of holding
and
investing in securities. Since April 2005, Mr. Intrieri has been the president
and chief executive officer of Philip Services Corporation, a metal recycling
and industrial services company controlled by Mr. Icahn. Since August 2005,
Mr.
Intrieri has served as a director of American Railcar. From March 2005 to
December 2005, Mr. Intrieri was a Senior Vice President, the Treasurer and
the
Secretary of American Railcar. Mr. Intrieri has served as a director of XO
Holdings since February 2006. Prior to that, he had served as a director of
XO
Communications Inc. (XO Holdings’ predecessor) from January 2003 to February
2006. Since April 2003, Mr. Intrieri has been Chairman of the Board of
Directors and a director of Viskase Companies, Inc., a publicly traded producer
of cellulose and plastic casings used in preparing and packaging meat products
that is majority-owned by various entities controlled by Mr. Icahn. Since
November 2006, Mr. Intrieri has been a director of Lear Corporation, a publicly
traded supplier of automotive interior systems and components, in which Mr.
Icahn has an interest through the ownership of securities and with which we
have
entered into an agreement and plan of merger. From 1995 to 1998, Mr. Intrieri
served as portfolio manager for distressed investments with Elliott Associates
L.P., a New York investment fund. Prior to 1995, Mr. Intrieri was a partner
at
the Arthur Andersen accounting firm. Mr. Intrieri is a certified public
accountant.
James
L. Nelson has served as a director of API since June 2001. Since
December 2003, Mr. Nelson has been a director of AEPC. Since May 2005, Mr.
Nelson has served as a director of Atlantic Coast. From 1986 until the present,
Mr. Nelson has been Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Eaglescliff
Corporation, a specialty investment banking, consulting and wealth management
company. From March 1998 through 2003, Mr. Nelson was Chairman and Chief
Executive Officer of Orbit Aviation, Inc., a company engaged in the acquisition
and completion of Boeing Business Jets for private and corporate clients. From
August 1995 until July 1999, Mr. Nelson was Chief Executive Officer and
Co-Chairman of Orbitex Management, Inc., a financial services company in the
mutual fund sector. From August 1995 until March 2001, he was on the Board
of
Orbitex Financial Services Group. Mr. Nelson currently serves as a director
and
Chairman of the Audit Committee of Viskase Companies, Inc. Mr. Nelson has been
licensed by the Nevada State Gaming Control Commission.
Jack
G. Wasserman has served as a Director of API since December 1993.
Since December 2003, Mr. Wasserman has been a director of AEPC. Since May
2005, Mr. Wasserman has served as a director of Atlantic Coast. Mr. Wasserman
is
an attorney and a member of the Bars of New York, Florida and the District
of
Columbia. From 1966 until 2001, he was a senior partner of Wasserman, Schneider,
Babb & Reed, a New York-based law firm, and its predecessors. Since
September 2001, Mr. Wasserman has been engaged in the practice of law as a
sole
practitioner. Mr. Wasserman has been licensed by the Nevada State Gaming Control
Commission and is an independent member and Chairman of the compliance committee
for all AREP’s casinos. Since December 1998, Mr. Wasserman has been a director
of NEGI. Mr. Wasserman is also a director of Cadus Corporation, a biotechnology
company. Affiliates of Mr. Icahn are controlling shareholders of Cadus. Since
March 2004, Mr. Wasserman has been a director of Triarc Companies, Inc., a
publicly traded diversified holding company. Mr. Wasserman serves on the
audit and compensation committees of Triarc.
Keith
A. Meister has served as Principal Executive Officer and Vice
Chairman of the Board of API since March 2006. He served as Chief Executive
Officer of API from August 2003 until March 2006 and as President of API from
August 2003 until April 2005. Mr. Meister also serves as a director of
various direct and indirect subsidiaries of AREP. Mr. Meister is also a Managing
Director of Icahn Partners LP, Icahn Partners Master Fund LP and Icahn Partners
Master Fund II LP, which are private investment funds controlled by Mr. Icahn.
From March 2000 through 2001, Mr. Meister served as co-president of J Net
Ventures, a venture capital fund that he co-founded, focused on investments
in
information technology and enterprise software businesses. From 1997 through
1999, Mr. Meister served as an investment professional at Northstar Capital
Partners, an opportunistic real estate investment partnership. Prior to
Northstar, Mr. Meister served as an investment analyst in the investment banking
group at Lazard Freres. He also serves on the Boards of Directors of the
following companies: XO Holdings, American Railcar, and BKF Capital Group,
Inc.,
an investment management firm in which Mr. Icahn is a stockholder.
117
Peter
K. Shea has served as President of API since December 2006. Since
December 2006, Mr. Shea, has been Head of Portfolio Company Operations at AREH.
Since December 27, 2006, Mr. Shea has also served as a director of XO Holdings.
Since December 2006, Mr. Shea has served as a director of American Railcar.
Since December 20, 2006, Mr. Shea has served as a director of WPI. Since
November 2006, Mr. Shea has been a director of Viskase Companies, Inc. Mr.
Shea
was an independent consultant to various companies and an advisor to private
equity firms from 2002 until December 2006. During this period he also served
as
Executive Chairman of Roncadin GmbH, a European food company, and a Board
Director with Sabert Corporation, a manufacturer of plastics and packaging
products. From 1997 to 2001, he was a Managing Director of H.J. Heinz Company
in
Europe, a manufacturer and marketer of a broad line of food products across
the
globe. Mr. Shea has been Chairman, Chief Executive Officer or President of
other
companies including SMG Corporation, John Morrell & Company and Polymer
United. SMG and John Morrell were international meat processing firms and
Polymer United was a leading plastics manufacturer operating throughout Central
America. Previously, he held various executive positions, including Head of
Global Corporate Development, with United Brands Company, a Fortune 100 Company
with a broad portfolio of companies operating in many sectors. Mr. Shea began
his career with General Foods Corporation. He has also served on the Boards
of
Premium Standard Farms and New Energy Company of Indiana.
Hillel
Moerman has served as Chief Accounting Officer and Chief Financial
Officer for API since June 2006 and July 2006 respectively. From January 2005
until June 2006, Mr. Moerman, held the positions of Director of Accounting
and
VP of Strategic Planning for API. Prior to that time, from September 2000
through December 2004, Mr. Moerman was a Senior Manager with Ernst & Young
LLP. Mr. Moerman also worked as a staff accountant for the corporate finance
group of the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1999 to 2000.
Gaming
Richard
P. Brown has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of
ACEP; and President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of AEPC and Atlantic
Coast since inception. Mr. Brown has over 16 years experience in the gaming
industry. Mr. Brown has been the President and Chief Executive Officer of each
of the Stratosphere, Arizona Charlie’s Decatur and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder
since June 2002. From January 2001 to June 2002, Mr. Brown served as Chief
Operating Officer for all three properties. Prior to joining Stratosphere Gaming
Corp. in March 2000 as Executive Vice President of Marketing, Mr. Brown held
executive positions with Harrah’s Entertainment and Hilton Gaming Corporation.
Mr. Brown also serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of GBH, which
filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2005. Mr. Brown has been licensed
by the Nevada State Gaming Control Commission.
Home
Fashion
Joseph
Pennacchio has served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of WPI since October 2005. Mr. Pennacchio was a director of Casual
Male
Retail Group, Inc., a publicly traded retailer of big and tall men’s apparel,
from October 1999 through October 2005. He was the Chief Executive Officer
of
Aurafin LLC, a privately held jewelry manufacturer and wholesaler, from 1997
until January 2005. From 1994 to 1996, Mr. Pennacchio was President of Jan
Bell
Marketing, a publicly traded jewelry retailer. Mr. Pennacchio was President
of
Jordan Marsh Department Stores from 1992 to 1994.
Audit
Committee
James
L.
Nelson, William A. Leidesdorf and Jack G. Wasserman serve on our audit
committee. We believe that the audit committee members are “independent” as
defined in the currently applicable listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange. A copy of the audit committee charter is available on our website
at
www.arep.com/files/pdf/audit_committee_charter.pdf or may be obtained
without charge by writing to American Real Estate Partners, L.P., 767 Fifth
Avenue, Suite 4700, New York, NY 10153, Attention: Investor Relations.
Our audit
committee meets formally at least once every quarter, and more often if
necessary. In addition to the functions set forth in its charter, pursuant
to
our amended and restated agreement of limited partnership, the audit committee
reviews potential conflicts of interest which may arise between us and API
and
its affiliates and Mr. Icahn.
The
functions of our audit committee as set forth in our amended and restated
partnership agreement include: (1) the review of our financial and accounting
policies and procedures; (2) the review of the results of audits of the
118
books and records made by
our outside auditors; (3) the review of allocations of overhead expenses in
connection with the reimbursement of expenses to API and its affiliates; and
(4)
the review and approval of related party transactions and conflicts of interest
in accordance with the terms of our partnership agreement.
Our board
of directors has determined that we do not have an “audit committee financial
expert,” within the meaning of Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K, serving on our
audit committee. We believe that each member of the audit committee is
financially literate and possesses sufficient experience, both professionally
and by virtue of his service as a director and member of the audit committee
of
API, to be fully capable of discharging his duties as a member of our audit
committee. However, none of the members of our audit committee has a
professional background in accounting or “preparing, auditing, analyzing or
evaluating financial statements.” If our audit committee determines that it
requires additional financial expertise, it will either engage professional
advisers or seek to recruit a member who would qualify as an “audit committee
financial expert” within the meaning of Item 401(h) of Regulation S-K.
Jack
G.
Wasserman has been chosen to preside and currently presides at executive
sessions of our non-management directors.
Interested
parties may directly communicate with the presiding director or with the
non-management directors as a group by directing all inquiries to our ethics
hotline at (877) 888-0002.
Audit Committee
Report
The audit
committee has confirmed that: (1) the audit committee reviewed and discussed
our
2006 audited financial statements with management; (2) the audit committee
has
discussed with our independent auditors the matters required to be discussed
by
SAS 61 (Codification of Statements on Auditing Standards, AU § 380); (3) the
audit committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the
independent accountants required by Independence Standards Board Standard No.
1;
and (4) based on the review and discussions referred to in clauses (1), (2)
and
(3) above, the audit committee recommended to the Board of Directors that our
2006 audited financial statements be included in this annual report on Form
10-K.
This
report is provided by the following independent directors, who constitute the
audit committee:
William
A. Leidesdorf
James
L.
Nelsom
Jack
G.
Wasserman
Code of
Ethics
On
October 25, 2004, API’s board of directors adopted a Code of Ethics applicable
to our principal executive officer, principal financial officer and principal
accounting officer. A copy of the Code of Ethics is available on our website
at
www.arep.com/files/pdf/code_of_ethics.pdf and may be obtained without charge
by
writing to American Real Estate Partners, L.P., 767 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700,
New York, NY 10153, attention: Investor Relations.
Corporate Governance
Guidelines
On
October 25, 2004, API’s board of directors adopted Corporate Governance
Guidelines for AREP and its subsidiaries, excluding NEGI, which has its own
separate set of guidelines. A copy of the Corporate Governance Guidelines is
available on our website at www.arep.com/files/pdf/corporate_governance.pdf
and
may be obtained without charge by writing to American Real Estate Partners,
L.P., 767 Fifth Avenue, Suite 4700, New York, NY 10153, attention: Investor
Relations.
In March
2007, our principal executive officer will submit to the NYSE a certification
under Section 303A.12(a) of the NYSE Corporate Governance rules certifying
that
he was not aware of any violations by us of the NYSE corporate governance
listing standards.
119
Section 16(a)
Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
To the
best of our knowledge, no director, executive officer or beneficial owner of
more than 10% of AREP’s depositary units failed to file on a timely basis
reports required by §16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
during the year ended December 31, 2006.
Compensation Committee
Report
The board
of directors does not have a standing compensation committee. The board of
directors reviewed and discussed the Compensation Disclosure and Analysis with
management. Based on that review and discussion, the board of directors
recommended that the Compensation Disclosure & Analysis be included in this
annual report on Form 10-K.
This
report is provided by the board of directors:
Carl
C.
Icahn
Vincent J. Intrieri
William A. Leidesdorf
Keith A. Meister
James L. Nelson
Jack G. Wasserman
Compensation Committee
Interlocks and Insider Participation
During
2006, our entire board of directors participated in deliberations concerning
executive compensation. Mr. Meister serves as our principal executive officer.
During 2006, none of our executive officers served on the compensation
committee (or equivalent), or the board of directors, of another entity whose
executive officer(s) served on our board of directors.
Compensation
Discussion and Analysis
Overview
Executive
compensation levels and bonuses are established based upon the recommendation
of
our chairman, which are discussed with members of the board. The board of
directors does not delegate the authority to establish executive officer
compensation to any other person and has not retained any compensation
consultants to determine or recommend the amount or form of executive and
director compensation.
Mr.
Meister serves as our principal executive officer, but does not receive a salary
from us. No other member of the board of directors serves as an executive
officer or is otherwise employed by us.
Under
New
York Stock Exchange rules, because we are a limited partnership and a controlled
entity, we are not required to maintain a compensation committee.
Compensation
Philosophy and Objectives
Our
executive compensation philosophy is designed to support our key business
objectives while maximizing value to our unitholders. The objectives of our
compensation structure are to attract and retain valuable employees, assure
fair
and internally equitable pay levels and provide a mix of base salary and
variable bonuses that provides motivation and awards performance. At the same
time, we seek to optimize and manage compensation costs.
The
primary components of our executive compensation are base salary and annual
bonus, payable in cash. Base salary is paid for ongoing performance throughout
the year and is determined based on job function and each executive’s
contribution to our performance and achievement of our overall business
objectives. Our annual bonuses are intended to reward particular achievement
during the year, motivate future performance and attract and retain highly
qualified key employees. We generally do not pay compensation in options, units
or other equity-based awards.
120
Base
Salary
Base
salaries for executive officers are determined based on job responsibilities
and
individual contribution.
As
described below, Mr. Meister serves as vice chairman of our board of directors
and acts as our principal executive officer. Mr. Meister receives a fee of
$100,000 for serving as the vice chairman of the Board of Directors, but does
not receive any other compensation from us. Mr. Shea has an employment agreement
pursuant to which he receives an annual base salary of $450,000. For the
year ended December 31, 2006, Mr. Moerman received a salary of $210,480.
Base
salary is the only element of compensation that is used in determining the
amount of contributions permitted under our 401(k) Plan.
Bonus
Pursuant
to an employment agreement, Mr. Shea is eligible for a discretionary bonus,
to
be determined annually by the Board of Directors of API, of up to 50% of his
base salary. Mr. Shea’s bonus is not based upon pre-set goals, such as specific
quantitative or qualitative performance-related factors. Mr. Moerman’s bonus for
2006 was determined as part of a year end review of performances and
compensation in the manner described above.
Benefits
Our
executive officers participate in a qualified 401(k) retirement savings plan,
health and paid-time off benefits that is offered to all of our employees and
is
designed to enable us to attract and retain our workforce in a competitive
environment. Retirement savings plans help employees save and prepare
financially for retirement. Health and paid-time off benefits help ensure that
we have a productive and focused workforce.
Our
qualified 401(k) plan allows employees to contribute up to 15% percent of their
base salary, up to the limits imposed by the Internal Revenue Code on a pre-tax
basis. We currently match, within prescribed limits, 50% of eligible employees’
contributions up to 6.25% of their individual earnings. Participants choose
to
invest their account balances from an array of investment options as selected
by
plan fiduciaries from time to time. The 401(k) plan is designed to provide
for
distributions in a lump sum. Under certain circumstances, loans are
permitted.
Perquisites
The total
value of all perquisites provided to each of our executive officers is less
than
$10,000.
121
SUMMARY COMPENSATION
TABLE
The
following table sets forth information in respect of the compensation of the
Principal Executive Officer, each of the other most highly compensated executive
officers of API as of December 31, 2006 and one individual who served as an
executive officer during 2006 but was not an executive officer as of December
31, 2006 for services in all capacities to AREP for 2006.
|
|
Annual
Compensation(1)
|
|
|||||||||||||
Name
and Principal Position
|
|
Year
|
|
Salary
($) |
|
Bonus
($) |
|
All
Other
Compensation ($)
|
|
Total
($) |
|
|||||
Keith A. Meister(2)
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
49,038
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
80,000
|
|
|
129,038
|
|
Principal Executive Officer
and Vice Chairman
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hillel Moerman(4)
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
210,480
|
|
|
250,000
|
|
|
16,897
|
(3)
|
|
465,657
|
|
Chief Financial Officer
and
Chief Accounting Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Jon F. Weber(5)
|
|
|
2006
|
|
|
587,692
|
|
|
200,000
|
|
|
20,934
|
(3)
|
|
794,567
|
|
Former President and Chief
Financial Officer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
——————
(1)
Pursuant
to applicable regulations, certain columns of the Summary Compensation Table
and
each of the remaining tables have been omitted, as there has been no
compensation awarded to, earned by or paid to any of the named executive
officers by us, or by API, which was subsequently reimbursed by us, required
to
be reported in those columns or tables, except as noted below.
(2)
Mr.
Meister served as chief executive officer until March 2006 and received salary
in that capacity. Effective March 14, 2006, Mr. Meister was elected principal
executive officer and vice chairman of the board of API. Mr. Meister
receives a fee of $100,000 per annum for serving as the vice chairman of the
board of directors, but does not receive any other compensation from us. The
amount included in other compensation is the pro rata share of such fee
for 2006. Mr. Meister devotes a substantial portion of his time to
affiliates of Mr. Icahn. He is compensated by these affiliates for the
services he provides in connection with their businesses. We understand that
his
compensation from such affiliates includes a base salary and additional
compensation, including incentive compensation based upon, among other things,
the performance of such affiliates.
(3)
Represent
matching contributions under AREP’s 401(k) plan and insurance premiums paid by
us. In 2006, AREP made a matching contribution to the employee’s individual
401(k) plan account in the amount of one-half (1/2) of the first six and
one-quarter (6.25%) percent of gross salary contributed by the employee.
(4)
In
January 2005, Mr. Moerman joined API as director of accounting and vice
president of strategic planning. On July 19, 2006, Mr. Moerman was elected
chief
financial officer of API.
(5)
On April
26, 2005, Jon F. Weber was elected president of API. Effective November 16,
2005, Mr. Weber was elected chief financial officer of API. Mr. Weber resigned
as chief financial officer of API effective July 19, 2006 and as president
of
API on December 27, 2006. Peter Shea was appointed president of API effective
December 27, 2006.
Each
of
our executive officers may perform services for affiliates of Mr. Icahn for
which we receive reimbursement. See Item 13. Related Transactions with our
General Partner and its Affiliates.
There
are
no family relationships between or among any of our directors and/or executive
officers.
122
DIRECTOR
COMPENSATION
The
following table provides compensation information for our directors in 2006,
except for Mr. Meister. Compensation received by Mr. Meister is included in
the
Summary Compensation Table.
Name
|
|
Fees
Earned or Paid in Cash ($)
|
|
All
Other Compensation
($) |
|
Total
($)
|
|
|||
Carl C. Icahn
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Vincent J. Intrieri
|
|
|
—
|
—
|
—
|
|
||||
William A. Leidesdorf
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
13,800
|
|
|
68,800
|
|
James L. Nelson
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
64,480
|
|
|
119,480
|
|
Jack G. Wasserman
|
|
|
55,000
|
|
|
61,360
|
|
|
116,360
|
|
Each
director will hold office until his successor is elected and qualified.
Directors who are also audit committee members each received fees of $55,000
in
2006 and may receive additional compensation for special committee assignments.
In 2006, Messrs. Leidesdorf, Nelson and Wasserman received special committee
fees of $13,800, $64,480 and $61,360 respectively.
Mr. Icahn
and Mr. Intrieri do not receive director fees or other fees or compensation
from
us.
For
serving in the capacity as vice chairman of the board of API, Mr. Meister
receives a fee of $100,000 per annum.
Directors
receive only cash compensation, if applicable, and currently are not granted
any
options, units or other equity-based awards.
If
distributions (which are payable in kind) are not made to the holders of
preferred units on any two payment dates, which need not be consecutive, the
holders of more than 50% of all outstanding preferred units, including API
and
its affiliates, voting as a class, will be entitled to appoint two nominees
to
our Board of Directors. Holders of preferred units owning at least 10% of all
outstanding preferred units, including API and its affiliates to the extent
that
they are holders of preferred units, may call a meeting of the holders of
preferred units to elect such nominees. Once elected, the nominees will be
appointed to our Board of Directors by Mr. Icahn. As directors, the nominees
will, in addition to their other duties as directors, be specifically charged
with reviewing all future distributions to the holders of our preferred units.
Such additional directors shall serve until the full distributions accumulated
on all outstanding preferred units have been declared and paid or set apart
for
payment. If and when all accumulated distributions on the preferred units have
been declared and paid or set aside for payment in full, the holders of
preferred units shall be divested of the special voting rights provided by
the
failure to pay such distributions, subject to revesting in the event of each
and
every subsequent default. Upon termination of such special voting rights
attributable to all holders of preferred units with respect to payment of
distributions, the term of office of each director nominated by the holders
of
preferred units pursuant to such special voting rights shall terminate and
the
number of directors constituting the entire Board of Directors shall be reduced
by the number of directors designated by the preferred units. The holders of
the
preferred units have no other rights to participate in our management and are
not entitled to vote on any matters submitted to a vote of the holders of
depositary units.
Stock Award, Option
and Non-Equity Incentive Plans
We do
not
have any stock award, option or non-equity incentive plans. There were no stock
awards, options or other similar awards outstanding at December 31, 2006, nor
were there any exercise of options or other similar awards during the year
ended
December 31, 2006.
Potential Payments
upon Termination or Change in Control
Currently,
we
do not have any agreements with any of our named executive officers relating
to
potential payments upon termination or a change in control.
Employment
Agreements
Mr. Shea
has an employment agreement pursuant to which he receives an annual base salary
of $450,000 and is eligible for a discretionary bonus, to be determined by
the
Board of Directors of API, of up to 50% of his base
123
salary. The employment
agreement has a two year term, ending December 31, 2008, and may be terminated
by Mr. Shea at any time upon 30 days’ prior written notice or by us at any time.
If Mr. Shea’s employment is terminated by us without cause, Mr. Shea will be
entitled to receive (1) any amount of base salary previously earned through
the
date of termination and unpaid and (2) a lump sum payment in the amount of
$225,000. The employment agreement also contains non-disclosure, non-compete
and
non-solicitation provisions.
No other
Named Executive Officer has a written employment agreement with us.
Item 12. Security Ownership
of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Security Holder Matters.
As of
March 1, 2007, affiliates of Mr. Icahn, including High Coast Limited
Partnership, a Delaware limited partnership, owned 55,655,382 depositary units,
or approximately 90.0% of the outstanding depositary units, and 9,346,044
preferred units, or approximately 86.5%, of the outstanding preferred units.
In
light of this ownership position, the Board of Directors has determined that
we
are a “controlled company” for the purposes of the New York Stock Exchange’s
listing standards and therefore are not required to have a majority of
independent directors or to have compensation and nominating committees
consisting entirely of independent directors. API’s Board of Directors presently
consists of half independent directors and the audit committee consists entirely
of independent directors.
The
affirmative vote of unitholders holding more than 75% of the total number of
all
depositary units then outstanding, including depositary units held by API and
its affiliates, is required to remove API. Thus, since Mr. Icahn, through
affiliates, holds approximately 90.0% of the depositary units outstanding,
API
will not be able to be removed pursuant to the terms of our partnership
agreement without Mr. Icahn’s consent. Moreover, under the partnership
agreement, the affirmative vote of API and unitholders owning more than 50%
of
the total number of all outstanding depositary units then held by unitholders,
including affiliates of Mr. Icahn, is required to approve, among other things,
selling or otherwise disposing of all or substantially all of our assets in
a
single sale or in a related series of multiple sales, our dissolution or
electing to continue AREP in certain instances, electing a successor general
partner, making certain amendments to the partnership agreement or causing
us,
in our capacity as sole limited partner of AREH, to consent to certain proposals
submitted for the approval of the limited partners of AREH. Accordingly, as
affiliates of Mr. Icahn hold in excess of 50% of the depositary units
outstanding, Mr. Icahn, through affiliates, will have effective control over
such approval rights.
The
following table provides information, as of March 1, 2007, as to the beneficial
ownership of the depositary units and preferred units for each director of
API
and all directors and executive officers of API, as a group. None of our Named
Executive Officers beneficially owns any of the depositary units or preferred
units.
Name
of Beneficial Owner
|
Beneficial
Ownership of Depositary Units |
Percent
of
Class
|
Beneficial
Ownership of Preferred Units |
Percent
of
Class
|
||||
Carl C. Icahn(1)
|
|
55,655,382
|
|
90.0%
|
|
9,346,044
|
|
86.5%
|
All directors and executive officers as a
group
(six persons)
|
55,655,382
|
90.0%
|
9,346,044
|
86.5%
|
——————
(1)
Carl C. Icahn, through affiliates,
is the beneficial owner of the 55,655,382 depositary units set forth above
and
may also be deemed to be the beneficial owner of the 700 depositary units owned
of record by API Nominee Corp., which, in accordance with state law, are in
the
process of being turned over to the relevant state authorities as unclaimed
property; however, Mr. Icahn disclaims such beneficial ownership. The foregoing
is exclusive of a 1.99% ownership interest which API holds by virtue of its
1%
general partner interest in each of us and AREH.
Mr. Icahn,
through certain affiliates, currently owns 100% of API and approximately 90.0%
of the outstanding depositary units and 86.5% preferred units. Applicable
pension and tax laws make each member of a “controlled group” of entities,
generally defined as entities in which there is at least an 80% common ownership
interest, jointly and severally liable for certain pension plan obligations
of
any member of the controlled group. These pension obligations include ongoing
contributions to fund the plan, as well as liability for any unfunded
liabilities that may exist at the time the plan is terminated. In addition,
the
failure to pay these pension obligations when due may result in the creation
of
liens in favor of the pension plan or the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation,
or the PBGC, against the assets of each member of the controlled group.
124
As a
result of the more than 80% ownership interest in us by Mr. Icahn’s
affiliates, we are subject to the pension liabilities of all entities in which
Mr. Icahn has a direct or indirect ownership interest of at least 80%. One
such entity, ACF Industries LLC, or ACF, is the sponsor of several pension
plans
that, as of December 31, 2006, were not underfunded on an ongoing actuarial
basis but would be underfunded by approximately $87.2 million if those
plans were terminated, as most recently reported by the plans’ actuaries. These
liabilities could increase or decrease, depending on a number of factors,
including future changes in promised benefits, investment returns, and the
assumptions used to calculate the liability. As a member of the ACF controlled
group, we would be liable for any failure of ACF to make ongoing pension
contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon a termination of the
ACF
pension plans. In addition, other entities now or in the future within the
controlled group that includes us may have pension plan obligations that are,
or
may become, underfunded and we would be liable for any failure of such entities
to make ongoing pension contributions or to pay the unfunded liabilities upon
a
termination of such plans.
The
current underfunded status of the ACF pension plans requires ACF to notify
the
PBGC of certain “reportable events,” such as if we cease to be a member of the
ACF controlled group, or if we make certain extraordinary dividends or stock
redemptions. This reporting obligation could cause us to seek to delay or
reconsider the occurrence of such reportable events.
Starfire,
which is 100% owned by Mr. Icahn, has undertaken to indemnify us and our
subsidiaries from losses resulting from any imposition of certain pension
funding or termination liabilities that may be imposed on us and our
subsidiaries or our assets as a result of being a member of the Icahn controlled
group. The Starfire indemnity (which does not extend to pension liabilities
of
our subsidiaries that would be imposed on us as a result of our interest in
these subsidiaries and not as a result of Mr. Icahn and not as a result of
Mr.
Icahn and his affiliates more than 80% ownership interest in us) provides,
among
other things, that so long as such contingent liabilities exist and could be
imposed on AREP, Starfire will not make any distributions to its stockholders
that would reduce its net worth to below $250.0 million. Nonetheless,
Starfire may not be able to fund its indemnification obligations to us.
Related Party
Transaction Policy
Our
amended and restated agreement of limited partnership expressly permits us
to
enter into transactions with our general partner or any of its affiliates,
including, without limitation, buying or selling properties from or to our
general partner and any of its affiliates and borrowing and lending money from
or to our general partner and any of its affiliates, subject to the limitations
contained in our partnership agreement and the Delaware Revised Uniform Limited
Partnership Act and certain other limitations described in the registration
statement on Form S-4 pursuant to which our depositary units were initially
issued. In general, a related person transaction is any transaction or any
series of similar transactions in which we or our subsidiaries is a participant
and any related person has a direct or indirect material interest. Examples
of a related person include any person who is a director or executive officer
of
the general partner, a person known by us to be the beneficial owner of more
than 5% of any class of our voting securities, any immediate family member
of
any of the foregoing, and any entity in which any of the foregoing persons
is
employed or has a 5% or greater beneficial ownership interest.
Our board
of directors recognizes that related person transactions can present potential
or actual conflicts of interest. Accordingly, we have followed and continue
to
follow certain procedures for reviewing related person transactions. These
procedures are designed to ensure that transactions with related persons are
fair to us and in our best interests. If a proposed transaction appears to
or
does involve a related person, the transaction is presented to the audit
committee for review. The audit committee is authorized to retain and pay such
independent advisors as it deems necessary to properly evaluate the proposed
transaction, including, without limitation, outside legal counsel and financial
advisors to determine the fair value of the transaction.
All
related person transactions that have been approved or ratified by the audit
committee are disclosed to the full board of directors. All related person
transactions are also disclosed in our applicable filings if required by the
Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and related
rules
and regulations.
125
Related Transactions
with our General Partner and its Affiliates
Preferred and
Depositary Units
Mr.
Icahn, in his capacity as majority unitholder, will not receive any additional
benefit with respect to distributions and allocations of profits and losses
not
shared on a pro rata basis by all other unitholders. In addition, Mr. Icahn
has
confirmed to us that neither he nor any of his affiliates will receive any
fees
from us in consideration for services rendered in connection with non-real
estate related investments by us. We have and in the future may determine to
make investments in entities in which Mr. Icahn or his affiliates also have
investments. We may enter into other transactions with Mr. Icahn and his
affiliates, including, without limitation, buying and selling assets from or
to
affiliates of Mr. Icahn and participating in joint venture investments in assets
with affiliates of Mr. Icahn, whether real estate or non-real estate related,
provided the terms of all such transactions are fair and reasonable to us.
Furthermore, it should be noted that our partnership agreement provides that
API
and its affiliates are permitted to have other business interests and may engage
in other business ventures of any nature whatsoever, and may compete directly
or
indirectly with our business. Mr. Icahn and his affiliates currently invest
in
and perform investment management services with respect to assets that may
be
similar to those in which we may invest and Mr. Icahn and his affiliates intend
to continue to do so. Pursuant to the partnership agreement, however, we will
not have any right to participate therein or receive or share in any income
or
profits derived therefrom.
For each
of the four quarters of 2006, AREP paid a cash distribution of $0.10 per unit
on
AREP’s depositary units. API, as general partner, received its proportionate
share of each distribution. The payment of future distributions will be
determined by API’s board. In 2006, API was allocated approximately $15.9
million of our net earnings as a result of its combined 1.99% general partner
interests in us and AREH.
Pursuant
to registration rights agreements, Mr. Icahn has certain registration rights
with regard to the depositary units and preferred units.
Investments
We may,
on occasion, invest in securities in which entities affiliated with Mr. Icahn
are also investing.
Acquisition of
Lear
Corporation
On
February 9, 2007, we entered into an agreement and plan of merger pursuant
to
which we would acquire all of the issued and outstanding common stock of Lear
Corporation for $36 per share, or aggregate consideration of approximately
$5.0 billion, including the assumption of debt. Our agreement with Lear
permits Lear to solicit proposals from other potential purchasers for 45 days
after the signing of the agreement and to respond to offers after that date
and
until Lear’s stockholders approve the transaction with us. Mr. Icahn
beneficially owns approximately 15.8% of Lear’s outstanding common stock.
Potential
Acquisition of American Railcar, Inc. and Philip Services Corporation
We
continuously identify, evaluate and engage in discussions concerning potential
investments and acquisitions, including potential investments in and
acquisitions of affiliates of Mr. Icahn. Mr. Icahn has proposed that we acquire
his interests in American Railcar, Inc. and Philip Services. American Railcar
is
a publicly traded company that is primarily engaged in the business of
manufacturing covered hoppers and tank railcars. Philip Services is an
industrial services company that provides industrial outsourcing, environmental
services and metal services to major industry sectors throughout North America.
Mr. Icahn directly or indirectly owns approximately 52.5% of American Railcar
and 95.6% of Philip Services. We own the remaining 4.4% of Philip Services.
Two
committees, one consisting of two independent directors and the other of three
independent directors of our board, have been formed to consider the proposals.
Each committee is in various stages of reviewing the proposal with its counsel
and financial advisers. No agreement has been reached as to price or terms.
Any
acquisition would be subject to, among other things, the negotiation, execution
and closing of a definitive agreement and the receipt of a fairness opinion.
Other Related
Transactions
For 2006,
we paid approximately $783,000 to an affiliate of API, XO Holdings, Inc., for
telecommunication services.
126
In 1997,
we entered into a license agreement with an Icahn Associates Corp. for office
space. The license agreement expired in June 2005. In July 2005, we entered
into
a new license agreement with Icahn Associates Corp. for the non-exclusive use
of
approximately 1,514 square feet for which it pays monthly base rent of $13,000
plus 16.4% of certain “additional rent.” The terms of the license agreement were
reviewed and approved by our audit committee. The license agreement expires
in
May 2012. Under the agreement, base rent is subject to increases in July 2008
and December 2011. Additionally, we are entitled to certain annual rent credits
each December beginning December 2005 and continuing through December 2011.
In
the year ended December 31, 2006, we paid rent of approximately $162,000.
Starfire,
which is 100% owned by Mr. Icahn, occupies a portion of certain office space
leased by us. Monthly payments from it for the use of the space began on October
12, 2006. For the period beginning October 12, 2006 and ending December 31,
2006, we received $17,000 for the use of such space.
We may
also enter into other transactions with API and its affiliates, including,
without limitation, buying and selling properties and borrowing and lending
funds from or to API or its affiliates, joint venture developments and issuing
securities to API or its affiliates in exchange for, among other things, assets
that they now own or may acquire in the future, provided the terms of such
transactions are fair and reasonable to us. API is also entitled to
reimbursement by us for all allocable direct and indirect overhead expenses,
including, but not limited to, salaries and rent, incurred in connection with
the conduct of our business.
In
addition, from time to time, our employees may provide services to affiliates
of
API, with us being reimbursed therefore, and we may pay affiliates of API for
administrative services provided to us. Reimbursement to us by such affiliates
in respect of such services is subject to review and approval by our audit
committee. In 2006, we were paid an aggregate of $695,000 for services rendered
by us to ImClone Systems Incorporated, Foundation for a Greater Opportunity,
Icahn Partners Masters Fund LP, XO Holdings, Viskase, Philip Services, ARI,
Icahn Associates Corp., Federal Mogul Corporation, and Blockbuster Inc., each
of
which is an affiliate of Mr. Icahn.
Partnership Provisions
Concerning Property Management
API and
its affiliates may receive fees in connection with the acquisition, sale,
financing, development, construction, marketing and management of new properties
acquired by us. As development and other new properties are acquired, developed,
constructed, operated, leased and financed, API or its affiliates may perform
acquisition functions, including the review, verification and analysis of data
and documentation with respect to potential acquisitions, and perform
development and construction oversight and other land development services,
property management and leasing services, either on a day-to-day basis or on
an
asset management basis, and may perform other services and be entitled to fees
and reimbursement of expenses relating thereto, provided the terms of such
transactions are fair and reasonable to us in accordance with our partnership
agreement and customary to the industry. It is not possible to state precisely
what role, if any, API or any of its affiliates may have in the acquisition,
development or management of any new investments. Consequently, it is not
possible to state the amount of the income, fees or commissions API or its
affiliates might be paid in connection therewith since the amount thereof is
dependent upon the specific circumstances of each investment, including the
nature of the services provided, the location of the investment and the amount
customarily paid in such locality for such services. Subject to the specific
circumstances surrounding each transaction and the overall fairness and
reasonableness thereof to us, the fees charged by API and its affiliates for
the
services described below generally will be within the ranges set forth
below:
·
Property
Management and Asset Management
Services. To the extent that we acquire any properties requiring active
management (e.g., operating properties that are not net-leased) or asset
management services, including on site services, we may enter into management
or
other arrangements with API or its affiliates. Generally, it is contemplated
that under property management arrangements, the entity managing the property
would receive a property management fee (generally 3% to 6% of gross rentals
for
direct management, depending upon the location) and under asset management
arrangements, the entity managing the asset would receive an asset management
fee (generally .5% to 1% of the appraised value of the asset for asset
management services, depending upon the location) in payment for its services
and reimbursement for costs incurred.
·
Brokerage
and Leasing Commissions. We also
may pay affiliates of API real estate brokerage and leasing commissions (which
generally may range from 2% to 6% of the purchase price or rentals depending
on
location; this range may be somewhat higher for problem properties or
lesser-valued properties).
127
·
Lending
Arrangements. API or its affiliates
may lend money to, or arrange loans for, us. Fees payable to API or its
affiliates in connection with such activities include mortgage brokerage fees
(generally .5% to 3% of the loan amount), mortgage origination fees (generally
.5% to 1.5% of the loan amount) and loan servicing fees (generally .10% to
.12%
of the loan amount), as well as interest on any amounts loaned by API or its
affiliates to us.
·
Development
and Construction Services. API
or its affiliates may also receive fees for development services, generally
1%
to 4% of development costs, and general contracting services or construction
management services, generally 4% to 6% of construction costs.
No fees
were paid under these provisions during 2006.
Director
Independence
We
believe that Messrs Leidesdorf, Nelson and Wasserman are “independent” as
defined in the currently applicable listing standards of the New York Stock
Exchange. Messrs Leidesdorf, Nelson and Wasserman serve as our audit committee.
The Board of Directors has determined that we are a “controlled company” for the
purposes of the New York Stock Exchange’s listing standards and therefore are
not required to have a majority of independent directors or to have compensation
and nominating committees consisting entirely of independent directors. API’s
Board of Directors presently consists of half independent directors and the
audit committee consists entirely of independent directors.
The
following tables summarize Grant Thornton LLP Fees for Professional Services
Rendered for AREP and its consolidated subsidiaries:
Summary
of Grant Thornton LLP Fees for Professional
Services Rendered
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
For the Years Ended December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
|
2006
|
|
2005
|
|
||
Audit fees(1)
|
|
$
|
4,508,300
|
|
$
|
4,650,690
|
|
Audit related fees
|
|
|
—
|
|
|
—
|
|
Total fees
|
|
$
|
4,508,300
|
|
$
|
4,650,690
|
|
——————
(1)
Services related to audit of annual
consolidated financial statements and internal controls, review of quarterly
financial statements, review of reports filed with the SEC and other services,
including services related to limited reviews, consents, assistance with review
of offering documents and registration statement filed with the SEC.
In
accordance with AREP’s Amended and Restated Audit Committee Charter adopted on
March 12, 2004, the audit committee is required to approve in advance any and
all audit services and permitted non-audit services provided to AREP and its
consolidated subsidiaries by its independent auditors (subject to the de minimis
exception of Section 10A (i) (1) (B) of the Exchange Act), all as required
by
applicable law or listing standards. All of the fees in 2006 and 2005 were
pre-approved by the audit committee. For the fiscal years ended December 31,
2006 and 2005, none of the services described above under the captions “Audit
Related Fees” or “Tax Fees” was covered by the de minimis exception.
128
PART IV
(a)(1) Financial
Statements:
The
following financial statements of American Real Estate Partners, L.P. are
included in Part II, Item 8:
Page
Number |
||
Reports
of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firms
|
|
59
|
Consolidated
Balance Sheets — December 31, 2006 and 2005
|
62
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Operations — Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004
|
63
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Changes in Partners’ Equity and Comprehensive Income (Loss)
— Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and 2004
|
64
|
|
Consolidated
Statements of Cash Flows — Years ended December 31, 2006, 2005 and
2004
|
65
|
|
Notes
to Consolidated Financial Statements
|
67
|
(a)(2) Financial
Statement Schedules:
All
other financial statement schedules have been omitted because the required
financial information is not applicable or the information is shown in the
financial statements or notes thereto.
(a)(3)
Exhibits:
The list
of exhibits required by Item 601 of Regulation S-K and filed as part of this
report is set forth in the Exhibit Index.
129
SIGNATURES
Pursuant
to
the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf
by
the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
American Real Estate Partners,
L.P.
|
||
By:
|
American Property Investors, Inc.,
its
|
|
General Partner
|
||
By:
|
/s/ Keith A. Meister
|
|
Date:
March 5, 2007
|
Keith A. Meister,
Principal Executive Officer and Vice Chairman of the Board |
Pursuant
to
the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been
signed below by the following persons in the capacities indicated with respect
to American Property Investors, Inc., the general partner of American Real
Estate Partners, L.P., and on behalf of the registrant and on the dates
indicated.
Signature
|
Title
|
Date
|
|||
|
|
|
|
||
/s/ Keith A. Meister
|
Principal Executive Officer and Vice Chairman
of
the Board (Principal Executive Officer)
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
Keith A.
Meister
|
|||||
/s/ Hillel Moerman
|
Chief Financial Officer and Chief Accounting
Officer (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
Hillel Moerman
|
|||||
/s/ Carl C. Icahn
|
Chairman of the Board
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
Carl C. Icahn
|
|||||
/s/ Vincent J. Intrieri
|
Director
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
Vincent J. Intrieri
|
|||||
/s/ William A. Leidesdorf
|
Director
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
William A. Leidesdorf
|
|||||
/s/ James L. Nelson
|
Director
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
James L. Nelson
|
|||||
/s/ Jack G. Wasserman
|
Director
|
March 5, 2007
|
|||
Jack G. Wasserman
|
EXHIBIT
INDEX
|
||
|
||
3.1
|
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership of American
Real Estate Partners, L.P. (“AREP”) dated February 17, 1987 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10,
2004).
|
|
||
3.2
|
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of AREP, dated May 12, 1987 (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit No. 3.2 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004
(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
|
|
|
||
3.3
|
Amendment No. 4 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated June 29, 2005
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended March 31, 2005 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on June
30,
2005).
|
|
|
||
3.4
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated May 9, 2002 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 3.8 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31,
2003).
|
|
|
||
3.5
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated August 16, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC
File
No. 1-9516), filed on August 16, 1996). |
|
|
||
3.6
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREP, dated February 22, 1995
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.3 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31,
1995).
|
|
|
||
3.7
|
Certificate of Limited Partnership of American
Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (“AREH”), dated February
17, 1987, as amended pursuant to First Amendment thereto, dated
March 10, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.5 to AREP’s Form
10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516),
filed on
May 10, 2004).
|
|
|
||
3.8
|
Amended and Restated Agreement of Limited
Partnership of AREH, dated as of July 1, 1987 (incorporated by reference
to Exhibit 3.5 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2004
(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on May 10, 2004).
|
|
|
||
3.9
|
Amendment No. 3 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH dated June 29, 2005 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit No. 3.2 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
March 31, 2005 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on June 30, 2005).
|
|
|
||
3.10
|
Amendment No. 2 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH, dated June 14, 2002
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.9 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year
ended December 31, 2002 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 31,
2003).
|
|
|
||
3.11
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Amended and Restated
Agreement of Limited Partnership of AREH, dated August 16, 1996
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC
File
No. 1-9516), filed on August 16, 1996). |
|
|
||
4.1
|
Depositary Agreement among AREP, American
Property Investors, Inc. and Registrar and Transfer Company, dated
as of
July 1, 1987 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AREP’s Form 10-Q
for the quarter ended March 31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on May
10, 2004).
|
|
|
||
4.2
|
Amendment No. 1 to the Depositary Agreement
dated
as of February 22, 1995 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2
to
AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File
No. 1-9516), filed on March 31, 1995). |
4.3
|
Form of Transfer Application (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 4.4 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 16, 2005).
|
|
|
||
4.4
|
Specimen Depositary Receipt (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 4.3 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 16, 2005).
|
|
|
||
4.5
|
Specimen Certificate representing preferred
units
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.9 to AREP’s Form S-3 (SEC File
No. 33-54767), filed on February 22, 1995).
|
|
|
||
4.6
|
Registration Rights Agreement between AREP
and X
LP (now known as High Coast Limited Partnership) (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.2 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 16, 2005).
|
|
|
||
4.7
|
Registration Rights Agreement, dated June
30,
2005 between AREP and Highcrest Investors Corp., Amos Corp., Cyprus,
LLC
and Gascon Partners (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to
AREP’s
Form 10-Q (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August 9, 2005).
|
|
|
||
10.1
|
Indenture, dated as of January 29, 2004,
among
American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC (“ACEP”), American
Casino & Entertainment Properties Finance Corp., (“ACEP Finance”), the
guarantors from time to time party thereto and Wilmington Trust Company,
as Trustee (the “Trustee”), (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to
ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August 12,
2004).
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|
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||
10.2
|
Form of ACEP and ACEP Finance 7.85% Note
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the
quarter ended June 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August
9,
2004).
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|
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||
10.3
|
Amended and Restated Agency Agreement
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.12 to AREP’s Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1994 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March
31,
1995).
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|
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||
10.4
|
Service Mark License Agreement, by and between
Becker Gaming, Inc. and Arizona Charlie’s, Inc., dated as of August 1,
2000 (incorporated by reference to ACEP’s Form 10-K (SEC File No.
333-118149), filed on March 16, 2005).
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|
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||
10.5
|
Purchase Agreement, dated January 21, 2005,
by
and among AREP, as Purchaser, and Cyprus, LLC as Seller (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 99.4 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516) filed
on January 27, 2005).
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|
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||
10.6
|
Amendment No. 1, dated as of May 23, 2005,
to the
Purchase Agreement, dated January 21, 2005, by and among AREP, as
Purchaser, and Cyprus, LLC as seller (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
99.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516) filed on May 27, 2005).
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|
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||
10.7
|
Indenture, dated as of February 7, 2005,
among
AREP, AREP Finance and AREH, as Guarantor, and Wilmington Trust Company,
as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.9 to AREP’s Form 8-K
(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on February 10, 2005).
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|
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||
10.8
|
Form of AREP and AREP Finance 7 1/8% Senior
Note
due 2013 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to AREP’s Form 8-K
(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on February 10, 2005).
|
|
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||
10.9
|
Indenture, dated as of May 12, 2004, among
AREP,
AREP Finance, AREH, as guarantor and Wilmington Trust Company, as
Trustee
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AREP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No.
333-118021), filed on August 6, 2004).
|
|
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||
10.10
|
Form of 8 1/8% Senior Note due 2012 (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to AREP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118021),
filed on August 6, 2004).
|
|
|
10.11
|
Credit Agreement, dated as of December 20,
2005,
with Citicorp USA, Inc., as Administrative Agent, Bear Stearns Corporate
Lending Inc., as Syndication Agent, and other lender parties thereto.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 1-9516), filed on December 22, 2005).
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|
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||
10.12
|
Security Agreement, dated as of December
20,
2005, from the Guarantors referred to therein to Citicorp USA, Inc.,
as
Administrative Agent. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2
to AREP’s
Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on December 22, 2005).
|
|
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||
10.13
|
Guaranty, dated as of December 20, 2005,
from the
guarantors named therein and the Additional Guarantors referred to
therein
in favor of the Guaranteed Parties referred to therein. (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on December 22, 2005).
|
|
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||
10.14
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
as
of December 20, 2005, among NEG Operating LLC, as the Borrower, AREP
Oil
& Gas LLC (now known as NEG Oil & Gas), as the Lender, AREP Oil
& Gas LLC, as Administrative Agent for the Lender, and Citicorp USA,
Inc., as Collateral Agent for the Lender and the Hedging Counterparties.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 1-9516), filed on December 22, 2005).
|
|
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||
10.15
|
Equity Commitment Agreement, dated June 23,
2005,
by and among WS Textile Co., Inc., Textile Holding Real Estate Holdings
Limited Partnership and Aretex LLC (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
10.2 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on July 1,
2005).
|
|
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||
10.16
|
Rights Offering Sponsor Agreement, dated
June 23,
2005, by and between WS Textile Co., Inc. and AREH (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.3 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on July 1, 2005).
|
|
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||
10.17
|
Option Grant Agreement, dated June 29, 2005,
between AREP and Keith A. Meister (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on July 6,
2005).
|
|
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||
10.18
|
Agreement and Plan of Merger dated December
7,
2005, by and among American Real Estate Partners Oil & Gas LLC,
National Energy Group, Inc., NEG IPOCO, Inc. (now known as NEG, Inc.),
a
corporation wholly owned by AREH (as thereafter defined), and, solely
for
purposes of Sections 3.2, 3.3 and 4.16 of the Agreement, AREH
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to AREP’s Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 001-09516), filed on December 7, 2005).
|
|
|
||
10.19
|
Undertaking, dated November 20, 1998, by
Starfire
Holding Corporation, for the benefit of AREP and its subsidiaries
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.42 to Form 10-K for the
year
ended December 31, 2005 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on March 16,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.20
|
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement, dated
as
of May 9, 2006, among American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC,
Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as Administrative Agent, Wells
Fargo
Bank, as Syndication Agent, CIT Services Corporation and Comerica
West
Incorporated as Co- Documentation Agents, and other lender parties
thereto
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to American Real Estate
Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9156), filed on May 17,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.21
|
Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of
May
26, 2004, by and among ACEP, ACEP Finance, certain subsidiaries of
ACEP
and Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc. (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.2 to ACEP’s Form S-4 (SEC File No. 333-118149), filed on August
12, 2004).
|
|
|
||
10.22
|
Reaffirmation Agreement, dated as of May
9, 2006,
among the Grantors thereto and Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc.,
as
Administrative Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9156),
filed on May 17, 2006).
|
|
|
10.23
|
First Modification to Deed of Trust, Assignment
of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing made by
Stratosphere Corporation, as Trustor, to Lawyers Title of Nevada,
as
Trustee, for the benefit of Wilmington Trust Company, in its capacity
as
Indenture Trustee, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as Beneficiary,
dated as of May 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
to
American Real Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9156),
filed on May 17, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.24
|
First Modification to Deed of Trust, Assignment
of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing made by
Stratosphere Corporation, as Trustor, to Lawyers Title of Nevada,
as
Trustee, for the benefit of Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc., in
its
capacity as Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured
Parties,
as Beneficiary, dated as of May 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.4 to American Real Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 1-9156), filed on May 17, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.25
|
First Modification to Deed of Trust, Assignment
of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing made by
Stratosphere Land Corporation, as Trustor, to Lawyers Title of Nevada,
as
Trustee, for the benefit of Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc., in
its
capacity as Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured
Parties,
as Beneficiary, dated as of May 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.5 to American Real Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File
No. 1-9156), filed on May 17, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.26
|
First Modification to Deed of Trust, Assignment
of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing made by
Fresca,
LLC, as Trustor, to Lawyers Title of Nevada, as Trustee, for the
benefit
of Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc., in its capacity as Administrative
Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as Beneficiary, dated
as of
May 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 to American
Real
Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9156), filed on May 17,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.27
|
First Modification to Deed of Trust, Assignment
of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing made by
Arizona
Charlie’s, LLC, as Trustor, to Lawyers Title of Nevada, as Trustee, for
the benefit of Bear Sterns Corporate Lending Inc., in its capacity
as
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of the Secured Parties, as
Beneficiary, dated as of May 9, 2006 (incorporated by reference to
Exhibit
10.7 to American Real Estate Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No.
1-9156), filed on May 17, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.28
|
Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of
June 16,
2006, among WestPoint Home, Inc., as the Borrower, the Lenders from
time
to time party thereto, and Bank of America, N.A., as the Administrative
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to American Real
Estate
Partners, L.P.’s Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9156), filed on June 22,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.29
|
Credit Agreement, dated as of August 21,
2006,
among American Real Estate Partners, L.P. and American Real Estate
Finance
Corp. as the Borrowers, certain subsidiaries of the Borrowers from
time to
time party thereto, as Guarantors, the several lenders from time
to time
party thereto, and Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as Administrative
Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC
File No.
1-9516), filed on August 25, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.30
|
Pledge and Security Agreement, dated as of
August
21, 2006, among AREP Home Fashion Holdings LLC, American Casino &
Entertainment LLC, AREP New Jersey Land Holdings LLC, AREP Oil & Gas
Holdings LLC and AREP Real Estate Holdings LLC, collectively as the
AREH
Subsidiary Guarantors, and Bear Stearns Corporate Lending Inc., as
Collateral Agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form
8-K
(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on August 25, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.31
|
Exclusivity Agreement and Letter of Intent,
dated
September 7, 2006, by and among American Real Estate Partners, L.P.,
American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership and Riata Energy,
Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File
No.
1-9516), filed on September 8, 2006).
|
|
|
10.32
|
Acquisition Agreement, dated September 3,
2006,
by and among Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., Atlantic Coast Entertainment
Holdings, Inc., ACE Gaming LLC, American Real Estate Holdings Limited
Partnership, AREP Boardwalk Properties LLC, PSW Properties LLC, AREH
MLK
LLC and Mitre Associates LLC (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
10.1 to
Form 8-K(SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on September 8, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.33
|
Stockholders Agreement, dated as of September
3,
2006, among Pinnacle Entertainment, Inc., American Real Estate Holdings
Limited Partnership and AREP Sands Holding, LLC (incorporated by
reference
to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on September
8,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.34
|
Agreement, dated as of October 25, 2006 by
and
among National Energy Group, Inc., NEG Oil & Gas LLC, NEG, Inc. and
American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on
October 31, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.35
|
Purchase and Sale Agreement, dated November
21,
2006, by and among American Real Estate Partners, L.P., American
Real
Estate Holdings Limited Partnership, AREP Oil & Gas Holdings LLC, AREP
O & G Holdings LLC, NEG Oil & Gas LLC and SandRidge Holdings, Inc.
and solely for purposes of Article V, Article XII, Section 9.5 and
Section
10.2, Riata Energy, Inc. (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1
to
Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on November 28, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.36
|
Shareholders Agreement, dated November 21,
2006,
among Riata Energy, Inc. and Certain Shareholders of Riata Energy,
Inc.
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (SEC File
No.
1-9516), filed on November 28, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.37
|
Interest Transfer Agreement, dated as of
November
24, 2006, among Highcrest Investors Corp., Meadow Star Partner LLC,
AREP
O&G Holdings LLC and AREH Oil & Gas Corp. (incorporated by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on
November 30, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.38
|
Agreement of Limited Partnership of Rome
Acquisition Limited Partnership, effective as of November 15, 2006,
among
WH Rome Partners LLC and Meadow Star LLC (incorporated by reference
to
Exhibit 10.2 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on November
30,
2006).
|
|
|
||
10.39
|
Subscription and Standby Commitment Agreement,
dated as of December 7, 2006, by and among WestPoint International,
Inc.
and American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership (incorporated
by
reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed
on
December 8, 2006).
|
|
|
||
10.40
|
Employment Agreement, dated December 1, 2006,
between American Real Estate Holdings Limited Partnership and Peter
Shea
(incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Form 8-K (SEC File
No.
1-9516), filed on December 28, 2006).
|
|
|
||
12.1
|
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges.
|
|
|
||
14.1
|
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (incorporated
by reference to Exhibit 99.2 to AREP’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
September 30, 2004 (SEC File No. 1-9516), filed on November 9,
2004).
|
|
|
||
21
|
Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
|
|
|
||
31.1
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
||
31.2
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
pursuant to Section 302(a) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
||
32.1
|
Certification of Principal Executive Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
|
|
|
||
32.2
|
Certification of Principal Financial Officer
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of
2002.
|